. . . Will you ever bring a better gift for the world
than the breathing respect that you carry
wherever you go right now? Are you waiting
for time to show you some better thoughts? . . .

~ Excerpt from “You Reading This, Be Ready,” by William Stafford

Getting up at six all week on the dot so my daughter can go and swim before work (and I have the pleasure of being with the Special One in her absence). The days last longer for these early risings. Cooler today. I went into the yard, but my walk was delayed because I was prepping for the Charles River Writers to make the house presentable for those coming in person. And I went out and broke of a few exquisitely fragrant purple lilac blossoms and they scented the writing room so pleasantly and delicately. Ran up to the store for some baked goods. Felt cheerful in the summer-like morning of freshness. Half the group online, half next to me, around the table. A “hybrid” group. A deep writing prompt. Wonderful responses. In the late afternoon I got my second booster shot. Made dinner. Went out into the yard after, barefoot in the grass, and watered the pansies and geraniums and vegetables under a flat white sky going gradually to dusk. Stood at the brook in stillness. And gratitude for this day.