Early morning, the sun blazes through the heavy fog.
Dew coats the windows and each blade of grass.
The gentle fragrance of jasmine floats on the air.
Yes, today will be a beautiful day; savor it.
Author: Dawn Renee Miller
Lifelong writer of boring things like specs and reqs ready to spread her wings with some creativity.
Jane’s Way
Jane stepped out to her front porch. The gulf breeze wafted on the air on this cool February morning. Soon Spring heat would settle over the island, but for today, the weather was pleasant.
She donned her bicycle helmet. It had a soft straw cover, befitting a woman of leisure, which she apparently became when she retired. A vibrant sash encircled the brim; she switched these to coordinate with her outfit. Today’s was hot pink, matching her capri pants and her brightly patterned shirt.
She stepped off her porch and walked along side the wax flowers and grasses that graced the front of her little cottage, until she reached the one car garage. After a few punches on the access pad, the garage opened. She ducked in, barely missing the bottom of the door with her hat, then returned with her bike in hand.
It was a simple three-speed beach rider, with oversized wheels, a wide seat, and two saddlebag style baskets at the rear. The aqua blue bike even had a cup holder on the handlebars to hold her iced cold… water. Well, that’s what the kids thought anyway!
Jane lowered the garage door, dropped her wallet and keys in one of the baskets, and mounted the bike. Soon, the breeze was in her face, and she lazily paddled down to the town center. A few times, she kicked her Sketchers covered feet out like a little kid, enjoying the ride.
She arrived at her first stop. As she dismounted, she took in a deep breath. The smells of fresh baked patisserie and bread filled her lungs. It was time for breakfast.
A small crowd gathered at the entrance. Two children ran about their parents and grandparents. The young mother looked up and smiled as Jane approached. “Nice hat! I love it!”
Jane smiled back and responded, “Thanks! Have to stay stylish in my old age.” Then she winked at the girl. “Are you already on the list?”
The group all nodded. Apparently they were all together. So Jane slipped by them and entered the cafe.
“Hi Jane! Come on in and have a seat. They’re waiting for us to put some tables together.” The hostess waved her to a quiet booth out of traffic. “Your usual tea?”
“Yes, thank you, Sarah,” she replied as she loosened and removed her helmet, placing it beside her on the booth.
As she waited, she scrolled through her phone, making comments on her nieces, nephews, and other family posts of pictures. It’s how she stayed connected living so far away.
Her tea arrived and she gently picked it up and took a sip. “Perfect!” She mumbled to herself as Sarah busied herself setting up the table for the large party and escorted them in.
Sarah returned to Jane. “Let’s get your order in,” as she tilted her head to the large party, “We can’t have our favorite customer waiting.”
Jane looked over the menu she had already memorized from her frequent trips and selected a decadent eggs printanier with a side pain au chocolat. “I know, not my typical breakfast.” She winked at Sarah before she wandered back to the kitchen.
Jane returned to her phone and found today’s word games on the New York Times app. She tapped away at the screen, solving the mini. Then she heard a little voice to her side.
A little girl, not more than six, laid her syrup covered hands on Jane’s helmet. “I like your hat. Do they make them in my size?”
Jane looked over and paused. Many would be annoyed to see sticky hands touching their things. But no, not Jane. She just smiled at the cherub face. Sure, she had to clean her helmet, but the angelic smile melted her childless heart.
“I don’t know. But let me see.” Jane clicked away at her phone and found the site. Sure enough they did. “Here, show this to your mom.” She handed her phone over without a second thought.
“Mommy, they do!” She squealed as she toddled over and showed the site to her family.
Her mom sounded surprised and smiled at Jane. “Thank you!” The little girl wandered back and returned her phone.
“Sure, anytime!” Then Jane turned back to her table as Sarah delivered her food. “Thanks, Sarah. Looks delicious!”
Jane savored every bite of her breakfast, then languished over her tea, reading up on today’s events on the island. Not much happens on Tuesdays here, so it would be just another day in paradise.
Folding Fan
The gentle stroke of the brush
Slides across the crisp paper.
Flowing lines and flowering vine
Dance elegantly across the fan.
Let it dry and then crease in the pleats.
Softly coat the edge in gold to let it shine.
Striking dark wood attached to the ends,
Then fasten a small tassel to the heel.
Now watch it flit and fly like a butterfly.
Mornin’
Rising this morning, as the day started anew,
The skies were of blue and pink cotton candy.
Softly, the world woke from its slumber.
Birds chirped and flirted in the branches,
While squirrels dashed through the grasses.
Fur babies sat at the windows, wide-eyed,
Chittering and swishing their tails.
Welcome quiet weekend mornings,
Welcome Saturdays, a day to finally relax.
Beauty
Ink lines piercing brightly hued strokes,
Transforming spots into dancing flowers.
Amazed by the simplicity of the design,
Wondering why it just is so hard to do.
That’s the wonder of life, isn’t it?
When we sit back and observe, we see…
Some people always struggle with easy things;
While others make the difficult look easy.
Here’s the secret… we all struggle with things;
And we all have talents that come easily.
It’s just a matter of focus and acceptance.
Just a silly musing after a strange day filled with challenges and successes. May the weekend arrive a little early!!!
Creaky
Creaking, groaning limbs arch and sway.
One of these days, they will give way.
But for now they hold steady,
Still able to flex and be ready.
An infusion of warmth from the sun
Reminds of an age full of fun.
The end is not here so comes the fights
After all, shouldn’t aging have rights?
Don’t give in to the weakness and pains;
After all, it’s just in your brains!
Controlling Chaos?
Fighting the desire to get the important details;
Learning to go with the flow;
But it’s so hard when others live in chaos,
And it spills into your semi-organized life.
How can you not know how many people are traveling with you?
When they arrive and when to pick them up?
And traveling on a holiday weekend…for no good reason?
Insanity reaching its peak. Let it go.
Let it go. It isn’t your shit show to manage!
Lilby
Lilby floated through the sky on a windy day
Her red and black polka dot wings fluttering
Finally she settled on a bright green leaf
And took a moment to catch her breath.
What a wild ride today on that breeze.
A drop of dew hung above Lilby
She tiptoed up and drew out a long sip.
Having recovered she knew she had to go,
Soon the storm would settle in,
So Lilby took to the skies once more,
Seeking out her loveliness among the woods.
Farm Day
Rows and rows of green,
Dotted with white and yellow flowers
And bright red strawberries
The bees busily pollinate.
A blue sky floats above
With white pelicans circling
Amid gulls and storks too
A bright sun warms the crisp breeze.
Playing hooky from work,
A planned retreat to the farm,
Getting away from the demands,
The break from the norm revives.
Why can this be everyday?
Love
The sweet red berry picked fresh from the vine.
A song bird tweeting from the nearby wire.
A child’s laugh at something oh so silly.
A favorite movie which entertains and brings smiles.
Fidgeting with the hem and twirling a lock of hair,
And the innocent blush after a first kiss.
Nerves waiting for him to return home.
The realization that some bonds survive
Even through arguments, distance, and time.
Endless in its forms, love in each and every one.
Dawn Renee Writes 