“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”
– Franz Kafka
I’m in bed at 5:15 a.m., talking to myself again.
“It’s dark and cold outside. My hip is aching. Why not stay in bed? I deserve it. Isn’t that right, favorite wool blanket?”
My wool blanket chooses not to answer me.
I stayed up late last night reading “The Sleep Solution” by Chris Winter to learn how to sleep better. I got uptight about all the things I do wrong even before I closed my eyes. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Sherry got up long ago, so I’ll never catch up to help with our morning work detail. Why get up at all?
I show courage. I turn on the reading light right above my pillow. The light shines on two paintings in the room. One is by Mackenzie Thorpe, titled “A Good Morning Kiss,” and features two happy sheep surrounded by red tulips. It always makes me smile. The other is by Michelle Mardis, an artist famous for her lazy blue dog with floppy ears. Come on. A blue dog? How fun is that?
I hop out of bed.
Today will be full of joy and beauty.
I’d better not miss another moment.