Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Peaceful Autumn Farmhouse Dinner

Starting point is 00:00:00 It's a new day. How can you make the most of it with your membership rewards points? Earn points on everyday purchases. Use them for that long-awaited vacation. Points never expire, so use them how you want. That's the powerful backing of American Express. On eligible cards, terms apply. Learn more at mx.ca. Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. I'm your host, Thomas. Thanks for tuning in to hear tonight's story, written by Alicia Steffen and read by me.

Starting point is 00:00:50 and read by me. With its refreshingly crisp days, beautiful colors, and cozy gatherings, autumn has much to recommend it. In some ways it's a season that represents both endings and beginnings. But there's also a special moment of transition when summer lovers and autumn enthusiasts can enjoy a taste of both seasons, relishing the delights of warm and cool weather in a single evening. That's the occasion upon which we will pay a return visit tonight to rejoin six childhood friends from a past autumn episode. If you remember Melinda, Jack, Sarah, Anne, Lonnie and William from their past autumn dinner picnic, we hope you'll enjoy getting to know them even better tonight.

Starting point is 00:01:56 And if you haven't listened to their previous adventure, don't worry at all. You'll be able to enjoy this episode by itself. If you like, you can always go back and listen to the first one another time. Whether you're an old or new acquaintance of our six friends, you'll be arriving at their dinner party very soon. But first, let's spend a few moments settling down and preparing for a good night's rest. So get yourself comfortable in a place of relaxing stillness where you can gently bring your focus into the body. While you lie here, perhaps sensing your heartbeat in your chest and the subtle movements your body makes as your breath

Starting point is 00:03:08 flows in and out. Realize that no matter what's going on in our lives, whatever thoughts are floating around in our minds, our body continues to function and operate, and keep us alive and capable of accomplishing all we set out to do. Of course, there is an intrinsic connection between our physical health and our mental health, i.e. the things we tell ourselves in our minds and the way that translates into our body. The rest we give ourselves psychologically as well as physically. These connections aren't always obvious, but they are most certainly happening all the

Starting point is 00:04:15 time. With that being said, let's spend a moment offering some calming reassurance to ourselves and our bodies. Feel the coolness of the air travelling into your torso with the inhale, and be grateful to your lungs for allowing you to take in those deep, refreshing breaths. And with the warming exhale, relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and remind your body that this is a time to completely relax. Your body has worked hard for you all day. It has listened to the signals of your mind and supported you as best it can.

Starting point is 00:05:36 But the signal you can send to it now is that a good night's sleep is what you would like to experience. So each body part, each hard-working organ, and every single cell in your body can ease into the reassuring calmness of rest. And as you continue to relax, it's time to join some familiar friends as they travel along a quiet road, enjoying the fading glimmers of summer and the beginning of autumn. This is where our story begins. Jack sat in the front passenger seat of Melinda's car, peering at the heavyweight stationary resting in his hands. He muttered that he wished he hadn't forgotten his reading glasses, and then handed the paper back over his shoulder to Anne, who was in the back seat. Accepting the directions and her new role of navigator, Anne read the document

Starting point is 00:07:38 in the golden light that warmed her car window. that warmed her car window. The pretty tones of the early autumn afternoon were subtly shifting from bright midday sunshine to a special dinner party at a farm. They had never been to this place before, and they were driving along back roads none of them had ever seen. Truth be told, it was glorious to be out there, breathing in the fresh autumn air with just a hint of coolness. The first days of the season were, as always, some of Melinda's favorite ones. Adding to the allure of tonight's affair, the whole thing was delightfully clandestine. delivered anonymously in fancy envelopes just two weeks ago. It hadn't taken long for Melinda, Jack, and Anne to put two and two together.

