Life By Kristen

Scintilla 3: The Sunny Open Road

Prompt: Talk about a time when you were driving and you sang in the car, all alone. Why do you remember this song and that stretch of road?

It’s one of those late fall Saturdays that have you smiling all day just because it’s November and the sun is out and it’s warm enough for a light jacket. It’s one of those days that make me realize living in New England with four awesome seasons is just one of the best things of life.

I’m driving in my car on the way back from some vintage shopping with my best girl friend in Providence. The day was perfect- girl talk and exploring that was only brightened by that special light that comes through the fall leaves- the light that makes you look up and go, “wow.”

Those days are pure magic for me- and it was as if the universe knew it was a red letter day for me already because the songs on the radio are all awesome and in line with my awesome mood. I’m belting Journey, Mariah Carey, and so many other tunes in the car on my way home. As I pull into my town, Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” comes on- and with all the combined elements of the day, I find myself practically yelling the song at the top of my lungs. It’s exactly at what I need to hear at the exact right moment in my life: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…. Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone. It’s the song, it’s the weather, and I just keep driving instead of pulling into my driveway. It’s the first day I’ve felt like the old Kristen was alive again- not the sad, making her way through a divorce, living on pennies Kristen.

Driving in the car on a sunny day with great music is one of life’s great pleasures to me.  And on that day, Kelly Clarkson was singing the soundtrack to my life and I had a smile and spirit that nothing could ever stop.