Memory Path Monday

I'm fascinated by all the functions, knowledge and memories the brain can hold. The memories alone are so numerous, that I find myself lost in them often; like wandering the paths of a giant forest. A memory is like a meandering path just waiting to be traversed; and following it could take me anywhere in my past. Some paths lead to a single memory while others cross, tying two memories together. Whether the memory is happy or whether it's sad; it's a part of my life's journey. Memory Path Mondays are my way of sharing a little bit of my past, one memory at a time; and some will be better than others!

I was pondering this blog idea at the gym this morning. For weeks now, I've noticed a pattern in my friend's blogs of designating days like: Self-Portrait Sunday, Self-Deprecation Sunday and Wacky Wednesday, just to name a few. So I decided to join the ranks and come up with a few of my own. Here's the result.

This will be the first of my Memory Path Monday posts. Soon to follow will be Tasty Tuesday and possibly Thankful Thursday. But for now, here's my memory path for today!

After seeing the kids off to school, I headed out to the gym for my daily workout. Once I finished punishing myself on the treadmill, I went on to the weight training and then to the reward; a body bake in the Arizona room, a body soak in the hot tub and a pour cleansing steam in the steam room.

It was in the steam room that my memory jogged; and I found myself on a memory path I hadn't been down in years.

I made my way to the back, right corner; my favorite spot to sit. Breathing in the aromatic menthol and eucalyptus, my mind wandered. I couldn't see anything for the dense mist in the air, so I closed my eyes and let my mind go.

It drifted down a path to my senior year in high school. Everyone was so excited about beginning rehearsals for Mishawaka High's production of Brigadoon!

For those of you unfamiliar with Brigadoon, it is a musical. A Scottish fantasy revolving around a tiny town that disappears in the Highland mist, only to reappear every 100 years for a single day.

I was particularly excited, because this was to be the first time I would play violin with the pit orchestra. I couldn't wait! I remember feeling so thrilled that I would be a part of something so many people would enjoy.

I loved everything about Brigadoon; the musical score, the story line, the costumes and oh yeah, a certain someone in the play. Just had to throw that in, it's part of the memory. However, to protect me and the innocent party, he shall remain unnamed.

The play was great! Everyone had a wonderful time. I really enjoyed learning, practicing and playing the music. I even got to share a stand with a professional violinist, she was awesome! At the final curtain call she brought me a rose and told me I had done a wonderful job. That was high praise and I've never forgotten it, especially since I felt I hadn't done well. A perfectionist never thinks they've done well, there's always room for improvement. Never satisfied with good enough.

I enjoyed my little visit to Brigadoon today; and my memory of playing in the pit orchestra. I even envisioned myself as Fiona falling back to sleep for another 100 years. Yep, the steam room was so relaxing that I believe I could have slept 100 years! It felt and smelt wonderful in there!

Until next Memory Path Monday! May all your paths lead to good memories!