Editor's Picks — Brave Tutu Blog

Pup Life

Growing up with pups, I loved them. However, one dog shifted that love into pure adoration.

With two paws planted on the low window ledge, a small black creature peered into our dining room window. Saying— “I’m home. Wanna let me in?”

In our backyard, of brick walls, there is no way this pup “arrived” unassisted. Of course, we searched for his people and, quickly realized, we were them. I often joked, and still sort of believe, we’d find a parachute and slung off Snoopy bomber goggles. ID tag: HEAVEN

Makes Cents

This week, I had a dream I just can’t shake. And after some reflection and real-life intervention, I don't think I want to. It all makes sense.

Fly

Somehow, a little fly got trapped inside my car. He flew in when I stopped to get a breakfast taco on my way to Midland.

“Please fly out little guy,” I coaxed, cracking a smile at my own little joke. Five minutes later, I waited at Sonic for my diet cherry and lime coke. “Okay buddy, both doors are open for you now.”

The windows in my lime green beetle stopped working in 2020, just like everything else. Mr. Buzzy had a choice to make: get out now, or wait a loooong time for the next stop.

#WestTexasDriving

Each time, he bzzzzzzed, fought and tried to “escape” at the window. I opened my door, and he just kept flying to the crack where he “should” have been able to escape. Buzz Buzz flew from window to window, totally missing the wide-open doors that waited for him.

Millions of Moments

I hope you will forgive me when I break format for this post. I can’t provide a SINGLE circumstance in this piece because this dream come true for me was built on what feels like a million moments.

Application to Date Me

Amidst a sea of positivity, I let one voice stop me from swimming. Anyone relate? I had a funny idea. One that makes me laugh just thinking of it. An idea that others joined in with amusement and encouraged me to try. Did I listen to their voices? Nope. Did I let the voice of one friend, who laughed (not in a good way) at my idea get to me?

YES!

Surreal Season

During the pandemic, I tend to begin messages this way— “I hope this email finds you well during this surreal season.” Whether it’s a work contact I’ve never met or someone I’ve known for years, I imagine saying so much more. Let’s face it, this one-sentence greeting barely scratches the surface of what may be happening off screen in their daily lives—of how the email really “finds” them. I want to reach through the ether and just give them a hug. I think about the words I wish to share…

Exes and COVID

The first social distance weekend of March, I got a call, not a text, from someone I dated in 2018. We weren’t serious, but we had a connection. He asked if he could take me out after all this was over.

COVID Connection

A man jogs towards me on the sidewalk and then goes into the street to give me six feet of space. I wave and smile. He does too. In that moment, there is a connection of care. In the necessary distance, I link with this stranger. It’s a total juxtaposition; we join through separation. Bizarre.

Showing Up

I clip into my spin bike and look around the room. I spot the familiar faces and think, These guys are always here. They must come all the time. Way more than me.

Before I even start the workout, I beat myself up a bit. Why?

The music starts to speed up. I catch my rhythm and try to dismiss the thoughts.