Return to a lake cabin sanctuary in tonight's cozy bedtime story that will help you relax and unwind.
You're listening to Campfire Reflections.
A new standalone journey in the Sleepy Journal series.
If you've ever enjoyed the timeless shared experience of telling stories by a campfire beneath a starry sky,
Snuggle up and prepare as I share heartwarming entries from long ago about the beautiful pets that have enhanced my life.
As the lake laps against the shore and the distant voices of lakeside gatherings echo across the water,
Feel a sense of community and connection in nature.
These simple pleasures bring a deep sense of contentment and peace before you wander back inside the cabin.
Settle beneath cozy blankets.
And drift into a deep healing sleep.
It's time to dream away.
Welcome to Michelle's Sanctuary.
I'm Michelle,
The voice that offers you a nightly holiday before you drift across the bridge to sleep.
I invite you to come as you are.
Bringing a gentle close to the day.
Allow my voice to greet you as a faithful friend who advocates for your peace and rest.
You deserve to celebrate,
Making it through another day.
And I am here to help you do just that.
Of course,
You are free to listen however you like.
Adapting details and falling asleep at any point.
The Lake Cabin Sanctuary is inspired by a childhood friend's cabin on Sleepy Hollow Lake.
Where I spent many days and nights in summer during pivotal years in my youth.
Summers of moonlit swims,
Cozy fires,
And dreaming under the stars would remind me of how magical this life can feel.
Before we arrive at the cabin.
Let's enjoy a brief relaxation session to settle and prepare.
To clear out any lingering thoughts about the day or concerns about tomorrow.
Feel free to exhale in a sigh.
And send all that unwanted mental chatter.
Into the night.
Inhale deeply.
Imagining the air in your room.
Circulating.
With the cool aromas of dewy grass.
And the minerality of a freshwater lake.
Perhaps you yawn and sigh once more.
Each breath becomes deeper.
As I count you down.
5 Feel the weight of your body sinking deeper.
Into the support of the night.
Floating effortlessly.
Like a wooden duck.
Gently settling into the calm sun-warmed waves.
Your body takes on the relaxed,
Loose sensation one feels.
After swimming across a lake.
You feel spent in the most comforting way.
As you finally let go.
Your muscles melting.
Boar A wave of relaxation.
Moves up through your legs.
And into your hips.
Release any tension you're holding.
Your upper back.
Your mid-bath.
And lower back.
Tucked beneath the weight of a favorite cozy blanket.
Welcome the perfect contrast of a midsummer night.
The cool,
Crisp lake breeze brushing your forehead.
While the radiant glowing heat of the nearby fire pit.
Keeps your core perfectly toasted and secure.
3.
.
.
Your shoulders drop away from your ears.
Your arms feel heavy and supported.
Softly inhale the cool night air.
The rich nostalgic scent.
Of sweet campfire smoke and pine pitch.
Anchoring you to this moment Above you the infinite stars blink into view.
Stretching across the dark sky.
Like a canvas of diamonds.
Too.
The muscles in your neck and jaw let go.
Your tongue rests easily.
Around you,
The rhythmic golden lanterns of fireflies.
Float effortlessly through the dark blues.
Their gentle silent blinking.
Marrying the slow,
Steady rhythm of your breathing.
One.
Your forehead smooths out.
The space behind your eyes grows dark and quiet.
And from the ground of your head.
To the soles of your feet.
You are completely cradled.
In a pocket of deep peace.
Feel ready to let the gentle warmth of the perfect summer evening into you.
Carry you away as the story begins.
Coming back to the Lake Cabin Sanctuary.
Is a sweet and gentle homecoming.
The familiarity of the fresh air.
Brings an ease and deeper breath.
With each crunch of the rusty pine needles beneath your sandals.
The sun is setting soon.
And the lake is a magnificent mirror.
Of the sky's fiery hues.
Rippling like silk.
With the occasional splash.
Of a vibrant soul leaping off a dock.
Or a paddle boat on a sunset cruise.
The presence of others is heard and felt.
But not in an intrusive way.
The Lake Cabin Sanctuary nestled in a quiet cove.
With a stone beach.
That offers an array of vibrant yellow kayaks and electric blue paddle boards.
