The sights and sounds of the waking day are incredible. ![16196-illustration-of-a-hot-cup-of-coffee-pv[1]](https://katloyacano.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/16196-illustration-of-a-hot-cup-of-coffee-pv1.png?w=217&h=217)
On my front porch relaxing in a rocking chair, I embraced the new day by watching the sun peeking through the trees while squirrels scampered across the lawn and birds hopped about looking for breakfast; listening to the chattering of the birds; smelling the fresh air; feeling the coolness of the morning air, and tasting the smooth richness of coffee. All five of my senses were fully engaged at that moment in full communion with the new day. Bliss! At that moment, fully PRESENT, I felt bliss. And, a sense of gratitude washed over me for the opportunity to appreciate the stillness, the beauty, and the absence of time. No place to be right away or a strict schedule to follow is my idea of the perfect way to start a new day.
Generally, my day begins in the darkness of early morning with no interaction with the outside world until Andrew and I make our daily drive to school. The natural world is not the focus (unless it is raining) in the car; it is each other. We are no longer at the same school; therefore, we talk the entire time we are in the car while listening to music. Upbeat, alternative music like the Violent Femmes, The Cure, or Twenty-One Pilots. In a different context, our morning drive is a perfect way to start a new day. It sets the tone for what each of us will face for the next few hours. Therefore, the mornings where I can linger and greet the sunrise are appreciated differently and are not taken for granted because they are a rare treat. Mornings like today are a reminder to slow down, admire nature’s beauty, and practice self-care.
It is amazing that today is the last day of January. It is also my younger sister’s 44th birthday. Happy Birthday, Rachel! January has provided me with a terrific start towards the changes I want to make this year. February offers me some exciting opportunities, as well as an entire week off from my day job. I registered for Danielle LaPorte’s free Fire Starter Sessions Audio Course and joined the Fire Starters Sessions group on Facebook. I had purchased the book back in the spring of 2012; however, I was not ready for the message. If all this course provides me with is the inspiration to pick up the momentum, it will be worth the time. I also registered for two Blogging University courses through WordPress: Writing 201: Finding Your Story (February 1-26) and Blogging 101: Zero to Hero (February 8-26). If it gets me writing daily, it will be worth the time.
What are your plans for February, dearest reader? Hopefully, it will include opportunities for self-care and a little fun. Until we meet again, embrace your day with an open heart. Happiness!
“Happiness is essentially a state of going somewhere wholeheartedly, one-directionally, without regret or reservation.” ~ W. H. Sheldon
It is FREEZING this morning! Instead, I am sitting comfortably with Tooty (aka Comet, my dog) near the fireplace enjoying a warm fire courtesy of my hubby. Merci, beaucoup!
What an absolutely gorgeous day! The sun is out, the temperature is cool, and the air is crisp. I took my little dog out to do his business before starting my business of writing and soon found myself sitting on my front porch basking in the sunshine and watching the birds and squirrels. I closed my eyes, listened, and felt peace. It only lasted a few minutes. However, it inspired me to write outside today. Thus, I am now writing this post outside on the deck in the backyard while enjoying a cup of hot green tea with honey. It is cooler than I expected since I am more in the shade than in the sun; however, it feels wonderful, and I am PRESENT. Nature has that effect.
attendance this year. My goal was to get a glimpse of the actor Jeremy Renner who has starred in films like American Hustle, Mission Impossible, and Marvel’s The Avengers. Andrew and I took a picture with Scott Wilson (Hershel, The Walking Dead) and sat in on a panel featuring William Shatner (Captain Kirk, Star Trek). Mr. Wilson was very sweet, and Mr. Shatner was hilarious. Andrew played in a video game tournament for a new PlayStation 4 game called Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. While he did not advance to the 
second round, he had the opportunity to preview this game which he preordered last week. Both Andrew and I bought a couple of items. I found an X-Files t-shirt! If you do not already know, I am a huge X-Files fan, and I am super-excited because the show is coming back on television this month for a six-episode revival. Needless to say, I am stoked!
aces, Books-a-Million. And, to make it even more special, today is National Book Lovers Day. I ordered coffee and ate a piece of chocolate. Andrew ordered chocolate milk and ate a chocolate crisp frog (Harry Potter). I read the Book Page magazine, and he read his new Godzilla comic book. Before we went home, we read over some important information he will need for tomorrow’s orientation.
The Kat Files 