According to the encyclopedia, the expression, “Living the Life of Riley” suggests an ideal life of prosperity and contentment, possibly living on someone else's money, time, or work. Rather than a negative or freeloading aspect, it instead implies that someone is kept or advantaged.

While visiting Little Rock recently, I had the occasion to stay in The Peabody Hotel. The Peabody features Mallard ducks that swim in its lobby’s fountain. Living their own “Life of Riley,” the twice-daily march of the ducks continues an unbroken tradition that began almost 70 years ago.

The ducks are treated like royalty. Each morning the ducks leave their Royal Duck Palace located elsewhere within the hotel and arrive at the marble fountain accompanied by their “Duck Master” who ensures their safety and comfort.

After a hectic day, just watching the ducks swim unabated in the hotel’s fountain is very soothing and relaxing. It reminds me that life is not all schedules, deadlines, email messages to read, and phone calls to return.

According to the encyclopedia, the expression “Living the Life of Riley” was popular in the 1880’s, a time when James Whitcomb Riley's poems depicted the comforts of a prosperous home life.

In addition, it could have an Irish origin. After the Irish O’Riley clan consolidated its hold on County Cavan, they minted their own money, accepted as legal tender even in England. These coins, called “Rileys,” became synonymous with a moneyed person. A man freely spending was “living on his Rileys.” Thus, the 1940’s and 50’s radio-TV shows with the same title has an ironic edge.

Some people throw coins into a fountain for good luck or in hopes of inheriting unknown riches. The fountain with the ducks is no such fountain of luck. It is a symbol of release of stress, relaxation, and simple pleasures.

Each afternoon, accompanied by John Philip Sousa’s King Cotton March, the ducks waddle back to their duck palace, where a dinner awaits them. The ducks “live” in the hotel until they are fully-grown. On retirement from their fountain duties, they are gracefully returned to the wild.

I am learning a lesson from these small animals. Taking time to relax and enjoy my surroundings is my “Life of Riley.” Who knew it would mean so much to a weary traveler..

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