I have seen quite a few places in my lifetime and at one time or another, they all had a special meaning. No matter where I have lived, I always found a place that I really liked to go; although I couldn’t always get there whenever I wanted.
In Rochester, it was Ontario Beach Park and the pier where on one summer solstice I sat for 30 minutes waiting for the sun to hit that perfect spot on the water for a photo. Only to have a boater slide through my shot…and added just that much more. Four months later, it would become a part of an art exhibit dedicated to 9/11.
Now I call Niagara Falls home and even though Niagara Falls State Park is less than a mile from my home, I don’t always get the chance to go when I want – life has a habit of getting in the way. But the park – the first State Park in the United States – never gets old and is a sight to see.
There is just something so comforting about the roar of the Falls and the serenity and beauty of the park.
And, well, it never gets old!
But I suppose my favourite place to be is on the river itself in a friend’s boat; but that is a once a year occurrence. If I need a calming place by the water any other time, then it is a trip to the park and the Falls.
I have never been able to explain it, but there is something about being on the water that settles me and helps me to refocus when times get rough.
And since the boat ride is always after work, there is the bonus of the sunsets on the water – a truly spectacular view!
When I was a kid, going to the beach was my favourite thing.
When I was in Russia, walking on Nevsky Prospect and finding all the street musicians was a big thrill and a joy. Jazz and The Beatles were the most popular choices of the musicians.
Like the girl says in the commercial, “you find happiness wherever you are” but there is always a “happy place” to help us get balanced once again.