Major thoroughfare closed. Bumper to bumper. Cars all in a row. Frustrated people. Everywhere. Commutes delayed. Schedules reprioritized.

A change of plans to zip through the back farm market roads nearby. Go. Go. Go. Buildings disappear, replaced with open pastures cradling dense fog. Sleepy towns greet me and see me off again. Twists and turns and long stretches of asphalt. Texas sun welcomes the day saying, “What’s the rush? Stay awhile, Sweetgirl.” Windows down. Crisp air turns summer to autumn. Childhood memories of small town living and revelry breeze through the dewy brush.

Stress and urgency melt into peace, remembrance, thankfulness.

I should take this route more often.