Thursday, February 02, 2017

Morning House


Have you read the lovely children's book The Napping House? It is such a delight! Anyway, as I was thinking of this post, it came to mind. A couple of Sundays ago, I woke early in the middle of a thunderstorm and couldn't get back to sleep.


I laid in bed a long time listening to a mountain stream. Rabbit trail: we took a video when we went camping in North Carolina last summer of the creek next to our tent in the neighborhood we have property in. David took the sound from it and made a looping sound that we can play when we are going to sleep at night. Love. As we drove into our mountain neighborhood last spring or summer, he suggested we think of a name - Cozy Creek came up and it has stuck!


Anyway, since I couldn't get back to sleep, I decided to just get up. A light on over the sink gave the kitchen an inviting warmth and yet a stillness that only the early and late hours bring. I turned out the light, made some tea and lit a candle. Pretty soon - David joined me with his coffee and it was so nice to sit quietly, talk quietly, listen to the rain, enjoy the peace of the quiet morning house and the stillness of the dark around us.


There is something so captivating and intriguing about candlelight. It changes every time you look at it almost and gives a soft warm light. The shadows and angles of each way you turn and look change the view and lighting so beautifully.

Candlelight is calming, still and peaceful. A single beeswax candle lit with flame, so simple yet so rich.


It almost doesn't matter that there a pile of things needing to be put away right next to me because they are softened by the shadows and I am entering into the moment of just being still.

The act of sipping a hot drink, feeling the warm liquid slide over my tongue and warming my insides, all the flavors that make themselves known in one swallow. Lemon, ginger, a few drops of milk, a little honey. And even just holding the cup is a comfort.





Have you ever tried making breakfast by candlelight? There is such a hush over the house, the quiet is as comforting as the smells and warmth from the griddle. I think of those still in bed waking to the homey, spicy smell of applesauce pancakes.




What is your favorite thing about the peaceful quiet of your morning house?

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7 comments:

Unknown said...

Lovely...

Leanne said...

I wake up at 5am-ish every morning except Saturday to enjoy my quiet house... I do my bible study and drink coffee...and often accomplish a few small chores like sorting laundry and starting a load of laundry...
my husband gets up around the same time, too...
and its nice to talk...but, sometimes its nice to just be quiet with each other, too... and it is a small sanctuary of "calm" in our very busy days...
Love the pictures in this post!!

Mrs. Chrissy T said...

My favorite thing is just the stillness and the birds chirping. Even early in the morning. I also have a lake in my backyard so I love hearing the ducks and seeing the fog rest on it and the beauty that God made.

Mary Ann said...

I love my house in the early morning too! I have a little lamp in a dark corner of the kitchen and a cute pendant light over the kitchen sink. I always turn these on first and it is just so cozy. I will often light a candle too in those early hours. This week I've been reading my Bible without turning on the glaring overhead light and it has been so nice.

I do the same thing with the kitchen lights in the evening too. Once the kitchen is cleaned up, I have only the small lights on and I just love it as the day comes to a close.

Debbie Fisher (debbiedee) said...

beautiful! as i read your post and viewed your photos, 'hygge' came to mind. you created the most beautiful, cozy moments. i am going to remember this as i usually get up and turn on the lights when i am up in the morning. i love this idea of getting ready in the early hours by candlelight.

Simply Handmade Farmhouse said...

I love the quietness of each morning, I love to study my bible and pray. In the warmer months I begin my day on the front porch swing with a cup of tea and my bible. Lovely post, I can just sense the quietness of your morning in your words and photos.

Unknown said...

One of my favorite posts you've ever written, or at least one of my top 10 favorites. :) I'm bookmarking it so I can be inspired again and again. Applesauce pancakes by candlelight...so reminds me of the coziness in Ma Ingall's home!