damn! i was nodding with you all the way through this lovely rhythmic piece - yes, yes, 2:43 or 3: 20 something, great ideas in the middle of the night (it's when i come up with titles - gah) - and then, yes yes, YOGA, that's the answer until - whoops! - that stunner ending! i'd give you advice (like take some sleeping pill thingy just for a couple days to break the spell of the backwards cycle you're in *or* don't get out of bed at 2:43 or whenever, just stay there and practice your yoga breathing) because those are things that work for me, but maybe you should just write during your wide-awake nights. we could use more good stuff around here, you know. :)

Thanks femme, I'll think I'll take your advice on the sleeping pills one of these nights but if I don't wake up ... 20 years from now I might have to write the female version of Rip's story. I hope the world will be ready for it by then! xo :)

Melatonin? Ever tried that? I've heard it works but I've never had to use it myself; I drink coffee right up until I lay my head down and I'm still out in seconds. Not trying to rub your bleary eyes in it...just sharing. I do know how you feel though because when you don't get enough sleep and you must stay alert, there's a weird, wired feeling that comes over. And now you've got me trying to think of other words like that, which will probably keep me awake all night. Thanks Scarlett. I love that you woke to BTO's Taking Care of Business; I guess the universe has a sense of humor. And despite your fatigue you wrote a divine post so all is not lost.
P.S. Your toenails are lovely.

Gads Zeus . . . This was like total identity.
I tossed and turned in bed @ 3:30 like you.
I kicked the comforter off - and to the floor.

It was one of those - This is a psychic dream.
I knew I was dreaming - The dream went on.
It was 'Draft' beer? No. - It was a draft-war.

Dreams can be upheaves - I refused orders.
I dreamed I was back in war - O Conscience.
I refused to carry a weapon - It was danger!

Sometimes I dream that I'm on a chopper.
Warrant Officers smoked Pot in combat.
The First Air Calvary got dropped off.

The AO (area of operation) is bloody.
GI's drop dead. Some die so quietly.
Some die languishing and kicking.

I'll spare you dear (You) images.
In a dream I refused (CO) war.
A chopper is a deadly vehicle.

Warrant Officer's smoke . . .
The smoke would swirl . . .
Grunts got a whiff pre-die.
`
I pause . . . share? No . . .
Scarlet Sumac? Beets?
Eat crispy red beet chips?
`
Potato chips make me thirsty.
I (unpremeditated) hop in bar.
I left the Blogs last eve to gulp.

I drank two potent`Fat Tire Beers.
Fort Collins brews `Fat Tire Beers.
They also brew one`Ranger Beer.

I confess I had bacon on a Club.
Club sandwiches with 2- brews.
Tavern chatter stirred psyche.
`
I enjoyed the local drinkers.
Some wondered why I hide.
Courtrooms freak me out.
I recalled the "beet bride"
?
She is one artist - dianaan.
She's as nice as Joan H. and:
and others who exude virtue.
`
If I ramble on/on it's therapy?
I woke up beet\beat from war.
Stuff percolates\forth. Sighs.
`
Thanks for this peak within.
Muse - Sometime I say`Hay!
You let me sleep! I'm so beat!
`
I did eat some dried beet chips,
dill pickle, - 2- 'Fat Tire' beers,
and listened to - Angel Chants.
huh . . .
Some eves I need total calm.
I'll refuse to turn on O.S.`gin.
I Love post/comments. Sighs.
`
Last night I came home tuckered.
I did not Place my chew-gum on post.
huh . . .
I recall the lyrics "Put my gum on bedpost"
I did 'kick' my blankets on the floor. Ay Beat.
It was a 'tossing and turning all dang night'
`
PAN was Nature's Visitation in past eras.
PAN may visit in dream, war, fed offices,
upturn boats, and remind of slaughters.

This era we share is ill/ilk managed. Mars.
Mars was the old war\memory of lostness.
False-face politicos stink. Oy, and depraved.

