What makes me feel most alive?

Anything to do with nature, from the ocean(especially), where we used to vacation, to the wooded areas here close to home, the canyons on the way to Estes, or Mishawaka, Glenwood, The Flatirons on the way to Boulder. Babies, my grandchildren, being with family, journaling, meditation, music, from Verdi’s Requiem to Pop and Rock and Roll. All different kinds if music.
This question brings back a memory for me that is very old….my first thought about this, other than the ocean, was when I was probably about 10 or 11 years old. I was with my family, and we had gone on a vacation to Wisconsin. It was early morning, and my father and I went down to the dock, got in an aluminum boat, and off we went to fish. It was my first experience of fishing, and I wasn’t too sure I would like it, but I was always game to try something new….after a bit, Dad stopped the boat, put the anchor down, and taught me how to “cast off” after baiting the hook on my pole. (He baited it. I thought it was cruel and disgusting.) Then Dad sat down and cast his line in. Silence. The sun had just come up when we started out, so it was a “new” day for me….I remember the stillness that filled the air…the slow rocking of the boat…..the trees that surrounded the lake…..It was quiet, the air was fresh all around me, and for the first time, I remember feeling so alive and happy!