It is dark, inside and outside. With no good reason that might be apparent, I rise from my bed, turn on the light, and begin my day. I'm growing old and have little to show for my years, little to look forward to, little to be proud of or to excite me with what might come to pass. Still, I rise from my bed and begin my day, for I know something, something that can change how I feel.
Read MoreA Long-Awaited Morning on Bald Rock
On the morning of December 7, 2020, I woke up at 5 AM with high anticipation. Sunrise would be at 7:24 AM. Twilight would be in the 30 to 40 minutes before that. And I needed to arrive during twilight. I had to get ready, prepare my camera gear, make some hot tea for the journey, and then drive for over an hour to reach my destination.
It was time to get moving.
Read MoreThe Egret And The Heron
As I think back over my life, some of my favorite memories are things that I observed or experienced for the first time. At 72 years of age, one might think that new experiences would be rare. And I suppose they are, making them feel precious, if only for me. The wonders of the world are not mine to see in person. Nonetheless, my limited domain of exploration fulfills me. It is my little world. Like everyone else, my view of the world is based upon my experience in it.
Read MoreThe Sun Was Rising
I bought a new cup-sized thermos in anticipation of an upcoming trip to the mountains. On the morning of the trip, by 5:15 AM I had showered and gotten ready to go. I charged my new thermos with scalding hot water while the tea brewed. I mixed a little honey with the tea, emptied the thermos, now already warm inside, and poured the hot English Breakfast Tea with honey into it. Time to head for Bald Rock Mountain.
Read MoreMy Twenty-Year-Old Toyota
Parked in dappled morning sunlight, with Table Rock Mountain in the background, this is my 2000 Toyota Solara, bought brand-new 20 years ago in Charlotte, NC, but has spent almost all those years in SC. Since day one, I’ve always parked this car with the intent of avoiding dings on the doors, seeking out the end of parking aisles and going as close to the curb as possible, to give other cars plenty of room.
20 years, no door dings.
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