Jacob Freeze ponder too - What planet is he on?
This 21st century flounder. Lost as Awe-Get-out!
We (You etc.,) best - So Go Softly - Sense Danger!
`
I still am in awe . . . Life's rewards are enchanting.
I read in Norse Era's Myth's dreams are messages.
Old 'Faerie' is to be "viewed" as infinitely valuable.
`
Faerie was a energy with dark enchantment. Love.
Lovers, sculptors, writers, and a host of invisible:
or
"Muse"
entertain humans with "inspiration from beyond.
The arts,
in-deed,
Serve as
Guides.
We sense ugliness, beauty,
and -`Spirit is capricious.
they - Spirit is so elusive.
Muses are so powerful.
Muses wake. Startle.
Muses are tragic,
enchanting, and-
delicate Forces.
Spirit is creative.
Folks blunder.
Let's discern.
Distinguish.
Never quit.
Acknowledge.
Examine Self.
What a morn.
`
Maybe the moral is:
No gulp ' Fat Tire'
But beer has hops.
Hops can Nod us.
`
"Once Upon a Time"
`
Psychos never 'feel'
They plan to kill folk.
Iran comes to Mind.
`
Lost humans ruin -
Hamartia is ugly -
Evil can incarnate -
`
Bogie ends . . .
Bogle begins . . .
Evil haunts . . .
`
Resist evil critters
Evil seeks to devour
Discern the `Spirits
`
We humans have one
Keep good company
Retain character
`
Musicians sooth
Our `Spirit aches
We sense troubles
It's a turbulent era
Muse visits us too
Ay, in misty wood,
gales, waves, naps,
and commune too.
`
sometimes no amount
of words and mooning
damp-dry, Ay, a Light
`
huh?
Maybe eat toadstools,
mushrooms, funguses,
commune with friends
`
No terminology applies
Even black maggots serve
Worms clean dead skulls,
and eat raw beets in bed?
`
I know I love to annoy?
It's essential to care.
You minister to me.
`
Let's sense a orchard
In Spring we perk up
and Awe makes sense
`
A old Faerie was real
There was no doubt
They are not visible
None are defined
You etc., kin folk
There's no word
You raw stuff
Life's precious
You cause no
trouble to me
`
I meet in dream
Spirit attracts
Be so happy
`
I order `Muse
Muse! `Shush!
Love always . . .
`
I shut my trap
I seal my lips
You flower
You bloom
You no idiot
gaud-apology
I go hop in bed
No chew tobacco
It gonna be wild
It a waking day
No bother us?
Behave today?
You etc., 'I do'
Gads Zeus too!
`
To send or not?
We participate.
We struggle too.

Dear SS,

Do what you have to do and keep focused on the goals that you have set for yourself. We all need this durning these difficult times.


──▄████▄▄████▄
─▐████▄██▄████▌.(\(\----♥----/­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ )/)
─▐█████▄▄█████▌(=':')-------('­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­:'=)
──▀██▄▀▀▀▀▄██▀o(..(")(")..(")­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ (")..)o
────▀██████▀ *•.¸¸.•*`*•.¸¸.•*`*•.¸¸.•★
──────▀██▀ ★•*`*•─(¯` v´¯)¸♪•
╔╗╔╦╗╦╔░╔═╗♪•*☆.(¯`:❤ :´¯)´¯)*
╚╗║║║║║░╠╣★*•.¸¸.•*.(_.^._)❤:´­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ ¯)
╚╝╝╝╝╩╚═╚═╝───.¸¸.•*`*•(_.^._)­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ ★*•Remember I still want you to be my Valentine..yoga class or not.

I love the way you wrote this, I love your turquoise toenails. I am impressed that you don't seem the least bit grouchy for lack of sleep. I'm a bear when I start my day at 3-ish, which seemed to be my wake-up time for months this past fall. Your writing doesn't suffer for lack of sleep. ~r

@Art, thank you for the kind words and for remembering the beet bride!

That's my usual problem, my brain just doesn't want to go to sleep, it wants to have conversations with me, like in my dreams, then it wants us to run around, which is more tiring than if I just stayed up!! PFFFT!! :D

RATED!

I LOVE THOSE TOES!

