Everything is urgent. Need to do this now.

Drop everything, pay attention to this.

Oh, in the mood? Dive right in.

Skip all the good stuff, I can’t wait.

Food, now. What, you want to wait?

Humph, fine, we’ll have a snack.

Leisurely stroll; let’s get’er done.

Why is life just one big race?

“It’s a surprise. Trust me.”

He slipped a silken strip of fabric over her eyes, and snugly tied it. Then he gently took her hand.

“Follow me.”

He tugged on her arm and led her out the door. As they stepped out, the screen door squealed shut. The wood frame clapped against the opening. She smiled from the familiar sound.

He stopped and stepped in front of her, then took both of her hands. “Step down. Again. Once more.”

She followed his commands, already knowing they were stepping off the front porch.

He turned her around, trying to disorient her, then he let go of both hands and took a few steps. “Follow my voice. I won’t let you trip.”

She continued following him. She could hear running water in the distance and the rustling of the leaves. She knew where she was headed, off toward the edge of their property. But, she wondered why.

“Okay, stop.”

She tilted her head. She knew she wasn’t all the way to the creek, where the picnic table sat. Why would they stop here?

He walked back to her then stepped behind her. He loosened the knot and slipped off her blindfold. He whispered in her ear, “Look.”

She opened her eyes. The trees along the creek glowed from fairy lights and lanterns. It had to take hours to string up all the lights. The creek side had transformed into a dream from a fairytale.

Their picnic table underneath the trees had flowers and lanterns, along with a jug of sangria and a steak dinner.

Her eyes lit up and a large smile came across her lips as she turned into his arms. “It’s amazing. Thank you,” then she paused. She searched her mind for some special occasion. She came up empty though. “But, but, why?”

He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Today is the day, the day I knew.”

“Knew? Knew what?” She searched his face for an answer.

He grinned wider than she had seen in years. “I knew it would be you!”

She melted into his arms as they embraced in the glow. He slipped out of her arms and led her off to the table. Then, after taking their seats, he took her hand. “Thank you for making my dream come true.”

I find it interesting how the dynamics of working on IT are changing…and hope it is for the better.

I am always amazed when I hear or see stories regarding the early days of the space program. Some of the most technical aspects and computations were worked out by women. I wish that generation had been able to promote this more, but they couldn’t. Women worked behind the scenes back then.

Today, I sat in a call with 9 others discussing the future. I was the only female. It was a bit disheartening. However, I know it is changing.

I turn and look at my own team and other teams I work with. Some are well balanced; others are not. Both men and women working well together to build our future.

I know plenty of female developers, analysts, and managers. So I take solace in knowing the dynamic is changing and headed toward balance.

But, I wish there were more out there, with stronger skill sets equal to their male counterparts. The industry needs people with technical skills balanced with those soft skills we’re known for.

If you know a girl who loves science, technology and math, or maybe is a whiz at them but shies away from the fields “because that’s not what women do”…please encourage them to dive in and take that leap. They will be able to accomplish phenomenal things with the right knowledge and courage.

The quiet of early morning reveals peace.

Calm surrounds every thing on the beach,

As the birds slowly wake from their slumber.

The gulf gently kisses the shore,

Little sandpipers dart to the wet sand

Grabbing tiny bites before the water returns.

Blue fills the sky, reflects from the white sand,

Even shadows cast a blue hue over the dunes.

The sounds of dolphin breaking the surface,

Their exhale and inhale is unmistakable.

The sun is not yet above the horizon;

This is the blue hour.

The air crisp against my cheeks; I stare up into the midnight blue sky. Speckles of light dot the night and not a moon to be found.

My heart beats more as I move my feet, one step in front of the other. I work to get on track, to overcome my self-doubt, to shut down that annoying voice.

I get lost watching blinking white and red above; airplanes float above to destinations unknown. A train howls in the distance. The occasional car passes by.

The time passes as the voice begins to quiet down. Thirty minutes later, I find myself standing in front of a well lit house, welcoming me back. I look up to the sky one more time before turning in, and whisper, “Good night.”

Suspended, her heart felt suspended in her chest. Breathing was not coming easy; it was shallow as her chest rose and fall.

Her fingers and toes were chilled through, despite gloves and socks and shoes. The air whipped her cheeks and turned her nose red.

She turned, giving in. Not today; the warmth of the house lured her back inside. She shut the door and slid out of her shoes.

Tomorrow will be another day. A better day. She made her way to the kitchen and heated up the kettle. She worked on the dishes as her tea brewed.

Finally done, she made her way to the sofa and found a movie to watch. Her cats piled on, ready to cuddle. She sipped her tea and melted into the pillows, enjoying her Sunday.

Unexpected hugs and cuddles would be nice,

Meaningful gazes from across the room.

Going new places or on familiar drives;

We don’t do those things anymore.

Now, we are good friends and share a home,

Still have our laughs and fun too.

But this house, this time, isolates us,

It started before the pandemic. But grew.

There is such a thing as too much togetherness

We’ve lost the ability to discover the new.

The sparks only fly if I start it off,

I am tired of being the initiator all the time.

What in the world are we going to do?

Spotify on, in the background really low,

Chris Stapleton singing Millionaire.

It makes me wish for your arms

Although we never danced much.

Softly swaying across the wood floor,

I imagine my hands clasped behind your neck,

Your hands resting on my hips,

Moving slow, being held close by you.

My minds eye feels your gentle lips

pressed on me, tender on my skin,

I start missing you once more.

As the song comes to its end, I wish,

Your hand could take mine. Lead me.