Starting point is 00:09:19 Sarah, Lonnie, and William had also been invited. Sarah, Lonnie, and William had also been invited. The number of people who knew all six of them was not very many. This had to be another old friend from childhood. They were nearly giddy with the prospect of a party in the country, where they could bid the summer farewell and greet the autumn together once again. Free of the responsibility to read the directions, Jack rolled his window down further and closed his eyes, inhaling the grassy scent from the fields. Meanwhile, Anne picked up where he'd left off, announcing that they would soon be turning and to look

Starting point is 00:10:27 out for a bright blue shed. text told him that Sarah, William, and Lonnie had already arrived at the secret location. A second text added that William wanted them to know that there was a scarecrow right at the end of the driveway, so they couldn't miss it. Having this helpful tip made Melinda feel quite relaxed, since she knew there was no question now that they would find their way. She was turning at the blue shed only a moment later. At that point, she slowed the car right down in order to travel more comfortably

Starting point is 00:11:43 on the smaller gravel road that lie ahead. The light crunching of the rocks under the tires inspired Jack to sit up a little straighter in his seat, as if he were preparing for a rival. Melinda smiled to herself, thinking how a gravel road was so often an announcement of a journey's end. It heralded the sputtering out of the long-distance road and the proximity of the friendly welcome. Leaning forward between the two front seats so they could hear her, Anne read a cryptic message from her phone. It stated that the other three friends said that they were at the table helping to make luminaries. Jack queried with a skeptical look.

Starting point is 00:13:07 Anne reminded him that this was the word for white paper bags with candles inside. She described the process of weighting them down with sand and lining them up to light a driveway for an outdoor party or Halloween trick-or-treating. At this, Jack nodded with recognition, grinning. He knew exactly what she was talking about now, and he was delighted by the prospect of making a luminary of his own. At that moment, Melinda spotted the scarecrow William had described. It was dressed in baggy trousers and a flannel shirt. There was a battered straw hat upon its head at a rakish angle. The cheerful likeness of a farmer was propped up against a split rail fence with a few bales of hay

Starting point is 00:14:28 and a couple of early pumpkins artfully arranged nearby. In unison, Anne and Jack chorused, we're here, and all three of them laughed. After so many years of friendship, they tended to finish each other's thoughts sometimes. The sound of the gravel under the wheels instantly disappeared as they turned off onto a lightly worn dirt road. It showed the tracks of many past drives and had grass growing down the middle. In contrast to the noise of the approach, this country driveway felt like velvet under the tires, and a luxurious silence filled the car. Jack and Anne instinctively rolled their windows all the way down, and a flood of early evening air drifted inside. With it came the nearly imperceptible sounds of the last of the summer's insects. Some of their fellows had already given up, and their numbers

Starting point is 00:16:09 were small, but they were determined to keep singing for a bit longer. The road curved around, occasionally flanked by enormous trees that looked half a century old. Then, finally, as if revealing a wonderful surprise, a large barn appeared. barn appeared. The building was a weathered red color, and it stood two stories tall. In the very middle of it, wide double doors stood open, offering a glimpse of an airy, decorated space within. Up the hill to the right, a rambling white farm hill, there was a large glassy pond with a wooden dock that had several rowboats tied up to it. All three friends gasped with delight at the charming scene. They felt very lucky to have been invited to this place, and they knew that their evening was going to be a memorable

Starting point is 00:17:55 one. There were a few other cars parked in a grassy area near the barn, so Melinda found a spot right next to them. She had hardly had a chance to unbuckle her seatbelt when Jack sprang out of the car with Anne close behind him. car with Anne close behind him. Having arrived, they were ready to begin enjoying themselves. They wanted to know which friend had arranged this surprise, and who else among the guests they might know. They had the answer to their question in moments, when their childhood friend Elizabeth rounded the corner of the barn with Lonnie, William, and Sarah close close behind. All four friends were carrying luminaries and talking with animated expressions. Welcoming them to the party, Elizabeth confirmed their hunch was correct. She was the anonymous person who had arranged the surprise dinner. None of them had

