Chasing Down The Muse: The day is as good as you make it

“Only learn to seize good fortune, for good fortune is always here.”

—Goethe

*

Good Morning. G’ morning. Nice day. Good morning!

As I walked through Heisler Park on a chilly Sunday morning, the greetings were extended on all sides, it seemed. And it was true — it was a good morning.

For a brief moment, I wondered ... why is it a good morning? There is political unrest in much of the world. The economy fluctuates daily and for every bit of good news, concomitant worrisome news appears. Friends struggle with family illnesses and their own. Children misbehave and cause untold grief. And yet….

Perhaps it goes back to the previous column where I wrote about choices. Is this good morning simply a choice?

Let’s see.

Facts.

The sky had turned from faded gray to patchy blue. Birdsong followed wherever I went. There was laughter along the beach as friends played in a volleyball game, children made sand play discoveries. The Craft Guild setup was rife with joyful camaraderie as the members looked forward to a profitable day.

I feel so lucky. We are fortunate in so many ways. Am I choosing any of this or does it just happen?

The choice made many years ago to live in Laguna Beach, to struggle to buy a home here rather than taking an easier route inland — this certainly has played into the feeling of good fortune. On a cold, gray day to get up and walk by the sea, sending endorphins frolicking through my system — this certainly plays into the sense of “good morning.”

Whatever the reason for the sense of well-being that day, it only got better and better, as sometimes happens.

My intention of using the day to further attack and clear out my studio space as I had the day before was not deterred but enhanced by the good morning feeling.

After a good, invigorating walk, the heavy work began. The rewards were many. Sure, it was tedious and the two days left me exhausted, but so worth it for the clarity and just plain roominess provided.

Lots of choices were made, but for some reason, they seemed easier than usual. The movement was nothing but good and the corner where I placed many items with a “free” sign on them emptied out quickly. I hate waste so it felt good to have someone taking things to use. Perhaps it was also good fortune for them.

Topping the day off we had a lovely dinner with friends here from Montana. What a great choice it was, too, to go out for dinner on Oscar night! The parking lot was nearly empty and the restaurant was too.

After a great dinner with extra great service, we walked outside together. The sky was again overcast and without stars to be seen, but it did not seem a stretch at all to say to each other … good evening!

Thanks a lot. Aren’t we lucky?

CHERRIL DOTY is an artist, writer and manager of the Sawdust Studio Art Classes in Laguna Beach. Always fascinated, inspired, and titillated by the beauty and the ever-changing mysteries of life, she can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at (714) 745-9973.