oh world of wonders

"oh world of ... wonders.

i dip my feet, i twirl my dress,

i stand on my head, i put my feet in the grass.

because i can."

it's funny, the moments in which i've felt most alive, have caught me off guard sometimes. when do you, dear reader, feel most alive? most fired up to be on this planet and thankful for the next breath you're about to take, the breath that will continue your heart pumping and your feet dancing as the earth spins slowly around a giant ball of gas?

sometimes, cheesy at it may sound, i feel it - that spark of life, that energy that comes from the thrill of enjoying the moment - while reading a really good book, words that jump from a page, grab you by the heart, and cause to think about your own world or just appreach a fictional one.

sometimes, silly as it may seem, i feel it in moments like this: my feet dangle off a sidewalk made of stones, suspended above a green river in the texas hill country. i sit next to someone i'd never imagine i would so much enjoy spending so much time with -and certainly would i never dare imagine they'd feel the same when spending time with me. it is a simple moment, full of sunshine and laughter and german beer, but it is a glorious moment nonetheless.

sometimes, surprising as it may seem, i feel the thrill of life at an elementary school. yes, the one where i used to work and so often prayed for strength to make it through the ten hour school day, yes, that one. at lunch last week, a former student of mine came up from behind me, wrapped her arms around my waist, and peeked up at my face under my arm. she had tears in her eyes as she told me how much she had missed at me and how glad she was to 'finally see you again for once in my life!' there is nothing like the joy of children to recharge your heart to beat.

i know my life is simple, i work in a cubicle! but it's also grand, full of great friends and wonderful blessings. i'm healthy and happy and could not ask for more. after walking a road rather lonely at times, and watching good friends struggle with things like diabetes and cancer, i know friends and health are things for which to alwaysbe grateful. i know that this life, and a "world of wonders" is something to cherish.

i hope you know what makes you feel most alive, and i hope you run after it. lots of love, crob