The Front Porch

One of the great joys of my life right now is sitting on the front porch. I love to be outside, and since my porch is screened in, its like being outside, but not. Its like having the pleasure of being outside, without the bugs. I sit out here and watch the traffic go by and I send email and I read books. It's just so peaceful out here on the porch. I guess many people wouldn't consider it peaceful because the traffic is constant. But I don't mind that. Its a sharp opposite balance that brings me deep delight- The traffic is constant and never peaceful, people are rushing and walking and hurrying to get somewhere, the traffic lines up all the way down the street to my building, people hate having to take my road south to go home. But Me, I am still and quiet and serene, the exact opposite of the traffic, and I like to watch it and be still and hear the sounds of the city all around me. I guess it might be harder to explain than I thought it would be. I like to wonder where all those people are going. Perhaps its like the combination of mountains and valley's. The mountain seems quite high from a flat place, but from a valley it seems exceptionally high. So, perhaps because I am being still right on the porch near where people are still rushing and being busy, it makes my stillness seem more still and satisfying. Someone said once: "as much of an annoyance that it may be [the traffic], it is nice at the same time. You're sitting in your place relaxed, candles burning, cozy and warm, slowed from your busy life. Then, outside the chaos continues. Sounds of people frantically going from a to b to c back to a. Ambulances, police, marta, and the occasional drunken bum stumbling up the street shouting a loud. City life, isn't it great." I couldn't agree more.