The days are delightfully the longest this time of year.
And the first fireflies dare to light up the tall grasses along the lakeshore.
Before the sun slips entirely away.
The air is soft on your skin.
Still slightly warm and humid.
With an occasional breeze.
It brings the promising coolness of night.
Beyond the farther point of the lake.
The mountains roll more like the humps of a camel's back.
The jagged edges of the Alps.
They impart the same sense of fluidity.
Of undulating lake waves.
That please and slow a hurried mind.
You arrived hours ago.
Now settle.
Contempt.
As you walk down the grassy hill to the fire pit.
Where I wait with my sweet,
Yet sometimes spicy,
Long-haired chihuahua who races to greet you.
He's a sneaky ankle licker.
Which may seem endearing amongst friends.
But often gives a fright when we are at a city crosswalk in mild weather months.
And bare legs are easily accessible.
To his eager bubblegum pink tongue.
Is very unlike my last Chihuahua chat.
Will happily sit between my feet when I stand in the cool lapping waves.
" Jack would dart away.
Daring the water to even try to touch his white paws.
But I.
.
.
Despite his unusual ankle bone proclivities.
Always appreciates the cool reprieve of a lake or ocean on hot days.
After greeting you.
Ayuk is abruptly distracted.
By a splash from a dock across the cove.
Daisy,
A golden retriever.
Dives into the lake for her routine sunset swim.
Ike scratches at the earth.
Leaving his scent in an act of rebellion as his plush chocolate caramel and white tail waves like a fan.
And his lower half wiggles.
He can't decide whether to be spicy or sweet in this moment.
But Daisy is pure joy.
She drowns out his casual barks.
Diving for a toy fetched across the lake.
As the sun lowers.
Nearly gone beyond the horizon.
The sky erupts in the most vibrant hues of magenta.
Raspberry deep purple and peach.
Every saturated color finds its home on the lake.
And it feels like we are all being transported.
Into a technicolor dream.
A rainbow of vintage lanterns from my youth.
Turn on automatically.
Strung between towering pines and a pergola dripping with wisteria.
Ike follows me close behind.
As I gather kindling and place it in the fire pit.
And invite you to settle in an Adirondack chair.
The songs of crickets and frogs.
Or the occasional hoot of an owl.
Fill the twilight hours.
Dragonflies hover above the lake.
Their pearly,
Purple,
Blue,
And emerald green markings.
Capturing the last light.
With shimmering iridescence.
No more intent on stealing a stick or two from my pile.
Has forgotten about Daisy altogether.
Soon she will be toweled off.
And settled by a fire herself.
Drying in its warmth.
On the other side of our cove.
The kindling catches quickly.
I soon add a single log and then another.
The crackles and pops are as frequent as popcorn kernels being transformed in a popper.
Cool refreshments and snacks.
Are arranged on a mosaic side table that depicts a lakeside setting at night with pieces of broken glass.
You help yourself to a tumbler of your favorite summer tonic.
And once the fire is readied.
I join you.
Ike claims a chair all to himself.
He's barely 10 pounds,
But always feels entitled to the coziest spots.
Every one of the four chairs is draped with a flannel blanket.
And Ike pulls his blanket down with his teeth.
To make into a personal nest.
He spins four times and then sighs.
For collapsing in a thud.
And curling in the shape of a croissant.
Moments.
He will be fast asleep.
His mouth will open and make small chirps as he dreams.
His eyes will flutter beneath his lids.
As his legs kick as though he's still swimming in the lake.
I imagine he's dreaming of Daisy.
Not quite sure what to do with a dog.
He seems to both fear and have a crush on at the same time.
Maybe his dreams will give him better insights.
The flames encroach the logs.
And the chartreuse flickers of the fireflies.
More present and desire.
The sky deepens into dusky blues and purples.
Occasionally.
We hear the splash of a fish breaching the lake and plopping down.
Or the soft landing of a pine cone.
Falling along the lake's edge.
After sitting quietly for a few moments' time.
I reach for my journals and open to a page.
When I started writing so long ago.
I imagined a daughter or niece.
Would one day find these passages.
And hopefully learn something from my experiences.
To spare them the challenges of going through it first hand.
But I understand now.
Those uncomfortable moments and tribulations.
