Music and Memories

For as long as I can remember, music has always been a big part of my life. Growing up I would hear my dad working out in the yard singing the old favorites, Ruby, Harbor Lights,

Spanish Eyes and more.

I guess it was only natural that I started singing at a very early age. I would singsong things I wanted to say and usually my aunt would be the one to singsong back the answers. I don't know how I started that, but it was like a secret way of speaking with auntie and I. Then I began to sing real songs and my dad would join in because the songs I chose were really what I heard from him. That and the Good Year Opera Hour every Sunday with the great stars of the day. Of course I loved The Great Caruso and would listen to his records by the hour.

I began singing in Minstrel shows at age eleven,and loved the talented acts by the others. Mostly I loved ballet and as much as I had wanted to take lessons and was refused, the more I dreamed about dancing on the stage. Now mind you, I was a leggy and gangly girl who was more the tomboy type. Also I suffered severe stage fright when I had to get up and do my solo.

Hubby and I would always sing together while taking rides in the car while we were dating. He had a beautiful voice and I was thrilled that he enjoyed music also. He would join in with me when the yearly minstrel show would start practice. I remember when I was ill, I would make him sing and with my head against his chest, the deep sombre of his voice would lull me to sleep. It was better than any medicine they could give me.

In church I would sing my heart out but I was always standing up in the loft, back against the wall where they couldn't see me. I was told that it was like a voice from above and I sounded like an angel. I have to laugh at that because I can imagine the noise of the bodies turning in the pews, trying to find this disembodied voice. I guess that was when I started to be afraid to sing in public. Where the fear came from I don't know but it continued until I had to refuse requests to sing as the soloist.

Later after marriage and childlren, I would sing lullabies to my babies. When they got older they would tell me not to sing. Now that really did it and I held myself in check. They didn't like the arias or the soprano voice. Yet when I was out on the water by myself, I'd really cut loose. Oh to be able to sing like that now. I have to admit that it got me through some pretty tough times. I would lose myself in a song and be in another world. My escape!

Nowadays I can carry a tune just fine but oh my, how I croak. Hubby and I still sing while driving and what I forget in words he remembers, those that he forgets, I remember. It's a good thing we can help each other out. I can just imagine how it would be without the words. Two forgetful older people trying hard to keep it together. After 49 years of marriage, I think we do just fine.

I've been listening to opera, The Three Tenors, and I guess I just got lost in the moment. I had been hemming my hubby's denim jeans but had to stop and give my hands a rest. This is what sprouted from the music and sitting here quietly by myself. I hadn't felt up to blogging today, but this is what resulted from beautiful music and musings. Music, I couldn't live without it.

Have a wonderful late afternoon and a fantastic weekend. Above all, put on some relaxing music and think back and remember. The things that brought you joy and tears. Music heals it all.

Hugs