Section 4

Bryn walked in her house barefoot, she had returned her boots back to her go bag but held onto her go pro. “Well, that was a strange day” she announced to anyone who was in the house.

“Hi there kiddo” her father greeted her from the living room, yet kept his eye on his book. Her mom and sister joined them from the kitchen after hearing Bryn’s voice.

“What happened to you?” her mother asked concerned.

“I’m fine” Bryn said, uncomfortably. She was not in the mood to talk.

“Well you look like a train wreck” her mother prodded.

“Mom, she’s fine” said Brittney “look she’s all in one piece”.

Bryn plopped down on the couch by her dad, “What are you reading?” She asked, peering over his shoulder. He smiled, “Nice try changing the subject”.

“I’m tired, “ Bryn said as she put her head on her dad’s shoulder. “It turns out, today was the day, I met Ryan’s finance’ at brunch.”

Her mother gasped as her hands covered her mouth.

Her dad tried to suppress a chuckle and mask it as a cough. Bryn wished she could find humor in it. 

Brittney immediately exploded “What a jerk! Leading you on, all semester just to pass his classes!”

Bryn lifted her head and looked at Britney wondering how did she come to that conclusion so quickly? Was it so obvious to everyone but her?

Once she composed herself, her mother demanded, “Well what was the point of inviting you to brunch?” 

“I don’t know,” Bryn shrugged. “I didn’t wait around to find out.”

“What do you mean?” her mother got suddenly serious. “You didn’t… you didn’t make a scene…”

“I would have… “ Brittney interrupted.

Bryn calmly explained, “No, I just excused myself and walked out.”

“Without an excuse?” her mothers voice seemed tight and strained, “how does that look?”

“It looks like she sent a clear message,” interjected Brittney, “that she wasn’t interested in wasting any more time on him. Good for you!”

Brittney gave her sister a wink, “I would have tossed my sparkling mimosa right in his face and then ran over his toes with my wheelchair.”

Bryn gave a forced laugh, “Really, it’s fine.”

“It just seems a little rude…” her mother pressed “especially with his parents at the table.”

Brittney defended, “Rude? You can’t care what those people think! They were rude. What did you expect her to do? Just sit politely while her heart imploded like a dying star?” 

Bryn again gave another small smile, her knew her sister was being extra dramatic to lighten the mood. 

“My heart didn’t implode-” Bryn corrected, “ but I was embarrassed. So I  tried to leave while I still had some dignity.”

“Good for you” her dad said, with a hard pat on her knee.

“Except- as I was walking out” Bryn admitted, “I broke my heel.”

“Classic sis” Britney said teasingly.

“Ah- that explains why you are barefoot,” her mom nodded, “ but why are you so disheveled? You didn’t get into a tussle with anyone?”

“No mom, “Bryn said exasperated. “I was perfectly polite. I drove around for an hour and then pulled over at a Nature center. It actually is a really pretty spot. I took a walk and then came home.”

“Oh” her mom seemed relieved. “Well why don’t you wash up while I make something for dinner.”

“Mom,  let her finish her story.” Brittney protested.

“Actually, a shower does sound good.” Bryn agreed.  

Bryn hoped a nice long shower would help her relax and wash off the disappointment and embarrassment of the day. And while it did help a little, the word “phony” still bounced around in her thoughts. She quickly got dressed, wrapped a towel around her head to contain her wet hair, and went to work searching among her many field journals that were stored in boxes under bed. Finding what she was looking for, she headed to her sisters bedroom. I'm no Phony! she fumed.

Brittney was already looking at the footage from her GoPro.

“Amazing footage of bald eagles!” Brittney said with delight.

“I know! I have never seen that before in person.” Bryn pulled a chair up beside her sister to look at the video. “How was the recording? Is it clear?” 

Brittney rewound the video and stopped on images of the colorfully dressed old ladies. She stopped the recording, “Tell me about this interesting bunch.” they watched as the old ladies strolled across the screen.

