Exceptional An almost perfect sunrise. My Favorite Place by barbara.wilkey

My Favorite Place The first hint of predawn light showed through my bedroom window. Monty, my eighteen-pound marmalade tabby's sharp claws pricked my skin as he kneaded my arm. His meows said, "Mom, get up. You're in my spot." I petted him. "Good morning." His tail twitched in frustration as if he said, "Move now! I need to cuddle next to dad." Anxious to start my day, plus previous experience had told me, I'd lose the battle with Monty, I dressed and walked into the hallway. A flip of the light switch illuminated part of the dark hallway. I need to figure out how to get more light in this hallway. It's too dark. I let Harley, my dachshund, out of his crate and kissed his graying muzzle as he did his early morning happy doggy dance. I swayed my hips. If I could get down that butt motion, I'd be skinny. "Just a minute, little guy. We'll be outside." In the kitchen, I added water to the kettle, returned it to the stove, and turned on the burner. While doing this, AJ, the litter mate to Monty, a fourteen-pound light cream tabby weaved through my legs hindering my gait. His loud meows announced how starving he was. "I'm betting you'll survive a few more minutes." His squinting glare told me how wrong I was. About the time I set AJ's food down, the kettle whistled. I hurried to the stove, poured the water, and added an Earl Grey tea bag. I checked the time; six-fifteen. Great. I'm right on time. With the hot tea mug warming my hand, I opened the back door. Harley and I stepped onto the covered back porch. He barked announcing to the neighborhood dogs he'd come outside. Then he strutted the perimeter of our fence, ensuring nothing had invaded his territory. After I set the mug on the small side table, I sat in my wooden rocking chair and rubbed my hands along the rough armrests. The scratch marks revealed wear and tear of raising boys. I rocked, as the precious memories of our four boys filled my heart. I've spent numerous hours rocking and cuddling them in this chair. I wonder how many years of rocking time they'd add up to. I miss having a houseful of children. My thoughts were interrupted as Harley let out a short growl, pretending he found something. I shook my head. I doubt he'd know what to do if he did catch something. He gets an 'A' for effort. A soft cool breeze caressed my cheeks and bare arms. The air's refreshing scent filled my nostrils as I took a slow deep breath. "Yesterday's storms cooled things down and cleaned the air. I'm sure this afternoon, it'll be back in the mid-nineties." Clear tones of my windchimes caused a quick glance and a smile. A strange noise caused me to tilt my head. "What? That sounded like a rooster. They're not allowed in the city limits." I heard another two cock-a-doodle-doos. "Yep, that's a rooster. Interesting. I wonder when he moved in." Dark blues and purples of the eastern sky had switched to warm yellows, oranges and reds. "This has got to be what heaven looks like." I took a sip of tea. "It steeped perfectly. Just a hint of orange." I savored the taste, before I glanced around. "An ideal way to start a hectic day." I inhaled a deep breath, again I enjoyed the fresh scent. "It'll only be a minute before the sun peaks over the horizon." The soft cooing of a mourning dove caused me to turn my head. "I heard you, but where are you?" I caught sight of his light gray feathers among the glossy green leaves. "You're in the neighbors' live oak tree. We have nice trees too. You can move over here." After another soothing sip of tea, I said, "I wonder if the rest of my friends are going to make an appearance this morning. They must've overslept." I smiled. They didn't have Monty demanding the spot in bed. Almost on cue, a robin, sporting this bright red chest, sat on the top of the back woodened fence and began to sing its cheery song. Behind him, the sun began to show in the eastern sky. "It won't take long for the sun to rise to its full glory." I sighed. "I watch it every day and it still amazes me at how fast it rises." The steam from my teacup had quit rising. "I've neglected my tea." The rustle of leaves caused me to glance at the left. "A new rose bud's coming out." I walked over and sniffed the sweet romantic scent. "Store bought flowers don't smell nearly as good." I touched the velvety petal. "Perfect, reds, whites, yellow, oranges, and pink all on one flower. God's touch created this beauty." A movement caught my attention. A salt and pepper colored squirrel attempted to get into the bird feeder. His bushy tail swished back and forth. "Well, my industrious little engineer, let's see if you can figure out the new latch Brian's added to keep you out. My money's on you." I hesitated for a moment before I recognized the loud, whistling tune. "I don't see him." I searched in the trees for my friend, the cardinal. The sound varied in length but followed a distinct rhythm. "You're hiding in the pecan tree. You switched your place. You're normally in the bamboo grove. Your bright red color is a giveaway. You're not good at hiding. I don't see your mate. Is she close by?" I returned to my chair and gently rocked as I finished my tea. "The sun's above the horizon, and I haven't seen or heard the mockingbird." Harley had returned to my side and lay by my feet. He gave his side-eye look as if to say, "Mom, he's a pain in the butt. He pretends to mock my barking." I reached down and petted Harley's soft fur. "I understand, Little Guy, but he's part of our backyard family. I hope he's all right." Lifting my head to listen better, I paused. "I hear his twill in the distance. I bet he's in the maple tree out front. He likes that tree." Moments later, the alarm on my phone sounded. "Harley, it's time to go inside. I need to leave for the gym." I stood and scanned my backyard. "Sunrise is the best part of the day. It's peaceful but not quiet." I stood at the door and admired the backyard. "God, thank you for all the beauty and peace You've provided me. No matter what today has in store, I know You're in charge. Please help me remember throughout the day I'm Your child. Amen." Recognized Author Notes I took the picture of one of my rose bushes in my backyard. I've edited this so many times, the words are cramming together. I know Tim will find so many problems with it. I finally just said, "I'm done." It's taking way too much of my time. Please enjoy. I didn't want to sound like a travelogue of my backyard, but I didn't feel I really found my voice. I struggle with writing prompts. In my novels, my characters take the lead. There are no characters to guide me.

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