I have always loved my music. At first, I would shuffle through my mother's 8 track tapes, 45s and albums. I cherished long rides, first in the Gran Torino and then in the Thunderbird, hoping to hear some of my favorite songs. When I got older, I stashed away birthday and babysitting money. I bought albums and the newly-invented Maxi-Singles (the 80's were just too much). Then I would get fancy and buy cassette tapes. Feeling even fancier still, I would record my precious albums onto blank cassettes so I could keep the albums pristine.
After sitting in storage while I went on with my life after high school, my records and record player came back to me few years ago. I wasn't sure whether the player still worked since I did not store it in a box, not to mention the various moves the machine has endured. Thinking I would hook it up soon, I had Greg bring the record player out of the garage and onto the back porch where it stayed. I am a little embarrassed to say that it even got rained on a little during a violently windy rainstorm because I forgot to close the windows. Fearing that my record player would be ruined and inspired by SouleMama (she has a son who loves vinyl), I finally got off my duff and brought the player off the back porch into the house.
We still have not found a proper or even semi-permanent home for it. For now it sits on the floor near our dining room table, but we are enjoying it greatly. Forget 2010, we are living in 1985. Recently, I have added to our record collection with some thrift shop albums, and have pulled out a few from my teenage collection. We turn on the player during dinner or anytime we can use some music, which is often. The kids have taken to the record player with great enthusiasm. At first they didn't even know what the albums were. "You mean it plays music like a CD?", Helena and Elijah asked incredulously. When I said yes, they looked at each other as if I were bonkers. They couldn't believe it. Doran loves the record player. I cringe (a lot) when he tries to operate the player independently, but I am glad he gets so much enjoyment out of it. He reminds me of the times when I would use my mother's stereo when I was expressly told not to do so (sorry Mom!).
Yeah that's right. Back in the day, I shamelessly rocked the Micheal Jackson/Mick Jagger duet and Pretty Poison! What?! ;-)
Helena checking out one of my many "maxi-singles". . . . Why listen to a five minute version of a song when you can listen to ten?! Helena is very into them. Her first question to me whenever I put on a record is "Oh is that a maxi-single?".
Yes! We have the soul for getting down!
It is a lot of fun to watch the kids dance their hearts out to my old favorite tunes, no matter how eighties the music is (Sly Fox anyone?). They come up with some smooth moves, poses, and are completely uninhibited, truly embracing the moment. I had to work to get over my own sheepishness to join them. With some practice, I think I'll be able to let go without listening to that inner critic. With that thought in mind, let's all take some time this weekend to have some fun and embrace the moments fully without holding back. I'll be back here on Monday with peeks at some crafted gifts. Yes, I am attempting some embroidery and sewing again. ;-) Happy Weekend everyone!
