July 24, 2025
🌸 🤫 Weekend Away in the Secret Garden - Part 3 of 3 - Relaxing Stories for Adults
Welcome to The Slow Life - A village filled with cozy stories for everyone. This story is called Weekend Away in the Secret Garden, and it’s about two naps in one day, dessert—of course, and something hidden in the familiar. This is Part 3 of the Secret Garden Bed & Breakfast series, but each story can be enjoyed on its own.
Part 1 (Arriving at the Secret Garden Bed & Breakfast): https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YrWvwsogEykmC9TLudwHl?si=4LTdxM25QWunRtt5s-TQ4w
Part 2 (Secret Garden): https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Nn0g6Vd9tytpRGWkbRglE?si=BZiEXGwhR9uE1GG5S9Zk5g
🇨🇦 These stories are written, edited and narrated by Jennifer Zwicker.
Support this podcast at Patreon, here https://patreon.com/theslowlifecalmingstories?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
~~~~
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
Weekend Away in the Secret Garden is a cozy bedtime story about having a little staycation in my own town. 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
00:00:01,990 --> 00:00:07,600
Welcome to The Slow Life, a
village filled with cozy stories
2
00:00:07,610 --> 00:00:12,790
for everyone.
I'll read this story 2 times to
3
00:00:12,800 --> 00:00:17,510
help you zone out or even fall
asleep during the second
4
00:00:17,520 --> 00:00:22,560
reading.
This story is called Weekend
5
00:00:22,570 --> 00:00:28,860
Away in The Secret Garden and
it's about two naps in one day.
6
00:00:29,310 --> 00:00:33,240
Dessert, of course, and
something hidden in the
7
00:00:33,250 --> 00:00:37,850
familiar.
This is Part 3 of The Secret
8
00:00:37,860 --> 00:00:43,610
Garden Bed and Breakfast series,
but each story can be enjoyed on
9
00:00:43,620 --> 00:00:50,130
its own.
I've been staying the weekend at
10
00:00:50,140 --> 00:00:52,860
The Secret Garden Bed and
Breakfast.
11
00:00:53,600 --> 00:00:58,090
The gardens themselves are
gorgeous and have been endless
12
00:00:58,100 --> 00:01:03,190
entertainment between strolls
throughout them and sitting in
13
00:01:03,200 --> 00:01:09,730
each secluded spot, sometimes
with a drink in hand, sometimes
14
00:01:09,740 --> 00:01:15,710
with a book, and other moments
with my hands empty and open in
15
00:01:15,720 --> 00:01:20,850
my lap.
Today even included two naps,
16
00:01:21,460 --> 00:01:25,810
not long, just enough to nod off
a few times.
17
00:01:26,440 --> 00:01:31,510
The first one was in my room,
but the second was in the shade
18
00:01:31,520 --> 00:01:36,430
on a lounge chair in a corner by
some overhanging roses.
19
00:01:37,730 --> 00:01:42,540
When supper time nears on this
second and final evening of my
20
00:01:42,550 --> 00:01:48,760
stay, I return inside.
The dining room, which nowadays
21
00:01:48,770 --> 00:01:53,800
offers more than just breakfast,
is soft with candlelight and
22
00:01:53,810 --> 00:01:58,800
quiet music.
A handful of other guests sit at
23
00:01:58,810 --> 00:02:04,080
small spaced out tables and the
air hums with the clink of
24
00:02:04,090 --> 00:02:07,510
silverware and the warmth of
comfort food.
25
00:02:08,650 --> 00:02:14,200
I have French onion soup to
start and pasta set beside
26
00:02:14,210 --> 00:02:18,700
roasted vegetables with herbs
that I imagine were snipped
27
00:02:18,710 --> 00:02:24,000
fresh from the garden.
The bread is warm, the butter
28
00:02:24,010 --> 00:02:28,990
melting easily over each piece,
and I savor each bite.
29
00:02:30,110 --> 00:02:35,660
There is dessert, of course, a
crumble with Peaches, golden and
30
00:02:35,670 --> 00:02:39,000
fragrant, paired with coconut
ice cream.
31
00:02:39,920 --> 00:02:45,400
It's a refreshing combination.
I linger over it, not quite
32
00:02:45,410 --> 00:02:51,160
ready for the evening to end.
I returned to my room only when
33
00:02:51,170 --> 00:02:56,540
the sky is deepening into
indigo, the stars just beginning
34
00:02:56,550 --> 00:03:01,720
to poke through.
I take a bath, sinking into the
35
00:03:01,730 --> 00:03:07,340
warm water with a sigh.
The window above the tub is open
36
00:03:07,350 --> 00:03:12,980
a few inches and I can hear the
rustle of leaves and faint song
37
00:03:12,990 --> 00:03:18,480
of crickets outside.
The scent of lavender drifts
38
00:03:18,490 --> 00:03:24,090
from the salts and oils provided
and I close my eyes, allowing
39
00:03:24,100 --> 00:03:26,970
the water to surround me for a
while.
40
00:03:28,180 --> 00:03:33,350
When I step out, I wrap myself
in the thick robe hanging on the
41
00:03:33,360 --> 00:03:37,790
back of the door.
I've left mine at home, just for
42
00:03:37,800 --> 00:03:43,640
the novelty of it.
It's dark outside now as I curl
43
00:03:43,650 --> 00:03:48,880
up in the window seat, legs
tucked beneath me, looking down
44
00:03:48,890 --> 00:03:52,830
at the garden.
