Yesterday I experienced peace and serenity in an unusual place. We were at a community festival (Czech Days in Protivin Iowa) dancing to one of our favorite polka bands (Barefoot Becky), enjoying the festival food (homemade kolaches or kraut anyone?) and drink, visiting with those around us, and people watching.

In these days of unsettling headlines, and seemingly non-stop bad news, it was pure joy. We watched dancers from 3 to 90+, long time partners and novices, Moms teaching kids, Grandmas carrying babies, young couples smiling (and peeking at the veteran dancer's feet), couples showing off their stuff. Then there were the softball, volleyball and "bags" tourneys, the "cake walk", the raffle, young couples flirting (yes, it still happens!), families making sure elders on walkers or in wheelchairs got to come and enjoy, some folks in traditional dress, others in Sunday best, people in uniforms and scrubs sneaking in a for a few minutes, and kids running everywhere.

The pure joy we saw had me smiling during the whole 3 hour drive home.

If you need a lift on a weekend, find a local festival and wander in. Bring a little $$ and enjoy the food, visit with those around you, try a game or two, and forget your troubles!