There is a Peanuts book called “Happiness Is…” and it is filled with simple pleasures in life. But for me there ae two things that really make me happiest…music and being on the water.
Listening to music is always a good thing to help chill out or calm things down. But, there really is nothing like playing it! I am not really that good but I always enjoy trying to play. Of course, I have no desire to get up on a stage to perform.
When I was in school and played in the band or sang in the chorus, it always made me really nervous. I don’t just get stage fright, I have stage terror. But, sitting around in a circle for a session is one of the greatest sources of fun; one I haven’t been able to do in quite some time. Those once a month sessions for Celtic music were always a blast and usually lasted four or five hours! I was always worn out when I got home but boy was it a lot of fun!
I have always loved being around the water – I think it’s in my blood :). As a child we lived near the beach – when I was born, we lived ON the beach.
For me there has always been something soothing and calming about being near the water. Thanks to a friend, I have had a chance each summer to get out on the river in a boat…and even drive it. We may be out for two or three hours, but it never seems that long. And it always helps me get my head straight.
And of course, I get the chance to take some pretty awesome photographs.
I have probably been on the Maid of the Mist boat ride a dozen times over the past 20 years that I have lived here; but every now and then, I don’t really pay attention to The Falls, I just sit and enjoy the boat ride; feeling the motion of the boat on the water.
There is always much playing in my house; it takes a bit more work to get down to the water, especially this time of year when the wind chills reach zero.