As I reflect on some enjoyable moments of 2011, the late summer excursion to Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua, NY comes to mind. In all my years of living in the Finger Lakes I had never visited there before. The photo above shows the walking bridge in the Japanese section of the garden. I really liked this area because of the pond and stream that is incorporated into it, and I always find water very soothing.Although we live in a very fast-paced society, there are numerous places we can go to find tranquility. And many of them don't cost a cent. I was drawn to Sonnenberg that summer evening because there was going to be a jazz ensemble playing outside on the porch of the mansion. I have to say, it was an excellent decision! The music was delightful, and the grounds were absolutely breathtaking. Needless to say, the exposure button on my camera was clicking almost non-stop! Every time I turned around there was another striking image to capture.
In the past I have been guilty of putting activities like this off indefinately, trading them instead for household chores or other responsibilities. I've been pretty practical when it came to how to spend my time. I feel as though I have been oblivious to so many things that make life truly worth living, and guilty of taking them for granted. In the latter half of my life however, I resolve to spend my time in ways that feed my soul and give me satisfaction and joy.
