Monday, May 16, 2011

THE UNEXPECTED ...

I would first like to apologize for being scarce all weekend. After a busy week of readjusting to retuning home, I finally got all my place in order.

Luckily the weather held true and beautiful from Tuesday-Friday. I had left each morning for my lakefront power-walk on schedule and enjoyed an hour of sunning afterwards. Friday was no exception. I left a bit earlier because the bright sunshine called to me and I had many things to do later in preparation for the birthday party my friends had planned since they found out the date of my return.

The soft blue hues of the lake capped with white froth twinkled in the morning light. After a mile or so the temps rose and it was time to feel the heat on bare skin. I trekked down to North shore beach and executed a quick U-turn and headed home.

Heat seared my back as droplets of sweat meandered south. The subtle breeze picked up and dropped a few degrees. I cooled down and by the time a small gap bridged between my two destinations goose pimples rose from my skin. An icy shiver ran up my spine and I shuddered.

"What the hell?"

A fine mist crept its way over the lake and onto the beach. I could see ten feet ahead of me. A twenty degree drop in temperature convinced me to slip back into my t-shirt. The winds picked up severely, chilling me to the bone. Temperatures dropped in Chicago often, but I had never seen or felt anything like this.

That was the end of the Florida like weather I had grown accustomed to over the past few days.  Winter had returned to Chicago ...

My point to this little story is always be prepared. Don't get caught with your guard down. Try to be one step ahead whenever possible. We must remember this with our writing. Focus, write clear concise sentences,  and remember anything can change in a heartbeat.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. Let me know if you did something out of the ordinary.

17 comments:

The Words Crafter said...

I'm glad you had some sunshine to welcome you back at least. It's kinda gray here, which is a welcome change from the terrible humidity.....

When you get a second, check out my post from Sunday. I have something for you there....

So, Michael, when is/was your birthday?!!!!

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Out of the ordinary: Well, I hosted a bunch of prom kids for dinner. It was a lot of work but fun. :) *sighs* the good'ole days....

Lisa Potts said...

I spent the weekend at the ballpark, but I can sympathize with your weather. Our highs for this week are only going to be in the 50s. Brrrrrr. Stay warm up there!

Unknown said...

You said it, everything can change in a heartbeat! Just wait, summer is just around the corner.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I'll take some of that chill...

Margo Benson said...

Nothing like Mother Nature, is there? We've learned never to leave the house without some sort of waterproof - North Devon is notorious for rain out of nowhere!
Good advice re writing, though. Wishing you a very happy birthday :-)

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I went to the movies on Saturday to see "Priest". I wore shirt sleeves because it was nice outside. However, by the time the movie ended, a storm front had rolled in and it was essentially a flash flood outside. I was not prepared and got completely soaked by the time I made it to my car (not that far away). Yeah...be prepared.

Johanna Garth said...

Spring is the season for change. I try to embrace the sudden downpours and remind myself that before I know it hot, humid summer will be here.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Down here in Louisiana, you learn quickly that the weather changes faster than a politician's promises. But in all aspects of life it pays to know that all is in flux, nothing is ever permanent but change itself. Have a great new week, Roland

Susan Oloier said...

You're not kidding about how quickly little things like the weather--and even big things like life--can change in an instant. I also like how you related it to writing.
Weekend: soccer and writing revisions.

Wendy Tyler Ryan said...

I have been a hermit lately, so it is nice to finally stop by and visit a few friends. I have been toiling at getting my book out and have finally succeeded so I guess that's my something "out of the ordinary". Blogger won't let me upload any images though, not sure what's going on.

Linda Gray said...

You took me right back to the days I lived in Chicago, Michael. Those weird dramatic temp drops can be shocking! That must have been an almost otherworldly experience for you in that situation. Interesting!

Jo Schaffer said...

Being prepared for the unexpected is an art. (=

dolorah said...

You're a runner? Hmm, never pictured you as such. I have this body builder concept . .

Nice to be home, isn't it? I've traveled consistently away from my home town over the years, and I always return. I'm contemplating a return now, and for the first time in my life, it almost feels wrong.

Just goes to show, you never know where the road will lead you. Ah Michael, I love that you so completely live your life . .

.......dhole

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you had a very inpsiring weekend that recharged your craetive batteries. :O)

Laura said...

Hi Michael- well at least you enjoyed the sunshine while it was with you!

I ended up in an orange dress and union-jack heels in a 'Strictly Come dancing' dance-off with a complete stranger in a ballroom after too much champagne. Got to the top three due to some ill-advised lifts!

Lxxx

Anonymous said...

My sister told me that last week it got close to 90 in Chicago?? A week before that, snow? That sounds like the Chicago I remember. Be prepared for anything--that sounds about right!