26 March 2007

A "Carolina in My Mind" kind of day

Some days just suck, and that's the truth.

This was one of those days for me, unfortunately. Up before dawn, a 12 hour day at work, the phones constantly ringing and the people constantly complaining, the air conditioning stalling...the list could go on and on.

But after I finally left the desk behind, I walked outside tonight and saw the most beautiful sunset, complete with budding dogwoods and maples in the distance. It's a beautiful time to be here now, with Spring just bursting in its ripeness and pastel-laden and sun-kissed glory. Sometimes you just have to pause and marvel at the beauty of God's (or Whomever's) really great work. There are friends I've watched many a sunrise and sunset with over the years in all corners of the globe it seems...some friends who are here still, and some that have gone on...but it's been several weeks now since I just took the time and enjoyed the sheer majesty of another day coming to its end. A day, and a sunset, like no other and one I'll never get to duplicate. Sadly, it's rare when I can take the time to see these things, as my quitting time rarely coordinates itself with that of Mother Nature. Taking that time, though, somehow made the day really worthwhile, despite everything else that went on today. It humbles, yet amazes.

Then, on my way home, the following song came on my radio as I crossed a bridge...a bridge I cross every day, always in a hurry and late for somewhere...a bridge called The James Taylor Bridge (he's a native son and icon here), to be exact. Remarkably somehow, in the midst of all of my stress and worry, my troubles just didn't seem so important 'in the grand scheme of things' after all.

And I think that was the point. Enjoy.

(Video from YouTube, as usual. Lyrics from LyricsDomain.)
James Taylor singing "Carolina in My Mind"

"Carolina in My Mind"
Lyrics and voice by James Taylor

In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moonshine
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
It hit me from behind
Yes I'm gone to Carolina in my mind

Karen she's a silver sun
You best walk her way and watch it shinin'
Watch her watch the mornin' come
A silver tear appearing now
I'm cryin' ain't I
Gone to Carolina in my mind

There ain't no doubt it no ones mind
That loves the finest thing around
Whisper something soft and kind
And hey babe the sky's on fire,
I'm dyin' ain't I
Gone to Carolina in my mind

In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moonshine
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
It hit me from behind
Yes I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind

Dark and silent late last night
I think I might have heard the highway calling
Geese in flight and dogs that bite
Signs that might be omens say I going, going
I'm gone to Carolina in my mind

With a holy host of others standing around me
Still I'm on the dark side of the moon
And it seems like it goes on like this forever
You must forgive me
If I'm up and gone to Carolina in my mind

In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moonshine
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
It hit me from behind
Yes I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
Gone to Carolina in my mind
Then I'm on to Carolina in my mind
Gone to Carolina in my mind
Gone - I'm gone - I'm gone
Say nice things about me
'Cause I'm gone south
Carry on without me
'Cause I'm gone

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