As I thought about what I was thankful for today (and yesterday since I skipped a day), I thought of a few items. They seem to have a similar thread – all artsy. And they can all take you places you’ve been or want to go.

I’m thankful for music. Music is the backdrop of our lives. You hear a song and it can instantly take you back to an event years ago, or remind you of a person who loves (or hates) that song or artist and it can take you places far from where you are. Of course, not all music is to everyone’s liking. And some songs, in particular, stand out as duds. My friend John has recently reminded me of two of those gems – “Muskrat Love” and “I’ve Never Been to Me.” I remember both of these 70’s hits quite well although I will admit I’ve never examined the lyrics that closely until this past week when John and I have been texting lines back and forth. We’ve added a few other Captain and Tennille songs and a Neil Diamond one in the mix too. It’s amazing the conversations you can have with just song lyrics.

Along with music, I love books. Love to read. Now that I’m old and need reading glasses, I don’t read quite as much as I used to because I don’t enjoy falling asleep and then waking up with my glasses smashed up against my face. I’m a fan of audio books and will listen to them on my way to and from work. But, there is something about holding a book. I remember in one of the “Sex in the City” movies, Big tells Carrie she’s about the only person he knows that still goes to the library. Yep, me and Carrie sharing the love of books and Big.

And finally, I’m thankful for photos. Like music, you can go backwards or forwards in your life looking at photos. Places you’ve been, places you want to go to. Reminder of people who are no longer here or just no longer in our lives. Memories of great times. Remembrances of tragedies. Fashion disasters and great hair days. Sure, we’ve gone a bit nutty with all the selfies but I get the sentiment behind wanting to capture your life with a click.

Tonight I’m also thankful I found this video of “Muskrat Love” online. It’s a classic.