A Bold Blue Trail

Down by the porch planter, something rolled right against my foot—a fat, blunt stick of turquoise sidewalk chalk! A real marking tool! I clamped both front paws around the chalky barrel, planted my back feet firmly on the rough gray flagstone, and leaned all my weight forward. *Scriiiitch!* The stone bit right into the chalk! I hauled it sideways, then yanked it back in a sharp zig-zag—leaving a thick, powdery blue lightning bolt blazing across the pale rock. A tiny puff of chalk dust settled right over my toes. Look at that crisp line! Permanent outdoor art, officially signed!