Afro curls of a young boy. Dripping pool water. Beading and cascading from his head like liquid flowing diamonds. So beautiful I wanted to tell him; too young to understand, too old to approach. Dark blue sky with unmoving white fluff. Heat browning skin. Warm breeze making it bearable. 4 or 5 kids in the pool; aqua with black stripes. Lovely afternoon. Rainy, cloudy morning that washed the earth and watered my deck full of plants and flowers. YAY-I won't have to hydrate them myself.

Perfect day, perfect place. It's almost over-back to school time. It makes me a little sad for them. Those lucky kids going back to work after a summer full of play. Some happy, some full of dread, some just wishing for a little more time to be. None realizing what life will bring-the good, the bad, the drudgery, the joy.

The here and now all they can perceive.

Some say these are the best years of their lives. I think they're all the best. Every year the best!

Another beauty pool adventure. It's been unseasonably cool these past few August days. The sky continues to draw my attention. I wish I could save the image of blue with lovely white clouds drifting by.

Maybe if I look long and hard enough, the sight will be burned in my consciousness; can be brought to mind when grey, lifeless winter skies bring cold and snow.

Maybe I'll hear the splashing, screaming, laughing, always the music in the background.

Maybe I'll see the trees waving in the distance.

Maybe I'll feel the sun beating down drying out my skin and the breeze tempering.

Maybe I'll remember the light, just right romance 'pool read'. (Thanks Nora!)

Maybe I'll capture the 11 year old sweetness and beauty of my grandson even when he's grown. Watch him shooting hoops from the blue water; watch his triumphant expression and fist pump when he sinks a long shot. See him do a hand-stand and come up, water streaming down his face.

Maybe I'll be there, someday when I can't be.

Maybe that will be enough.