Have guitar will travel..

Yesterday I had taken my guitar down to the lake and played while waiting for a friend. My heart swelled with joy as I watched a couple dancing off in the corner to my music. I guess they figured since I was brave enough to play they would be brave enough to dance. I wanted to play down by the lake and feel the peaceful calm of the waters of lake Ontario flow through me. I am most at home by the water as is my family.

It is a rare occasion when my child is in care of another and I actually have energy to do something. Last night I set my alarm clock for bright and early and decided to take my guitar down to the water and sing again. This time by myself. I get a ridiculous amount of pleasure from music. While I enjoy other people enjoying my music (it's a wonderful by product) I wanted to enjoy it myself without the need of being self conscious.

My alarm went off and I struggled to get out of bed. I was going to go regardless if I felt tired or not. I felt a little hesitation going so early to a somewhat secluded spot, but my fears eased as I pulled up and realized that the city workers were already there along with some random joggers.

I chose an outcropping of rocks the city had graciously placed there as a break water. George (one of my 6 string guitars) was safely hung on my back in my soft carrying case. I made my way down the hill and hoped that my feet would carry me safely. This is always a concern for someone as clumsy as I, who just also happens to have M.S. I made it down to the beach and looked at the rock outcropping. I had made it this far hadn't I?

The outcropping is almost like an adult version of hopscotch. I made my way across each gap, carefully planning on my next move. Finally I found a suitable rock to sit on. I sipped my coffee thoughtfully and enjoyed a breakfast I had treated myself to. I finished my meal and looked at my guitar sitting on the rock beside me and it seemed as if it were sleeping. I reached into the front pocket of the case and produced my Penny Whistle.

The Tin whistle or Penny whistle as it is also called, has quickly become one of my favourite instruments. I love the sounds it makes as I join with it. I also enjoy the randomness of the songs I can create with it. I'm no stranger to creating my own songs, but with the tin whistle it allows me to kinda play whats on my heart.

I produced my whistle and realized that I wasn't quite alone. There was an audience of wildlife and nature around me. They seemed to pay me no heed. I played for the morning sun, I played for the water that lapped against the shore and the rocks, I played for the birds that swam passed me and flew over head, I played for the little silver fish that I watch jump out of the water to catch it's breakfast, I played for the sunlight as it sparkled across the water, I played for the few clouds that looked like cotton balls stuck up in the air, but most important I played for me. On occasion a cyclist would stop by on his or her travels take pause and listen and go merrily on their way.

I felt nature enfold me as I played and struggled to keep eyes open to behold it's beauty.

If I could start my day like this every morning I'd be happy!