Thursday, February 11, 2021

Morning Bliss

 Hello everyone.  I have had a million ideas going through my head for a post for today - and this wasn't one of them!!!!  LOL
Some days I just click on here to write my planned blog and my little mind says "no - do this instead".  So today I "do this instead"!!  (I just felt the need to share).

I sleep roughly at night.  I seriously can not remember how many years it has been since I slept through an entire night.  I wake OFTEN and look at the clock - always have and probably always will.  I have calmed myself with 'natural' remedies  - so I do go back to sleep easily MOST of the time. (I still have those horrible nights now and again).
Here is my thing.

Coogy will come in and 'make sure' Mom is awake or waking up about an hour before I actually get up.  He gently pats my face, gives kisses and hugs.  I love that!  
I may need to explain something.  My bed is hard - very hard.  It was specially made to be extra firm because Glen liked that.  It has never been comfy to me.  I keep thinking about getting a poofy mattress topper, because I can't afford to get rid of the mattress (it cost a bundle).

OK that being said - once kitty has awaked me - I lay there and it feels as if my body has actually melted into the mattress!!!!!  The covers seem to have form fitted and molded around my body just wrapping me in their comfort.  I feel like I could close my eyes and sleep so peacefully for hours.  
I am the most peaceful and most relaxed that I will be for the next 24 hours.  CRAZY!
THAT hour is my moment of bliss. 
I truly wish I could feel/sleep like that all night - BUT then I probably wouldn't appreciate that wonderful feeling each morning.
Seems to be a catch 22 to most great things in life!

I lay there and say my morning prayers and thank my Lord for the opportunity of another day.

I get up and get myself self dressed and ready and within 20 minutes or so I am venturing out into the great frigid abyss!  Seriously!
I go out 365 days a year at 5:45 AM to feed the cats - rain or shine - heat or cold.
Most mornings they are waiting at the back door for me.  I do believe they have tiny little watches!  If it is pouring rain - they are sitting under the Blazer.  A couple frigid mornings they actually stayed in the greenhouse waiting (smart babies) - but that doesn't happen often.
I get them all fed - we pet and love - and I talk with them and then off to the front porch to pick up my paper.

Now mind you it is COLD right now, even for here.  I get on the porch and then I stand there and look out over the kingdom!  It is so quiet - so very quiet.  There are virtually no houses with lights on - and I imagine all the neighbors snuggled in their beds, all warm and cozy.  I could be, but this is how I chose to start my day.
I often look at the sky and see the huge bright moon saying goodbye to me till tomorrow, and all the twinkling little stars that seem so close, yet are so far away.
I enjoy the stillness each and every day.  Maybe it isn't smart for me to have such a rigid routine and to be out in the dark - but I am at peace then.  
There are no sirens blaring, no horns honking, no kids outside arguing, no traffic noise - just me and the moon and the stars.
Once in a while I will hear a dog bark off in the distance somewhere and I always hear a rooster that lives to the North of me somewhere.
Morning bliss.

Once back in the house - Coogy is ready for another spoonful of wet food, but we have a routine.  I get my morning drink together and I turn on the blender to mix.  I can see his reflection in the window where I am standing - and he sits there and waits for the blender to quiet, then he walks over to his dish and looks at me to say "more".  He gets it.
I go sit down to read the paper and he goes and crawls into Mom's bed - after all it is exhausting trying to get someone up!

Every day - my morning. It may seem silly to some, but it brings me joy.  That silly little routine gives me some normalcy in a crazy old world.  New beginnings, new opportunities and new blessings await each and every single day.

Is there anything you do each day or regularly that just makes you all happy inside?  Do you have bliss moments?  
They cost nothing and they sure do steady your heart and soul.

Thanks for reading.


EDIT:  I have never slept through a night - this mattress or any other.  As firm as this one is - my point was it is extremely comfy in that hour upon arising - I seem to melt in it.  Don't know why - but then it is comfy.  Then the rest of my wonderful morning begins.  Seems I didn't state that well enough!  LOL

41 comments:

  1. Husband and I are retired and share the duties of the cat(s). When the latest one came to life with us I let him pick which end of the cat he wanted to take care of. He chose feeding, so I got litter box duty. Fine, except sweet cat will insist on breakfast between five and six and will meow until he gets it. Glad it is husband and not me.