Tiny lights have come on
45
00:03:52,840 --> 00:03:55,270
throughout the trees and
flowers.
46
00:03:56,020 --> 00:04:00,850
Fairy lights strung through the
Arbor, a shelter formed of
47
00:04:00,860 --> 00:04:06,880
climbing vines and their leaves.
A soft glow is cast over the
48
00:04:06,890 --> 00:04:11,060
beds below.
It all looks like a painting
49
00:04:11,130 --> 00:04:16,640
full of deep Blues and purples
dotted with soft yellows and
50
00:04:16,649 --> 00:04:21,610
oranges.
I sit here for a while, only
51
00:04:21,620 --> 00:04:26,470
rising to flick on the
conveniently easy fireplace to
52
00:04:26,480 --> 00:04:32,700
add to the coziness in the room.
I'm ready for sleep now, and it
53
00:04:32,710 --> 00:04:35,980
comes easily.
The bed is soft.
54
00:04:36,190 --> 00:04:41,050
The duvets wait upon me, just
heavy enough to tuck me in.
55
00:04:42,090 --> 00:04:46,260
My dreams are plump with
flowers, which I see through
56
00:04:46,270 --> 00:04:49,990
every secret garden doorway I
choose to enter.
57
00:04:51,240 --> 00:04:53,850
I wake in the morning to
silence.
58
00:04:54,220 --> 00:04:59,660
No curse, no distant hum of
televisions, just the sight of
59
00:04:59,670 --> 00:05:03,670
the wind.
Sunlight filters through the
60
00:05:03,680 --> 00:05:08,590
curtains like at home, just
bright enough to stir me gently
61
00:05:08,600 --> 00:05:12,070
awake and opening them fully
when I'm ready.
62
00:05:12,910 --> 00:05:16,960
I dress slowly, still wrapped in
the warmth of rest.
63
00:05:18,200 --> 00:05:22,710
Downstairs, I'm told I can take
breakfast in the sunroom or the
64
00:05:22,720 --> 00:05:26,890
garden.
It's a mild day, the sky wide
65
00:05:26,900 --> 00:05:30,080
and fully blue, so I choose the
garden.
66
00:05:31,210 --> 00:05:36,360
The table waits, set with a
white cloth and a small vase of
67
00:05:36,370 --> 00:05:40,380
marigolds.
I step on a smooth Ruey Boast
68
00:05:40,390 --> 00:05:45,260
tea and listened to the bird
song, watching the light shift
69
00:05:45,270 --> 00:05:48,910
amongst the bushes as the sun
climbs higher.
70
00:05:50,210 --> 00:05:55,560
Breakfast arrives, house made
granola with soy yogurt and
71
00:05:55,570 --> 00:05:59,500
berries and a fresh baked scone,
still warm.
72
00:06:00,420 --> 00:06:06,430
Spreading the butter and jam and
each spoonful of granola feels
73
00:06:06,440 --> 00:06:09,440
like a ritual performed with
every bite.
74
00:06:10,710 --> 00:06:15,750
I vow in this moment to
appreciate my meal times more,
75
00:06:16,030 --> 00:06:21,500
whether away on vacation or at
home on any so-called regular
76
00:06:21,510 --> 00:06:25,810
day.
A few other guests passed by,
77
00:06:25,940 --> 00:06:31,490
some nodding in greeting, others
as lost in their own scene as I
78
00:06:31,500 --> 00:06:34,840
am.
The garden feels like a shared
79
00:06:34,850 --> 00:06:38,980
secret, but one that everyone
can be a part of.
80
00:06:39,430 --> 00:06:44,520
We all seem to know the rules
that are to stroll or sit in
81
00:06:44,530 --> 00:06:49,200
quiet reflection and to take
deep breaths once we walk
82
00:06:49,210 --> 00:06:53,750
through the gate.
I returned to my room to gather
83
00:06:53,760 --> 00:07:00,050
my things, taking time to do so.
I stand at the window one last
84
00:07:00,060 --> 00:07:02,920
time, committing the view to
memory.
85
00:07:03,800 --> 00:07:08,390
I fold the robe and leave it on
the bed, smooth the quilt that
86
00:07:08,400 --> 00:07:13,170
lies at the foot and thank the
room for welcoming me in for
87
00:07:13,180 --> 00:07:17,890
these few days.
Down at the front desk, I'm
88
00:07:17,900 --> 00:07:22,790
thanked and wished a beautiful
rest of summer, and we schedule
89
00:07:22,800 --> 00:07:26,010
my stay for next year on the
same weekend.
90
00:07:26,970 --> 00:07:32,060
We wave as if it's goodbye until
then, even though we'll see each
91
00:07:32,070 --> 00:07:34,870
other around the village in the
meantime.
92
00:07:35,830 --> 00:07:40,500
It's all part of the fun of a
weekend away in your own town.
93
00:07:41,480 --> 00:07:46,630
As I walk home, Wheeling my
small suitcase behind me and
94
00:07:46,640 --> 00:07:51,550
only a few blocks away, I
realize I feel different.
95
00:07:52,060 --> 00:07:58,400
Not changed, but renewed.
The familiar houses I pass, the
96
00:07:58,410 --> 00:08:01,430
sidewalks I've walked 1000
times.
97
00:08:01,930 --> 00:08:06,820
They all look slightly altered,
as if lit or giving off a
98
00:08:06,830 --> 00:08:11,940
vibration from within.
I've stayed in my own village,
99
00:08:12,150 --> 00:08:15,150
yet I've seen it with new eyes
again.
100
00:08:16,540 --> 00:08:19,520
Knowing I'll return to The
Secret Garden.
101
00:08:19,530 --> 00:08:24,860
Bed and Breakfast will remind me
to plant more flowers in my own
102
00:08:24,870 --> 00:08:31,490
backyard, to slow down when I'm
eating each meal, to sip rather
103
00:08:31,500 --> 00:08:36,460
than gulp.
I also feel incredibly fortunate
104
00:08:36,710 --> 00:08:40,299
that I have no need to escape my
surroundings.
105
00:08:40,830 --> 00:08:45,040
But I do it because it's fun
sometimes, to step out of the
106
00:08:45,050 --> 00:08:49,250
ordinary and find something
hidden in the familiar.
107
00:08:50,260 --> 00:08:55,170
It's good for the soul to sit in
a garden and watch the blooms
108
00:08:55,180 --> 00:08:59,990
unfold around you.
It's magical to have a secret
109
00:09:00,220 --> 00:09:05,710
that feels newly special each
time you visit, even if that
110
00:09:05,720 --> 00:09:09,140
secret is only a few blocks from
home.
111
00:09:13,150 --> 00:09:16,300
Weekend away in The Secret
Garden.
112
00:09:19,450 --> 00:09:23,780
I have been staying the weekend
at The Secret Garden Bed and
113
00:09:23,790 --> 00:09:27,200
Breakfast.
The gardens themselves are
114
00:09:27,210 --> 00:09:32,500
gorgeous and have been endless
entertainment between strolls
115
00:09:32,510 --> 00:09:38,500
throughout them and sitting in
each secluded spot, sometimes
116
00:09:38,510 --> 00:09:44,360
with a drink in hand, sometimes
with a book, and other moments
117
00:09:44,370 --> 00:09:48,160
with my hands empty and open in
my lap.
118
00:09:49,640 --> 00:09:56,430
Today even included two naps,
not long, just enough to nod off
119
00:09:56,440 --> 00:10:00,560
a few times.
The first one was in my room,
120
00:10:00,920 --> 00:10:06,090
but the second was in the shade
on a lounge chair in a corner by
121
00:10:06,100 --> 00:10:11,750
some overhanging roses.
When supper time nears on this
122
00:10:11,760 --> 00:10:16,830
second and final evening of my
stay, I return inside.
123
00:10:17,940 --> 00:10:22,910
The dining room, which nowadays
offers more than just breakfast,
124
00:10:23,100 --> 00:10:26,590
is soft with candlelight and
quiet music.
125
00:10:27,730 --> 00:10:33,560
A handful of other guests sit at
small spaced out tables and the
126
00:10:33,570 --> 00:10:38,200
air hums with the clink of
silverware and the warmth of
127
00:10:38,210 --> 00:10:42,580
comfort food.
I have French onion soup to
128
00:10:42,590 --> 00:10:48,280
start and pasta set beside
roasted vegetables with herbs
129
00:10:48,560 --> 00:10:51,990
that I imagine were snipped
fresh from the garden.
130
00:10:53,200 --> 00:10:58,450
The bread is warm, the butter
melting easily over each piece,
131
00:10:58,660 --> 00:11:04,420
and I savor each bite.
There is dessert, of course, a
132
00:11:04,430 --> 00:11:09,820
crumble with Peaches, golden and
fragrant, paired with coconut
133
00:11:09,830 --> 00:11:13,840
ice cream.
It's a refreshing combination.
134
00:11:14,610 --> 00:11:19,170
I linger over it, not quite
ready for the evening to end.
135
00:11:20,390 --> 00:11:24,980
I returned to my room only when
the sky is deepening into
136
00:11:24,990 --> 00:11:29,350
indigo, the stars just beginning
to poke through.
137
00:11:30,590 --> 00:11:35,340
I take a bath, sinking into the
warm water with a sigh.
138
00:11:36,200 --> 00:11:41,950
The window above the tub is open
a few inches and I can hear the
139
00:11:41,960 --> 00:11:46,350
rustle of leaves and faint song
of crickets outside.
140
00:11:47,880 --> 00:11:52,890
The scent of lavender drifts
from the salts and oils provided
141
00:11:53,020 --> 00:11:58,090
and I close my eyes, allowing
the water to surround me for a
142
00:11:58,100 --> 00:12:02,860
while.
When I step out, I wrap myself
143
00:12:02,870 --> 00:12:06,210
in the thick robe hanging on the
back of the door.
144
00:12:06,990 --> 00:12:10,820
I've left mine at home, just for
the novelty of it.
145
00:12:12,220 --> 00:12:18,110
It's dark outside now as I curl
up in the window seat, legs
146
00:12:18,120 --> 00:12:21,550
tucked beneath me, looking down
at the garden.
147
00:12:22,630 --> 00:12:26,220
Tiny lights have come on
throughout the trees and
148
00:12:26,230 --> 00:12:29,760
flowers.
Fairy lights strung through the
149
00:12:29,770 --> 00:12:34,950
Arbor, a shelter formed of
climbing vines and their leaves.
150
00:12:35,930 --> 00:12:39,970
A soft glow is cast over the
beds below.
151
00:12:40,430 --> 00:12:45,720
It all looks like a painting
full of deep Blues and purples
152
00:12:46,030 --> 00:12:49,100
dotted with soft yellows and
oranges.
