© Ayr/Gray
Many thanks to Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr for their photo prompt, THE UNICORN CHALLENGE. (11/08/2024). No more than 250 words in length.
(A dream, because I need peace and a bit of distance today.)
The morning started well enough, cool with birdsong, cat heavier than the wool blanket that marks this transition into true Autumn. Side sleeper me, Rollo’s wedged his backside against my belly, so committed to morning dreams, he doesn’t waken immediately, even when I roll onto my back. No purring yet. That’s fine.
Outside the half-open window, no curtains necessary in this isolated place, the pines are thick and tall, blocking the sky. Clouds and possible showers were predicted, but I don’t put much stock in weather forecasters. The lake and sky will dance as they will, or fight violently over what seems like nothing. Today, just down the stairs to the beach, water shushes over sand, as relaxed as Rollo’s tiny, gentle snore.
Time to greet the day.
I speak aloud, and Rollo chirrups and lengthens his round body as far as it can from tail and toe tips to thin forelegs that stretch far past his very furry neck and triangular ears. He rights himself, kneading his way up to and around my neck, peering into my face with dark eyes for signs of what is it? Snuggles? Or breakfast?
We enjoy both. After he’s had half his bowl and I’ve filled my coffee mug, we make our way, me in bare feet and sweats, and him an inky shadow with fuzzy feet and swaying belly. Down the bleached wooden stairway to the white sandy shore, the lake waits to tell us, once again, what our day will be.
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2024)
Valley of the Trolls 
A lovely way to wake up. A very peaceful story with wonderful details, Liz.
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Hope it helps!
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What a lovely way to start the day!
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I just close my eyes…
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immersive and enjoyable (is that redundant? nah, just the recognition of using words (>ideas>images>emotion) skillfully. the enjoyment is …. (was going to say ‘ours’) but no, creating tiny worlds and minuscule lives is, in fact, quite enjoyable
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Parsed what you said, and yes! Thank you!!
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What a lovely morning by the lake… do make it stay all day!
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I just might fo that. Thanks, Chris!
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Sweet as can be, Liz. Love your take.
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Thank you! A sweet break in the action for me.
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I hear ya!
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Delightfully different Liz, a timely take on the prompt.
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Thanks, Keith! 🐧
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I like the thought of the lake and sky dancing as they will – those things we have no control over.
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That’s Lady Lake for you!
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And thanks to you for this story, Liz.
I snuggled right into its warm invitation to comfort and hope.
Such beautiful images.
And more powerful than the darkness that hangs in the air.
‘ The lake and sky will dance as they will, or fight violently over what seems like nothing.’
The weather passes and so will this time.
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Thanks for the photo prompt that led me there. Soon enough it’s time to roll up my sleeves and help the dispossessed…
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This is wonderful, Liz, pure poetry.
Enjoy your peace and distance, I suspect the back story here is far less tranquil.
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Thank you, yes. The American people have spoken, so we’re all in for a bumpy road.
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