Simple Pleasures

Let's face it. Sometimes I can't wait until Saturday night to call up my few single remaining girlfriends, doll ourselves up, and go out for a crazy night of adventure! Who doesn't? However, there are those rare Saturdays where you don't want to do anything, and it turns out you do a whole lot of it and it is more amazing than the inevitable aftermath of a night out with the girls (ie. sore feet from dancing in fancy heels).

This Saturday was just that for me. My aforementioned single girlfriends are out of town, and it's a nice rainy day. I woke up and read, then, I watched some US Open.
Later, my mother prepared a delicious "carne con papas" including a new ingredient: carrots! What a hit! For her and me. My father not a fan. Then I went and listened to my ipod on shuffle, how great! All the songs where lazy Saturday kind of songs, not too new, not too fast, not to going out-sy. Great vibe. Took a nap, woke up set the dishwasher, and sat down to write a little about how happy, calm, and relaxed I am. Turned the ipod back on, my mom has joined me on the couch. She's reading a book, I'm writing, jamming, and enjoying the simplicity of it all.

I have to admit other times this scenario might drive me up the wall. Sometimes I rather be out and CAN'T and that creates a fowl mood. But when the CHOICE is to stay in; it's a whole different scene.

Sometimes on nights like these, I like to go out on my balcony barefoot and rock myself gently on the ratty chairs my parents have out there. I listen to the sounds of life as it passes by or I watch it through the soundtrack of my ipod. I feel that when things are shitty, if I take a moment to let silence simmer, it sets a different tone in me and things usually get better.

Also, I sometimes can't decide what I like better, the sound of music or complete silence. I love sitting in the dark in my living room completely quiet except for the low hum of the fridge and the air-conditioner. But music paints such a pretty picture.

I love music. I love how there's so much of it, I love how diverse. I love how it transcends time. I listen to the music my parents heard as kids, the music American boys and girls heard BEFORE my parent's time, I listen to what I liked growing up and music I get introduced to now. It's ineffable! Throw a couple Disney soundtracks and whoo! I'm transported. My mother gets upset because I seem to go elsewhere being right in her presence.

Maybe tomorrow this laid-back mood will continue. It might and maybe I'll kick it up a bit by singing. A passion of mine as people who paint pull out easels on Sunday morning and are inspired by a sunrise, or a writer types up a short story or essay. I wish I didn't have crippling stage fright, I may have pursued a career in it. I guess someday it might change, I don't want to get all American Idol on you suddenly. Until then, I'll continue to receive the kind words from those who have had the rare chance to listen to me regail them with my voice. I always like to think that the fairies who gave Princess Aurora her 3 gifts also gave me the gift of song!

Who knows- maybe you could be the next to hear me and tell me what you think!
Since that's unlikely for now, I guess I'll just keep singing in the closet. Literally. It's so refreshing, exhilerating and liberating. That will be my to-do list for tomorrow. "Listen to music and sing."

What could be a better rainy weekend?