A Special Place in My Heart

The scrumptious aroma of warm peach cobbler, gingersnaps, cinnamon apple cider, and pine needles fills the kitchen. But it's the scent of a crisp and toasty pumpkin pie that evokes the thought of my favorite holiday! Thanksgiving holds a special place in my heart: from the delicious dinner my aunts always prepare to window-shopping in Old Town. I love when snow falls outside and we are left to the indoors. I love watching the Thanksgiving Day Macy's parade, decorating gingerbread houses, cheering on the runners of the benefit turkey race, and giggling at something silly. But when it is reasonably warm enough outside, I love bundling up and strolling down the lane on a chilly evening, mittens on and bellies stuffed. I love throwing snowballs at my cousins and sledding down the slopes. But it is ever so nice to retreat to a warm home where a mug of hot cocoa awaits. There we can be found singing Christmas carols, baking holiday treats, and savoring the flavor of juicy pomegranates. But most of all, I love just spending time together as a family. All these things put together are what make Thanksgiving the most enjoyable week of the year and cause me to long for that fourth Thursday in November. I canNOT wait!

Up Bunco Road

[(.W.O.29.09) Up Bunco Rd. That's where they'll go. Up Bunco, to the mountains, along the winding roads. Some corners are sharp, but Alan carefully guides his '93 grey Nissan pick-up around the curves. He has a priceless treasure beside him, his sweet and beautiful girlfriend, Ella. The road branches off. They take the path that is narrow. Soon it becomes a one lane trail. On a normal day they'd be holding hands, unless he had to shift gears. And the radio would be tuned in, quietly playing a sweet country song. But on this tense road, all of Alan's attention must be on the navigation. That's not to say that his mind isn't thinking about the most amazing girl next to him. The road weaves along the side of the mountain, towering pines on either side and huckleberry bushes from the previous season are shriveled up. The air is cool and crisp. Rain clouds are scattered on the horizon and hang all above, clouding an direct sunlight. The trees are changing colors and the leaves are falling from their branches. They finally reach their destination. It is Alan's "secret" place where he likes to dirt bike on summer days. He's been wanting to bring the girl of his dreams here from quite a while. They get out of the truck. They walk, hand-in-hand, down a short trail that leads to a ledge. The golden autumn leaves crinkle beneath each footstep. At the edge is a breath-taking panorama. Below is Lake Shining Pond, named by the French Indians. A mist hovers just above the water's surface. The colors are so calming. It causes one to ponder deep thoughts. All Ella can think about is how wonderful and caring her boyfriend is. How perfect this moment is. How romantic. Her brown locks of glossy curls are softly blown by a chilly breeze. She stands there, enjoying the scenery and being held in Alan's arms. She is left unusually speechless. The whole moment is indescribable. All is silent, except for the howling wind and the beating of their hearts. Alan tenderly kisses her head, they take one last view, and turn to go build a fire to warm their hands by. (written on 11-1-09)]