Good Morning Sunshine

The dawn of a new day…

We are entering into a heat wave here in Alaska. Our average temperature for this time of year is 67F. But the forecast says 78F today, and 87F by Friday.

We have a saying here, “Alaskans don’t tan, we just thaw out”. But I think this week I will be melting.

Still, I am enjoying the early morning sunrises, though they are hazy now due to smoke from a couple of large wildfires around the state.

It is in the quiet of the early morning that I feel a sense of peaceful renewing. It is when I am reminded that each day is a gift, another chance to be alive, exploring the beauty around me.

As I sat down at my desk this morning with my bible and my coffee, I heard several birds singing outside the window. I thought, “They are welcoming the new day too”.

Getting ready to work…

Since I started the 90 day writing challenge last week, I’ve been waking up excited every morning.

I find myself getting slightly annoyed while doing the normal morning chores, impatient to get back to the writing. In fact, the writing has been rather consuming.

Though I have been very productive with the book, I realized that I’ve been working 14 to 16 hours a day. That doesn’t leave much time to enjoy anything else.

So, today, I took my coffee outside and spent a little time enjoying the quiet coolness of the sunrise. I laughed at Frodo’s attempts to find something to play fetch with (he chewed up his last frisbee, so he’s back to stealing firewood from the pile). And I watched the 2 older cats, Coal and Pretty, as they began exploring the yard, looking for unsuspecting prey.

I was also privileged to witness a patch of wildflowers as they opened their blossoms to welcome the morning sun. I don’t know what they are called, but they are only open while the sun is shining.

Finding balance…

Though I love writing, I have to find a balance in my schedule. I’ve been neglecting other projects that I need to accomplish before the summer is over, like the rock work on the house.

I guess I have what is referred to as a “one-track mind” when it comes to doing what I enjoy.

For the past few days I’ve gone so far as to set an alarm to remind me to stop working in the evening. But I turn it off and keep on writing for a few more hours. (I know, it’s not very good self-discipline.)

Today I put the phone out in the living room, so when the alarm goes off, I will have to actually get up from the desk to go turn it off. The goal is to write for no more than 10 hours a day, so I can have a few hours for other things, like maybe some fun with the critters, and more time to spend with my friends.

Next Wednesday I’ll share a little of the story and its progress. And I’ll be back for Friday Fun (spoiler alert…it will probably be centered around heat, as it hits the 87F mark).

In the meantime, I hope everyone is enjoying some lovely sunshine and good company! Blessings to all. – Amber