Beauty. It takes so many forms, doesn’t it? Beautiful sunsets, blooming flowers, a fine piece of art, a newborn baby, an elderly couple who have lived life well together… All of these images conjure up thoughts of  loveliness.  I love that. I love searching for those images and moments in my life.  Just a few nights ago, my husband Mike and I were able to experience beauty in the form of music and architecture. We had the privilege of listening to the St Louis Symphony at the beautiful and historic Powell Hall. I had recently purchased tickets to attend the symphony, just for something different to do. Different would not be the way I would describe the evening though. More like “Other Worldly”… Oh my, what an evening!  As Mike and I entered Powell Hall, we were amazed by the architecture and elegance of this building. It was a feast for our eyes. That was truly only the beginning of the amazement, we soon realized as we  were seated and listened for nearly two hours to a concert beyond description.  The orchestra and guest musician, an accomplished violinist, filled the hall with  music that just took my soul to place of peace and tranquility. I could probably spend time here telling you about the music itself, but instead I will tell you my reaction to the music. Gratitude, Awe, Amazement.  Isn’t it wonderful to experience something for the first time, or for the first time in a long time?  As I watched the performers, I was intrigued by their individuality as well as their collective efforts to put music together in a way that was as inspiring as viewing The Grand Canyon or watching a Maui sunset. The experience was much like being in your own private world of enjoyment, yet knowing that hundreds of others sitting alongside you had that same thought going on. The Hall itself is elegant, and the high, domed ceiling is full of intricate detail. Just visualizing the music filling that entire lovely space was one of those “other worldly” emotions I am talking about. If you ever get a chance to attend a good symphony concert, please take advantage of the experience. I can’t imagine you too won’t be in awe.  Maybe it’s already something you enjoy doing and if so, I can certainly understand why.

On a side note here, as I was taking in the entire evening, my mind went back to my girlhood days, being in junior high and high school band. I played the clarinet, and although I would not consider myself gifted in music, I now have a real appreciation for being exposed to a variety of music during those growing up years. I thought of my mom, Ginny, who gave me a memorable gift the year before she died. Mom was a school teacher and in my seventh grade year, she used her first paycheck of the year to buy me a new clarinet. I am sure that paycheck could have been used in countless other ways for our family, not to mention for herself. But, to this day, I still have that clarinet and it has always been a reminder of my mom and her typical generosity as she made sure we had what we needed in life.  I so appreciate that evening of beautiful music the other night, and probably even more so, I appreciate the beauty of a mom who made sure I had a good start to that world of music.