Bryn laughed, “These ladies are great! They actually knew a lot about the local birds. It was a really nice diversion.”

“Whose your hostage?” Brittney pointed a finger at Ranger, “Why does he look so bothered?”

“It would have been a completely delightful afternoon except for him!” Bryn said, placing her field journal on the desk and started to towel dry her hair. “See how he walks so far ahead of the group? He was so impatient and just flat out rude!” Bryn’s face flushed. 

Brittney zoomed in the video, for a better look, and prodded Bryn, “He’s kind of cute…”

Bryn’s blood boiled just thinking about Ranger, she glared at Brittney.

“I’m just saying… he’s kind of7 cute.” Brittney said with a shrug. 

“Too soon,” Bryn warned..

“Okay tell me more- why is he a jerk.” Britney leaned back in her chair.

“Oh he just thought he was so important. He was very condescending. When we got back to the welcome center, I was making small talk to the other Ranger, Flow- she’s really nice. Anyway I told her I have thought about hiking the trail and he scoffed at the idea.” 

“What?  Why?” Brittney asked as she started flipping through the worn journal placed in front of her.

Bryn continued to talk as she dried her hair, “He said inexperienced people get hurt and lost on the trail every year and I should stick with birdwatching and tea parties.” Bryn continued to rant, “TEA PARTIES! I am fed up with people underestimating me.” 

Brittney reminded her as she flipped through the journal, “ You were over dressed for a walk in the woods.” Brittney looked at trail maps, and notes about the Appalachian trail.

“I have half a mind to pack a bag and hike the whole trail tomorrow! What will it take for people to take me seriously?” Bryn said fuming. 

“Are you serious?” Brittney asked curiously. She had never seen her sister so fired up and assertive. 

Just then, they heard their mother calling them, “Ladies, dinner is ready.”

“Coming!” Bryn said as she threw her towel across the room aiming for a laundry basket, but it landed just short. She stomped over to the towel and threw it in the laundry basket. “I’m tired of feeling incompetent.”

The next morning Bryn woke up, with a headache. It must be from all the crying yesterday, she thought. She looked at the time, it was almost noon. All the fight and frustration she had last night had faded and now she was just sad and hungry. As he slowly made her way down the hall, she passed her sister’s bedroom and automatically mumbled “Good Morning Britt," 

“Hey” a young man replied. Bryn stopped short and peeked in the room. It was Charlie, Brittney’s physical therapist who helped Brittney maintain mobility. Brittney finished a set of stretches, " Good morning sleepy head."

"I completely forgot what day it was." Bryn said yawning. "Hi Charlie."

Bryn noticed plastic binds stacked on the floor.

“Where did all this stuff come from? " Bryn asked. 

Brittney had a gleam in her eye, Bryn had never seen before. Brittney excitedly said, “You are hiking the Appalachian Trail, and I’ve got it all figured out!”

Section 3

 As she made her way to her car- she quickly texted Brittney back “Small detour- will talk later.” Bryn wasn’t ready to talk about brunch but she also felt guilty about putting her sister off. Brittney has always been her biggest champion and cheerleader. To make it up to her, Bryn grabbed the GO PRO from her “Go Bag”. Bryn had gotten in the habit of recording her outings to help with her research but it also became an outlet for her sister who enjoyed viewing the footage of hikes in the woods. 

Bryn grabbed her binoculars and sunglasses as well. She smiled to herself, her outfit was looking more ridiculous by the minute. As she watched the birdwatchers gather at the trailhead in their colorful outfits, she smiled again “I actually might fit in with these old ladies more than I realize.” 

Bryn jogged to catch up to the group, “Oh good- “ Ranger said dryly “ One more to our group. Well come on- Streamers.” He waved an arm to motion them all to follow him as started down the trail,

“Streamers?” Bryn asked the group of ladies? She knew Appalachian trail had a vocabulary of its own, but she wasn’t familiar with this term?

“Don’t mind him Dear,” a lady in the pink visor said as she patted Bryn on the arm. “He thinks you are one of those social media girls with your fancy head camera.” 

Another lady with a green neon visor advised, “Don’t take too many selfies- Ranger dislikes… what does he call them?” 

“Phoneys…” the group of ladies replied all nodding.

“That’s right- phoneys. You know the type, they gets all dressed up and walk the trail, taking selfies pretending they are serious hikers. You are not a phony are you?”

The lady with the pink visor interjected protectively “No she’s not, she actually knows about birds.” And she slipped her arm in with Bryn’s and set the pace to catch up with Ranger.

Bryn replied, “I actually DO research birds.” She realized she must look ridiculous with a spring dress, rubber boots, and a GoPro. “I like to use my GoPro to help document the birds I see and hear.” 

“Well then Dear, you better be upfront- so you can get the best view.” the lady in the pink visor said as she nudged her to the front of the pack. 

Ranger stopped for the ladies to catch up. He points to some fat little birds with tiny heads,  hopping to and fro on the ground next to the trail. In a drone tone, Ranger quizzed, “Gold Star to anyone who can name these little birds.”

Bryn recognized these Dark-eyed Juncos, they reminded Bryn of a retro toy in her grandmother's toy chest. 

“Dark-eyed Junco” the ladies reply. You are starting us off easy!”

 The group enjoys a leisure stroll, commenting not just on birds but flowers and trees in bloom. Ranger kept the walk to a fast clip and rarely spoke.

“Hey, where’s the fire?” Bryn tried to start a conversation light-hearted, “I notice some of the ladies can’t keep up.” 

Ranger replied, “We have to make have to the lookout to fulfill our agreement with the Audubon Society. If I let these ladies set the pace, we wouldn’t make it more than 5 feet up the trail in an hour.” 

“Well, you are losing half the group.”

“They’ll catch up” Ranger replied and turned to listen to the chatter on his work radio. As it turns out the lookout wasn’t too far ahead. Bryn slowed her pace to visit with the ladies. Ranger then stopped where there was a clearing in the trees and stared off in the distance.

As the group caught up, they all gasped.

Bald eagles with locked talons tumbled in the sky- until the last moment- to unlock and soar again, high in the sky to repeat the aerobatic feat again.

The group watched in awe as the eagles underwent this flying ritual a handful of times before flying off.

There was a moment of silence.

In a monotone voice, Ranger offered “Bald Eagles are monogamous, yet each year they do this ritual before mating season.” Over the radio Bryn heard amid the static someone say, “Widowmakers spotted on the north rim.” Ranger clicked the radio “Just document on the map and we’ll add them to the list.”

“Roger that”  was the static reply.

The little old lady in the yellow visor asked, “Why do they do this, it seems a bit risky.”

Ranger turned on his heels agitated, “Time to head back ladies.”

When it was obvious Ranger was not going to answer- another lady offered.

“Oh I don’t know,” said another, “it seems kinda romantic”.

“How so?” said another?

“Year after year they do a trust fall to recommit to the relationship”.

“Well, I am glad my husband Ronald isn’t interested in anything risky like that- we go out to eat for our anniversary.”

The group then all chuckled.

 “Birds are romantic, aren't they?” one lady asks Ranger, who was a few strides ahead of the group.

“Uh, I don’t know,” said Ranger absentmindedly, “ I haven’t thought much about it.”

Then the lady turned to Bryn, “What do you think?” 

“I agree,” Bryn said, “ 90% of birds mate for life.”

 The group looked up to admire a flock of geese flying overhead.

 “Take geese for example.” Bryn explained, “ If one is sick or unable to fly- their mate will stay with them until they recover or die. Regardless if winter is upon them.”

The little old lady with the pink visor slipped her arm in the crook of Bryn’s. “Loyalty- I like that.” 

Ranger looked back occasionally, impatient. Every year these birdwatchers get more and more ridiculous, he thought looking at Bryn. It's hard to listen to their chatter, making speculations that never would be able to be scientifically proven. There were a million things to do, to get the trail ready for the season and here I am, stuck babysitting a tea party.