Are what make life richer and deeper.
And help redirect us to what we most want.
Tonight.
Arid passages about the beautiful furry friends.
Who came to me along the way to here.
Grounding me and feeding my soul.
During the hardest moments.
And honestly.
Sometimes redirecting my path completely.
I turn the pages to a passage.
Dated January 27th.
2005.
My friends have teased me because the true reason I left the 80 square foot SRO I love so much is because of Scarlet.
My sweet little orange tabby cat.
We've finally settled into the new apartment.
Having moved four blocks with a rather inefficient system.
For transporting all my belongings in black garbage bags.
I had hoped to borrow a shopping cart from Gristiti's.
But then became too embarrassed at the notion.
There's such a great sense of pride I feel.
Having my own apartment in Manhattan at the age of 22.
The space is quite small and already furnished with a futon and a small wooden table.
But I have two closets.
And that's a rare luxury for a city studio.
Well,
Even for a one bedroom.
There is nothing glamorous about where I lived before.
And truth be told,
I got scarlet because the building did nothing to stop the mice invasion that kept me from sleeping.
I thought just maybe her scent might deter them.
And it did.
And she was much braver.
Even at barely 3 pounds than I was as a full-grown woman.
I went about finding her by posting an ad online.
And within hours.
A woman in the heights reached out.
And said this poor kitten was being bullied by teenage boys in the courtyard.
She took her in.
But her own,
Much older cat,
Bullied her now instead.
And the woman asked me to come save this kitten as soon as possible.
When I arrived at the building.
She handed off the sweet little trembling kitten.
As her toddler son came running down the hall in his diaper.
So disappointed to have to say goodbye as he shouted,
Gato,
Gato,
Gato.
Scarlet wasn't much of a fan of the subway to her new home.
But she loved our little room.
On afternoons,
She would settle atop my Casio keyboard.
That I propped across the twin bed,
Working on new songs.
But soon I realized.
But not only did I sneak a kitten into this space.
But as she grew,
She really deserved more space.
Than a single room occupancy could offer.
And so,
Here we are settled in this new apartment.
Small by most standards.
But three times the space we began with.
Right now she sits at my feet,
Purring as I write.
And I can't help but be eternally grateful for the push I needed to grow.
Quite a bit more expensive.
And I'd be lying if I said that doesn't make me nervous.
Still every time I look around this little apartment,
And see Scarlet stretched out in a sunbeam.
And now we made the right choice.
It's hard to scold her when she leaps onto the top of the fridge and transforms the kitchen cabinets into a jungle gym.
She's curious.
And is enjoying having a kitchen and private bathroom as much as I am.
The words of a friend keep playing in my mind.
Michelle,
You deserve this apartment too.
Even more than a cat.
" I think we both do,
But the message is received.
And it's certainly nicer to write songs looking out the window at the courtyard as the snow falls,
With my Casio now resting in a more permanent home.
I close the floral fabric-covered journal and smile.
Watching Ike's tired eyes open halfway.
As the reflections of the flames in the fire pit.
Dance in his brown irises.
The stars flicker overhead.
Fraggling the sky as a waxing gibbous moon rises.
Its pearly lavender light.
Reflecting on the late.
I pick up another journal.
And it rests in my lap.
Pausing before I turn the page to another entry.
You encourage me to read some more.
October 20th,
2010.
I always said that when I finally signed a record deal,
That I would get a doll.
A hot summer night a few years ago.
I was perched on a Broadway bench with Dan.
And we were engaging in our typical shenanigans since college.
Making random conversations and observations on the Upper West Side,
As if we were our own cast of Seinfeld.
It was the easiest way to have a good time not spending a dollar on a Saturday night.
Blonde,
Long-haired miniature dachshund shuffled by.
And I stopped at Zoner and said her pub was so beautiful.
And as soon as I signed a record deal,
That I was going to get one.
Well,
She was quite nonplussed,
Perhaps even irritated,
And hurried on with a cynical kind of,
Sure you will.
But I kept that image in my mind.
But then when I finally got a publishing deal for my first album.
I made one excuse after another.
Because I was terrified.
I mean I knew exactly the kind of life I wanted to give a dog.
And I didn't know if I could.
Well here we are.
