Love Letter #7 ~ Sounds of Life

Dear Self,

It’s summer. I love this time of the year. Warm weather, family gatherings, and music! So many beautiful sounds. In addition to sounds like birds singing, dogs barking, and kids splashing, my neighbors play music I don’t often hear. Yet, the baseline quakes and my body responds, moving to the beat as unsolicited music permeates the air. The beat could be from a summer anthem, an oldie, or something new. The style could be neo-soul, rock, country, reggae, jazz, rap–it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that the rhythm moves my body.

Although I listen to music all year long, I think the summertime amplifies the hustle and bustle of life, as people spend more time outdoors—participating in concerts, festivals, sports and other forms of entertainment. Occasionally, I hear a song from my youth and I am transported to another time. Listening to the words and the melody is like a glass of strawberry lemonade on a hot day: sweet and refreshing. Some songs remind me of people that were once a part of my life, and the fun things we used to do. Other tunes remind me of love long forgotten.

Interestingly, if I can determine the year a song debuted, I can pinpoint what was occurring in my life at that time. So, I think that it is safe to say that songs are like markers in my life, helping me remember who I used to be. For instance, some ditties remind me of the freedom I felt as a young adult when I had few obligations and responsibilities, but many adventures and discoveries. I treasure the songs that trigger such memories. Sometimes, I wish I could travel back to those days. Maybe make different choices. Maybe not.

So, now I have about a good seventy-five days to rock out in the sunshine before Mother Nature starts slowing things down. That means keeping my ears open to both new and familiar melodies that will mark this summer as one to remember. I wonder if other people get excited about summer and the sounds of life the way that I do?

Thank you for listening.

Self