My eyes gently open to the sound of birds outside my bedroom window. The March morning air was just beginning to glow pink and orange, and I breathe in deeply. Sunday morning. Smiling, I roll over, happy to realize the curse of Daylight-Saving time might just be easing.

Hoisting myself up to peer out the window, I glimpse exactly what I was hoping for – the squirrel-proof bird feeder lovingly hung many months ago was alive with birds: brown and yellow finches dive bomb each other for space on the two feeding perches, occasionally interrupted by the gentle mockingbird fighting for seed. Below, rooting amongst the anemones just starting to sprout and the pink tulips in their final burst of glory, I spy two lovebirds – doves that haven’t visited my garden since the squirrel invasion forced me to suspend all ground feeding months ago. Cooing happily, content in picking up the discards from the feeder above, they follow each other, side by side, from ground to tree top.

A desperate cry breaks the peaceful reverie; I scan the bare branches of the locust trees, but can’t spy the source. It must be a baby jay; like a newborn crying for its mother, the cacophony continues for minutes, then stops.

Downstairs, I hear his footfall down the hall, followed by the clink of the glass as he sets it on the counter. The back door opens and gently shuts, the tinkling of dog tags filtering through my open window.

With a flutter no louder than a hush, the birds flit to safety in the nearby lavatera bush. I know they’ll be back. Glancing out the window, I notice the feeder swaying on the hook is nearly empty, and I smile.

Sunday morning couldn’t have gotten off to a better start.

Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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My nose seeks the warmth of the flannel pillowcase as I struggle between light and dark. The floorboards creak with the tread of one bolder than I.

The secure hum of the heater catches my ear, and a blast of warm air meets my cheeks.  The alarm sounds its far-too-cheerful-for-this-hour melody. It’s time.

My fleece covered feet hit the pine planks of the bedroom, and I pat the down comforter in search of something, anything, to cover my flannel pajamas.

I need to learn how to program that coffee maker.

The alabaster snow catches a glint of moonlight out my window.

The staircase creaks under my feet as I descend towards the kitchen, fumbling for the buttons on the machine.

Click. Click. Click.

Blue light flickers beneath the cherry red tea kettle. Crimson mug fills with warm water to take the chill off, replaced by rich, alabaster cream and morning brew.

Savory bacon and eggs fold into warm flour tortillas with cheese as kids stumble downstairs in ski socks and fleece.

PB and J on wheat, honey crisp apples, and chewy gingersnaps fill the lunch bag for mid-day fuel. Cliff Bars slip into pockets. Boot bags bulge with gear.  Speed suits stretch over strong legs, and heavy parkas with hoods zip up as we push open the door.

It’s time.

Morning ritual of a ski racer mama.

Writing reflections inspired by december prompt-a-day with writealm.com. Join us by sharing your posts on Facebook, on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #writealm.

Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

More Posts - Website

Follow Me: