What May Come Part 2

More than anxious to get to her apartment, Jenny said, "It's this way, follow me."  Without delay, she bounded up the stairs with Thad on her heels. One flight, then two, they ran to the top of the third and Thad said nothing, but wondered how far up they were going. As they reached the top of the sixth floor, Jenny turned to Thad, slightly out of breath, with a look of apology on her face. Thad said nothing, just smiled, as they continued up to the seventh floor. To Thad's relief, Jenny went to the door that led to the hall. They had arrived! Thad followed like an obedient puppy. Down the hall they continued to the last door. At the speed of light, Jenny opened the door and they were inside, warm....sort of, safe, and completely alone. The sound of them trying to catch their breath was the only sound in the room. Thad inquired, between breaths, "You have no elevator in this building?"

 Looking at him side ways, Jenny answered, "Of course we do. It's just that we escaped the post office.....only to be trapped in an elevator? I don't think so."  "Good point," Thad relented.

Sounding very much like a little girl, Jenny said....."My, ummm brother, Thomas, is big, like you." She gestured with her hands, reaching as high as she could. Thad was searching for a response to this interesting comment when Jenny expanded her thought. "Thomas has some clothes here and I think they should fit you."

"That room there." Jenny pointed awkwardly toward a half open bedroom door, "it has its own bathroom, so you will find towels and everything you should need." They both stood silently, shivering and sweating. Then Thad said, "Umm, o.k. I'll just....pointing to the door....do that.....o.k., yeah."

Shutting the door behind him, Thad leaned his head against it. Running his fingers through his hair, he took a deep breath in an attempt to collect himself. Softly, Thad said, "This is wild!"

For the first time, Thad looked around and took in his surroundings. The bedroom he stood in was large. The bed was queen size, covered in bedding that looked high quality.  Browns, tans and aquas made up the color palette. Decorative pillows were plentiful on the bed. It made it most inviting. A large dresser stood opposite the bed and the dark wood complimented the tone of the hardwood floors. The generous area rug that lay underneath the bed assured warm and cushioned comfort. Detail, style, and personal touches were every where his eye looked.

 Still shivering, Thad opened the closet to see what options he had. A half dozen long sleeve button down shirts and twice as many T-shirts hung before him. A couple pair of jeans and one well loved pair of sweats completed his options. Choosing a pale blue T-shirt and a button down in a darker shade of blue, Thad grabbed a pair of jeans and moved to the dresser to try his luck  Aah...socks and to his great fortune, Jenny's brother was apparently a boxer guy.

The color scheme carried into the bathroom. Dark tiled floors that looked like wood, aquas and tans in the towels and accessories. Thad softly whispered, "details".  He stepped into the shower and enjoyed the feel of the warm water falling on his chilled skin. The extra high shower head was a treat. He was accustomed to ducking down to rinse his hair since at 6'4", he usually had no other choice. As the water cascaded down his body, thoughts flooded his mind. This girl.....this woman was like no girl he had ever known. He had the distinct impression that her depth of beauty escaped her completely. She was smart, obviously generous of spirit, and, and........captivating.

Jenny showered and changed in record time, not wanting Thad to come out before her. She put milk on to heat for cocoa. A large pot sat at the back of the stove with her signature chicken noodle soup slowly coming to a bubbling boil. No canned soup for this girl.

Cozy and warm, curled up on the couch, watching as the fire crackled in the fireplace, Jenny wondered how spontaneous her decision  to bring Thad home was or maybe wasn't. The blizzard was not of her making nor did she arrange to be alone in the post office with him and, of course, she couldn't just leave him stranded. On the other hand, how long had she hoped he would break the ice and say something to her and give her more acknowledgement than a passing nod?

As she thought about it, she chastised herself for not making the introduction sooner.....much sooner! But, how do you say it, without sounding ridiculous?

                            "Lovely weather we're having."

"Do you get as much junk mail as I do? Maybe being Mr. '007', you don't get junk mail. Ha Ha!! Oh, gosh!"

"How ya doin' ?  By the way, you remember Nicole that girl who left you flat with almost zero explanation? Yeah, my cousin, Rachel was her room mate. Nice to make your acquaintance. I think you are wonderful."

"You do?"  The sound of Thad's voice made Jenny jump. There he was standing in front of her smiling, big eyes all a twinkle. Jenny stammered,  "I, I, um".......the milk chose that moment to boil over on the stove. "Oh, No!"  Jenny ran to the kitchen to clean up the mess, ever so grateful for the interruption. She felt unnerved between getting caught voicing her honest feelings and the sight of Thad, fresh from the shower, brown hair, damp and curling at the ends and his eyes sparkling like sapphires; distractingly beautiful. If this wasn't the day for hot chocolate, there wasn't one to be found. After the mess was cleaned up, Jenny went for a clean pan to begin again. About that time, she heard Thad's voice behind her, "Can I be of any help?"

Thad sounded cool, calm, relaxed.....at ease. Appearances can be deceiving. Jenny was stirring the soup while she waited for the milk to heat. Thad found himself staring and speechless. At that moment she looked his way, her brown eyes so full of questions, sincerity, and something else?  If he would allow the thought, he might convince himself she was glad to see him. Hmmm...he liked the idea, but could it be so?

"I thought cocoa would be nice. Is that good with you?"    "Well, it depends."................

Jenny had changed into brown lounge pants and a long sleeved T-shirt, it's soft yellow hue brought out the brown of her eyes and made her golden curls that much more lovely. He was momentarily lost in his admiration.....

"Thad." Jenny asked.  "Huh? Thad answered almost dreamily. "Depends on what?" "What depends on what?"  Thad asked, confused. With admirable patience, Jenny repeated her questions. "I asked you if you were good with having a cup of hot chocolate. You said, "It depends."  "I asked, Depends on what?"

"Oh." Thad put his hands in his pockets and blushed slightly. "Well, it depends if you have any of that marshmallow stuff. I really like it with that marshmallow stuff". As he spoke, she set the jar on the counter and as a bonus, a box of graham crackers.  As quick as a flash, Thad was by Jenny's side laughing and before he could censor his thought, he heard himself  saying, "Jenny, you are my kind of woman!"  Jenny let the comment float away and said, "O.k., marshmallow coming right up." and she punctuated it with a smile.

They sat in front of the fire dunking their graham crackers into their hot chocolate. "This is so good!"  Thad said through a mouthful of graham cracker. "Yeah, it is. It really hits the spot."

Thad dove into the deep end, wanting to settle the awkward revelation from earlier. "So, I'm a stranger, but I'm not a stranger?" Jenny looked at him with a puzzled expression. "You know me because of Nicole or because of Rachel, but I don't know you. Not from that world anyway. The first time I remember seeing you was at the post office. I remember that day with perfect clarity, so am I missing something?"

"No, no, you aren't. When Rachel and Nicole were room mates, I visited often. Nicole had, as you know, a wall covered with pictures of you and her, sooo I know your face well. You guys often went away skiing."

"As I know." Thad said with a  mischievous smile.  Jenny continued, "Well, when Nicole was away, I slept in her bed."

Thad found this declaration completely unremarkable and waited; hoping there was more. He responded with "Uh-huh." just to urge her on. Jenny took a deep breath as if she was about to unburden herself from some tremendous weight.

She looked Thad straight in the eye. "One weekend, you left your sketch book behind. I looked through it. They were mesmerizing ...each drawing told a story that evoked an emotion. The beauty, playfulness, and tenderness; they grabbed my heart. Until then, I honestly hadn't  given you any thought. A random guy I had never met and that was it. But your drawings.......it was obvious that you poured yourself into them and it came off the page; it touched me. So, I started asking Rachel casual questions about you. I found myself wanting to know more about the person who could create these exquisitely crafted moments and wishing I could walk straight into them.

"Wow!!" is all Thad could offer. Then he gently took her hand and squeezed it. And all this time, I thought you were simply my brown eyed girl. Today you could not have chosen to say anything more encouraging, uplifting, and kind. "Thank you."

"You are welcome. It is a simple truth. Uhhhhh, when exactly did I become your brown eyed girl?"




  

What May Come Part 1

Rich, Deep, Sapphire Blue

Sparking with Fire

Sparkling with Kindness

Glinting with Playfulness

Dimming with Laughter

Glowing with Compassion

Dancing with laughter

Smoldering with Passion

Flashing with Anger

His eyes told the Story of his Heart

Her laugh changed according to her mood. At her happiest moments it was  music, a lyrical melody. When she felt sad or upset for any reason, it turned into something more short, reserved, tentative. They both had those windows into their hearts, but to see them, you had to look. Most of the world just brushed by without a glance.

They met on occasion; their paths would cross. A smile shared in passing, a "hello" exchanged on the run and other such pleasantries.
Didn't seem like much, and it wasn't.

Yet they were drawn to one another.  Both wishing for a genuine opportunity to break through this polite  piece of glass that stood between them. It was established, a distant acknowledgement of one another.

They had been neighbors for a while. Three years, in fact. Her P.O. box "006" was next door to his (no joke) "007". One day, through a series of unexpected events, their polite distance was exchanged for something wholly different.

The chill in the air on this morning was more than any day that winter. The temperature had been consistently dropping throughout the week and the predictions of snow were proving to be correct.  Light flurries were tossed about in the ever increasing wind.

Jenny pulled her hat down over her ears, quickly walking across the parking lot. As she entered the lobby of the post office, the warmth that met her was most welcome. "I'd better hurry and get back home before this storm traps me here." she thought to herself.

She put the key in the lock on "006", turning it and opening the door in one fluid motion, hoping it would be there and it said "yes".

Before Thad got out of the car, he reached into the back seat, moving books, empty water bottles and his sketch pad out of the way. Grabbing his heavy coat; "Sure did turn cold he muttered." As he put his heavy coat on, one arm at a time, he thought of Nicole; she never failed to comment on how the blue of the coat brought out the blue of his eyes.

Oh well, moving on.....it was a college romance and never had forever written on it. It was the truth, but the breakup still left its sting.

It's now or never and on that note, Thad ran for it, the freezing wind slapped at his face. The door rattled as it hit the frame. "Hmmm, warmer in here."

He pulled out the letters from his box, shuffling through them in earnest. There was only one thing he was interested in this morning. The suspense was robbing him of sleep and his appetite.

The lobby was empty, with the exception of one other person. It was no surprise when he looked out and saw the snow falling with increasing intensity.

Jenny was so involved in her letter, she had not noticed him or the snowfall turning into a blizzard. On the flip side, he noticed it was her...his beautiful brown eyed neighbor. Her adorable button nose was wrinkled up as she concentrated on her letter. "Must be important." Thad thought.

"Important", the word shook Thad's attentions from Jenny's button nose to his own letter. Back to his search. "Aaah", there it was at the bottom of the stack. Now, to open it. His stomach twisted in knots and suddenly he felt light headed. Sliding down to the floor, he leaned his head against the wall. Breathing slow and steady, he waited for calm to overtake his impending panic. After several minutes, he felt more like himself and opened his eyes. To his great astonishment, his brown eyed neighbor was the first thing he saw.

Jenny knelt down, touched his shoulder and asked, "Are you feeling sick?" After several seconds, Thad found his voice..."Sort of...he said, yes, I mean no, I mean, I was feeling a bit light headed, but it has passed now. I should be fine.. I guess I should get going."

Again Jenny, the voice of compassion, inquired "Did you drive here?"  "Yes, of course." Thad replied,  thinking that was a strange question. "Well, it might be a considerable length of time before you can drive anywhere." Jenny pointed outside...Thad followed her finger, only to be faced with the harsh reality that no one was going to be driving at all. The storm was hitting hard!  All that could be seen was a wall of white, causing Thad to let out a groan, expressing the utter helplessness he felt.

"I have a proposition for you, but first I need to explain something."  Wordlessly, Thad adjusted his position, turning himself toward her as if to say, "I'm listening."   Jenny dove in. "It is obvious that we have a lot in common. We are, after all, the only two people silly enough to defy the coming storm to retrieve our mail. She punctuated this with a smile, as he offered one of his own in return. Jenny pointed out the obvious truth. "You can't get home." pausing, faltering a bit, she added, "But, I can, so I am inviting you to come home with me. It seems a much better option than staying here." "Well,....yes...." but his many questions were plainly written on his face. Without preamble, Jenny began to answer the questions not voiced.

