December Third

I almost didn't post today, because it's been one of those stumbling-bumbling kind of days. But I had wanted to try to post something everyday for December, so I'm pushing through and posting anyway. If it comes across kind of wonky, please keep in mind the kind of day it's been around here.

Last night we went to the youngest girlie's first band concert. We've been to nearly all of the elder's band concerts, so we certainly didn't want to miss out on hearing our family's tiniest violin player. I was really pleased to see the classroom was SRO. I think there's something really wonderful about singing or playing an instrument, no matter how fledgling a beginner...making your own music has its own kind of magic. It's something that's become highly underrated in recent years.

It's sort of like the difference between a scarf that was knitted perfectly, but soul-lessly by machine - and one that your Aunt Maude (or yourself) spent hours pouring heart and soul into every stitch of  the yarn, even the little imperfections that poke out, hereand there, all wabi sabi. I think there's something magical about the things that we make ourselves, whether it's a Christmas card, a pair of wobbly mittens or just your own kind of music - whether you share it with others, or just hum your favorite songs to yourself. I wish I could whistle a tune. I'm always amazed by people who can whistle - now that's magic! 

Don't worry, I won't sing to you now, lol. Just musing about music, after listening to the kids sing at the treelighting the other night, and enjoying the songs they had everyone sing along with, then followed by the school band concert last night, which at that age is more like little snippets of songs, but still so cute to watch. Also, just wanted you to know, if you were caroling in my neighborhood, I would totally bring you out some cider and cookies - though nowadays, people would probably be afraid to accept it. When I was in junior high and high school, every year just before Christmas break, they used to pile everyone from the choirs in the back of trucks, to drive around caroling - which I realize now would probably be too dangerous and possibly illegal to boot. Amazing the number of things we lived through, before we got all safety conscious...But still I miss caroling, or hearing others doing it - I'd much rather hear that than most of the canned muzak that blares out from the stores. Did you or do you, ever go caroling?  

I've gotten a couple of e-mail memes asking questions like what are your favorite Christmas carols, and I haven't replied to them yet, because I really had to stop and think about that. So silly of me - it's just a meme but it did make me pause...There are some that I really enjoy hearing other people sing, more than singing myself - because oh, those high notes are killer - and then there are others that I just really love to sing, not because I'm any kind of crooner by any stretch of the imagination (believe me, you will not see me trying out on America's Got Talent) - but just because they're fun to sing. For some reason, either God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen or Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer, are the ones I find me singing to myself, most often this time of year. Something about the rhythm of them. Also, Twelve Days of Christmas has a good rhythm for folding laundry or picking things up...Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and Joy to the World seem to work well with wrapping or stirring things, or even washing dishes...not that I've done much in the wrapping department yet this year...and that all makes me sound much more organized and orderly than I am. I sorta go in fits and spurts, but humming along, helps...

Speaking of humming and homey things such as cooking - just realized it's time to rustle up some dinner. Luckily, you won't have to listen to me hum! 

Comments

[Janet]

I love anything handmade over something purchased at a store. You're right that it's the heart and soul someone put into it that makes it special. And I love caroling! No one does it anymore and I miss it.

My favorite Christmas carol is O Holy Night but I also like We Three Kings. It's all about the rhythm....I like how they sound even without words.