Some introspection, shocking, I know.
I have been thinking for a week or so about how to write what I am feeling. I probably spend way too much time looking inward, often completely oblivious to what is going on around me, so it is hard to put on virtual paper those feelings, and thoughts.
I think this roller coaster started last Saturday, as I was traveling back to Twin from a Thanksgiving weekend in Rexburg with Callie. The drive to Rexburg on Wednesday night was very interesting, with black ice from Burley to American Falls, where, thankfully, it turned to snowpack to Blackfoot. From Blackfoot on, pavement was dry, but couldn't bring myself to the 80 mph speed limit. Driving home was very peaceful, dry all the way, and sunny. I was listening to XM 80s on 8, and the VJ Top 40 countdown from that week in 1981. I was a senior in high school then, dating a girl from Oak Park High School, working at, if not fast food, then at least food. (Ponderosa on N Oak), earning sub-minimum wage. (anyone remember that?)
To me, the most powerful memory trigger is smell. The smell of perfume, the smell of soap, (and yes, around Twin, the smell of organic fertilizer being spread on snow covered fields. gross). I have been figuratively hit by a load of bricks by passing someone in a store with a certain perfume. Of course, not all those memories are good, but they are what they are.
Nearly as powerful, which is probably why it is so important in my life today, is music. The aforementioned countdown was full of memories. Bob Seger, Rolling Stones, Hall and Oats, even Olivia Newton John, I could go on, but I think the point is made. Each song triggers a memory.
Listening back in time is like a walk through the past. Hearing a marching band reminds me of painting the sousaphones white, with big red PHs in the bells, and the party we had doing it. Hearing about my early morning seminary teacher's birthday brought back those memories as well. I was so young, and so stupid in those days. Well, we were all young, then.
I watched a friend's recording of the Hallelujah Chorus tonight, and thought about singing it in Messiah. The organist had to keep pulling the stops, as the audience joined in. The building rang. I asked him if we could overpower the organ, he said "no". This was in the historic Stone Church in Independence, What a wonderful pipe organ. The recording tonight was beautiful, The sopranos and tenors were especially strong,
By the way, please don't be angry that I make stuff about me. Remember the introspective title?
I remember singing in ward choir at then Sister Browning's house. Just happy to be around such talent, Such great singers. I miss my brother Les. We didn't talk often but we had some great discussions, and he was a great teacher to me. We sang together in the bass section then. My younger brother too, until they moved away.
Right now, it seems that it is music that holds me together. I am sitting here in Idaho, a thousand miles and change from my family. I wonder why often. I try not to let it get to me, but sometimes it does. A song will change that. This week coming up, I will be singing in the stake choir in Twin Falls for the Nativity display and musical program. In two weeks, I will be directing a ward choir in testifying of the Savior's birth, and His promised return. More than anything, I can feel the Savior's love in each song. I wonder if I was part of that Heavenly Host singing to the shepherds, "Glory to God and on Earth, Peace, Goodwill towards Men". Too presumptuous? Who knows.
We were told that before He comes, the earth will be in chaos. Wars, rumors of wars. Disease, pestilence. Earthquakes, and so on. We know that at some point we will be forced to choose. The winnowing is going on, even as we speak.
I remember a general priesthood session when I was barely a deacon. Then Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles gave this counsel; Memorize a favorite hymn. When temptations arise, or when doubt creeps in, sing the hymn and it will bring you back into focus on what is right. I am blessed now, where I can actually pick the hymn based on the circumstance, but oh how that counsel is on target. Few things touch the heart and invite the Spirit of God like a hymn.
I think that is enough for tonight. Very busy tomorrow. To think that this began with the words "this is an old memphis song, old memphis song." That was the song that triggered all of the above. Do you know it?
I think this roller coaster started last Saturday, as I was traveling back to Twin from a Thanksgiving weekend in Rexburg with Callie. The drive to Rexburg on Wednesday night was very interesting, with black ice from Burley to American Falls, where, thankfully, it turned to snowpack to Blackfoot. From Blackfoot on, pavement was dry, but couldn't bring myself to the 80 mph speed limit. Driving home was very peaceful, dry all the way, and sunny. I was listening to XM 80s on 8, and the VJ Top 40 countdown from that week in 1981. I was a senior in high school then, dating a girl from Oak Park High School, working at, if not fast food, then at least food. (Ponderosa on N Oak), earning sub-minimum wage. (anyone remember that?)
To me, the most powerful memory trigger is smell. The smell of perfume, the smell of soap, (and yes, around Twin, the smell of organic fertilizer being spread on snow covered fields. gross). I have been figuratively hit by a load of bricks by passing someone in a store with a certain perfume. Of course, not all those memories are good, but they are what they are.
Nearly as powerful, which is probably why it is so important in my life today, is music. The aforementioned countdown was full of memories. Bob Seger, Rolling Stones, Hall and Oats, even Olivia Newton John, I could go on, but I think the point is made. Each song triggers a memory.
Listening back in time is like a walk through the past. Hearing a marching band reminds me of painting the sousaphones white, with big red PHs in the bells, and the party we had doing it. Hearing about my early morning seminary teacher's birthday brought back those memories as well. I was so young, and so stupid in those days. Well, we were all young, then.
I watched a friend's recording of the Hallelujah Chorus tonight, and thought about singing it in Messiah. The organist had to keep pulling the stops, as the audience joined in. The building rang. I asked him if we could overpower the organ, he said "no". This was in the historic Stone Church in Independence, What a wonderful pipe organ. The recording tonight was beautiful, The sopranos and tenors were especially strong,
By the way, please don't be angry that I make stuff about me. Remember the introspective title?
I remember singing in ward choir at then Sister Browning's house. Just happy to be around such talent, Such great singers. I miss my brother Les. We didn't talk often but we had some great discussions, and he was a great teacher to me. We sang together in the bass section then. My younger brother too, until they moved away.
Right now, it seems that it is music that holds me together. I am sitting here in Idaho, a thousand miles and change from my family. I wonder why often. I try not to let it get to me, but sometimes it does. A song will change that. This week coming up, I will be singing in the stake choir in Twin Falls for the Nativity display and musical program. In two weeks, I will be directing a ward choir in testifying of the Savior's birth, and His promised return. More than anything, I can feel the Savior's love in each song. I wonder if I was part of that Heavenly Host singing to the shepherds, "Glory to God and on Earth, Peace, Goodwill towards Men". Too presumptuous? Who knows.
We were told that before He comes, the earth will be in chaos. Wars, rumors of wars. Disease, pestilence. Earthquakes, and so on. We know that at some point we will be forced to choose. The winnowing is going on, even as we speak.
I remember a general priesthood session when I was barely a deacon. Then Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles gave this counsel; Memorize a favorite hymn. When temptations arise, or when doubt creeps in, sing the hymn and it will bring you back into focus on what is right. I am blessed now, where I can actually pick the hymn based on the circumstance, but oh how that counsel is on target. Few things touch the heart and invite the Spirit of God like a hymn.
I think that is enough for tonight. Very busy tomorrow. To think that this began with the words "this is an old memphis song, old memphis song." That was the song that triggered all of the above. Do you know it?
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