Unexpected ways...

For this Memorial Day weekend, I really wanted to go camping. To my favorite "home away from home" -- Edna. Well, Lake Texana State Park actually. It's just on the outskirts of the tiny little town of Edna (The City of Flags) bout 2 hrs south on 59. Well, I didn't get to go. But sometimes, (like the Garth Brook's song) God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers. I had such a nice walk Saturday morning. It's about as close to nature as you can get, in a city suburb, without going to a park. The yards, here in The Heights, are so nicely populated by all different kinds of trees, bushes, plants and flowers. And people have personalized their yards with their own special touch with wind chimes, fountains, sculptures, statuary and other interesting and sometimes whimsical touches. And when I pass by all the homes, I can't help but wonder who lives within? Who are they, were are they going and what are they doing with their lives? Are they successful? Are they happy? Are they troubled? Sometimes there are clues to be found on the outside. The kind/style/condition of the house, the kind of vehicles parked outside, the apperarance of the yard. But not all can be gleaned by mere appearances alone. Who knows what darkness may lurk inside --- the seemingly normal, innocent, status quo? Conversely, who knows what genius lies just beyond the front door, eking out an existence, trying to stay true to their selves and their art. Be it an artist, poet, musician, actor, dancer or writer. How to pay the bills? Keep a roof over the head? Food on the table? While trying to maintain their integrity -- trying to push forward, trying to better their selves and their craft. Aiming for higher ideals and goals, hoping to be discovered and appreciated some day. But the most important achievement, aiming to be a better person and artist and getting there. Sometimes (unfortunately) in the artistic world, you have to die before you can be recognized and achieve fame. But I digress. The other discovery I made Saturday was quite by accident. Which by the way, some of the best things in life, love and art are discovered by accident. I was at the Galleria (I know, can you imagine me -- who hates "mecca's to materialism" -- actually being in one, and of all days -- Memorial Day wkend? I must be crazy!) Anyway, I was on a mission.
I had my list. The clerk in Kirkland's noticed it and asked me, "you have a list of stores?" Yes,
I replied, that and a to-do list. It keeps me on track. I went by Crabtree & Evelyn to see if they had any India Hicks body wash. They were out. Then I went by La Madeleine's to redeem the coupon I had for my free birthday dessert. I ended up getting the fruit tart. I was on my way out of the Galleria, passing by the ice rink, when I stopped in my tracks. There in the ice rink, was some kind of special production going on. There were all these little kiddos dressed in beautiful, elaborate costumes, skating to some dramatic music, like a ballet on ice. The fact that there were some imperfections made it all the more endearing. You could tell they put their all into it --some were quite young, a couple were quite good. So it was quite an unexpected moment of simple joy and unexpected beauty. By the time I got home, it was pouring down rain. So I decided to wait awhile before heading out to I-10 and 6. In the meantime, I went out on my back porch. It's all enclosed (but with nice views of the trees) and is a nice, quiet, personal space. There are a couple of nice big potted plants, my sling-back chair and a small table. I plugged in the Christmas lights (I know, it's May, but the lights are white), lit some candles and a sage wand. The rain was coming down in torrents. But the setting was so tranquil, so transedecent, I was trasported away. What a nice way to spend a rainy, rainy afternoon.
Just think, If I had gone camping, I would have missed all this. The Lord does, indeed, work in mysterious ways.