He Said ~ Another punch to the heart. Melodramatic perhaps, or conceivably, just honest. Another move-in day, decorating the college dorm, stocking up on sufficient supplies, discussing the semester ahead, and beyond. So begins Junior year; this is a momentous one. Spring semester will be a trip abroad, to the pulchritudinous region of Tuscany. Italy – an excursion wrapped in academia, rolled into a riddle of enigmatic theatricality, in other words, AN AMAZING ADVENTURE AWAITS!
The melancholy is not new or worse. Instead, its measurement is now based on the uncertainty of her future after this phase, as the second half begins. Of course, complete confidence in her capabilities and independence eases the apprehension.
Perhaps it is the forthcoming three months in Europe. I’ve never gone more than 48 days without seeing her, (but who is counting). Regardless, I do know this cherished friendship will endure eternally.
In the meantime, I need to nurture my interests and talents, and acknowledge the beauty and creativity of life. And, when the pain of her continual exoduses registers too harshly, I will go purchase a cup o’ joe flavored with fall spices and call my best buddy and tell her I miss her.
She Said ~ The sun enters through the blinds and dances across the floor. The slight breeze flirts with the lengthy curtains and they reluctantly sway. The birds are heard chirping and the smell of freshly cut grass trimmings permeates the air.
The world, at least the neighborhood is slowly waking up and so am I and so is he, Luca, my fur baby.
Downward dog, a wide yawn, some pacing and a gentle bark, time to get up.
The bun atop my head gives way to a ponytail and a baseball cap. Too early to consider a fashion statement, sweats and crocs are my go-to.
Doggie bag, fastened leash, and keys in hand we descend the stairs and greet the brightness of the day.
My silent prayer on this morning, every morning, “please don’t let anyone speak to me before I’ve had coffee.”
Then, I immediately feel grateful because he is my reason to get out of bed on the days I don’t want to.
Looking down at the varying shades of gray in his coat, the four white paws and his droopy ears, I feel blessed.
This early morning ritual is about the needs of another being and not my own. This walk is for him and yet I too get something out of it.
I’m reminded that he depends on me and I on him for care, love and reassurance that I will be there to take care of him and he will be there to love me unconditionally – no matter what I wear on our early morning walks.
He Said ~ “The earth will wave with corn
The gray-fly choir will mourn
And mares will neigh with
Stallions that they mate, foals they’ve borne
And all shall know the wonder
I will sing the song of purple summer
All shall know the wonder
I will sing the song of purple summer.”
She Said ~ In love and loss in torment and in jubilant glee we stand shoulder to shoulder. We peer through the thinnest of veils and extract a moment of joy when all else fails us. We heed the call of a melodious serenade and march and sway and rouse and thump.
An unquenched thirst for meaning parts our lips and every word becomes a mantra, a momentary spell to which we willingly surrender. In this moment, this collective is devoid of the anxiousness, disharmony and worry that invades our everyday life.
Here, this congregation is united under one simple principle, let the music move you.
Did You Know? For twenty years, pumpkin spice-flavored items have signaled the unofficial start to autumn and it has ballooned into a $802.5 million industry according to Nielsen data for the 52-week period ending in July 2023.