Sometimes a song will just come to me out of the blue, something I haven't heard for years. It will play in my mind like someone is whispering to me and I can't stop thinking about it. The song "Out in the Country" has been that whisper the last few days. Marilyn and I were supposed to go to the beach but her son was very sick. Then Linda and I were supposed to get out of town but her husband is under the weather. So, I met Linda for lunch today and tomorrow I'll meet Marilyn for lunch. And then, when I'm done, I won't tell her because I don't want her to feel bad, but I'm running away to Lake Lochloosa and I'm going to hang out and stare at the lake and watch the trees and enjoy the sun. Because sometimes I just have to get away.
This is not just a necessity - it's an obssession. Even in my beautiful house with the nice windows, sometimes I just want to look out and see nothing but nature. I want to escape from the sound of cars and televisions and the potential to check my e-mail or work or write. I want to go someplace where I have to turn off my mind because there's nothing out there to do or be or think about.
Sometimes I just jump in the car and drive out of town. It doesn't matter where I go. Any direction will take me out to the country. That's what I love about this town. I can go north, south, east or west and be in the most beautiful area. I can turn rihgt at the end of my street and hit the Gulf Coast. I can go left and hit the Atlantic Ocean. I can find lakes or springs or creeks or bayous within a half hour drive. And I HAVE to do this. I have to escape. I thought it would be better once I quit my job and was home. I thought this desire to see trees and landscapes was just because I was locked into daily exposure to people. But no, that's not it. I still need to get out into the country.
By the way, I remember this song from Three Dog Night. But actually, it turns out that the fabulous songwriter Paul Williams wrote it. I used to think Paul Williams only wrote sentimental drivel, like "We've Only Just Begun," the song the Carpenters did in the 70s and that was played at every single wedding ad infinitum, ad nauseum. But a few years ago, I found out he did one of my favorite songs, the adorable "Rainbow Connection" (should ONLY be reviewed as performed by Kermit the Frog - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSFLZ-MzIhM ). Maybe that's what I'm out there wandering in the woods looking for - that rainbow connection: Someday we'll find it / The rainbow connection /The lovers, the dreamers and me.
But whatever it is, I have a new appreciation for the talents of Mr. Williams. He wrote this song in the seventies, and obviously, he was WAY ahead of his time. I will be singing it as I drive out to the lake tomorrow.
Last week was tough. My sister was sick and almost died, my parents were sick, I was separated from my husband and didn't feel like I could do enough for my family. I fought with my dad, I felt helpless to change anything. Then things started turning around some and I got to come home and the clouds lifted.
This week, everything was different. I've had the most wonderful week, great food, great music, great friends. When my sister who almost died, called and talked to me from her rehab center and told me how much she appreciated all I'd done while she was unconsious, I just wanted to jump in my car, drive up there and kiss her. When Linda threw her arms around me today at lunch and said, "I'm so glad you're my friend," I almost cired. I am so excited to go to lunch with Marilyn tomorrow - we haven't seen each other in weeks, except in passing at our holiday party. And we go through withdrawal when we don't get a chance to sit and talk regularly.
Maybe that's what it is. Maybe being out there in the wilds imprints all these wonders on my brain, the miracle of revival Maybe being alone with the birds and the fish and the butterflies and the hidden creatures who watch me as I move among them allows my brain to absorb all the things that have happened in the world of civilization and to appreciate it. I know I always come back revived, energized. I don't have time to hit my favorite revival spot, the beach, but I'll enjoy being on the lake, admiring the breeze and the sunlight through the trees. A little touch of magic. And hearing this song playing in my brain.
OUT IN THE
COUNTRY
(Lyrics Paul Williams:Music Roger Nichols)
Whenever I need to leave it all behind
Or feel the need to get away
I find a quiet place
Far from the human race
Out in the country
Before the breathing air is gone
Before the sun
Is just a bright spot in the night time
Out where the rivers like to run
I stand alone
And take back something worth remembering
Whenever I feel they're closing in on me
Or need a bit of room to move
When life becomes too fast
I find relief at last
Out in the country
Before the breathing air is gone
Before the sun
Is just a bright spot in the night time
Out where the rivers like to run
I stand alone
And take back something worth remembering
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