Verbal photo #1

I've been wanting to try my hand at writing. But never quite sure what to write. So I decided to start by using words to form pictures. Pictures that I see in my head, but could never capture with a camera. I figured that's a first step. Next would be, yes, telling an actual story.

Here's my first photo. I'm going to play with this and see if anything comes of it. Obviously, you're welcome to enjoy them too. Leave a comment and let me know when I can quit my day job..

Waiting for dinner

The recorded voice of a female jazz singer tries repeatedly to pop up over the sizzle of meat frying in the kitchen. It fails more than it succeeds. But it's enough to give me the impression of music in the room. Punctuated by an occasional trumpet note vaulting overhead and landing squarely in my ear, the day feels lazy. The air is as relaxed as I am. I'm lulled into a near-nap by the comforting sounds of life in my house, and more specifically, my wife working in the kitchen.

The smell of her cooking has been hiding around the corner, building strength, preparing to pounce me in a single rush. When it hits, it targets my nose first. Which instinctively stands at attention and surrenders all will. Soon my tongue finds itself salivating to the aroma that wasn't there 10 minutes ago. And my stomach becomes keenly aware it has been neglected for, well, at least an hour now. What at first seemed like a simple wait for dinner, has now turned into a concious effort to remain seated and not move into the kitchen to circle like a shark.

I understand sharks better now, though.

I distract myself by admiring the light that plays its own symphony on the stained oak in my living room. The stark sun in diagonal lines and sharp edges is a welcome straggler. Who can explain why he's still here in October? I don't know, and I don't care. I'm just glad he hasn't made an exit for the winter. Yet.

Then, from accross the room, "Amor, rapido! Vai esfriar.." Come quickly. It will get cold. I look over to find the table set and dinner ready. Couldn't I have at least set the table? Of course I could have, if I hadn't been so engrossed in my own thoughts. I jot a mental note for next time, 'don't let Camila do all the work'.