Living life live

I love fall. Love, love, love fall. I feel like I can’t say it enough.
The last two weekends have been filled with my favorite things- live music, college football and people I love.

Logan and I headed to Colorado for Labor Day weekend to see a couple of Phish shows. And last weekend we saw KU pull off what could be their second and last win of the season. (I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a third win, but I’m not holding my breath.)

There is something spectacular about live events. And fall is the perfect time for these outdoor festivities. When you are at a game or a show it’s more than just a series of plays or melodies. The events become a collection of shared moments that you experience in a specific time and a specific place with specific people.

As an extrovert, I thrive on the energy from crowds at concerts and football games. But more importantly these occasions remind me of the importance of living in the moment. I’m a firm believer that life is best lived live.

A few days ago I heard Garth Brook’s “The River” on the radio. (I realize Garth Brooks is quite the contrast from Phish, but what can I say, I have an eclectic taste.) I saw Garth Brooks in Kansas City in 2007 and when he sang “The River” I got goose bumps. That song is one of my most memorable concert moments.

In 2007, Iayoffs were looming and I was applying for jobs. I wondered if I would stay in the Kansas City area or even in the journalism field. As I searched for purpose in my career and life, Garth Brook’s words struck me to the core.

“You know a dream is like a river
Ever changing as it flows
And the dreamer's just the vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores.”

These days I’m doing my best to stay between the shores. The ever-looming layoff has came to pass and even though I’m slightly more stable (having a husband and a house) I still don’t know what my future holds. I know that I will continue to be a dreamer. But for now my focus is less on what I’m going to do, and more on simply being in the moment. This weekend I’ll be enjoying the moment at Winfield and encourage any blue grass fans come along.