Dear Santa,

Originally, the plan was to write to you last night, but after two glasses of champagne along with two glasses of Malbec wine... well lets just say it would have been an interesting letter. Besides I thought you might appreciate a letter after peak hours.

It's Christmas Day! And oh what a delight it was to wake up in a new state, my parents new house, and still feel as though I was home. It is the best gift you have ever sent me Santa.

Hopefully, you and the reindeer are finally resting. Instead of sugar plums dancing, may your time of relaxation fill your mind with all the smiles you have placed on those who believe.  This year I didn't request anything from you. Your gift to me has always been the continued ability to believe (Mom is still waiting for deer to appear in the yard though, so if in your sleep you could nudge a few this direction, that would be great).

I write you today to say thanks. Thanks from all the people like me, who are kids at Heart and will never stop believing. Thanks for the Hope you spark each and every year. Thanks for the Gift to explore the impossible in a fantastic and magical way. Thanks for all the Inspiration in wanting to help in the largest day of giving there is. Thanks for the enveloping HO-Ho-HO's  that make us respond with our own giant Laughter. Thanks for the nudge to Play as if we will always be young. Thanks for being you Santa. You truly are a wonder!

Wishing you the Merriest (and dream filled) Christmas there ever was!,

D.dot

Keys Resound...

In passing, I saw Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach all trying their hand, but they were in far off lands in times long past. Now it's the street players, the eager experimenters - the shy traveler - or the energetic child that touch these keys. Keys humming - humming in my mind, anticipating hands to play upon white and black. Stationary and refined with wood structure - wheels to guide music across streets. Waiting.

The days of classical teaching forgotten - the school room abandoned - each note resonating in mind. An instrument left to be touched; to be played if even one person would strike a note. Sitting on angled cement made the sound more prominent - prominent and silent.

They pass without playing. Yet every now and then there is a Master - the master of sound and rhythm who takes a chance to sit at my bench and perform. Perform for the world around them - for anyone willing to listen - for no one to listen and merely for the pleasure of creating sound. Hand to keys and the chords touch hammer to string echoing a resounding voice through buildings and trees - businessmen walking to lunch, homeless panhandling on the streets - the Master plays to change the view of the day. Moving in routine - a new sight seen. Music fills the streets and a painting consumes their ears.

Each key is waiting. Waiting for a hand to push the ivory white bones to life. Two hands to play the soft keys and breath. But for now the keys are humming - humming with anticipation. Waiting for the next adventurer to take the challenge and play.

Find the Instagram photo that inspired this short bit of writing by following @chadosaurus (click on name to see photo).

How do you play?

Recently, I've been asked quite a bit, "What do you do for fun?"

The true response would be, "I play with words." But I don't think most people would understand this. It's more than reading a good book at the coffee shop in the sun. It's more than sitting at home with either pen and paper or computer for my writing.

I play with words daily through my conversations with people. Twisting and turning word definitions, the context of a conversation, and placing cultural signifiers into a game of:
"Did You REALLY Just Say THAT!"

Let me give you an example from last night:

Me: (Asking one of the various questions I have running through my head every second.)
Josh: (Answered without actually answering the question.)
Me: (Silent and contemplative.)

Josh: "I like it when you're QUIET."

Me: (Laughing hysterically.)

You had to be there.

But yeah, I play with words.

Dance...

Life is good when a walk becomes a dance. The paced motion escalating, building to the uncontrollable action of head bobbing, feet pass the traditional straight line, hands gesturing to music that begs your feet to tap and your mouth to smile as preteens turn their heads on their way home from school and stare at the crazy adult who doesn't have a care in the world.

It's a good day when you can make a kid laugh. Really make them laugh, make them mimic your actions. They think they're laughing at you, and if they are, Who cares? Really laughing at life and realizing it's all about having a good time is the best.

Why not have fun? Why be so composed? Give me the sounds of old school big band swing music and I can't stop myself, I have to dance no matter where I am or who I'm near. More people should do this. Stand up and dance. Dance for blue skies, dance for the cup of coffee that gives you the energy to go through the day, dance for whatever reason you want. Just dance. Feel the body sway and see how your mode changes. Tell me you don't feel a bit out of place. Tell me that awkward emotion doesn't make you laugh. Dance and everything--all stress and frustration--washes away.

Today is a good day.