The sun shone brightly around the edges of drawn blinds, whispering good morning. Stretching, I break free from my blanket cocoon. Donning a lightweight but warm sweatshirt and furry slippers I keep the cocoon theme alive and head downstairs to begin my favorite morning ritual. I pull a stay fresh bag of Starbucks from the freezer (I’ve kept my coffee there the better part of my life and no one, not even Google, is going to tell me it doesn’t remain fresher) and add scoops to the coffeemaker with measured amounts of filtered water. A gurgling sound soon couples with the aromatic scent of Komodo Dragon. Quietly, on a cocoa suede bar stool, I sit  anticipating.

I long ago gave up sugar and add Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk to my drink, leading to  a cappuccino color that indicates readiness. I hold the cup in both hands momentarily. Then I bring the warm tawny-beige liquid infused with a dollop of zing to my lips. Heavenly. Decadence beckons as I head upstairs to bring the blue flowered mug back to bed. Savoring every sip. Legs under the covers. I am content as a cat curled in a patch of sunlight checking emails on my laptop.

With coffee finished and emails read, outside life vies for attention. I hang on to small chores. A stray towel here, a counter in need of a wipe there, litter to be cleaned, beds to be made. The side door leads to a chilly garage. Buses with red stop signs that swing open like an outstretched arm bring children to school, neighbors are off to work, recycling trucks rumble by leaving green bins in their wake. Wherever I’m going, whatever chores I cross off my list, home remains the place I cook meals, wash clothes, and swaddle in that safe, nurturing cocoon. Underestimating the value of what matters can rip it from us like the proverbial rug. After all, They paved paradise and put up a parking lot…didn’t they?