Today, I am sharing with the Two Writing Teachers' Community a small slice of my life.
The holiday weekend began quietly with a forecast that detoured plans for travel and outdoor activities and encouraged second cups of coffee followed by plunging temperatures that required turning on the heat, even on Memorial Day Weekend. I busied myself cleaning closets, donating clothes, reducing clutter dressed in sweats drinking hot tea just to stay warm. It was the kind of weekend where catching up on Virgin River became a highlight!
The clouds still obscured the sun and I was still in sweats, still cleaning, when she called about heading to the pool as the long weekend was finally coming to a close. She assured me the pool was open and we were going as I sipped yet another cup of tea and piled excuses on the table. Just saying, "No," would have been easy if I wasn't a bit lonely and it hadn't been my persuasive grandchild who assured me her whole family was headed to swim.
The rain had ground to a halt as I finally headed out with a swimsuit under heavy sweats realizing the temperature outside was warmer than inside? The pool was pretty empty when we arrived; yet, as I sat on the edge, I realized others had also grown tired of life trapped inside houses and were also braving the pool which was not nearly as cold as my house had been! I slipped into a lane and began, slowly at first, stroke after stroke until my breathing matched the rhythm of the pool. Slowly, but surely, the clouds parted and the sun broke through as Annie had promised in her famous song.
As I swam, lap after lap, I prayed for the families of those lost and hoped there was a bit of sunshine came through for their day as well. Then, I smiled,remembering to reach outside my comfort zone and to be thankful for pushy grandchildren and wonderful gifts of modern civilization, like pool heaters!
5 comments:
I love weekends of cleaning in sweats and drinking tea, and yes - - I too watched Virgin River this past weekend. And Remarkably Bright Creatures, which I've been saving for the long weekend. We might be birds of a feather. I think it's wonderful that you have a persuasive grandchild who can convince you to go swimming.....and even more of a blessing that she wants to spend time doing fun things, and that you live close enough to soak it all in. You are blessed! I find deep joy in the simple moments of living that are evident in your post.
Your story was a delight from cleaning and decluttering (which I desparately need to do) to being enticed by your grand daughter to head out to the pool for a swim. I can relate to the house feeling colder than the temperature outside, and enjoyed a fun image... 'wearing a swim suit under sweats'.
Oh, your post has really captured some of the soothing rhythms of life--the slow cups of coffee when it's gloomy outside, the puttering around in comfortable sweats, and above all, swimming. I always find that swimming settles my mind in ways that nothing else can. I'm not sure why that is. Gotta love the persuasive grandchild and the push into doing something different--disrupting the rhythm you were in, just a bit.
I didn’t make it to our neighborhood pool yesterday; but my granddaughter is only 9 months old. I’m sure when she’s old enough to persuade me, I’ll jump right in. I enjoyed reading about the details of your Memorial Day.
Sometimes we all need a little nudge to get us going. I understand what you mean by it being warmer outside than in the house. Glad you went and had an enjoyable time. arjeha
Post a Comment