#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream

Every pore of my skin drank in the good juice of the sun this morning under puffed pure white clouds. It was a three walk day. A day to be outdoors breathing in a refresh of hope. In the morning I walked alone with Charlie, a peaceful time on empty trails. In the early afternoon I walked with a dear friend at Medfield State Hospital grounds, and it was a circus of unleashed dogs and walkers of all ages on crowding the trails. It was tedious walking six feet apart from my friend, instead of shoulder to shoulder in the same rhythm. I wanted to appreciate the sunshine and lighthearted spirit of neighbors meeting, but it was noisy and crowded and made me feel anxious. Then my children all joined with our dogs so we could walk with my son and his friend who are unable to come to our house, and that part was also stressful instead of relaxing, because it’s hard to remember to stay six feet away. I went home and fell into a much needed nap. A restful, blissful break. And then I woke up and made a delicious dinner for everyone, surprising myself, because I had stopped being interested in making meals and cooking in so long. It’s very nice to be appreciated. Nobody taking these meals for granted. This gives me energy and inspiration. Today I led a photo-inspired poetry workshop online for the local high school, a class of 16 seniors. It was challenging to get them to talk and share on Zoom. But I gave the best workshop I could give and I felt good about offering it. There was a man playing the bagpipes in the middle of the circus of walkers. It was a lovely gesture and the high point of my afternoon.