Bird silhouettes against a pale blue sky

8:06 am finds me rosy-cheeked and ready for a cup of steaming jasmine tea after a 15 minute morning yoga session on my front stoop.
After arising and putting the water on to boil, I slip on some 'faux'-crocs, shove (for a push is not strong enough) open the front screen door and plant myself in mountain pose to greet the day.
The sky is only just alight, and the birds are winging their way from night perches to morning activity.
2 crows lope slowly by; a few smaller birds flit and dance in aerial acrobatics; a raptor speeds across the yard, mere feet from the ground then arcs up into a spruce tree.
I revel in the moment - deep breathes and  view of birds.
The sky slowly shifts from pale to brighter hue, and a hint of pink colors the clouds to the southeast.

I move through my routine feeling the blood flow and bring life and energy to my cells.  My lungs thrill at the sharp sweetness of the brisk morning air heavy with moisture and a hint of the scent of decaying leaves.
By the end of the session I am loosened of limb and quick of mind. I will enjoy my tea all the more for having spent time concentrating on the breath, maneuvering through poses, and meditating.

I also noticed during my morning 'take a good look at yourself in the mirror' moment, that I am looking healthier. I am pleased to observe my midriff no longer evidences intestinal bloating! The curves are luscious and lovely.

I am inclined to think the removal of vegetables of the nightshade family may have been a key. So, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants we shall not meet again on my plate. Peppers, oh, peppers.... I shan't as easily part ways with you. Will cayenne, chili, and hot sauce be the bane of my digestion? Or can small doses find place in my spice application? Only time will tell.