“Where words leave off, music begins.”
― Heinrich Heine
I always have a hard time deciding what to write about, not because I don’t have anything to say, but because I have too many things to say! This is usually a wonderful problem to have for a writer, but because I haven’t gotten into a good schedule for writing, I tend to over-think! I end up getting so over-whelmed that I write nothing. This was a particular problem for me today! I literally thought things through so much that I felt like I had written a whole book, without typing a word. Ahhh, the exhaustion of an over-thinker!
The reality is, that I needed to simplify! I just got back from my daughter Katelynn’s house. where we went to see her perform in the community symphony! Ummm, Duhhh Heidi! Music!!!!! I was making things too complicated and expecting too much of myself. The simpleness comes from the reason why Katelynn, who is done with her college degree, would continue to play her viola in a symphony. She is a computer programmer, why would she take the time after work to practice and play music? It is because of what music does to and for her! Music is a kind of magic!
Music is such an amazing thing. Without words, music touches a part of our souls in a way that nothing else can. It is very powerful! It inspires, it uplifts, it gathers, and it makes us feel in ways other things can’t! Music is more than good… in fact it’s more like a tool. Music can be a tool for good or bad, due to its power on the soul! I choose to use it for good, and that has made all the difference!
Music has always been an important part of my life. My Dad is particularly fond of music, and I was surrounded by good music from the start. My Dad is a big collector of music, starting from his teens in the teen club on an air force base, he has evolved his library and listening technology. He has found good music from all times and genres. In fact, because of this, I never really had a favorite kind of music as a kid. I had favorites from all genres of music! It’s really fun to listen to music with my Dad, as he has an extensive library of music, and continues to grow it as he finds good music to add. I have great memories of listening and dancing with my Daddy to many great songs! When it comes to music, my Dad has always been one of my greatest resources.
As I grew up, music was a part of my academic life as well. I joined choirs, played the clarinet in band, and loved participating in musical plays in school and the community. I absolutely loved school and church dances, and even had my first date with Anthony at a school dance! Music touched my life and helped me grow up into a better, more compassionate person. I fell in love with and to music in a real way!
Just like me, my children were introduced to music from the first. It was wonderful raising children with music. We encouraged our girls to learn and participate in music and dance. They all started piano lessons young with their Aunt Ginger. All my girls play stringed instruments (viola, cello, and violin) as well as piano. In high school, Katelynn played in the electric rock orchestra as well as the regular orchestra, Amanda was also in the choir, and Annalyse also spent some time on the dance team. We’ll just say that I went to a lot of concerts and performances with music! It has impacted our lives greatly, and provided for some wonderful opportunities!
Now that my girls are grown, they continue loving and participating in music and dance. Katelynn continues playing her viola in the symphony and loves listening to music, and Amanda still plays her cello and has gotten pretty heavily into social dancing/ ballroom dancing as well. Annalyse always has music playing, and goes dancing sometimes too. Another fun musical element that has touched our lives recently is the learning of old musical instruments because of family influence. It’s been really fun to see Katelynn learning the harmonica lately, as my Dad plays the harmonica very well and I have many happy memories of him playing it! Amanda wants to learn the banjo because she started a folk band at BYU and knows her Great Grandpa George Thompson played it. It’s interesting to see how music continues to affect the next generation! Music divides generations as well as gathers them together. There is nothing quite like music!
In conclusion, I hope this inspires the music in you! All of us have musical stories that inspire and help build us up. I hope and pray that, just like me, the music in YOUR life touches your soul, brings happiness, and also bridges the generational gaps that sometimes happen! Sending hugs and good wishes!
— Heidi
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