I awoke to
saturated grass
puddles on the pavement
water still falling
not in torrents
nor gentle kisses
steadily
in giant drops
until it stopped
blue sky peeked
as storm clouds
disappear
my sunglasses
were left at home
damn
now I need them
sun’s too bright
I wanted rain today
damn
confession
Ever since conquering the multitude of dirty dishes, silverware, cups, pots, pans and recyclables on Saturday, I’ve managed to keep the sink empty and the dishwashing machine full and at the ready.
However, throughout the day yesterday, whenever I’d see something in the sink, placed there by someone other than me, I had to resist the urge to shriek like a banshee while simultaneously tamping down the desire to throw said item against the wall.
But I didn’t do either.
Instead I picked it up carefully and either loaded it in the dishwasher, washed it by hand or rinsed and recycled the damn thing.
Trying to stay on top of it.
Trying not to lose my mind, or temper.
So far so good.
(I think…)

Dear Olive,
I am so sorry I let you down.
It’s that dog, you see.
We’d just come in from a walk.
I’d refilled my coffee cup and was attempting to eat my breakfast.
Standing in the kitchen of course.
Per usual.
When I realized he was no longer in sight.
And I couldn’t hear him chomping on ice cubes.
Damn.
That’s trouble.
Next thing he comes ‘round the bend from the dining room.
His favorite naughty noodle place.
Well, one of them.
And there you go.
Plop.
A little gnawed at one corner.
Your cover nearly ripped asunder.
My sincerest apologies.
You deserve so much better.
Like a spot on a higher shelf.
Higher than The Dog Zone.
I will see to it.
Right after I gently and gingerly see to your wounds.
I’ll be as unobtrusive as possible.
Clear tape it is.
You are a fine piece of literature.
Pulitzer Prize Winner, and all.
Doggone that dog.
He knows he’s in the dog house.
a.k.a. on leash inside and tethered to mommy stuck in the kitchen.
That’ll show him.
Please forgive me, Olive.
I remember you.
You’re a complex woman with a hard shell and a big heart.
I found you a fascinating character study.
(Hoping flattery might get me somewhere…)
Sincerely,
Janean

Yesterday I wrote on my electronic reminder list, “Do the damn dishes. Every last one.”
I didn’t take a BEFORE picture.
Too embarrassing.
But here is my PROVING IT photograph.
The picture I took before clicking, “Done”, moving my e-reminder from unfinished business to COMPLETED.
Until breakfast tomorrow.
Or drinks in the night.
I’m out numbered you know.
Just savoring this moment.
While it lasts.
The dishwasher is running.
Thankful for that too.
Always.
My husband even said, “The sink looks nice.”
Damn straight it does.
It’s empty.
Hallelujah the dishes are DONE.
(For now.)
double damn
damn
double damn
this is not how I wanted today to start
with a headache threatening at my temples upon waking
and you throwing my words from yesterday back at me
yes I do need quiet time
so I can handle the noise and commotion
but I need you too
I thought the walls came down
in the storm of emotion
a few weeks ago
but they are going back up
because the wounds are deep
on both sides
no wonder my head hurts
damn
double damn
this sucks
© Turquoise Tangles
tears of joy
the damn thing
about tears of joy is
when you have
tired eyes
those unexpected
happy tears
sting and burn
just like when
your heart
was hurting
as they fall
ouch
© Turquoise Tangles