Last night we enjoyed a 'date night' that consisted of take-out Thai/sushi, a glass of wine, and some piano and guitar playing. We stayed up later than we should have listening, playing and singing together {Red Hot Chili Peppers on this occasion with a little Regina Spektor ... don't ask our selections to make sense}. These are nights that I love. And while I didn't marry this man for his musical talent, it has brought joy and peace to my life throughout our relationship.
Music has been a constant in my life since - well, probably since I was in the womb. As a child I would often sit next to our living room speakers {especially during the Children's Classic Music hour on Saturdays!} and imagine stories and images from what I was hearing - traveling deep into a world of sound and color.
My dad loves "classical" music and when we were older would attempt to make us name composers of pieces we were listening to - I was only ever right if it was Aaron Copeland or I simply guessed well. While listening at home together, he would sometimes act as a passionate conductor for the parts of the music he loved. I'm sure we thought it was funny but now it's all I can do to stop myself from doing the same to a piece I love.
I want to participate in the music. I took piano lessons through my childhood; I sang in choir at school (we all did, it was a small school where everyone participated in everything); I acted in musicals (see previous note). But in the greater scheme of things, I'm not exactly talented in these areas - competent though.
Then I met this man.
He loves music too.
While it seems that every girl would love a guy who can play guitar and sing, my Grady didn't wear his talent on his sleeve. In quiet, peaceful times he would simply play. Over our long-distance engagement, music was the best means of comfort and on more than one occasion I fell asleep in front of my computer listening to him sing - maybe hymns or a beautiful love song.
Now when we have a quiet evening together I may rest {and imagine} while he plays Debussy on our piano or I will sing to a song we both love. My singing isn't always beautiful but, for me, the moment always is.
