i'm a little tea cup

this morning's coffee...and every morning coffee or tea from here on out...served in a sweet little tea cup that i just received from my grandma's collection.  i feel so fancy now!  and just think of the tea parties that miss elinor and i will enjoy!  hats and dress up and all! 

i believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.

L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

there is something kind of magical about early mornings.  especially during the summertime.  the days are so long and hot.  but the mornings bring a brief reprieve.  there is a special time before 6:30am when the sun begins to yawn and stretch to peek over the peaks of the desert mountains.  the air is warm and moves delicately.  the light frolics through the fibers of the sheer curtains, creating a certain softness to the rigid forms of our living room.  it is quiet.  it is lovely.  it is fresh.

hubby heads off to work around 5:45.  i smooch him toodle-oo and then i am able to steal a few moments before my day of work and mothering begins.  i take my time.  slowly creating a pot of french press.  the darker and creamier the better.  then i fold myself into the corner of our leather couch and flip on a soft lamp for some additional light while i wait for the sun to arrive.  i sip my coffee and spend some time listening to music and reading and praying.  there is a special feeling in this low light.  mysterious and full of possibilities.  it is a fertile time.  for sowing and preparing for the day ahead.

the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

...and in case it all sounds too picturesque and idyllic, let me add that these morning times are often punctuated with a nice little pumping session.  ahhh, motherhood.