Over 3,000 miles away, the plane descended upon dry, hilly terrain. She swiftly maneuvered her 3 suitcases through the congested arteries of the terminal; everyone scattering off to some adventure. Naivety sped the pace of her feet towards an exit, nearly as quickly as her thoughts. Anxiety. Fear. Determination. All fought for attention in her frontal cortex. No car. No map. Not a friend within three time zones. This was not part of the itinerary. Yet this was precisely what she needed. Just 3 bags and a seed of fortitude, ready to grow and flourish in a fresh new world.

The above paragraph was written in response to the 100 Word Challenge authored by Velvet Verbosity. The scenario took place six years ago when I took my first travel nursing assignment in Southern California. After living in South Florida for over 24 years, I accepted a 3-month assignment at a children’s hospital working in a neonatal cardiac unit. Despite living out of 3 suitcases, alone (my family was not thrilled), without a car, and no one to turn to, this time was pivotal in developing the person I am today. I struggle to find words to accurately describe the intense fear and loneliness I felt during that time. But it challenged me emotionally, physically, and professionally. So I ended up extending my 3-month contract several times. I also later met Dadisodes. Sometimes life really is like a box of chocolates.

A domain. Just one minuscule place in the vast World Wide Web. Nothing fancy, mainly words and photographs, all weaving an intricate tapestry modeling my thoughts. Some sections are delicate, too fragile to fully unfold. Some bound beautifully, creating vivid, brilliant memories. Others tangled, a mess, and loyal friends often gather to offer words of support. Some days the process feels too weighty to continue. But mostly it has become a stress ball rolling out tension, an indiscriminant ear always listening, a blank canvas awaiting strokes of creativity. This blog is one vital pillar sustaining the heaviness of my sanity.

*Warning- The rest of this post has whine spilled all over it. Wiping your monitor with a sheet of Bounty is futile.

Monday’s suck.

What? Did that sound too negative to start with?

Sorry, this blog is my “pillar of sanity”, and I’m laying on my big comfy couch and getting a bit off my chest today.

I’m exhausted from the weekend. All of the online courses, errands, and squeezing family time into 48 hours has left me running on “Empty” today. As a result, I am tardy in posting my 100 Words, neglected many blogs, and it’s 4pm and I still haven’t showered. Oh, and did I mention my cell phone is dead, Dadisodes is working late, and it seems like my Aunt Flo may be visiting soon. Not cool. I thought I told her to leave me alone for 9 months.  Perhaps she’ll call my cell phone first.

That is all.

Every day she carries them with her. Intricate details of him covered in a fine layer of dust. Familiarities in a passing stranger begin to tug gently. Uncovering the slight nuances time had obscured.

A heavy, left-handed snap of his finger to a tune; a quick side-glance while holding back a crooked smile; brilliant half moons at the base of bitten nails.

Stunned. The moments catch her off guard. Each memory flickers, stealing a breath. Her plexus slow as her mind struggles for clarity. She remembers. All the secret treasures they shared. Safe. Where no one else can find them.

* This was my first time doing this (it was painful cramming it all into just 100 words). Please be gentle.

So what do you think? Is it Fact or Fiction?

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Test is positive
For ovulation that is
Gotta git biz’eh…

Find more Haiku’s at A Mommy Story and Playgroups are No Place for Children