With school back in session and summer vacations becoming memory, morning rituals capturing that early morning sun (or fog) are more important than ever to get us moving forward into the day. A Twitter post and blog post by author of The Second Lunch, referencing a blog post by Tea and Cookies, got me reflecting on my own morning habits. So meta, as I have this cup of tea...

Now that I'm a student again, I've had to carve a serious routine to make my days feel structured —green tea in the morning. While waiting for the kettle, I feed the cat and dog. Once tea is ready (two bags at once in a really large silly mug), grab my over sweater and the dog leash — we're off.

Each morning we take a new route, and each morning I challenge myself to see my neighborhood in a new light. Here, a neighbor's garden with the last hurrah for her rose bush;