Without Power

It is 3am EST and I am laying in bed unable to sleep. We lost power about a half hour ago, the spiteful aftermath of Hurricane Turner, no doubt. I have lit two scented candles and placed them on each side of my overly grand cherry bed. One is lemon and the other is apple. The subsequent aroma is overwhelming and nearly nauseating.

I have always enjoyed power outages. For someone who enjoys electronics, being connected, and staying in touch-- I rather appreciate the simpler life. It may seem paradoxical at the moment, as I am writing this on my Blackberry, but the feeling is the same nonetheless.

It is so serene knowing that you are shut off from the world. No need to bother checking that email. No need to see the fourth quarter of the game. Just you, your thoughts, and if you're lucky, someone you love there with you. It's amazing how quiet it is. No humming from electronics or the gentle whir of a fan. No beeping or buzzing from appliances.

I could get used to this.

If I had someone next to me in bed, I would hold her and whisper sentiments to her. Careful not to disturb her, I would softly kiss her shoulders, watch her squirm a little, then lean back and smile. You don't need power and electricity to do that-- just a little bit of love.