Have you ever done something in the ‘old school’ way meaning powered by people power, under your own steam or using your own physical strength?

This morning I awoke early to the warm and brilliant fingers of the sun streaming through my windows. Energized by solar power, I got up to start my day.

After checking my e-mails and completing only enough stretches to keep me from seizing up completely, I noticed the loud rumbling of the street sweeper outside.  I don’t know what the street sweeper’s patterns are around your house but over here the street sweeper makes two passes of its route.  Each pass is several hours apart.

Still feeling the effects of the solar power boost, I went outside to view the driveway and front of the house.

We have just recently survived heavy rains and strong winds, nothing in the hurricane range but more than the usual for around here.  The front of the house, upon close inspection, looked dirty.  Everywhere there were small leaves, some dried grass clippings, dust, dirt, small pebbles……all of the usual after effects of strong rains.

I grabbed the broom (because it was still early and my neighbours were sleeping), and swept the front stairs, the driveway (fits three cars) and the front of the house by hand – no batteries or plug-in devices were used to blow the smaller particles to the side.  I am absolutely exhausted.  Who knew that sweeping was such a tiring and physically demanding exercise.  I have new found respect for the lovely little old Italian ladies who are constantly sweeping their cobblestone courtyards.  I definitely need a shower.

However, as I view the house scene again, I now see a freshly swept driveway and front of the house.  What a difference, the house pops!  There is a pile of detritus on the road at the end of the driveway for the street sweeper to pick up later but I feel awesome with a job well done.  Exhausted but a good exhausted, my arms hurt with newly discovered muscles but a good hurt.

I am always surprised how such a simple thing like sweeping your driveway can give you a sense of accomplishment, a sense of elation and allow you to be powered by positive actions.