The theme for Charli Mills’ December 29th Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge, was to write a cozy story in 99 words (no more, no less). I love that word – cozy. It’s warmth, comfy, cuddly, safe, peace and joy all wrapped into one. I could snuggle up with it and what do I get? A cozy heart.
***
Jane’s eyes brimmed with tears. She studied her palsied mother, reclining peacefully in the easy chair, staring into space. It was as if Jane wasn’t even there.
“Hi Mom,” she said reaching into her tote bag. “I brought you someone to keep you company while I’m not here.”
Jane gently placed a golden stuffed puppy on her mother’s lap and waited.
Little by little her mom began to caress the toy and eventually held it very close.
“Cozy heart,” her mom whispered. Jane gasped, recognizing the phrase her mother softly breathed each time she’d hugged her as a child.
Eloquently Kate 
Your flash brought tears to my eyes. We never forget what it is to feel, even when all other memory fails us. Love still resides in a cozy heart. Beautiful flash, Kate!
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I always love your insights and thoughts about my little ‘flashes’ – and this one warms my heart. Thanks Charli!
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Love it (and the photo, too). What’s more cozy than a stuffed animal? 💕
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Happy New Year Sarah! I think the bears have it right: we should all just hibernate in dens when it’s this cold – dens made of plush blankets, heaters, a good book and a cup of hot tea. 🙂
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Sounds perfect! Happy New Year. ❤
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In Danish, they have a word that is much used – Hygge, Loosely translated, it means cosy in English. The Danes hold that hygge is a vital part of the Danish way of life. You might find this article about it from the BBC interesting. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34345791
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Happy Hygge New Year Anna! Thank you for the article; it is fascinating. I loved the translation offered, “cosiness of the soul” – something that has to be felt. A cozy heart! The candles, the fireplace, the plush throw and hot mulled wine are just trappings – it’s about being in the cozy moment and feeling it, appreciating it. Love it! Thanks Anna.
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Aw, lovely, Kate. A reminder of how robust those emotional connections can be.
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Absolutely – connections of the heart transcend winter frost of summer heat. Thanks Anne!
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That’s lovely, Kate. Cosy enough to warm my heart. Happy new year!
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Happy New Year Norah! Isn’t it nice that a cozy story can warm a heart, no matter what the temperature is outside? I imagine your vision of a hygge moment right now is a lawn chair out on a shaded, cool garden patio, reading a good book and sipping some refreshing lemonade. 🙂
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Oh yes, Kate. That does sound good. Thank you for creating the image! 🙂
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Very sweet! And what caregivers need to remember…
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Thanks Liz!
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