When bowling is more than bowling....

[swingset]

I hear laughter, I see people enjoying themselves. I see all of the colors of life unfolding before my eyes when I am at the lane. A game, a sport that generations enjoy together.

That's very astute and part of why I love to step into a bowling alley. It is not a funeral home, or an office, or a dreary and unhappy place. It's festive, and should be, and this is all supposed to be something we do for fun.

It's always great to keep that in mind, even when we have a terrible game or tournament, or we're in last place in our league.

It's a party, treat it like one.

[Doll with Balls]

Donna,

I really enjoyed reading your post. I too have lived with clinical depression most of my life (since childhood.) However, bowling always brings me joy and makes me smile All of the people laughing, having a good time, handing out high-fives, I can't help but to be happy.

[backlasher]

Well said Donna. I had a total left hip replacement at the end of the year and I made sure that I would be sufficiently healed to bowl when the league starts in September. Going to the lanes with my wife, when others bowl and I can't, has been hard but I think I may be ready a little early. I had a ball plugged and drilled differently (thanks Bill) and I tried it out for two games. It works really well. Soon I'll get to enjoy some of that bowling therapy. There's a line in "Silverado" where Kevin Kline says "I'm happiest in a saloon" Well, I think most of us are happiest in a bowling alley. Thank you, Donna.