Slice-of-Life-graphicThe sun is just beginning to peek over the rooftops.

A brisk wind chills my face, cutting through my jacket and reddening my cheeks as I make the first lap around the park.

White wing doves coo, “Who cooks for you?”

“I do,” I chuckle to myself, thinking of all the bird seed we buy to fill our backyard feeders.

A grackle squawks in reply from a nearby tree as several others land in the grass, fanning their feathers in a mating dance.

The air fills with happy chirping of smaller birds perched safely in the live oaks ringing the park.

I draw in long, slow breaths as I drink in these nurturing sights and sounds.

It’s my first morning walk in months. I’ve been marking the days until warmer weather and the time change draws me back to our neighborhood park.

I whisper a prayer of thanks that spring has arrived.