Wednesday, August 11, 2021

A Gem of a Plan?

This is a story about friends and how two people who have never met each other impacted my day.  I was sitting quietly on my front balcony this morning eating yummy breakfast quinoa when Cindy sent a text.  Would I like to meet her in Littleton at 'that place' I told her about?  I assumed she meant Playa Bowls and with just a bit of hesitation I responded yes.  Why the wavering?  I've been in a writing slump and was thinking today might be the day to kick-start my pen back on to my paper.  I was also almost done with my breakfast and simply relaxing at the house seemed appealing.  But I chose yes because I haven't seen Cindy in a while and a hug before the impending lockdown is certainly worth a change of plans in my book.

I did have another reason or two to venture to downtown Littleton, a/k/a LiDo - which is a moniker that never quite caught on.  First, Playa Bowls had sent a 15% off text yesterday and I cannot resist a deal.  Turmeric and cinnamon were my other motivator.  Savory Spice is a short walk down Littleton Blvd.,  and a stroll to window shop in the cooler morning air would be nice.  Passing King Soopers Gas on the way home would be an added bonus since I had a nice reward coming to me.  All good!  I drove with anticipation.

When I parked in the first spot I saw, a lucky occurrence in LiDo, I was giddy.  I was ready to cash in on a smoothie, see Cindy and get spiced up.  Alas, another text informing me that she had a headache, had grabbed her bowl and was already on her way home.  Disappointed?  Yes.  Mad?  Of course not.  As a Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior, I understand the body giving messages that must be heeded.  Good on Cindy for taking care of herself.  I know I will see her another day for a bowl (not that kind, Colorado!), and a hug.

I chose to walk past Playa and hit Savory first.  My friend Deanna, who is struggling with health issues as well, and I had done this path about a month ago.  We went to both spice stores, hit a few local merchants, bought some new and funky used items.  It was a fun, girls day out that ended at the smoothie place.  A great way to stop the shop and go home as the heat was building.  We pledged to do it again soon...

I spent a twenty on my oatmeal spices and some rose petals.  I got a green concoction at Playa.  I was in good spirits and only slightly sad that Cindy wasn't here.  I crossed the street and headed back to my car when it hit me.  I was being unfaithful to Deanna!  Had I not promised her we'd go bopping around again and soon?  I had met Deanna just blocks from where these thoughts invaded my head.  We were in a poetry class at Arapahoe Community College together.  Is this energetic?  Meant to be 'our place'? I was feeling conflicted about making plans to see Cindy and her not feeling well, and then doing this circuit solo.  

And there it was.  I almost missed it.  What Deanna would call a 'love gem'.  This misshapen rock was in the road, at my driver's side door.  Usually I would have snapped a pic where it was, but traffic was coming and I needed to get in my car safely.  I picked up this love gem and knew.  Deanna was with me.  She was letting me know that she too understood about friendship and hardship and headaches and cancelled plans and disappointments.  We three have all been there.  I love my friends.  I am grateful to my Higher Power for gently reminding me there is always room at my table.

PS - My writing mojo returned!  I wrote this little blog and two memoir vignettes as soon as I got home!

Time to Write,

Jane






 


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