Ordinary day, driving the kid to school and we're late. I'm rushing, pushing, passing cars, edging ahead of traffic. Seconds tick and I feel the day's urgency, an invisible hand on the small of my back, nudging me ever forward. Conversation is short and clipped, my focus on the lights ahead pulls my son's gaze into the race, his urgings -come on car, come on- only adds to my anxiety. Leaning back in his seat, his relaxed angle allows him to see what I in my urgency would have otherwise missed...
Ballooners taking advantage of the cool morning air and blue skies, soaring just overhead, so close that it seems that we might be able to hitch a ride if we were able to catch up. My path briefly follows theirs and I am torn, longing to shed the mornings duties and follow the balloon, wind, blue skies and whim or turn the car and carry on with duty and responsibility. I pause, considering...
But the balloon takes a turn that has him gliding over treetops and rooftops, past stream and ravine, on a path where my car could not follow, too swift for my feet to pursue...
I was left in it's wake with the hope that I too would have days to chase the skies and sail off into the blue.
Beautifully put. We could all use some blue skies and sunshine. Winter in Chicago is always so gray. We hat about three hours of sun yesterday. Although freezing outside the blue skies are always cheerful.
ReplyDeleteI entered ABNA.... Thanks for all the kind words and support. I am so happy that it's over. I've got my life back for about a minute. I have another deadline for a short story contest I want to enter.
Enjoy the blue skies while you can.
Michael
Such enticing blue sky! Yes, how wonderful it would be to fly up for even a day, leaving earth's cares below!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog. I'm all for gray hair; silver white would be beautiful, as my cosmetologist daughter says. I think I would like that better than gray!!
Ann Best, Author
Thanks Michael! Sadly the skies are gray this morning. I am feeling a bit under the weather and need a pick me up. While perusing my pictures I recalled this day so vividly that i decided to write about it. And I did feel better. Good luck on ABNA!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely reminder. We should all take time to breathe, these days we rush everywhere all the time.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a relaxing week!;)
Lovely shots and a great reminder to take the time just to stand and stare.
ReplyDeletelife's most important reminders show up in moment's like these...
ReplyDeleteAnn: I don't know how I would feel actually being up in a balloon (as I am afraid of heights- lol) it was more the idea of being free to follow it!
ReplyDeleteTalei: It can become awfully rushed and this picture was a good reminder for me.
Lady Fi: Blue skies are always a pleasure for me but the balloon floating by was an unexpected delight so fortunately the moment brought with it two awarenesses.
Sarah: It's easy to miss the moment when your in a hurry to get the kids to school, get to work etc. Fortunately, I didn't miss it and I had my camera with me!
it is odd how we are drawn to stuff in the sky. I notice the sky divers alongside my commute.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos and your writing was very expressive. Even without the photos, I could clearly picture the balloon in my mind and the change in mood. Great post.
ReplyDelete