Re: sleeping and attention to ticking minutes. I try not to proselytize too much about mediation practice, but will say this. Since '98, I have not remained awake more than five minutes after my head hits the pillow, and there is no better way to enjoy the passing of life's moments than while sitting mindfully and observing them as they roll in and out. The night before my 8 am mastectomy surgery, I slept a full eight hours. That's how good it is :-)

Scarlett, have you looked at Melatonin and L-Theanine? Purely organic. They work for me. Might help you, too. Pretty toes.

As a night person by nature whose body clock has never truly merged with the business clock, with plenty of attendant sleep deprivation on this side, this resonates with me. Ah, that feeling when you simply can't shut your brain down while tossing and turning at 3 am ...

For years I've been convinced that my body is really programmed to a 28 hour cycle. I need, or could use, 7 - 7.5 hours of sleep a night. I usually get closer to 5. Seldom sleepy when I should be, too often sleepy when I shouldn't. I haven't yet pulled out the herbal tea and sea salt bath stops so I've something in reserve. Enjoyable post Scarlett along with your usual excellent music accompaniments.

Your words flow well for someone who is so fatigued.

I had some issues with sleep myself about nine years ago. Tried the herb valerian root. Just for a bit. It did help. You can get it in tea form at many health food stores. Just an idea.

My ninety three yr old mom takes half a sleeping pill at 3am when she wakes up. Sleep is important. But for me about ten years ago I decided I didn't want to miss anything. If I am awake it is ok. I have things to do. 4am is the witching hour and I am so creative then. The trick is to get back to sleep even for a half hour before the alarm rings. So I count. My mom counts 1 2 1 2 1 2 ....I count backwards from 99. And in the end it is stress. As we get older our bodies just aren't that much fun to be in like they used to be.

this post does have a dreamy feel - pop in a Roy rogers movie, you'll be out before Trigger can scramble an egg

...deep in the night
with the world going by
my window...

So much to latch onto and night beckons an artistic spirit. I think you have an audience of fellow pillow punchers here SS.

maybe tonight you'll nod off quickly.

When my son could not sleep after our house fire I gave him Valerian made out of daisies and he slept. Coffee is the big thing here that is not helping you but when your mind is full there is no way you can sleep. I know that. Thankfully I have such full days these days that my brain conks out at 10;30.

But sometimes you have those nights where your thoughts will not stop and I dont know what I would do if I had them a lot like you.
Be well my friend.

SO true. I don't know why the stories appear at 3:00 am. . .but they do!

Ha, I only wish it was something worthwhile or creative that jolts me awake in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, it's usually just generalized anxiety. And when I travel? Forget about it. I'm lucky to get 2 or 3 hours a night.

Still looking for a solution. Hope you find yours.

I suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and so I feel like sleeping has robbed me of my life like some kind of strange vampire. I also have to manage waking hours because there are not as many as I need to do everything I want to do.

Loved loved loved this. Like you, I daydream about sleep. Unlike you, I've resorted to sleep aids and when I awake my body tells me that drugging itself does not provide the rest I truly need but I've been desperate for days. Loved your writing and how well you describe all of it, the urgent sense of time. And your arrival one week early made me smile. Again, I loved this. Thank you.

Sometimes there is no solution...or the closest solution is a rockin' set of toenails and to keep on through to the next phase...I was awake in the wee hours last night, too...I see I was in excellent company ~

Ms. Stim uses Melatonin when she has problems sleeping. Me? The night owl? I get a burst of energy between 10 and 11 at night. I'm usually so sleep deprived by the time I go to bed that I zonk out soon after my head hits the pillow.

It must be something in the creative genes. I keep waking up with brilliant ideas and then don't seem to bring them to fruition when I actually need to during the day...Ugh. I usually don't have this problem. I am going to blame it on climate change.....okay, something like that.

Margaret: Yes, funny how the universe (and radio stations) have an ironic sense of humour, still TCB is quite a jolt first thing. I haven't tried Melatonin but I think I'm getting some today. Like you, a few years ago, I could have a couple cups of coffee a crash out like a zombie. If someone told me I'd be wide awake staring at my toes @ 4am, I'd never believe it. Some days I take it in stride, other days walk the earth like a vampire...but at least they're fashionable these days. :-)

Art: My God, what a gift your sleeplessness has wrought. It could be the dried beet chips keeping you up. Are you masticating them properly?

