Bette Porter for Edward, please.
A moment later Bette heard the familiar voice that always made her first name sound like two syllables.
Be – ette, its been ages. How are you?
Pretty well, Edward. How are you?
Up to my eyeballs in work, but fine otherwise. How can I help you today?
Well, I need some of your expertise. Id like to send some flowers to Tina.
Ahhhh Tina, how is the lovely Tina?
Oh, shes shes in need of some flowers from me.
Hmmm, cryptic answer. Are we sending roses this time?
Well, thats where your expertise comes in. Roses might not be quite right this time.
Edward inhaled sharply, Is there trouble in paradise?
Bette shifted in her chair. In a manner of speaking
Well then, you have to tell me what message you want to convey. Forgive me? Believe me? I cant live without you?
All of the above.
HmmI can only imagine what might have put you in this spot.
Edward, Im asking you to speak the language of flowers for me, not imagine why.
Alright, alright. I have some ideas.
Great, now just keep it low-key, please. Not a floral extravaganza. Im not sure how theyre going to be received.
Edward sighed in disgust. Any other restrictions?
Well, there is one other thing – shes in New Mexico.
Oh puh-lease! Id do a lot for you Bette, but I cannot deliver flowers to New Mexico.
I know, but could you find someone there who will?
Edward let out another exasperated sigh. This isnt a job for some FTD fairy, you know. Ill make the calls myself.
Bette smiled broadly, Thank you, Edward. I knew youd understand. Heres what I want the card to say


On the drive up to Taos, Tina broached the subject of paying for the weekend, and her mother insisted that it was to be a gift for her.
I want to pamper you a little honey, you deserve it, Diane said. She also let on that she had indeed planned a few things for their stay.
Tina smiled, I had a feeling you might. Whats on the schedule?
Well, tomorrow were going to a spa for the head to toe package.
Is that what they call it? Tina teased.
It doesnt matter what they call it, youll enjoy it.
Tina smiled.
Its good to see her smile, shes been so down today, Diane thought, but kept it to herself.
They arrived in Taos as the evening was just beginning. The sunset was still two hours away but the light was already taking on gold and orange tones. They stopped at a red light and the sun playing across a mural on the adjacent building fascinated Tina. She wanted to absorb that light and color and have it warm her from the inside out.
The lights green honey.
Oh, sorry.
Diane navigated them smoothly to their hotel, a beautiful adobe style inn. Tina was charmed by it and felt pampered the moment she entered their spacious room. They settled in briefly and then turned their attention to choosing a restaurant. After dinner they walked through town and found a lively street scene filled with street musicians and artists booths.
Tina and Diane strolled leisurely down the street until a booth filled with landscapes caught Tinas eye. She paused to look, entranced by the colors and composition of the paintings. Diane stood with her for a moment, and then told her she would be at the next booth looking at the photographs.
Tina was studying a particularly captivating painting when she heard someone say. If you have any questions, Id be happy to answer them.
She turned to her left to find a man with long dark hair and deep brown eyes smiling at her.
You must be the artist. Tina said.
Yes.
Your paintings are beautiful. The way you use the colors to evoke the landscape is soabsorbing.
Thank you. The man stood gazing at Tina for a moment. Tina was beginning to feel uncomfortable when he finally spoke.
Im sorry to stare I feel you are carrying a lot of sad energy with you.
Tinas mouth fell open slightly and a questioning look came into her eyes.
The man shrugged. Im just attuned to it – always have been. Have you just arrived here?
Yes, Tina said.
The man nodded. Taos is an energy center. It brings everyones energy to the surface.
Tina felt exposed and annoyed at what she perceived to be a pick-up charade and she turned to leave.
Im sorry if I upset you. His tone was earnest and not flirtatious, so she stopped. He extended his hand, Im Thomas.
Tina, she said, and grasped his hand with mild reluctance. She immediately noticed how warm it was and when he squeezed her hand she felt tingles go up her arm and the back of her neck. She couldnt define the sensation. It wasnt sexual, it waswhat? Her uncertainty took her away for a moment.
You look puzzled. Thomas said.
Ohno, no. Tina smiled quickly and turned back to the artwork. She was silent for several minutes as her rational mind tried to make sense of the physical experience. She was used to talk about auras, essences and inner beings in LA where there seemed to be a guru around every corner. Occasionally in her yoga and meditation classes she had felt that some deeper resource was touched, but this was a wholly different feeling.
Looking again at the paintings helped her find her words. I see your sensitivity to energy in your paintings. You feel the energy of the place, and you capture it with the paint and the brush.
I suppose, Thomas said modestly.
He looked at her once again, and then turned slightly and waved his hand in the direction of the paintings. You should try and get up into the mountains while youre here, or maybe the pueblo. It might help you.
Tina took a deep breath and collected herself. Ok, yeah. She said, shaking her head and smiling. It was nice to meet you Thomas, and to see your artwork.
Nice to meet you too, Tina.
She walked away towards her mother, her body glowing with awareness and her mind sparking with thoughts.