He slid into the seat next to her and glanced her way. “So, you wanna drive?”

She lifted her hand to him. A black silk sleeping mask dangled from her index finger. “Yes, now put this on.” She giggled softly, “It’s a surprise.”

He plucked the mask and scoffed. “If I have to wear this, I’m going to get some shuteye.” He reclined his seat back as she revved the engine.

He could tell they were headed through the curves of the pass, but soon sleep took over. He lost track of time in his slumber.

The closing of the driver’s door startled him awake. She soon opened the door on his side of the car.

“Give me your hand, but don’t take off the mask just yet.”

He took in a deep breath. The air was cleaner here, fresher. She slipped her hand into his.

“Come this way.” She navigated him through a small maze of steps and turns.

He heard the snicker and an “awww” of a couple as they walked past. He heard her chuckle a bit, then the click of a door lock.

She led him through the door. “Now, give me a moment; don’t move.” She stepped away a moment.

He thought to peek and lifted his hand to his face.

“Unh-uh. Don’t spoil it!” She commanded.

He lowered his hand. “I had an itch!” He covered for himself.

She laughed and paused a few more moments. “Okay, go ahead.”

He lifted his veil and looked around. She stood in front of him with a grin. A plush sofa and chair sat in front of him. He knew he was in a hotel, but where?

He took a few steps into the adjoining room. A king bed awaited them. He turned around and stepped back into the little living room. “Where are we?”

She tilted her head towards sliding doors. A small balcony revealed what awaited outside.

He pulled the curtain back and took a look. Sun was setting, and it was quiet outside. He turned to her with a smile, then realized she had his trunks in her hand.

“Wanna go for a dip?”

A long night slowly crept by. Forced my focus away from the news. We knew what was coming, so I needed to alleviate anxiety.

Thankful to have power, so I sat and stitched. A blue and white quilt I decided to make. I pursed my lips and lost myself to the dancing needle, guiding it along the seams.

Mother kept obsessing on the storm; now I know where I get it from. I look up and smile, reassure her, then focus back on sewing. She doesn’t understand why I’m not absorbed like her, but I know I’m better off.

Finally I break from sewing to rest my eyes. The weather and news played on with warnings and updates. The winds picked up and then the final flicker. No more electricity.

Lit a candle and recline on the couch; too scared to sleep so close to the windows in our room. Listening to the whistle and howls was nerve wracking. Sleep came in fits and starts.

The morning broke; cool air and drizzles floated by. Now the winds were calm and I could finally get some real sleep.

Dark skies greeted the day. Easy to see, something was amiss. The lake was eerily calm despite the gray clouds. Birds darted about, making final preparations.

Rains fell throughout the morn, but passed as quickly as it came. The winds picked up as the day wore on, slowly passing by.

As the daylight faded, the sounds of torrential downpours struck the double-paned window. Whistles and howls slipped through cracks as puddles of water gulped up the rains.

A whooshing sound flew across the lake as boards pulled up from the aging dock. Thuds echoed through the house as wood met block.

Groans and creaks, pings, and snaps grew as the darkness of night took over. The noises seemed to drown out everything else. Even conversations and television gave way.

A loud crash startled. One of the oak trees finally crumpled under the winds and surrendered a large branch. As it fell off the roof, scraping noises rattled the bedroom and out nerves.

While the house stood its ground, the noises continued as debris flew. Another branch smacked the window, causing the blinds to shake and sway.

Hours more to go. Sleep will not be sound, if any can even be had. Morning we will see what will be found.

Take me on a hike to a high point,

Let’s set up camp just for us.

Start a little fire and eat a little bite,

Wrap up with each other close and tight.

Watch the sun drift down below the peaks.

Laugh at silly ghost stories and awful jokes,

and play with each other’s chilly hands.

Watch the moon and stars float above

Until our eyes grow heavy and tired.

Then let’s drift off to sweet slumber,

Entangled in each other’s limbs.

Then let us wake to the sweet song of a bird,

And to a pink and blue sky as the sun bids us good morn’.

Hands and fingers trembling,

Fingertips dull from the cold.

Pallor skin shows tired eyes,

Sleepless nights have come back again.

I push the thoughts of you aside,

Happy to be distant friends,

I tell myself this is what must be.

They need you, and he needs me.

Has it always been the cursed way?

A new day, morning comes once again,

Distractions, good times, smiles and work

Busy my mind and my thoughts.

You’re still there, in my heart,

You’re still there, in my mind,

And when you text, I feel a moment of glee.

Grateful that sometimes you still think of me.

Darkness overshadows the light;

Another night settles in.

An eerie quiet fills the air,

As birds and crickets fall silenced.

No wind flutters the leaves,

The world drifts to nothingness.

Hearts slowly beat while hopes dim.

Grayness fills once vibrant eyes,

Hair grows thin and bones turn brittle.

Soon everything may turn to ash,

If there is no saving grace.

Will the breezes blow once more,

And the sun bring its light,

Will the wilderness find its voice,

And our hearts know love once more?

Oppressive heat took over the once air conditioned room. A lone window opened to the world outside revealed what was sure to come. No cooling breeze to lift spirits; instead breaths were full of sighs. Nothing would be easy as limbs are heavy with sweat.

Moving the large and small pots into the already crowded garage proved tough. So much of this stuff needs to go, but not this week. Storm’s a’comin’ and that takes priority.

Battery backups and chargers plugged in, filling up the power. Water stockpiled along with non-perishable foods. This time, they took it a little more serious. The last one left them in the dark for a week.

Plans put in place; their home would be the family home base. Time to set up the bed in her office to host nephew and kitty. The other room ready for mom.

A spare blow up mattress available too, should anyone else need. Now we watch and wait. Hopefully it keeps moving West. Time will tell. Storm’s a’comin’.

Her tired fingers pinched and squeezed,

Poked and clasped through the sandwich of cloth.

Her eyes squinted, looking through the years of age,

She knew much longer she wouldn’t be able to do more.

But, it filled her quiet days since he’d passed away.

Pieces of cloth cut from old house dresses,

Children’s and grandchildren’s clothes too.

Her daughter-in-law would be along soon,

Whisking her away to the fabric store in town.

The quilting frame was already set with today’s project.

Brightly colored fabrics already pieced,

Batting sandwiched in the middle.

This one is for the next bride in the family;

Each young lady would eventually get one.

The gossip starts as they gather around,

What happened at church, who is in to visit,

And the stories carried on and on

While each stitch was delivered with love.

Soon the quilt would be ready for binding,

While another one waited in the wings.

Such were the days of the quilting bees.

Startling responses to normal inconveniences.

I understand how it happens, show patience.

It’s getting to others though, so I must act.

Dealing with perfectionism is hard.

I face it every day, every time things go wrong.

Now I need to help another, but where to start?

They have to own it and develop coping mechanisms.

But they have to be willing to grow.

Wish me luck!

Step lightly as you stalk your prey.

Watch it’s every move before you attack.

Soften your breath and silence your tongue.

Follow with your eyes first, head second.

Don’t let your focus stray from the goal,

Avoid the distractions which surround.

Time it just right before the trigger releases.

Pounce, pounce, pounce!