The world from my balcony

When I stand on my balcony I can look out and see the twinkling lights of downtown Milwaukee. I can see miles and miles of trees and the homes tucked in amongst them. I can look down and see my flower beds, the little stream trickling into our pond and the pond itself. I can see straight thru to the rear of the yard and the gorgeous container garden set up there, as well as the antique trike and desk and carousel horse placed amongst the flowers. I can sometimes see stars and can nearly always see the moon as if it’s shining up there just for me. I can sit at my little wrought iron table and smell the many herbs gathered in clay pots in front of me.

I can see the neighbor kids playing, the couple down the block fighting, the guy around the way tinkering with his car. I can see the bird feeders in other yards, hear the gorgeous wooden wind chimes from a few houses over.

The cat, curled up along the rails with her face in my nasturtium. The dog, sprawled out on the wooden slats, wallowing in the cool breeze. My curtains blowing out the patio door like something from a film set. My family, gathered in the living room inside.

When we moved into this flat I was worried. Worried that it would be too small (it is) and get too cluttered and messy too easily (it does). Worried that we’d get too cramped up and bicker more (sometimes we do).

But the yard and the patio and the deck and the balcony and the work we’ve put into bringing the gifts of nature so close to us makes it all – all – worthwhile.

I love my new home.
And I am enthralled with my balcony and the things I see from it.