Roses into Darkness

The Garden in April 2014 

Gary pulled rough work gloves, enjoying smells of dirt from previous gardening ventures.  Between Gary and Kelly, the roses had been pruned, now bursting in color.  Gary reveled in scented beauty.

Oranges by June, Gary smiled.  Kelly will love that.

But, last week’s wind storm had almost destroyed the lemon tree.  Dang!  If only I had cut off some branches, or picked off older lemons…then…I

Pain burst in his head.  Behind his eyes an aura obliterated the roses.  Star bursts, quavering lines.

Source: sailinjohn

Gary crawled inside, calling  “Kelly!”

 Sadly, Kelly guided Gary. Another dark room day.

Love is in the air...

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day.  Rejoicing all around!

Please don’t get me wrong—it is a wonderful day and a HUGE money maker in all sorts of ways.  Who doesn’t love Godiva chocolate?  Strawberries dipped in cheaper chocolate?  Triple-the-regular price roses with chocolate?  Champagne with chocolate?  An over-the-top Hallmark card (with chocolate)?

Yes, I am a cynic when it comes to Valentine’s Day.  Maybe it is the twenty years of teaching that crushed the joy within.  In fact, it IS the twenty years of teaching.

Valentine’s Day created pervasive insanity in the classroom.  The day of the traditional “making the individual Valentine’s Day boxes” was the instigator.  The neat stacks of red, pink, white, and lavender construction paper and the Elmer’s glue bottles set off an explosion.  From there it was always hard to contain.

The next day the cards were placed into the personalized boxes, sly smiles exchanged.  The parents brought in obscene amounts of sweets, cards were opened in a flurry, and then BAM! the day was over. 

What will my beloved and I do on Valentine’s Day?  We are going to see Garrison Keillor at Point Loma College.  Tickets cost $45+ each.  That blows the chocolate budget right there.

Here is something for your Valentine's Day pleasure: