Come when the nights are bright with stars

Or come when the moon is mellow;

Come when the sun his golden bars

Drops on the hay-field yellow.

Come in the twilight soft and gray,

Come in the night or come in the day,

Come, O love, whene’er you may,

And you are welcome, welcome. .

Excerpt from “Invitation to Love,” BY PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR

Charlie led the way into the woods and chose the paths and stayed ahead, there would be no turning back from his long, long walk this morning. So, I followed. And the trees dripped rain from last night making circles on the surface of the blue, blue brook. And we walked past the tracks where the milk weed pods were thick and ripe with seeds and soaked from rain. And we walked past the swamp where the white turtleheads were in bloom crazily along the edge running wild. But first, we started from my own gardens, passing them with appreciation, and gladness for the good soaking rain. And then, to the river, and to see if the arch Frank built and we raised yesterday for the wedding was standing. Yes, it’s in fine shape. And the bride-to-be and groom-to-be called and confirmed the time for this wedding on Saturday. Have you ever heard of a Flash Wedding? Well, that’s what we’re having. Because this is a sprint of spontaneity. And it’s starting to feel real, to all of us. I called the baker and ordered more cake, just in case. I called my brothers and sister. I explained what a Flash wedding is, because I am making it up as I go along. And I drove to the city to a doctor appointment for a dear friend who needs surgery. And I drove home and went dress shopping for the bride-to-be and the youngest joined us, and she has just gotten news of her own big rite of passage: she is moving into her first apartment on Saturday. Well, Sunday, perhaps. But so much change is set for the weekend. And we tried on many dresses and we had no success. But the youngest did get some new dishes for her apartment. I met with my Tuesday morning writing client, and we had a powerful session, because, through writing her blog, she is transforming her life. My time in the woods, on this very busy day, my silence and focus and step after step into mindfulness of the natural beauty and mystery around me gave me so much spiritual nourishment for how to move through this busy day with calm and peace and trust.