153
00:12:50,390 --> 00:12:55,100
I sit here for a while, only
rising to flick on the
154
00:12:55,110 --> 00:13:00,470
conveniently easy fireplace to
add to the coziness in the room.
155
00:13:01,780 --> 00:13:05,690
I'm ready for sleep now, and it
comes easily.
156
00:13:06,060 --> 00:13:10,670
The bed is soft.
The duvets wait upon me, just
157
00:13:10,680 --> 00:13:15,520
heavy enough to tuck me in.
My dreams are plump with
158
00:13:15,530 --> 00:13:20,560
flowers, which I see through
every secret garden doorway I
159
00:13:20,570 --> 00:13:24,600
choose to enter.
I wake in the morning to
160
00:13:24,610 --> 00:13:28,480
silence.
No curse, no distant hum of
161
00:13:28,490 --> 00:13:32,040
televisions, just the sight of
the wind.
162
00:13:33,370 --> 00:13:38,080
Sunlight filters through the
curtains like at home, just
163
00:13:38,090 --> 00:13:42,880
bright enough to stir me gently
awake and opening them fully
164
00:13:42,890 --> 00:13:47,240
when I'm ready.
I dress slowly, still wrapped in
165
00:13:47,250 --> 00:13:52,240
the warmth of rest.
Downstairs, I'm told I can take
166
00:13:52,250 --> 00:13:55,070
breakfast in the sunroom or the
garden.
167
00:13:55,500 --> 00:14:01,150
It's a mild day, the sky wide
and fully blue, so I choose the
168
00:14:01,160 --> 00:14:05,240
garden.
The table waits, set with a
169
00:14:05,250 --> 00:14:08,950
white cloth and a small vase of
marigolds.
170
00:14:09,820 --> 00:14:14,850
I step on a smooth rooibos tea
and listened to the bird song,
171
00:14:15,080 --> 00:14:20,050
watching the light shift amongst
the bushes as the sun climbs
172
00:14:20,060 --> 00:14:24,800
higher.
Breakfast arrives, house made
173
00:14:24,810 --> 00:14:30,300
granola with soy yogurt and
berries and a fresh baked scone,
174
00:14:30,310 --> 00:14:34,840
still warm.
Spreading the butter and jam and
175
00:14:34,850 --> 00:14:40,280
each spoonful of granola feels
like a ritual performed with
176
00:14:40,290 --> 00:14:44,550
every bite.
I vow in this moment to
177
00:14:44,560 --> 00:14:50,590
appreciate my meal times more,
whether away on vacation or at
178
00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:53,660
home on any so-called regular
day.
179
00:14:54,910 --> 00:15:00,640
A few other guests passed by,
some nodding in greeting, others
180
00:15:00,650 --> 00:15:03,470
as lost in their own scene as I
am.
181
00:15:04,360 --> 00:15:09,170
The garden feels like a shared
secret, but one that everyone
182
00:15:09,180 --> 00:15:13,390
can be a part of.
We all seem to know the rules
183
00:15:13,820 --> 00:15:18,850
that are to stroll or sit in
quiet reflection and to take
184
00:15:18,860 --> 00:15:21,800
deep breaths once we walk
through the gate.
185
00:15:23,130 --> 00:15:28,980
I returned to my room to gather
my things, taking time to do so.
186
00:15:29,370 --> 00:15:34,040
I stand at the window one last
time, committing the view to
187
00:15:34,050 --> 00:15:37,490
memory.
I fold the robe and leave it on
188
00:15:37,500 --> 00:15:42,620
the bed, smooth the quilt that
lies at the foot and thank the
189
00:15:42,630 --> 00:15:46,170
room for welcoming me in for
these few days.
190
00:15:47,550 --> 00:15:51,680
Down at the front desk, I'm
thanked and wished a beautiful
191
00:15:51,690 --> 00:15:56,620
rest of summer, and we schedule
my stay for next year on the
192
00:15:56,630 --> 00:16:00,710
same weekend.
We wave as if it's good bye
193
00:16:00,720 --> 00:16:04,850
until then, even though we'll
see each other around the
194
00:16:04,860 --> 00:16:09,640
village in the meantime.
It's all part of the fun of a
195
00:16:09,650 --> 00:16:15,460
weekend away in your own town.
As I walk home, Wheeling my
196
00:16:15,470 --> 00:16:21,140
small suitcase behind me and
only a few blocks away, I
197
00:16:21,150 --> 00:16:25,880
realize I feel different.
Not changed, but renewed.
198
00:16:26,800 --> 00:16:32,410
The familiar houses I pass, the
sidewalks I've walked 1000
199
00:16:32,420 --> 00:16:35,850
times.
They all look slightly altered,
200
00:16:36,220 --> 00:16:40,340
as if lit or giving off a
vibration from within.
201
00:16:41,370 --> 00:16:46,340
I've stayed in my own village,
yet I've seen it with new eyes
202
00:16:46,350 --> 00:16:50,010
again.
Knowing I'll return to The
203
00:16:50,020 --> 00:16:54,000
Secret Garden.
Bed and Breakfast will remind me
204
00:16:54,010 --> 00:16:59,570
to plant more flowers in my own
backyard, to slow down when I'm
205
00:16:59,580 --> 00:17:03,940
eating each meal, to sip rather
than gulp.
206
00:17:05,200 --> 00:17:10,970
I also feel incredibly fortunate
that I have no need to escape my
207
00:17:10,980 --> 00:17:14,490
surroundings.
