A Second Cup of Coffee

It's early Sunday morning and I find myself in my favorite chair on the front porch. The humidity from yesterday seems to have dissipated and the air is comfortable and fresh.  The house is actually a little stuffy by comparison, having been shut tight against the rain overnight.  As I was pouring my first cup of coffee and waiting for my bagel to toast I opened up the kitchen windows and let some of the morning air swirl around the room bringing with it the newness of the day.

Sitting outside now, I'm listening to the birds sing, squawk or peck on tree trunks as their nature inclines them to do.  The air conditioner hanging from my neighbor's window is working hard, emitting that combination gurgling and fan motor sound that seems unique to that particular appliance.  There is an occasional car door opening and slamming shut as neighbors run out on early morning errands, perhaps to pick up milk or a newspaper or maybe to head to an early morning church service.

I really didn't feel like writing this morning but I also realize that my New Year's resolution on that topic has not been thoroughly honored. On the one hand it feels like I should force myself to  write something even though there are so many other things to accomplish.  In contrast to his noble desire, and after spending what seemed to be an overly indulgent amount of time this morning just resting in my porch chair, enjoying the cool morning air, a warm cup of coffee and the predictable morning sounds, I was ready to forsake the writing, take stock of my situation and get started on the day's chores. 

I look at the clock and then at my empty coffee cup and lastly at my tablet, my preferred device for first draft creation, waiting patiently on the side table. It is clear that the best decision is to spend just a little time this morning writing.  It's an activity I really enjoy when I am not rushed.  The process of writing slows down the day. It is a way to get re-centered and gain perspective on the day.  The world will have to wait a little while longer before I plug in.  I'm taking the time to immerse myself in the solitary activity of converting thought and emotion to words, an activity that both challenges and energizes me.  There is time for a second cup of coffee and some introspection.

With coffee in hand, the sun cresting the horizon and tablet fully charged and open on my lap, I begin to record the morning's musings.  I am taking some satisfaction in this simple entry, not really for its quality, clarity or insight but really for its mere existence.  It is evidence that I got past a lazy moment.  Though I wrote only a little bit, it served to sufficiently recharge my batteries. After I finish this second cup of coffee I'll have the energy to begin my day in earnest.