Decided to give http://lindaghill.com/ weekly SoCS writing prompt a go! This week’s prompt was bagged. Fun!
He bagged groceries most of his life. Found satisfaction in the routine.
It was like a new puzzle with each order. Everything had its place. Heavy cans were double bagged. Bread and eggs are always on top.
The smiles were nice, too. Most people seemed to appreciate the care taken with their chosen items. After all, these were the things intended to provide sustenance, and energy needed to fulfill their specific jobs.
Yes, their jobs may have been seen as more important than bagging groceries. That didn’t matter, not to him. He took pride in those bagged groceries.
Only one thing made him sad. That was the day the owner installed their first self-check lane…
Delicate petals Painted purple And white Pale yellow Center Completing The bloom
Caught my eye In a moment Of exhaustion A welcomed pause To catch my breath What is your name? Need to keep moving A quick photograph To research later…
Images of you Graced the walls Of a coffee shop Artfully framed Thoughtfully Displayed Carefully labeled With the answer I was seeking
Kneeling down I read the card Unexpected Sadness At the realization Your name is Forever tied To a senseless Act of violence-
Columbine-
Delicate petals Painted purple And white Pale yellow Center Completing The bloom-
Tiny lanterns Too numerous To count Carefully drape The night skies A select few Are strung Between Silhouetted Pine branches Beautifully Complex And yet The simplest Of words Draw close Twinkle, twinkle little star Familiar tune Quietly hums In the night air Star light, star bright Innocent wishes From days gone Gently return The simplest Of words Tiny lanterns Driving the darkness away
I love Colorado! Our family has taken many vacations to this beautiful state. We are currently here with our adult children. We have been relaxing and enjoying the cooler temps and beautiful surroundings.
Today was a family hike. And it affected me in a way I had not expected.
I knew this hike would be challenging. 6.2 miles with an elevation gain of 941.6 ft., beginning at an elevation of 8,913 ft. But the thought of family time witnessing mountain scenery, wildflowers, and a waterfall was motivating. The views did not disappoint! But that was not what consumed my thoughts as we trekked up and back down this mountain trail.
No doubt, my hiking pace would be the slowest of the group. All the kids are in their twenties. And Gart is in a little better shape, stronger. This truth was quickly realized as we headed down, or should I say, up the trail.
I am at a disadvantage, I thought.
I was bringing up the rear. Keeping my own pace. Telling myself that was ok. But also falling behind. And we were just getting started. And then this thought popped into my head.
Is this how some students feel at school? Ones facing a disadvantage? Whether in ability, family support, or resources. How do they feel when they sense they are falling behind? Are they, like I was, afraid of not reaching their goal?
My family slowed down and waited for me to catch up. After a short break, I was placed in the middle of the pack. No one seemed to mind the slower pace. They encouraged me.
You can do this, mom! Remember, take smaller steps. Breathe and relax your shoulders.
And even though still afraid, I kept going. Even picked up my pace just a little. At our next stop, Gart suggested I take the lead. They would follow me. Of course, he remained close behind. Constantly saying I was doing great. Reminding me that I am strong.
I still had doubts, but my determination was growing. I wanted to reach the top of the trail and gaze at that majestic waterfall with my family.
We told the kids to go on ahead. They needed to move a little faster. We would see them at the top! It felt good to let them go ahead of us. Gave me even more reason to keep going. Even though my body hurt. It was hard to catch my breath. And it would take every drop of energy and willpower I could muster.
Gart and I continued together. I asked him to take a picture of an unusual flower for me. We walked over log bridges across the flowing creek several times. The water flowed underneath from the waterfall that would soon be in sight.
I was going to make it! I struggled not to cry. Needed to keep breathing. As we rounded the last corner, I saw our daughter, Rachel. Smiling, hands up in the air. You made it! A big hug and tears came. I felt so proud.
Our son, Robert, and his wife, Erin, had hiked above the falls. They waved and smiled. Ryan, our youngest, was sitting nearby on a rock and soon walked over. You made it!
The waterfall was mesmerizing. A roaring cascade of water flowed over the edge to the stream below. I sat and had a snack and some water. We took pictures. And then the inevitable. We had to go back down.
