Were does the time go?! It’s already time for the weekly Red Writing Hood prompt, via The Red Dress Club (#TRDC). This week were asked to write a short piece, either fiction or non-fiction, about something ugly—and find the beauty in it.
I was told that I am not cheating on this, so I’m going to go with that. However, in the spirit of transparency, I will admit that this is a massive edit of one of my first blog posts. When I read the prompt, it fit perfectly. You can find the original right here, but in the meantime, please enjoy a small piece of non-fiction—Small things of beauty; the edit…
If you are new to my blog or TRDC posts, I welcome and encourage constructive criticism. If you prefer not to add it in the comments, I have a contact me button on the left.
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Last year, I was deployed to the Middle East. Most of the time, I was as safe as anyone could be there, and grounded to a compound outside the largest city in the province. It held all the typical traits of the area, namely swampland, lots of sand, clay, and, when it rained, foul smelling mud. It was home to those of us tasked to advise and assist the local security forces on how to improve their skills, take ownership of their lands and people, and make a better life for themselves.
It was also the oldest and most well known smuggling routes in the country. Not a place where real estate speculation is on an upswing, I assure you. The compound also housed many local nationals who, like us, were trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. They sacrificed their time and relationships to put themselves in harm’s way, just as we did. We shared our cultures with each other, awkwardly at times and with a level of mistrust creeping in at others. Nonetheless, we lived and worked together in the midst of the trash, the smell, the filth, and the flies. We made the best of a situation in which the average person would have said, ‘forget this place, there is no hope!’
Over the year, I experienced what you could call ‘seasons.’ Some days it was 130 degrees or more, others, I was donning my fleece jacket to ward off the cold. The rains came, sporadically at best, as overwhelming torrents that flooded the entire area, turning everything into standing ponds of water or slick, disgusting, pigsty style slop. Hail even graced us with its presence twice (the closest thing to snow we saw that far south). Average, comfortable, ‘nice’ days were simply not in abundance, though they did come on occasion.
They always came without warning. Often, I didn’t notice them until I got an awkward feeling that something was different. I became keenly aware that it was quieter than normal. There might be an invigorating, fresh breeze that transported me back to times when I was surrounded by nature and beauty. Images and feelings from the farm where I grew up snapped into my mind—the inner calm that always followed a warm, breezy day on the lake, laughing and telling stories, sipping a cold drink and watching the animals enact their playful rituals during perfect Spring and Autumn weather.
Even when these days refused to peek out from behind their shroud, Mother Nature had her way of subtly letting me know that she was there and that she understood. Amongst a backdrop of dirt and debris, the uncommon butterfly flitted around, letting itself be taken by the breeze to wherever it may end up. Even the occasional ladybug would allow itself to be seen, nonchalantly landing on a sleeve then buzzing away just as casually.
All of this happens around you, too, regardless of where you live. They happen as a test. They ask: Have you lost yourself? When was the last time you looked past the cement and glass? When did you last open your eyes to what goes on around you?
These things are there. They can calm you—even put a lingering grin on your face. Children see them all the time. Maybe it’s time we allowed ourselves to learn from them for a change. Things of beauty are there. Open your eyes and listen to what they are saying.
Beautiful message in this brandon.
Thank you, Leighann.
I haven’t read your original post, but I really loved this. I often imagine what it must be like for those who serve as you did, and wonder what they *see* and you brought me there, as best you could. I’m sure there was so much more that you experienced, but your wording truly helped me picture what you saw around you. The setting, so to speak. I’m sure it was forever changing, and you captured that with words. Words are so mighty, so amazing. It’s so true that children see so much more than we do. Thanks for sharing, and the reminder.
Thank you Andrea, I appreciate the compliment. It is true, there was plenty more—not all of it positive. You really had to look for things that took your mind off the negative, but situations like this really give you a deeper appreciation for what we enjoy at home.
Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
First of all, thank you for your sacrifice! The imagery you write really conveyed to your readers just how awful the conditions could be for you over there…you are a brave man!
i really enjoyed that you turned things around and actively engaged the reader with questions to them at the end; nice way to turn the tables! And yes, those are the same kind of questions I’ve been asking of myself a lot. I am so blessed to be a mom and to have such a learned teacher (even if she’s only 3) with me everyday!
Great job!
Thank you, but I’m not brave. I do what I have to do to take care of the people that rely on me. 😉
She’s probably the best teacher you will ever have. Take notes, lol!
Thank you for stopping by!
Thank you, as always! 😉
I agree, we tend to overlook things that used to be so simple when we were kids. They see things through untainted eyes. It’s so magical…
(I’ve been missed?! Trust me, the missing has all been on my side, lol!)
You did good. I am still grateful that you introduced me to the Red Dress Club- I needed a kick in the ass and that was it.
Thanks Jack. We all need a swift one to the backside now and then. LOL!
I am very glad you are enjoying it. I know I am. Wish I had more time to write, but don’t we all?
(And being called out does that sometimes, lol!)
You’re right. This is the perfect piece for the prompt and I don’t think you cheated at all. I really enjoyed reading it. Buddhists have a term for what you’re describing. It’s called Buddha darma or mindfulness. It is the state of paying attention to the now and noticing the beauty of it. I try to practice it in partenting my boys. Thanks for reminding me. And thanks for serving the country. We love have you at TRDC.
Wow. Thank you so much. Plus, I learned something new! That is awesome!
I appreciate you taking the time to read this piece and for your thoughtful comments!
There is a wonderous message here. Thank you for the sacrifice that you and your family made/are making for our country. To find beauty somewhere that is so full of strife and pain takes a special person. To show that beauty to others takes a special writer. Nice job!
Thank you very much. I am humbled. 🙂
Oh I liked this!
I loved how you looked past the ugliness and saw the gift that Nature sent. So many wouldn’t have noticed.
So many people DIDN’T notice… that place sucked, but the few times that I saw these little things made it better… if only for a moment… 🙂
Yes! I try to remember to look for the beauty. Even in the midst of the unbeautiful.
It has an amazing effect on the mind and heart.
Indeed it does. All it takes is a second or two to improve your situation. 🙂
My cousin did four tours in Iraq, driving trucks for the Army. I know he saw some terrible things, and lived through some godawful situations, both physical and emotional, but on the few occasions he actually talked to me about it, and in the photos he sent home, he managed to see some beauty, too, and share it.
Nice retrofit for the prompt, and totally not cheating.
Experiences are truly what make us who we are. If he was able to do this as well? He has a good heart. Thank you for sharing this with me. When you see him again, tell him thank you for me.
And as always, thank you for stopping in for a visit! 🙂
My son lives in Arizona, so I have expirenced 115 degrees but I can’t even imagine what adding another 15 degrees would be like. I think i’d melt! But I get your message loud and clear and try to see the beauty all around me, always!
That’s what it’s all about!