Time off

My husband and I were in Phoenix this weekend, land of relentless sun, scrubby landscapes and hot pink bouganvillea. The idea was to be together without having to corral kids, locate epi-pens and microwave chicken nuggets. Always the chicken nuggets.

We hiked a lot, dusty rocks clinking and scraping under our feet. Cactus (cacti?) everywhere. One cactus was particularly poignant--pocked and stooped, like an old man, one who'd lived a satisfying and tiring life and was ready to topple.

We trekked Camelback Mountain behind a guy who made cell phone call after call, leaving messages to "come on down. We've got 9 holes and the most beautiful girls in this country." He was supremely distasteful.

We passed a couple talking about cancer, though they discussed it in vague, general terms, leading me to believe neither of them was afflicted.

A woman who was hiking with a friend said, emphatically, "That's a completely different sport. One wrong step and you're dead. You know it, Robyn? Dead."

Doves cooed all around. Exotic birds squawked from low bushes and orange trees heavy with fruit.

We spotted iridescent green and blue lizards, the color of the sea, oddly out of place in the red desert.

It was strange to imagine the kids at home, going about their routines without me.

One morning when J. and I were sitting on our patio sipping coffee, a cleaning woman walked past. Her face was so open, so sincere as she said hello, then crashed her huge cart into a tree. Small leaves fluttered onto her head and she laughed at herself, freed her cart and continued on.

I haven't been able to stop thinking about her.

The sun burned my skin. I knew I shouldn't like it, but I did. The light, pleasurable sting, the burnished pink, the way freckles emerged like constellations up my arms.

Then there was the flight home. We transitioned grumpily from our leisurely few days. 

J. was anxious to get back, to unpack. I did not mind the return, but was in no hurry. In a few hours this would be a memory...time when there was no schedule, no agenda, nothing but hot sun and lively blooms and skittering little animals.

Comments

[kcinnova]

Welcome back! I'm sorry it was so short, but it does sound like it was a lovely vacation.
I appreciate your observations of those around you. I don't think I'm quite that aware.

[kcinnova]

PS: That lizard is GORGEOUS!

[Stacy (mama-om)]

Yes, welcome back!

Don't you still have little animals skittering about, namely a fruit bat and a kitty cat? ;)

[Chris]

Nice you were able to get away with your husband. I love Phoenix/Scottsdale. My parents live there, and Chris and I lived there for years. Have hiked Camelback more times than I can count.

Just nice...

[Leslie]

It is so good to get away, even to get that tiny taste of life on your own schedule. Good job....

[Cactus Petunia]

That cleaning lady sounds like someone able to do what I'm always striving for: to live in the moment.
Glad you got to have a little time off in the sun!

[Nora]

I totally talk about cancer in vague terms, all the time. It's my damn work.

[Christina Grero]

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[Laura in LA]

Glad you got some time away. We should all do it more often. I think I will go right now and tell the boss I am taking off this friday.

[Simone]

I absolutely LOVE your descriptions of people and the way you note what they were talking about.... wonderful post! Made me smile.

[Amanda]

Just wanted to say a quick hello. Have been enjoying your writing for a while now, but never comment. I guess I revel in privacy to a certain degree. But i really do enjoy your writing...and it has been getting even better recently, am I right? Perhaps uncertaintly and angst fuel creativity!? Do not read many blogs consistently over time, but yours has stuck with me. Thanks for writing.

[minnesota:madre]

Thanks for your comment on my blog.
By the way, I am paler than pale, but always have to get a bit of a burn when visiting my grandparents in AZ.
Take care.