It always has been a part of my life. Whether making, listening, or discovering, it has been a constant. I have a lot of memories related to music – good, bad, odd, different – but they show the deep my connection to music and my feelings. Granted this is something that, for the most part, I keep to myself. More on this later. . .
I started playing music formally in 4th grade. Started out playing the flute. I really wanted to play the alto saxophone, but the music guy said that I couldn’t with braces (even though my dentist said i could!) and my mom vetoed my second choice of trombone. Played the flute for 2.5 years in my school band and then made the switch to what became my primary instrument – the alto sax. I still took private lessons on the flute for a few more years, along with the alto. I found something that I was good at. Something that made me happy. Something that people could recognize me for. Something I wanted to have be a part of my life then and into the future.
If you hold a library card from the Saint Paul Public Libray and you aren’t using Freegal, you are missing out on 1)FREE MUSIC and 2)FREE MUSIC! Long story short, Freegal is a service that provides libraries (and their patrons) access to music in the Sony music catalog.
When I first heard about it (h/t to Marna), I figured my options would be a bunch of polkas, classical music, and things of that nature – basically nothing of interest to me. However, it has tons of music and artists and if you’re patient, you can get CDs for free (you only get 3 downloads a week). What isn’t to love about this?
Have no fear for givin’ in Have no fear for givin’ over You better know that in the end It’s better to say too much Than to never to say what you need to say again
Even if your hands are shakin’ And your faith is broken Even as the eyes are closin’ Do it with a heart wide open
Say what you need to say
– John Mayer “Say”
Often times I find that song lyrics provide me the words that I can’t find on my own – it could be something that describes a mood I’m in, my views on a situation, or words I want to say to someone. Regardless of where the words come from, we should never be afraid to share them. Make sure you tell someone that you care about them, that you value them, that you appreciate what the bring to your life – you never know when they won’t be around anymore.
Two simple words that we really don’t say often enough and truly mean it. Often times we seem to utter these simple words as an afterthought, a p.s., a common courtesy that ends most interactions. How often do you go out of your way to thank those who truly impact your life? People that give and sacrifice their time, their ideas, their support, their love, or their talents to make our lives a little bit better.
Make it a goal to tell those in your life that you are thankful for what they bring to your life – everyone needs to know they are appreciated.
For those of you I know that may be reading this, know this: I am very thankful for what you add to my life and am honored for what you have given me. It has made me and will continue to make me a better person.
Life is a journey, and every journey needs companions – to make the road traveled a bit easier, more fun, and (in my opinion) full of laughter and smiles.
As is my traditional way, I also have a song to help explain fully my thoughts on this. Enjoy.
