I have earlier written about magic moments in time, small and large. Some moments are so small and wee, they get overlooked. Then, there are other moments that are moments to pay attention to, to sit up, to notice and share.

Years ago, I went on one of my first trips abroad. I traveled with a friend, Kat for three months to southeast Asia. There were moments on that trip that reminded me of National Geographic , The Smithsonian and other magazines. I started to call them my National Geographic moments.

We traveled off the west coast of Thailand by boat to see the largest reclining Buddha in the country. It was in a cave out in the water. As we walked into the cave I noticed a large white sheet. It extended from high into the cave to the floor. Near it was a rope ladder that disappeared into the upper reaches of the cave. We saw people high in the cave. I said to Kat, jokingly, National Geographic is up there filming.

When I was back home I saw a copy of the latest addition of National Geographic. There was an article about the Thai men climbing high into the cave to collect nests for Birds Nest Soup. It was a National Geographic Moment. And I was there.

There were so many other moments like the above one on that three month journey.

Over my lifetime I have experienced many more moments that bring back instant memories.

Two days ago I was visiting Hornby Island in Vancouver BC. I took a hike in Helliwell Provincial Park. This was a wonderful hike, through forest to the ocean and a hike along the cliffs.

At one point I decided to stop and enjoy the view out across the water. Far out in the water, I noticed something. I thought it was a seal making its way to a spit of land. Did I have my binoculars with me? No. Did I have my long lens with me? No. The small spot disappeared and then became visible again.

As it approached the spit of land it became clear to me that it was no seal or sea lion. An eagle appeared out of the water dragging what I can only guess was a fish in its talons. It dragged the fish up on land and slowly dragged its catch higher onto the spit. I imagine it had to dry off before it would even try to fly. Somewhere nearby was another eagle. They were calling to each other.

Even without binoculars I felt for that moment in time, magic had come alive. It definitely was a National Geographic Moment. I never expected to see an event like this, even from a distance. It was an honor to be there to watch nature up close (kind of) and personal.

Moments like this make me wish that someone had been with me. We would have discussed what we were seeing. We would have been amazed together. It would have been fun to have shared this with another person. And maybe between the two of us we would have had a long lens or binoculars. Sigh.

Alone or with someone else these moments are so magical. It takes me out of thinking and acting and puts me in the here and now. For a moment everything else stops. It allows me to absorb fully what I am seeing. It can easily take my breath away. And just for a moment I am there.

Have you ever had one of these moments? Please feel free to share. I would enjoy hearing the magic of small or big moments in time.

Today I am thankful for the majesty of nature. I am grateful for stopping to se amazing things happen before my eyes. Today I am thankful for magic in my life.

Today I am thankful.