align our palms into a seamless connection. “We’re everything.”
Survival tip #33: The adventure should be worth any number of bumps along the way.
I shield my eyes from the midday sun. Even the massive sunglasses covering half of my face aren’t enough to protect from the late summer rays. Not that I’m complaining about a last burst of heat before autumn makes an appearance. September in Minnesota is the absolute best, and not just because of the mighty fine weather. My favoritism has everything to do with the fact that this is my birthday month. Call me biased and I’ll admit to the claim without batting an eyelash.
Dragging out the festivities for at least a week is a tradition I’ve kept going since my youth. But why sell ourselves short? This past year has taught me to treat each day as if it’s a celebration. I’m lucky to have found a man who indulges my ridiculous habits. Along with his charming ability to compliment my quirks, he feels very strongly about ensuring that no task is left undone. That’s precisely why we’re hosting a pet adoption event for our local shelter.
As if on cue, a pair of fellow volunteers pass by. They toss me matching grins while surveying the scene unfolding around us. I return their smiles, adding a wave to the mix. Our wayward moment to engage in a silent exchange is interrupted by a bout of rowdy yapping.
Three dogs are dashing across our yard, chasing each other in an intense game of tag. There is a herd of cats prancing about on the back porch. It’s all screened in, which makes it a perfect play place without risk of escape. A variety of cages are neatly arranged on top of any available surface, showcasing colorful birds or other small animals. Random squawks tell me that the parrots are reveling in all of this extra attention. And of course, there are groups of people milling about in all directions. The sense of community is fierce if this gathering is anything to go by. A similar version has been going since this morning.
I’m pulled away from the bustling activity in front of me by a slight flutter in the breeze. Allowing the bout of peace and serenity to envelop me isn’t a chore. A couple of sparrows dart low over my head on their way to the shed. That wayward flight pattern always reminds me of a zipping arrow heading straight for a bullseye. I suppose that’s accurate considering their intended destination. Nothing is more valuable than the eggs that surely await their return. The nest they recently completed will be peeping with hatchlings soon enough. If I try hard enough, I can imagine those adorable chirpings already. Their melodic tune will offer a boost on the most draining of mornings. That’s another perk I’m finding about our slice of country paradise. The wildlife doesn’t quite compare to northern Canada, but that’s probably for the best.
Earlier this year, Halder and I settled on a house to call home in the outskirts of an adorable city. Sayley has all the quaint and enchanting qualities of a small town without being too cliquey. Not that we spend much time along the main drag to stay updated on the latest drama. He wanted privacy without being too isolated. I’ve always wished for a sprawling patch of land of my own. Our place offers a little piece of every aspect we had searched for. There’s no boom of traffic or stretching skyscrapers to be heard or seen. The dirt road and neighboring residences are almost out of sight from my spot near the garage. Acres of green grass and towering oaks compliment the white fencing and extravagant gardens. The faint aroma of freshly cut hay carries on a gust of wind. A meaningful philosophy to remember is finding beauty in the simple treasures Mother Nature serves on a leafy platter. I’d say we’re well on our way to discovering it, in my humble opinion.
The days we spent in the wild might’ve influenced our decision as well. The fact we chose to settle in an area far from any large metropolis pleases my mother to no end, of course. Halder jokes about buying property in a rural area. His parents are almost ready to laugh with him. To be fair, Sayley has a much larger population compared to Trixton Falls. It doesn’t take us thirty minutes to hit the nearest shop or gas station either. Not