Two Texans, Northeastern Dreams

The cool Denver breeze wraps around her in a weightless hug. She inhales the thin air. A smile tugs at her lips as the apricot sun warms her skin. It’s roughly sixty degrees; summer is coming to a close, and autumn is on the horizon. Her phone calendar shows it’s Friday in late September.

Rocky Mountains sprinkled with snow peek above the city skyline. The downtown buildings behold a patchwork of colors from earthy tones to electric blue, while staggering in different heights.

Trees of gold, green, and hints of red, border a paved walkway, and the lake. A green space, feasting her eyes, provides space to lounge, read a book, enjoy a picnic, stretch in yoga poses, play football or throw a Frisbee to a dog.

With a gentle press of the shutter, her camera clicks. She hones in on still trees, then aims for the lake, where a fountain gushes water up and out. Her mind fills with flowing water; cleansing and removing stagnations.

Scarlett extends the black lens, zooming in and panning out as she captures impermanence. While the buildings and mountains stand mostly unchanging for lifetimes, visitors come and go. Leaves cycle out, abandoning the branches, only to renew in the spring.

An evening breeze nudges Scarlett’s auburn curls as the amber sun reflects on the lake; creating a sight for sore eyes. She diverts her attention. Focusing on her grey high-ram laptop, she maneuvers the mouse over photos. Clicking here, zooming there, removing imperfections. The same scene in front of her brought to life on her matte screen; to take home, savor, and sell online. A smile plays upon her velvety lips, as she basks in her creativity. Scarlett achieves a sense of accomplishment.

Nibbling on a whole-grain pita, filled with baked chicken, and fresh greens; a lemon flavor awakens her taste buds. A sip of an apple-cinnamon mocha, chases the tangy pita, bringing a sweet and spicy wash to her tongue. She breathes in the drink’s aroma, savoring the flavor as Autumn approaches, bringing a new season to relish.

Scarlett glances at the time on her black smartwatch, while embracing the cool air around her. She notices the sun lowering, and the sky fusing light blue with coral pink, lavender, and apricot. Another photo is taken. Scarlett wraps a plaid shawl of crème, maroon and pink around her athletic body. She adjusts her crème-colored beret adorned with a rose, then packs her belongings. She rises to her medium stature as her shoulder bears the trusty brown leather tote that attends most outings. Her light brown leather boots end below her knees, briskly tapping the paved walkway as she paces towards her rental car.

A musician sitting against an Aspen tree strums a twang tune, bringing a pleasing sound to Scarlett’s ears. Her eyes, like blue sapphire, hinted with green amber, fall on a man leaning against a maple tree. The man acts like he has seen her already, silently admiring her from afar, sporting western-style clothing. He dips his head, briefly nodding with a nudge to his tan western hat. She glances to his red-toned hand, bronzed by the sun, showing no signs of a ring. A smile transpires across his lips, then a phone rings. His plaid-covered arm reaches into a high-quality denim pocket, and his brown western boots expose themselves as he adjusts his stance. He gazes away from Scarlett, answering his phone. “Howdy.” Her lips curve into a smile noticing his flannel shirt looks festive for fall. The beige, orange and brown lines neatly forming a plaid design.

Scarlett swiftly walks on, nearing her rental car. What else is on the agenda for today…The photographers’ gala. A fancy get-together for travel photographers.

Scarlett envisions her formal dress hanging in the rental car, professionally cleaned. She smiles at the thought of pairing it with her dazzled western boots.

She reaches the sleek-blue rental, her hand forms a firm grip on the door handle. A gentle pull, swings the door open. Scarlett’s phone chimes as she lowers her body into the tan leather seat. She checks her screen. A weather notification for Texas; warmer than normal temps for late September. Scarlett groans, dreading her return to Texas tomorrow evening. She is ready for autumn’s presence, brushing cool air through the atmosphere while leaves change orange and red. Scarlett sighs. A northeastern fall season.