So this morning, as I do most weekday mornings, I was walking to school. I have about a 10 minute walk from my bus stop to the front door of school if I make all the lights. It's usually a pleasant walk and fairly familiar since I've been doing it for over a year and a half.
This morning was different. The sun was out but I wasn't getting any of the benefits of it due to the large buildings, awnings, and shadows. No big deal, normally, but we've been having quite a winter and a bit of sun can often brighten a winter day.
Oh well.
I continued my brisk walk with my ipod on shuffle (per usual). Suddenly, like a lovely moment out of a movie, I stepped on a patch of sidewalk and was showered with the glorious sun! At the same time, Sarah McLachlan's version of Blackbird (it was on the I Am Sam soundtrack) flooded my ears. And I smiled. A huge, happy, love for the earth and people and life smile.
Now, this may not seem like much. And, honestly, in the grand scheme of things, it isn't. But I've not listened to that song much since 2006. It was going to be the song that I walked down the aisle to at my wedding that got cancelled 2 months (yes 2 months) before the wedding date.
Considering my emotional history with that song it's been tough one to swallow and put on the ipod. I'd actually forgotten it was part of a playlist I used backstage for a show. I didn't hit the stage until 1/2 way through the play and in order to drown out what was actually happening on stage I listened to my ipod with very specific emotionally resonant songs.
I was blown away by the beauty of the sun, the immediate comfort of the song, and the glorious way I felt. I sat down on the cold, concrete benches outside my school and listened. I breathed and listened to Blackbird and realized how far I'd come. It was truly a splendid moment.
When I got into school, the feeling was replaced by strong focus and intense concentration on the tasks at hand, etc. etc.
I was feeling drained and tired by the end of the day. As I trudged my way to the bus, (a slightly different route for the way home due to the bus stop), I walked by St. Andrew's Chapel. This building always catches my eye. I think about the people who go inside to pray or confess (as I assume it's a Catholic church). I notice the other entrance for "counseling services" and wonder about the couples that go in there to fix their marriages or the people who just want someone to talk to.
As I continued my daydream something inside the fence surrounding the church caught my eye. It was a balloon. And it was just sitting there, in the shrubbery, on the other side of these bars. Someone had written on it, "Have a Nice Day". I was sort of stymied. I walked past it and then turned back around! I needed a picture. I didn't want to disturb the balloon so my photo doesn't have all the words perfectly displayed but you get the idea. It was just sitting there. For all the people to see that chose to see it.
Like I said, it may not mean anything. But for me, today, it meant something. I hope, by posting this picture it will maybe make you smile too, and have yourself a Nice Day. :)
Peace and love to all of you.
Ali
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