June 5, 2025
🥣 🫖 Breakfast in Bed - The Slow Life Stories - Bedtime Stories for Adults - Calming Stories for Grownups and All Ages
Welcome to The Slow Life - A village filled with cozy stories for everyone. This story is called Breakfast in Bed, and it’s about taking up all of the space, being able to wait, and a luxury taken once in a while.
🇨🇦 These stories are written, edited and narrated by Jennifer Zwicker.
~~~~
Benefits of listening to cozy stories or adult bedtime stories with The Slow Life:
1. Relaxation and Stress Relief
• You want to unwind after a stressful day.
• The gentle pacing, soothing tone, and comforting narratives help calm your mind and body.
2. Help Falling Asleep
• Many people use bedtime stories as a sleep aid. We’ve been told ours help.
• A calming story distracts from anxious or racing thoughts, making it easier to drift off. Especially with a second reading as we have, because you already know what happens.
3. Comfort and Nostalgia
• You’re looking for the emotional safety and warmth that often comes with familiar or gently imaginative stories.
• Cozy stories can evoke fond childhood memories or a sense of being cared for.
4. Escape and Imagination
• A peaceful story can provide a gentle escape from reality without overstimulation.
• Listeners enjoy being transported to a calm village, a peaceful garden, or a quaint and cozy inn.
5. Mindfulness and Presence
• The slow, descriptive nature of cozy storytelling encourages a mindful focus on the present.
• It can be a form of meditative listening, grounding you, the listener, in sensory details and slow pacing.
6. Companionship and Connection
• Perhaps, for people who live alone or feel lonely, a narrator’s voice can feel like friendly company.
• It’s a quiet, non-demanding form of social presence.
🧡 Bedtime stories for grown ups
🧡 Bedtime stories for kids
🧡 Meditation story
Breakfast in Bed is a story about treating yourself to a luxury on a rainy day. There is beauty, there is comfort. It may help put you to sleep. Calming stories to help you sleep. Relieve anxiety.
⚠️ Take care listening while driving or doing any activity that requires your full attention.
- All stories - Copyright Jennifer Zwicker 2024, 2025
1
00:00:02,050 --> 00:00:07,660
Welcome to The Slow Life, a
village filled with cozy stories
2
00:00:07,670 --> 00:00:12,850
for everyone.
I'll read this story 2 times to
3
00:00:12,860 --> 00:00:17,570
help you zone out or even fall
asleep during the second
4
00:00:17,580 --> 00:00:23,180
reading.
This story is called Breakfast
5
00:00:23,190 --> 00:00:30,130
in Bed, and it's about taking up
all of the space, being able to
6
00:00:30,140 --> 00:00:34,460
wait, and a luxury taken once in
a while.
7
00:00:38,040 --> 00:00:43,690
I roll over onto my back,
scooting myself onto the hill
8
00:00:43,960 --> 00:00:46,830
that has formed in the middle of
the bed.
9
00:00:47,920 --> 00:00:52,710
It's firm and feels good on my
back, this sheet.
10
00:00:52,720 --> 00:00:58,150
Sarah bit rumpled around my
limbs, so I puff the top sheet
11
00:00:58,200 --> 00:01:04,330
and the fluffy duvet up, letting
them float down, settling over
12
00:01:04,340 --> 00:01:10,780
me as smooth as can be.
Reaching my hands and feet to
13
00:01:10,790 --> 00:01:16,000
the four corners of the
mattress, starfishing as wide as
14
00:01:16,010 --> 00:01:22,630
I can, I sink into the stretch.
The rain taps at the window
15
00:01:22,640 --> 00:01:28,350
across the room telling me it's
OK to stay like this for a
16
00:01:28,360 --> 00:01:32,470
while.
Letting me know there's no rush
17
00:01:32,480 --> 00:01:38,530
to get anywhere or get anything
done quite yet, or even at all
18
00:01:38,540 --> 00:01:43,800
to day if I choose.
Noticing my movement from
19
00:01:43,810 --> 00:01:49,780
somewhere in the house, my 2
cats hop up and find spots to
20
00:01:49,790 --> 00:01:55,390
settle in around me.
Well, if you insist that I stay
21
00:01:55,400 --> 00:01:58,960
a bit longer.
I sigh towards the ceiling.
22
00:02:00,420 --> 00:02:04,490
The thought comes to me of
having breakfast in bed.
23
00:02:05,280 --> 00:02:10,090
I only do this every few months
and it always feels like
24
00:02:10,100 --> 00:02:15,150
something indulgent to day.
Feels like the perfect day for
25
00:02:15,160 --> 00:02:19,420
it.
Carefully, I ease myself out of
26
00:02:19,430 --> 00:02:23,450
bed so as not to disturb the
cats too much.
27
00:02:24,370 --> 00:02:30,040
The one by my knees barely
stirs, the other lifts its head,
28
00:02:30,110 --> 00:02:36,250
then sinks back into sleep.
I tiptoe into my slippers,
29
00:02:36,480 --> 00:02:41,190
swooped my house coat around me,
and head downstairs to the
30
00:02:41,200 --> 00:02:46,470
kitchen.
Moving slowly and quietly, I
31
00:02:46,480 --> 00:02:51,530
click the kettle on to boil and
take out a small teapot.
32
00:02:52,120 --> 00:02:57,710
Its roll is usually a decoration
on the top shelf of the buffet
33
00:02:57,720 --> 00:03:03,770
and hutch by the pantry, so I
give it a quick rinse, ice,
34
00:03:03,780 --> 00:03:08,580
scoop loose tea into the ball
and rest it in the teapot.
