Moments Of Ecstasy

I didn't write a thot last night. Instead I went in to play the piano around eleven and didn't emerge until after two. Lots of playing to be done. Lots of thoughts to slide up and down the staff. Lots of emotions to flow back and forth through time. Thank goodness for my piano. It has been my companion since I was less than eight years old and I honestly don't think I would be here today if I hadn't had it. Well, not this particular piano, but a piano. This piano has been through the war of moving too many times in the past ten years and it shows. My e an octave above middle C sticks, the action is too slow on some of the upper registers and two of the pedals are no longer here. It needs to be tuned and voiced, but it is here and I love it. I admit, if I lived back in Illinois I might be tempted to look at the next pianos on sale from Weslyan's music school, but I am grateful for this big sturdy creature's place in my life.

I am not unhappy, or even discontent. On the contrary, I am very happy right now. A friend sent out a quote about happiness and it made me think that it is a by product of contentment. Like a John Williams theme song, it swells and grows until the french horns come in and break your heart with their beauty. The intensity of it can be so great it almost rivals those moments of ecstasy that create life.

I doubt it is possible to live like this all the time, but so far that has not been a problem for me. I have enough ups and downs to get me through. The vibrations ease off all the time and stop completely sometimes. I can still be very melancholy, but not as often, or for as long.

So last night I allowed the memories and thoughts of many poignant moments to wash over me until my arms and fingers and back began to intrude and it was time to stop. Today I am.