Today has been quiet. Very, very quiet. The usually sparse 6 a.m. traffic on my drive to the gym was even sparser. I got a parking space at the Y in a row that’s generally full when I get there. The locker room was eerily silent as I changed. There were other people working out when I got upstairs to the machines, but far fewer than usual. When I was done, I had my pick of showers, then made my way to work where it was only slightly more populated than on a weekend. I’ve been here almost eight hours now and have talked to four people; that’s quite sociable considering there are only about eight of us here altogether. My phone has rung exactly once; it was one of those warranty robocalls. It’s been so relaxing. I’d planned to go out at lunch and run errands, but I didn’t want to risk running into post-holiday bargain hunting crowds and breaking the spell.

One year ago: There and Back Again
Two years ago: Not Quite Matchy Matchy & Red Scarf Three
Three years ago: Wait ’til Next Year
Four years ago: Alaska Quilt
Five years ago: I’m Dreaming of a Quilty New Year
Six years ago: The Secret Revealed