As defined in the dictionary, a hermit is a person who has withdrawn from society and lives a solitary existence often times for religious reasons (Mildredism). The primary residence of a hermit is called a 'hermitage'. I lovingly call my hermitage "the cave". Several 'hermitages' in close proximity make up what I call a 'hermitdome' which most people might consider to be an enigma or a paradox since hermits like solitude above all else. Urban and suburban hermits may live in solitude together, but the rare rural hermit is revered by all hermits for he/she lives in true solitude! Regardless of where a hermit dwells, clustering too closely together is clearly avoided...or at least hermits claim they don't cluster unless it's mating season. Then you need to batten down your hatches and put up the NO VACANCY sign. Trust me, there's nothing more menacing than a hungry hoard of horny hermits (now that's a tongue twister in more ways than one.) Say it 5 times quickly without smiling and you get a prize! A collection of 'hermitdomes' comprise the 'hermitsphere' or better described as the solitary cosmic universe in which a hermit spiritually resides. The atmosphere inside an individual 'hermitage' is called the 'hermitude'. A 'hermitude' is a true depiction of who the hermit is and reflects the hermit's general attitude...and altitude at all times. It can be dark, and dank inside and or it can be sunny and inviting or it can fluctuate between the two depending upon the ever-changing mood of the hermit. A 'hermitage' can be as simple or complex as a hermit wants it to be. Usually it's structured to fit the specific needs of the hermit that dwells inside so that outside contact can be kept as minimal as possible...except during mating season and then anything goes!
Does anyone care to interpret the dream I had last night? I spent last night dreaming about a rather large crack I have in my hermitage that was letting the sunshine inside. What a revolting development that was! I sat in my cave pondering the best way to repair the crack and then I noticed it! A huge FOR SALE sign was hanging by my front door. I sprung to my feet and quickly started trying to remove the sign, but the harder I pulled the more securely it stayed hung. I looked around and thought, "These deep red bedroom walls have to go! It's time for a change!" Yes, indeed it's time for a change! Any suggestions? Maybe purple instead? Perhaps I should wait for mating season and get a big, burly hermit to fix my crack. Oh no! I didn't just write that. What's wrong with me? Could it be that I'm one of those hungry, horny hermits, too? Okay folks, it's time to batten down your hatches and stay away from Mildred until she stops drooling. I'll wave a white flag when it's safe to come out of hiding...
To all my fellow hermits and kindred spirits alike, in the words of Robert Frost:
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep...