Life in Present Tense

I forced myself to ignore the temptation to do nothing this morning. Set the egg timer for 15 minutes and actually got some of the household chores accomplished. No mean feat- lately, I've been back in blobhood. Too many decision, too much stress and entirely too many changes all at once- but then again, this is life.

Dad called me a few minutes ago half checking in, half guilt trip as I've not had the physical or emotional energy by the end of the day pick up the phone and engage in a conversation. Actually, there was a nice sense of constancy in having the same discussion yet again- kind of like the familiar comfort of going back to whatever your childhood holiday celebration rituals entail and just knowing how to do it right.

Dad lives purely in the present tense. And, who can blame him? He has an amazing present to enjoy. Lots of friends, the best of all possible companions and plans- always, plans. There's a valuable lesson there- he's truly found himself in his 7th decade.

It's time to go make a plan for today.

Hearing the Music

Ah Bliss- a break from the Construction Concerto outside my bedroom window last night. And how sweet the sound of the rain coming down, clearing away all sorts of pollution. The little night sounds I love came back- the crickets, song of the nightbirds and in the distance, an alto hooting of the owl living the big tree in our backyard.

The owl and I are well acquainted. I thank my insomnia for the gift of those hours out on the deck. Over the years, I've listened for her familiar hooting and felt as though I wasn't alone in the dark. This year, there are new hootings in the choir. They are higher pitched and make me smile, for I believe there are owlets high up in the nest in our oak tree.

Mama Owl has many messages lately- which I need to slow down and learn to hear again. It is all to easy to get lost in the noise of life and forget to live it. For now, I'm shutting off all the electronic distractions and tuning into the music outside my window.