This twenty minutes
It’s a perfect time to postpone work: sunshine, and grackles all around.
“Common boat-tailed grackle” by cuatrok77 via Wikimedia Commons
Sit, drink your coffee here; your work can wait awhile.
You’re twenty-six, and still have some life ahead.
No need for wit; just talk vacuities, and I’ll
Reciprocate in kind, or laugh at you instead.
The world is too opaque, distressing and profound.
This twenty minutes’ rendezvous will make my day:
To sit here in the sun, with grackles all around,
Staring with beady eyes, and you two feet away. — Vikram Seth
One year ago today:
Defeat Despair 
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Last year I described Isaiah 40: 31 as a “perennial favorite”. See — it was not just an “annual”!
Far from it! Did you know that it is Carla’s favorite? Also, Jeff’s assistant stitched him this lovely gift to give him when he pinned on Colonel in 2003.
Good morning, Julia! What a nice reprieve! Although I’m running late this morning, I will pause as I sip my coffee at my desk, to think of the pleasant image you’ve brought us this morning, in photo and poem. 🙂
Thank you Susan! I hope you have a wonderful day.
Oh, just to pause and refresh. And in so doing, we find that the world did not end.
-Alan
Yes, stopping for a few minute’s break can make a world of difference!
I agree with the comments made. Today before reading this lovely reminder, I sat and enjoyed my coffee and got lost in my thoughts. Ah, it was wonderful to not feel rushed and more importantly to let my mind wander into the fantasy land I created in my latest writing piece. Mornings like this are rare and I’m practicing to take full advantage when they come 🙂
Jenelle, I enjoyed reading this – thanks for sharing that restful moment with us. You are wise to practice. I think it was Pasteur who was credited with saying “Chance favors the prepared mind.” 😀
Julia, my mornings have started with a cup of coffee, your words here (and beautiful photographs) for over a year. Oh, and my pink robe! 🙂 It’s often 20 minutes but stays with me throughout the day. Most of those days I end by checking back and reading the comments, and to get insight as to how things are with you! With love and prayers, Sheila
Sheila, your pink robe sounds like my beloved blue robe. It is so worn that Jeff keeps saying I have to get rid of it sometime, but I always answer “NEVER!” and sometimes joke that I want to be buried in it. Isn’t it great to have something so comfortable to start or end the day? Thanks so much for being here with us. We so appreciate your prayers and friendship.
Julia, I just had my coffee and peanut butter on toast. I still enjoy the early a.m without t.v or radio.My dogs had their breakfast and now relaxing.Oh plan b the trifle might have” to go on the shelf back to plan a. Labor Day weekend if our tenant is like Elvis”left the building” start playing” East Bound& Down” cause “Im sooooo there.Looking at new apps to test. If I find something “interesting” I’ll pass it on like the encouragement of your blogs. Be blessed
Thank you Raynard. I hope your tenant has indeed channeled the post-concert Elvis; the plan B will be there whenever you get time for it. I like toast in the morning too (whole grain bread) but I still indulge in jam or preserves instead of PB.
I missed seeing the picture. Looking good back then .
Carolyn, if you are referring to Jeff, he has always been good looking! Some of us are just lucky that way.