A Memorable One-Time Encounter

Lucinda Saue

My life has been filled with memorable one-time encounters, especially when I travel. That could be what makes travel such a favorite activity of mine. Visiting new places opens my eyes to new ways of looking at things that might be ordinary to the people that live there. Contrast enriches my life, so that even after I return home, I look at my surroundings differently. When I travel to warmer climes in winter, I appreciate the heat, but have to guard against getting too used to it that I take it for granted, and avoid being outdoors. If it becomes too warm, I appreciate the return north, to cooler temperatures. Travel to other cultures adds a piquancy and excitement to any trip. We search out indigenous cuisine and crafts, tour the gardens, libraries, museums and churches, learning as we go.

Travel is only one overt way of first time encounters; books and movies and music provide a similar experience for me. When I read, I enter another world, finishing the book with new insights, fresh ideas, and greater empathy for others not like me. Books give me an escape from ordinary humdrum days, from conflict, from pain or sadness. A story arc ends in closure and satisfaction, unlike real life. When I finished law school in 1984, and could read for enjoyment once again, I specialized in Mystery fiction. This was no accident. A mystery story sets up evidence and clues which proceed in a logical manner towards a final solution. Having dealt in law school with situations subject to constant flux, and involving much conflict, the reliability of the mystery was especially delightful to me.

Movies also have the ability to change my consciousness. The first Avatar felt like I had travelled to a different universe. Coming out of the theater, I was hyper-aware of our world in contrast to the world of Pandora. Historical films place me in a different time and place, giving me new insights into that time, and how this time has evolved from then. Movies like Gandhi, Dances with Wolves, Fried Green Tomatoes, Dr. Zhivago, and even The Wizard of Oz, all had power to transport me. If the movie is a musical, then the impact can be even greater.

Music is immersive for me. A live concert of music I love can exalt my spirit, and singing the songs or playing the music can remind me of the initial event. Ray Charles in 1968 was amazing in person, engaging the audience in a way I had not seen before then. Paul McCartney just last year, also delivered an unbelievable performance, all the better for sharing with a good friend, and singing along with the audience. Music to sing to, to play to, to perform has a special place in my life. Trying to learn ukulele challenges me to a new encounter, challenging me, growing new brain cells and making new friends.

Life is exciting when new encounters are dared, whether it be through travel, books, movies or music. Challenges keep things fresh and exciting. May you live a memorable encountering life!