Home to me...

-Charley Clicks--Each night, my Sleep has a regular companion, Being Awake.  Even in the midst of deep slumber, I find my eyes open to moon lit shadows playing across the quilt and Sleep escapes me.  Often, I wake to the tapping of Charley's nails.  He makes a regular visit to his water bowl, then to the front door mat, then back to his towel by my side of the bed.  As he lays his head down again, he sighs.  Sometimes I sigh back at him as I let my arm reach for his head and our mid-night pat.  Laminate floors have become a friend to hug in the darkness.  Without them, the night's quiet wouldn't hold the lullaby of Charley Clicks.
-Couch blanket covered mornings before heading out the door--My time.  Post-shower, pre-busy day.  Quiet reading.  Focusing on joy, thanks, Puritans speaking artfully crafted prayers, holy collection of words which stun with perfection in timing.  Cozy confrontational conversation covered in grace.
-Snail mail's statement--One of my favorite items to find and to give.  Handwritten thoughts held secret by a simple square translucent container.  Touched by metal armed machines and countless human hands.  But, sent with purpose, then opened with end-of-a-long-day fumbling fingers and an I-needed-these-black-and-white-symbols grateful heart.  Purposeful words written with care.
--Frozen Reeses' cups--Eat from any angle.  One won't suffice.  Oh.so.good.
--"Hold me tight."--Husband hugs are habit forming.  He pulls me tight into him so my breath bounces back at me, warm against his neck.  Quiet...gentle...strength...peace...IV into me as his arms enfold me.  Lips greet my forehead, my voice doesn't even have to speak, he knows...hold me tight.
--Construction Zone habitation--Headache inducing, this attempting to live creatively with dressers housed in living rooms, three hanging clothes' closets nesting on the end of our bed, cluttered walls holding all framed pictures for future rooms.  Feeling a bit overcrowded in this home of uninvited stacks of 2x4s, boxes blocking cabinets, and basement which should shout a warning with 'caution' tape.  Learning to be creative with the definition of the word clean.  Relishing the word finished.
--Sunset's Signature--From our deck, God's handiwork beats a rhythm of color.  Each new day and at dusk, we witness an original piece of art, soaked in His promises. 
--A good book--The before excited foot tapping, the during feverish devouring of well crafted words, the after funk which can't believe it's over.
--The command "Be still"--flowing from an almighty, always present, freely giving of grace lover of my battered soul.  And the battle to do just as He commands. 
...this is where I live.