I couldn't convince myself to go to the hip hop cardio class at the park today. I'm tired. I didn't have the energy for a full hour high intensity workout. I also wasn't ready to change out of the beautiful, bright yellow dress I wore today. So I bargained with myself. I decided I was willing to skip the class if, and only if I didn't let myself just sit at home all evening instead. I wanted to replace the activity with something.
So I headed out. Several young women in the apartment complex down the street were looking out from their second floor pool deck and called down to compliment me on the dress. That became a theme throughout the night. I have never received so many compliments from so many people on a dress before. Strangers even smiled at me as they passed on the street.
I wandered through Railroad Park. I stopped to admire the American Coot floating in the pond. It's not a common species for the park but one usually shows up for no more than a day once or twice a year.
I grabbed tacos at a local Mexican restaurant, snagging a counter seat that looks out onto the street which was full of activity.
Then I continued on to the local wine garden I have come to love. The wine is always interesting and the people are fun to watch. Today, I was an inspiration for the woman sitting at the table next to me. She watched me sit calmly as a wasp circled around me, inspected me, and then flew off. She acknowledged she would have panicked and was impressed with how I handled it. She told me she was going to channel my inspiration.
I continued on to another outdoor seating area where I just sat and took in the warm weather while planning my next move.
Eventually I found myself walking into my local grocery store with the goal of purchasing flowers and dessert. They had the mini apple pies I love and the large containers of Bryers Oat Milk ice cream. And there was this beautiful bouquet of flowers that were mostly yellow that perfectly matched my dress. I checked out with the most pleasant cashier that left me with a smile on my face as I walked out the door.
On my way home, I walked through Railroad Park once more. This time the Great Blue Heron was hanging out on the edge of the pond so I took a moment to say hi to him. He has been a frequent visitor these last few days.
About three hours later I was back in my kitchen, trimming my flowers, warming my apple pie, and sitting down to dessert. And the whole night felt like a huge success.
This is a benefit of a walkable community. When I'm having a tough day, I can go out and just keep walking until my mood improves.
And to memorialize the yellow dress, here I am, a reflection in a storefront window.
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