It’s still dark outside my window, the house is quiet and it’s the perfect time to enjoy a cup of coffee. What would you like? This week I’ve been getting up very early every day, between 4am and 4.30am. My body does not acknowledge that it is Saturday today, I woke up “before the alarm” as usual. I do enjoy the quiet solitude of early mornings. Most days I could of slept an hour longer, if I rushed the morning, but I need to sit down and meditate before the day begin, have breakfast at home (even though I can eat later with the kids at school most days,) stretch my body, and help my daughter get ready for the day in peace. That soft, quiet start makes all the difference. When all those details that makes a perfect morning cooperates, the day feels like a dance. Do you have any morning routines that you don’t want to live without?
It’s been a good week. I did spend some time this week taking preventive tests at the hospital. I feel great, and hope to stay that way for a long time!
The weather have been pleasant, around 25 F and we’ve seen some sun. There is no snow on the ground, but since we’ve had a little bit of a cold they’ve been able to prepare our towns ski-slope with artificial snow, that you can see in the distance in this picture I posted on Instagram Friday morning.
My daughter tried skiing for the first time in her life yesterday. Her conclusion is that she is going to stick with snowboarding. LOL.
Of course it wouldn’t be right to forget about Valentine’s Day yesterday. I’ve been making beautiful Valentine’s Day cards with the children at work for a couple days. I’m amazed by their imagination and creativity. I showed them an idea of how to make a pop-up heart shaped card on Thursday, and many of them made variations on that. One boy made a fabulous 5-layered heart card in different colours, it was amazing. My daughter made me a beautiful card, that I will save among the special treasures she’s given me throughout the years. I gave my daughter a wrapped package with some new clothes, candy, and a glittery card before going to school yesterday.
Would you like a refill on your coffee? How are you doing? Do you have any special plans for the weekend? I’m thinking about taking my daughter for a picnic at a lake some time this weekend. I’ve seen a hiking trail, and some beautiful picnic spots driving by, but we’ve actually never explored the area. I’m hoping to see some of it this weekend. Tell me my friend, what makes your world spin?
Love,
Maria
Hi Maria, I love the photos! Hot coffee with frozen air bubbles and a ski area making the white stuff. 🥰 Reminders… I hope your daughter will try two skis again, so much fun. No plans here, perhaps a quick hike somewhere nearer home, happy weekend ladies! 😎🥶🌵
LikeLiked by 2 people
That makes me so happy to hear John! It is always fun to share with you, a fellow lover of beautiful nature. Have a fabulous weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, and you too Maria. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLike
I always first up. Had my coffee at 4 am. Too cold to go out for long in New York City.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That sounds wonderful. Mornings are the best 🙂
LikeLike
I too enjoy the quiet solitude of early mornings although mine haven’t been quite as early as yours, more of a 530 or 6 kind of time. We are off to swimming, hair cuts and a lunch date this weekend. Hope you have a wonderful weekend, thanks for the virtual cup of coffee!
LikeLiked by 2 people
There is peace in early mornings. I hope the weekend is everything you want it to be. I’ve been thinking about braving a really short a-line haircut, but I haven’t actually done it yet. I think I will…maybe in March. March is spring, right? Thank you for having coffee with me!
LikeLike
I’m not a morning person, alas, though I’ve always wished I was. I’m like a cold engine that takes time to warm up! A cup of tea while gazing out on the natural world sets me up for the day.
I hope you get some snow to play in – it has snowed much here either. I wonder if that big storm over the Atlantic will reach you? We having a brief cold spell (-4 this a.m.) but tomorrow is supposed to get in the 40s. We’ve been up and down all winter. Crazy.