    Fast forward a couple of years and a feral momma and her kittens started coming to our backyard. We fed everybody, at least husband did. We got momma fixed and kittens rehomed. Now, a new momma and kittens has discovered our outdoor diner. We hope to catch and do the same.

    Long story short, hubby feeds everyone at around 6 a.m. and it is a bit chilly.

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    1. Thank you for being such kind kitty parents and providers. I have my kitties and I feed who ever else shows up!

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  2. Spend the money and get yourself a good mattress . Poor sleep isn't good for you. You take such good care of yourself and your health. You deserve a new mattress that is for you!!! Sleep is so important to combat illness and the general ugh of cold winters. Please consider doing this, someone is always having a great sale this time of year and they can remove the old one for you.
    Barb in PA

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    1. Thanks. IF I get a new one it will be time for a new bed as well. I use a water bed frame and one day I will get me a new bed too.

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  3. I take magnesium at night- it's something that they say we all don't get enough of and it relaxes my muscles so I can sleep better. Before I would lay there all stiff but it really helps and not expensive to buy. I think maybe I would have a yard sale and raise the money for a new mattress! Every woman I know (of a certain age) has trouble sleeping. Men never do!

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    1. It does seem men can sleep any where. Glen used to tease me and say it was the sleep of the innocent!! LOL - He rolled over and BOOM he was asleep.
      I was the same way before this mattress too.
      I eat almonds and they relax me, so I go back to sleep easily now.

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  4. I have been through much in my life, but I have to choose to do what makes me happy. I don't sleep much and don't stress over it...just read..or get up and journal and work on puzzles until time to teach grands and friends online...I would suggest the comfy topper...I used to have one when married, and I enjoyed it...I have a comfortable mattress now and makes the difference. However, it is possible to get a new mattress and springs without paying a fortune...I am on a budget and just made sure it was not too expensive...makes all the difference. prayers prayers prayers

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    1. Thanks. I can get a new one - but this one cost 3X what regular mattress would have do to being special made. So not just going to throw it out.

      Choose what makes you happy and go for it. That is your bliss!

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  5. Such a beautiful description, and one that closely mirrors my own, with the exception of the mattress firmness. We had purchased a pillow-top shortly before my husband passed. I found it too soft and, when I sold my cottage in Michigan and consolidated it into my townhome, I relegated the new pillowtop to the guest bedroom and kept the older-but-firmer cottage mattress for my bed. I ultimately replaced it with an extra firm that was on sale, and I had a % off coupon and reward points to use, and they were offering 0% interest on their card for 18 months. I just made it a point to pay it off way sooner. Still, I relish those early morning wake-up calls from my pup, and our sunrise strolls -- especially in the Spring and Fall, not so much when it's -20* wind chill. But, it is that time when I'm reminded to cherish the gift I'm given of a new day and to make the best of my situation. And, when it's "one of those nights" when I awake and stare at the clock, I tell myself that it's OK to go to bed at 8:30 PM, if that's what my body is telling me.

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    1. Glad you got a comfy bed now.

      YAY - you got the post - happiness and bliss!! Those morning are wonderful aren't they? Early morning to me is just so magical! Nothing much awake yet - but soon will be. Another chance. More opportunities. Each day is a gift!
      Thanks.

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  6. What natural remedies do you use to go back to sleep? I have not slept all night in about 24 years! 😬

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    1. I'm not Cheryl, but I've started using melatonin drops. I still wake up pretty often and probably always will, but the drops help me fall back asleep faster. I also don't feel as groggy in the morning as I did when I was taking over the counter sleep aids.

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    2. Angela I eat 4-6 almonds each evening a couple hours before bed. There is a relaxing enzyme in them. I go back to sleep easily now. There are many natural remedies. As stated above - Melatonin works and lavender also works (drops on your pillow/case). They are relaxants.

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    4. I take 3 tablets at bedtime...magnesium, valerian root, and melatonin (time-released is best).

