Audrey

Audrey slipped off her jacket as she entered the greenhouse; her orchids lived in a steamy world of their own that had no relationship to the frigid New England wind that was already promising snow. She checked each plant carefully; noting bud and bloom, looking for any sign of disease or pests. The first few minutes were always tense ones; this was her special world, and she would let nothing harm her plants.

Happily, nothing was threatening them today. There were some new blooms to admire; and a few that had passed their prime and needed pinching. She stretched luxuriously in the soft warm air, letting her shoulders relax and putting all thoughts of her day out of her head. This was what she was meant to do; this was what she did best.

© 2008 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Seed beads, sterling silver, Dichroic glass by Paula Radke. Hand fabricated, bead-woven collar.