Am I the only one who really enjoys washing my car in my own driveway with old-fashioned soap and hose water anymore?  Turning up the radio or humming a little self-made music?   I feel there is something satisfying and even soothing about going out on a fresh day and throwing suds around in the sunshine.   I get this inner bliss taking care of something that takes care of me -- takes me from point A to point B.   So it makes me question:  Why haven't I seen anyone else in the neighborhood out doing the same?   It's obvious to me that they have clean cars.  Are they okay paying other people or machines to clean their cars?

There have been plenty of times I've opted for the car wash with the tank of gas, but no matter how many "super" or "super-duper" upgrades I add, they seem to miss the details, the stuff I see when I'm down close to the hubcaps or grill.   It just doesn't take that much more time or effort, in my mind, to unwind the hose and go for the scrub-down yourself.   I mean, there are exceptions to that, of course, like handicaps or really bad weather.   But in general, it strikes me as funny that, on a beautiful sunny day, I can be the sole car-scrubber on the block -- or in the city, for that matter!   Each to their own, of course, but as for now, I will take a little soap and inner satisfaction, detailing and Vitamin D, and unwind outdoors scrubbing and humming a tune.

This week I have been left at home to live a bachelor's life while the wife and kids visit with her family.  Before she left she bought me a ticket to a Jon Schmidt private concert in St George (Utah) for music teachers and students.  She said she bought me the Jon Schmidt ticket to give me something to do and keep me out of trouble (I don't know what she is talking about).  I showed up (solo) about 10 minutes before the show and found an open seat on the front row of a tiny performance hall.  There was probably enough seating for only 60 or 70 people so it was a fun setting.  If you haven't heard Jon Schmidt play the piano then its something you should try to do in your lifetime. 

Jon Schmidt plays a wide range of original compositions and arrangements of popular music.  I was suprised to learn that one of Jon Schmidt's most popular songs, Waterfalls, was written when he was 17 years old!  In fact, he played several songs that he had written in highschool that are considered some his better known songs.  Schmidt has a lot of talent and energy.  He played the piano in various different positions and couldn't seem to sit still.  He played the keys with his fingers, his elbows, his feet and his head.  He played upside down and while standing up.  Jon Schmidt even put on a bright pink wig for his "dumb song".

Jon Schmidt is not only very entertaining but his music is very powerful.  He strikes each chord with such confidence that its hard not to feel the energy of the music.  Sitting only a few feet away from him it was easy to see that he expresses his emotions through his music the way he moves to the rythm and the dynamics of what he's playing.  He has developed his talent to the point where his emotions drive the music he plays.  It's as though he played each song for the first time that night.  I have been to other Jon Schmidt concerts but none of them compare to this one.  He answered a number of questions before he played his final piece.  One of Jon's missionary companions happened to be in the audience that night.  Jon said that he served a mission in Norway.  He said his wife's favorite song that he wrote is "Song of the Ocean".  His current favorite is a piece he opened with called "Road Trip".  Jon Schmidt has a great website set up where you can listen to his music, pick up some free mp3s and sheet music or purchase any of his albums or individual songs.         Jon Schmidt.com

This morning, I was looking for some sort of activity to get me and the three little ones outside to enjoy the nice weather.  Saint George, Utah -- our sunny corner of the world -- affords us many opportunities to get out and enjoy the outdoors.  So out we went, and I decided to start poking around the garden with the children, something I hadn't done for a while.  I'd forgotten what an adventure it is gardening with children!  Dirt, plants, water, weeds, ants...perfect recipe for happiness, really!  And that's what the kids saw, too.

I felt enlightened as I poked around and watched the children entertaining themselves in the garden.   They were perfectly content to sit and flip dirt around.  Childhood is such a wonderous time, isn't it?  When "time" doesn't even mean anything.   When does life get so complicated and busy that I can't enjoy a little time flipping dirt around?  So, I decided right then and there that if I'm going to properly unwind and enjoy the outdoors, I'm going to have to learn from my kids.

So, for the next half-hour, give or take, I didn't mind the phone or clock or anything much besides a little dirt, a few plants, and some beautiful, dirty, happy children. 

I am looking forward to the next time I can be gardening with my children.  If you have had a neat experience gardening with your children, please share it by leaving a comment.