365 Project - Days 341, 342

“I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning” Plato

When my children were born, I insisted on music being piped through the operating room during their deliveries. I never imagined that the doctors or hospitals might say "no." I suppose I was fortunate that they obliged, particularly given one was born in a very public hospital in the south and the other in a more exclusive one in the north. I was convinced that the music would both ease their arrival and soothe my state, but more importantly, create children who were more intelligent, more playful and also more calm upon their entry into this crazy world.

To be certain, we ended up with children who love music. I'm not sure I can prove their birthing environment is the source, however. I wholeheartedly agree with Plato's assertion that the arts are the keys to learning. Certainly music facilitates all learning and enhances all play. Music can be playful, spiritual, soulful, intellectual, philosophical, psychological, whimsical, physical, emotional, joyful, disagreeable, poetic, imaginative, timeless and transcendent. As many have said, music speaks when words fail us, "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." (Victor Hugo)

Yet, one of my favorite ways of looking at life and music is Wolfgang Mozart's perspective,
“The music is not in the notes,
but in the silence between.”

It all matters. Too often, amid the noise, we forget what matters most. Blessings.

Today's Photos: Boys and their play!

“If I should ever die, God forbid, let this be my epitaph:
THE ONLY PROOF HE NEEDED
FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
WAS MUSIC” Kurt Vonnegut

365 Project - Day 203

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." Victor Hugo

My children spend a good portion of their days with headphones in or over their ears. I don't get it. Are they trying to hear or not to hear? I suspect reality is a mix of both. As musicians and film and TV connoisseurs, it is possible they are also escaping into imaginary worlds created by the medium of the moment. And while I may find it annoying to see them with a cord constantly dangling from their ears, things could be far worse.

This old pair of headphones belongs to my husband and sits in the corner of our music / art room. They may be his headphones from his teen years as part of his family's garage band, Bean Dip. If so, they endured a lot of head banging, loud rock and roll, and youthful nonsense while he played guitar with his brothers. Yet, they are in great shape.

Music is one of my favorite things and has been for as long as I can remember. When I was in grammar school, I would listen to the same songs over and over and then choreograph dance routines for my friends and me to perform for my family. There are plenty of stories of me singing "Born Free" at the top of my lungs while my family begged me to stop. Had headphones been as prevalent, and music as portable, then as now, I cannot imagine ever speaking to anyone. I would have retreated into my own little musical world eternally. So, I guess I do understand.

I agree with those who believe that music heals and gives flight. My children were born with music playing in the operating room - a small request made by me to my physicians - I selected the music. I am convinced they listen, feel and react differently because they are musical beings. I believe in Plato's, "Music is a more potent instrument than any for education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul." And I am with Casals, "Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart."

The music cannot be hollow noise, however, I believe you have to plug in and intentionally listen to feel the gift.

Warm blessings.

Today's Photo: Are you listening?

"Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:18-20







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365 Project - Day 168

"Music is the language of the Spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife." Khalil Gibran

I believe my son embodies this quote. He is a natural musician and I'm amazed at the musical breadth and depth in one soul. It is possible that being born to the music and lyrics of the Steve Miller Band could have played a part, but I suspect that it is more an inherent formation in his spirit. He used to play the upright bass. He played so well, he was considered somewhat of a master musician at 14, but he hated it. I thought it was the one of the coolest instruments ever. Well, next to the bassoon! Now he has decided he is a guitarist. He is mastering it on his own and doing well. He is simply able to play any instrument he touches and he would tell you, music brings him peace.

I believe life's rules about gifts and talents are simple. I have tried to be clear with my children: invest the time to develop their gifts or watch someone with lesser talent work harder and succeed further. It is truly in their hands.

There are several chapters in Og Mandino's University of Success that address this. One of my favorites is Lesson 6, excerpted from Keith DeGreen's Creating a Success Environment. In this lesson, we are introduced to Calvin Cautious, who's life is paused while he is asked several tough questions about that life. (This is a spoiler alert! Sorry for that.) In the end, Calvin comes to the realization that he has "an obligation, a responsibility, to use my abilities to the fullest ... I must control my life, for I wasn't designed to be led ... I prefer excellence to mediocrity, and I accept total responsibility for me..." To which The Engineer responds, "... make constructive use of the equipment with which you are blessed. Take with you all the love and energy and talent and hope that you have, and share it. Share it with all whom you meet, until it seems that you have no more to give. And when it seems that you have exhausted your supply of all the gifts you have been given, I promise there will always be more and more in reserve. For you are infinite, Calvin. Your potential extends beyond your wildest imaginings. And The Manufacturer wants you to know that the only limitations you will ever face will be those you place upon yourself."

This is not to dismiss the fact that troubles and burdens do come our way. It is to say that we manage how we invest and grow our talents and we control how the world experiences those God-given talents. While they are freely given, we own them - Gotcha!

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Honor thy gifts!

" 'After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. "Master," he said, "you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more." His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" ' " Matthew 25:19-21







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365 Project - Day 81

Music is joy! I remember listening to all kinds of music as a child. I cannot pinpoint my favorite song, but I recall choreographing dance routines to match the words of songs like Stop in the Name of Love, Harper Valley PTA and Rose Garden. I remember going to see Tom Jones in concert at the Garden State Parkway Amphitheater (at least I think that's what it was called). And, listening for hours to music on 8 tracks and 45s. Yes, I am that old! When my children were born, I insisted on music playing in the room while they were being delivered by C-Section: Steve Miller for the first born and Andrew Lloyd Webber for the second. I have always loved music.

One of my greatest blessings is hearing my children sing. They are gifted singers. I wish they would sing for me, on demand, but that rarely occurs. We were in Hawaii a few years ago and out in Kayaks to see Dolphins. We were told that if we were good natured, laughing and singing, we had a better chance of the dolphins appearing and "performing" for us. We could tell the dolphins were near, but they were not doing much other than swimming around beneath the surface. I nagged my son to sing and he repeatedly denied. It was difficult for me to stay good natured and nag at the same time. Somehow, though, I finally convinced him to sing for a couple of minutes and voila, the dolphins came up out of the water swimming, dancing and jumping. It was fantastic!

I am so very proud of my son, who will sing with the All Eastern Chorus in April. This photograph was taken after the Connecticut Western Regional Jazz Band and Chorus performance. The music was delightful. Once again, a reminder of the joy music brings.

Today's Photo: Experience the Joy of Music!

"Next to the Word of God, the noble art of Music is the greatest treasure in the world." Martin Luther




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