The Aha

Last night, our little family saw the neighborhood fireworks display, then went to bed at 10 pm.  My husband drifted off quickly, but I was wide awake. My mind was racing. After an hour of unsuccessful sheep-counting, I got up, fixed myself a plate of mac and cheese, and succumbed to what was happening in my brain… 

The “aha” moment. 

You know the aha. It’s that perfect solution to lingering vexations. It’s that sudden clarity, that unveiling of the correct choice. It’s that feeling of weight being lifted as you spontaneously understand how to lighten your burdens. 

It’s also that “damnit why didn’t I think of that before,” followed by a hard hand to the forehead. 

But never mind that. These moments are so rare; I’m just grateful it happened. I’m a believer of putting all unsettled issues into my think tank and letting them roll around until the aha.  I’ve got about a dozen of them churning around in there right now.  They span the gamut from lyrics and melodies to money woes and that nagging rattle in my car. 

But last night, the aha was about my restaurant layout.  I got a piece of a paper and started sketching. By 1 am, I had come up with a whole new design, one that makes so much more sense.  And while I was at it, I finished up a few unfinished lyrics as well. 

Who knows why it took a case the munchies and a bunch of fireworks to get there. All I know is these times have to be seized.  They’re too magical to let pass. 

Reader, I hope you’re having a great summer, full of a little bit of magic of your own.  See you next Sunday. -Em

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