Lara Tupper: Swift Ink Stories

Blue Skies

I recently received an unexpected gift at a local Farmer's Market. I was there to sing for market shoppers with a talented friend who plays piano; we chose jazz standards to accompany the steamy weekend weather. I watched as kids danced, as parents purchased kale, sunflowers and pies, as a quiet gentleman knitted nearby in his car. Hoping to delay the incoming thunderstorm, we played Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies."

As we packed up our equipment, the rain imminent, the knitter emerged with a bright blue potholder and pressed it into my hand. "Thank you," he said. "That song inspired my color choice today. Blue Skies."

I was so touched by this. As soon as I got in my car, the rain started. I think the potholder made this so. 

SEPTEMBER WRITING EXERCISE: Describe an unexpected gift you've received. Or an unexpected gift you've delivered. (Whatever comes to mind.) Describe the gift in as much detail as possible. Where were you? Who were you with? What was the season, the temperature…