Tag: Moving

Short Prose

Move Over!

The Sicilian Storyteller

Written for Stream of Consciousness Saturday where
we are asked to feature the word “move”. Here’s my stream.

Here it is …. the so-called unofficial start of summer …. and we’re celebrating Memorial Day once again in my neck of the woods – Southern Westchester County in New York. In case you’re not familiar with the area, Manhattan is about a 45-minute drive south – far enough away for us to be in the suburbs but close enough to get into NYC for a show or dinner if we want to. We’re approximately an hour from Jones Beach heading east out to Long Island and 2 hours from the Catskill Mountains up north.

We’re in a nice spot and we’ve loved living here for 45+ years but we often bring up the topic of making a move. And why would we do that if it’s so nice here? Two big reasons: stupid-high property taxes and ever-increasing congestion.

Our little village was exactly that when we moved here; now the population has exploded and every family member old enough to drive has a car. We live on a very quiet cul de sac and never think about the congestion in town until we actually have to go to town. What used to be a 5 minute drive to the supermarket or post office is now triple that (or more) because of the number of cars, trucks and school buses on the move .
 and let’s not even start talking about road work! There’s construction everywhere we look and some of it takes years to accomplish. By then, it’s time to start repairs again! Move it!

So, if we did decide to leave New York, the big question is 
. where would we move to? I have no idea! It seems like everyone complains about the same problems of high taxes and too much congestion no matter where they live. Besides, the physical act of clearing out the house, packing up, moving and relocating at this stage of our lives is daunting; I can barely manage packing for vacation!

Things to think about, for sure. For now, I think I’ll move out onto the deck, sit in my lounge chair, drink my iced tea and listen to the birds. Bill will light the grill around 2PM; now that you know where I live, c’mon over!

It’s time to roll out some Nat King Cole and “Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer”!

NAR©2024

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 25, 2024

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.

Short Story

Benvenuto!

The Sicilian Storyteller

It’s time for The Unicorn Challenge!
Jenne has provided the photo below
and asks that we respond with a story
not to exceed 250 words.
Here is my 250-word response.

© Ayr/Gray

Russell was tired of my excuses, my insecurities, my hang-ups and what he called “That Sicilian thing that’s 2000 years old”, which would have had more gravitas if I didn’t know it came straight from “Godfather 2″. He was breaking up with me and I was laughing in his face.

He was right, of course. I was a lousy girlfriend and I certainly wouldn’t make him a good wife. I didn’t like sex with him; some of the things he tried to do went on forever and brought me no satisfaction. I was disgusted by what he wanted me to do.

Russell stormed out. Good riddance. That’s when I decided to follow my dream and move to Sicily. Travel arrangements went smoothly and, having spoken previously with the people where I’d be staying, I knew getting accommodations would not be a problem.

My plans came together quickly. I packed a carry-on; more than that I wouldn’t need. In the morning I called for a taxi. Four hours later I was flying across the Atlantic on my way to the town of Erice. The place where I was staying was ancient, located on the top of Mount Erice, far from the useless worries of life. No cares, no distractions.

The bus dropped me off at Sorelle Povere*. My knock on the door was answered by a smiling older woman.  

“May I help you?” she asked.

I told her my name.

“Ah, our newest novitiate!” she declared. “I’m Sister Rosella. Benvenuto! Welcome!”

NAR©2024
250 Words
*Sorelle Povere translates into Poor Sisters. The entire name is Sorelle Povere di Santa Chiara Monastero Sacro Cuore which means Poor Sisters of Saint Clara Sacred Heart Monastery, an order of nuns in the town of Erice.

The Unicorn Challenge-09/02/24

This is “Only The Good Die Young” by Billy Joel

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.