Devonne Brown

Thank you for visiting. I’m having coffee with Norris, the cat, on my lap while we chat, I hope you don’t mind. I noticed you chose the best of spring days to visit. The sun couldn’t have been brighter, nor the sky bluer. 

You would love spring days here. I enjoy my space, you probably would as well. It’s quiet at the house, and the yard is lovely, once the mud dries up. There was a plumbing incident this winter that led to some imperfections in the yard. The trenches dug by the workers ripped up big patches of moss. They will heal with care and time. 

I may plant mint. I know the implications of my statement. It is a fragrant herb that loves to run. I’ve seen it work its way through the grass and weeds before. It stands straight and tall, but I’ve never seen anything but this puny vine grow where the trench was. At least the soil has been disturbed enough to get a seedling or seed edgewise. The dirt is poor because of the giant trees. I want chamomile for groundcover but, I would be tickled to death for mint as one. It covered the hillside at the place I lived before. It was heavenly when the yard dudes came and trimmed it back.

It’s worth a stroll around the yard, at least until Opal, the dog comes home. I try my best to keep it picked up and clean, but there’s always a chance I’ll miss something. Watch your step.

 It’s the smallest, yet ugliest yard I’ve ever owned. At least it’s under a canopy of leaves. I’ll plant some orange Bizzy Lizzies under the big tree. I have seven pots to fill, and I believe Bright Blue Morning Glories would look good in them. I will plant the seed when the sun comes up. Moveable blue, an interesting concept. 

You’ve visited West Virginia if you’ve visited me and Norris. I’m one of the lucky folks here so far. I still have a job. I teach middle school, most are eleven year olds. It’s sad that West Virginia is reported to be the second worst educated state in America. All I’ve ever known are excellent teachers.  I’ve watched them work, and tried my best to be a good student of theirs. I watch and I learn. I am in a constant state of trial and error. Some days I look for my phone with its torch lit in my hand, and some days I nail it.

Be real though, the best thing about education, about being in school, about being a teacher, will always be summer break. Ask any kid.

I hope, if you’re a student, you continue to study, write, and above all, create something beautiful for you. Everyone, create something beautiful. Satisfy your soul.