Starting point is 00:19:32 caught up with Elizabeth in over a year and there was a lot of conversation even as the luminaries were being placed in an orderly line down the driveway. Then, Sarah and Anne linked arms and Jack put his around Lonnie's shoulders and they all trooped back back around the corner where the rest of the luminaries were being assembled. As they did, Elizabeth disappeared to take care of some hosting duties, saying she'd look forward to talking more with them during dinner. talking more with them during dinner. Having already contributed their efforts to the paper bag assembly, William, Lonnie, and Sarah took the opportunity to walk down the slope to the beautiful pond below. As they arrived at its edge, they stood in momentary silence, as if implicitly agreeing that some respect was required. The sunset was now in full bloom, and it was a gorgeous one. Shades of pink and orange

Starting point is 00:21:14 filled the sky like layers of sorbet. Each moment that they thought the sunset was at its peak, it proved them wrong by becoming even more gorgeously saturated. Lonnie commented quietly that it was like the entire sky was made of stained glass. Enhancing the effect, the pond acted like a mirror, reflecting back the sunset in its many tones. The orange and pink spread across its surface, and only the tiny skating insects made the water move at all. Sarah commented that it was too gorgeous to capture in a picture. in a picture. William and Lonnie agreed. They would not soon forget this country sunset. That was for sure. Dusk crept up stealthily as it usually does. All of a sudden, the pastels in the sky became more subtle, and the singing of the insects rose around them. The three friends turned and looked back at the barn to see Melinda, Jack, and Anne waving their hands to get their attention. As they returned to the luminary table, they

Starting point is 00:23:19 could see that the work was done and Elizabeth was handing out long matches for guests to help light the candles they'd placed on the drive. One, two, three, she struck the long matches and carefully passed one to each person nearby. They then walked down the row of white bags, artfully dipping the little flames inside and lighting the wicks. Like little magic orbs, the bags lit up, forming a path fit to welcome the fairies. The guests blew out their matches, and everyone clapped. Elizabeth called out that the party would now begin. To start, she directed guests over to a table, laden with sparkling drinks and enticing appetizers. drinks and enticing appetizers. A service stood behind the table wearing a white shirt and an apron. As guests selected their favorite refreshment, he poured it into a delicate cut crystal glass. Melinda held her own fresh cider up to the light from the barn, admiring its old-fashioned facets. Their friend Elizabeth had always been so stylish, and her sense of vintage charm was impeccable.

Starting point is 00:25:31 Melinda thought to herself how these little touches made all the difference. The elegant drinks were setting just the right tone for this juxtaposition between the country setting and the fancy entertainment. While sipping from their glasses, the guests politely chose from trays of cranberry and brie toast, adorable little mushroom tarts, and spicy roasted Brussels sprouts on cocktail sticks. Lonnie leaned over and commented to Melinda between bites that the dinner was bound to be impressive if the hors d'oeuvres were any indication. There was to be no rushing off to the dinner table, however, as the evening was young and each moment was to be savored.

Starting point is 00:26:47 Elizabeth had placed a few games here and there on the lawn Anne and William urged the others to come and try a game of badminton. At first, Lonnie protested that it would be too dark to see the shuttlecock, but William soon revealed a surprise. He'd picked one up and swatted it high in the air, and it lit up like a spaceship. All the people standing around issued cries of amusement. Brilliantly, the shuttlecock was made to glow in the dark. Lonnie and Sarah were quick to grab their own rackets once this secret was out, and the hilarious game that ensued was entertainment for everyone else who was standing around. Even though high school gym classes had honed their badminton pretty well at one point. That had been years ago, and as it turned out, having a

Starting point is 00:28:30 glowing shuttlecock in the dark was not as easy as following a regular one in the daylight. All four players found that their hand-eye coordination was not as good as they expected. They couldn't easily see their arms on the darkening lawn. Many was the time that one of the friends swung confidently at the shuttlecock, fully expecting to get a good whack out of it, and instead missed it completely. The spectators were thoroughly entertained, spectators were thoroughly entertained and by the time the players had enough, the four friends were laughing so hard that their efforts were not even good ones anymore. William commented that he was now on a mission to buy his own glow-in-the-dark badminton set, and that they should expect to see it at their next fine weather gathering.

