When the festivities of the weekend were wrapping up, an old friend said, "the best things in life are not things" and I thanked him for giving me the quote for Monday's Chalkboard.
Then I had to think of a list of things that weren't things. It was a harder drill than I thought. I took up that challenge and came up with a list. I'd like to suggest to you Chalkheads to try this writing drill to end your month.
Here is my list....
Things in life that aren’t things:
The smell of my Gramma’s kitchen when she was baking bread.
A long hug from Maureen when you walk into the tavern and seeing her give that same hug to every familiar face that walks in after.
Friends who stay loyal behind your back.
Miles Davis during a snowstorm.
The first smell of August rain.
Knowing Hazel is safe when she is asleep down the hall.
Pride in working in the same industry for almost forty years.
Forgiveness that shows up without ever needing an apology.
Sitting on the balcony while the sun shuts down shop for the day.
A head nod from a stranger that says, you’re good, I see you.
Courage to face the day when yesterday damn near broke you.
Hearing Gershwin and thinking about my Oldman.
Tingling when I say a Hail Mary and thinking my Mom might be listening in.
Love that holds the line when the like temporarily disappears.
Respect from someone who means the world to you.
And being called “Dad” right after the words, I love you.
Go out and make the end of July astonishing. We are in this thing together, so give a stranger an acknowledging nod and a dear friend a lasting hug this week.