Section 2

Bryn read the information plaque as she entered the building, “The longest continuous hiking trail starting in

Georgia and ending in Maine.” She knew a little about the trail already. She mindlessly looked around the

general store- filled with all the usual touristy trinkets and an assortment of camping supplies. A very dirty

older man entered the store. He was carrying a well-used backpack, he looked homeless yet Bryn assumed he

was perhaps a “thru-hiker” who had been on the trail a few days. He headed for a bin labeled lost and found and

squatted in the corner to inspect the contents. A female sales clerk dressed in a pristine ranger outfit sat near the

register with her leg resting on a chair, she addressed the dirty man, “How are you, Grover?”

“Oh fine, Flow, just fine. It’s amazing what these fancy hikers discard on the trail!” He said as he added things to

the bind. It appeared he wasn’t averse to taking things either, Bryn tried not to stare.

 “Let me know if you have any questions, Dear.” Flow, the clerk in the ranger uniform said looking at Bryn.

Bryn nodded and quietly replied,” Thanks”. 

Bryn scooted past Grover on one side and past a display of hats on the other, she was surprised when he said, “Here you go!” and plopped a hat on her head. Grover said in a gristle voice, “It’s just like that brand new one you are looking at on the rack- “ he pointed to an AT baseball cap, “except this one has experience. And it’s FREE” 

She laughed uncomfortably “Oh! No thank you. I am just looking.” as she handed back a sweat-worn hat that had seen better days. Grover plopped it in the barrel, unbothered.

Next, a group of senior citizens entered the building. Each woman, wearing white tennis shoes, each had different color sun visors on, and each holding binoculars. “ Birdwatchers,” Bryn smiled and thought to herself, definitely day hikers. 

From the back of the store sounds of boxes falling over and mumbled swearing could be heard as another ranger entered the store. He looked like he didn’t spend much time inside. Sweaty face, uniform wrinkled, as he took off work gloves he managed to bump some clipboards off the wall. “Ugh” He turned to the seated ranger whose leg wasn’t just propped on a chair- but Bryn now realized it was in a cast. “Hey Flow, I heard you needed help with something?” By appearance he looked rough and tough, Bryn was surprised by the kindness in his voice. 

Flow replied with a mischievous tone, “Why Yes, I do! Our Audubon group is here for the Spring birdwatching tour and I need you to lead it.” 

“Oh no.” the rough ranger took two steps backward and knocked down the other remaining clipboards. “ Get someone else to babysit” was his reply. When he noticed all the birdwatchers looking at him, he then justified more loudly- “No offense ladies,” He used his thumb to gesture outside, “ I still have downed trees I have to cut up from last night's big thunderstorm.” 

Unsympathetic, Flow states under her breath, “Don’t forget this is one of the ways we get funding. I can’t lead it.” Tapping on her cast for emphasis. In a more motherly tone, she continued, “You are the only other person who can accurately identify birds- One hour won't kill you.” 

A lady with a yellow visor teased, “Common Ranger, you know we don’t bite.” 

With a heavy sigh, Ranger conceded, “Give me a minute to clean up.”  The older lady in the yellow visor clasped her hands with delight, “Our hero!”.

Bryn admired this group of matronly women. There is a confidence that only comes with age. She envied them. Each mingling with their ridiculous hats,  (Yet who was she to talk? A spring dress with rubber boot and makeup probably halfway down her face? ) She smiled as she thought they resembled a flock of birds, especially the way they chatted with each other. 

 

One woman with a pink sun visor stated, “I hope we see and hear a Wood Thrush, I think their songs are so.. ethereal… not quite of this world.”  

“Oh yes!” they all agree.

Another woman with a neon yellow visor offered, “ I also enjoy the trill of a sweet Veery.”

Bryn was genuinely impressed, these ladies knew their birds. Forgetting herself, Bryn offered “ Seeing a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker always makes me smile.”

