my summer haven - my patio - is cold. i welcome the cool weather, but trying to sit there and type or read or whatever, my hands get too cold. yes, i need some gloves sans the fingertips, but soon it will be too cold for even those to help for the long periods of time i like to be out of the house.

the coffee shop i'm at now is a new haven for me, and a much welcome one. it's in an old brick 2 story building down town. the inside is painted in deep yellows and browns and golds with purple and deep red accent colors. there are black and white photos of the regulars hanging on the walls. the coffee is excellent as is the food - the little i've had of it - and it's a very casual atmosphere. it's cozy and warm in here. the staff is friendly, young, cute - beautiful, even - the guys and the girls. they always have a welcome word for whomever comes in. the internet is free, and the music is soft and playful.

i haven't any havens in my home, such as it is. i've given up on trying to keep it organized and clean, much as my mind needs a space to be and not be overwhelmed with clutter. and yes, i'm speaking of the physical and emotional clutter that cloud up my days.

that said, my days are good, wonderful, beautiful. i've made decisions in my life lately that have given me a newfound sense of peace and calm. hopefully soon, i'll be able to talk freely about those decisions, but the time is not yet upon me.

i'm also learning that my mind, such as it is, is the most perfect haven i possess. it always has been, i just haven't allowed myself the freedom of going there. it felt, somehow, almost selfish, to allow myself that pleasure with so many others depending on me.

so for now, i escape to the coffee house, spend maybe three or four bucks, and i can read, write, think. just be with myself and my thoughts and dreams.

i hope all my loved ones can find their own special place.

xoxo