Starting point is 00:29:56 Having wandered away from the badminton spectacle, Melinda and Jack decided to take advantage of the bocce ball set. Not everyone at the party was familiar with the Italian lawn bowling game, but Jack's parents had always kept one at his lake house, and Melinda had played it with him for many years now. The rolling nature of the lawn created some natural obstacles to their rusty skills, however, and there were many humorous moments when one or two of them rolled a ball too gently and it came right back to their feet.

Starting point is 00:30:52 Nonetheless, they pressed on. About the time that the badminton game finally disbanded, they completed their play and passed over the bocciaballs to other interested onlookers. At that moment, Elizabeth appeared at the entrance to the barn and lightly clinked a fork on her drinking glass. It was time to be seated for dinner, she said. Each guest was to find their way inside and look for their name tag at the long table. The dishes would be offered family style, she added, so that each person might choose the food they liked best. Finding that they were surprisingly hungry even after the delicious appetizers, the guests eagerly moved towards their seats. One by one, they filed politely through the barn doors, chatting with happy anticipation.

Starting point is 00:32:22 Coming into the beautiful old Barn was like a revelation. After getting used to the deepening twilight outside, the guests were dazzled by the hundreds of white lights in the rafters, and the luxurious white tablecloth on the long wooden table. The building was truly a proper barn, with all its casual roughness, but it also felt clean and airy and oh-so-festive. Sparkling glassware blended perfectly with weathered wood, dripping candles, and the smell of clean hay. Melinda closed her eyes and inhaled, feeling like this moment was the very essence of autumn in one big inhale. The six friends found that Elizabeth had seated them near each other, with an interesting mix of others sprinkled here and there. It was perfect, as they had a chance to meet new people,

Starting point is 00:33:56 but still converse easily across the table to each other. stable to each other. They pulled out their chairs, all charmingly mismatched, and settled themselves to enjoy a fabulous meal. Elizabeth had engaged a team of personal chefs to cater the dinner, and they didn't disappoint. There was a delightfully autumnal dish for everyone. The table was laden with salads chock full of nutritious, hardy greens and grains. Little pot pies with their flaky crusts looked like they'd melt in your mouth. There was gnocchi drizzled with brown butter sage sauce, and other plates were laden with lovely potatoes or pureed squash that contained a hint of cinnamon and brown sugar. The list went on. Pitchers of fresh cider were placed up and down the table, next to carafts of ice-cold water. Melinda smiled to herself, thinking how, only a few weeks ago, she'd probably had her last freshly squeezed lemonade of the summer.

Starting point is 00:35:50 last freshly squeezed lemonade of the summer. Now, as if the second hand had ticked forward on an invisible clock, it was apple season. As always, she felt a little thrill of happiness in the observation. She picked up her fork and savored her first bite of food. It was delicious. At some point during the meal, the diners were delighted to hear the sound of a classical guitar. Turning, they saw that a musician had been seated in the corner of the room, and he was now playing dinner music for them all to enjoy. them all to enjoy. Lonnie leaned over to the others and Riley commented that this guitar music was almost as good as William's ukulele tunes and William made a face saying, thank you very much. The friends at the table chuckled, recalling well his very silly songs from their dinner picnic the year before. As the meal progressed, conversation was lively, and the time flew by. Guests who had been strangers to each other only an hour ago now talked like they'd known each other

Starting point is 00:37:38 for years. With the summer just ending, there was so much to share. Stories of warm weather adventures and vacation exploits drifted across the table from one end to the other. Melinda heard a little excerpt of a story about a visit to Italy, and then someone else discussing a cruise to Alaska. One person had made a pilgrimage to the Grand Canyon and was trying to convey how awe-inspiring it had been. As she ate the last of her meal, she smiled to herself at the warmth and fellowship that filled the barn in that moment. Long after the dishes had been cleared away, the contented diners sipped at their water and their cider, quietly conversing and listening to the guitar guitar player. At times, the six friends each found themselves leaning back and looking

