Sip and Savor

"It's quite possible to leave your home for a walk in the early morning air

and

return a different person — beguiled, enchanted."

Mary Chase, playwright

At the beginning of summer, when I was hard-pressed to determine what "fun" felt like, I mused upon what memories came back to me when asked the question, "What have been the best moments of my life?" I am blessed that many answers came — when we focus on something, we usually notice more of it. In strolling down my life's memory lane, one of my most treasured recollections was the nightly walk I would take with my dogs. As a newlywed, I had 2 hounds — one much larger than the other. And to keep daytime destruction at bay, I walked them at night, usually after dinner. As you know, fall is my favorite season so I especially anticipated bundling up during the crisp evenings of October and November to take the boys for a jaunt around our neighborhood. With scarf, hat, gloves, and coat secure, out I would go into the cold and solitude. I don't know if it was the fragrant, smoky air or the sharp, stinging wind to remind me just how alive I was, but I LOVED THOSE WALKS.

Before school began, I declared I would resume dog walking in the evening…but…as time and kids would have it, the scoreboard is not in my favor. However, I have been diligently walking the kiddos to school. And I must say, our early morning walk, while the air is still cool, is perhaps the best part of my day. What is it about a walk that sets my soul right? I am not sure, but somehow it determines the tone and pace of my day. During our 20 minutes together, I sip in the conversations I have with my daughters. And on my way home, I savor what was said and shared. The days continue to come and go quickly, but it feels as though time slows just enough to listen, reflect, think…when we go for a walk.