There Is Nothing Like....

I am sure all of us have moments we would like to capture in a bottle so we could savor them at any given time. The irony is that we would probably not enjoy them as much if they were a constant in our lives rather than a delightful event in the moment. Nevertheless, here are a few moments that I would bottle up if I could.

1) On my morning walk I often see a young lad burst out of his house, jacket zipped up, backpack loaded to the gills, arms pumping back and forth, running pell-mell toward the school playground. Oh, to have such unbridled energy and laser-focused goals for each new day. He inspires me to pick up my step a little and stay with my laser-focused goal of avoiding tripping hazards. No school bell needed for that reminder.

2) There are not enough morning hours in a day. My definition of morning is the time of day before the majority of the folks around me are awake and functioning. It is a time of calming hopefulness when possibilities present themselves and the jarring moments of real life are muted for a bit. It is a perfect time for walking, birding, reading and general puttering. If you are a lark, you know what I mean. Let it also be said, I am of no use to mankind after eight in the evening. That time belongs to the night owls.

3) My neighborhood Christmas tree lady always gives me a reason to smile. She is in my age range (translation: older). She rides her bike past my house almost daily. She never gives up on the rather challenging hill on our street. And best of all she is lit up like a Christmas with all her colorful flashing reflective gear. There is little chance of missing her presence on the streets. As someone who has spent many hours driving to work in the pre-dawn hours of the day, I appreciate her no-nonsense approach to safety. She is also quick to share a wave and a cheery, "Hi," if you are walking her way. Kind and smart. It's a good combo.

4) Coffee cannot be left off this list. It is an experience that hits all the senses. The teasing sound of coffee dripping into a carafe sets a tone of anticipation. The nutty rich fragrance sends out a siren's song of good things to come. The cool touch of a favorite ceramic mug as it awaits a slow warming. Wisps of steam rising above freshly poured coffee as the jolt of the first sip hits the taste buds. Am I addicted? Yes. Do I want to recover? Absolutely not.

Each day is filled with an apothecary of moments. Leaning into the spaces where delight is found takes a little practice. I may never climb Kilimanjaro or set sail across the ocean, but I can stalk a yellow-throated vireo, make a loaf of zucchini bread and wave at the Christmas tree lady. Nothing to complain about with that kind of day.