An Invincible Summer - A Woman's Journey

My man has had a lot of growth recently. In the past he was known to others as a personable guy with a ready story or joke that frequently danced on the edge of impropriety, often the life of the party. He could easily be the loudest person in the room with his deep, rich voice that has soft hints of butter. If he sang, it would be a strong bass. He does sing but only to me. He could also be a little cocky and would put people in their place with a dry wit that could singe. A person might be hurt but Boy Scout would do it with a smile and a joke. Many times he got off the hook for his comments because it would almost make the other person look overly sensitive to react.  Today, at school, his professor pulled him aside and said she needed to speak to him. He cringed inside, wondering what off-color thing he might have said, who he might have unintentionally insulted. She quietly said that she noticed that he has a good rapport with most of the other students and that one of them, Joe,

I miss the taut skin under my chin and the girl with the smooth complexion. I also miss the lovely, reddish brown hair that was smoother than it is today and the flat belly. Yes, I loved that flat belly. But that is just about all I miss. Yes, that is it. I love this lady that no longer lives in self doubt, who tries to live in the moment. We see the beauty in every sunrise and every sunset. Shame no longer is the driver of this vehicle. The fear of “not enough” rarely shows up.  In looking I the mirror this morning I see a warm smile, eyes wrinkled with sweet familiarity and hear, “Hello old friend, what are we going to do today? Where can we love?”

One day I heard a strange sound in the backyard. And then, I heard it again. "Did you hear that?", I ask, "What was that sound"?  Boy Scout patiently explains the obvious...."it's a frog." We have one. She, or he, has a great big bullfrog voice. I love hearing it, reminding me a little of the Boy Scouts voice. And also, I love that I am able to hear it. Apparently, she's been around for awhile and with my pre-surgery hearing I was completely unaware.  Now that I know we have at least one, and with the awareness of the smile it imprints on my heart, I did some research and found that there are ways to encourage others to come round. Shelter, water and bugs. Nature takes care of the bug part, the PNW takes care of the water and I will provide the shelter. Rock caves will work. I plan on planting them around the yard.  Oh come, ye who is seeking shelter......come and make a joyful noise. Ribbet.