Starting point is 00:39:10 around the soaring ceilings of the barn, simply appreciating the moment. Everyone at the table seemed to understand that this was a chance to reflect upon the summer that had just ended, as well as the delightful season that was to come. time of renewal in so many ways, so bittersweet. Sensing the perfect moment for a transition, their host appeared at the head of the table and said that a movie and a fire pit were now underway outside. Oo's and ah's were heard around the room, and everyone slowly stood up. They folded their napkins on the table and pushed their chairs neatly back in, the table and pushed their chairs neatly back in, as if to leave as little disarray as possible. Being his usual silly self, William grabbed Anne's arm and began dancing with her in an exaggerated waltz to the last strings of the guitar.

Starting point is 00:40:58 In response, the guitar player altered his rhythm, perfectly matching William's stride. Anne threw her head back and laughed as the other friends clapped appreciatively. William was always the jokester in the bunch, but they loved it. The guitar player finished his set and the few remaining guests in the barn clapped wildly, thanking him for the wonderful entertainment. He nodded graciously and began packing up his equipment. As he did, the friends drifted back out of the barn to enjoy the last part of the evening in the great outdoors. large screen had been set up off to the side so that the view of the pond was still visible even as the guests inviting people to pick a comfy spot. A short distance away, a cheerful fire crackled in a fire pit.

Starting point is 00:42:38 In the spot where the drinks had first been offered, a server was busy setting up hot beverages and some very intriguing little plates that appeared to contain dessert. Jack rubbed his hands together like he was getting ready to take on the world. Then, with humorous aplomb, he walked among the blankets as if it mattered greatly which one he chose. He picked a festive blue plaid blanket and sat himself down ceremoniously, waving the others over to join him. As he did so, the screen lit up and an old black and white film spattered to life. film spattered to life. It was a reel of classic cartoons, and the tiny little crowd applauded with delight. As they rested comfortably on the blankets, the light from the black and white film flickering on their faces, Melinda had the feeling of living a moment suspended in time. She closed her eyes and listened to the special soundtrack of the party.

Starting point is 00:44:32 listened to the special soundtrack of the party. Nearby, the gentle laughing of the guests as they watched the simple antics on the classic cartoon. A little further away, the popping and snapping of the fire pit, with the quiet murmur of a conversation from around its edge. In the pond, a quick splash. Perhaps a fish had come to the surface, or a bird had dived for an insect. Melinda kept her eyes closed and didn't look. She let it be a mystery. A little further away still, she could hear the irregular musicality of small porcelain mugs being placed together on a tray. They clinked gently in a random smattering of tones.

Starting point is 00:45:57 Then, a light rustling of the nearby shiver as a breeze blew over her. That had been the hand of autumn she had felt, brushing ever so gently across the assembled company, as if to say, do not be alarmed, but I am arriving now. Suddenly feeling a bit chilly, she spotted a pile of extra blankets her host had left on a nearby chair. Just for a moment such as this one, she thought to herself with a smile. Taking care not to block anyone's view, she quietly stood up and walked around the movie watches to the pile of blankets. She chose a small, very soft one in a forest green color. Wrapping it luxuriously around herself, she strolled over to the fire and stood there warming her hands. Away from the movie projector, she could hear evidence of nature a little more. At this moment, the last sounds of summer were vanishing. A few crickets still sang,

Starting point is 00:47:52 the cicadas were gone, and the driest of the leaves in the canopy above were beginning to give themselves over to the wind. were beginning to give themselves over to the wind. Any moment, the first of them would break free and drift slowly, haphazardly to the ground. In her mind's eye, Melinda imagined that first leaf as if its passage would be the official start of the season, and she smiled at the idea. She was pulled from her wistful reverie by Sarah and William tapping her on the shoulder. Wordlessly, they motioned to the dessert table, and she realized that all the treats were in place. With her blanket wrapped around her shoulders, she walked with

