The fresh blue sky is covered with wispy white clouds, creating a plush and somewhat oceanic covering that could later turn to an angry storm, or just continue being overcast. I can see just the tops of the trees that line the opposite side of the stream bank; a stream I can’t see now but know is there. The green, rounded tops – accented by ragged, leafless branches of one individual tree – appear dark against the light blue and white fluff of the sky . Why is it that these colors are so soothing, so incredibly calming?

This morning I’m on my couch under a pink and black fleece blanket – a no-tie blanket I made when I was in high school. My coffee is almost gone, and it seems like the rain outside is falling harder than when I woke up.