As I sit here on this dark, damp, Saturday night I’m thinking to myself that this isn’t the place I’d rather be.

After a day of running errands in the pelting rain and puddle hopping to no avail, I sit now in my favorite chair in the den, bare feet resting on a worn leather footstool, shoes set out to dry.

Writing spontaneously tonight I have no lofty ideas, nor great accomplishments to share, other than finding a cute coral-colored, gold-lined raincoat to bring a splash of color to a grey day.  Thank you Mr. OTN for being my shopping buddy today 😉

The flames in the fireplace chatter and the warmth reaches out to touch the sides of my legs.  I hear the ticking of a distant clock and the clink of ice cubes as Mr. OTN raises his glass to drink from the iced coffee I made for him this evening.  We take care of one another, hubby and I 🙂

He is sprawled out on the couch, reading. Big dog Sasha is in her usual place at his feet, half hidden by the beaten up old trunk that serves as our coffee table.  Little dog Cozy wanders restlessly in and out of the room a few times (always missing her mama) before finally settling down at my feet.

Being with my hubby and the pups brings me great happiness.  This new(ish) home isn’t as busy as our lake house was, or as noisy as the house our children grew up in, but it is still filled with life.  This last week we had out-of-town company, old friends and new, and they were just the beginning of a month of visitors yet to come.

 But tonight our home is still and we are at peace in our togetherness.

Our den is like a cocoon with warm caramel colored walls to surround us and a plush oriental rug in rich creams, browns, reds, and greens beneath our feet.  The oversized leather couch (large enough for two to nap, one on each end) is filled with plump pillows.  Tables, lamps, and comfy side chairs make this room a favorite place for good conversation.

Items old and new adorn the twin bookcases flanking the doorway to the living room behind me.  Treasures saved from both our childhoods and collected on our travels together.

The mantle is topped with an antique mirror from our old house on the lake.  It was the first piece we bought for that house and it’s also a perfect fit right here.  Simple Fall decor adorns either side of the mirror and rustic old corbels rest on the hearth.

 Baskets on the floor hold reading materials and cozy blankets, and there are large floor pillows for pulling up in front of the fire.  The den is our most used room during Fall and Winter.

 It’s peaceful here tonight.  Darkness encloses our home in the trees.  The rain has slowed to a drizzle.  I feel safe, warm, and dry.  I also feel loved.  Loved by my hubby, the pups, and loved by God.

So where would I rather be on this drizzly Saturday night?  When I began to write this evening I thought that I’d rather be in a tropical place, walking barefoot beside the sea on a clear and starry night, warm breezes blowing around all me.  But I’ve changed my mind.  After all of this reflection I realize that there is no better place to be than right where I am!

Wherever you are as you read this I hope you’ll take time to realize the beauty of living in the now before it slips away.

  

Blessings,

 TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive, NiftyThriftyThings, SilverPenniesSundays, SundaysAtHome