But I do it because it's fun
208
00:17:14,500 --> 00:17:19,310
sometimes, to step out of the
ordinary and find something
209
00:17:19,319 --> 00:17:24,670
hidden in the familiar.
It's good for the soul to sit in
210
00:17:24,680 --> 00:17:28,349
a garden and watch the blooms
unfold around you.
211
00:17:29,250 --> 00:17:34,340
It's magical to have a secret
that feels newly special each
212
00:17:34,350 --> 00:17:40,340
time you visit, even if that
secret is only a few blocks from
213
00:17:40,350 --> 00:17:45,430
home.
I wish you sweet dreams.
00:00:01,990 --> 00:00:07,600
Welcome to The Slow Life, a
village filled with cozy stories
2
00:00:07,610 --> 00:00:12,790
for everyone.
I'll read this story 2 times to
3
00:00:12,800 --> 00:00:17,510
help you zone out or even fall
asleep during the second
4
00:00:17,520 --> 00:00:22,560
reading.
This story is called Weekend
5
00:00:22,570 --> 00:00:28,860
Away in The Secret Garden and
it's about two naps in one day.
6
00:00:29,310 --> 00:00:33,240
Dessert, of course, and
something hidden in the
7
00:00:33,250 --> 00:00:37,850
familiar.
This is Part 3 of The Secret
8
00:00:37,860 --> 00:00:43,610
Garden Bed and Breakfast series,
but each story can be enjoyed on
9
00:00:43,620 --> 00:00:50,130
its own.
I've been staying the weekend at
10
00:00:50,140 --> 00:00:52,860
The Secret Garden Bed and
Breakfast.
11
00:00:53,600 --> 00:00:58,090
The gardens themselves are
gorgeous and have been endless
12
00:00:58,100 --> 00:01:03,190
entertainment between strolls
throughout them and sitting in
13
00:01:03,200 --> 00:01:09,730
each secluded spot, sometimes
with a drink in hand, sometimes
14
00:01:09,740 --> 00:01:15,710
with a book, and other moments
with my hands empty and open in
15
00:01:15,720 --> 00:01:20,850
my lap.
Today even included two naps,
16
00:01:21,460 --> 00:01:25,810
not long, just enough to nod off
a few times.
17
00:01:26,440 --> 00:01:31,510
The first one was in my room,
but the second was in the shade
18
00:01:31,520 --> 00:01:36,430
on a lounge chair in a corner by
some overhanging roses.
19
00:01:37,730 --> 00:01:42,540
When supper time nears on this
second and final evening of my
20
00:01:42,550 --> 00:01:48,760
stay, I return inside.
The dining room, which nowadays
21
00:01:48,770 --> 00:01:53,800
offers more than just breakfast,
is soft with candlelight and
22
00:01:53,810 --> 00:01:58,800
quiet music.
A handful of other guests sit at
23
00:01:58,810 --> 00:02:04,080
small spaced out tables and the
air hums with the clink of
24
00:02:04,090 --> 00:02:07,510
silverware and the warmth of
comfort food.
25
00:02:08,650 --> 00:02:14,200
I have French onion soup to
start and pasta set beside
26
00:02:14,210 --> 00:02:18,700
roasted vegetables with herbs
that I imagine were snipped
27
00:02:18,710 --> 00:02:24,000
fresh from the garden.
The bread is warm, the butter
28
00:02:24,010 --> 00:02:28,990
melting easily over each piece,
and I savor each bite.
29
00:02:30,110 --> 00:02:35,660
There is dessert, of course, a
crumble with Peaches, golden and
30
00:02:35,670 --> 00:02:39,000
fragrant, paired with coconut
ice cream.
31
00:02:39,920 --> 00:02:45,400
It's a refreshing combination.
I linger over it, not quite
32
00:02:45,410 --> 00:02:51,160
ready for the evening to end.
I returned to my room only when
33
00:02:51,170 --> 00:02:56,540
the sky is deepening into
indigo, the stars just beginning
34
00:02:56,550 --> 00:03:01,720
to poke through.
I take a bath, sinking into the
35
00:03:01,730 --> 00:03:07,340
warm water with a sigh.
The window above the tub is open
36
00:03:07,350 --> 00:03:12,980
a few inches and I can hear the
rustle of leaves and faint song
37
00:03:12,990 --> 00:03:18,480
of crickets outside.
The scent of lavender drifts
38
00:03:18,490 --> 00:03:24,090
from the salts and oils provided
and I close my eyes, allowing
39
00:03:24,100 --> 00:03:26,970
the water to surround me for a
while.
40
00:03:28,180 --> 00:03:33,350
When I step out, I wrap myself
in the thick robe hanging on the
41
00:03:33,360 --> 00:03:37,790
back of the door.
I've left mine at home, just for
42
00:03:37,800 --> 00:03:43,640
the novelty of it.
It's dark outside now as I curl
43
00:03:43,650 --> 00:03:48,880
up in the window seat, legs
tucked beneath me, looking down
44
00:03:48,890 --> 00:03:52,830
at the garden.
Tiny lights have come on
45
00:03:52,840 --> 00:03:55,270
throughout the trees and
flowers.
46
00:03:56,020 --> 00:04:00,850
Fairy lights strung through the
Arbor, a shelter formed of
47
00:04:00,860 --> 00:04:06,880
climbing vines and their leaves.
A soft glow is cast over the
48
00:04:06,890 --> 00:04:11,060
beds below.
It all looks like a painting
49
00:04:11,130 --> 00:04:16,640
full of deep Blues and purples
dotted with soft yellows and
50
00:04:16,649 --> 00:04:21,610
oranges.
