In Praise of Early Morning

I should have been a farmer. OK, so maybe that’s a stretch, as I’m probably too lazy to keep a barn clean. But I have been an early riser as long as I can remember.

There’s something about the early morning that makes you feel as though you’re getting your money’s worth out of the day. The air is still cool from the night and the avid gardener knows they can get in a quick watering before the heat of the day evaporates the water from the surface of the land. The bugs are still asleep, but the birds and butterflies are busy at work, rewarding you with flutters of colourful wings and happy song as they go about their daily business.

We all have our rituals. For some, it’s a sun salutation as we reflect with gratitude on the gifts in our lives. For others, our active day starts with relaxation; I have a friend who enjoys a gourmet cup of black coffee, perfectly brewed from his French press (when I visit, I’m always invited to indulge as well) :).

High Water Cottage faces east and so, at 530 am, the glowing sky gently announces the promise of a new day. For the next two hours, the sun creeps over the top of Long Island, reflecting brilliant pink over water that’s as still as glass. The only break in the silence is the fish, launching themselves up, up and out of the water, so fast that all one manages to see is the giant ripple they leave behind.

And so, on the days that I’m lucky enough to awaken at the cottage, I’m on the dock, early, clad in jammies with my big comfy mug of coffee in hand.

This day is too precious to lay in bed and I don’t want to miss the show. I’m determined to get my money’s worth 😃