I loved seeing people out and about taking in the evening sun--families with kids on bikes with training wheels, moms power walking, kids playing baseball.
Walks in the suburbs may not be incredibly inspiring such as those in the city, but they are more peaceful. Less cars, less crouds, but also less material for photos. But there are more smiles and salutations exchanged. The air is fresher with scents of flowering trees, and on this particular evening, the clink of softballs hitting metal bats.
Walking by a little league game in the nearby park brought back so many memories of my youth. I remember the try-outs, the smell of the grass, the hope that I would be chosen for the best team. I remember the sunflower seeds, the cheers from the dug-out, and the joy of getting a really good hit.
I loved playing softball, and I was proud of my arm. I had a really good one you see. I could throw long distances, and sometimes could out-throw my brother--that really was something to be proud of (he's one of those irritating, natural-born athletes that is awesome at anything he touches). And I was great at bat. There was a certain satisfaction knowing that the other teams recognized me as a power hitter, and would always back up as I came to the plate.
Some of my greatest friendships came from playing softball. I met one of my very best friends, Ilene, when her dad was our softball coach in 4th grade. We stayed friends throughout junior high and high school. We were close through college and often went on walks, played catch, or volleyball. And I'm so grateful that we continue to be friends as we've entered the real world, meeting up for dinner or dropping by her workplace for lovely chats.
Who knew that one lovely evening walk would trigger such nostalgia? Then again, it is me we're talking about.
Hears to memories, friendships, and spring/summer in Seattle!
P.S. Still undecided about the whole
going-on-walks-in-maxi-skirts thing...
I'll keep you updated.
