February Challenge (Day Two)
2: Fifty things I love.
I turned to Jenny, “it’s day two of the February challenge which is to name fifty things I love.” She is still wearing her lighthouse printed apron.
“That won’t be difficult, honey. If I had to guess, the list will begin and end with Macallan Scotch, I’m sure there are fifty different blends.”
“That’s true, love. However, I don’t think this is what Keeley Schroder has in mind,” I say.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it, I have washing to put into the dryer,” she answers.
“I look again at the challenge, and mumble to myself, fifty things I love most in the world?”
The question’s warmth and simplicity have my keen attention.
Where to begin? I love Tobermory, the island, my home. I love my friends, Knud and Ruth. My grandchildren. I love Copenhagen, and the Mermaid on the Rock. The Household Cavalry turns me on, Spaghetti Bolognese, I really love that!
I love St. Paul’s Cathedral, Petticoat Lane, Nottinghill, Hyde Park and the kids with kites. I love the pigeons at King’s Cross, and my Austin Healey.
Then, well, then there’s the cliffs, and running along the shore’s edge with Reckless and Ragged, my dogs. I love tales of Arabian Knights. I love the moment in the movie when Elise asks Richard, is it you…are you the one? And when Robert Kincaid is standing in the rain looking hopelessly for Francesca.
I love San Francisco, Cafe Royal, Melba Toast, Polk Street, Mendocino and Bodega.
I love Paris, The Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the Latin quarter, the Ferris wheel at the bottom of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Rodin, and, of course, I love St. Paul de Vence.
I love the oceans. Whales. Christmas. I love St. Paul’s Cathedral, the street performers, Trafalgar…my writing is interrupted.
“How’s that going for you, love. Did you get fifty?” Jenny asks, carrying an armful of washing.
“I’m just finishing, sweetie, I love writing, being at my desk, the view from this window, and so many things…but you, Jenny. What do you love most in the world?”
She didn’t pause, uttering one word.
You.
I turned away. Tears welling.
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