Roses outside the window...

remind us to a simpler time.

Nature photo of the day: bouquet of roses in front of our 2-room traditional wooden home in Romania.

The sun has a way of waking you up as the light gently increases, visible through your closed eyelids. But sometimes you still need to set an alarm, to be awake at 3:45 a.m. well before the birds begin to sing their morning tune.

You start the fire with a single match, a pot of water already on the stove, in preparation for an early start. Twenty minutes later, the water is boiling and ready for some coffee grounds. Five minutes of steeping and the liquid gold is ready to be strained into ceramic mugs. The recipients excited to start the day with a conversation in Arizona. Just as the sun rises in Romania, it is setting in the desert.

And that’s how our day began. Out of ordinary, but lovely all the same.

the crest draws attention to itself
and i wonder how many people
have observed it with awe like me
the haystacks standing in the meadow
and the creek babbling about
i am so thankful for where i live
on this amazing earth
as the sun sets 
and its counter part 
lighter in color, yet always vigilant, rises
i remember
how much i am blessed
to call this place home
- Csermely

As for the journal prompt of the day:

I am looking forward to this week because...

If you don’t have anything exciting planned for this week so far, organize a hike, a camping trip, a picnic, a walk in the park or something else you enjoy for when you have some time on your hands - and your feet. Go out or stay at home - do something outdoors that brings you joy, even if it’s just lunch outside listening to breeze rustling through the leaves.

While you are having lunch outside, don’t forget to leave a few crumbs for the ants. They’ll be overjoyed that you did.

What will nature bring to you this week? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.