“Oh?” a lady with the purple visor curiously asked, “Why is that?” She then opened her bird identification book, “You said a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker?”

“Oh sorry… “ Bryn was embarrassed to draw attention to herself.

“Why do you like them?” Another woman asked, cupping her ear, “I didn’t hear what you said.”

The lady with the purple visor held a picture of the bird up so her friends could see, while Bryn explained, “Its coloring reminds me of those dramatic masked wrestlers, and they sound like stepping on a squeaky toy.”

They all smiled and nodded politely then one asked, “Are you joining us Dear?”

“Oh, no.” Bryn replied, ”Sorry. I wasn’t planning on it.”

“Oh you have to come!” the group agreed.

“Yes! If you have the time…” Flow agreed, “ you seem to know a lot about birds.”

Bryn felt a buzz from her phone, another text. Her eyes darted quickly down and read, “Give me the deets!” It was from her sister, she wanted the details from brunch. It took only a second for Bryn to admit she would like the delay and the distraction. And a little birdwatching was just the thing to cheer her up.”  She quickly agreed. “Okay, I will join you ladies. I just need to get something from my car.”

Section 1

“CLIMB!” the muddy man said as he grabbed Bryns rear and helped hoist her up the wet slippery ridge. A huffing black bear lumbered toward them on the narrow Appalachian trail.

Bryn reached upward, her fingers searched eagerly for a good rock to hold on to.  Perhaps it was the adrenaline pulsing through her veins, but time seemed to stand still. As she ascended the steep climb to another ledge, she started questioning her life choices. How did she get herself in this predicament? Was it just two weeks ago she was day dreaming of wedding plans? Her thoughts drifted back to that day.  -----------------------------------------------------------

Bryn climbed the few steps of the country club, trying her best to walk naturally in heels.

“I knew heels were a bad idea” she wished she had worn her ballet flats.

Her stomach tightened with anticipation. “Just breathe,” she reminded herself. “It’s not every day you meet your boyfriend's parents.” She looked around, wanting to remember every detail.

She had never been to brunch before and not wanting to be underdressed, she had decided to wear her favorite spring dress, which looked sweet and conservative yet hugged her in all the right places. 

It was a beautiful morning, yet there was a slight chill in the air. “I hope we are eating inside.” She opened the door and entered the foyer. “Act natural, look pleasant, be confident.”- those were her recurring thoughts as she approached the hostess. There, past the hostess, Bryn spotted him- his blond hair that always seemed tussled and those chocolate brown eyes- all her worries were suspended.

"There’s my girl!” Ryan announced to the restaurant. Ryan could be theatrical at times. His confidence was one of the things she loved about him. He and an older man stood up from the table. She assumed this other man was his dad. "This was it," she blushed at the attention, Bryn still could not believe her luck in capturing Ryan Roundrel’s heart. 

Her moment of bliss vanished when she thought she saw the matronly woman at the table scold him. The woman also seated at the table had snapped under her breath- “Ryan please!” Then looked around embarrassed. Bryn’s heart dropped. Did his mother already disapprove of her? Her family might not be The Roundrel’s, but she was proud of her roots.

  

Unconsciously, she slowed her pace. Yet Ryan pulled away from behind the table and quickly walked to meet her. He said, “You look great!”  as he put his arm over her shoulder and escorted her to the table. 

“Mom, Dad- this is Bryn. She’s the angel I have been telling you about all semester!”

Ryan’s dad was welcoming “Please sit Bryn. It is so nice to finally meet you!” The mom on the other hand, shifted in her seat uncomfortably. 

Bryn tried not to jump to conclusions; her mind raced for an alternative reason for this woman's displeasure, “Perhaps she has diarrhea?” The voice in her head sounded a lot like her older sister Brittney.  Brittney, a fireball of wit, who happened also to be confined in a wheelchair, was very protective of her baby sister. Brittney could get away with being outspoken because everyone pitied her. Bryn on the other hand had been trained to be more polite. All the same, the thought put a smile on her face.

