A prompt from a Bhala Writers Come Write Along Session, “ Tell a story where you describe the section of the grocery store you spend the most time in. Be as creative and descriptive as possible.”
As I opened my curtains, a cool breeze laced with warm bursts of the sun brushed gently against my skin. The day welcomed me with open arms. Usually when I opened my window, I had to close my eyes to protect them from the invasive glare of the sun. But today the sun was gentle, still splendid and I let it sit on my face for a short while. The weather was more magnificent than the forecast had described. The sun shone with the glory of a thousand angels, yet, it was perfect. It was perfect especially with the window that blew.
It had been a terrible winter and a disappointing spring. The summer had had a very slow start but it was here and demanded to be enjoyed. I had fully intended to stay in for the day and enjoy a marathon of my favorite TV show, Modern Family. But now that I had experienced a glimpse of what the day had to offer, I had to go to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. How glorious it would be.
I wore my most favorite summer dress, a white chiffon dress that flowed down to my calves, platform sandals and a tan wide brimmed hat with a sunflower patterned ribbon, then headed out for the day. I was looking forward to what the forecast had described as the best summer day yet.
How glorious the garden at the museum was! It was lush, green and fragrant. Because spring had been delayed, all the scheduled spring blooms were just arriving together with the summer flowering. From the pristine lawn to the bulbous tulips. The blue of the hydrangeas decorated the center of the garden and the summer peonies lined the sides of the pathway.
I sat on the bench in the cafe of the Whole Foods next door and sipped on their icy lemonade and marvelled at how the garden had come to life. The exhibits were an added treat, the icing on the cake. What a perfect day! And there was still more of it to enjoy. My mind and heart were excited, fulfilled and filled with the thrill of anticipation.
The roses in full bloom, the lilies dressed in their garb, the tulip bulbs promising to open. The marigolds, bright and fiery as the sun. The patterned petals of the dahlia. The sunflowers reaching for the light above. The cherry blossoms in full show. The fragrance of the little corner of joy. The florist in the Whole Foods had the privilege of harvesting flowers from the Isabella’s garden. The neatly packed stands held the most beautiful vases filled with flowers. Each vase was intricately decorated with various lattices patterns. Each time someone pulled a flower or two from the large vase, the flowers left behind would fill up the space and ensure the vase was always full.
The florist dedicated a little corner to the pastel colored flowers. A little corner of softness, gentle colors to complement the fiery marigolds in the shelf below. A pardon from the sensory stimulation of the day. The fragrance was divine, a mix of fabric softener, crisp air and sunshine. Right next to the pastel flower arrangements was the similarly colored moca ice cream station. A sweet reprieve from the menacing humidity. As the ice cream melted in my mouth, I was reassured I would enjoy many more beautiful summer days.