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  7. It is the little things that bring us so much joy and satisfaction. My DH has insomnia from 31 years as a cop, so his routine is to get up and curl up on the couch with some blankets and our dog :). He's usually able to sleep then. Or, if it's close enough to when he goes in to his retirement job (don't ask ;), he'll brew a cuppa, feed the dog and read his Bible/devo on his tablet.
    Routine is good for fighting depression, too. But, the world is yours at that time of the morning (or night)! DH's granny used to get up in the wee hours, have a cup of hot tea and do crossword puzzles. Had the house all to herself then.
    I'm similar...
    I love how your kitty wakes you!! Makes me miss my Ursula who used to tap my lips and rest her paw on my chin (while she stretched out on my belly). Sigh~

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    1. It is the little things. Your hubby sounds like he has figured out a good program for himself. It doesn't matter what you do - just that it makes you happy.
      Yes routine really helps with mood and stress.

      Those morning wakeups by kitty are just the best. HUGS - so sorry for your missing your Ursula. They do the sweetest things.

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  8. I've had insomnia since I was a young child. We go to our respective beds at 8:30, and Husband is out like a light within minutes. I can lay there wide awake past 1:00 a.m. The house is too cold to be up and around, and I don't want to wake him.
    In the summer, I love getting up around 5:30 a.m. and going outside to tend the gardens before the neighborhood wakes up. It is so peaceful and quiet. The past three months, I have fallen into the habit of getting Husband up at 5:30, feeding the cat, then climbing back into my warm bed and going back to sleep for an hour. I really need to work on getting up at 5:30 again.
    I recently purchased a gel-infused memory foam mattress topper, and it is making a big difference in my sleep comfort. My mattress is 20 years old, but I don't want to replace it until the cat (who lives in my room) passes away. Then I want to get a twin platform bed and new mattress. I am using a twin topper on a full-size bed since it is only the cat and I sleeping there.

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    1. I have had the 1:00 a.m. nights as well. No fun.
      In the spring and summer I love to hear the birds all singing their songs on the wee hours. It is just lovely.
      It is funny as a kid, you couldn't hardly get me out of bed - now I need little sleep, and love mornings.

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  9. My morning routine consists of feeding our cats too. I love to pet each one and give them some loving before they get ready to eat.

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    1. I love having one on one time with each one. They give me so much in return - pure love and joy.

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  10. My morning routine changed in June of last year when our 21 year old cat left us. I no longer get my coffee started and then feed her.

    I am developing a new routine though (still miss Shania though). I start my coffee, turn on a few lights, open the drapes, grab my coffee and watch the moon out the window. Then I check emails, and do a 30 minute walk on my treadmill.

    God bless.

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    1. So sorry about your loss.
      Sitting and watching the moon sounds so relaxing and a good time to contemplate the day ahead.
      Routines change during life - but we can make new ones.
      Blessings

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  11. I think your routine is sublime. Love the cat's part. He has to work hard.

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    1. He does!!! Get that women up to feed me - is work!
      Thank you

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  12. I wake most nights between 3-4 to potty. Drink of water and back to bed. Our alarm goes off (weekdays) at 5:30 and we get up at 5:40 to start the day. Farmer goes out to do chores and I get his lunch ready and make my coffee. We watch the weather, talk a bit, and he's out the door at 6:40. I finish my breakfast and coffee and get ready for work around 7. I'm out the door at 7:40.
    Weekends, we've been watching the Littles on Saturday mornings, so same schedule only we leave the house at 8:15 and get home around 2 pm.
    Sundays I sleep in as long as I want, but usually I end up in the early morning hours in my big chair. I put on my sleep sounds app and ear buds and sleep soundly until the morning light wakes me.
    I would love a routine where I could wake when I wanted and go to sleep when I wanted. I'd like to have a quiet morning to just drink coffee and wake up slowly. I'd like to be able to go out and garden early or take a walk while it's cool in the summer. I'd like to have the time to walk on the treadmill in the winter mornings after I wake up.
    All these things when I retire. As for now, every night when I get into bed and every morning on my drive to work and every afternoon on my way home, I tell Father God, "Thank you for today." It's all good, even the days that make me roll my eyes (like today.)

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    1. Lovely. Especially Saturday when with the children - that must bring so much joy.
      Some day you will get to do those other things and they will mean so much. For now you have it figured out and that is perfect. Each day is a genuine blessing indeed.

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  13. I just love the way you describe your morning, especially the feeding the kitties part. I also feed a group of strays each morning and it’s definitely a part of my routine that I enjoy.

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    1. They just give so much appreciation and unconditional love. They are so sweet. Thank you for taking care of God's babies.

