Sounds like the perfect writing conditions.
The backyard is bustling this morning.
From my seat under the umbrella I hear the comings and goings of the locals. Rabbits rustling in the undergrowth along the tree line. Squirrels chasing each other through the branches. Bees and flying beetles buzzing by loud and slow. A symphony of birds chirping, calling, and crowing overhead. Close my eyes and listen closely: I pick out the harsh cry of a blue jay, the caw of a passing crow, and the sweet whistle of a cardinal.
All this plays over the backdrop of a soft shh, whoosh. Like waves crashing, but we’re miles from the coastline. Look around then and see the percussionist at work; the wind moves through every tree and shrub. It rustles every leaf, frond, and limb. Even my leg hairs dance in the breeze.
Smile, then expand my range. Try to hear beyond the backyard. There are more sounds of life in the distance: tires rolling slow on pavement, dogs barking, car doors closing. A lawn mower, I think, and a radio. Above, the low roar of a plane in the clouds. Across the street, the chime of a package being scanned before landing hard on a doorstep.
Zoom back in, back to my body sitting easy on a lawn chair. What sounds do I contribute to the backyard orchestra? Soft breathing through my nose. Tip-tap-typing of my fingertips on laptop keys. Nails on skin scratching when a fly lands. Clear my throat, then twist in my chair until my back pops. It sounds like I’m fidgeting; maybe I am. But I don’t feel it. My mind is calm. I feel at peace.
Soon the others will return. I’ll close my laptop and join them in the house, where the backyard sounds will be drowned out by others: kids running and screaming, adults talking and laughing, Moana on the TV.
But for now, I’ll soak in this moment. Take it in, write it down. Because you don’t always get the perfect conditions to write—but then sometimes you do.
What do your perfect writing conditions sound like?
Comment and let me know.
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