While nude, I use the hair dryer. It’s a long slog, and my thoughts race by like NASCAR drivers. Most are too quick to catch, but I managed to grab a few worth mentioning.
The window to my left faces the street—a country road set back by about 75 feet. Two thoughts duke it out in my head, like dueling pianists. One says, Who cares if someone sees? They’re looking into YOUR window, after all. The other fires back, Yeah, but what if it’s someone you know? Awkward. Ultimately, I do nothing and keep drying, figuring that at 40 mph, any passerby would only catch a peachy blur anyway. Like when censors used to sanitize an R-rated movie for TV, that’s basically what’s happening here.
Earlier today, I met up with a new friend, and we drove to Dauset Trails Nature Center. Between the changing leaves, an unexpected animal sanctuary, and a surprise syrup festival, we got more than we bargained for. She’s a fellow solo traveler, and it was fun swapping stories. Hers included a trip to Sequoia National Park, where the sheer size of the trees left her physically awestruck, and a snowmobile ride at Yellowstone. With the promise of new adventures ahead, it was the perfect way to start the day.
On another note, I think I’m getting sick. Clearing my throat leaves a gentle, scratchy feeling—like a tiny tap on the upper part of my throat.
My book club is reading The Color of Magic, and I’m infatuated after just two pages. It’s that blissful honeymoon phase where the writing feels larger-than-life and so fun I can’t help but shake my head in awe. But I know I need to keep reading—to let it settle into being just a book. When I finish, maybe that’s what it’ll become.
I’ll leave you early today with photos a of moments: the rescued animals, the syrup festival festivities, and the beauty of fall.
Enjoy!
Love,
Jaclynn
PS I’m grateful for the free raw sugar cane at the Syrup Festival. I’m thankful for the invitation to eat chicken and dumplings next door. I’m grateful to a husband who vacuums and of his sucking up all the flocking flock that came off the Christmas tree. (FYI Today I learned flock is the name of the white styrofoam stuff that covers our fake tree’s limbs and pine cones. I also chose to do a play on words for you with it.)
You’re welcome.
Going On 40 