Tahoe Cabin- Cyndi

Prompt: Music in the Background

This prompt brought to mind a trip to Lake Tahoe.

The atmosphere in the cabin was so easy-going and cozy. A fire crackled merrily, there were sounds of laughter and the camaraderie of the other families on the retreat completed the mood. Most everyone had been coming to this place for years- the kids since they were born, and they felt as comfortable here as in their own homes. There was no pressure, just time to read, reflect and unwind in a peaceful setting. It was a welcome change of pace from the usual chaotic dailiness of life.

There was the puzzle table, already going strong on its second challenge of the weekend. The edge pieces were almost complete, defining the border, while the other randomly scattered pieces waited their turn to be fit into place. People would wander over to the table to work together for awhile before moving on to their next interest. The card table was set up for its game of Magic cards, the players with their small colored translucent stones in front of them. The smaller kids were running around pulling things out of the game closet to explore. And of course there was the juggling! That seemed to be the most popular thing to try and learn. (Although for some it remained an unattainable skill to master.)

But underneath all of these activities there was the sound of the old piano. The music filtered through everything else, creating a backdrop upon which to build. Turns were taken and some joined together in duets. There were quite a variety of selections- old songs, hymns, even Disney tunes. A continuous melody floated through the air as the others would hum or sing along. It didn't matter that the songs weren't always skillfully played. It was music just the same and it was an integral part of the cabin experience. Even the youngest relished their turn to sit in front of the aged upright. They knew, and could feel it too, that the music that comes from within would draw us all together, uniting us on a common note.

-Cyndi