Previously posted on pullingearth.substack.com. Dec 16, 2021.

Elsie and I are busy at work. She’s on the couch doing a historical places assignment. She still needs one more location. I’m at the dining room table sketching a succulent, tentatively weighing in when I dare. I’m taking the being-nearby-just-in-case-you-want-to-talk approach on the off chance I can help. It’s a delicate balance and I’m rallying for the right moment. I suggest some music and put on Oscar Peterson Plays the George Gershwin Songbook. She seems to like it. It feels like a win.

I like this succulent. The leaves are thick and smooth and have a deep contrast from light to dark across their surface. Although, I’m finding it hard to capture the round plumpness of the cotyledonary cups. I change my viewing angle to deal with the reflection from my lamp. That’s better. From this vantage point I can see how the leaves seem to embrace the stem completely and touch each other.

Elsie says a few things to me. We are chitchatting now as we labour away. But still, no mention of homework.