Mood Music

Music is a beautiful tool.

I have been privileged to be around music my entire life. Growing up in rural New York, not only did my parents have a steady band gig every Saturday night, but my brothers also started a band. The Night Owls and Emanon (Which is "no name" backwards. They were not the most creative people). We also had family band night. My house always had musical instruments everywhere. I am not proficient at ANY instrument, but because of being surrounded with those opportunities, I can pick out a tune on the piano, clarinet, flute, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and more. I can also play the drums and sang in more chorus concerts and competitions than I care to remember. And, although the results of family band night might have left a bit to be desired, the music always moved me!

Throughout middle and high school, my favorite part of gymnastics was floor. My senior year music was Flight of the Bumblebee. I was in heaven on those mats. Move to 18 or 19 years old and you couldn't keep me off Joe's East/West dance floor. I would go with groups of friends and spend the whole night dancing. At 19 or 20, I delved into the world of Aerobics ~ so very huge at the time. I trained to be an instructor. I simply adored moving to the music and actually benefitting with a workout, all at the same time. Through my body building era came the hard rock and heavy metal phase. Then came the children and I was back at lullabies and loving it all over again.

I know, thanks to my mom, music from the 20's and 30's thru the 50's and 60's. From my brothers, I grew to love the 50's through the 80's. Through activities and sports, I've acquired a vast expanse of admiration for all sorts of tunes. The single most effective outlet readily available. If you are melancholoy and want to wade into wallowing . . . music will take you there. If you are sad and want to cheer up . . . music is a fantastic method of transport. Want assistance cleaning or accomplishing a task? Turn up the tunes. Want to drop a few pounds? Twist or Zumba yourself to oblivion. Or perhaps, you'd like to 'find your happy place'? A few strategic classicals will take you there in moments.

Music really does 'soothe the savage beast'. It does a whole lot more too. It is a gift that is literally at your fingertips. Today, I wish you music for your mood! Enjoy!