Just Visiting...

Andrew and I are feeling the pains of transitioning back to our former lifestyle. My snow shoes have been officially swapped for high heels and character shoes; my feet are paying the price with the blisters and sore arches. We drive everywhere and Andrew has been known to mutter from the back seat, “Mom, I wish we could we walk today?” His scooter riding has been isolated to one slow bout around the block with a few spins up and down the street in front of our house. Our living-room picture window now presents a view of John and Shirley’s house. John’s, pansies and manicured lawn are no match to the magical images of Icy Straight.

One evening, I feebly chased a sunset through the town of Ashland. Every attempt at taking its picture was marred by modern buildings or telephone phone wires. In between rehearsals, I longed for some fresh air. I went to my favorite park, but it felt crowded and overly-groomed. I tried to chat with a plump Robin, who was looking for dinner in the newly air-raided earth, but no twitter or tweet did he shared with me. Finally, I closed my eyes and took in the sweet cherry blossom air, let my bare feet walk over the dirt clods and soft grass, and allowed the cool Spring air to remind me of my place in the world; a temporary visitor.