“So, my son tells me, you are a science buff and the one we owe thanks for helping him pass environmental science class.” Bryn blushed again. Was this a dream? Had Ryan talked about her- to his parents? She blushed again. Instead of rattling off information about her current research on migrating birds she tried to think of something less nerdy to say, unable to think of anything else, she simply said, “Thank you”. 

But then the men were standing again, and Ryan was excitedly greeting someone else. “Who?” Bryn wondered. She craned her neck to try and get a better look. The person was female. Bryn's mind raced, “Did Ryan ever mention a sister?” He was standing in the way but clearly leaned down to give a small kiss.

As he turned, Bryn’s heart dropped.  Standing by Ryan's side was a beautiful girl wearing an effortless linen jumpsuit. The phrase, “Casual Chic” popped into Byrn’s head and Bryn doubted the muse by Ryan’s side had to remind herself to look natural. Ryan had his arm around her waist as they walked to the table.

Time stood still. “What was happening?” Bryn's mind raced as it tried to process all the possible scenarios.

“Kristy, so nice to see you again!” Ryan’s dad said fondly.

Bryn looked around the table looking for an explanation. Ryan’s mother offered no answer. 

Ryan pulled out a chair for the new guest to sit down. Casually Ryan says, “Bryn, you’ve met my fiancé’ Kristy, haven’t you?”

Bryn tried to compose herself, her mind frozen on the word “fiancé’”. She found herself at a loss for words. 

Kristy kindly corrected, “No, we haven’t officially met, but I have heard all about you!” 

Bryn didn’t know how to respond; she was distracted by questions that really didn’t matter at this point. Yet her fight or flight response was uncontrollable. Quickly dismissing any opportunity to fight (since there was no point in making a scene-) yet she had no interest in proceeding with brunch. Bryn's mind scrambled to answer, “How can I gracefully escape?”  No clear answer came to mind. Yet the flight instinct was too strong to override. Bryn abruptly stood up and awkwardly announced, “I have to go.”

She tried to quickly scoot around the table, but a waiter was standing behind her taking the neighboring table drink order. She felt a little like a ball in a pinball machine as she bounced off him multiple times as they tried scooting past each other. Ryan seemed genuinely confused, “Why are you leaving? You haven’t heard the big news yet?” 

Bryn looked away holding back tears. “Oh, I have heard enough big news, Excuse me” she said, trying to keep her voice even. She finally had a clear passage and quickly walked away. In reply, Ryan’s mother in a loud whisper, with forced restraint scolded, “Ryan, once again you have been oblivious and careless to other people's feelings. Let her go.”

Bryn's steps quickened and she took one misstep not landing squarely, which snapped her high heel. She quickly bent down to remove the offending shoe and without breaking her stride, hobbled unevenly out the door. Not the graceful getaway she had hoped for. 

Once outside she quickly took off the other shoe and ran to her car. 

Humiliated. That was all she could think of. She could hear Ryan voice yell, “Bryn wait” but she

started her car and sped away without looking back. Tears now rolled down her cheek- unhindered. In her car, she could cry freely. 

“What a jerk!” 

“FIANCE’ !?!”

How could he say that to her so casually? How could he even suggest she knew he had a fiancé? All the hours they had spent together. “My girl” that was how he has always addressed her for the last 3 months. How was she so blindsided? 

Bryn drove with no destination in mind. Her phone vibrated and pinged with text messages. She simply ignored it. She needed to process her thoughts. 

The first time Ryan walked into the science tutoring lab Bryn had labeled him a big flirt.  And she suspected he was a heartbreaker. Just his natural charisma and casual ease with people. Yet she had thought they had developed a real friendship. He preferred her to tutor him. Always arranged his schedule to match her work hours. When he started calling her, “My girl” she was head over heels, in love with him. 

She slowly realized her daydreams had filled in any real gaps in their relationship. Clearly, she was a sad, pathetic, nerd that lived in a fantasy.