Or maybe, dear Art, the world needs us up rambling on, making up high nonsense at night. Maybe the banshees are flying around the highlands and lowlands shouting our names. Oh, broomsticks and bed knobs. I do remember, "does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost over night." May your bad memories fly away. I love your epic comment and the faerie that wrote it.

Will do, Algis. I'm going back to that class THIS Sunday. I'm flattered to be your Valentine, ... Now can you take me with you on your world travels? :-)

Joanie: My sleeping is inconsistent. One day this past week I had a catch-up night and went to bed @ 8pm (unheard of ) and slept 12 hours. I'm paying for it now. It feels good to be awake when I'm productive -- it's the lying there. I tried to take a light tone about it here because I know SO many suffer. I've no monopoly ... I'm rising above for now. But then again it could be the great medium roast coffee I'm drinking while I respond here. ;)

TINKERER: I KNEW we had something in common besides our obvious feline natures! Damn, those thoughts running around like hamsters on a treadmill. Good tomorrow and have a better tonight, Sir Pussy.

Greenie: Proselytize all you want, friend. There were a couple years when meditation helped. What the heck am I doing wrong? The dirty truth is I will probably have to give my 1-2 cups of coffee up for good. I think there is a reason I'm up beyond that tho'. Or maybe I'm going crazy? Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they're not ... :0

Chicken Maan: Yes, I will have to look into these alternatives. I meant to mention to Green that staring at my blue toes has become a meditation in and of itself. At least, I have focus. ;)

VA: I think maybe there is something in this Ontario air. I mean it's been frickin' Spring out there ?? Even Mother Nature hasn't slept this winter. We're all upside down. I can't think of a better person to be awake with. Wait .. that didn't sound right. You know what I mean!

Abra: I was hoping that first song would put me to sleep. Now I need BTO to wake me up. May you get just the right amount of rest when you need it. (Dear guardians of the night, deliver the above to my address too.)

Mary: Thank you. Valerian sounds so Shakespearian too. I'll slip some into my tea.

zanelle: You're right 4 am is the 'power' hour. That is best. If only the rest of the work-a-day world revolved the same way. Sounds like You & your Mom (at 93) are rocking the clock. ...

damon: Roy Rogers & Trigger? Yes, or maybe Gene Autry ... I believe the old singing cowboy just might do the trick.

Scarlett, Melatonin doesn't work for everyone, but it works for me.

Lovely writing here--enjoyed it very much. I wish you the best in your search for a solution and hope you continue to make the best of your sleeplessness (btw, coffee makes me quite drowsy).

First off, whose delectable tootsies?

"At 3:30 am I have the most amazing ideas"-- no kidding. Gonna start taking a notebook and pen! Noticed the trend myself towards lighter, or lack of, sleep.
(horizontal exercise has a calming effect)
:o)

Hmm, not sure what the remedy is, Scarlett. I sometimes take a sleeping bill and/or herbal tea. I generally read myself to sleep (reading "Game of Thrones", book 1), but wake up several times during the night, usually with one cat licking my face and the other tugging at my hair to get me to feed him. Wishing you pleasant dreams soon. Yoga or any other form of exercise usually makes me sleep better too.

Well, first, you have lovely feet. If those be your feet. If not, well, I am sure your feet are lovely too.

Second, try “dipping”..diphenhydramine…the stuff in Tylenol pm..i have been a faithful addict of it for, oh, 10 yrs now. It never ever fails. Ever. I realize all body chemistries are different, but this stuff really does it for me. 25 mgs. That’s harmless, right? Right? Sure. It’s a damn antihistamine,, is all it is…

Don’t they have pills that will deliver the same ingredients as green tea, without slurping that sludge down?

