Sitting on the Porch

Never estimate the value of sitting alone on someone’s porch. Today marked the second time I have sat on this particular porch. Each time I visit, I observe something new. The many trees on this street create a leafy paradise of shade. The branches sway back and forth and provide a comforting breeze that lightly blows over my tired feet, which are now in flip-flops. There are smells too. Various scents of plants and flowers around the porch and in the distance the smell of someone’s supper cooking taunts my own empty stomach. I focus my attention to the homes within my view. Each house has a different size, shape and floor plan. I wish I could visit each one so I can imagine what life would be like in them. One house across the street catches my eye. It is the house with the bright red door. It seems odd that this house would have a bright red door but I want to continue looking at it because I like the color. I don’t have my glasses on but the siding appears to be rust colors on gray stone. On one side is a rectangular window and the other side has a bay window. There is a flag hanging proudly near the front door. On top of that house is an old stone chimney. Why the red door? When I finish staring at the red door, I glance to the house on the right. This house also intrigues me. From where I am sitting, I can only see the side of the house and parts of the screened in sun porch. There are no bright colors on the door but this has it’s own unique personality. It is a home of historical interest that has outlived the family that owned it. Although it sits empty for now, I know that it will soon be cared for, lived in and loved. The possibilities are endless. I look forward to the next time I visit this porch. Who knows what I’ll notice.