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The door to the donut shop barely makes a noise as I pull it open.Only a few tables are occupied, but the glass case filled with goodies is what has my attention.
Joji said to look for a short woman with copper curls.Said I couldn’t miss her.So I wrench my eyes from the tasty treats and smile at the woman walking toward me.
Joji looks like a ball of energy in designer jeans.
Her copper curls bounce as she hurries to the counter.“What can I get you?My treat.”
“A bear claw and coffee.Lots and lots of coffee.”Most days, I survive on caffeine and yoga.
The lady behind the counter laughs as she hands over a mug.“Refill it as many times as needed.All the fixin’s are on the coffee bar.”
The people here in town are so nice.
After getting coffee, I walk to the table.
Joji extends her hand.“Thank you for meeting with me.”
“I’m excited to hear this idea about goats.I’ve seen videos, but I’ve never been around them.”
“I have one or two that won’t be invited to our yoga sessions—behavioral issues—but all the others are gentle and fun to be around.”
For the next half hour, we discuss the idea of a yoga session once a week out at the farm.
“You’re welcome to drive over and meet the goats.”Joji checks the time.“Whenever it works with your schedule.”
I didn’t come dressed for a yoga session, but I do want to meet the goats.“I’d love that.Would you be up for a quick yoga session?We could try it and see how it goes with the goats.”Teaching yoga is fun and fulfilling.I’m not sure if adding goats to the mix will change that.
“Sure.What time?”
“Let’s say five.”I’ll have time to get into proper clothes and prep for tonight’s yoga class.
Joji draws me a map.“That’s my place.I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Bye.”
I dig out my extra yoga mats, then change clothes.I’m a bit nervous about the goat part of this, but it’ll be fun trying.I hope.
Just before five, with the map taped to my dash, I drive toward Joji’s place.Her directions are great, and eight minutes later, I’m pulling through a gate.Driving through a meadow, only a trailer is visible until I round a bend.The trailer looks vacant, but the rest of the area is bursting with life and color.Wildflowers sway in the open field beside the trailer.Colorful art is hung on the outside of what looks like a detached garage.The house is painted a bright blue.Some spots are weathered, so it’s been this color for a while.On the opposite side of the driveway are fenced pens, and farther down, there is a barn.
The whole place exudes charm.
I park under a tree.After climbing out of the car, I slam the door, and birds noisily take flight.
That’s when something hits my shoulder.
Squinting one eye, I check the damage.It’s bad.My cute pink T-shirt has a large splotch of bird poo right on the shoulder and dribbling down the front.
Thankfully, my mystery man’s shirt is still in my car.
I knock at the door, and Joji pulls it open.“Hi.Find it okay?”
“I did.And a bird found me as I got out of my car.Mind if I change my shirt?”I hold up my spare.
“Bathroom is just down there.”She steps outside.“I’ll meet you out by the barn.”
“Okay.I won’t be long.”
Carefully, I strip off my shirt, and slide the blue one over my head.It’s big on me, but because I’m taller than average, it doesn’t quite look like a dress, which is good.
Then I toss my icky shirt in the car and head toward the barn where Joji is standing beside a white truck.
I suck in a deep breath and scan the ground as I make my way that direction.With farm animals around, watching my step seems important because I don’t have extra shoes with me.
Adding another yoga class to my schedule will help my paying the bills.But I’m more excited about making connections in the community.
This will be great.