35
00:03:09,230 --> 00:03:15,880
One that's floral and dark, that
opens slowly with the heat on
36
00:03:15,890 --> 00:03:19,520
the counter.
The fresh sourdough weights from
37
00:03:19,530 --> 00:03:25,640
yesterday's farmers market.
I sliced 2 pieces and lower them
38
00:03:25,650 --> 00:03:30,900
into the toaster.
I dig out the lap tray that I
39
00:03:30,910 --> 00:03:35,760
keep in the pantry, opening its
legs to stand on the kitchen
40
00:03:35,770 --> 00:03:39,770
island while I fill it with
breakfast supplies.
41
00:03:41,240 --> 00:03:46,590
The farmers market also provided
the granola that I moved into a
42
00:03:46,600 --> 00:03:52,730
glass clamp jar, its lid sealed
but popping open with ease.
43
00:03:54,120 --> 00:03:59,570
It smells sweet with almonds,
cinnamon and raisins as I pour
44
00:03:59,580 --> 00:04:04,150
some into a bowl and put oat
milk into a Creamer.
45
00:04:04,160 --> 00:04:08,840
Beside it.
I arrange fresh strawberries,
46
00:04:09,220 --> 00:04:14,490
already washed and hauled, and a
few Peach slices on a small
47
00:04:14,500 --> 00:04:19,570
plate, the fruit glistening,
making my mouth water.
48
00:04:19,640 --> 00:04:24,130
But I can wait.
Orange juice, cold from the
49
00:04:24,140 --> 00:04:30,670
fridge, goes into a short glass.
By now the toast has popped.
50
00:04:31,100 --> 00:04:36,670
I slather the slices with soft
butter, then spoon jam into a
51
00:04:36,680 --> 00:04:39,740
ramkin in case I want to sweeten
it up.
52
00:04:41,060 --> 00:04:44,660
The jam is thick and dotted with
chunks of fruit.
53
00:04:45,260 --> 00:04:50,240
Raspberry in this batch.
It's the one my grandmother made
54
00:04:50,250 --> 00:04:55,110
for me last summer in jars with
handwritten labels.
55
00:04:56,550 --> 00:05:01,520
Placing everything onto the tray
is a bit of an art that I'm
56
00:05:01,530 --> 00:05:07,110
still trying to master.
The tea goes on last with a
57
00:05:07,120 --> 00:05:10,560
small cup I love for its
delicate handle.
58
00:05:11,970 --> 00:05:17,740
I breathe in for a moment before
picking the tray up carefully,
59
00:05:17,790 --> 00:05:21,340
carefully and carry it up to the
bedroom.
60
00:05:22,860 --> 00:05:27,750
The cats have shifted only
slightly. 1 blinks at me,
61
00:05:27,760 --> 00:05:31,410
unbothered.
The other is now sprawled beside
62
00:05:31,420 --> 00:05:37,290
my pillow, luckily both out of
the way, leaving room for me and
63
00:05:37,300 --> 00:05:42,890
my balancing act.
I set the tray to one side and
64
00:05:42,900 --> 00:05:47,260
put some music on before sliding
under the covers again.
65
00:05:48,770 --> 00:05:54,340
The tray fits perfectly over my
lap, sturdy and high enough to
66
00:05:54,350 --> 00:06:00,330
keep the crumbs contained.
I arrange a napkin just in case,
67
00:06:00,420 --> 00:06:03,230
adjust my pillows, and settle
in.
68
00:06:04,600 --> 00:06:08,420
I start with the T, pouring it
into the cup.
69
00:06:09,220 --> 00:06:14,130
The steam curls up right away,
and I take a few seconds to
70
00:06:14,140 --> 00:06:18,590
watch it dance.
I put some milk into the
71
00:06:18,600 --> 00:06:23,390
granola, hearing the crisp
chunks tapping the sides of the
72
00:06:23,400 --> 00:06:27,600
ceramic bowl, not wanting to
wait.
73
00:06:27,790 --> 00:06:33,160
A spoonful gives the satisfying
crunch, with the texture broken
74
00:06:33,170 --> 00:06:38,900
up by the chewy raisins.
I alternate between bites of
75
00:06:38,910 --> 00:06:44,980
granola and sips of juice, the
Tang of orange bright against
76
00:06:44,990 --> 00:06:50,570
the deep cinnamon flavour.
I add in bites of the toast,
77
00:06:51,000 --> 00:06:54,350
opting to cover one piece with
the jam.
78
00:06:55,580 --> 00:07:00,450
I think of the afternoon my
grandmother made it, jars lined
79
00:07:00,460 --> 00:07:05,130
up across her kitchen table
while we chatted over tea and
80
00:07:05,140 --> 00:07:08,430
biscuits used to test out the
jam.
81
00:07:08,440 --> 00:07:12,350
Of course.
I wonder how many jars I have
82
00:07:12,360 --> 00:07:16,250
left.
One of the cats stirs and
83
00:07:16,260 --> 00:07:21,190
stretches, long toes flexed in
slow satisfaction.
84
00:07:22,240 --> 00:07:27,310
I want to offer a tiny crumb of
toast but no, they're better off
85
00:07:27,320 --> 00:07:33,110
without it, their content just
being near by as it seems we all
86
00:07:33,120 --> 00:07:38,250
like the company.
With the toast gone, I finished
87
00:07:38,260 --> 00:07:41,950
the fruit.
The strawberries are in season
88
00:07:42,060 --> 00:07:44,770
and the taste proves exactly
that.
89
00:07:45,610 --> 00:07:48,730
The Peaches are juicy and soft
as well.
90
00:07:50,050 --> 00:07:54,590
I move to the tee, now cooled
just enough to drink freely.
91
00:07:55,730 --> 00:08:01,020
Everything is mostly gone now,
only the teapot and cups still
92
00:08:01,030 --> 00:08:06,410
partially full.
Beside me on the night stand, a
93
00:08:06,420 --> 00:08:11,910
neat stack of books awaits some
fiction that I've been dipping
94
00:08:11,920 --> 00:08:17,200
in and out of.
Setting the tray to my side,
95
00:08:17,290 --> 00:08:22,820
careful not to stir the sleeping
ones around me, I reach for one,
96
00:08:23,070 --> 00:08:27,380
thumbing through its pages to
decide if it's the right one.
97
00:08:27,390 --> 00:08:31,540
For this moment.
There's no plan, no obligation,
98
00:08:32,890 --> 00:08:37,179
I read for a while.
Not long enough to get deeply
99
00:08:37,190 --> 00:08:40,760
lost, but enough to let my
breakfast settle.
100
00:08:42,150 --> 00:08:48,180
Eventually, I stretch.
One cat rolls over on its back,
101
00:08:48,330 --> 00:08:54,030
belly exposed, legs sprawled in
their own starfish position.
102
00:08:54,980 --> 00:09:00,270
The other rises and does a slow
walk across my lap before
103
00:09:00,280 --> 00:09:03,330
curling up again on my other
side.
104
00:09:04,840 --> 00:09:10,930
They seemed to have enjoyed this
as much as I have, this luxury
105
00:09:11,020 --> 00:09:15,580
taken once in a while on
mornings such as this.
106
00:09:19,980 --> 00:09:28,120
Breakfast in bed.
I roll over onto my back,
107
00:09:28,170 --> 00:09:33,420
scooting myself onto the hill
that has formed in the middle of
108
00:09:33,430 --> 00:09:37,550
the bed.
It's firm and feels good on my
109
00:09:37,560 --> 00:09:42,160
back, this sheet.
Sarah bit rumpled around my
110
00:09:42,170 --> 00:09:48,540
limbs, so I puff the top sheet
and the fluffy duvet up, letting
111
00:09:48,550 --> 00:09:54,000
them float down, settling over
me as smooth as can be.
112
00:09:55,570 --> 00:09:59,500
Reaching my hands and feet to
the four corners of the
113
00:09:59,510 --> 00:10:06,350
mattress, starfishing as wide as
I can, I sink into the stretch.
114
00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:12,700
The rain taps at the window
across the room telling me it's
115
00:10:12,710 --> 00:10:15,860
OK to stay like this for a
while.
116
00:10:17,050 --> 00:10:22,380
Letting me know there's no rush
to get anywhere or get anything
117
00:10:22,390 --> 00:10:27,330
done quite yet, or even at all
to day if I choose.
118
00:10:28,740 --> 00:10:33,550
Noticing my movement from
somewhere in the house, my 2
119
00:10:33,560 --> 00:10:38,530
cats hop up and find spots to
settle in around me.
120
00:10:39,730 --> 00:10:43,720
Well, if you insist that I stay
a bit longer.
121
00:10:43,890 --> 00:10:49,550
I sigh towards the ceiling.
The thought comes to me of
122
00:10:49,560 --> 00:10:55,070
having breakfast in bed.
I only do this every few months
123
00:10:55,350 --> 00:11:00,190
and it always feels like
something indulgent to day.
124
00:11:00,200 --> 00:11:02,380
Feels like the perfect day for
it.
125
00:11:03,800 --> 00:11:09,090
Carefully, I ease myself out of
bed so as not to disturb the
126
00:11:09,100 --> 00:11:13,510
cats too much.
The one by my knees barely
127
00:11:13,520 --> 00:11:19,250
stirs, the other lifts its head,
then sinks back into sleep.
128
00:11:20,660 --> 00:11:26,200
I tiptoe into my slippers,
swooped my house coat around me,
129
00:11:26,290 --> 00:11:28,960
and head downstairs to the
kitchen.
130
00:11:29,230 --> 00:11:36,360
Moving slowly and quietly, I
click the kettle on to boil and
131
00:11:36,370 --> 00:11:42,180
take out a small teapot.
Its roll is usually a decoration
132
00:11:42,250 --> 00:11:47,500
on the top shelf of the buffet
and hutch by the pantry, so I
133
00:11:47,510 --> 00:11:53,340
give it a quick rinse, ice,
scoop loose tea into the ball
134
00:11:53,430 --> 00:11:59,040
and rest it in the teapot.
One that's floral and dark, that
135
00:11:59,050 --> 00:12:03,790
opens slowly with the heat on
the counter.
136
00:12:03,860 --> 00:12:08,540
The fresh sourdough weights from
yesterday's farmers market.
137
00:12:09,910 --> 00:12:14,040
I sliced 2 pieces and lower them
into the toaster.
138
00:12:15,490 --> 00:12:20,600
I dig out the lap tray that I
keep in the pantry, opening its
139
00:12:20,610 --> 00:12:25,100
legs to stand on the kitchen
island while I fill it with
140
00:12:25,110 --> 00:12:30,850
breakfast supplies.
