Seeing the light that shines

A perfect day for sitting by the Jotul watching the rain beat down on the ground, droplets bouncing on the deck, streaming down the culverts, branches sagging under the weight of the downfall. Then brief ambient sunlight trying to break through and the mysterious sound of rain where there is no rain, dripping off the branches, running into the gulleys, draining into the redwood leaves on the ground or through the pebbles?

A perfect day for jazz (thanks, Tim, for the idea) and redirecting the mind to creativity and into the moment. Away from the time clock, 2 minutes, 30 minutes, a day, a weekend, a year. Listening to Vince Guaraldi and Django Reinhardt right now, a favorite. If I could choose any moment in history to go to in the "time machine", it would be that NY nightclub, after hours, with Coltrane exploring his universe and taking us along for the ride, or that wild night in Harlem with Fats Waller bouncing us along his groove to rhythmic bliss and unrepentant joy. And wherever path it was that Bill Evans travelled, after all those long hours of solitude while he honed his art, the music, learning how to master that beast called a piano and share with us his discovery of himself in it.

But for today, this rainy day, I thank them for their gentle persuasion to dream, their inspiration and their courage to share their heart. Thanks to the musicians who take the road with no guarantees, no pension, no career path, no contracts, no acknowledgment, no security (or the illusion of one), most of the time no cash, and plenty of criticism. Thanks to all of them, the successes, the has-beens, and the little-knowns. All are part of the story of music.

Today is a day to see the light that shines in all of us, and the wonder of the world around us. Sit back, listen, and notice the simple beauty of life.

p.s. I won the company cookie contest with my interpretation of Ina Garten's thumb cookies. I added pecans and unsalted butter, and apricot jam and they were awesome! If I say so myself. I never did receive the Golden Spatula that I won, although I got the certificate. But I am but a mere temp, so maybe that is why. The other cookie in the picture is vinegar cookies, which may have been good, but with the name I didn't try them, Mine were wicked good. the best apricot jam! Thanks to a great chef, Ina Garten. Her recipes are always good.