simply beautiful

“Can we play a little game this morning?” asked the Muse of Many Questions.

“A game?” The Muse of Determination pursed her lips.

“A game!” Thalia swirled her skirt.

Cal sat very still and paused before continuing. “Let’s each name three people, places, events, or ideas where we have seen beauty… and let’s add a constraint… beauty in the last 24 hours.”

“Me! Me!” Thalia jumped up and down. “Can I go first?”

Urania picked at the cracked cuticle on her thumb.

Cal grinned and felt grateful for Thalia’s enthusiasm. “Sure!”

“The sound of a cawing crow… I hear a crow through the patio door’s glass. And the planters on the deck are at their mid-summer peak — purple, and yellow, and orange. Oh my! And… hmmm, I think there is beauty in Typist’s better half exploring the capabilities of his body. A 13 mile trail run in yesterday’s heat and humidity was not for wilting daisies.”

“Thanks Tal. Nia? Want to go next?”

“You go ahead.” Urania fiddled with her pencil.

“Well… I found beauty in the front seat of a pick-up truck. Did you notice how the kid maneuvered truck, trailer, and boat as if he was born to the task? And Henny at the dog park, hindquarters engaged like a thoroughbred, inviting a spotted mutt into a game of chase. Number three? The sunlight falling onto the keyboard as Typist writes about beauty.” Cal looked at Urania. “Your turn!”

“Okay… ummm.” Nia fidgeted in her chair. “There is beauty in your questions. You challenge me to think and grow. I’m grateful.”

Cal suddenly felt warm all over.

“And Thalia, there is beauty in your enthusiasm for… everything.”

Thalia ran a lap around the kitchen island. Henny picked up her stuffed cat and ran along. Around and around they went.

“One more? I just love the tick of that wall clock. Every moment an opportunity.”

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Dear Readers,
Here’s hoping you find much that is beautiful today.
G