The alarm trills with bird song at 4:15 am. I can’t say I spring out of bed, but I’m somewhat closer to grin than groan. Today, I’m going to welcome the day at the marsh. I’m in happy anticipation of seeing egrets and herons, glossy ibis and who knows what else. I’ve been feeling the pull of the marsh for weeks now, but rainy (and snowy) and busy weekends have kept me away. Even as I rub the sleep away from my eyes, I feel my spirits lifting.
The sun rises well before 6 am these days, and the marsh is about 45 minutes away. It’s in the 30s now, but headed up toward 60 later. I’m uncertain what to wear, but eventually opt for layers, and dress hurriedly. I pour my coffee in a to-go cup, detour to tuck a hand warmer in my coat pocket, and grab my camera. Before too much time has passed, I’m in the car, driving southward. The moon glows overhead, an oddly shaped egg bright in the sky. Soon dawn will chase the dark away over the horizon.
Yesterday I mentioned to Kurt that my shoulders have been living up by my ears these days. No matter how often I consciously relax them, the unrelenting tension of these days pulls them up again. Even now, at the beginning of break, driving to where I want to go, I realize my shoulders are taut with tension. Consciously I pull them down, breathe. I remind myself that my most pressing decision right now is where I will go after the marsh. Will I also go to the beach? Will I take myself out to breakfast? It’s early for warblers, but I could visit some likely spots. The morning is lightening around me and options abound. I settle my shoulders lower, loosen my grip on the steering wheel, and drive toward the new day.
Later I find a surprise message at the bottom of my coffee cup:
It feels like the perfect way to end my morning, and the perfect message to keep in mind as I unwrap the gift of this week.
Nix the comfort zone 
Happy Spring Break Week!
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Thanks! The weather is cooperating quite nicely 🙂
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Enjoy a wonderful, relaxing vacation!
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Thanks! I’m loving every relaxing moment and embracing my inner slug!
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I’m so happy that you are finally getting a break and doing what you love. Thanks for the beauty this morning as I tip my coffee mug to yours and head off to school. (5 weeks left!)
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You must be having all the big feels! Wow!!!
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This is a wonderful, joy filled slice. I want to go to the marsh, too! Gorgeous photos. “closer to grin than groan” is a perfect line. Happy Spring.
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The marsh is definitely a happy place for me! It had been way too long since I’d gone there.
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Oh I miss Maine! Thank you for a spring glimpse. I made reservations this weekend to visit in July and August! I love that cup! I need to find me one!
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I found the mug at Tandem in Portland, Maine. I have no idea if they sell them or not. It was a delightful surprise after my last sip 🙂
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You spread some joy my way with your post. I love the video and beauty of your photography. I need to relax my shoulders on a regular basis, too.
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Shoulder relaxation is a regular part of my day! No matter how often I consciously release all that stress, they creep right back up again!
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What a beautiful place you’ve captured! As someone who despises early mornings, I think that this marsh makes those early morning alarms worth it. Hoping your tension eases each day of your break.
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Early mornings are my favorite time of day, lol. Break has been lovely so far, thanks 🙂
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I was so excited to tag along with you on your marsh visit, because I knew the photos would be spectacular, and they were. The perfect morning surprise was the message at the bottom of your coffee cup! And you did just that with your marsh story today. Thank you. 🙂
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Thanks! I love sharing photos of Maine and I’m so glad you enjoyed them 🙂
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Yeah team! I was hoping a cup of joe was part of your morning. Last week I had coffee and a coffee cake muffin with our son Will at the fun-sounding coffee shop – Scarborough Grounds! I’d recommend it. Of course, the company made it a sweet morning trio.
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I’ll have to keep Scarborough Grounds in mind for one of my marsh treks!
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Your description of your shoulders living up by your ears is a fair description of the stress and strain of daily life. I hope your vacation is a break that is well deserved and restful.
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Break has been just lovely, thanks. Very relaxing!
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I think “closer to grin than groan” is one of the best phrases I’ve read in a while. It sounds like the perfect first morning of break. Hoping that you really get some rest and that those shoulders can relax a bit!
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I need that phrase documented somewhere!!!
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Thanks, Amy! I’m having a lovely, lazy time!
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What a joyfully peaceful start to a day…and break!
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It is so peaceful to start the day there!
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This is so uplifting, Molly!
I love how your writing is filled with life. Lines like “dawn will chase the dark away over the horizon” and “my shoulders have been living up by my ears these days” are an absolute joy to read!
I’m with Amy—“closer to grin than groan” is genius. I might just have to quote it on a post-it and stick it next to my bedside clock, haha!
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It’s easier to feel happy about rising early by choice 🙂 I’m pretty sure there will be some groaning again once school is back in session!
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I’m so happy that you got such a great beginning to your April break! I’m not sure I would get up at 4:15am on the first day of my break, but your photos definitely make it enticing! Here’s to lowering those shoulders this week and spreading joy! Happy Earth Day!
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It was definitely worth the early alarm!
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