Friday, October 26, 2007

Music

I am so happy the weekend is nearly here. Yesterday afternoon I was sitting in my car waiting for my wife. My eyes kept snapping shut and my head was bouncing like a bobble head doll. This was happening despite the fact that the Grateful Dead were playing a concert in my car. By this time of the week I am feeling the accumulated fatigue of a general lack of sleep, work, personal activities, getting up too early, and staying up too late. Sleeping in on Saturdays is one of my simple joys. I love the extra sleep and the lack of commitments. I slowly get out of bed, feeling like the tin man in search of his oil can. My bones are stiff and I am moving slowly. I make my way down the stairs and start the coffee pot. While the coffee is brewing I walk to the end of my driveway for the morning paper. Along the way I greet the new day with a silent prayer of gratitude. When I get back in the house I prepare a simple breakfast as the coffee maker groans in the last stages of brewing. I make my way to my chair and take a moment to simply breathe. I am so happy to be home and in my solitude.

I've never been shy about my love of music and rock and roll in particular. Few think that rock and roll is as sophisticated as Mozart or Bach but I love it anyway. It has been the soundtrack of my life. To be fair, this soundtrack would also include some blues, jazz, classical, and a healthy dose of monastic chant...and silence. Music gives me joy, relaxation, and great entertainment, especially when I am able to attend a live show. I think one of the reasons I like rock and roll so much is the energy. I have a very laid back and passive personality. I have never been a high energy person. Rock and roll provides the energy that I don't have within me. Rock and roll is only now starting to get some respect. The truth is that many of the great poets of my generation are musicians. Bob Dylan and Neil Young come to mind. The Grateful Dead lyricist, Robert Hunter, is an accomplished poet in his own right. The songs of John Lennon and Paul McCartney will still be played in a hundred years and beyond. All generations love their music. Mine is no different. It keeps you young. When I am sixty five years old, and I hear "Jumpin Jack Flash" on the radio, I will crank it up! Even now, at age 56, my wife sometimes yells at me for playing music too loud. She goes, "Are you deaf"? I look her way and reply, "What"? I know it's only rock and roll but I love it. I will concede that age has caught up with me a little and I do have a greater appreciation now for quieter and more subdued music. I also prefer to see live music in small, more intimate venues instead of the huge mega events in stadiums. In our advancing years my friends and I also need proper lumbar support. Sitting crossed legged on the ground for hours is no longer an option.

I love to walk outside in the early morning darkness. I look at the stars and the moon. The day is so full of promise. Today's moon is huge. It is much closer to the earth at this time than it normally is. The morning air is cool and refreshing. It's good to be alive!

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