A while ago I read a book that has always flowed through me.

The name of the book is “A River Runs Through It” by Norman Maclean. It’s a story about the author’s growing up in rural Montana, and his relationship with his brother. Although different in some ways, they usually bonded over their love of fly fishing in a local river. What they learned is that life is like a river — it flows and has many different personalities. I was drawn to that image of the river.

About two years ago, some of the family took a trip to Yellowstone National Park. It was during winter so the skiers could do their thing and we experienced many moments of joy. As stated, it was winter so the only entrance to the park was by using snow buses. The winter scenery was awesome! What really caught my attention was the river flowing beside the road inside the park. Upon seeing it, I envisioned the two Maclean brothers fishing the rapidly moving water. Surrounded by the park’s natural beauty, the river gave me a sense of peace.

Another take away from that trip was to notice the present. The essence of every day flows by us very quickly so we should train ourselves to always take a few moments for ourselves. So…

It had been awhile since I’d tasted a glass of Canaletto Montepulciano D’Abruzzzo. Therefore, while in the local wine store, I noticed it and brought it home. It seemed the polite thing to do, right? I had forgotten how wonderful the wine tastes, how beautiful it looks in the glass, and how easily it flowed down my throat. Those Italians know their wines! If you appreciate a soft and full bodied red wine with lots of rich cherry flavors, this one is a good one to sip as you read your favorite book.

You know, our thoughts and feelings are constantly running through us. We just need to pay attention to them so we can find a quiet spot to relax. Every Sunday morning, I walk to a neighborhood grocery store to purchase the Sunday newspaper and any other goodies that are needed. On my return journey, I walk by churches that are holding their Sunday morning worship services. I can hear the singing of the parishioners, and am reminded of Kris Kristofferson’s song “Sunday Morning Coming Down.” It’s a meaningful song about remembering the past and how the singer has let that past disappear. That is when my past memories of Sunday mornings flow through my head. Kind of sad how fast they went by, but the remembering of them refreshes me for the coming week.

Walking along with a local author, a group of us took a tour of some of the communities past colleges. Although all of the buildings are long gone, the history is so interesting, and I’m so glad I could walk on the ground that carries such a piece of history. Those old schools were rather fleeting, but it’s my hope the historical river of them lasts forever.

Today I will take a few moments to slow down my walks and see the people, places and things as they rapidly flow by me. We all know that not all parts of life are nice to us. Life is like a rippling, roaring river and can be slow, fast or it can be good or bad to us. Yet, like the Maclean’s river, it flows through all of us. It’s up to us to learn from that nourishing river.

On that note, I’m going to have a dram of Scotch to honer that part of my gene pool that is Scottish.

May your river of life fully enrich you.

As always, eat and drink in moderation, but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!