Sunrise...Moon Set

I surprise even myself sometimes at the little things that make me happy.

I used to take so much time on the big things and became disappointed when things did not happen the way I wanted them to, or in the time table I wanted them to. I still sometimes have moments of sadness if I can't figure out how to get what I want. These are the big picture things. Big picture events take time, work, effort...you don't snap your fingers and they just happen. That's why stories have a happy ending - because there was effort.

This very morning, I woke up after not sleeping real well. That happens sometimes. It's a bitch to get older, I'm telling ya right now. Instead of focusing on that, I glanced at the clock and the realization hit me that the sunrise was mere minutes away. Here in the land of the apartment buildings, it wasn't something I was going to be able to see very well - if at all. I quickly threw on clothes, grabbed my keys, and off I went at a blazing 35 miles per hour to Rock Valley. (35 because number one, I live in a residential neighborhood, and number two, my turkey friends rule the hood in the early AM). No coffee (gasp!), no shower (a bit pungent), and hair not brushed. Beauty frickin' queen.

As I hit the intersection of Pepper and Mulford, I was treated to the beauty of the sun beginning to peek out over the field. Blues, yellows, pinks, oranges...sunrises and sunsets are important business, kids.  I pulled into the parking lot of Rock Valley and snapped a couple of nice glowy sunrise photos and one of the moon setting in the West. Not professional photographer quality, but just capturing that moment... the one that night turns back into day. It's glorious. I stood, watching the sun creep up for several minutes, wearing my satisfaction and happiness on my sleeve. Then, realization number two hit me. Like someone smacking me in the back of the head. The POND!

It's a bit cooler this morning than it has been. I looked at the temperature and it was 55 degrees. The reason that is important is because if the air is cooler than the water in the Duck pond, you have clouds of steam rising off of it as the sun comes up. I jumped back in the car, drove around to the other side of Rock Valley, walked quickly (because at this age in the wet dew of the grass I will probably fall and break a hip), and got to the pond. My efforts were rewarded, watching the steam roll off the pond as the sunlight hits it and warms the water. Just a magical sight and magical timing.
Even though my feet were soaked through my shoes, I got to see it. Snapped pictures which don't even begin to capture the majesty of the moment, but I shared them also.

It's these. These are the moments we need to appreciate. We can't always control what happens to us, but we can live in the sheer beauty and magic of the little moments of our lives. Mock me if you will, but what I like best about myself is that I see things in a different way than most. I am enthralled by clouds on a sunny day, I am in awe of a clear night and a sky full of stars out where the city lights don't take their majesty away. I giggle with glee when an animal goes from being a stranger to me to wanting to love me up with headbutts and snuggles. I love moments of laughter. I am thrilled to share my thoughts with people I care about. I don't have to be rich. I enjoy grilled cheese on the level of gourmet dining. I worship coffee as if it was godlike.

Appreciate every moment. If you do, the irritations, the frustrations - well, they will still be there - but you might not mind quite as much. You saw the world through the eyes of magic for the briefest of moments, and it made you smile.

Until we meet again,
Angie