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These Are The Good Ole Days

Notes from Janey . . .

I woke up this morning with sunshine filling every corner of the bedroom. Before looking out of the window, I could tell it was another glorious summer’s day. I turned to look at Tupelo. He was sleeping soundly, mouth slightly open, snoring gently, and I began to mentally sing the Carly Simon song, “These are the good ol’ days.”

Within the hour, I was sitting out in my garden, writing in my journal. I made a list of why I woke up singing that tune. It didn’t take me long to fill the page. Like the garden, joy was blooming in every aspect of my life.

This is nothing new for me. I’m grateful every single day. But how often do I take all of this for granted? Most of the time, actually. I hate to admit it, but I do. That song made me look closer and helped to bring me into the moment. It helped me to appreciate and realize that right now, something extraordinary is happening.

I tend to realize after the fact that I was in the right place at the right time. One winter I was on a Greek Island when less than ten foreigners lived there. I had no idea at the time that within two years, 10,000 kids would soon find out about it and transportation to the island had to close down to keep them from coming.

Tupelo and I were walking on a secluded beach in Mexico, enjoying the sunset, when we met up with a woman walking the other way. A fascinating conversation followed. I had no idea at the time that she would become such a huge influence in our life and a very close friend.

Reflecting back over a joyful evening of having friends here for dinner – remembering the fine wine, the laughter, everyone pitching in to clean up. It’s then I think, “This was one of the best dinners out on the deck we’ve had all summer.”

Why don’t I realize it at the time – in the moment? Sometimes I do, but I need to do it more.

Like right now, I’m having a blast writing all of this down … and I’m appreciating what a exceptional drop of time this moment truly is. Hey, I must be getting better at it. These are the good ol’ days, indeed.