Uh…listen..i am NOT a pillhead… anyway…where was i?...oh yes , more advice…keep a damn mini tape recorder by your bedside. Speak these fantastic ideas into it. then listen later. If nothing else, it is hilarious. You get to know yourself. And what you REALLY sound like, which is not the same as the voice you hear in your head, supposedly you, but not… and…these ideas, they are often pearls beyond price…

You are a pearl, yourself.

Nyquil and sloe gin fizzes?

Children hate it, grown-ups seek it, elderly give into it - much coveted sleep, the peaceful sleep to rest the soul.

Yoga and plain yogurt with some honey help me to a good night's sleep. I hope you'll find yours soon too, Scarlett. ♥

Constantly fighting the night for sleep. If i don' t have to get up, I relax and get on OS or something. But when you have to work in the morning it's a killer no doubt. Cool Toes.

I am with you 100% on the flow of ideas at 3 am and the feeling that time is slipping away Scarlett. And lack of ever hitting that deep sleep of stage 4 from my lupus makes me constantly reach for more coffee.
I never resist the urges. I just get up and open the laptop and have at it. some days I write things..but not lately..no words flow.
good luck on finding the magic bullet. and share it if it works. I'm game to try it.

AKA: Yes, I’m in good company late at night. Yes, I hope tonight I’ll nod off quickly. I’m yawning now, in fact …

Linda: The Bard said “sleep is nature’s nurse,” I’m inclined to agree. Mary also mentioned Valerian …must be where Valium comes from. I think I’ll count black sheep tonight.

Chicago: Yes, the energy is high in the wee hours. Must be that burst of energy creating the dawn.

Jeanette: I joked about this mostly but yes, anxiety is insomnia’s evil sister too. I suffer the anxiety, just trying not to let her have the upper hand, these days. Denial works really well at times … wishing us both solutions. I think it is the time of life we are in.

Miguela: Sorry to hear about your CFS. As a result of my tiredness I’ve missed some of your blogs which I always find colourful and diverse.

Mary: Thanks. I enjoyed your ‘dignity’ blog today, as well. The image of the swing ...

catch-22: Yes, I’m inclined to agree with you. Sometimes the solution is there is no solution (temporarily) except for the rather mindless act of painting toe nails. Wait ...it does require steady hands, which so far, I thankfully have.

Stim: Yes, I understand the 2nd wind. I get it too though like the unexpected house guest, hangs around too long. Melatonin, again. I must pick some up.

Sheila: I think you’re onto something. Climate change, yes. As I said earlier (in these parts) it seems Mother Nature didn’t go into hibernation. Why should we? Let’s [maybe] tuck in early tonite and see what happens.

John Bayer: Another testimonial… I’ll try. Thanks.

sophieh: Nice to see you here. Hope you are well. Jealousing about the coffee thing. I wish …

Trig: Why, those toes are mine, of course. I think my feet are swollen from too long at the computer. Umm, did you miss the part about relaxants becoming stimulants? Btw, “nocturnal naughtiness” = horizontal exercise. RE: Nyquil and sloe gin fizzes. Due to an experience decades ago, gin has not passed these lips once since -- but thanks, tho.’

Erica: Thanks for the suggestions. Maybe, as the folks used to say, “This is just a phase.” Perhaps delicious restless sleep awaits and I’ll bound out of bed full of piss and vinegar. Well, at least the first part is right. ;)

James: While I’ve reverted to a stylized avatar, do I strike you as one who would offer fake images my feet? I was never one to understand the appeal of feet anyways. They are very functional apparati. As a candidate for ethmoid sinus surgery, I’ve had my share of antihistamines so I probably won’t go there. Thanks for the pearl comment; that was lovely. Glad you found the humour in this. Just remember, it takes a lot to laugh, it takes a train to cry.

Fusun: I like that first sentence, it’s so true. Really, …yogurt before bed? I don’t think that would work for me. I appreciate the suggestion that I’ll find my cure, though.

Rita: I figured you were one too. ;) When I can’t sleep, I approach OS very gingerly late at night because when I lay down the blogosphere swirls around my head causing me all kinds of silly, silly thoughts!

Mission: Unfortunately no magic bullets here. That damn lupus. I jump on the computer too sometimes but have to go and elevate, hence the toes on the wall. Nice to see you.

