Music does indeed soothe the savage beast. Peachy Keen made note the other day of how much music means in her life. I too use my music to take me away from the day-to-day and into a place that really is an escape. Most often, if I can get some of my favorite classical music on my noise cancelling headphones, I can escape to the presence of what ever is playing the piece. I truly cannot hear what is going on around me so I can focus on the music and the emotional effect it has on me. I have some absolutely fantastic Bach on organ from the Cathedral at Notre Dame. Sometimes I need the words of some of my favorite worship songs, but again it is the ability to escape from my surroundings that makes it most enjoyable. If I choose to sing along, pitty the fool who is close by and does not know what I am doing. I have scared Andrea several times when she did not even know I was in the house and suddenly cut loose. There is no substitute for VERY loud oldies in the car. A very different escape, but escape all the same. Public loud allows a kind of celebration that solitude does not. My Keelin enjoys public loud, especially Beach Boys, it makes her think of the beach. She loves to sing whatever is on in the car. She is like her daddy in her ability to memorize songs after only a couple of plays. Then she can belt it out with everything she has. I cannot wait until she can join me in the music ministry at church.
To change the subject, watch this. In this month of Thanksgiving I encourage you to make an effort to reach back in your past and find someone who has made a difference in your life. Look them up, call them, e-mail them, write them a letter but do something to let them know how they made a difference in your life. I was able to track down the Choir Director from my high school in Pt. Mugu, CA. When I was in 8th grade he brought the high school choir to our school for a performance. Afterwards he invited anyone interested to audition for the choir for the next year. I took him up on it and during the next two years he opened up a world that I would have never known about without his leading. The grounding in music that I got from that high school choir set a foundation for music appreciation that has stayed with me all of my life. I am thankful to George Hamm of Oxnard, CA for what he put into my life. Drew, that may be you today. I hope so.
Uncle Westy, over and out.