It's all about First Impressions

Off this Morning before 7am for my walk. I think that even the Cats were surprised by my early rising. As is usual, They were fed first thing as I stood at the counter with my Nike's on and my walking clothes. Satisfied that all bowls were down and each cat in position, I opened the garage door, hit the button on the opener and strode outside. Though it was still dark and I could see a waning moon, the Sun was already lightening the sky. There was still a glow left in the solar lights but no more than a weary flame ready to be extinguished. I vowed that this would be a productive day as I made my way to the corner and offered up silent prayers for all that needed them including myself. In this cool morning, it felt good to be alive.
Turning the corner I raised my eyes to see one of the lonely street lamps still shining brightly. It marked my signal to turn onto the main road. As I glanced to the right of Me I could see the abandoned house shrouded in the darkness left to merely exist until the rest of the vines from the woods would overtake it. The gingerbread was darkly stained with mold and the siding was buckling from the moisture. Even the power pole that once provided It's electricity had taken back it's wiring and had forsaken it. The broken edifice stood shrouded in sadness with only the sounds of crickets emanating from it. Unlike my Home, it contained no Love to be able to survive. It's days had been short.
With the moonlight upon my left shoulder, I could make out the Horses and cattle in the fields just shrugging off their sleep and still huddled together. The pond was still empty but would soon be filled with activity. A light haze rose from it, the cool air making contact with it's warm waters. I'd seen this vision before but in reverse. The Hot summer had produced that same shadowing from it's heat laden air touching the cooler depths of the water. The dance would continue.
As I was beginning to 'hit my stride', I could see to the right of Me a cat waiting on a porch to be beckoned in. He had had His night's foray and just as mine do, would be looking for His breakfast as the house's door would be opened to him. Once more, I felt a smile cross my face as I gleaned enjoyment of the simple things. To me, those tiny bits of wonder are the most precious.
Cars were once more making their way by Me as I hugged the side of the road gingerly testing my healed knee. They were all in such a rush. The drivers had already ticked off the days tasks in their mind rehoning each feature and They could not see the beauty or glory of the morning. Their minds were filled with appointments and obligations. My mind was filled with freedom and peace.
Making my way back, the pond had fulfilled it's daily promise of activity with the Herons already having arrived and the egrets making passes above before they landed in it's shallows. By now the cattle and Horses were munching upon the grass and I could hear the lyrical chirps of the Cardinals nearby. The Day had arrived.
Walking down my street, I took in the solar lamps now extinguished and the bright white shutters of my Home set upon a deep red brick background. For 15 years I had lovingly tended to this house and land and it gleamed back at Me with Thanks. It has had a 'good run' and will continue on as long as it is cherished. I walked through the garage into the kitchen and began to plan My day pressing the button on my laptop and rinsing out the Cat's food bowls. My Day had started in a hauntingly beautiful way to set it's tone. It's all about First Impressions.
Diane Svete