We enjoy vegetable soup for lunch after church, and I lose another game of chess while we eat. I’m determined to crack the code of this game and beat my undefeated-in-this-house husband.
I told Makiya that I’ll phone her with the celebratory news when I manage it.
”I won’t believe it’s you on the phone,” she said. That’s how dismal my chances are. I soldier on trying.
Later we do some housework, then Gerry goes outside to wash the cars. I head to the woman cave thinking I’ll get some things done. But I’m overwhelmed by it all, and end up accomplishing little.
I grab my camera and macro lens and go outside to the front flower bed where fragrant hyacinths are in bloom. There, down on the ground, I lean in. The combination of the sweet perfume of the flowers and the peace of taking photographs settles me.
I remember the peace of paying attention. Spring brings with her many opportunities to practice.

I lost many games of Uno this past week while the kids were on spring break!
I bet your soup was delicious!
Spring break was a true gift!! Perhaps, like me, you’re looking forward to settling back into routine this morning?
Chess…I encouraged my son to learn, then he “taught” me, then he beat me time and time again. He’s good at that sort of thing, I just fly by the seat. I stink at chess. But I rock the Chinese Checkers!
Ha! Maybe I should give Chinese Checkers a try. I’m sure getting far with chess, but I’m determined to keep trying.
Sometimes we just have to follow and trust our camera to take us just where we need to go.
You are a great inspiration to me in doing just that, Cathy.