There's a unique and very beautiful hidden away oasis tucked in between the rocky canyons near where I live.
It's called Kershaw Ryan park and is situated in ever so scenic Rainbow Canyon in Lincoln County. And if you ever get a chance to visit there, I guarantee you'll love it.
I stopped by there again yesterday for the first time in a long time. That's when it's natural wonders and magical charm all returned reminding and making me really appreciate the joys of life and living.
It also prompted me to take a retrospective view of my travels, experiences and memorable moments of this life of mine.
At times I think of all the people I have not yet met. That's quite a lot of people. Also, I think of all the smiles from pretty girls I have not yet received but are out there waiting for me. The thrill and adventure of what may await just over the hill, those things still call to me.
When you truly live it, life can be viewed as though looking through a child's eyes while waking up on a Christmas morning.
If you think back to the joy and magic of your childhood experiences, I'm sure you can recall it. There were the pretty bright lights, the distinct smell of pine needles and the music, that wonderful Christmas music.
The aroma of turkey baking in the oven fills your home. Large and small red, blue and green boxes, all wrapped with ribbons, are waiting for you under the Christmas tree just begging to be ripped open.
They contain the stuff of your dreams, surprise, magic and wrapped up love.
Your parents are actually smiling. They don't scold, demand or yell at you as you jump around like a happy little monkey.
There are sweets, candy and all you can eat of whatever your heart desires.
The world outside is a swirling snow storm. Large white snowflakes decorate your front window. You can't wait to bounce from your warm and cozy home on to your front yard to build a big snow man. You eagerly look forward to pelting your neighborhood kids with snow balls.
Sure, you can remember it. Isn't it all coming back to you now? After forty, fifty or sixty Christmas days, there is still a little magic there. A little tingle of childhood joy still lingers.
Memories of when life was good and people were happy. You were young, alive and free.
Sadly, that joy and splendor seem to slowly fade over the many years. Bright and brilliant colors somehow seem to dim with the passage of time.
Life is no longer a thrilling game. Fun and excitement are only past memories. There is work and worry. there are bills and responsibilities. Who has time for frivolous games? Well welcome to adulthood!
Then one day you notice the sparkle in the eyes of your grandkids. You see the joy and pure pleasure in their smiles. That's when it comes pouring back to you; the innocence and bliss of your lost youth.
I have seen my nieces and nephews grow from adorable toddlers into young adults. From my view point they are still young and beautiful but they are progressing on the cycle of aging. I see them follow along the steps of a lifetime I have already traveled. Sometimes I wish I could have frozen them in time when they were sweet, cute and beautiful innocent toddlers.
Another way I look at it is: babies learn to crawl, stand and walk when they are one and two. They quickly master smiling, talking and asking for what they want.
They can create a world of pleasure and happiness at age three, four and continuing on. It is not a fantasy world for them. They really live and experience it.
So, my question is: why do we, ten times and more their age, have so much difficulty in creating the same simple experiences? Are we just doomed to grow old, mean and grumpy?
I cannot speak for you of course but I think life is for living. There are no limits to your dreams, imagination and creativity: none except the ones you put there.
And how much happiness can you experience? Well, that's up to you. I could go on and on but there are all those people I have yet to meet and so many smiles to share.
Dan O'Connor can be reached at danhughoconnor@gmail.comnd living.