Cozy Farmhouse

The last of the evening's light fades from the sky, leaving the windows of a boxy farmhouse to glow under the canopy of stars. This humble structure has been home to many, filled with memories from countless seasons. Its walls are a pale blue but the color can only be glimpsed through long strands of ivy that have wound their way around the house. Large, green pointed leaves frame window sills and embrace the brick chimney. Delicate vines crown the oak front door illuminated by a singular metal lantern that hangs from above, growing more rustic and charming with each passing year. Surrounding the house, a group of pendula pines and their thick droopy branches leave a light dusting of needles on the shingles below. Every so often, tiny blips of lazy yellow light appear in mid-air, signifying the presence of fireflies. They swirl about in graceful circles as if to greet each and every visitor with a warm welcome. As night falls, drip irrigation comes to life, surrounding the house with a cool wave of moisture floating on the otherwise warm breeze. I know this particular farmhouse and its quaint cozy features quite well. But before we drift off with the faint scent of orange blossoms in the air, let's take a moment for a brief wind down exercise. Tonight's exercise is a really simple breathing exercise. So when you're ready, let's begin. So first, get yourself comfortable. Now just bringing the attention to the breath. Just noticing where you feel it. In the nose, the throat, the chest, the diaphragm. You're nice and relaxed. We're gonna be taking a deep breath in for four, holding it for four, then breathing out for six. So are you ready? Let's begin. In for four. Two, three, four. Hold it for four. Two, three, four. Now breathing out for six. Two, three, four, five, six. In for four. Two, three, four. Holding for four. Two, three, four. Out for six. Two, three, four, five, six. In for four. Two, three, four. Holding for four. Two, three, four. Out for six. Two, three, four, five, six. In for four. Two, three, four. Holding for four. Two, three, four. Out for six. Two, three, four, five, six. Great. Now returning the breath to normal. In the center of the house is a large living room with faded blue patterned wall paper. The space is comfortably cluttered, but the vaulted ceilings create a sense of spaciousness, all of which is grounded by a red brick fireplace. There seems to be unlimited places to recline. Two plump couches face one another, their cushions gently worn by time. Next to the fireplace is a large, leather recliner draped in an eye-catching quilt. Passed down through the years, this item is imbued with love and care, its cream background gives way to rows of seven-pointed stars. Each of the seven points is cut from a different swath of fabric, no two stars are the same. Some lean...