Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: WEEKEND AWAY (short vacation) (07/23/15)
-
TITLE: Your Place or Mine? | Previous Challenge Entry
By LINDA GERMAIN
07/28/15 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
My kitchen window is over the sink and faces the street. A pretty little house is directly in my view. I have never gotten to know any of the rental tenants. One lady was gone a lot. One gentleman, strangely, had no furniture and sat in the front yard under a tree and talked to his Poodle most days. For the past few years, a young couple has lived there. I spoke to her once when their yellow cat wandered off, and to the husband when he was out with their dogs.
It’s not that I’m unfriendly; maybe just more of a recluse. I have responsibilities and don’t get out much, but that doesn’t stop me from dreaming.
When the couple moved in, they brought with them one of only two things I would like to have before I die. The first time I saw it I yelled, “That’s it! The very one I want!”
It’s the most adorable RV, and just the right size. I picture myself in the driver’s seat with a faithful German Shepherd riding shotgun. In my fantasy, we have ribbon-of-road adventures and write about them; well, I would write. He would be there as moral support and handsome traveling companion.
For weeks, I never saw the motor home move. I wondered if it belonged to someone else who had simply parked it there for a season, or possibly it was broken down. With every dish I washed, I waited for Act II.
One Friday afternoon, on a holiday weekend, there was a flurry of packing activity, and they were off in a flash. I have no clue where they were going, but in my mind, I went too; and on every trip after that.
On Sunday evenings when the wonderful magic carpet with wheels rumbled back into their driveway, my over-active creative brain would imagine all kinds of scenarios. Maybe they went to see parents or to a football game or college reunion, or perhaps explored back roads in the mountains not so far from here.
Suddenly, with no warning, my dream vehicle vanished. I suspended my vicarious road trips with make-believe exploits as I pondered on its whereabouts. Was it stolen? Sold? Returned to the real owners?
I began to realize I needed to keep my eyes in my own yard and let those neighbors come and go without me coveting their vehicle with its tiny stove and micro bathroom. Many months passed, and then one day as I was peeling vegetables at the kitchen sink, I glanced out the window and my heart fluttered. Surprise! There it was!
I know there’s a valid story supporting the mystery, but it belongs to them. It’s been fun to frolic in my made-up travel tales; perhaps all I’ll ever have. In the blunt light of reality, I must admit there might be a few things I hadn’t considered. What about the price of gas? Could I fix a flat in the dark? How often would that dog need a pit stop?
As the persistent age-visitor has gone from tapping to pounding, it might behoove me to reconsider the logistics of this particular dream. Why should I yearn after the tail lights of that spiffy RV as it disappears down the road for someone else’s weekend? In fact, I’m a little relieved I don’t have to think about maintenance and insurance or make plans for a dog that probably isn’t even born yet.
As I ever so gently ease open that age door for an honest peek at the future, I’m forced to admit my mind can take me places my body doesn’t want to chance.
The last time I heard the RV motor spring to life, I just let them roll away without wishing it was mine. Those happy campers don’t know a quiet neighbor prays for their safety and is always glad to see them return in their charming house on wheels.
I’ve moved on. A subtle shift I could barely hear has driven me to the comfy recliner in the living room. That’s my new favorite spot for imagining life with the other thing I would love to have: a piano.
_____
[Non-fiction]
Exodus 20:17 (NKJV)
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house…”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)
“Everything has its time…”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
God bless~
As for red ink, I don't have much other than to perhaps suggest you check the semicolons. They should be used to connect two independent phrases, and sometimes it's used when listing a series when the items in the series also use commas and could confuse the reader. The other thing (and I only picked up on it because I just did research on it) is breed names like poodle are only capped when there is a proper noun in the name. Experts disagree about both words like in German Shepherd.
I so enjoyed your ending. It made me chuckle. I kept thinking what's the other thing. You have a great sense of humor too. It's subtle, but such a delight. I loved my mental picture of age knocking on the door. I've moved heavy objects in front of my door and put my fingers in my ears to block out the rapping. Seriously, though, it's an excellent lesson. I know I spend way too much time in the past, lamenting the what-ifs. As humans, we spend a lot of time wishing our lives away. As you so creatively pointed out, God has plans for my today, and that's what I need to focus on.
God bless~