Have a good weekend and week ahead!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think it sounds wonderful to enjoy the morning with a cup of tea gazing out at the beautiful nature. I sometime switch my coffee for tea. I always have several different types of teas at home. Macha is one of my current favourites, another one is a wonderful elderberry tea that I often drink at night. I don’t want to run a marathon when I wake up, more enjoying some quiet time. Time to get grounded for the day. I love my work and my daughter so much, but there is a constant chatter around me all day, and enjoying the quiet in the morning makes the rest of the day more enjoyable 🙂
It looks like we will get snow two days next week, but it is once again warm and it won’t stay. We have 40F right now, and it’s 8am. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and the new week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your morning routine sounds so peaceful and meditative, a perfect way to start the day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, it is peaceful 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish that I was a morning person like you and could rise early without whining! I do make myself get up at 6:15 on work days even though I don’t start till 8:15 because, like you, I need time to ease into my day. I shower and dress then spend some time having my coffee and reading the newspaper. I also like to have the house in order before I leave because nothing is worse than coming home tired to a mess! My husband is a skier. I’ve never tried because I lack the grace and athletic abilities also I am much more of a warm weather girl. I have tried snow tubing though and quiet enjoyed that. Thanks for the coffee! Have a great week.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That sounds like a great morning routine! I also like reading in the morning, but I usually read the book I currently devour, then I take it with me on the bus and almost miss my stop.. LOL, just kidding. I’m with you on the part of cleaning up before leaving. I really like to do that too. There’s always so much to do when you get home, dinner, laundry, prep for the next day etc, that you never want to deal with a messy house, besides I like to always have it tidy. I hope you are enjoying a fabulous weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the wonderful coffee!! I don’t have much of a routine since I work night shift and have crazy hours! But I do have a routine of it which includes some relaxing time. What FUN to help the kids make Valentine’s cards! Such fond memories as we did this all through elementary school growing up. Enjoy the beautiful weekend!! We are flying home today from Hawaii! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you have a safe flight! I looks like you had a wonderful vacation 🙂 I do so enjoy making things with the kids. My daughter and I went on a short hike today and it was wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m like you when it comes to morning! I eat the same breakfast every day with coffee and juice. A good day is when the blueberries for my cereal have not run out yet. I also have to stretch in the morning. It is worth it to take time to do these things. Lovely photo! I hope you are well!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like a great morning routine! I take mine with me wherever I may be, it just adds a golden frame to the day, sort of.
I’m doing great. How are you? Thank you for your kind words.
LikeLike
I have slept well this weekend. I am seeking ways to deal with my stress (was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder this past year), and I’m pondering a job change, which is scary in itself…. I am managing for now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sleeping well is such a blessing. I read your coffee share last night, and it sounds like you really are taking your health seriously and are making good progress. ❤
LikeLike
Sounds like a good week
View at Medium.com
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is ☺️ Thank you!
LikeLike
I agree with your daughter. When given the choice, I’ll take the snowboard over the skies everytime. Not that I get the chance that often.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! But I thought it was a good idea to encourage her to try, when all her classmates were going to try for the first time. I really like cross country skiing, but in the slopes I prefer snowboarding. Have a fabulous new week!
LikeLike
So nice to read you are both doing well and thriving in Sweden, Maria! Gorgeous shots of the area, stay warm!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much my friend ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maria,
I decided to come and visit you here (after misposting a reply to you on Eliza’s blog; what a secret blessing!). I am almost always up before the sun; it is my favorite part of the day. I almost always write a bit (which gets me in trouble when I need to be on time to work, but I’m a morning writer). I enjoy the sun slowly rising through the windows of my dark house and walk the dog soon after.
I teach high school seniors and on Valentine’s Day, a young man in my second period said we should draw names and make valentines. I couldn’t believe it, but I adjusted our English plan (it IS writing and reading) and fit it in, and it actually brought resistant smiles all day! My sweet (18 yo) babies…
I’m enjoying your beautiful site! And DID end up ”following” you, lol. ❤
~Laura
LikeLiked by 1 person
So very nice to meet you here Laura 🙂 It sounds like you have a wonderful morning routine. In the weekends I like writing in the morning, during the weekdays I might answer comments on my blog (!) or read – usually both.
What a sweet Valentine you had. I like the thoughtfulness this holiday brings out so much more than the commercial part.
Thank you for having coffee with me, Have a great new week!
Maria
LikeLike
I love the early mornings I love to be first up feed animals get breakfast things ready for my elderly Mum & then sit in the quiet for a while with a hot beverage of some sort. It makes a huge difference to the day doesnt it. Snow sounds like such fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds lovely! I want to get back to that one day, getting up to feed the animals first thing, I really miss that! Is it still raining in your area? Have a wonderful new week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Maria. It sounds like finally, all that Las Vegas air has cleared your system. What a difference – right?
It’s always a pleasure reading your update. Thanks for the visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES! It is wonderful! Thank you!
LikeLike
hi M
Your quiet morning starts sound awesome – and glad it works for you. I find that I have seasons in my life – and about a year ago I had a need for sleep so bad that I did not even out on make up in the morning. I showered the night before (which is not always ideal but did work) and could Do my hair and get ready in under 15 minutes – and I know it helped my health to sleep as much as possible – anyhow – I am currently thinking a morning stretch would do me good – at least a few days a week – and was glad to read about your zen routine
–
And at least your daughter tried skiing – good for her and hope the snowboarding works out well
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is always a good idea to listren to your body. Good for you! Sleeping is so important. I’m a mess if I don’t sleep enough. I hope you are having a great week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💚🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh..!! A Reign of ICE yet again.. ❄❄❄❄
Perfect.. ❤
Thank you Madam for sharing..!!
LikeLike