Cottonwood Trees, Eggplants, and Smiles

A soft smile rises on my cheeks. I take a deep breath. I’m carrying a large jug of water and a plastic bag containing three potatoes, a clove of garlic, a carrot, an eggplant, three tomatoes, and pepper. I’m still not sure what I’m making for dinner but it will be something with vegetables. As I make my way back from the little produce stand to my house, my senses take in the life that makes up my neighborhood. Children are laughing in the park. A gentle wind plays with my hair. A teenage boy walks his dog. Two old men converse in loud and passionate tones. I side step a puddle (here you never quite know if it’s water or something else…). I make my way from the open part of the small street and park area into the narrow streets and pathways that weave together to create a maze of homes. Two little kids dart at me from around the corner of a house quickly followed by a third who runs after them excitedly down the alleyway. They laugh and scream as they play tag up and down the rows of houses. It’s warm outside. Fluff from cottonwood trees floats through the air like snow; dancing on the slight breeze the cotton rises and falls. I hear crackling oil in a pan as I pass an open kitchen window. I side step another puddle. This one is definitely not water. The sound of dinging bike bells and honking horns is also heard as the riders and drivers navigate their way through the narrow streets. I duck beneath the clean underwear and t-shirts that hang out to dry on the powerlines that are strung across the row of houses. Hammers pound and drills drill not too far off as workers work away on the outside wall of someone’s home. A little boy howls in delighted laughter as his father chases him down the path and scoops him up for a hug and a tickle. The grandfather looks on approvingly. The aroma of garlic and fried dumplings escapes another kitchen window. My mouth waters. I’m tempted to find the owner of this kitchen and invite myself to dinner. Walking arm in arm two teenage girls wearing brightly colored sweaters stroll past me giggling and chatting away. A young man sits on his front step intently focused on voice on the other end of the cell phone. Red Chinese lanterns hang from doorways and windows. I cross an intersection of two narrow streets and happen upon an older lady who collects the bags of garbage piled in the corners. She heaps them in the back of the little wagon attached to her bicycle. Looking up she smiles at me. I smile back. I continue to make my way down my row until I reach my door. I balance the jug of water on my hip as I scrummage around in my bag for my keys. I find my single house key which is attached to a jingling bell keychain with monkeys on it and insert in into the lock. I turn the key and unlock the door. I step up into my house and close the door behind me. I lean back against the door. Tears fill my eyes and my heart is overwhelmed. Life is so beautiful. I smile as I breathe it in deep.