“Lovely, don’t you think?” I asked.

“Yes,” he smiled. His eyes were still as piercingly blue as when I’d first met him over a quarter of a century before, although they were now graced with a few more crinkles around the edges. Each passing year had dusted my husband’s once-blonde hair with platinum so that only a few strands of the original color remained.

Finally, with some imperceptible communication, the ducks rose in unison and elegantly flew across the rolling green grass, up over the trees, and off into the distant blue.

I took my shower late because I’d dawdled too long birdwatching. As I brushed my hair, I examined the strands collected within the bristles and realized that my hair had been thinning at an alarming rate. I’d shrugged off most of the signs that I was no longer the woman I used to be—weight gain, blotchy skin, bags under my eyes—but losing my hair has concerned me more than any of the others. I chided myself for this vanity and avoided that last look in the mirror.

A few days later, the ducks returned. They announced their arrival with a resounding ‘quack-quack’ as they effortlessly coasted in for a soft landing on the pond, just as night tipped its star-studded hat to a youthful and blushing early morning spring sky. I caught my breath at the loveliness of the scene outside my window. Quietly stepping onto the patio, I leaned against the fence that adjoined the pond and watched in admiration as the male mallard gently nuzzled the female while they glided across the water in an avian pas de deux. Thankfully, it was the weekend, and I had time to spare. Sipping my coffee, I regarded the scene before me and wondered at the beauty inherent in all things.

One Sunday evening I am idling about near the patio fence, drinking a glass of wine and looking toward the pond. The sun is low in the sky, nightfall rapidly approaching. No ducks are on the water; they haven’t been here for several weeks. Spring is making way for summer, and the mating season is over. I’m feeling a bit forlorn, missing the vigor of new beginnings, new growth. But all living things have their time, I tell myself. I glance back through the open French doors at my husband in the recliner, watching the baseball game—more like snoring through it. He tells me he’s “checking for leaks” when he does that, but I know he’s conserving his energy; it’s a precious commodity these days. His chest moves up and down while birds chatter in the tops of the arborvitae trees in the back yard, and ripples in the pond move in ever-widening circles. Life continues to breathe, though one day soon, we will leave this place to those with the youthful vigor to do the mowing, clipping, and all the work it takes to groom this little piece of paradise.

Then, a movement on the pond’s surface catches my attention. I realize it’s my husband’s prized ginrin sorogoi—a Japanese Koi with silver scales that glitter like diamonds. The fish moves sensuously, arching above the water in a shining platinum rainbow before sliding below the surface with a flick of its back fin. Dusk sets in, and I push my thinning hair behind one ear, grab my empty wine glass and head back inside. While beauty lies all around us, it also lies within.

Becoming Amazed

by Brenda E Smith

  Get ready to be swept into a world where the thrill of the unknown reigns supreme. Journey with a female trailblazer on eight spirited real-life adventures to remote and breathtaking corners of the world. Brenda’s tales shine with a mix of intelligence, wit, and courage as she faces daunting physical and cultural challenges. Raft with her through the rugged homelands of secluded Ethiopian tribes. Accompany her to collect latex sap in leech infested Sri Lankan rubber tree forests. Observe her confront a vengeful Guatemalan wooden idol--a decision she’ll soon regret. Then join her in celebrating the arranged marriage of an anxious Pakistani bride. The stakes reach their zenith with the brutal murder of a friend by terrorists--a moment that forces Brenda to reckon with the harshest realities of the world she craves to explore. Through every adrenaline packed blend of daring exploits and deep reflections, Brenda gains profound insights, emerging stronger, braver and more enlightened. Her tales will fascinate avid adventurers, armchair travelers, and fans of Eat Pray Love, Wild and Tracks. Dive in to experience our amazing world in a whole different way, and let Brenda’s journeys inspire you to chase your own wild dreams. "She explores the wonders of the world, with a gutsy curiosity to find out more about the cultures and customs of lands far beyond our shores. Her descriptions and insights are so vivid, you’ll feel like you’re there!”—Amazon review by Virginia M. "This beautiful book ignites your heart to be an adventurer who is fearless, pushing your boundaries to live a life of wonder. Highly recommend this book!”—Goodreads review by Esther D. Available on Amazon, Bookshop, and from your local independent bookseller. Follow Brenda's blog posts on www.eyeopenerpress.com

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