The farmers market also provided
141
00:12:30,860 --> 00:12:37,400
the granola that I moved into a
glass clamp jar, its lid sealed
142
00:12:37,470 --> 00:12:43,710
but popping open with ease.
It smells sweet with almonds,
143
00:12:43,760 --> 00:12:49,430
cinnamon and raisins as I pour
some into a bowl and put oat
144
00:12:49,440 --> 00:12:51,990
milk into a Creamer.
Beside it.
145
00:12:53,410 --> 00:12:59,020
I arrange fresh strawberries,
already washed and hauled, and a
146
00:12:59,030 --> 00:13:04,410
few Peach slices on a small
plate, the fruit glistening,
147
00:13:04,490 --> 00:13:07,830
making my mouth water.
But I can wait.
148
00:13:09,280 --> 00:13:14,000
Orange juice, cold from the
fridge, goes into a short glass.
149
00:13:15,350 --> 00:13:20,740
By now the toast has popped.
I slather the slices with soft
150
00:13:20,750 --> 00:13:26,400
butter, then spoon jam into a
ramkin in case I want to sweeten
151
00:13:26,410 --> 00:13:30,380
it up.
The jam is thick and dotted with
152
00:13:30,390 --> 00:13:34,300
chunks of fruit.
Raspberry in this batch.
153
00:13:35,070 --> 00:13:40,440
It's the one my grandmother made
for me last summer in jars with
154
00:13:40,450 --> 00:13:46,310
handwritten labels.
Placing everything onto the tray
155
00:13:46,360 --> 00:13:50,390
is a bit of an art that I'm
still trying to master.
156
00:13:51,620 --> 00:13:56,410
The tea goes on last with a
small cup I love for its
157
00:13:56,420 --> 00:14:01,840
delicate handle.
I breathe in for a moment before
158
00:14:01,850 --> 00:14:07,710
picking the tray up carefully,
carefully and carry it up to the
159
00:14:07,720 --> 00:14:11,930
bedroom.
The cats have shifted only
160
00:14:11,940 --> 00:14:15,790
slightly. 1 blinks at me,
unbothered.
161
00:14:16,100 --> 00:14:21,320
The other is now sprawled beside
my pillow, luckily both out of
162
00:14:21,330 --> 00:14:25,680
the way, leaving room for me and
my balancing act.
163
00:14:27,000 --> 00:14:32,550
I set the tray to one side and
put some music on before sliding
164
00:14:32,560 --> 00:14:38,320
under the covers again.
The tray fits perfectly over my
165
00:14:38,330 --> 00:14:43,340
lap, sturdy and high enough to
keep the crumbs contained.
166
00:14:44,390 --> 00:14:49,800
I arrange a napkin just in case,
adjust my pillows, and settle
167
00:14:49,810 --> 00:14:54,420
in.
I start with the T, pouring it
168
00:14:54,430 --> 00:14:58,970
into the cup.
This steam curls up right away,
169
00:14:59,080 --> 00:15:02,430
and I take a few seconds to
watch it dance.
170
00:15:03,880 --> 00:15:07,970
I put some milk into the
granola, hearing the crisp
171
00:15:07,980 --> 00:15:14,040
chunks tapping the sides of the
ceramic bowl, not wanting to
172
00:15:14,050 --> 00:15:17,520
wait.
A spoonful gives the satisfying
173
00:15:17,530 --> 00:15:22,470
crunch, with the texture broken
up by the chewy raisins.
174
00:15:23,750 --> 00:15:29,530
I alternate between bites of
granola and sips of juice, the
175
00:15:29,540 --> 00:15:33,810
Tang of orange bright against
the deep cinnamon flavour.
176
00:15:34,950 --> 00:15:40,620
I add in bites of the toast,
opting to cover one piece with
177
00:15:40,630 --> 00:15:44,550
the jam.
I think of the afternoon my
178
00:15:44,560 --> 00:15:48,470
grandmother made it.
Jurors lined up across her
179
00:15:48,480 --> 00:15:54,090
kitchen table while we chatted
over tea and biscuits used to
180
00:15:54,100 --> 00:15:56,140
test out the jam.
Of course.
181
00:15:57,210 --> 00:15:59,860
I wonder how many jars I have
left.
182
00:16:01,120 --> 00:16:06,370
One of the cats stirs and
stretches, long toes flexed in
183
00:16:06,380 --> 00:16:11,670
slow satisfaction.
I want to offer a tiny crumb of
184
00:16:11,680 --> 00:16:16,850
toast, but no, they're better
off without it, their content
185
00:16:16,860 --> 00:16:21,300
just being nearby as it seems we
all like the company.
186
00:16:22,810 --> 00:16:25,890
With the toast gone, I finish
the fruit.
187
00:16:26,650 --> 00:16:31,360
The strawberries are in season
and the taste proves exactly
188
00:16:31,370 --> 00:16:35,170
that.
The Peaches are juicy and soft
189
00:16:35,180 --> 00:16:39,480
as well.
I move to the tee, now cooled
190
00:16:39,490 --> 00:16:45,430
just enough to drink freely.
Everything is mostly gone now,
191
00:16:45,650 --> 00:16:49,230
only the teapot and cups still
partially full.
192
00:16:50,720 --> 00:16:56,900
Beside me on the night stand, a
neat stack of books awaits some
193
00:16:56,910 --> 00:17:00,150
fiction that I've been dipping
in and out of.
194
00:17:01,640 --> 00:17:06,510
Setting the tray to my side,
careful not to stir the sleeping
195
00:17:06,520 --> 00:17:12,170
ones around me, I reach for one,
thumbing through its pages to
196
00:17:12,180 --> 00:17:15,400
decide if it's the right one.
For this moment.
197
00:17:16,119 --> 00:17:21,839
There's no plan, no obligation,
I read for a while.
198
00:17:22,040 --> 00:17:26,520
Not long enough to get deeply
lost, but enough to let my
199
00:17:26,530 --> 00:17:31,160
breakfast settle.
Eventually, I stretch.
200
00:17:32,150 --> 00:17:38,740
One cat rolls over on its back,
belly exposed, legs sprawled in
201
00:17:38,750 --> 00:17:44,650
their own starfish position.
The other rises and does a slow
202
00:17:44,660 --> 00:17:49,730
walk across my lap before
curling up again on my other
203
00:17:49,740 --> 00:17:54,310
side.
They seemed to have enjoyed this
204
00:17:54,320 --> 00:18:00,530
as much as I have, this luxury
taken once in a while on
205
00:18:00,540 --> 00:18:07,930
mornings such as this.
I wish you sweet dreams.
00:00:02,050 --> 00:00:07,660
Welcome to The Slow Life, a
village filled with cozy stories
2
00:00:07,670 --> 00:00:12,850
for everyone.
I'll read this story 2 times to
3
00:00:12,860 --> 00:00:17,570
help you zone out or even fall
asleep during the second
4
00:00:17,580 --> 00:00:23,180
reading.
This story is called Breakfast
5
00:00:23,190 --> 00:00:30,130
in Bed, and it's about taking up
all of the space, being able to
6
00:00:30,140 --> 00:00:34,460
wait, and a luxury taken once in
a while.
7
00:00:38,040 --> 00:00:43,690
I roll over onto my back,
scooting myself onto the hill
8
00:00:43,960 --> 00:00:46,830
that has formed in the middle of
the bed.
9
00:00:47,920 --> 00:00:52,710
It's firm and feels good on my
back, this sheet.
10
00:00:52,720 --> 00:00:58,150
Sarah bit rumpled around my
limbs, so I puff the top sheet
11
00:00:58,200 --> 00:01:04,330
and the fluffy duvet up, letting
them float down, settling over
12
00:01:04,340 --> 00:01:10,780
me as smooth as can be.
Reaching my hands and feet to
13
00:01:10,790 --> 00:01:16,000
the four corners of the
mattress, starfishing as wide as
14
00:01:16,010 --> 00:01:22,630
I can, I sink into the stretch.
The rain taps at the window
15
00:01:22,640 --> 00:01:28,350
across the room telling me it's
OK to stay like this for a
16
00:01:28,360 --> 00:01:32,470
while.
Letting me know there's no rush
17
00:01:32,480 --> 00:01:38,530
to get anywhere or get anything
done quite yet, or even at all
18
00:01:38,540 --> 00:01:43,800
to day if I choose.
Noticing my movement from
19
00:01:43,810 --> 00:01:49,780
somewhere in the house, my 2
cats hop up and find spots to
20
00:01:49,790 --> 00:01:55,390
settle in around me.
Well, if you insist that I stay
21
00:01:55,400 --> 00:01:58,960
a bit longer.
I sigh towards the ceiling.
22
00:02:00,420 --> 00:02:04,490
The thought comes to me of
having breakfast in bed.
23
00:02:05,280 --> 00:02:10,090
I only do this every few months
and it always feels like
24
00:02:10,100 --> 00:02:15,150
something indulgent to day.
Feels like the perfect day for
25
00:02:15,160 --> 00:02:19,420
it.
Carefully, I ease myself out of
26
00:02:19,430 --> 00:02:23,450
bed so as not to disturb the
cats too much.
27
00:02:24,370 --> 00:02:30,040
The one by my knees barely
stirs, the other lifts its head,
28
00:02:30,110 --> 00:02:36,250
then sinks back into sleep.
I tiptoe into my slippers,
29
00:02:36,480 --> 00:02:41,190
swooped my house coat around me,
and head downstairs to the
30
00:02:41,200 --> 00:02:46,470
kitchen.
Moving slowly and quietly, I
31
00:02:46,480 --> 00:02:51,530
click the kettle on to boil and
take out a small teapot.
32
00:02:52,120 --> 00:02:57,710
Its roll is usually a decoration
on the top shelf of the buffet
33
00:02:57,720 --> 00:03:03,770
and hutch by the pantry, so I
give it a quick rinse, ice,
34
00:03:03,780 --> 00:03:08,580
scoop loose tea into the ball
and rest it in the teapot.
35
00:03:09,230 --> 00:03:15,880
One that's floral and dark, that
opens slowly with the heat on
36
00:03:15,890 --> 00:03:19,520
the counter.
The fresh sourdough weights from
37
00:03:19,530 --> 00:03:25,640
yesterday's farmers market.
I sliced 2 pieces and lower them
38
00:03:25,650 --> 00:03:30,900
into the toaster.
I dig out the lap tray that I
39
00:03:30,910 --> 00:03:35,760
keep in the pantry, opening its
legs to stand on the kitchen
40
00:03:35,770 --> 00:03:39,770
island while I fill it with
breakfast supplies.
41
00:03:41,240 --> 00:03:46,590
The farmers market also provided
the granola that I moved into a
42
00:03:46,600 --> 00:03:52,730
glass clamp jar, its lid sealed
but popping open with ease.
