By Lucy Fuller
Most of the time, I am fairly punctual with my writings and having a topic to write about. Other times, I have moments where I sit and stare at a blank computer screen with coffee in my hand trying to pull an idea out of thin air. This is one of those “other times.” I’m sitting in my porch swing drinking coffee while my 12 year old is trying to figure out how to download the “app” that I use to write. I told her it was called Word. She is busy on her laptop trying her hardest to figure out how to download this “app” to her computer so she can write with me. Notepad just won’t do.
We are loving the early spring this year. The sky is blue, the birds are singing, and Jody is sneezing. We have been at Terrapin Slide for about 9 months and this is our first official springtime allergy season. Besides allergies, springtime always seems to awaken something inside of me. New possibilities, new ideas, and sudden bursts of energy that I had forgotten I was capable of bloom inside of me like these beautiful blossoms on the trees next to our barn. I just heard Jody sneeze again.
After a mild winter and several months of the land being sound asleep it is now awakening with life. There is still a slight chill in the air, but it’s bearable with the warm rays of the sun. The warmth of the sun is appreciated by everyone and everything right now. Our dogs are relishing in these sunny days. They lay in the green patches of clover for hours soaking up every bit of it. Sometimes they lay so still that I instinctively call their names just to get them to move a little.
I don’t have to call anyone’s name today. There is plenty of movement with our 16-month old daughter and the 9 week old puppy we just… I just adopted. With all due respect, he adopted us. He somehow made his way from the little farm up the road to our barn one cold rainy day. He wouldn’t let any of us touch him and he would hide as soon as he saw us. I was determined to save this little guy, and I did. I had to trap him with my father in laws possum trap, but I caught the little guy, nonetheless.
His name is Cornbread. He has come out of his shell and completely stolen the hearts of everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him. He is a typical country dog. We aren’t sure what breed he is, but by the loud howling, I’m fairly certain he is some sort of hound. An Alabama hound dog with lots of will and plenty of ways. He is smart, clumsy, and adorable. He makes us all laugh, and I love that.
Emily must have figured out how to download the “writing app” (Microsoft Word.) She is sitting in the rocking chair just down from me typing away. A few moments ago she turned to me, sighed, and said “I can’t think of anything to write about.” I laughed a little and told her to start with that sentence and go from there. It seems to work for me, usually.
If you’re curious, here is Emily’s story:
Sitting on the Porch By: Emily K.B.
I can’t think of what to write about. As the dogs lay in the wild grass, and the cat watches the birds, I think “how could life get better than this?” As the wind blows the smell of spring onto the porch I close my eyes and breathe in deeply.
How can life get better than this?
Jody is enjoying this day. I’m hearing coughs and sneezes echo up and down our road along with the sound of the little red wagon that is hard at work holding our sweet Abby.
The wheels are rolling over the rocks and asphalt as Laney, our Jack Russell, keeps her company. Yes, the dog rides in the wagon with Abby, and if you look closely you will see our cat, Maggie, following behind. So if you happen to drive down our road on a sunny day please slow down, because there is a 99.9% chance that you will be greeted by our little parade.
Jody has just passed by the house again. This time he stopped and said “Hey, lets pack a lunch and walk down to the river.” I replied quickly. I rarely turn down a trip to the river on a sunny day. The Tallapoosa River is a part of me now. It’s seen my tears and heard my laughter over the past 9 months, along with that of my husband and children. As the water flows steadily down its banks, the blood flows steadily through my veins, and no matter what, it reminds me that life goes on. I love that river.
I better get inside and start packing us a lunch. Jody made some pimento cheese yesterday and I’ve got some fresh bread. That’s a good start. I can throw in some potato chips and some fruit.
That should be sufficient for a river lunch. Who knows, maybe I’ll even bring along Cornbread.
Lucy Fuller is a lover of nature, animals, gardening, and old houses. She is a full time mother and wife. She currently resides in Dadeville with her husband, two daughters, 4 dogs, and cat. She may be reached at fullalove2017@gmail.com.