The moon light highlights the tomatoes I left on the ground in the garden. I wish some hungry animal would finish them off so my guilt at leaving them there- free from sauce or salsa- would subside.  I can see the tell-tale red bumps from my window and even though I opened the garden gate weeks ago, the critters are in cahoots to keep me guilt laden. Sort of like the kids. That’s it! I’ll get a goat! Problem solved.

I solve a lot of problems before my second cup of coffee. (And cause more than I solve after my third.)

My solitary peace is temporary: two daughters should be arriving today (I say should, because their plans are apt to change with the wind; their lives are not unlike dandelion seeds: light, free and unburdened).

Yesterday, Holland (daughter #3) was talking to Emily Anne (daughter #2) via cell phones from their cars about Em’s plan to come for a visit.

Holland said, “I’m cutting school on Thursday so we can spend the day together. Mom said it was okay, because I’m emotionally detached from education anyway.”

Emily replied, “That’s cool, but I’m going to have to let you go now because I just got rear-ended.”

“Oh, okay, well, call me later and we’ll have lunch.” Holland suggested.

“Okay, yeah, sure. Then maybe after we can go to Petco and buy Halloween costumes for our dogs.”

Little wonder I find peace in silent stillness.

Dear friends arrive tomorrow for the weekend. (Were they deer friends the tomato dilemma would be no more.)  My friend Kim also has daughters- two of them- and they live in Pensacola, Florida, their hobby these days, much to Kim’s horror, is riding out hurricanes. While I find peace in the dark, quiet hours before dawn, Kim finds peace in sunshine.

Find your peace where you can.

L.E. Hughes is a columnist, writer and owner of Diamond Corner B&B in Stratton, Maine. She welcomes your thoughts and comments: dcorner@tdstelme.net.

© October 2005 Lew-Ellyn Hughes. All Rights Reserved and Retained by the Author.