43
00:03:54,120 --> 00:03:59,570
It smells sweet with almonds,
cinnamon and raisins as I pour
44
00:03:59,580 --> 00:04:04,150
some into a bowl and put oat
milk into a Creamer.
45
00:04:04,160 --> 00:04:08,840
Beside it.
I arrange fresh strawberries,
46
00:04:09,220 --> 00:04:14,490
already washed and hauled, and a
few Peach slices on a small
47
00:04:14,500 --> 00:04:19,570
plate, the fruit glistening,
making my mouth water.
48
00:04:19,640 --> 00:04:24,130
But I can wait.
Orange juice, cold from the
49
00:04:24,140 --> 00:04:30,670
fridge, goes into a short glass.
By now the toast has popped.
50
00:04:31,100 --> 00:04:36,670
I slather the slices with soft
butter, then spoon jam into a
51
00:04:36,680 --> 00:04:39,740
ramkin in case I want to sweeten
it up.
52
00:04:41,060 --> 00:04:44,660
The jam is thick and dotted with
chunks of fruit.
53
00:04:45,260 --> 00:04:50,240
Raspberry in this batch.
It's the one my grandmother made
54
00:04:50,250 --> 00:04:55,110
for me last summer in jars with
handwritten labels.
55
00:04:56,550 --> 00:05:01,520
Placing everything onto the tray
is a bit of an art that I'm
56
00:05:01,530 --> 00:05:07,110
still trying to master.
The tea goes on last with a
57
00:05:07,120 --> 00:05:10,560
small cup I love for its
delicate handle.
58
00:05:11,970 --> 00:05:17,740
I breathe in for a moment before
picking the tray up carefully,
59
00:05:17,790 --> 00:05:21,340
carefully and carry it up to the
bedroom.
60
00:05:22,860 --> 00:05:27,750
The cats have shifted only
slightly. 1 blinks at me,
61
00:05:27,760 --> 00:05:31,410
unbothered.
The other is now sprawled beside
62
00:05:31,420 --> 00:05:37,290
my pillow, luckily both out of
the way, leaving room for me and
63
00:05:37,300 --> 00:05:42,890
my balancing act.
I set the tray to one side and
64
00:05:42,900 --> 00:05:47,260
put some music on before sliding
under the covers again.
65
00:05:48,770 --> 00:05:54,340
The tray fits perfectly over my
lap, sturdy and high enough to
66
00:05:54,350 --> 00:06:00,330
keep the crumbs contained.
I arrange a napkin just in case,
67
00:06:00,420 --> 00:06:03,230
adjust my pillows, and settle
in.
68
00:06:04,600 --> 00:06:08,420
I start with the T, pouring it
into the cup.
69
00:06:09,220 --> 00:06:14,130
The steam curls up right away,
and I take a few seconds to
70
00:06:14,140 --> 00:06:18,590
watch it dance.
I put some milk into the
71
00:06:18,600 --> 00:06:23,390
granola, hearing the crisp
chunks tapping the sides of the
72
00:06:23,400 --> 00:06:27,600
ceramic bowl, not wanting to
wait.
73
00:06:27,790 --> 00:06:33,160
A spoonful gives the satisfying
crunch, with the texture broken
74
00:06:33,170 --> 00:06:38,900
up by the chewy raisins.
I alternate between bites of
75
00:06:38,910 --> 00:06:44,980
granola and sips of juice, the
Tang of orange bright against
76
00:06:44,990 --> 00:06:50,570
the deep cinnamon flavour.
I add in bites of the toast,
77
00:06:51,000 --> 00:06:54,350
opting to cover one piece with
the jam.
78
00:06:55,580 --> 00:07:00,450
I think of the afternoon my
grandmother made it, jars lined
79
00:07:00,460 --> 00:07:05,130
up across her kitchen table
while we chatted over tea and
80
00:07:05,140 --> 00:07:08,430
biscuits used to test out the
jam.
81
00:07:08,440 --> 00:07:12,350
Of course.
I wonder how many jars I have
82
00:07:12,360 --> 00:07:16,250
left.
One of the cats stirs and
83
00:07:16,260 --> 00:07:21,190
stretches, long toes flexed in
slow satisfaction.
84
00:07:22,240 --> 00:07:27,310
I want to offer a tiny crumb of
toast but no, they're better off
85
00:07:27,320 --> 00:07:33,110
without it, their content just
being near by as it seems we all
86
00:07:33,120 --> 00:07:38,250
like the company.
With the toast gone, I finished
87
00:07:38,260 --> 00:07:41,950
the fruit.
The strawberries are in season
88
00:07:42,060 --> 00:07:44,770
and the taste proves exactly
that.
89
00:07:45,610 --> 00:07:48,730
The Peaches are juicy and soft
as well.
90
00:07:50,050 --> 00:07:54,590
I move to the tee, now cooled
just enough to drink freely.
91
00:07:55,730 --> 00:08:01,020
Everything is mostly gone now,
only the teapot and cups still
92
00:08:01,030 --> 00:08:06,410
partially full.
Beside me on the night stand, a
93
00:08:06,420 --> 00:08:11,910
neat stack of books awaits some
fiction that I've been dipping
94
00:08:11,920 --> 00:08:17,200
in and out of.
Setting the tray to my side,
95
00:08:17,290 --> 00:08:22,820
careful not to stir the sleeping
ones around me, I reach for one,
96
00:08:23,070 --> 00:08:27,380
thumbing through its pages to
decide if it's the right one.
97
00:08:27,390 --> 00:08:31,540
For this moment.
There's no plan, no obligation,
98
00:08:32,890 --> 00:08:37,179
I read for a while.
Not long enough to get deeply
99
00:08:37,190 --> 00:08:40,760
lost, but enough to let my
breakfast settle.
100
00:08:42,150 --> 00:08:48,180
Eventually, I stretch.
One cat rolls over on its back,
101
00:08:48,330 --> 00:08:54,030
belly exposed, legs sprawled in
their own starfish position.
102
00:08:54,980 --> 00:09:00,270
The other rises and does a slow
walk across my lap before
103
00:09:00,280 --> 00:09:03,330
curling up again on my other
side.
104
00:09:04,840 --> 00:09:10,930
They seemed to have enjoyed this
as much as I have, this luxury
105
00:09:11,020 --> 00:09:15,580
taken once in a while on
mornings such as this.
106
00:09:19,980 --> 00:09:28,120
Breakfast in bed.
I roll over onto my back,
107
00:09:28,170 --> 00:09:33,420
scooting myself onto the hill
that has formed in the middle of
108
00:09:33,430 --> 00:09:37,550
the bed.
It's firm and feels good on my
109
00:09:37,560 --> 00:09:42,160
back, this sheet.
Sarah bit rumpled around my
110
00:09:42,170 --> 00:09:48,540
limbs, so I puff the top sheet
and the fluffy duvet up, letting
111
00:09:48,550 --> 00:09:54,000
them float down, settling over
me as smooth as can be.
112
00:09:55,570 --> 00:09:59,500
Reaching my hands and feet to
the four corners of the
113
00:09:59,510 --> 00:10:06,350
mattress, starfishing as wide as
I can, I sink into the stretch.
114
00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:12,700
The rain taps at the window
across the room telling me it's
115
00:10:12,710 --> 00:10:15,860
OK to stay like this for a
while.
116
00:10:17,050 --> 00:10:22,380
Letting me know there's no rush
to get anywhere or get anything
117
00:10:22,390 --> 00:10:27,330
done quite yet, or even at all
to day if I choose.
118
00:10:28,740 --> 00:10:33,550
Noticing my movement from
somewhere in the house, my 2
119
00:10:33,560 --> 00:10:38,530
cats hop up and find spots to
settle in around me.
120
00:10:39,730 --> 00:10:43,720
Well, if you insist that I stay
a bit longer.
121
00:10:43,890 --> 00:10:49,550
I sigh towards the ceiling.
The thought comes to me of
122
00:10:49,560 --> 00:10:55,070
having breakfast in bed.
I only do this every few months
123
00:10:55,350 --> 00:11:00,190
and it always feels like
something indulgent to day.
124
00:11:00,200 --> 00:11:02,380
Feels like the perfect day for
it.
125
00:11:03,800 --> 00:11:09,090
Carefully, I ease myself out of
bed so as not to disturb the
126
00:11:09,100 --> 00:11:13,510
cats too much.
The one by my knees barely
127
00:11:13,520 --> 00:11:19,250
stirs, the other lifts its head,
then sinks back into sleep.
128
00:11:20,660 --> 00:11:26,200
I tiptoe into my slippers,
swooped my house coat around me,
129
00:11:26,290 --> 00:11:28,960
and head downstairs to the
kitchen.
130
00:11:29,230 --> 00:11:36,360
Moving slowly and quietly, I
click the kettle on to boil and
131
00:11:36,370 --> 00:11:42,180
take out a small teapot.
Its roll is usually a decoration
132
00:11:42,250 --> 00:11:47,500
on the top shelf of the buffet
and hutch by the pantry, so I
133
00:11:47,510 --> 00:11:53,340
give it a quick rinse, ice,
scoop loose tea into the ball
134
00:11:53,430 --> 00:11:59,040
and rest it in the teapot.
One that's floral and dark, that
135
00:11:59,050 --> 00:12:03,790
opens slowly with the heat on
the counter.
136
00:12:03,860 --> 00:12:08,540
The fresh sourdough weights from
yesterday's farmers market.
137
00:12:09,910 --> 00:12:14,040
I sliced 2 pieces and lower them
into the toaster.
138
00:12:15,490 --> 00:12:20,600
I dig out the lap tray that I
keep in the pantry, opening its
139
00:12:20,610 --> 00:12:25,100
legs to stand on the kitchen
island while I fill it with
140
00:12:25,110 --> 00:12:30,850
breakfast supplies.
The farmers market also provided
141
00:12:30,860 --> 00:12:37,400
the granola that I moved into a
glass clamp jar, its lid sealed
142
00:12:37,470 --> 00:12:43,710
but popping open with ease.
It smells sweet with almonds,
143
00:12:43,760 --> 00:12:49,430
cinnamon and raisins as I pour
some into a bowl and put oat
144
00:12:49,440 --> 00:12:51,990
milk into a Creamer.
Beside it.
145
00:12:53,410 --> 00:12:59,020
I arrange fresh strawberries,
already washed and hauled, and a
146
00:12:59,030 --> 00:13:04,410
few Peach slices on a small
plate, the fruit glistening,
147
00:13:04,490 --> 00:13:07,830
making my mouth water.
But I can wait.
148
00:13:09,280 --> 00:13:14,000
Orange juice, cold from the
fridge, goes into a short glass.
149
00:13:15,350 --> 00:13:20,740
By now the toast has popped.
I slather the slices with soft
150
00:13:20,750 --> 00:13:26,400
butter, then spoon jam into a
ramkin in case I want to sweeten
151
00:13:26,410 --> 00:13:30,380
it up.
