BEDSIDE MANNERS

By Alexis Patterson

Cat Teaser Wand

My morning begins when Mr. Claude, my cat, hungrily pounces onto my bed to announce that he is ready for breakfast. This usually occurs at 5:45 am without fail, seven days a week. I try to ignore him until my real alarm clock goes off at 6:30 am. I have mastered the trick of moving his cat teaser wand while sleeping.

Notebooks

Part of my morning ritual begins with writing about the previous night’s dreams. The notebooks next to my bed are filled with dreams, thoughts, ideas, short stories and the beginning of letters to friends.

Teacup of Water

I love tea and I love coffee, but I do not like waking up in the middle of night thirsty to a cup of stale, cold tea or coffee, so I stick to drinking water out of a teacup when in bed. I still get the same satisfied feeling without the middle of the night startling flavor.

Two Lamps

Lighting is very important. I alternate between two lamps depending on my mood. When I am feeling relaxed I turn on my lantern, which has a nice warm glow. When I need to wake up or need to be productive, I turn on the larger lamp.

Two Candles

I also alternate between the scents of two candles. When I am feeling cozy, reading or writing I burn Midnight Magic (Polynesian Gardenia) by DW Homes Candles. When I am feeling flirty or getting ready to go out I burn Santal 26 by Le Labo.

Amethyst Crystal

As an event planner, I tend to have a lot of stressful work related dreams and anxiously sleepless nights. Amethyst crystals are great for curing nightmares and insomnia.

Aura Photographs

I get my aura photographed once a month at a place in Chinatown called Magic Jewelry. My aura is usually pink which supposedly means you are “an artist and a loving person who appreciates the finer things in life”.

Books

I love to read. On my nightstand are books I am currently reading and future reads. My favorite book is Manuscript Found in Accra by Paulo Coelho.

Succulent

I love plants, but this one is next to my bed exists more as a reminder to water it.

Socks

I fall asleep with socks on my feet, but always wake up sock less. It always amazes me to find these socks neatly balled together on my nightstand instead of hidden in my sheets. I have no recollection of doing this.

Clock

This clock is just for show. I have not replaced its batteries in years. I rely on my iPhone for everything.

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