5AM DIARIES | Quiet Mornings, French Food & Finding Our Rhythm Again | Day 8

This morning felt different. We both woke up early—Ash went into his Sadhana, and I had already finished my yoga before the sun was up. There’s something about these quiet mornings that makes us feel like we’re in control again—like we’re not just reacting to life, but shaping it, moment by moment.

🪟 I opened the windows before the Texas heat rolled in. I love hearing the birds at that time… especially the pigeons. I know it’s unusual, but there’s something about their low, rolling coo that I feel deeply. It’s not just sound—it’s vibration, and it calms something in me.

🫖 In the kitchen, I made Indian tea the way Ash’s dad taught me when I was living with his family. No spices, just tea leaves poured into a pot of boiling milk and water. One day, I’d love to have my own cow, milk it fresh, and make this tea the way I imagine it used to be made—simple and real.

🥐 This week, we’re doing “French Week.” Even though I’m German, my ancestors are from France and Mongolia, and there’s always been something in me that connects deeply to French culture. I’m baking almond, chocolate, and cheese croissants. At the farm, I made everything from scratch… but with our current work schedule, I’m buying the dough. And that’s okay. The love is still in it.

❤️ Ash is feeling a little better today, but the grief is still very present. Some days are heavy. Some are just quiet. But we’re moving through it together, with patience and softness.

✨ In today’s video:

🧘 Early morning yoga & Sadhana

🪶 Birdsong, pigeons & the magic of quiet mornings

🫖 Making Indian tea & remembering Ash’s dad

🥐 French Week: croissants filled with memory & joy

💛 Soft grief, slow healing & little rituals

On our wall, we have a list of all the supplements we’re taking—and every time we take one, we tick it off.
Small habits. Quiet healing. A little more life each day.

📍 Catch up on the journey so far:

📍 [Day 1: Thunderstorm & Alarm Chaos] https://youtu.be/wlblxcSw1Ec
📍 [Day 2: 5AM Start, Dosa & Ayurveda] https://youtu.be/1G3qSEEFt0M
📍 [Day 3: Sunrise & Peaceful Morning Walk] https://youtu.be/pFr2MuqNUw8
📍 [Day 4: Alarm Fail & Grumpy Mornings] https://youtu.be/vid6ABQjRKY
📍 [Day 5: Starting Over & Morning Sunshine] https://youtu.be/s_bV3PUf8WA
📍 [Day 6: Joy, Clarity & Burned Pancakes] https://youtu.be/67NzFOVCCxg
📍 [Day 7: Grieving the Loss of a Friend] https://youtu.be/yLt6nC0cblI

Thanks for being here with us. If you’re finding your way back to peace, or just trying to make space for quiet and clarity—we hope this video gives you a moment to breathe.

#90DayChallenge #MorningRoutine #SimpleLiving #YogaJourney #FrenchBaking #TeaMaking #AshAndSummer #GriefAndHealing #TexasLife #Birdsong #SlowMornings

Edited by Summer and Ash.