Finding a sheltering space (not a coffee shop)

In my creative meanders, this garden visit was on a whim. (Proving “yes” is the best response to an encouraging inner nudge to explore something unknown or forgotten.)

I entered a canopy of white crepe myrtles that created a sheltering space. It seemed as if two hands held an offering to any visitor. I sat on a bench and listened. The gentle bubbling of the fountain, the birdsong, the wind rustling leaves. I watched the water run down the side of the marble fountain. It was a place of peace. I felt unexpectedly happy as my eyes explored this space of details easily missed by sweeping surface glances. 

For a few years now, I’ve been looking for a coffee shop to take the place of the one that closed. Somewhere to go that’s a different location than the office or home. This had been my focus—a get-away destination that was a place to work. But as I sat here, I realized I needed a get-away destination that offered space… beauty and soft fascination. It cost nothing but my time.