#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream

Perri’s Sunflowers in Bloom

My daughter and her baby (soon to be born) are the nature of sunflower; she is full open, cheerful, sunny. We cannot yet see the baby’s face. But, we will soon. Today was a very special day, and the sunflowers are blooming like mad in my daughter’s garden in the field. Before I went out, I wrote and sent my Aim for Astonishing weekly writing prompt, and that took awhile. Sadly, for Charlie, he needed to wait, and wait even longer. Because I promised myself a long, long bike ride. And that’s what I did, off into the cool September morning on the quiet roads, the familiar lanes, the many hills, up and down. I biked to Dover and then back to Sherborn, about fifteen or eighteen miles, and then I rode past my friend’s house, wondering all the way, will I swim? Will I swim? And the answer, finally, at her driveway was yes: my tired turned in, I went down the path to the pond and took my swim, quite pleasantly, around the island, feeling fresh and invigorated. The geese were gone, and a few others were out and about. Then I rode home and walked Charlie a bit with my daughter. It was time to prep for the baby shower. Which went wonderfully, even better than planned, via Zoom. My daughter was very happy and grateful. A quick clean up, and then I led the IWWG Open Mic this evening. Admittedly, I am very tired. After the shower my daughter said, with relief: now I finally feel prepared. This is what showers are for: the gathering of women who give all kinds of encouragement and support to help the new mother feel prepared. This September afternoon, this is how we gathered: like sunflowers.