Curiosity is a Dog in Spring

Through the glass door

I see you roaming.

Nose up.

Then down.

I can see the ripple of smell

as you follow it like a trail.

You pause 

like you're considering,

here or there?

I wonder, what is it?

I root for those who may be scurrying

under your paws.

Do they sense you?

Your head darts around.

Changing course?

Then, all at once, the digging begins.

You maneuver 

the freshly thawed earth

expertly into a mound.

Only to be befuddled again.

Where did it go?

Your freshly dirt crusted paws

bring you to the back step.

With defeated eyes,

you await the paw washing. 

Pro pet owner tip:

We got this little paw washer from a pet store last summer. The brilliant little design works great for washing paws, particularly spring doggie paws. It sits in its appropriate spring location, at the ready. 

Trash Day Poem

Two steps out

Deep breath in

The sun's smile

greets me 

and I'm distracted

by the spring air

and warmth.

Sweep here,

Wipe there,

What else?

Two steps in

one shoe slipped off

I hear a squeak.

My mind wonders

with a quick inhale

my shoe slips on.

A quickness in my step

I can see it down the street.

Grabbing the handles,

swing and tilt

I awkwardly flee

down the driveway.

Whispering, "don't fall."

Wondering, will I make it?

My heart pounding

I slowly walk back

realizing, 

Huh, that wasn't the garbage truck.

"Trash is out!"

A Waiting Room Poem

Waiting room

you are so awkward.

Your anticipation,

walls cruelly crowding

my inner peace.

I look around you

not letting my eyes linger

in any one corner

too long. 

Listening--who did they call?

Pausing--is anyone moving?

Wondering--was it us?

No...such...luck.

Security guard small talk

uninvited 

and yet 

I oblige.

At times feeling 

I might burst right out of my body

to escape it.

Anything to move.

Just get me out

of this seat!

A waiting room is a menace

with well-intentioned design

full of people

who don't want to wait. 

Thankful: SOLSC 31 of 31

As always, I’m here at the end of the month full of gratitude for the slice of life community. It’s been wonderful writing and reading. Capturing moments each day is so important. 

This year, I started capturing one second using the app that allows you to record a second per day. It then puts all your moments together. Each month, no matter how challenging it’s been, I’ve smiled at the moments I’ve captured. 

This month was no different. 

On this rainy, windy, cold, and dreary day in Michigan, I can still look over the past 31 days and smile. I can even smile at the weather because we just had snow not too long ago, according to my video! I hope everyone is filled with happiness after another SOSLC! 

Sweet Treats: SOLSC 30 of 31

Tonight's dinner was a choose your own adventure. There were a few leftover options and pantry items for anyone to make their dinner dreams come true. I opted for some ramen with fresh spinach. I wanted something warm and soupy. It fit the bill. 

Then I found myself craving something sweet. Growing up, we rarely had sweet treats. My snacking as a kid was primarily chips with salsa and veggies. I liked sweet things; we just didn't have them in the house. 

As an adult and a mom, this is mostly still true. We usually have some sweet snacks for school lunches and an occasional bag of licorice hanging out in the pantry. We also almost always have fresh fruit, probably the most consistent sweet treat. 

I did that thing where you stand, staring at the fridge, waiting for things to change. Contemplating--I wanted something with chocolate, but I also wanted fruit. 

With that, I grabbed my vanilla almond yogurt, blackberries, strawberries, and some chocolate chips. That little cup of delightfulness was better than expected and better than the handful of licorice I did consider eating instead. 

Tea Time: SOLSC 29 of 31

It's early evening, and the air has me feeling worn down. My throat is dry. The air is cold and indecisive. It felt like a good time for tea. Not quite dinner time, too late for coffee. I ate a few strawberries while deciding what tea I would drink. I went with the mango passionfruit blend. 

My tea cupboard is a point of pride. I love having an organized cabinet.  

While the water warmed, I looked for a mug. This one seemed about right. It's cute but with the right amount of sass to encourage me to write a slice, read some more, and avoid taking a nap before dinner prep begins. 

Cute.

A bit of sass. 

Tea time is a quiet time. 

Joy: SOLSC 28 of 31

Some things in life are a recipe for joy. For me, it is when I see members of my family at their most joyful. Today was one of those days. My youngest turned 15 today and all day long was a celebration. From top to bottom, the day was filled with smiles. 

Looking at them so happy made me feel like I might burst. Some days are just that good. 

Happiest birthday, Arie!