Spring and Fall are my favorite times of the year. I have embraced winter. Summer and I are best described as complicated. I love the sunny days and clear blue skies. I do not care for the heat! Spring and Fall are the times I am out on the porch and even in the winter on those unseasonably “warm” days. My coffee, a large water mug, a glass of wine, hot tea or hot toddy, my notebooks, my journal, a book, the Bible, and the early mornings or late evenings is when “service” usually starts. It’s when the neighborhood is winding down or before it stirs when I enjoy the porch sanctuary the most. But anytime is a good time as long as the weather isn’t too hot or too cold. I really like sitting there on a rainy day.

Not everyone is invited to the porch and not everyone is welcomed. It may seem a bit mean-spirited but, I am protective of my space and home. However, ALL good people are welcomed. It’s my resting place. It’s my place of nothingness. It’s my place of downloads from the spiritual realm. It’s the place you can come and just be quiet or chat or release. It’s a place of peace. I gain insight and I reflect. I sometimes stretch or do chair yoga. I check my flower garden and when summer comes I will be out early or late evening to water the lawn and flowers. At the moment, it’s been enough rain to sustain the flowers and the newly planted rose bushes. I listen to prayers, affirmations, podcasts, and music.

It’s decorated with seasonal themes. Though, I have become smarter by decorating for spring and summer with the same decor and doing the same with my fall and winter until Christmas. I also use the same decor for at least two years! I also buy new things out of season! This saves money. When I am done with my decor, I either sell it or give it away.

The padded wrought iron chairs and matching table and windchimes last all season long. It’s usually after Christmas when it remains bare of a rug and other odds and ends. I like to keep it tidy. The only thing missing are poufs to prop your feet up. I use the other chair when my daughter, friend or a neighbor isn’t joining me.

Yes, the porch is a space set apart for “whole-li-ness” (holiness) and pondering. Oh yeah, for love, laughter, and ice cream.

~Nikki