The Flowers

A fog sets over the San Gabriel mountains at 7am. Although the high is set to 75 degrees and sunny later in the day, for the first few hours of the early morning-Altadena will remain at a cool 45-55 degrees. Colder than any other area of LA.

The bright green parrots perch on the tall sycamore trees. They squawk the world awake as their bright colors fly into the sky. The deer prance along the mountainous peaks, maybe a mountain lion scurries in between bushes. If you are lucky you may see the horses and donkeys parade through the streets, walked by the men and women in cowboy hats who greet everyone with a nod as their bodies sway on the mount of the horses; moving like angelic beings. 

One by one-or maybe-all at once, the streets awake. 

House 570 comes to life by the pawing of the big black dog. He scratches at the door signaling that nature is calling. The cat who has slept on the leather chair all night stretches his limbs and blinks his eyes. Perhaps disturbed that he will have to share the space again. The mother puts on her robe and lets the dog out-feeding both animals after. The middle child awakes next as the dog dances around her with his paws scratching the ground. Coffee drips into the glass Chemex. The smell of morning fills the air. The mother and daughter two sit in silence staring at the dancing dog and out into the street, knowing their precious moments of waking will soon be filled by the good mornings of the father and daughter one duo.

Mother and daughter two are morning people because they love to get up early- in silence. 

Father and daughter one are morning people because as soon as they get up, energy fills the room. 

Daughter one greets the animals like little babies when she awakes. Father starts cracking jokes. Together the four of them sit at the dining table-enjoying their cup of joe. 

Mother: cream and sugar

Father: just cream

Daughter one: cream with a little bit of honey

Daughter two: first she has to have her black coffee, then she makes her own shot of espresso with frothed almond milk and lots of cinnamon.

The sleeping brother won’t be waking for another 4 hours. 

He doesn't drink coffee. 

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Beyond-the street rises with the sun. 

The two Irish Scotties are walked by their owners, barking at whoever passes.

A woman walks with speed and persistence with two dumbbells swinging her side, her morning movement parading through the neighborhood. 

A man runs barefoot with his hair down. 

Two little blonde girls scurry around their house barefoot and screaming in Spanish. Although their parents attempt to quiet them down-nothing can stop their bodies filled with curiosity and energy.

An older woman across the street walks out onto her lawn and begins to water it as her cat dances beside her, purring and rubbing against her leg. She says hi to whoever passes her house. Daughter two sometimes watches the woman across the street. She wonders what she does on the inside-and if that smile ever leaves her face when the door closes. 

As the family savors their last sips of coffee- knowing their morning present is now finished the reality of the day sets in on them.

Separated from school and work for this short time-the freedom of having nothing to do and all the space to do it creates a world of possibilities. 

Yet the routine of home can never be fully replaced.

“Do we want to go on a walk?” Daughter two asks.

The dog’s ears perk up and he trots next to the door. Waiting for his favorite part of the day.

“Sure.” Mother says. “Where should we go?”

“Around the neighborhood?” Daughter one says.

“Ok”. They all agree.

Their feet walk past the red bricks as they step out onto the street. 

“Which way?” Says Father. 

Today, they turn right.

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