February 1, 2006

• Kween_of_the_Queens
  Writing Challenge
  "A Moment in Time"

  There are tiny specks of memories that loom larger-than-life and
  forever remain a piece of the makeup of who you are.  I have been
  fortunate.  So many of those specks of memories have spun into
  threads and woven themselves together into a gorgeous tapestry in my
  life.  It is difficult to concentrate on just one part of a thread
  and not the whole interactive weave, but here's my attempt:
  
  When I was in high school (back in the 70s) we built our house out in
  the countryside north of Quito, Ecuador.  We moved in before the
  roof was complete or the windows framed or installed.  I would
  climb into bed at night, cuddling up under a pile of quilts.  I
  could feel the breeze wafting through the four windows of my bedroom,
  and thousands of stars twinkled down from the heavens.  Cayambe,
  the snowcap in the distance, glowed purple-white reflecting the
  moon.  It was like camping in my own bed.  Every night felt like Christmas eve does to a child awaiting
  Santa Claus.

  
  In the morning, I would awaken to the birds chirping (or even flying
  through my room).  Dew sparkled on the leaves of the eucalyptus trees
  and I could smell the freshness of the earth waking up with the touch
  of the sun.  The skies turned from black to smoky purple with
  slashes of brilliant oranges and golds, and Cayambe would change from a
  black silhouette to appearing to be covered with peach icing.

  With the chill still hanging in the air, I would make a steaming cup of
  tea (grown in the foothills of a jungle volcano) and put Beethoven's
  Pastorale on the stereo in my room.  I would sit in a hammock on
  the upstairs porch, sipping tea, and listening to
  Beethoven.   Little by little the sun would brighten the sky,
  bringing with it a gradually louder cacophony of nature sounds and
  smells.  Eventually, people sounds would indicate the day had
  officially begun, and I would have to let go of participating in the
  moment, but it was lovely to carry the memory with me throughout the
  day. 

  What am I saying, throughout the day...?
  I carry it with me still, and it still calms my soul.

  © drc

  
  The snowcap, Cayambe, at the beginning of the sunrise 07/12/03 © drc
  

  • 4:52 pm
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