Often, in my everyday life I don’t take the time to stop and look around.  Even when I am out running or walking with a friend we spend our time catching up and talking about our lives.  Sure, we might comment on the weather or appreciate the fact that it isn’t snowing again in May, but we rarely stop to take it all in.

I am so fortunate to live in a beautiful place like Colorado.  All I have to do is look out my window or walk outside and I am met with a picturesque view of Pikes Peak.  Sometimes, I get preoccupied and I need to be reminded of how truly awesome it is.  There is one day every year, though, where we all stop and we can’t help but look toward the mountains in awe of this great place we live:  during the Air Force Graduation.

Each year, at the close of the graduation ceremony the Thunderbirds fly over the stadium to congratulate the newly commissioned officers.  For about 30 minutes the city seems to come to a halt as the Thunderbirds fly across the front range in perfect formation.  Traffic comes to a stop, businesses and schools step outside for picnics and BBQs and everyone looks toward the mountains.  I can’t help but think that everyone, while in awe of this amazing demonstration, also feels spectacularly lucky to live in such a beautiful city.

Yesterday, I had to drive 90 minutes out to the mountains to take care of some maintenance issues at our townhouse.  Whenever I have to make a quick trip out and back I might complain outwardly, but secretly I love it. Once I get to I-70 and start my drive through the mountains I don’t care about anything.  Perhaps it’s because I have made this trip a thousand times and I could practically do it in my sleep, but it doesn’t bother me at all.  In fact, I just drive and take it all in.  If the weather permits I usually put the windows down and turn the music up.  And then the snowcapped mountains appear and I always think, “I can’t believe I get to live here.”

The maintenance issue took only a few minutes and I was ready to head back.  Instead, I opened the back door and sat on the deck for awhile.  With the wind blowing through the trees, the birds chirping, and the views that I never tire of, I sat there enjoying the quiet.

Soon enough there would be phone calls wondering where I was and when I would be home.  There were  dishes, laundry and bills waiting for me.

For just those few moments though, I sat there with warmth of the sun on my skin and the breeze blowing through my hair and was reminded yet again that I don’t do this enough.

We don’t do this enough.

This weekend, take a moment to sit outside and appreciate the sights and sounds of wherever you might find yourself.

SUNSHINE & SARCASM,

LOWI & G