Cozy

It's currently negative 28 degrees with the windchill. The incongruous marigold on this post was taken last year during a warmer month.

I had the gift of spending time with a friend today. This friend had the day off from work, and we planned to eat lunch and catch up together while our children were at school. We ended up at her house, woodstoves stoked, blanket on the floor, cats meandering as we picnicked on bagel, egg & cheese sandwiches and split pea soup.

Time with friends is always wonderful. One-on-one time with a reflective and thoughtful friend is an invaluable gift. I am most comfortable in quiet, small settings. Even a get-together with two friends can feel a tiny bit performative. With one person I can relax my body. Without spending nervous energy, I can listen, share, and connect with full awareness. In the most rare situations, I can even share the hours and leave without an emotional hangover where I self-critique what I said or didn't say. It is a profound and beautiful experience, a bright spot of love, a type of meditation and restoration.