I approached the stand to a cheerful Man and his Wife who greeted me. I took a basket of bursting ripe tomatoes, a container of boiled peanuts and two small individual sized tomato pies. I asked if their peanuts were spicy and he began to weave his magic. He explained to me what they used as their secret ingredient for seasoning. It was indeed different so I was eager to try them. When I told him that the pies are one of my favorites to make, his eyes lit up. He said, "Now these here pies are made up of..." and he continued to list the ingredients. I nodded taking it all in. I was already buying my two small pies I had placed before him. So it wasn't that he was trying to sell them. Moreover, he was doing so much more. When he fondly spoke of His beloved Tomato Pies I could vividly picture his animated words. His 92 year old Mom was up at 4 am that morning to bake those two pies as he pointed to those of mine. I imagined what her kitchen must be like. As if inhaling the aroma of them baking he told me she was right down the road eating her crawfish and having her bud light. We both chuckled. Then off I went to continue on my adventure in the search of something more. Life is always gifting us more. So much more than we can clearly see often times.
Fast forward, I am now back Home heating up my little Tomato Pie. The aroma delighted my senses as it cast their delicious spell. I am now hypnotized and imagine myself at The Rainbow Room. As if now dancing between courses on the revolving floor to the illustrious orchestra that played. I imagine myself now sauntering my way back to the table. The Head Waiter of my table, the Captain; was waiting for me as he had pulled out my chair. As I was scooted up to the table, there before me was this Epicurean dish. Without a doubt; I would have never known this was bought on the side of the road; created by a 92 year old Connoisseur Woman who was up at 4 am to create. It had it all, the presentation, aroma and deliciousness.
I am taking an online course at Yale. The Science of Well Being. It is a lot of what drives me already. It thrilled my Soul as it reminds me of Mine and my Daughter's trip a while back, to the Chick fil a Headquarters. Same theory. Totally different and yet oddly wild the same. This phenomenal Professor has implemented what I call Moment Makers. These moments drive these students toward wonderment and awakens them to dream. For instance, what I would call clear bubbles that she installed on the Silliman campus of Yale outside. It allows the students in the bitter cold months be able to enjoy the sun and sense of being outside. Oh to be one of those students as they feel the warmth of the sun shielded by the harsh cold. This Professor created The Good Life Center on campus. It is a handful of beautiful study studios. These studios are filled with couches, throw pillows, blankets and essential oil diffusers. There are puzzles, heating pads and sun lamps. Again, all the makings of gifted moments if you ask me. Magical moments, that woo your soul to be unleashed. To dare to dream. I know this because my Junior Miss Daughter who attends there shared this with me and can attest to the difference these moments make for the students. We crave the little extraordinary moments for ourselves. It is the basis of all healthy self love and care.
I'm convinced that Life wants to Woo us in our moments. Romance us, all for the longing of us to just fall in love with who we are and what we are made of. Trusting that Life has got you even when you aren't sure at times. Our lives are the greatest love stories written. If we run from falling in love with who we truly are; I liken it when when you lose control tripping. Instead of trusting to be caught, we will most assuredly be reaching for anything you can grab to stop the fall. I believe that these moments that hard press us and we seem out of control, if we allow; are bringing us back to Who we truly are. Moreover, to who we are yet to become. Dreamers, who like the mighty oaks when that wind kicks up, we yield as it blows away what is no longer needed. Life is making room for what truly delights our soul. This is the Wonderment of Life. xo
