The Essence of Place: St. James Court

                                                                                                                                                                   picture referance
Walking down the old wooden steps I hear the same familiar creaks and splits. As I reach the main entrance I look out of the withered glass of the antique front door, the sun is slowly rising and fresh dew is covering the bright green grass. It is not quite dawn yet, but only in a few short moments will the east be awakened and begin a new day. I open the door and softly close it behind Lucy and I keeping it from slamming and disturbing our sleepy neighbors. Lucy soars off the stoop with excitement! This is my pup’s favorite part of the day. Every morning like an alarm clock she wakes me by hopping in my comfy oversized bed and washes my face with her slobbery kisses. Lucy doesn’t believe in the term “sleeping in” and this has become our daily routine since she discovered her senses. With her ears perked upright and nose stuck to the ground I check the latch on her neon green leash for security. Reaching for the morning sky above I stretch and shake off my last bit of sleepiness. Here we go; our goal is a few laps around old St. James court. The ancient mansions stand majestically; history pouring out the windows, each one has a story. The “Conrad Castle” built of stone stands guard at the beginning of the neighborhood while the gargoyles eyes are constantly watching keeping everyone safe from harm.   

The “Pink Palace” a towering pink bricked palace sitting at the south end of the grand court. Rumor has it that it’s haunted and truthfully I believe it. The palace was first a gentleman’s club and later was owed by many private owners. The ghost, Avery, is the son of the first family that owned the house and has appeared every time right before a resident has faced an unknown danger to give them warning for their benefit.

Lastly, one of my personal favorite houses is actually on Belgravia court, the “walking court” known for its no street access and island gardens that runs horizontally at the southern end of St. James Ct. 400 Belgravia is best known for its two front doors and romantic dual staircase. The house of the day I think of it as when I recall the stories of the many generations of doctors who once lived in the fashionable home. The family was only able to live there from the profits made not from their practice but from the family distillery. It is said that they would give grand parties and that would attract high society from all across the land.

The court is so peaceful; the ultimate tranquil place to just relax and let your worries go away. Now what’s in it for Lucy one may ask, she doesn’t pay any mind to the beautiful houses around her, but she does in fact however pay very close attention to the many squirrels sprinting from tree to tree. The court itself is lined with tall wondrous trees, hundreds of years old standing almost as large umbrellas enhancing the magical presence overall. During our journey, we always take a moment at the middle of the court at the enchanting water fountain, a fountain that’s beauty is so touching it brings tears to your eyes. But my simple adventurous puppy enjoys the mist of the water splashing on her as she dares to inch closer and closer until distracted again by another scurrying creature. As our quest continues we travel across the sea of grass chasing each other around as we have time and time again. At times like this when there is no one around, I begin to take Lucy off her restrictive leash and set her free, free to run and chase as much and as fast as she can while I sit melancholy on the soft lawn watching her effortlessly. This place is most valuable to me; my diamond in the rough. My time here to me is the best spent; we can always earn more money, but we cannot earn more time. As I sit on the soft blades of perfect green grass, I begin to feel the morning sun upon my cheek I listen to the birds chirping, the wind whistling through the giant noble trees, the sound of splashing water from the mesmerizing fountain. I stare out at the clear blue sky and then back to this utopia I have an ultimate sense of relief. I have reached a complete enlightened state of peace and serenity these emotions washing over me like the rays of sun now washing over the east to begin this new day.

The first car starts, the engine roars from its slumber. Lucy runs back to me in fright and places herself in my lap burrowing her little head into my side. I gently pick her up and hold her as if she is my own child. She has taken my mind away from this heavenly place back to reality. I pet her golden coat gingerly and soothe her rapid heartbeat. This place may have my mind, but this little furry pup has my heart. As I carry her home my mind wanders back to memories of the first day I met Lucy, her big bright eyes caught me from the moment I walked in the room all the other puppies had woken up and I helplessly played with all of them till they were all tuckered out again and returned to their naps. Lucy however stayed awake and sat there patiently watching me waiting for me to pick her up, as soon as I did I knew we would be together forever and from that point on she has never left my side.

Back in my apartment now my bed is calling out my name, it would be rude not to oblige to its request so naturally I curl back under my covers and welcome Lucy too. As I run my hand over her head and neck coaxing her back to sleep I really start to uncover that this place, my place, St. James Court and all its glory wouldn’t mean as much to me if it wasn’t for Lucy. Honestly maybe this was her gift to me, she knew what this place had to offer and she opened a whole new chapter for me. A chapter that is most welcome in my life and a chapter I wish to never close and to continue enjoying with my pup.