Yesterday, I felt different. Happier and more optimistic, for whatever reason. I don’t really know why. I do know that music can sometimes make that difference for me; the difference between being glum or being happy.
I went to run a few errands early in the afternoon. I tried on Saturday but Target was so very busy, I walked in and walked out. Too many people, not socially distanced at all! I went home. Yesterday, since it was Monday, I figured that it would be quieter out. I know this from experience. We don’t live in a very congested area – in fact, it’s small. I know locals would disagree with me, as the region has grown in the 21 years in which we’ve lived in West Central Wisconsin. But, it is still not anywhere as congested as the suburbs of Buffalo, Newark, Delaware, or Baltimore, Maryland – all places we lived in the past. Still, I don’t appreciate crowds – especially during a pandemic! So, when I have the chance to go out when it is quieter, I do.
Yesterday, just before I left, I got a text from a friend who gave us a tip on getting a vaccine. This definitely made me optimistic. Then, as I pulled out of the driveway, I heard Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. It is a classic and beautiful song that makes one think about life and all the changes that come with living fully. I sang along.
Then, by the time I was at the road, headed onto the highway another favorite came on – What I like About You by the Romantics. This song takes me right back to college. It was a great “pub” night song and I remember dancing to it with my friends. It always makes me smile.
By the time I got to the road that leads to Walmart, The Beatles were singing Let It Be. I’ve never been a huge Beatles fan but I do like a very limited number of their songs. Let It Be is one of them. It seems like good advice, doesn’t it? Let it be! Let it be! Let it be! I remember playing this song on my flute in the 70s. Yes, I am dating myself, now! This song turned 50 years old last year and there are a ton of You Tube videos out there on it. I’ll let you choose which one to watch if you need to so so.
Lastly, on my way home, I heard True by Spandau Ballet. Again, this song was released when I was in college and I always found it soothing to listen to, especially during spring exams. I’ve never seen a video of this and was really quite surprised when I looked it up for my post! The dudes are young and in suits!
In any case, listening to music from my own past lightened my mood today. It wasn’t planned, but a random occurrence that all of these songs played while I was on my errands, making me feel even more happy that things might just be alright with the world soon. And, if they aren’t. Well, I know what to listen to!
What songs make you feel happy?
The Apples in My Orchard 
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