This morning I woke up to quiet. I made a pot of coffee and let the dogs out. I stood on the deck watching the dogs run around the yard while wondering how my family back home is doing, My thoughts were disrupted by Yoda, who wanted to go back inside while Pancho rolls around in the grass, tail wagging, asking for more time outside, which he gets (of course).
I have things I might do today, but no deadlines looming. My phone is not buzzing with people needing things from me. No major fires are awaiting me to be settled. My biggest concern is if I should put strawberries or pineapple in my smoothie.
Today, I will grade some assignments for my summer class and read a book from my comps list. I need to make sure all of our plans for our trip home for my daughter’s wedding shower are set. I might read the play I am directing again today, I read it a lot. I read a lot, but I always have read a lot, so this is good.
I remember telling people at The Berman that one day I would move to the beach and sell tchatchkes from a Tiki hut. Getting a Ph.D. is definitely not that, but this morning, standing on the deck in Tallahassee while I wait for Pancho to finish rolling in the grass, I have that feeling of peace I was searching for.
As Pancho came up the stairs to the deck wanting to go inside and get his breakfast treat, the moment fades, but the peace remains. This is not a bad way to start a day.