Morning Light

When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
--Lao Tzu

Mile Marker 3500:

The morning after the fireworks, my neighborhood is quiet.

Birds chirp above 3rd Street, yet when I look up, all I can see are cast iron balconies.  The french doors are dark.  Shades are pulled closed.  The city's still asleep, but the birds wake up early.  It's a good way to start the year.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...

...I love my morning walks!

I treasure them.  Protect them.  Savor those steps over the cobblestone alleys, those glances upward into a just-lightening sky.

I set my alarm an hour earlier to have time to walk around the block.  It's a testing ground for comfort and fit.  Is my socket too tight or too loose?   Is my leg too turned-in or turned-out?  Is my liner chafing?   Do these shoes toss me forward?

It's a simple plan.  With one small step after another, I get ready to face the day.  Or week.  Or year.

Bet you didn't know she drives
a Honda Fit!

In those last moments before the sun,  I'm ahead of the game.  Museums and shops are closed.  Even Betsy Ross is still in bed.  A tiny car snores in her flagstone courtyard.


In morning light, the day holds potential.  Coffee brews.  Dogs wear sweaters.  Neighbors nod hello.

Paper snowflakes glow from within.  I don't care if it's rainy or cold.  At least it's not snowing!  Each walk means one day down.  One step closer to spring.


On morning walks, things aren't good or bad, they just ARE.  I don't worry, or hurry, or run behind.  I notice the sky.  I listen to the birds.  I stop to take photos.

A hydrant makes a good
coffee holder!

Of course there are missteps along the way.  Sometimes I trip on the sidewalk.  Sometimes I have to stop to rest.  Sometimes I spill coffee down my sleeve.  And sometimes I barely make it to the back gate of my building.

Still, each time I finish, it feels like a JOB WELL DONE.

It's New Year's Resolution time.  There are a lot of things I want to do this year.  I thrive on structure -- plans, promises, and lists.  But resolutions can stretch out like long days ahead.  So much to do, so little time.  Or...

So many obstacles, how will I ever make it through?

I think morning is key.  In the hustle of each day, I'm going to try to hold on to that small PEACE.   Those moments when I feel most courageous, and hopeful, and maybe even a tiny bit graceful.

Those first steps into the morning light, when birds chirp overhead.

From my neighborhood to yours, wishing you a NEW YEAR filled peace, potential, and all the moments you love.

Happy 2016!