Death to Adverbs ~ A Stroll Through the City

In response to Writing 101 Day 8 prompt Death to Adverbs
Today’s Prompt: Go to a local café, park, or public place and write a piece inspired by something you see. Get detailed: leave no nuance behind.

Thoughtful writers create meaning by choosing precise words to create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. As you strive to create strong imagery, show your readers what’s going on; avoid telling them.

Today’s twist: write an adverb-free post. If you’d rather not write a new post, revisit and edit a previous one: excise your adverbs and replace them with strong, precise verbs.

When she woke up that day, she knew she’d spend a few hours outside. The sun invited everyone to get out instead of staying inside. It wasn’t uncommon to have a sunny day at this time of the year although the temperature was more of a rarity. It was early spring not summer.
She whistled throughout her daily chores before she grabbed her long forgotten camera and left. She hoped to catch some of the cherry blossoms that graced and dressed up the city. She’d seen a few during the week on her way to work and all might not have fallen yet.

The streets were crowded though most people converged towards the banks. Since it was Sunday, they were closed to cars and most wanderers aimed there with their bikes or rollerblades. Families also could be seen strolling by the Seine. She crossed the bridge to Notre Dame, filled as ever with tourists enjoying the beauty of the cathedral under the sun, and went on towards St-Germain-des-Pres.

The sun, gorgeous circle of light brightened the powder blue skies and a gentle breeze chased after the few clouds that spread like foam across the aerial sea of blue.
Children played in parks, laughing, tumbling down slides or swinging on chairs under the watchful and loving eyes of their parents who enjoyed the weather as much as their children. Sunglasses and laughter testified to the laidback atmosphere afforded by the sunny weekend.

A couple of newlyweds stood by the entrance of the church, which bells rang in a delightful tune, surrounded by family and friends all dressed up to the nines. Happy and smiling the couple must have thanked the Lord to let the sun shine on their most special day, The green and pink of the magnolia rooted nearby enhanced the white of her dress. Her pearly smile could have brightened the greyest of days, but it made this one even more beautiful.

Further down the small alleyways spread like a spider web through the Latin Neighbourhood. Following one of them that slithered away from the church, she found the perfect place. She sat down by the dry fountain in the tiniest park she’d ever seen. Despite its size, three cherry trees sporting the world-renowned sakuras inhabited it. She had no idea so many trees could be found in the city even though she’d grown up here. The things one forgets or never learns.

The pink flowers offered a magnificent contrast against the stone building behind the park. In turn the dome stood like a grey and white flag against the pale blue skies. She sat for a while taking in the scenery of this small corner of Eden. People came and went taking photos of the place. It was half an hour before she took her camera out of the bag and snapped shorts, memories of this tiny piece of paradise.

©scolpron2015