I will offer no advice as you didn't ask for any. I understand this deal and have quit fighting it. I simply do not need sleep sometimes. I am amused at some of the thoughts you have encountered late, way late, at night. Now perhaps you'll understand some of the intensely weird shit Poe came up with during those times. I did cure myself and will tell you about it when and if you ask. Fun read.....

Scarlet Sumac. I blame you for some of those nice nighttime visitations.
Oh, moon!
It's bright!
It do shine!
Look at it . . .
Post and commenters stimulate the Muse. Muses are what's real and if we are open...
Ay, a wild world . . .
I feared I rambled.
You no get irked.
People inspire folk.
We're never alone.

Alienation is FEAR.
Fear is a created hell.
We can only blame us.

Tonight the Moon is soft light.
I saw You on the OSer Feed.
You a hoot and a night owl.

I'm getting into some great reads.
If someone recommends a book:
I may take many moons to read.

I've a great (sorta shrink or two) few books that are helping my world views. I wish we all had Time. Time? It's fleeting. I guess we have all the Time in the world. Time.

Ah!

One "shrink" has muddy shoes with horse manure etc., The Shrink offers free therapy.

Title: What Is It Like To Go To War - author - Karl Marlantes.

He also wrote: Matterhorn: A Novel of The Vietnam War - He graduated from Yale University and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. OHO.
He got his GED.
He's humble.

Rhodes Scholar?
He scoops kill?
Road kills?
Yummy.
There is a gROUNDHOg recipe that I'll spare you (smile) for How To Remove:
glands, hide,
and plus:
how to cook?
Add red beats?
(James M. E.?)
He's a good goof.
`
The other book:
It's about Spirit.
It's a wild read.
`
*
A Field Guide To:
DEMONS, fairies,
fallen angels, and
Other Subversive
SPIRITS. (CAPS)
It's written as is:
`
The two authors are `
mother and daughter:
Carol K. Mack/Dinah -
`
*
It's loaded with lore.
It's the old beliefs.
Old Myths. Beliefs.
`
I'll probably get loony.
Loon bird moonbeam.
I may get kookier too.
I be cook for loon farm.

It's a sit in a P.U. read.
I read slow and ponder.
Let's take Life as a grain?
Grain of Sand (Jan Sand?)
Happy Day to Jan Sand.

Ah! Thinking openly is good.
My REM is going LOCO`gin?
Time fleets. We have thyme.

Minds here @ Open Salon Woo!
I mean we get to wander. Wonder.
The mother is a playwright etc.,

Her daughter studies beliefs.
She researches old mythology.
It's comparative mythologies.

These women scour the earth.
It's not 'quack' religion stuff.
It's 'protean' and inspirational.

"Stillness takes a lot of energy "
Agree. Great post.

I wake up at around 2:30 with regularity. Then I get up and "ramble." I wish I could be productive when I ramble, but I'm too wound up about NOT BEING ASLEEP that I might as well be sleeping.

I envy you your great ideas in the middle of the night. I don't get them then, either. . . .

Back when we were in college, I related to then-to-be-Mrs.-P that when my mother had insomnia, she cured it by starting Thomas Mann's The Magic Mountain. Worked every time, she said. My lady then began to laugh: her tia had the same cure. Just a thought.

You are brave to paint your toes turquoise. I wouldn't have the guts. But you have nice toes...my husband has problems with insomnia. I give him chamomile tea and melatonin. When I can't sleep I get out my iPad and peruse OS!

I would go back to bed
were it not for the poems
of spring:
honey, where are the eye drops
in the drawer...coffee started? what time is it
which drawer
up here next to the sink
in the powder room?
close the door what time is it; next to your pills - alright, wait a minute

I CANNOT believe I'm reading this whilst suffering from my chronic insomnia. Is that ironic? I never know when to use that word. Anyhoo, an amazing post, written in a fun, jagged way that perfectly resonated with me.

I was forgetting your old avatar...struggling to remember. While drinking chamomile tea, too early in the am...what was it...I remember....the Beatles song makes me want to cry for some reason. It's such a perfect tune.