I remember, years ago, watching a cheesy tv show with my husband. The characters were standing on a balcony and in the distance, there was a tropical beach scene.”That’s so fake,” he commented. I had never really bothered to pay that much attention to the backdrop, but now that he had brought it to my attention, it was clearly superimposed and only further highlighted the quality of the program we were watching.
Now, I’m the kind of person that notices backgrounds.
I’m reminded of this moment, Monday through Friday, as I make my way to my school. There is a moment, when turning off of the Post Road and rounding a bend, the river that our school faces becomes visible. Some days the sun is just rising over the tranquil water, other days, the water is low and I watch the birds standing in the murky mud. Often, there is a morning fog still burning, leaving the houses across the river out of focus and blurry.
This welcoming scene, the one that signals the beginning of my school day, reminds me of the scene in that tv show, another reality. During the school day, I get so caught up with what’s happening within the confines of our building, it’s surreal that this beauty exists right across the street. This is the background of my life.
Where There Is Joy 
This reminds me of my walk to school. The sun peeks over the horizon in the east and often gives me a show of burnt oranges, brilliant pinks and soft lavenders. Taking time to notice the beauty around me before the hectic school days begins brings me peace. I’m thankful your post caused me to stop and think about my background.
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That moment when we inhale right before the school day starts, that’s what sets the tone.
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Jess-
You describe so perfectly the riverview that so many of us witness every morning and perhaps take for granted. I will look a little closer today and let the image linger a little longer as I begin my day! Thank you for the reminder.
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Maybe you’ll write about it too!!
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It’s so important to pause (somebody’s OLW!) and take in these beautiful moments. This post will remind me to do just that. I too love seeing the river in the morning on my way to work. It’s fun to think we might be pausing to take in the same scene at about the same time.
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This reminds me of one of my favorite songs from American Tale, from when I was younger… the one about being under the same moon.
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Thanks for reminding me to look at the view – beautiful!
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Beautiful. I have those same feelings in the mornings. I’ve wanted to stop and take a picture of the mist floating up off the water. Every once in a while, when I’m in the hallway outside the auditorium, I look out over the river –during the school day!– and just marvel. Thanks for making us all stop for a moment this morning.
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Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the thoughts in our heads (at least I do) that we don’t notice the beauty around us. Thank you for reminding us to see, really see, and appreciate our world. It gives us balance.
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We do drive to a welcoming scene- good way to describe it. I often think I have been able to do this commute because the drive is so pretty in the mornings.
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I love my ride to work and feel privileged to live in such a beautiful area. Every day on the way to work, I pass a gorgeous reservoir. It’s mood is different every single time. I have considered taking a daily picture to record the changes , but alas I never do. Still the pictures are in my mind. It’s nice to think that others share the desire to soak in a little nature time.
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“This is the background of my life.” This is the second blog I’ve read today that is about noticing something we often take for granted. Your description, the way it relates to both your home life and your school life, makes me want to pay attention and think about what is the background of my life. Hmm…
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