#65- Street Musicians

There couldn't have been a duller start to the afternoon for me.

The skies were grey, the trees were beginning to go bare and I was just beginning an hour and a half round trip to school just to hand in an assignment.

If the people of the street could read my mind, all they would have seen was the word BLAH in caps and 72 size, Times New Roman font.

But suddenly the air was full of rhythm and movement, vivid colours and dreams and passion. It was full of something that blasted away the greyness, defied the blah, attached itself to everyone who walked by and, I'm certain, strolled along with them all say. Even if all those business people and mall shoppers tried to look too busy or too cool, I could them glance at the source of the music, a man playing the saxophone, and smile somewhere deep inside. And so did I.

Street musicians are willing to go out and liven everyone's day, put a little tune in their heads and a jump in their step, without a promise of any sort of return, not a Loonie or a quarter or even a nod from some people. They do it anyways, because the music is just as important as or greater than the desire to be recognized. Doing what makes them happy is payment enough sometimes.

So I am grateful for musicians who bring their talents to the spots outside the mall or the bus stops or crowded city corners. I am grateful for the inspiration and joy for life they give me. I am grateful for the pride they give me in the city where I live and the world I inhabit, because if there are people here that make people happy doing what they love without asking for anything in return, than we're definitely better off than some people think.

#42- My Bed

Last night was my first night at home in Toronto in a couple months and it was glorious.

I had the soundest sleep I've had in a long time. It's probably due to the fact that I was able to sleep in without worrying about any pesky exams or classes, but the fact that I'm lucky enough to have a really good bed probably helped a lot too.

My bed is not only for sleeping in though. It has become a multi-purpose tool for me over the years. At times it becomes a study lounge, where I heap my books and my computer around me like a little academic fort, a fort with a comfy floor to sit on and cushy head rests. 

My bed has also transformed into a movie theatre or concert venue on occasion. I sit down, get under my sheets and watch a good movie on a rainy day or just lie down, turn on some music and zone out. 

My bed also works as a park bench at times. I can sit on it, bask in the glow of the sun pouring in through my window and have a nice chat with someone over the phone or Skype.

So I am grateful for my bed. I am grateful that I am fortunate enough to have a great bed that provides me with amazing sleeps. I am grateful that my bed functions as much more than just a place to nap, but also somewhere where I catch up with friends or just cheer myself up with a good comedy on a dreary day. My bed may not be King size, but it sure feels big enough for me. 

#28- Bird Song

Two things made me smile when I walked out my door this morning, the warmth of the sun and the singing of the birds.

The birds were so happy about the warm weather that they were telling the world about it. It made me think that if the birds are happy then why shouldn't I?

Singing is something full of passion, of uniqueness, self expression, liveliness and fun. For birds, all this is fit beautifully into their language. Think about that, birds are such optimistic creatures that their communication is based on something that breaths life into some of the greatest moments of our lives; singing.

It is these birds, with their songs, that make me remember to slow down and look around, smell the fresh spring air and keep things like essays and bills in perspective. 

There is a quote in Bible that goes like this, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" When I hear the birds singing, I think of this passage and how happy the birds are and that no matter how desperate things seem at times, I will get through life just fine with hard work and the people I love.

So I am grateful for birds and their songs. I have heard a lot of different music in my short lifetime, but none is more organic than those of the birds that sit outside my house every day. Their chirping reminds me of the good things in life and to keep the troubles I have in perspective. And I am grateful that I don't even have turn on my radio to hear some great songs, I can just walk out my door and open my ears to the birds.