Wednesday, October 26, 2011

The Truth or Not

A friend asked if the writing on Connee's Corner was the truth (real) or was it my imagination? 
I usually write something that is real or actual, simply because it's easier. 
Granted my truth may be biased.  It may not be your truth.  
Usually my writing reflects my own inner questions or insights. 
Thanks for following and leaving your comments. 

Saturday, October 15, 2011

October Thunder

Black fists of clouds banked, then rolled off the Big Lake. 
Hail!
Small crystal pellets bounced merrily on the drive
Among the wind-felled hickory nuts.

"Time to go to Florida," I say.
Rob chuckles and tells me to run for the truck.

Off we go to Lutz's Drive-In at the 5-Mile corner.
Mary and Craig will join us.  We're a tad early.
By the time they arrive,
The rain is coming down in solid sheets of water.
No gentle shower...this.

We all settle at oil-clothed tables...comfortable with our local eating place.
Folks pour through the door to get in and out of the rain,
Hoods gripped tightly to cheek and chin
To protect Friday night hair.
Young families eager to eat,
Then off to the local high school football game.
Seasoned couples, like us, just enjoying a night out with friends.

October Thunder rolls and rumbles over and through 
The constant din of diner's conversations.
Sharp streaks of lighting bounce
Through rain splattered windows,
Adding sudden jagged light to laden tables
Of pizza, chicken-wing baskets, Alaskan Pollack
Pop, beer, wine and water.

I shiver...goose bumps raising
On indoor, warm, dry skin.

"Time to go to Florida," I say.
Rob chuckles and squeezes my shoulders.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Stark Poignancy

The  brown casket, white satin interior carefully arranged and draped, stood out in stark poignancy in the small rural cemetery.  The scene caught the corner of my eye in a flash of unbelievabe recognition as I drove down the country road toward home.  Were those mourners standing around an open casket? 
Not quite willing to believe what my eyes had caught in that fleeting moment of vision, I turned my vehicle around in a neighbor's driveway and went back to the cemetary.  I drove on the well worn gravel drive to where the sexton's truck was parked.  The grave digger and his workers were perched on the bed of the truck displaying faces bored with the waiting.
"Is the funeral over?" I said.
"Just about...they had the visitation first.  Should be over by 12:30." the sexton stated matter-of-factly.
"I'll come back later.  I wanted to visit my mother's grave."...a white lie spoken to those who had reason to be at the back of the cemetery, while I was simply a curious observer.
Carefully, I backed my car out and headed toward the main road.  I turned left wanting one more sight of  the burial scene.
Yes, the casket's lid was open.  Mourners, dressed in black, shoulders rounded stood quietly.  Hands reached out...clutched the casket's edge.  Children ran from tombstone to tombstone.  The sun shone in a bright blue sky.  Death of a beloved was observed with simplicity and realness. Curiosity satisfied, humbled and grateful, I drove home to life. 

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Settle softly

Another day of beauty is winding down like oak leaves that fall, twirl, and settle softly.  I like my days to settle softly.  The hubbub of daily life, even life in the retired lane, needs time to settle.  Quiet evening talk with a family member, the cat curled up on my lap, a cup of hot tea, and my ever present novel all help me settle softly.  I wish the same for you.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Getting Started

One should never get started on something NEW, like Blogging, this late at night.  What was I thinking?  Clearly, I need to do this type of activity when I am bright, focused, alert...all of those wonderful characteristics that are hard to come by even at mid-morning.  Nuff said.