Comfort of a Storm

It’s night. There’s a storm raging outside. Big wind and pouring rain. But you don’t care, because you are safe and warm in your cozy nest. You cuddle up in a soft blanket in front of a nice fire. Listen to the crackle. Hear the wood shift and see the sparks fly behind the screen.

You have a lovely cup of hot chocolate, maybe with a little Kahlua or Bailey’s in it. With whipped cream on top, of course. No marshmallows! Whipped cream!

You have a wonderful new book you’ve been longing to read. Or maybe you have a favorite old Agatha Christie that you’ve read many times, but just feel like visiting Miss Marple again. You pause every now and then to listen to the weather outside. The wind chimes on the porch are ringing like crazy. You can almost feel the hardness of the rain pelting down.

Maybe instead of a book, you’re watching an old movie on TCM. Bogie or Jimmy Stewart. You’ve seen the movie multiple times and know exactly what is taking place, but it doesn’t matter. You’re right beside Bogie as he talks about troubles not amounting to a hill of beans. Or you can almost see Harvey as Jimmy is talking to him. You’re safe. You’re warm.

In bed, the storm is still out there, still making noise. Maybe the power has even gone out. It’s OK. You have candles, one in the bathroom, one in the hallway. The bed is warm. You and your honey are safe. The cats are inside and curled up with you on the bed. All is well.

Goodnight.