And I've finally done it.
I came across a random family who posted a listing.
For a long-haired chihuahua that needed a home.
And now I have this little boy Jack racing around my studio apartment.
Chasing Scarlet's tail.
She was so kind when he arrived.
Maternal and patient.
Maybe giving this puppy.
A little too much power in their dynamics.
Last summer I knew I couldn't wait any longer.
When the ache for a dog companion overwhelmed me.
I was sitting in a blue beach chair on Fire Island.
In one of the few places in New York.
Dogs are allowed to frolic in the surf year-round.
It felt like every person had a pup in tow.
When Lila came charging toward me.
And dug under my seat.
A six-month-old Portuguese water dog.
Chased by a young boy and his dad's.
Lila was perfection.
Bouncy joy in motion.
Darting back and forth.
Between the incoming tide and my chair.
I knew if I was going to keep coming to this beach.
And with my current relationship and his family's bed and breakfast on the island,
I knew it was a given.
That I needed a dog of my own.
I can't express the joy I felt on my first beach walk with Jack.
Even as I had the most frustrating time convincing him.
That he's allowed to go potty outside now.
But seeing him run in the sand of the quiet off-season beach.
Stirred a deep level of joy in my soul.
I haven't felt like this before.
See,
I've been checking off so many lists.
So focused on the next opportunity or goal.
That I was nearly bowled over by the gratitude.
Connection to life.
Into the present moment.
At having a puppy brought.
I want to design my days around our walks in the park.
As the leaves are now turning their richest autumnal shades.
The ultimate luxury.
Is leisurely strolling through the park with a coffee in hand.
Letting Jack take his time as he explores the world.
Or nowhere else to go.
No agenda to follow.
No call time to worry about.
The long days I spend on set.
Keep us apart too much.
And while I don't have a plan just yet.
I know it's time for a shift.
This pup has made me realize that my lifestyle and sleep are more important than any film or commercial or tour has ever been.
I don't want to miss a single day in the dog park.
Watching him play.
Connecting with this new community of fellow dog lovers.
In letting my day unwind at a pace that feels good.
And not racing out the door at 4am to board an unmarked van to a filming location in the middle of New Jersey with no idea when I will return home.
I'll figure it out,
I'm sure.
But right now,
I savor every moment I can with this foxy little boy.
This is something I didn't know I wanted so much.
This is everything.
I close the journal and notice the air is cooler as I stand and stretch.
It's time for s'mores.
I smile as I step up to the cabin to grab the supplies.
Returning to the fire pit.
Contrast of the crisp night breeze.
Feels incredible against our skin.
The fire settles into a deep radiating bed.
Glowing orange embers.
Perfect for roasting.
I pass you a long skewer and a bag of marshmallows.
Inviting you to toast yours exactly how you like.
Together we watch the edges bubble.
And turn out perfect.
Golden-brown.
In the quiet night.
Ike doesn't even open his eyes.
Though his little nose twitches.
As the scent of caramelized sugar drifts over his blanket nest.
As we sit in the cozy silence.
Listening to the gentle slap.
Of the lake against the darkened docks.
A deep wave of gratitude washes over me.
The shifts I dreamed about in those old pages.
Didn't happen overnight.
Sharing the simple,
Peaceful moment with you.
Beneath a ceiling of stars I once wished upon.
Proves that every choice led me exactly where I meant to be.
In the sanctuary for sleep.
Where I at last am able to connect all the dots of my talents and yearnings.
No longer waiting by the phone for the next 3am call time or questionable shoot.
Jack helped me prioritize my health.
Mental and physical.
He helped me let go of what I once thought success looked and felt like.
Ike stirs,
Awakened by the sound of graham crackers crunching in our teeth.
I toss him a baby carrot that's been waiting.
I raise a more recent journal.
Though I still scroll my musings in when time allows.
And turn to a passage.
Written not long after Ike's gotcha day.
April 30th,
2024 There is the grief of losing a beloved dog.
Which is something that ebbs and flows with time.
I feel there's nothing that can be done about that.
I traveled the world.
It did all the things I was waiting to do when I had the freedom.
Honoring our profound memories.
But then there is the grief of no longer being a dog mom.
A grief I knew I could fix.