Starting point is 00:49:09 them to the buffet. Guests were offered a variety of lovely hot chocolate, and tea. An orderly collection of little white mugs stood perfectly arranged upside down, waiting to be put into use. Next to them, there was a selection of desserts that offered something to tempt every palate. Little berry tarts nestled on lacy white paper sat next to miniature bites of flourless chocolate cake. And for those who were nostalgic for their scouting and camping days, the chef had produced a small plated version of the iconic s'more, where chocolate and marshmallow topped a graham cracker crust, and the entire concoction was drizzled with salted caramel. It was hard to choose, but each of them selected one of their favorites and then stopped at the end of the table to pour themselves a comforting drink.

Starting point is 00:50:50 Melinda and Sarah laughed at William as he drowned his hot chocolate in whipped cream. Of course, he promptly got it on his upper lip when he took a drink. Acting clueless for comical effect, he asked them what in the world was so funny. They shook their heads despairingly. When they had finished their desserts, they took their cups and trooped past the movie watchers to soak up the evening air on the dock. Folding their legs up, they sat down, each carefully placing their cups next to them. Sarah slipped off one shoe and dipped her toes in the water, creating a ripple that traveled outwards in every direction as it shivered across the pond. She declared the temperature to be quite cold. All three of them watched, mesmerized, until the tiny waves vanished into the dark edges on the other side. The surface was still once more.

Starting point is 00:52:37 William stretched his legs out and laid all the way back, and the other two followed his example. Above them, the night sky was very clear. Sarah commented quietly that she wished Anne had come to the dock with them because she was the only one who was good at identifying the constellations. William reminded them indignantly that he had gotten A in college astronomy, but he added that actually he didn't remember any of it. The other two issued sounds of mock sympathy and then they fell quiet again. As they lie there in agreeable silence, each thinking about this first step into autumn, and the autumn from last year, and the one before that, they were grateful to have been here in this place, at this time, with these friends again.

Starting point is 00:54:14 There was a burst of clapping from the makeshift movie theater, and guests began to rise and fold up their blankets. began to rise and fold up their blankets. The friends on the dock sat up, retrieving their empty mugs, and slowly got to their feet. As they did, Jack, Anne, and Lonnie walked towards them and they met in a little group near the fire pit where they could see each other's faces. In the background, other people were politely thanking Elizabeth and saying farewells. There were hugs and handshakes. There was laughter, and many a small fragment of conversation appeared to contain a promise. To get together, to catch up more often, to send a recipe, or to follow up on a new book recommendation. This was the special magic of a get-together on the cusp of autumn.

Starting point is 00:55:50 together on the cusp of autumn. It inspired people to recommit to friends and loved ones who would keep their spirits bright through the cold part of the year. And as Melinda looked around at her group of friends, the low flames from the fire pit shining on their cheeks. She was grateful to have seen them again. The luminaries were still shining down the length of the driveway, lighting the path to their cars with steadfast silence. It was a peaceful way to leave this enchanting place. The hour was late as they got back into their cars. Melinda pulled first onto the gravel road and eventually back onto the smooth surface

Starting point is 00:57:00 of the two-lane thoroughfare that led home. As is often the case on a September night, the warmth of the day had dramatically evaporated. Instead, the friends felt a crisp chill outside the closed windows of the car. For the first time of the season, Melinda actually found herself turning on the heaters and relishing its comfort as the soft air drifted over her fingertips near the vents. William and Anne sat sleepily in their seats and nobody really felt the need to say anything at all. Instead, they drove homeward, each basking in the happy glow of their lovely evening together at the secret farmhouse dinner. You You You You You You You You You You You You You. You You You I'm going to go ahead and close the video. You. you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Peaceful Autumn Farmhouse Dinner

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