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  14. I am glad you can find a peaceful time and place. I am often still awake at 6 am! A soft bed is not good for me. I like a very firm bed. Right now, this bed of Tommy's slides off the bed and take me and all the covers with it. Morning, sunrise, and cats don't do it for me. I like my hens and well after sunrise...lol.

    I take liquid melatonin with B6 for sleep. Eventually, a Rod Stewart cd, American Songbook I puts me to sleep.

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    1. We all have our babies - love that you have your hens. How fun is that.
      I never used to enjoy the wee hours of morning - so I understand.
      Love your sleep routine!

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  15. Cheryl, if you can afford a new mattress, it doesn't matter what the old one cost (maybe you can give it to Practical Parsimony--she likes a very firm bed). I used to think the way you do. Life's too short to sleep in an uncomfortable bed if you can do something about it.

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    1. I really don't think it makes me sleep less - as I have never slept well. I do feel comfortable by morning. I guess I made it sound worse than it really is. I am going to try a pillow topper thing first.
      Thanks

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  16. A pillow topper sounds like a good place to start with your bed. Another thing to consider is your pillow(s). Need to try the almonds in the evening. Melatonin gives me unpleasant dreams. Magnesium helps and also helps prevent muscle cramps, which I seem to have these days. We have a Select Comfort that we purchased several years ago and I have a love/hate relationship with it. The Urban Farmer has a hiatal hernia and he found a foam insert that raises the head of the bed up seven inches. It definitely helps with acid reflux and even sinus problems. Trouble is the bed is so high that I have trouble climbing in! ha!

    So sweet that you feed your outside kitties and visit with them. An inside kitty will definitely tell you when it's time to get up! My smallest Chihuahua will sing when he needs to go out so that's my alarm clock.

    Today is a cold and gloomy day. We have to keep thinking ahead to spring weather!

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    1. I think I will start there as well. I love my pillows - they are great.
      Oh my, that is a pretty tall bed!
      Yes I have a built in alarm clock - funny he sits at the window before 'getting me up' and basically talks. I think he is talking to the kitties he sees outside - it just sounds so sweet.
      Doesn't seem as bad today to me - maybe I am getting used to it!! EEK

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  17. I got a fluffy pillow topper and it is so cozy! Really seemed to help. I also take magnesium with supper at night. Since I have quit watching much TV news, I find I am sleeping more soundly and only awaken once in the night for bathroom. I feel like the turmoil with the covid, election, and all the negative news impacted my sleeping. My sleeping pattern was different during those times. My sister, if she awakens, cannot go back to sleep. That would be rough!

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    1. Good to hear on the pillow topper.
      I quit evening news a long time back and even totally changed the type of TV programming I watch. Absolutely nothing violent at all. That seems to help some too.
      I have had those nights where you are up all night and they are no fun!!
      Everyone sure has given a lot of good tips for sleep aids.

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  18. I take a very small amount of Melatonin--half of a one mg tablet. I sleep well for a couple of hours, wake up to go to the bathroom, stay there reading my email or a book, then get back in bed for a few hours more. If I have trouble getting to back to sleep, I play a word game called The Minister's Cat. Often played by two people, I just play it alone. The gist is that you start with the alphabet, and try to add an adjective starting with an "A" for instance, and finish this statement, "The minister's cat is an agile cat." Any "A" starting adjective works. If you were playing against someone, that person would have a turn doing the same thing with the "A" and a different adjective. The two would continue going back and forth with "A" until one got stuck, and then the opponent would get a point, and they'd go onto "B" and so on. When playing it alone, I either stay with a letter until I get stuck, or I do just one adjective per alphabet letter. I tend to fall asleep in the middle of the alphabet somewhere! Kind of crazy, but it works. I sometimes sing hymns silently, too. I remember more of them than I do Scripture.

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    1. Cute game - I never heard of that. Heck, whatever works!!!
      I usually pray - if I don't do that my mind starts to wonder. I don't often like where it goes - at least not when I am trying to sleep.
      I like the idea of singing hymns silently too.
      Thanks

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  19. This is a great post, so special. I had back surgery seven years ago. I have a firm mattress. After a couple of years my back started hurting every morning when I got up. I got a foam mattress topper and no more pain. I need steps to get in the bed.

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    1. That is a tall bed! My back doesn't hurt from my mattress at all.
      I hope the surgery was a success!!!!
      Thank you

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