Hot Humid August Day!!

Hot humid summer day & the energy level is quite low.  Wishing there were a nice bed available for a nap on crisp clean sheets and cool pillows.  Not so!  Am waiting to teach a class and the heat & steamy weather makes it challenging.

Responses - Ten Minute Timed Writing Prompts - Vermont

Responses - ten minutes timed writing from prompts.  Goddard campus - near the Tea House

I.

Sam tied the strings to his apron around himself; and looked up.  

“Another grueling day!”

It was still so early, most were sleeping.

The basket is full to the brim with brie and fresh bread.  Charcuterie, and assorted pickles.  Delectables!  Sweets!~  Yes.  The basket includes lemon bars and a sweet raspberry torte with chocolate layers.  Orangina and red wine with crystal tumblers for picnic use - nothing too fragile.

The picnic is in the fall on Georges Island.  Took a ferry and am glad for the crisp, cool breezes before winter; before the ferry stops.

Myself and my girl.  My California girl, who’s stayed in Boston to be with me.  She’s game for everything!  She’s ready for new experiences and adventures.  I’m hoping she’ll fall in love with Georges Island, as quickly as she’s fallen in love with me.  Having her with me…..

II.

At seventeen, I knew myself so very well.  My special-ness, my intellectual prowess.  I knew to the core, I was destined for ‘great things’ - significant and phenomenal contributions to society.

As a child, and on the very precipice - the edge - the one more step to adulthood.  Not womanhood, as I have & still do think that gender and roles attached to gender are superfluous -- driven by ignorant people.  It’s totally about our “human-ness” - our humanity.  A belief then and now.  The mind, the thoughts, the articulation of questions - that’s critical and important.  That’s who I am!!!  Thought seeking wisdom.

At some point in my life, I forgot that or maybe didn’t forget, but put it aside -- deep down -- in another realm.

I’m truly happy - content-alive - when thinking and learning; when the journey includes philosophical ‘pause’.

It is not the norm.  I’ve always been different in this way.  I was not interested in rollerskating or clubs (unless it was drama) and seldom had interest in those frivolous, scheduled time with friends.

Give me an idea, an issue, a problem and let’s discuss and come together, collaborate on a solution, a dissection - of it.

III.

Inspiring writing - to block - my initial sense is to use and think about obstructionist concept. An obstacle - full stop.  I think about soccer, as I am a Master Spectator of the sport.  “The block” - defenders - teamwork defending the net or is it really about the individual and the focus on the game?  Block to win!  Block to shift power.  Perhaps, defenders and blocking isn't it afterall. The running through, around or over or under - the block is the thing.

Is this why I love the game - so?  And the players?  The ever-so clever players - strategizing as a team and strategizing as an individual.  Has soccer and the intricate play and energy become an idealized frame for my life?

I haven’t ended all the time for this prompt. I’m blocked.  

I am so very happy to be here - at Goddard - in the garden.

IV.

Sitting, feet dangling over the concrete wall.  The sea wall, built up to keep the sand, surf and small cottages within the lines.

My bottom on the concrete wall and it’s feeling rough on my upper thighs, where the skin is bare and the material from my shorts doesn’t protect me from the roughness.

I’m sitting up - straight with my hands flat on either side of me - securing myself on the wall.

Looking out - the blue sky, fluffed up - white clouds - static not moving today.

I hear the rhythmic sea, with gentle clapping at the edges of the tan sandy beach.  The sea, foaming, ok - so, delicately and dancing and a ballet - strong and not.

V.

“All’s Fair in Love and War”  Is this a truism?  Human nature, a hereditary piece of men and women compelled to get the ‘win’.  Win the prize - power & to prevail - no matter the ‘What!”.

My truth and journey is counter - “cliche”.

I’ll have to stop.