Thursday, August 10, 2006

morning march

I started today by going walking with my pal, Chooky. She is a bitingly-funny, clever and gorgeous woman, who is paradoxically prone to sadness and self-doubt. Whatever her mood, however we spend time together, I love to be with Chooky. We've known each other since we were twelve.

We walked in the chilly dawn, with a pale moon still hanging low in the sky, like a drunken dinner guest who had lingered too long. The sun was already rising, though it wasn't warming us up much! We strode along the streets at a cracking pace, dragging the beagle reluctantly behind us (What's wrong with you, oh my hurrisome owner? You don't want to sniff the gutters?! But there's a DEAD BIRD to snuffle!).

For awhile I felt slightly queasy. I think it may have been the mountainous terrain we were traversing (or at least the small hill we started our walk by climbing). Or maybe my body was in shock that I was denying it coffee. Whatever the cause, I soon felt good again, as Chooky and I walked and talked. We talked of friends, we talked about men and love, we spoke of children, we discussed body image. We listened to each other. We teased each other.

It was cold, it was ridiculously early, but it was a sparkling way to start the day..... just Chooky, the beagle and me.

11 comments:

Alice said...

You've heard the expression about taking time to 'smell the roses'. Couldn't you have given the beagle the same opportunity to 'smell the dead bird'?....lol

I'm sure you are the best tonic in the world for Chooky, whatever her mood or state of mind. You are so understanding, positive and hilarious that you would be the perfect companion for anyone.

How come it's so cold in the morning in sunny Brisbane? We've had a few -6ยบ this winter - now that's cold. But I guess it's all relative to what one is used to.

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...

How nice it must be to start off the day walking with your long time friend, Chooky. Your friendship sounds very uplifting and it also sounds like you two compliment each other's personalty with your special friendship.

manababies said...

That is a wonderful way to start the day indeed. We all need our own Chooky to hang out with :)

TUFFENUF said...

OK, this is why I don't take the dog, he wants to stop too many times and I can't keep up my walking pace. Besides, I have three dogs, and they all want to go. The others will cry and howl if they don't get to go. They all watch through the window as I leave. Isn't is great to get out and walk right around dawn? I am glad you have a friend to share it with!

John Cowart said...

Sounds like a perfect morning. But next time I'd take a mug of coffee along to sip while the dog sniffs.

Susan Tidwell said...

Nothing like a walk in the brisk air to clear your head and get you ready for the day ahead. Just getting out of the house/workplace seems to put things back into perspective, doesn't it?

Franny said...

I am glad Chookie is a dog, because otherwise, you'd have a pretty bizarro friend on your hands. I am glad you share special moments together. Do you live in the mountains?

Motherkitty said...

I think Chooky is your friend, not your dog, correct?

Jellyhead said...

yes, Motherkitty, Chooky is indeed my friend! (the beagle is called Millie!)

Franny, if you read this, don't be embarrassed... Chooky is the one prone to melancholy, but she was not the one sniffing the dead bird! (thankfully!)

Val said...

You are fortunate to have a friend who has known you over a few stages of your life, and with whom you obviously feel so comfortable. And it's good that you are not taking that for granted.

Kerri said...

I'm wondering if those wonderful phrases and descriptions you use just roll off your pen (or brain, I guess I should say), or do you sit for ages dreaming them up? I'm thinking it's probably the former. What a great writer's mind you have!
Walking in the morning with a friend is a fantastic way to start the day.
I have to discourage a cat or two from accompanying Sandy and I :) They'd want to catch the live birds rather than sniff (and roll in!) the dead ones :)