I woke this morning to the sounds of birds tweeting outside my window.  Real birds.  I can’t remember the last time I actually heard real birds tweeting outside my window.  It was a nice way to wake up, I have to say. After lolling in bed for a while, I decided to go for a run to check out the neighborhood after I checked out my house. I did a walk through and was happy with all that I saw.  My favorite part of the house is the backyard deck. I couldn’t wait to put my Adirondack chairs out there.  I stood on my deck barefoot and in pajamas listening to the waves crash and the birds sing. It was my first day in heaven.

When I got in last night, I turned on as few lights as possible and headed straight for my room, the shower, and bed. This morning,  I was happy to see that some of my boxes were neatly stacked in the empty living room.  I guess Ms. Racine was a good choice after all to help me with my stealth return to Charleston.  It’s not that I didn’t tell my family when I was coming, I just didn’t give them the exact date.  I wanted to spend my first night in my new home in relative peace and quiet.  No company.  No one insisting that I get the “necessities” unpacked before the furniture arrives on Tuesday.  I have everything I need.  A blow up bed, some linen, electricity, and my cell phone.  Tomorrow the cable company comes, so I’ll have internet by the end of the day.  What more could I possibly need?

As I headed back to my room to change into my running gear, I realized that I was feeling very peaceful and content.  Those were great feelings to have on a Sunday morning.  I had not returned to Charleston as a prodigal daughter.  I had returned as an accomplished woman and writer and I was mighty proud. 

You can tell a lot about your neighbors from what you see (or don’t see) on a lazy Sunday morning.  As I laced up my running shoes, I figured it was best to start my run on the beach.  The sun was coming up over the ocean, and I just couldn’t not make that my first run.  I snapped my Garmin on my wrist and put my earphones in my ear.  No run was complete without music and a GPS.  As Slim Shady began to rhyme, my feet began to move.  The more pounding of the sand I did, the brighter my mood got.  In time for the rising sun.  I stopped the music, paused the Garmin and took a moment to worship my way.  It was beautiful, and my heart was full.

Getting back into my groove, I decided to run through the dunes, and onto the main road.  I wanted to see my new ‘hood from all angles.  It was just as I suspected- very upper middle class.  Very Stepford. The sight of a chocolate woman running caused those early morning risers to try to hide their looks of surprise.  I knew what they were thinking.  I must be some celebrity in town for a vacation.  No worries because she won’t be here long.  Boy are they going to be shocked.

As I rounded the corner and headed home, I noticed that Ms. Racine was out in her garden.  She was wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, an oversize plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up, linen pants, gardening gloves, and Crocs.  She was brandishing a pair of shears and attacking a rose bush.  I slowed my roll, turned off the Garmin and pulled out the headphones.  

“Good morning, Ms. Racine.”

“Mornin’ Claire.”  Because of her slow, sweet Southern drawl, she pronounced my name Clay-uh. “How was your run? You sho’ are up mighty early.”

“The run was good.  I did a couple of miles.  Just wanted to check out my new neighborhood.  This is a far cry from a high rise apartment in Chicago.  I actually ran without my mace this morning.”  We both chuckled at that.  “Are you always up this early on a Sunday morning?”

“I’m up this early every morning.  Can’t help myself.  I love to see the sun rise, and when you are fortunate enough to live on the beach, you should make it a habit. But on this particular morning, I wanted to get some rose clippings for you to take to your mother today.  I know she is going to be upset that you snuck in last night when she wanted to give you the royal treatment.  Call it a peace offering, and maybe she’ll let you eat dinner tonight.” Ms. Racine’s smile was genuine.  

I visited Charleston several times after I purchased the house.  Had a few modifications made (a girl needs a serious closet no matter where she lives).  Ms. Racine and I spoke on each occasion.  After one such visit, we exchanged email addresses and phone numbers.  Ms. Racine provided me with great information about the community- politics, gossip, and current events.  I told her about my family, my work, and my love for the beach.  She was really my ace in the hole.  She was also very instrumental in helping me get things laid out before I set one foot back in the Lowcountry.  During that email flurry, I also learned that Ms. Racine and I shared a love of books.  I knew then that we would be fast friends.

“You are very thoughtful, Ms. Racine.  I know that my mother will love these.”  

“Why thank you.  Stop by before you head to you mom’s and I’ll have them all wrapped and pretty for you.”

“Will do.  I’d hug you, but I’m pretty sure I stink.”  

We laugh as I turn to head towards my new home.  As I walked up the driveway, I couldn’t help but think what a wonderful day was going to be.