Airy Nothings

This morning, after I slurp down my coffee, I put on my walking shoes to walk in my neighborhood. It’s Spring. The flowers are laughing out loud; the birds are harmonizing. I want to be part of it.

I start ruminating on how gorgeous it is to be in Tennessee at this time of year and — despite how much I harass my husband about moving – how grateful I am to live in a place with so much color and wildlife. When, out of nowhere, a woodpecker with a bright red head darts through the trees. It was huge. It’s my first sighting of a real living breathing woodpecker. It didn’t peck the tree, but I’m stoked anyway.

I walk on. Tulips. Are. Everywhere. Crayon-colored cups seem to have popped out of the ground overnight.

Suddenly, I notice what appears to be a BIG … brown … dog … bounding right at me. In the middle of the street. Wait … that’s not a dog … that’s a DEER … um … there isn’t one … but FIVE … FIVE full-sized DEER are running TOWARD me … in the middle of the street.

AM I ABOUT TO BE TRAMPLED BY A HERD OF DEER IN BROAD DAYLIGHT?!?!!?

What do I do?

Seconds away from impact, the herd finally sees me … the deers have the same look on their faces that I surely have … what the bleep do I do now?!?!

I opt to stop. Just be still.

They get about 10 FEET from me and part like the Red Sea … one to the left, one to the right, one undecided, confused doe hems and haws and finally breaks to the right.

Whew! That was amazing!

The bright blue bunting – another first-time see for me – is another unexpected gift.

The day has just begun … what’s next?

I think I’m ready.