Gratitude 142: Museums

Recently we had the opportunity to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. This was a wonderful experience as we wandered from display to display, tapping our feet to the music, at times singing along (lots of times, actually), and remembering where we were, who we were with, etc. when we first heard “that” song on the radio. The history of rock and roll music coincides with the history of my life. This particular museum is contemporary and fun! All museums however, reveal information about how people lived, the overriding philosophies of the times, and contribute to our knowledge of generations leading up to ours, including our generation. Our grandson Jacob and his friend RJ were with us. At times I caught them standing a bit afar, sly grins on their faces as they watched “Bubbe and Zayde” get caught up in the memories of the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, etc. Someday when they are middle aged, they too will be able to visit museums that help them recall times of their lives. And they will continue to visit museums that help them better understand their parents, grandparents, and more. Museums are wonderful places to visit, and to learn. I am grateful for museums!

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Gratitude 20: Music

Music has been a part of my life since early childhood.  (See here for precious music memories.) Piano is my instrument of choice, but due to frequent moves, coupled with the cumbersome size and weight of our piano, it sits in storage as I write this.  Pictured above however, is my collection of folk instruments acquired–and played–through the years.  The drum is thunderous!  But there are times when I just want to be loud and feel the reverberations through my body as I beat the drum to an even rhythm.  The flute, with it’s snake head, was crafted for me by a Cherokee story-teller and flautist, a gift from my son.  The rattle, made from a turtle shell that was found in a field that was once prairie land, is filled with dry seeds and makes a beautiful sound.  The bowed psaltery was a gift when I left my position as executive director of a women’s center to go to grad school (first masters).  The wonderful thing about these instruments is that I can take them–any one of them, or all–wherever I go without too much hassle.  I love music of all kinds, from classical to blue grass, klezmer to rock-n-roll, I can listen to whatever suits the mood in the moment. Music enriches one’s life, tells stories, evokes emotions, stirs passions, is a call to arms (what would the Civil Rights Movement be without music?).  I love music, and I am grateful for all kinds of music!