As soon as the leather warms.
And I felt ready to take on the task of training a new puppy.
And now he's here.
Amazing how serendipitous it is when a pet finds us.
Effortless really.
I came across Ike's photo during a random scroll on some social media site before bed.
And knew he was the one.
I was so scared of it not working out.
That I made my partner send off an email on my behalf.
I learned that his home fell through after someone else got cold feet.
And their fear meant that this precious pup was available.
And can now be mine.
The egg saved me.
His gentle licks,
His sweet disposition.
I often say this little boy is all honey.
Maybe he'll get some spice with age.
He bonded with me instantly.
Just like Jack.
Following closely behind.
And sitting the moment I pause or stop.
But this time,
I feel confident.
Certain I can give Ike the life I dreamt of giving to a dog.
Because I've already done it once before.
This little teddy bear has a lifetime ahead of travel adventures.
Beaches and train rides.
Farms and cabins.
When he curls up around my neck.
Oppresses his warm body against me.
I feel instantly grounded and safe.
I am so grateful to have another chance.
With a new best friend.
With a sweet little prince.
I close the final journal.
The smooth cream fabric.
With its delicate gold threads catching the last glint of the firelight.
The fire pit has settled now.
Flames dancing low and lazy.
Leaving behind a brilliant bed.
Glowing ruby coals.
I grab a sturdy fallen branch from the edge of the grass.
To gently spread the remaining logs.
Pick up a bucket of cool lake water.
Pouring it slowly over the embers.
A satisfying hiss.
Rises into the night.
Releasing a plume of clean warm steam.
That quickly dissipates into the midnight air.
Leaving only the deep,
Safe quiet.
Of the lake.
I lift Ike into my arms.
His soft body a tiny comforting weight against my chest.
And smile over at you.
I see how tired you are as you yawn.
And invite you to head on inside to the cabin.
It can go right up to the love.
Or you can take a warm,
Relaxing shower.
Ike and I take one brief final stroll along the moonlit edge of the grass.
To breathe in the fresh air.
For him to do his business so he can sleep in tomorrow morning.
Stepping inside.
The warmth of the cabin wraps around you as you head upstairs.
The loft space is airy and quiet.
Smelling a freshly cut lily's cedar.
And the rich clean scent.
Of the pine-infused lake breeze.
In your private bathroom.
You wash off the day.
As the hot water cascades over your head and shoulders.
It instantly relaxes every muscle that spent the afternoon swimming.
Ones you are completely restored.
And ready for bed.
You step out into the main loft area.
A humming ceiling fan.
Lazily circulates the cool summer night air.
From below.
You hear the faint,
Comforting squeak of the screen door opening and closing.
As I and I return.
From our final walk.
Downstairs,
I turn off the kitchen lights.
And the soft rhythmic click of Ike's tiny nails.
Echoes gently.
As he follows me into my bedroom.
Settle into his cozy nest for the night.
I dim the rest of the cabin lights.
Leaving you in the soft.
Private stillness of your upstairs suite.
You go to the bed.
And snuggle.
Noticing the deep blues and purples of the fabrics.
Soothe you perfectly.
As you prepare for sleep.
You slide beneath the weight of the quilt.
Feeling its heavy,
Comforting warmth.
Press against you.
Holding you steady.
As the day begins to fade.
Outside the open windows.
Gentle rhythmic lap of the lake against the shore.
It's a constant soothing soundscape.
The distant neon yellow flashes of the fireflies.
Slipping softly through the screens.
Everything winds down.
As you get lost in the sleepy rhythm of the water.
Feeling as safe as a person ever can.
Within these cabin walls.
The simple pleasures feel profound.
As you drift into the softness.
And as you approach,
Delicate space.
Between wakefulness and slumber.
You remember the dreams you've dreamt for yourself.
Quiet,
Soft moments.
Feel richer than you may have ever imagined.
And in this private space.
The world outside has entirely fallen away.
Replaced by the deep,
Hushed peace of this lake sanctuary.
Every muscle in your body releases.
Letting go into the mattress.
Begin to drift.
Connecting with your own dreams.
Safe and settled.
Finding comfort.
Finding bliss.
Finding hope.
Finding sleep.
It's time to dream.
Good night.