“Such an idiot. I am such an idiot.” Her tears turned hot with anger. Not at him, but at herself now. Looking back with this new information, it seemed clearer, all the late-night pizza study sessions, all the treats he brought to her at work, was just him appreciating his tutor- nothing more. 

This made her feel worse. Their tutoring sessions had meant so much more to her. Her busy research schedule didn’t leave much time for dating or socializing. She had never entertained the idea that he had a girlfriend; that he spent evenings and weekends with anyone else.

” Why? Why hadn’t she considered this?” she wondered. Her only conclusion, “Because I am a delusional- obviously.” 

Her anger turned to him again, “Why in the world would he have invited her to brunch?” She didn’t believe he was mean-spirited. She could not twist his image to conclude he wanted to humiliate her- in front of his parents, yet that is exactly what happened. Wait a minute, what did his mother say? Careless, is what she had said. Perhaps this wasn’t the first time Ryan had unwittingly led a girl on. 

Bryn wanted to be mad at Kristy too. Yet her heart wasn’t in it- she felt too deflated and defeated.

Kristy looked the part as Ryan’s perfect girlfriend- she corrected herself- fiancé. 

As her emotions de-escalated Bryn realized she was lost. For the last hour she was driving, taking turns left and right on a whim. She had an affinity for trees and had navigated to a remote area thickly forested. Signs along the road indicated, she was approaching a small town, she noticed a building that appeared to be an information center of some type. Bryn pulled into the parking lot. She checked her phone as she got out of her car, a dozen messages from Ryan.

“The nerve!” she shook her head with hands shaking, she felt her blood begin to boil again.

And one text from her sister, “How’s Brunch?” Her rage quickly dropped at the realization she would have to share what happened later with her family. So embarrassing. What would she say? She quickly typed.

“later”. It was a lame response, but it was all she could think to reply to her sister. But then, she dropped a pin of her location. She wasn't ready to talk, yet she didn’t want her family to worry.

Bryn pulled up her map app- she was about an hour and a half away from home- not bad. The information center looked inviting. Nature and the woods- that is where she wanted to be. Unfortunately, she was barefoot, because of her broken heel. Then she remembered, her “Go Bag” for her research was in the trunk of her car. She pulled out a pair of knee-high rubber boots and socks and slipped them on. She didn’t care what she looked like. 

Walking into the information center- Bryn was delighted to discover this was a Welcome Center for the Appalachian trail! She has always wanted to hike parts of it. 

Week 4: Writing and Wool& challenge

 Writing Update: Last week I got derailed from my dream story.

 I was discouraged with the process of writing. I started freewriting- in attempt to brain dump the story in my head. But I felt like I was getting lost along the way. 

So this last week the PLAN was to try the post-it note technique:

Well.... ANOTHER Writing DERAILED WEEK- 

I have been writing this week- but it is for another writing project. This other project has a more pressing deadline- and the juices are flowing - so I want to cease the moment, while I have ideas and the writing is easy.

Here is some backstory:

I am the author of Simple to Sign Baby Board Books. 

It is a niche market.

Parents who are learning ASL because they have children who are at risk for language delays- appreciate books that are simple to sign in American Sign Language. Trying to translate a book- when your own vocabulary in the second language is emerging... is difficult.

A few weeks ago, I attended a beautiful event at the Utah School for the Deaf. Children were able to pick a book and get it signed (autographed) by the Deaf Artist who illustrated the book. 

Two people came to my booth and asked if I had ever considered writing books for OLDER kids.

I actually have!

Now that there is a clear need. I feel moved to move in that direction.

This week I finished a solid first draft of a book that is written for a 4th grade reading level.

Then I can set it aside for a bit and revisit it with fresh eyes after my 100-day challenge is over. 

As for my 100Day Dress Challenge wearing a wool& dress?

I am still going strong. 

I know ... my pictures aren't the greatest. 

Buy my goal is to focus on OTHER things for the 100 days and not what I am wearing. LOL