A Memory of Laughter

“If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane.” –Robert Frost.

This week was a long week. My mom was sick, I had a horrible, never ending headache, my motivation for school and everything else in life was lost, and the days just seemed to drag on and on. In the middle of it all, my parents, little sister Karson, brother Stratton and his wife Jessica, Jessica’s younger brother Robert, and our family friends, Margaret and Mike McClellan, all piled in to a couple of cars and drove to Flagstaff. We were NAU bound to go watch our favorite comedian, Brian Regan, perform live.

Even though this was my second time seeing Brian, and the first time I had front row seats and backstage passes, this time was just as exciting. My worries of the week were hidden in the giddy laughter my sister and I shared as we anticipated the funny jokes we would soon be encountering. Our anticipation grew as the lights in the auditorium dimmed and they welcomed the opening act comedian. He got the laughter going and the crowd loosened but I was still anxious to get to the main event.

Finally, the opening guy thanked us for coming and then asked us to put our hands together as he welcomed to the stage, Misterrrr Briannnnn Rrrreegaannn! If you don’t know who Brian Regan is, your life is as least ten percent sadder then mine is… because I know Brian Regan. I cried for and hour and a half straight because I was laughing so hard. My cheeks are sore just thinking about it. I’ll remind you again that I have already seen Mr. Regan, and even though this time I was fifth row from the back, it was even better then the first, because he is just THAT funny.

I really did not make this weeks post to be a brag blog. I know you probably don’t care a whole lot about what a great time I had. If I could I would share some of the jokes that brought me and everyone there so much joy, I would. But it is just not the same coming off a computer screen, or coming from me. (Sorry, I’m not that funny) The real reason I wanted to share this memory I made, is because I believe in laughter. When life is hard, or slow, or unfair- laugh. A midst what ever struggles you may be encountering at this point it your life, you should find times to laugh. Whether it is being lucky enough to have tickets to go see your favorite comedian, or being around, or spending time with a group of people you love and enjoy, I hope you can remember to find moments in you life where you can laugh.

Karson and I Anxiously waiting for the show, and making memories all the while! (:

  A Rainy Day Memory

"Anyone Who Thinks Sunshine is Pure Happiness, Has Never Danced in the Rain."

 On Saturday, I plop in a seat on the bus, tug on my drenched shoes, peal off my sopping wet socks and dry off my soaked feet thinking I have hypothermia. This weekend was the regional choir auditions and my choir and I spent it in the rain. Being a sunshine loving, Arizona girl, I was not so much in favor of the wet, winter air we had to trudge around in all day. But, wanting to make my blogs happy and positive memories, I reflected to warm summer evenings when rainy days were my absolute favorite thing.

There was one summer day in particular that still brings a smile to my face whenever I think back to it. My Aunt AnneMarie and her three girls were here in Holbrook for their annual summer visit from California. Any day with them is always a treat. To top it off, my good friend Chelsea Thomas had surprised me with a visit the night before, and was going to be staying the weekend at my house. Four of my favorite girls together, it's just one of those little moments reminding you that life is good. 

We had spent a long day of fun together and where chatting on the couch when we heard the first crash of thunder. The noise that sends chills of excitement all through my body. The chatting stopped and we all looked at each other with bright faces. The first rain fall of the summer monsoon season. We ran out side in our bare feet, giggling, as we witnessed the first rain drops sprinkle the side walk. Before we knew it, my big drive way beside the front yard of my house, had transformed in to a beautiful stage. The same side walk that just ten minuets previous had been harshly beat upon with sunshine, was now coated with a gleaming layer of twinkling water. It was just enough water to twirl around on pointed toes with ease. The "pit, pat" noise that our feet made as we pranced around leaping, and spinning, and splashing, was music to our ears. It’s like each drop of rain was a little splash of magic and I wanted to stay in that moment forever.

Like all rain storms in Holbrook, it stopped coming down after about ten minuets, but the moment continued. We stayed out side enjoying the clean earth, the fresh smell, and each other. Eventually we came inside to dry off and warm up and sooner or later the moment was over. Reading this “moment” back might seem so meaningless, but

Chelsea and I and my cousins talked about how fun this meaningless moment was for the rest of the night. I think filling our lives with “meaningless” moments is what gives our lives so much meaning. Allowing our selves these moments fill our hearts with happiness. Loved ones return home and move on, live goes on, and moments fade to memories. So I just say thank you. Thank you, God. Thank you for the memory.

Summer 2011
Jasmine, Jillianna, Mariah, Chelsea

Marina