The cabin is my happy place. It is so peaceful to me—despite the added tasks that get added to the to-do list. Things break or need painting. Rodents claim their space on your property. There is constant shuffling of bins and coolers back and forth on a weekly basis. Yet, I don’t care; I get an extra spring in my step and have an extra bit of joy in my heart.
I’m not sure if that euphoria is present because our cabin is only open for about four months—and we only get about 10 weekends out of the year there—so I’m forced to savor the days because the time is limited. Or maybe it is because of the restoration that happens from gazing over the lake. That meditation is an energy that feeds my soul. Of course, for us in the upper Midwest, there is that whole thing about the replenishment of Vitamin D that our bodies scream for in the winter and become so thankful in the summer to finally receive the necessary amount.
We opened our cabin over Memorial weekend, and the song, “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music, has been buzzing in my head. I used the first morning at the cabin to pause and find gratefulness in the little ways this place revitalizes me. I figured it was appropriate to do so in the form of a lyric rewrite. Enjoy!
Irish cream in my coffee and paddle boards on the lake
Hotdogs and burgers and juicy grilled steak
Sugared-up children taking turns on the swings
These are a few of my favorite things
Eagles that fly with fresh fish in their talons
Drinking cool cocktails with friends by the gallons
Wearing light dresses with spaghetti strap strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Card games and floating to soak up the sunrays
Lake loons and hummingbirds take on our gaze
Going on tube rides until it stings
These are a few of my favorite things
When the boat dies
When life’s a rat race
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my happy place
And then I don’t feel so bad