I sit here for a while, only
51
00:04:21,620 --> 00:04:26,470
rising to flick on the
conveniently easy fireplace to
52
00:04:26,480 --> 00:04:32,700
add to the coziness in the room.
I'm ready for sleep now, and it
53
00:04:32,710 --> 00:04:35,980
comes easily.
The bed is soft.
54
00:04:36,190 --> 00:04:41,050
The duvets wait upon me, just
heavy enough to tuck me in.
55
00:04:42,090 --> 00:04:46,260
My dreams are plump with
flowers, which I see through
56
00:04:46,270 --> 00:04:49,990
every secret garden doorway I
choose to enter.
57
00:04:51,240 --> 00:04:53,850
I wake in the morning to
silence.
58
00:04:54,220 --> 00:04:59,660
No curse, no distant hum of
televisions, just the sight of
59
00:04:59,670 --> 00:05:03,670
the wind.
Sunlight filters through the
60
00:05:03,680 --> 00:05:08,590
curtains like at home, just
bright enough to stir me gently
61
00:05:08,600 --> 00:05:12,070
awake and opening them fully
when I'm ready.
62
00:05:12,910 --> 00:05:16,960
I dress slowly, still wrapped in
the warmth of rest.
63
00:05:18,200 --> 00:05:22,710
Downstairs, I'm told I can take
breakfast in the sunroom or the
64
00:05:22,720 --> 00:05:26,890
garden.
It's a mild day, the sky wide
65
00:05:26,900 --> 00:05:30,080
and fully blue, so I choose the
garden.
66
00:05:31,210 --> 00:05:36,360
The table waits, set with a
white cloth and a small vase of
67
00:05:36,370 --> 00:05:40,380
marigolds.
I step on a smooth Ruey Boast
68
00:05:40,390 --> 00:05:45,260
tea and listened to the bird
song, watching the light shift
69
00:05:45,270 --> 00:05:48,910
amongst the bushes as the sun
climbs higher.
70
00:05:50,210 --> 00:05:55,560
Breakfast arrives, house made
granola with soy yogurt and
71
00:05:55,570 --> 00:05:59,500
berries and a fresh baked scone,
still warm.
72
00:06:00,420 --> 00:06:06,430
Spreading the butter and jam and
each spoonful of granola feels
73
00:06:06,440 --> 00:06:09,440
like a ritual performed with
every bite.
74
00:06:10,710 --> 00:06:15,750
I vow in this moment to
appreciate my meal times more,
75
00:06:16,030 --> 00:06:21,500
whether away on vacation or at
home on any so-called regular
76
00:06:21,510 --> 00:06:25,810
day.
A few other guests passed by,
77
00:06:25,940 --> 00:06:31,490
some nodding in greeting, others
as lost in their own scene as I
78
00:06:31,500 --> 00:06:34,840
am.
The garden feels like a shared
79
00:06:34,850 --> 00:06:38,980
secret, but one that everyone
can be a part of.
80
00:06:39,430 --> 00:06:44,520
We all seem to know the rules
that are to stroll or sit in
81
00:06:44,530 --> 00:06:49,200
quiet reflection and to take
deep breaths once we walk
82
00:06:49,210 --> 00:06:53,750
through the gate.
I returned to my room to gather
83
00:06:53,760 --> 00:07:00,050
my things, taking time to do so.
I stand at the window one last
84
00:07:00,060 --> 00:07:02,920
time, committing the view to
memory.
85
00:07:03,800 --> 00:07:08,390
I fold the robe and leave it on
the bed, smooth the quilt that
86
00:07:08,400 --> 00:07:13,170
lies at the foot and thank the
room for welcoming me in for
87
00:07:13,180 --> 00:07:17,890
these few days.
Down at the front desk, I'm
88
00:07:17,900 --> 00:07:22,790
thanked and wished a beautiful
rest of summer, and we schedule
89
00:07:22,800 --> 00:07:26,010
my stay for next year on the
same weekend.
90
00:07:26,970 --> 00:07:32,060
We wave as if it's goodbye until
then, even though we'll see each
91
00:07:32,070 --> 00:07:34,870
other around the village in the
meantime.
92
00:07:35,830 --> 00:07:40,500
It's all part of the fun of a
weekend away in your own town.
93
00:07:41,480 --> 00:07:46,630
As I walk home, Wheeling my
small suitcase behind me and
94
00:07:46,640 --> 00:07:51,550
only a few blocks away, I
realize I feel different.
95
00:07:52,060 --> 00:07:58,400
Not changed, but renewed.
The familiar houses I pass, the
96
00:07:58,410 --> 00:08:01,430
sidewalks I've walked 1000
times.
97
00:08:01,930 --> 00:08:06,820
They all look slightly altered,
as if lit or giving off a
98
00:08:06,830 --> 00:08:11,940
vibration from within.
I've stayed in my own village,
99
00:08:12,150 --> 00:08:15,150
yet I've seen it with new eyes
again.
100
00:08:16,540 --> 00:08:19,520
Knowing I'll return to The
Secret Garden.
101
00:08:19,530 --> 00:08:24,860
Bed and Breakfast will remind me
to plant more flowers in my own
102
00:08:24,870 --> 00:08:31,490
backyard, to slow down when I'm
eating each meal, to sip rather
103
00:08:31,500 --> 00:08:36,460
than gulp.
I also feel incredibly fortunate
104
00:08:36,710 --> 00:08:40,299
that I have no need to escape my
surroundings.
105
00:08:40,830 --> 00:08:45,040
But I do it because it's fun
sometimes, to step out of the
106
00:08:45,050 --> 00:08:49,250
ordinary and find something
hidden in the familiar.
107
00:08:50,260 --> 00:08:55,170
It's good for the soul to sit in
a garden and watch the blooms
108
00:08:55,180 --> 00:08:59,990
unfold around you.
It's magical to have a secret
109
00:09:00,220 --> 00:09:05,710
that feels newly special each
time you visit, even if that
110
00:09:05,720 --> 00:09:09,140
secret is only a few blocks from
home.
111
00:09:13,150 --> 00:09:16,300
Weekend away in The Secret
Garden.
112
00:09:19,450 --> 00:09:23,780
I have been staying the weekend
at The Secret Garden Bed and
113
00:09:23,790 --> 00:09:27,200
Breakfast.
The gardens themselves are
114
00:09:27,210 --> 00:09:32,500
gorgeous and have been endless
entertainment between strolls
115
00:09:32,510 --> 00:09:38,500
throughout them and sitting in
each secluded spot, sometimes
116
00:09:38,510 --> 00:09:44,360
with a drink in hand, sometimes
with a book, and other moments
117
00:09:44,370 --> 00:09:48,160
with my hands empty and open in
my lap.
118
00:09:49,640 --> 00:09:56,430
Today even included two naps,
not long, just enough to nod off
119
00:09:56,440 --> 00:10:00,560
a few times.
The first one was in my room,
120
00:10:00,920 --> 00:10:06,090
but the second was in the shade
on a lounge chair in a corner by
121
00:10:06,100 --> 00:10:11,750
some overhanging roses.
When supper time nears on this
122
00:10:11,760 --> 00:10:16,830
second and final evening of my
stay, I return inside.
123
00:10:17,940 --> 00:10:22,910
The dining room, which nowadays
offers more than just breakfast,
124
00:10:23,100 --> 00:10:26,590
is soft with candlelight and
quiet music.
125
00:10:27,730 --> 00:10:33,560
A handful of other guests sit at
small spaced out tables and the
126
00:10:33,570 --> 00:10:38,200
air hums with the clink of
silverware and the warmth of
127
00:10:38,210 --> 00:10:42,580
comfort food.
I have French onion soup to
128
00:10:42,590 --> 00:10:48,280
start and pasta set beside
roasted vegetables with herbs
129
00:10:48,560 --> 00:10:51,990
that I imagine were snipped
fresh from the garden.
130
00:10:53,200 --> 00:10:58,450
The bread is warm, the butter
melting easily over each piece,
131
00:10:58,660 --> 00:11:04,420
and I savor each bite.
There is dessert, of course, a
132
00:11:04,430 --> 00:11:09,820
crumble with Peaches, golden and
fragrant, paired with coconut
133
00:11:09,830 --> 00:11:13,840
ice cream.
It's a refreshing combination.
134
00:11:14,610 --> 00:11:19,170
I linger over it, not quite
ready for the evening to end.
135
00:11:20,390 --> 00:11:24,980
I returned to my room only when
the sky is deepening into
136
00:11:24,990 --> 00:11:29,350
indigo, the stars just beginning
to poke through.
137
00:11:30,590 --> 00:11:35,340
I take a bath, sinking into the
warm water with a sigh.
138
00:11:36,200 --> 00:11:41,950
The window above the tub is open
a few inches and I can hear the
139
00:11:41,960 --> 00:11:46,350
rustle of leaves and faint song
of crickets outside.
140
00:11:47,880 --> 00:11:52,890
The scent of lavender drifts
from the salts and oils provided
141
00:11:53,020 --> 00:11:58,090
and I close my eyes, allowing
the water to surround me for a
142
00:11:58,100 --> 00:12:02,860
while.
When I step out, I wrap myself
143
00:12:02,870 --> 00:12:06,210
in the thick robe hanging on the
back of the door.
144
00:12:06,990 --> 00:12:10,820
I've left mine at home, just for
the novelty of it.
145
00:12:12,220 --> 00:12:18,110
It's dark outside now as I curl
up in the window seat, legs
146
00:12:18,120 --> 00:12:21,550
tucked beneath me, looking down
at the garden.
147
00:12:22,630 --> 00:12:26,220
Tiny lights have come on
throughout the trees and
148
00:12:26,230 --> 00:12:29,760
flowers.
Fairy lights strung through the
149
00:12:29,770 --> 00:12:34,950
Arbor, a shelter formed of
climbing vines and their leaves.
150
00:12:35,930 --> 00:12:39,970
A soft glow is cast over the
beds below.
151
00:12:40,430 --> 00:12:45,720
It all looks like a painting
full of deep Blues and purples
152
00:12:46,030 --> 00:12:49,100
dotted with soft yellows and
oranges.
153
00:12:50,390 --> 00:12:55,100
I sit here for a while, only
rising to flick on the
154
00:12:55,110 --> 00:13:00,470
conveniently easy fireplace to
add to the coziness in the room.
155
00:13:01,780 --> 00:13:05,690
I'm ready for sleep now, and it
comes easily.
156
00:13:06,060 --> 00:13:10,670
The bed is soft.
The duvets wait upon me, just
157
00:13:10,680 --> 00:13:15,520
heavy enough to tuck me in.
My dreams are plump with
158
00:13:15,530 --> 00:13:20,560
flowers, which I see through
every secret garden doorway I
159
00:13:20,570 --> 00:13:24,600
choose to enter.
