morning ritual

Today Rebecca asks,

did you have a morning ritual this year? What did it consist of? Whether it stayed the same or changed as the year went on, what meaning do you think it holds?

If you've been a reader here for awhile, you know that I'm an early riser. My insomnia is the classic case of, 'easy to fall asleep, but wakes too early and can't fall back',  and for a long time, in fact until we moved into this house in July, it was an issue. Here in this home, my leaving doesn't wake anyone and for the better part of this year, I've taken to my car and the dark, pre-dawn streets for coffee and nature.

Coffee and Howard Stern. The park or the beach. I've found creative inspiration and I've worked out issues that have perhaps been the reason I'm awake that particular morning. 

I love the smell of the ocean and the rhythmic cadence of the waves crashing on the shore. I love the fog hovering on the park. There are the early morning dog and owners out for a walk, and there are city workers tidying the grounds and resembling walkers as the sun slowly rises.

This is my ritual. My time.