As I strolled through my neighborhood, I stop to notice three buds, all holding onto the same branch – triplets. One is tiny in size and still wrapped in a tight-knit sweater of drab-winter beige. The middle has started to unfold and lengthen. Her olive robe, weaved with just a hint of rose, wraps loosely, as if she is swaying to a springtime lullaby. Then there is the third. She’s being a show-off, already plump and revealing her magenta on this quiet morning. It is springtime and my neighbor’s magnolia tree buds are revealing their various personalities.
Once back home, I sit in my backyard, taking in the view of my magnolia tree, a Star Magnolia. Her name fits her perfectly. All at once, her white blooms popped and today she is the star of the magnolia show.
As March begins, I’ll remember these buds as I write. Today I am feeling like that small, tightly wrapped bud. But I do hope, after 31 days, my writing muscle grows and bursts, like my Star Magnolia. How are you feeling?
PS – Almost deleted this…Instead I dedicate it to all new slicers and those veteran’s on the fence, wondering if they should do it again this yeat. This slice reminds me it is a story only I can tell. My walk in my neighborhood this time of year. And yes, to some it’s just 2 photos and my lame attempt at personfiying the buds. But is is a small moment I had Sunday AM as I walked to the bakery. It is a moment where I stopped, observed nature and snapped 2 photos and then added a little of my thinking. And I’m OK with this as a slice. Let;s not overthink this. Let’s keep writing!
Writing Stories by Sally 