I wake in the morning to
160
00:13:24,610 --> 00:13:28,480
silence.
No curse, no distant hum of
161
00:13:28,490 --> 00:13:32,040
televisions, just the sight of
the wind.
162
00:13:33,370 --> 00:13:38,080
Sunlight filters through the
curtains like at home, just
163
00:13:38,090 --> 00:13:42,880
bright enough to stir me gently
awake and opening them fully
164
00:13:42,890 --> 00:13:47,240
when I'm ready.
I dress slowly, still wrapped in
165
00:13:47,250 --> 00:13:52,240
the warmth of rest.
Downstairs, I'm told I can take
166
00:13:52,250 --> 00:13:55,070
breakfast in the sunroom or the
garden.
167
00:13:55,500 --> 00:14:01,150
It's a mild day, the sky wide
and fully blue, so I choose the
168
00:14:01,160 --> 00:14:05,240
garden.
The table waits, set with a
169
00:14:05,250 --> 00:14:08,950
white cloth and a small vase of
marigolds.
170
00:14:09,820 --> 00:14:14,850
I step on a smooth rooibos tea
and listened to the bird song,
171
00:14:15,080 --> 00:14:20,050
watching the light shift amongst
the bushes as the sun climbs
172
00:14:20,060 --> 00:14:24,800
higher.
Breakfast arrives, house made
173
00:14:24,810 --> 00:14:30,300
granola with soy yogurt and
berries and a fresh baked scone,
174
00:14:30,310 --> 00:14:34,840
still warm.
Spreading the butter and jam and
175
00:14:34,850 --> 00:14:40,280
each spoonful of granola feels
like a ritual performed with
176
00:14:40,290 --> 00:14:44,550
every bite.
I vow in this moment to
177
00:14:44,560 --> 00:14:50,590
appreciate my meal times more,
whether away on vacation or at
178
00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:53,660
home on any so-called regular
day.
179
00:14:54,910 --> 00:15:00,640
A few other guests passed by,
some nodding in greeting, others
180
00:15:00,650 --> 00:15:03,470
as lost in their own scene as I
am.
181
00:15:04,360 --> 00:15:09,170
The garden feels like a shared
secret, but one that everyone
182
00:15:09,180 --> 00:15:13,390
can be a part of.
We all seem to know the rules
183
00:15:13,820 --> 00:15:18,850
that are to stroll or sit in
quiet reflection and to take
184
00:15:18,860 --> 00:15:21,800
deep breaths once we walk
through the gate.
185
00:15:23,130 --> 00:15:28,980
I returned to my room to gather
my things, taking time to do so.
186
00:15:29,370 --> 00:15:34,040
I stand at the window one last
time, committing the view to
187
00:15:34,050 --> 00:15:37,490
memory.
I fold the robe and leave it on
188
00:15:37,500 --> 00:15:42,620
the bed, smooth the quilt that
lies at the foot and thank the
189
00:15:42,630 --> 00:15:46,170
room for welcoming me in for
these few days.
190
00:15:47,550 --> 00:15:51,680
Down at the front desk, I'm
thanked and wished a beautiful
191
00:15:51,690 --> 00:15:56,620
rest of summer, and we schedule
my stay for next year on the
192
00:15:56,630 --> 00:16:00,710
same weekend.
We wave as if it's good bye
193
00:16:00,720 --> 00:16:04,850
until then, even though we'll
see each other around the
194
00:16:04,860 --> 00:16:09,640
village in the meantime.
It's all part of the fun of a
195
00:16:09,650 --> 00:16:15,460
weekend away in your own town.
As I walk home, Wheeling my
196
00:16:15,470 --> 00:16:21,140
small suitcase behind me and
only a few blocks away, I
197
00:16:21,150 --> 00:16:25,880
realize I feel different.
Not changed, but renewed.
198
00:16:26,800 --> 00:16:32,410
The familiar houses I pass, the
sidewalks I've walked 1000
199
00:16:32,420 --> 00:16:35,850
times.
They all look slightly altered,
200
00:16:36,220 --> 00:16:40,340
as if lit or giving off a
vibration from within.
201
00:16:41,370 --> 00:16:46,340
I've stayed in my own village,
yet I've seen it with new eyes
202
00:16:46,350 --> 00:16:50,010
again.
Knowing I'll return to The
203
00:16:50,020 --> 00:16:54,000
Secret Garden.
Bed and Breakfast will remind me
204
00:16:54,010 --> 00:16:59,570
to plant more flowers in my own
backyard, to slow down when I'm
205
00:16:59,580 --> 00:17:03,940
eating each meal, to sip rather
than gulp.
206
00:17:05,200 --> 00:17:10,970
I also feel incredibly fortunate
that I have no need to escape my
207
00:17:10,980 --> 00:17:14,490
surroundings.
But I do it because it's fun
208
00:17:14,500 --> 00:17:19,310
sometimes, to step out of the
ordinary and find something
209
00:17:19,319 --> 00:17:24,670
hidden in the familiar.
It's good for the soul to sit in
210
00:17:24,680 --> 00:17:28,349
a garden and watch the blooms
unfold around you.
211
00:17:29,250 --> 00:17:34,340
It's magical to have a secret
that feels newly special each
212
00:17:34,350 --> 00:17:40,340
time you visit, even if that
secret is only a few blocks from
213
00:17:40,350 --> 00:17:45,430
home.
I wish you sweet dreams.
