Music in Motion

Music is like a plinko chip. We release it carefree, watch as it haphazardly fumbles and winds, twisting it's way through our lives and eventually ends up giving us so much pleasure, for those contestants on The Price is Right, a few extra bucks. A recent trip down to Cuba; where I had never been before, reminded me that no matter how little someone has, they can be united, carefree and laugh with the company of some great music when surrounded by the people you love. Throughout the resort, or in town whenever you heard local music, it was infectious and brought smiles to faces all around you. I used to often stop by parties at an old friends house years ago who is Nicaraguan, and it was not unusual for almost everyone in the little crowded townhouse to clear away the furniture in the living room and start dancing the myriad of latin dance moves; people who had nothing but each other, were merengue-ing and salsa-ing themselves into such a joyous occasion. Country music has forever been synonymous for capturing a detailed description of life in lyrics. Surprisingly, one of my favourites that was never released as a single, but recorded by Keith Urban is actually called 'Song for Dad' and recounts his looking back and seeing that he's more like his annoying father than he would have once liked to admit. Don't nobody getting all psycho-analyzing on me now, I just really like it. Another that I have always liked by Reba is called 'My Sister'. Do we see a trend beginning? Well, let's just keep on going. Let's talk about 'Mama' by Boyz II Men. Not a song that I ever particularly liked, but a sweet undertone nonetheless. I tell ya, if I was wanting to make a compilation CD or a little theme grouping on the iPod, (much like I have one with up-beat motivational songs for when my fat ass was a user of the treadmill) I'd be set with one about family. But back to 'Mama'. Although not a fan of the song, I can remember festivities put on by a dear friend who organized in her honour a wedding-esque gala to celebrate the graduating of a hard earned political science degree from University, and part of this was taking some time that night to acknowledge her mother for being such support in her effort. The song she chose to dedicate to and dance with her mother of course, 'Mama'. A fond memory of mine; truly. Just today, during a quiet couple of hours in the house while reading my latest novel, every so often the whistling of the super windy day outside would trigger the movement of wind chimes hung by our new neighbours. It reminded me of a few things a) to put together this blog since I had gathered a few like thoughts to write about in the past few days b) the beautiful stray notes the structure emanates and c) that it kinda sounded like an ice cream truck we would chase down the streets as children. Leave it up to me to bring it back to fat-inducing food! Whatever music evokes for you, it more often than not induces a high. Be sure however, not to get too high, or the yodeling mountain climber goes over the cliff.

Toodles