#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream
Tree along Brush Creek
A very very early wake-up to get to the airport and catch my play to Kansas City, MO. This is Frank’s territory. For years he has spent a lot of time here with his clients. But he’s not with me. Tonight, I’m worried about friends and loved ones in Florida. As many of us are, I’m sure. Watching CNN, the headline of their reporting- for now-is Pinellas County, Clearwwater, Tampa Bay, where Frank and his family lived for years, and where Frank and I lived for the first eight years of our marriage. So concerning. But, here I am tonight, arrived safe and sound, and a bright, calm, warm, sunshiney day where I got to walk quite a bit, and took some pictures I really enjoyed taking along Brush Creek Waterway. Brush Creek flows into the Blue River, which then flows into the Missouri River. I walked and walked, happily. And napped. And tonight, ran the Journal of Expressive Writing Feature with the amazing poet, Heather Treseler. A lovely reading, followed by the open mic. I received via text the most charming and delightful video from my daughter and grandson. They brought a monarch butterfly indoors because it looked like it was struggling in the cool evening air. Wave is holding the monarch on his fingertips. Then it flies to my daughter’s neck where it perches. Quite a spectacle. Mother, monarch, son. Frank has always raved about the friendliness of Kansas City. And there is a startling level of attention one receives from strangers who consider everyone a potential friend. I walked to the coffee shop in the late afternoon and a man with gray hair was in front of me in line, chatting with the baristas. Then he stood aside and invited me to order. I ordered my coffee and he insisted on paying for it. Just because. He wasn’t flirting. So, I let him buy my coffee. When he got distracted, I quickly ordered an almond croissant too, and paid for it myself. When he realized I had bought my croissant he was disappointed––he wanted to pay for that too! And, it was delicous when I ate it tonight. More delicious because I am in such a friendly place.