The jam is thick and dotted with
152
00:13:30,390 --> 00:13:34,300
chunks of fruit.
Raspberry in this batch.
153
00:13:35,070 --> 00:13:40,440
It's the one my grandmother made
for me last summer in jars with
154
00:13:40,450 --> 00:13:46,310
handwritten labels.
Placing everything onto the tray
155
00:13:46,360 --> 00:13:50,390
is a bit of an art that I'm
still trying to master.
156
00:13:51,620 --> 00:13:56,410
The tea goes on last with a
small cup I love for its
157
00:13:56,420 --> 00:14:01,840
delicate handle.
I breathe in for a moment before
158
00:14:01,850 --> 00:14:07,710
picking the tray up carefully,
carefully and carry it up to the
159
00:14:07,720 --> 00:14:11,930
bedroom.
The cats have shifted only
160
00:14:11,940 --> 00:14:15,790
slightly. 1 blinks at me,
unbothered.
161
00:14:16,100 --> 00:14:21,320
The other is now sprawled beside
my pillow, luckily both out of
162
00:14:21,330 --> 00:14:25,680
the way, leaving room for me and
my balancing act.
163
00:14:27,000 --> 00:14:32,550
I set the tray to one side and
put some music on before sliding
164
00:14:32,560 --> 00:14:38,320
under the covers again.
The tray fits perfectly over my
165
00:14:38,330 --> 00:14:43,340
lap, sturdy and high enough to
keep the crumbs contained.
166
00:14:44,390 --> 00:14:49,800
I arrange a napkin just in case,
adjust my pillows, and settle
167
00:14:49,810 --> 00:14:54,420
in.
I start with the T, pouring it
168
00:14:54,430 --> 00:14:58,970
into the cup.
This steam curls up right away,
169
00:14:59,080 --> 00:15:02,430
and I take a few seconds to
watch it dance.
170
00:15:03,880 --> 00:15:07,970
I put some milk into the
granola, hearing the crisp
171
00:15:07,980 --> 00:15:14,040
chunks tapping the sides of the
ceramic bowl, not wanting to
172
00:15:14,050 --> 00:15:17,520
wait.
A spoonful gives the satisfying
173
00:15:17,530 --> 00:15:22,470
crunch, with the texture broken
up by the chewy raisins.
174
00:15:23,750 --> 00:15:29,530
I alternate between bites of
granola and sips of juice, the
175
00:15:29,540 --> 00:15:33,810
Tang of orange bright against
the deep cinnamon flavour.
176
00:15:34,950 --> 00:15:40,620
I add in bites of the toast,
opting to cover one piece with
177
00:15:40,630 --> 00:15:44,550
the jam.
I think of the afternoon my
178
00:15:44,560 --> 00:15:48,470
grandmother made it.
Jurors lined up across her
179
00:15:48,480 --> 00:15:54,090
kitchen table while we chatted
over tea and biscuits used to
180
00:15:54,100 --> 00:15:56,140
test out the jam.
Of course.
181
00:15:57,210 --> 00:15:59,860
I wonder how many jars I have
left.
182
00:16:01,120 --> 00:16:06,370
One of the cats stirs and
stretches, long toes flexed in
183
00:16:06,380 --> 00:16:11,670
slow satisfaction.
I want to offer a tiny crumb of
184
00:16:11,680 --> 00:16:16,850
toast, but no, they're better
off without it, their content
185
00:16:16,860 --> 00:16:21,300
just being nearby as it seems we
all like the company.
186
00:16:22,810 --> 00:16:25,890
With the toast gone, I finish
the fruit.
187
00:16:26,650 --> 00:16:31,360
The strawberries are in season
and the taste proves exactly
188
00:16:31,370 --> 00:16:35,170
that.
The Peaches are juicy and soft
189
00:16:35,180 --> 00:16:39,480
as well.
I move to the tee, now cooled
190
00:16:39,490 --> 00:16:45,430
just enough to drink freely.
Everything is mostly gone now,
191
00:16:45,650 --> 00:16:49,230
only the teapot and cups still
partially full.
192
00:16:50,720 --> 00:16:56,900
Beside me on the night stand, a
neat stack of books awaits some
193
00:16:56,910 --> 00:17:00,150
fiction that I've been dipping
in and out of.
194
00:17:01,640 --> 00:17:06,510
Setting the tray to my side,
careful not to stir the sleeping
195
00:17:06,520 --> 00:17:12,170
ones around me, I reach for one,
thumbing through its pages to
196
00:17:12,180 --> 00:17:15,400
decide if it's the right one.
For this moment.
197
00:17:16,119 --> 00:17:21,839
There's no plan, no obligation,
I read for a while.
198
00:17:22,040 --> 00:17:26,520
Not long enough to get deeply
lost, but enough to let my
199
00:17:26,530 --> 00:17:31,160
breakfast settle.
Eventually, I stretch.
200
00:17:32,150 --> 00:17:38,740
One cat rolls over on its back,
belly exposed, legs sprawled in
201
00:17:38,750 --> 00:17:44,650
their own starfish position.
The other rises and does a slow
202
00:17:44,660 --> 00:17:49,730
walk across my lap before
curling up again on my other
203
00:17:49,740 --> 00:17:54,310
side.
They seemed to have enjoyed this
204
00:17:54,320 --> 00:18:00,530
as much as I have, this luxury
taken once in a while on
205
00:18:00,540 --> 00:18:07,930
mornings such as this.
I wish you sweet dreams.
