Uppers and Downers

Moments, not meds!

Upper -- watching two beautiful dogs play leapfrog in a lovely little park right beside the Vlatava River, tower of Charles Bridge only a block away.

Downer -- walking in the rain, yet again. Or still!

Upper -- being able to answer a question for directions and be understood.

Downer -- sitting on a tram behind a young man who was obviously very ill and very disturbed

U -- having a baby about six months old "communicate" with me as we walked along the street, talking, laughing, gesturing, generally having a grand old time, he in his stroller, I on my feet

D -- feeling SO disorganized, carrying way too much paper around way too often

U -- coming home to the peace and grace of my own flat

D -- trudging, not walking home

U -- watching the parks turn green, in spite of the cold

D -- the cold

U -- turning a corner to find a row of "painted ladies", Prague (or San Francisco east) style, lovely not-quite-pale yellows, pinks, greens, blues

D -- realizing it was the wrong corner

U -- joining new friends for an incredibly wonderful children's marionette show (the art is very alive and well in Prague)

D -- missing family and loved friends

U -- going somewhere "new" and realizing it was familiar

D -- thinking about all the places I haven't gone

U -- watching mothers/fathers and their very young children on the metro and trams, the loving touches, the smiles, and almost always the child riding patiently in the area reserved for strollers

D -- missing the children in my life

U -- seeing the hint of a smile on a face that looks as though it seldom wears a smile

D -- seeing faces that seem to be frozen in sadness and/or anger

U -- hearing unexpected music, played well

D -- not hearing more music

U -- being here!

D -- not being "there" also!