Getting up in the not-so-sunny south of France during the winter might not be as challenging as it is in Antarctica, but it has its inconveniences. Especially, if you have a hungry horde, or more specifically, a hungry herd, traipsing through the mud, making as much noise as possible, from sunrise every morning.
I had to develop a routine to make getting up worthwhile. It had to be fairly short – not for me the luxury of writing morning pages in bed – I had to get up, get dressed and get going as quickly as possible. Although my body can just about cope, my mind is slower to respond to the demands of another day, no matter how enticing the sunrise.
My morning ritual, therefore, starts with coffee. I LOVE coffee, so it’s a very effective way to bribe myself out of bed, into my dressing gown and downstairs where I come to a standstill in front of the coffee machine. Still without having thought a single intelligent thought, I make my favourite coffee: – one dosette of Carte Noir Corsé and one dosette of Carrefour’s brand of Vanilla-flavoured coffee. I drink the first cup standing up, it would be too dangerous to sit down before my brain is fully awake. By the time the second cup is ready for consumption, I am ready for the next part of my morning-speed-ritual: making a list of 5 things I am grateful for, followed by a short prayer to thank Him-Upstairs for His generosity.
Now I am ready to face the hungry hordes, or nearly, I just need to wack on my wellies and don my black beret. Here in the south of France people wear them not as a fashion statement but because they are warm and because it gives them a sense of belonging. To this part of the world. To the Gers. With the Gersois. Why else would anyone want to wear a black pancake on their heads?
Do you have a ritual that helps you get going in the morning too?
If not, I can recommend mine, not only does the caffeine give you a much-needed energy boost, but making a list of what and who you are thankful for gives your mind the lift it needs to start the day.
If you like this vignette of my life here in Gascony, you can escape to the south of France for a virtual visit by subscribing to my mailing list HERE.
Coming soon:
- Virtual Write Your Story Retreat for writers and can’t-writers
- Post-pandemic: What is Your Life’s Purpose? Challenge in my Facebook Group
Savoir Vivre Vignette Series
Dr Margaretha Montagu 
My morning also starts with coffee. Since it is the weekend now I slept in until 6am (!) I usually get up at 4am during the work week. In the weekends I like to read and write while it is still quiet. I love mornings. I usually write my “Weekend Coffee Share” on Saturdays mornings, that is definitely a weekend ritual before starting my day. Enjoy this beautiful day! ❤
Thanks, Maria, great day so far. Yes, I saw you are writing “Weekend Coffee Share” posts. I used to do that too, till maybe two years ago. It was huge fun, but now I write these vignettes. I usually am awake at 4am too, definitely a morning person. I love your photos’ also on Instagram. Hugs to you both.