Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Kids And Music And Books. A Pretty Good Remedy

Today was another day of sheer knuckle-whitening as I held on and did what needed to be done. The anxiety was almost overwhelming but I took my walk, I went to Publix, I made our supper for tonight. A huge pot of the squash and sweet potato and cashew goodness that we love so much and a beautiful loaf of sourdough.
I got the supper ready early because we were to attend first a book fair and then a concert of Gibson's at the his and Owen's school this evening.
Mr. Moon got home early and we drove to the school which is not very far from where we live, actually, and met up with the Hartmann's and tried to help the boys pick out their books and then they picked the ones they wanted and Magnolia got one too. While we were there I asked Gibson how it was going with Aida, the little girl he told the Beauty Parlor lady all about when they spent the night.
"Are you in love?" I asked.
"Yes," he said.
But she's been sick lately and so he hasn't been able to woo his lady.
"Maybe tomorrow," he said wistfully.
"I hope so, I told him."
Then it was time for the concert and off we went to the cafetorium.
I have attended quite a few events in this room in the past four years and I have to say it's one of the most boring spaces I've ever been in. White walls, fluorescent lights. One wall with something inspirational written on it.
Tables. Chairs.
The end.
The stage does have red velvet-like curtains so that's a treat.

Anyway, here's a picture Lily asked me to take of her and her Mini-Me before the house lights dimmed.


Owen sort of hates that and sort of loves it.

Now. If you recall, Owen hates performing with every molecule of his being. Not only does he hate performing, he can't bear watching anyone else he knows do it. It's always been a part of who he is. As I've said before, even when he was a very young sprout, if any of us started singing or dancing he'd say, "Stop it! Stop it!" 
So when the stage curtains opened the there was his brother on the top row and the singing began and Gibson was doing what Gibson does which is to give it his all, Owen almost lost his mind. He hid his head in his mother's bosom. 
But Gibson was having the time of his life. 


He sang with gusto! He sang with full and generous expression! He sang with joy! 
The concert's theme seemed to center on hearts which is appropriate in that Valentine's Day is coming up. The songs were all about inclusivity and love for our fellow humans and it was sweet. 


Between that and Maggie sitting on my lap and then hopping off and then coming back to sit again and talking to Owen I found myself in a completely different headspace. I felt cheered and far less anxious. I felt...better. 
I swear, just a few hours ago I contemplated calling Lily to tell her that I just couldn't make it tonight. 
I am so glad I didn't. 

Now we're home and I'm heating up the soup and will slice the bread. 

We shall see what tomorrow brings. 

Love...Ms. Moon




21 comments:

  1. Look at all those wonderful children. How can you not smile!

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  2. I wonder what that is - that not liking it when someone sings. My youngest son is like that -- just hated it when I went around the house singing, as I do. It's not like I can't carry a tune. It's not like I sing opera at the top of my lungs. Hm. At least now I know he's not the only one! -Kate

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    1. No. It's not just your son. And I can remember feeling much the same way as a teenager when a boyfriend of mine would sing. I would never show or admit it but my god, I cringed inside so hard. I feel bad about that now.

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  3. Oh, I am so happy for you, and Gibson! I hope that Owen will be okay. Singing is something I miss doing. Have a sweet night.

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  4. How well I remember these events. Gibson! Such gusto! So funny how different he and Owen are. My husband is a bit like Owen. He had to be brave at his children’s staged events. The kids were fine.

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    1. That's funny! And the thing is, you cannot possibly hear one child over another. The recorded accompaniment makes sure of that. But with Gibson, you can FEEL him singing. I love it. And I love Owen for just showing up and standing up.

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  5. Dearest Mary-My sister is coming to my birthday party and she is soooo anxious. I've figured out that she must have, needs to be living where she does, out in the country. Because her nervous system can't handle cities and noise and chaos.

    Bless you for getting yourself to the concert with your sweet grandbabies. Glad it was worth it.

    I love you,

    Beth

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    1. She must love you a million tons's worth, Beth. And like with me last night- I am sure she will find it worthwhile to be there.
      Love back to you!

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  6. It is interesting that you are allowed to take photos of the kids performing. In UK it is strictly forbidden to take photos at school performances. Glad you mentioned soup......I ned to get some home made out of the freezer for lunch! Have a good day. x

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    1. EVERYONE was filming. It's sort of ridiculous.

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  7. what a great picture of Gibson with the spotlight illuminating his white shirt...he just glows. I bet you could hear his voice over all the others.

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    1. If you could have heard any of the kids' voices over any others, it would have been Gibson's. But the recorded accompaniment sort of drowns out the individuals. But his presentation was the loudest!!

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  8. I'm glad you're feeling better today and Gibson looks like he's singing his heart out. But oh Lordy I remember those school events. There was always one kid who was so totally out of tune but had the loudest voice of the whole lot - and good luck to him/her. Why not!

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    1. Yes, unfortunately that is so often the case. God love 'em all though, right?

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  9. I'm so glad you went and that it helped. It's SO funny how dramatically different Owen and Gibson are. It really makes you wonder what's programmed in kids from the get-go and what they acquire along the way. Nature or nurture -- you know?

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    1. I swear- they come out of the womb the way they are in so many ways. I used to believe in nurture far more than I did nature until I had actual children.

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  10. Children's performances are magic. I got a huge kick out of Owen sort of hating and sort of loving his picture with his mother. They really do look so much alike.

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    1. Owen's just a hoot. And it's stunning how much he looks like his mama these days.

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