Day 76 - the brass ring

I rode the Carousel in Oak Bluffs today.

Have walked by it many times since the summer of 2010, but today, I finally got on.  

Other friends I shared lunch with went on to their next watering hole.  I, along with a woman friend and her adorable four year old little boy, went to the Carousel.  For $3, hopped on a horse, and rode round and round to the hokey carousel music.

There were rings to grab.  I don't think I've done that since I was maybe six years old somewhere in New Jersey.  And of course there is the mythical 'brass ring.'

I always thought that was a matter of skill.  Learned today that it isn't at all.  It's just - well - timing.  It depends on how many rings others grab in front and behind each time the ride goes around.  The boy on the horse in front of me grabbed two rings with each pass.  I was lucky to get one.

The final time around came.  I watched the boy in front of me do his double grab.  And watched the next ring fall into place for me to pick off.  And there it was!  THE BRASS RING!  On my first carousel ride, I got it!!!

The prize was another ride.  I turned around and gave it to Henry.  Then got to ride again with him.

A very cool experience given that just yesterday I identified for myself that I need to find ways to put more PLAY back into my life.  Yes, I do my daily swim.  But I'm talking about an attitude that one brings to life.  To approach it with joyful expectation.  To add a good bit of silly back into life.

The carousel ride was like a wonderful launch into this mindset!  Lighthearted, childlike play.  Very cool.  Very fun.

What might you do to add a little more silly, a little more play, into your life?  Remember, it isn't just about you.  The more joy you exude, the more it might influence the life of someone standing right next to you who you don't even know.  Let your light shine!

Love,
Me.
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