There is just something about a fire in the fire place.
I remember growing up, before we had a gas fireplace—before I was old enough to chop wood. I remember watching my father build a fire on those cold winter days. Sometimes he would let me light it as I got older. Soon, I would learn to stoke the fire and go out in the cold garage to carry in more wood for the fire. Once we got older and installed a gas fire place, we had a fire in the fireplace often. Now, one of the joys that I have each day is sitting by the fire. Even here in El Paso, where winter is just about over and the rest of the United States is under inches, if not feet, of snow.
There is a peacefulness of the fire—a cozy warmth that can only come from the flame. I enjoy reading or writing by the fire. I gain a sense of focus when I am calmed by the fire. A good fire is much like tea—the best way to enjoy it is slowly and quietly. Tea goes well with a fire as well, by the way.
Beside a fire, I dream about being in a warm cabin away from civilization. I dream of being about to write with nothing else to hinder or distract me. I also dream of being quiet and still. I imagine looking out frost covered windows into a snowy night and being able to watch the birds as they play.
There truly is something about a fireplace that stirs me.