Music speaks to every person, crossing barriers of language, culture or age. And it is also one of the key components of a lifegiving home culture. Today I'd like to share with you just a few ideas of how to incorporate music into the fabric of your home and daily life.
Music wasn't a huge part of our home while I was growing up. However, I took a real liking to it when I was in school. I loved all the old stuff especially. Somewhere when I was very young, probably five years old, I came across a cassette of the soundtracks from The Sound of Music and Wizard of Oz. I remember being in my room and while I was playing, I'd sing along to every song. Music spoke to me from a very young age.
I've always listened to music, and my life has seen me interested in various types and genres of music. Some I'm rather embarrassed to admit that I liked. As I've gotten older, my tastes have matured and for several years now, I've really settled into what my taste truly is. There is rarely a day that goes by that I don't listen to music at some point.
One of my most favorite times to listen to music is when I am writing. I like my evenings to be quiet and slow...very chilled out and relaxed. That's when I love to settle in my room for a bit before bed and cozy up in my oversized chair with a thick blanket and cup of tea and let my thoughts lead my fingers as they type. I always put on some music that plays in my ears. It soothes my soul, lifts my soul and breathes life back into me. Most of the time, I prefer music with lyrics, but sometimes I enjoy instrumentals, and I'm finding new favorites all the time in that category. It's a new one for me!
When working in the kitchen I also love having music play in the background. Many years ago, my mom bought a CD player/stereo that hangs under the cabinet. It gets a ton of use! When I'm chopping, sauteing, mixing, blending, you name it, I love having some delightful, energetic music in the background. Celtic music is perfect for cooking! And at Christmastime, we love having carols playing in the background, especially when we're baking Christmas cookies. It brings a bit of magic and whimsy to our kitchen!
Earlier this year, my surprised the family with a real record player! We'd been wanting one for years and now we finally have one. My parents both have many old records from their teenage and young adult years, including several of my mom's Christmas albums, which we can't wait to use in about six weeks! Listening to music on a real record player is literally the coolest thing. I'd heard people say that music played on a record player sounded different, but I never believed them. But they were right...and for my incredibly old-fashioned, nostalgic, sentimental, lover of all things of days gone by, it's such a treat.
My final suggestion is to listen to music in the car. We don't always play music when we're in the car because we love having conversations, and for some reason, we always end up in some sort of deep conversation when we're driving. But, especially if we're on a road trip, we love having music to listen to as it helps the time pass by quicker. And it's just plain fun! Also, again Christmas is the perfect time to play your beloved favorite carols while going Christmas shopping or as you drive around town to see the lights and decorations. And if you're like my family, you'll find yourself singing along without even knowing it. My sister always says that there aren't any solos in our house, because when one person starts singing, another person always, without fail, joins in.
Obviously, if you can't tell, playing musical instruments isn't something we do. I tried my hand at playing the flute when I was younger but I had zero talent at that particular instrument. It was a total flop. I do have dreams of learning the piano at some point, but currently we just enjoy listening to music and not playing it ourselves. But if you are gifted with musical talent, I can't think of a better way to bless your home. Truly, the sound of music, whether on a CD, record player, from your family's voices or the grand piano in your living room, is one of the sweetest sounds on earth.
Go forth and fill your home with music today...that's my challenge to you! Whether it's duruing your evening routine to settle down to, your morning rituals that wake you up, while you drive around running errands, as you cook dinner, or whatever, bring a beautiful sound to your day with the gift of music.
What are some of your favorite ways to bring music into your home and days? Do share below...also, I'd love to hear who you love listening to!