yes, and
Bellies brimming with sautéed veggies and angel hair, the muses get a jump start on tomorrow’s love letter because…
“What if it’s cancer…” Calliope scratches a belly button bite and wonders what the dermatologist will say about all of their bug welts, black raspberry cane scratches, and the scaly discolored patches prompting tomorrow morning’s visit.
“Then we’ll deal with it.” Nia keeps her eyes on the petals she’s painting.
“Are we ambitious?” Calliope’s head is as full of queries as her stomach is of pasta.
“Yes.”
“Are we successful?”
“Success means different things to different people.” Thalia fields the pop fly. “We show up. We learn. We grow. We learn. We grow. We learn. We grow. Rinse. Lather. Repeat. If that’s not success — then what is?”
“Are we disciplined?”
Exasperation knits and purls Nia’s brow. “We’re here aren’t we?”
“Are we excited?”
“Uh-huh! Uh-huh! Uh-Huh!” Thalia wiggles in her seat. “Why-eee all the questions?”
“I read a sign that said the planet needs more peacemakers, restorers, and storytellers… not ambitious, successful people.”
“And why exactly —” Nia has a question of her own, “— can’t people be all of the above?”
Without ambition one starts nothing.
Without work, one finishes nothing.
The prize will not be sent to you.
You have to win it.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Today’s love letter is dedicated to Lacey… a friendly black poodle who recently crossed the rainbow bridge. Shortly after her owners told me of her passing, I came across the torn and tattered Monarch wing resting on the dusty dog park trail. I passed with an Awwww! :( before doubling back to pick it up to give it new life.
Maybe what this planet needs is more peacemakers, restorers, and storytellers who are ambitious and successful, like you, Gail. I love the monarch wing--did you treat it with something to preserve it?