"I didn't drive here. My apartment building is next door.  All we have to do is make it across the parking lot."  She continued, giving him no room for inquiry. "It is not my habit  to invite strange men into my home, but I know you are safe, completely trustworthy, one of the good guys." Thad narrowed his eyes, questioning how she could  possibly....know this......

"My cousin, Rachel had a room mate in college.....her name was Nicole."  With this, she did pause, allowing him to take in the information. He wanted to respond to all of this, but he struggled to find the right words or any words.  After a long pause, he asked, "Wait a minute, you mean you know Nicole?  My Nicole? What are you telling me?"  "I know her, just a little." Jenny said softly.

Thad's voice got a little higher than he intended. "Rachel, Rachel Comstock is your cousin?!"  "She is." Jenny said, with her voice steady; her heart pounding.  "Rachel spoke of you often, Thad, and with great affection. She thought of you as particularly special. So, I don't feel like I'm taking any kind of risk."

"Oh, I see." was all that Thad could manage. Jenny now spoke with uncharacteristic forcefulness, "Well, if we are going, we'd better go."  She clasped both her little hands around his large one, as she pulled with all her might, lifting him straight to his feet.....shocking both of them, no end!

It was in this state of extraordinary surprise that they exited the post office. Jenny did not let go of Thad's hand as they walked across the parking lot, surrounded by the bitter cold and the twisting wind. The snow nearly blinded them, but they pushed on, knowing safety and warmth would be found only a few feet away.

They reached the green space that separated Jenny's apartment building from the post office. The trees acted as a slight wind break, offering a small measure of protection from the unrelenting force of the storm. Thad put his arm around Jenny's shoulder, pulling her near. An unconscious act; an instinctual move to keep her warm and safe. Jenny did not resist. She, in fact, leaned in closer yet and spoke in his ear, hoping to be heard. "We are going to go straight through the walk way to the stairs on our left. Thad nodded that he heard and understood. Now, arm in arm, they ran for it. The door that led to the stairs slammed behind them, blocking out the storm...........Silence.... They exchanged a look of relief. They mirrored each other with a tentative half smile.

Kitchen Table Made of Pine

                                 
                                                    Kitchen Table Made of Pine
                           The memories it holds, the years of use, they are all mine 
                                                    Grocery Lists, Spelling Lists  
                                                    Math Equations, Homework

               Household Expenses written out, the important ones in bold

   Workplace invoices

    Love Letters

          Some you regret, others never grow old

  Christmas Lists 
 Report Card Signatures,
 Term Paper Outlines,

   Garage Sale Signs, 
    Hastily Written Notes.

          Heat Marks From When we made Jam, 

       These memories I hold in my heart, 
    to everyone of them attached I am

  Water Marks from Flower Pots

     Here and There Unidentified Spots

         Marks on the legs from puppy teeth, 
Nail marks from grown dogs after the left over cheese.  
Our Kitchen Table 

     It's these imprints and more that it holds 

            The knotted pine, the soft wood 
  It tells a story

         Hardwood endures, softwood remembers

  I run my finger tips across its surface tracing yesterday, today, and 
        dreaming of tomorrow, forever connected.

Blind To Beauty

Blind to Beauty 

Let me never be

The extraordinary sights

of this world may I

always notice, and forever see.

The foaming ocean,

 bluer than blue sky,

expansive mountains

covered in trees.

The creatures of the

air, earth, and sea.

                                      May I never tire of

any of these.

A child laughing,

another lending a 

helping hand. 

Grown men, on the side of right they stand.

The endless acts of kindness

unseen, but of 

immeasurable value

to this world,

to you and to me.

Blind to beauty

let us never be! 

The Intimidation of Romance

The intimidation of romance, where does that spring from exactly? I believe it initially comes from average and completely wonderful people watching the fun house version of romance played out in movies and ads, even novels. The wall of mirrors, that distorts out of all proportion, the truth. 

There are people who get picked up by helicopter and taken to their country house for the weekend along with 25 of their dearest friends. Some people do drink champagne for breakfast out of crystal flutes. Others know how to spin a phrase with such polish, a woman could be talked out of her better judgement.  

For the greatest section of society, no matter the price tag you place on it, the idea of romance is actually pretty confusing. What does it mean to be romantic? UMMMMMMMMMM......

The answer could turn into a long discussion; it could, but no need. 
It is pretty simple. Not exactly a mystery. 

However, there is a secret.  Pay attention.  That is the secret. Romance is not found in horse drawn carriages or rooms filled with dozens of roses. 

Romance is found in the details of thoughtfulness, consideration, and the tiny, often unnoticed, preferences of the one you love, being noticed.

Romance is not about price tag. It is about highlighting the priceless elements of your relationship.

The idea of one magic formula to achieve romance misses the mark. It gets people in trouble, frustrated, and occasionally hurt. The meaning of romance has been lost in translation. Don't try to be bigger than life.  Do be thoughtful. Do be present. Do put your affections into action and be simply personal and purely honest.

         Come Slip Your Hand

             Securely into mine.

               We will walk along the water;

               Our Bare feet  Shuffling in the Sand.

                                  

           Come Share your thoughts with me.

            You will fit right here; slide down into my lap.

I will encircle you in my arms and lean my ear close to catch every word. Carefully I listen leaving no gap.

Come laugh with me as we trade the news of the day. I'll put my arm around your delicate frame and when the telling is through, we will sit together in comfortable silence and your head upon my shoulder you will lay.

And this moment, as millions of moments before, 

I will wait with excited expectation to hear you

say, "I Love YOU today and our whole life through." 

                     

                             

Trees, Wind, Roots

Open the box ....

Pour into bowl.....

add milk....

grab spoon.... 

Breakfast......

So as I sat looking out the window eating my culinary masterpiece, the scene outside captivated me. The wind rushed through the trees at great speed. As the wind blew, it caused the branches of the trees to dance with sweeping dips and radical twists in every direction. 

For awhile I watched with interest, but no particular thoughts. Then something interesting dawned on me. The wind was having its way with the trees, but something in their behavior we, as people, would do well to adopt. 

They bent to a point showing themselves flexible, but they were not moved. Roots fully established and firmly in place, the trees held their ground. 

To be flexible in small matters and firmly rooted in the absolutes of life will, in turn, give your life opportunity to flourish.....even on the windy days.

Familiar Sounds

Familiar sounds
Creaky Floors
Squeaky Doors
Trash Trucks
Mail Trucks
Delivery Vans
Lawn Mowers
Leaf Blowers

A child laying against his mother's breast drifts off to sleep, hearing the rhythm of her heart beat.

A man follows the sound in the distance of a sheep's bleat. Chickens cluck in protest as you collect the eggs. Horses stomp their feet with displeasure, one after another, as you move to clean their feet, with a fuss and a whinny as they submit and bend a leg.

A woman wakes to the sound of a heart monitor alarm warning of trouble. Without hesitation,.. she moves to fix the problem. Silence. The sound not heard. You can make your feelings heard when your blood runs hot. You can do it without saying a word.

A front door screen crashes against the frame, kids are home. 

Shower turns on.... dad is up.
Pots clanking....mom is cooking.
T.V. blares....grandpa is watching.

Someone knocks, seven locks are undone to let them in. Determined to triumph over discouragement and overwhelming crime, this battle, you will have it no other way....you will win.

Cheers and laughter fill the air at the announcement of a new child that would soon be there.

 Boots thunder on the entry floor. Solider son arrives 3 days early....all you can do is stop and stare. You embrace him, sobs released, your heart rejoices....you can't believe he is there.

Sounds of home. It is all different and all the same.

You are part of something....a family.

Familiar sounds....you know them well. 
Some Sad
Some happy
Some funny 
Some annoying 
Some sweet. 
Some important, some not so much. 
The sounds of home....its our hearts they touch.