Yes, most of it was downhill, but my body was exhausted. Some spots required careful steps. But thanks to the continuing encouragement of my husband and some light, cooling rain showers, I made it back to the car.
I can’t believe I did it! Pretty sure I said that at least ten times.
In all my relief at completing this six-mile hike, I couldn’t shake those earlier thoughts about students who are at a disadvantage.
What if they had someone to pull them from behind to the middle of the pack? What if their confidence grew enough to take the lead? What if they fluctuated back and forth, working hard, supported, and encouraged until reaching their goal?
I guess today’s hike made me focus on the beauty of humanity over nature. Realizing the ability each of us has to make a difference in the lives of others. Grateful that today, I was on the receiving end. ❤️
There are times we all need to hear-You can do it! Don’t give up! You will not be disappointed when you look back at the journey and see how far you’ve traveled.
Out for your Morning stroll All alone- Enchanting Dark golden eyes Reddish-brown skin Looked like velvet Is it soft? I wondered. Didn’t mean To frighten Cause you To stop frozen In your tracks We froze, too Hoping for A closer look Waiting As your slow Cautious steps Sped back into A gentle gallop- A doe, a dancer Gracefully Frolicking Along the forest floor- Hoping our paths cross again…
Not sure which Took my breath Away first… Beauty Or elevation A 360 degree Perspective No formations Blocking my view I could see Where I was going And where I’d been All of it Storms ahead Storms behind Cool breezes And sunlight In between Clarity of lessons Learned quickly As well as those Requiring repetition Each one Revealing purpose In passing landscapes No wish To speed ahead No wish To slow down Only the desire to be Only the desire to live
I love spending time in Colorado. One specific area holds many memories. Family vacations with parents, kids, grandparents, grandchildren, and great-grandparents. Honeymoons and holidays, hiking, and fishing. Feeding the chipmunks. And, of course, beautiful scenery.
Gart and I are traveling to this spot with our three grown kids and daughter-in-law. What a treat! This sentimental mom can’t help looking back and looking forward. But mostly, I’m just enjoying all of us being together.
Pine needles Flutter As the wind Prepares them For the day ahead- Guests will be arriving soon! With little resistance They continue Rapidly moving Back and forth Up and down Blurring Into one seemingly Singular motion Their guests Will be small Yet, the hopping Of tiny feet From branch To branch Has been known To wreak havoc And reassurance Is required- Pine needles Work together Hold tight to your branches Only then will you Be able to welcome This charm of trembling finches Into your arms of grace and strength
Some are deceiving Masquerading As another one Of the flowers Hiding their roots Amongst the foliage Of otherwise Healthy plants And once unable To contain Their original intent Begin showing Tiny glimpses Of green Peeking through In an attempt To steal sunlight From the buds Preparing to open Tricky they are These weeds Precision is required To squash any Irreparable damage They might cause It’s hard work Pulling them out By their roots But only after The labor is done Will the heart Be able to heal And love bloom
Any guesses as to what I did this morning? I have no green thumb, but I enjoy the flowers in our front flowerbed. So, this morning I decided to pull weeds and do some trimming. Whew! What a job!
It seemed like each time I pulled weeds from an area, more would appear. And certain ones, well, their roots were strong. I’m not sure I got them all. Truthfully, I know I didn’t. But it did make me think about my heart.
It is easy to allow weeds to get in, tying me in knots. Wrapping around the good, trying to stifle it with confusion, anger, or impatience. A simple reminder to keep doing the hard work. And then stand back and enjoy the flowers. 🌸
So many Conflicting Thoughts On one side Shouts of anger Worry and fear On the other Celebrations Claims of victory Somewhere In the middle Feeling Desperately sad Yet, believing There is a way To bridge This chasm Life is precious Feel it in my bones But it is also Devastatingly Difficult If I fail to Acknowledge The latter Celebrating The first Rings hollow Solutions Only arrive Covered In layers upon Layers of love So deep, one voice Can neither explain Nor take credit For the outcome
Let love and kindness be the motivation behind all that you do. I Corinthians 16:14
My intention is not to simplify our current state of affairs, only to take a breath. 💔
Piano Girl 