Little Surprises

Lately, I have been working on establishing routines. Wha? Huh? What kind of routines, you ask?

Well, for starters, something as simple as doing the same things when I get up in the morning, like doing my physical therapy exercises, having reading/writing time, showering, unloading the dishwasher, etc .... getting those things done, without really thinking about it, so I can get on to the rest of the day, whatever that agenda might entail.

Because I struggle with time. Not being on time. Oh, no, I am VERY good at that. (Thank you, growing up in a military family.)

No, I've simply been on the treadmill for so long at a certain speed, it's hard for me to ramp down as I would like. To move smoothly through things, with elegance, ease, and trust.

It also doesn't help that I am easily distracted. Like this blog post. (Secret: I haven't done my routines yet, except for my physical therapy exercises .... ;-)). Of course, being the artistic, creative soul that I am I don't want to lose the moment and write this later, when the essence of the event has to be re-created. (Recognizing that perhaps that thought is a myth in itself, but will save that for another post.)

So, here I am, my routine completely jumbled in the best way this morning, and all because of serendipity, once again. Seems the universe would like to help me out on this one.

I woke and after groggy contemplation, decided to check FB. Hmmm, routine already disrupted there. But I didn't stay on long, as I sometimes do. Then upstairs to grab my exercise stuff - inflatable ball, towel, rubber band - and was it my imagination or did my exercises seem to go more smoothly this morning? I do like just getting them done, but not hurriedly. I enjoy the movement, my body aligning itself as it needs to be.

Then, downstairs for breakfast. I figured, fix some breakfast, then read my scriptures while eating. Ah, that sounded nice! I opened the cupboard door.

What, no oatmeal? None? Oh, but those cookies were good :-). What else to fix? Then I spy an old but perfectly serviceable box of beignet mix! (Beignets are French donuts for those of you who have not been to New Orleans and tasted these yummy treats. Cafe Dumond, if you are ever in the area.) Hmmm, both my boys are home, should I surprise them? Yes, I will.

I begin to mix them up in the kitchen ... quite easy, really, just add water. And as I am mixing darling hubby comes down and begins playing the piano in the adjoining room. (Which he never does in the morning.) He is really, really good by the way. A lovely hymn, "If You Could Hie to Kolob." Gorgeous, melodic arrangement. Then, darling son, 22, appears with his guitar. He begins playing a counter melody. They finish, then after a brief tuning, they play the song again.

I am in heaven, singing along softly in the kitchen, watching the puffy little balls of dough fry in the hot oil, dousing them with powdered sugar, and imagining the delight and surprise of my boys at such an unexpected treat.

Routines are good. So is spontaneity. And feeling very grateful that I had the time this morning to be spontaneous like that. Now I am off to finish my routines and get on with the rest of the day.