Overhaul

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In times of unstructured mornings, Mickey, Cinn, Dinky, and I lounge and play.  Between sips of morning brew and catching up with squawk boxes of political pundits and world news anchors, balls – the critters’ toy of interaction, fly in and out of hands – Mickey’s or mine.  Our “chaps” first choose whose hand’s turn throws a ball.  In a while, when they forget, it’s a free grab and throw!

Early exhaustion from listening to … plain hearing out … then dismissing the problems and cares of the country, displaces me from the comforts of my Lazyboy.   I brainstorm quietly, but could not help dishing out loudly, “What’s most worthwhile to do on the plate today?”  Mickey, already on his _nth email response, quips … and jokingly blurts, “Why do you have to do something when you can just relax and eat ‘Bonbons’?”  His matter of fact tone works like a charmer.  I chuckle, giggle and release an all-out laughter, but I press on.   My brain insists to search for something to tackle.

I send an invitation to every nook and cranny.  I let out a whisper, “What or who needs attention today?”   

Before I could finish the invite, voices travel from hiding and come outright. 

Kitchen Drawers cry out, “Silverware and Gadgets are all jumbled, and could use sorting!” Closets let their flaps fly out and complain, “Garment Tenants are like sardines trapped in a can here.  Come and peek.  See for yourself!” From three or more corners of our habitat, Book Shelves and Cabinets fight it out.  “Have you noticed that these transient Dust Mites and Cobwebs are taking over our space?” 

“I do!  Choose me!”  Outdoor Shed screams out its lungs the loudest and gets my attention. 

“Indeed, you could use a shaking, eh? May be, an overhaul?” I tease.  It gets tickled pink.  It blushes … dances!   

I let Shed’s door open.  “Everyone,” I call in.  “Get out, and about!”  Deck Chairs, Cushions and Umbrella march out.  They spread out and sunbathe.  Bins and Boxes grumble, but they come out next; they rush to shield their eyes and bodies as sunrays blast brightly their pale beings.   “Baskets, you too.  Don’t be lazy now,” I gently, but firmly call out.  Reluctantly, they stretch.  They mosey along, and get help from Stepladder.  “Watch your step!”

With my help, Rag and Brush do their work.  They dance around everyone’s faces, arms and legs, shoulders, backs, bellies.  Broom drags me to hold him tight.  He sings as he sweeps off cobwebs.  Air freely blows off dust.  Soon enough, everything, everyone is renewed ...  refreshed.  Mickey joins us.  He builds a set of shelves for Shed to welcome newcomers.    Grateful for an overhaul, a stroking of kind, she lovingly utters, “Thank you!”

“Are y’all tidied and brushed up? I asked.   No complaints.  I call on Shed to do the roll call check.  “Get in line, and back into your nook!” Shed calls. All pile back, and in, one after the other. 

Shed dons a smile.  She bows one more time, and humbly says to me, “Well done!” 

Every new day of grace we are gifted to live is a day for the taking.  I really believe it.   While we could also give intentional rest and renewal to our bodies and minds, venturing into something purposeful, however miniscule, might as well be our course. 

Every waking day must have an accomplishment that brings a great feeling, eh?