The unexpected joy
In many ways, the unexpected joy leads to the most fulfilling moments in life. Those moments keep the door open to enriching possibilities and new ways to experience the world.
A crescent moon lingers before sunrise on Saturday in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Artists thrive on the unexpected — those moments of sudden beauty, change or illumination of thought. You never know what will catch your eye.
This morning, the lingering crescent moon caught my eye while taking a walk. It’s a simple shape we’ve all seen before, not anything like the full moon, but unique in its grace. Its greeting came amid a frigid morning and brought a serenity to the cold, expressing the calm, certain persistence of nature.
In today’s world, that peaceful persistence is reassuring. It underscores the importance of seeking harmony within ourselves, even when we’re going through a struggle, or hearing news about the many challenges people are facing today.
A wonderful way to establish a sense of peace is by accepting each day as a new day, and living in, and honoring, the present moment with an openness to unexpected good. That openness today got me a chance to photograph the moon, and later on, to enjoy some cross-country skiing. I hadn’t planned on either one, but in many ways, the unexpected joy leads to the most fulfilling moments in life. Those moments lead to enriching possibilities, new connections, and new ways to experience the world. They can all bless us in beautiful ways, and it’s always worth keeping the door open to them.
— Gareth Henderson
Joyful dawn
On this day of reflection, nature was patterned after our feelings, showing its deep, gentle kinship with us.
The first sunrise of 2021 breaks forth in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Today, it was a hopeful dawn. We saw the brilliant sun, and felt buoyant joy to see the new year.
On this day of reflection, nature was patterned after our feelings, showing its deep, gentle kinship with us. The earth went sleepily through the night, after the change in weather chilled it to the core, and yet it was ever more covered in light as the new day drew closer. It was calm. Life slowed down and poured joy into the day. As my wife and I took a stroll downtown this afternoon, others did the same, and a relaxed atmosphere permeated the world around us. Light was present.
In a way, the gentle, harmonious emerging of nature in the early hours of New Year's Day urged us to be similarly present with each other. The world is stronger when connected through kindness, harmony and gentle regard for others. Using our moments to compassionately form stronger ties to one another is a good starting point for 2021, and one that nature reflects. It encourages us to grow stronger through those opportunities, embrace them, learn from them, and share the lessons they teach. Let's elevate that concept in our lives this year, and welcome the warmth of that powerful, connective light, strong with its promise of unceasing renewal.
— Gareth Henderson
Giving the gift of music
After teaching herself how to play the trumpet, Caroline Spencer is giving that gift to her community every week.
Caroline Spencer plays her trumpet for the community on Wednesday evening, as she does each week in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
After teaching herself how to play the trumpet, Caroline Spencer is giving that gift to her community every week.
Each Wednesday at 6 p.m., you can hear Spencer's trumpet echoing across the village, from the steps of the Norman Williams Public Library in Woodstock, Vermont. People stop often to hear the music, saying it uplifts them, and that's the whole point.
"It's a little gift I can give, for whoever's around," she said.
Spencer, who lives in Woodstock, said people can use some joy, especially given the stressful time many are having in the world today.
"It's so difficult for all of us, no matter what," she said of the current state of the world. "If I can do something that makes somebody happy, that's good."
This routine began after Meg Brazill, who works at the library, suggested that Spencer play her trumpet out on the steps at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, when the Woodstock Farmers Market on the Green and the library both close. It so happened the first day she played was 9/11. The day carries great personal meaning for Spencer, as both she and her partner, Bob Burchess, know people who died in the 9/11 attacks in New York City. Furthermore, Spencer grew up there.
And so, she opted to play “Taps” that first day, and now, during each weekly performance, she offers “Taps” and one other tune. She recently played "We Shall Overcome" and "Let My People Go" — selected to highlight the need for social justice.
"Love and inclusiveness is the bottom line," she said.
On Wednesday this week, she fittingly went with a fall theme on that sunny October day: "Autumn Leaves".
The interest in the trumpet began earlier this year. Spencer, a longtime musician, said she can no longer play the keyboard or violin due to arthritis, so she taught herself how to play the trumpet over the summer.
"I'm left with three valves and three fingers, so it's easier to do," she said.
She doesn't plan to leave her new gift at the library steps, either. Spencer said she's happy to drive to someone's home and play them a tune outside, or over the phone.
“Anything anyone wants to hear, I’m happy to play it, as long as I’ve heard it.”
And it doesn't have to be on Wednesday, she noted. Spencer added she won’t take any payment, because the joy of giving is compensation enough.
"I don't want any money," she said. "All I want is to be able to give a gift back."
Spencer, 79, said she's going to keep on learning new things, as well, and she hopes this story inspires others to “start something new and bring joy.”
"I'm almost 80 years old, and I've got plans for the next 20."
— Gareth Henderson