Thinking good thoughts for my sweetheart. Finding a happy place for us.

Mind’s eye focusing on us on the shore, drinking cool drinks on a hot day, resting in the shade under a tall tree. There’s a soft breeze, and the sounds of the water are faint, but not too far off. In the distance is a silver veil shunting off a corner of the sky, marking an opened rain cloud. If you watch long enough, you can see lightning streak through like an errant white thread being tugged at blinding speed through the knitted gray cotton.

We’re eating a batch of cookies that she made. Chocolate chip with walnuts. Her head is resting on the crook of my crossed legs, drowsing comfortably as I massage her scalp. I’m sitting with my back against the tree; on other side, the tire-swing is creaking slightly, the firestone gently turning in the breeze. Down on the sand, a black cat chases sandpipers just outside the wake of the water. He’s toying with them now, just honing his skills for a future meal.

I’m taking solace in her calm and comfort.