It’s my day off, and I decided to drive to a country store about forty-five minutes from my house. The drive and spending the time to and from was worth it.
Fall colors surrounded me. Some trees are still green, but there were plenty of amber, gold, and rust mixed in, all against a blue cloudless sky. Minimal traffic to contend with. My Spotify playlist moderately loud, giving me something to sing along with as I drove.
Sheep, goats, and a horse shared a mid-morning snack in a field, heads down, ignoring me as I sped by. Not really speeding. Keeping it a mile or two under or over the limit, getting in no one’s way. No cares, no worries. Nothing on my mind, except for working on a tricky plot of the book I’m writing. Gritty like the others penned in my name. Another thriller with a coming-of-age thread. A mystery to solve. But even with that, I wasn’t so preoccupied that I missed out on the scenery, the relaxing drive, the time away.
I spent much less time in the store than I spent getting to and from it. Picked up three different kinds of cookies- I’ve never met a cookie I didn’t enjoy. Picked up two different small loaves of flavored bread, some dark chocolate peanuts and some chocolate covered buckeyes. Yeah, I have a sweet tooth.
But it wasn’t so much what I bought and brought home. It was the relatively short, but relaxing trip. The quiet, except for the music. Whatever stress I had- not feeling much these days, I had, seeped out of me. With a Diet Coke to sip on, I think I was almost in heaven.
Small towns, burgs, really, dotted my way. Worn out, a bit tattered. Nothing large or big. Various road crews doing their thing- mowing, digging, turning dirt. Their bright yellow or orange vests and helmets catching my eye.
A few political signs here and there. Most were for the guy I wouldn’t vote for if a gun was placed against my head. No, I prefer my president to not be a criminal, a fraud, a liar. Their choice, I guess. As I said, not mine. Not in a million and one years.
Back home, sitting at my kitchen table with my golden at my feet to keep my company. Writing my thoughts down. In no hurry to do so. Just wanting to get it down to capture my brief morning.
I think we all need a drive in the country in the fall, with music blaring loudly to ease our minds from time to time. To relax and take it easy. To not let stress tear us apart and do us harm. Breathe in the country air through the open window. Noticing the birds in flight overhead, a squirrel scurrying across the road out of harm’s way. Nothing much to think about. Nothing much to care about. Free and easy as we go, right? A moment or two out of the rush. Stepping off life’s treadmill to take a break. A needed time to breathe, to exhale, to recharge. Needed! Something to think about …
Live Your Life, and Make A Difference!
For My Readers:
If you like what you’re reading and find a benefit from it, you can check out my other posts on my Website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com under the Inspirational Blog tab. You can find all nine books, their descriptions, and links for purchase at the same site.
Pleases
Connect with Me on Social Media:
Website https://www.jrlewisauthor.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557592103627
Author
Blog https://www.jrlewisauthor.blog
TikTok @josephlewis5566
Tribal @jrauthor85
Substack https://tinyurl.com/2m5ckdvh
Black
Yéʼii (The Evil One) is available for preorder NOW and ONLY at https://www.blackrosewriting.com/mystery/blackyeii If
you purchase Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) prior to the
publication date of January 2, 2025, use the promo code: PREORDER2024 to
receive a 15% discount.
For those of you who are interested in receiving a signed copy of Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) or any of my other books, I will have author copies to sell and sign at the Following Upcoming Events:
Porter
Branch Library on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10:30
AM to 1:30 PM at 2001 Parkway Blvd. Stafford, Virginia.
Salem
Church Library on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10:30
AM to 1:30 PM at 2607 Salem Church Rd. Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Howell
Branch Library on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10:30
AM to 1:30 PM at 806 Lyons Blvd. Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Or, simply message me and I will get a
signed copy to you.
Intro Photo by Simon
Berger and Unsplash
Book Cover Photo by
David King and Black Rose Writing