Magical Moments...

They happen at the most unexpected times. Something quite mundane is suddenly transformed into something quite special and unforgettable.

Magical moments...

All the planning in the world can't insure that they will happen. Bringing all the right ingredients together might help, but it's no guarantee.

Magical moments...

I have had many in my life, as have most people my age. The secret is to be open to them. Not to expect them, or be disappointed if they don't occur, but just remain patiently aware of their ability to occur when they are least expected.

As I looked through pictures this evening, from my recent trip to Chicago, I found the photo I took when I had a magical moment....

As we walked outside to catch the “el” that would take us to the restaurant, there were flakes of snow falling from the sky. Although the ground was damp, the snow was melting before it hit the sidewalk. It was soft and cold as it hit my cheeks. It was unexpected, definitely a new experience for me and very, very cold

By the time we were walking back to the hotel after dinner, there was a little bit of snow on the ground, too. The city lights were golden and little white lights twinkled in tree branches and around windows. The city was alive with lights and people.

Walking across a bridge, I looked out toward the river. Twinkling lights reflected in the shiny, black water. The beauty was duplicated, perfectly, in the icy waters of the Chicago River. I have never seen anything more beautiful. Even though it was bitterly cold, I had to stop and just enjoy the sight.

So many magical moments: any Christmas tree; Disneyland, the first time I saw it; any of my babies when they were born; my daughter in her wedding dress; any sunset; most sunrises.......the list is endless. The joys are overwhelming. The opportunities occur daily. The awareness is key. They can't happen if I am not paying attention.

And I was.