In Love

The surface of the lake reflected the rich red-orange of the setting sun.  Merging into purple the entire majesty of sky was suffused in color.  Golden rays of light flashed upwards from the final sliver of sun sinking behind a band of silhouetted hills highlighting the ethereal clouds in gilt.

At the end of the dock the newlywed couple stood in awe of the resplendent display.  He raised her silken hand to his lips and gently kissed her new wedding band.  She turned toward him and softly caressed his tousled hair.  Lost in each other’s eyes, sunset forgotten, they embraced.

U.F.O.

Once in awhile an event happens.

It happened on a Tuesday.  By Wednesday the news sources were filled with images and speculation of its intent.  On Thursday, after forty-eight hours of no response to the military, the news agencies turned to other stories.  Friday morning a young man walked up to the object, placed his hand on the only visible marking and waited.  A door opened and he stepped inside to find an older man seated at the controls.

“Thank goodness you activated the door.  I’ve been locked in this ship since 2010 when I left for a test flight.”

The Slipping Away Of Time

With great effort she squatted down.  The weeds were thicker than ever, popping up without fail, crowding out plants she had cultivated over a lifetime of digging in the soil.  It seemed not long ago her gardens were maintained without much effort.  Her mornings spent in the cool dampness pulling and trimming, planting and watering. 

She wondered about the slipping away of time.  Wasn’t it only yesterday she was pain free and strong?

She placed her hand on her knee, inhaled, and pushed up.  The ache in her hands, knees and back told her she was done for the day. 

Getting Back To Work

Ah, Monday morning after a long holiday weekend.  There is a strangeness to sitting at my desk this morning.  It feels like a lifetime has passed since I last sat here working and yet it has only been four days.  How easy it is for the human mind to lose its connectivity to a routine.  In just a matter of days we, my husband and I, adjusted to the new norm of sleeping in, coasting through each day with only thoughts of entertainment and personal amusement, reducing our responsibilities and obligations to the minimal, leaving the soul free to rest and recharge, storing up the energy needed to face the work of the week to come.

As the weekend wound down I found myself thinking about the household tasks in need of some attention, the pulling of weeds in the flower garden, the cleaning out of closets or the sorting of papers left to pile up on the table and on the last day of a four day retreat from the pressures of obligations and responsibilities I made the conscience choice to let it roll without plan, to spend one more day inside away from the heat and humidity, enjoying the time with my husband, knowing tomorrow would be soon enough to plan and act, to work and accomplish my goals.

So, now I find myself at the keyboard, rested and ready to go, pausing for a moment to let the strangeness recede and reacquainting myself with the work to be done. 

The Woods

The leaves danced, sparkling in the sunlight, as a faint breeze slipped through the branches.  A solitary songbird raised its voice in song.  Dappled with light, a dirt path wound its way through the woods beckoning to any and all to follow its trail and discover its secret.

Two children dropped their bicycles in the grass at the edge of the woodland.  They stepped into the shade of the path, slipping through the shadows to the quiet pool at the end of the track.  They dropped their belongings on the mossy bank and with ringing laughter splashed into the water.  

Wedding Weekend

On Friday the groom’s dinner was held.  All the out of town guests, the grandparents, the parents, and the bridal party were there, mingling and getting to know each other.

On Saturday morning the bride and her attendants were up early.  They headed to the salon where their hair and make-up was done up in style.  The groom and his men slept in until ten, making up for a late night the evening before.

On Saturday afternoon they arrived, first one group then the other.  The bride surrounded by women was escorted upstairs.  They spent the final two hours, chatting and dressing, making sure they looked their best.  The groom accompanied by his best man strolled into the church dressed in his tux, his hair neatly combed and a nervous grin on his face.  The rest of the men sauntered in looking handsome and uncomfortable in their wedding attire.

On Saturday afternoon, late, two young people forever joined together descended the steps of the church laughing and smiling as well wishes were showered upon them.  They stepped into the limousine along with their entourage and sped away to the reception hall.

On Saturday evening they dined and toasted, accepting good cheers from all assembled.  After dinner, with music filling the hall, they danced, first with each other then with their parents.  Afterwards the guests joined in, filling the dance floor, celebrating the joy of two young people in love. 

On Sunday morning amongst groans and moans the families, friends and newlywed couple gather for bunch.  Glassy eyed and smiling ear to ear the young wife is radiant, the young husband is poised and relaxed.  They spend the time opening gifts, visiting and thanking everyone who made their wedding weekend so perfect.

On Sunday evening as they stepped into their quiet apartment as husband and wife he swept her up into his arms carrying her across the threshold with squeals of delight and surprise.  Hand in hand they walked through their home establishing their new unity in the place they had shared.  From this day forward they would tackle life as one.