Storm Warning

I was by myself tonight when the storm hit. I didn't realize it was coming until the background murmur of the television went silent as I was fixing some hot tea to ease my wounded body and comfort my wounded spirit. I had my journal under my arm, today's pen color appropriately black. The silence was the first indicator, followed by brutal, 100mph sheer winds that whipped the screens against the windows. The lights began to flicker on and off as I hurriedly lit candles, located the storm radio, and listened for sirens which were going off and which I couldn't hear for the back to back, jaw rattling thunder and lashing rain.


What seemed to be a dire situation turned into an I Love Lucy skit as I ridiculously tried to usher cats to the storm shelter (the closet in our bedroom), carrying hot tea, the weather radio, lit candles, and (of course) my journal and black pen. Even though my mood was depressed, I did have to snicker at the fact that I NEEDED each of these items in my safe room. How silly that I couldn't make two trips or that I probably didn't have to have my journal or that cup of tea right now!


But then, I've always been silly like that.


Anyway, there we sat in the floor of the closet amidst dirty laundry and piles of shoes, me hugging my warm tea mug, the cats looking at me for the reason that we were sitting in the closet amidst laundry and shoes. I immediately regretted that during my mad juggling act and trip to the closet I hadn't found room in my arms for a blanket because I really needed a nest.


I need a nest right now.


As quickly as the storm hit, it passed, and I know that my body will heal and that my spirits will be uplifted eventually. Until then, I'll crawl under my blanket and wait it out.