It’s early, and hot and bright. And I have a busy day of writing ahead. So, Charlie and Suzi must have their walk, a brisk one. Then, onto my bike, a long ride toward the beach. I bike past the lovely cow pasture and have to stop to say hello for the friendly faces of all sizes, and the scent of green grass and manure. It’s a cheerful visit, then off to the pond. My daughter meets me on the sand and off we go. To the island, a longer swim from the beach, a stretch, and we are side by side. Then, my bike home, and I am so grateful to have this time outdoors expending all my energy so I can coax myself indoors for hours. My youngest is awake now too and they are going with my husband for coffee and croissants and she asks why I am not going. I am putting together my manuscript for the poetry intensive next weekend that I’m attending, and I have lots of work to do. I feel a pull, but it’s a choice. And tempting to have the summer ride and stroll in the park. And I go to my office and work. I am revising poems I once believed were done. They make me dinner. And then I prepare, choosing poems to read for my poetry reading on Zoom tonight with Cervena Barva Press. Which is a lovely night, online, and I am so grateful to see dear friends and new friends, who come to listen. Friendly faces, like the cows, in such a nice way. I feel like I did when I stopped to see the cows this morning, and to let them see me.