Chapter 7

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Dear Monstera,

I opened one of my Miss Havisham’s boxes.

I couldn’t help but think of D. H. Lawrence: “Have you built your ship of death?”

He tells us what the ship should carry: “oars and food and little dishes, and all accoutrements fitting and ready for the departing soul.”

There was a tea set decorated with roses, a box of Leibniz Butter Biscuits, and a smaller box, marked Dalia.

Inside this smaller box was a doll dressed in black, striped tights, & a hat like a jester might wear.

The name Dalia means “fate” or “luck.” She’s small enough to fit in my purse. I will take her with me everywhere.

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Two days ago came an awful storm. It tore down my walnut tree & huge limbs from the aspens & maples.

Then yesterday was beautiful. I took my little boat out on the river. I passed an egret on channel marker 67 & a man on a jet ski eating a sandwich.

I love going under bridges. The concrete pillars are magnificent architecture & the rusting steel reminds me that nothing is forever.

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Today, I’m sitting outside in my own yard looking at everything that needs to be done, wanting only to break out of my busyness & live boldly.