Modest Contemplations of a Logophile

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Isn’t it interesting how in dreams, instead of your surroundings triggering your emotions, your immediate feelings alter your view on the place you’re in? In your dreams, a situation doesn’t have to be logical to make sense or be fully understood without observation. It’s almost the same feeling you get while listening to music. If you think about it, no one ever said high, fast music was supposed to be happy. No one ever said quieter, slow music was supposed to be sad. I wonder if the same part of your mind or even your soul is responsible for these two separate things. I like to get lost in either one. I suppose that’s one of many reasons I can’t do both all the time; I wouldn’t want to come back. It’s like when people come back from trips while on drugs or go to heaven and come back. Though the two cannot be compared in perhaps any other way, they share resemblance in that instance. Dear readers (if there are any of you out there), these are the thoughts that fill my mind when I have excess thinking time.

Ohhh music music music — I love the stuff! I suppose it’s ironic in some ways since I can neither sing nor play any instruments. I think that’s one of the true joys of music, though. You don’t have to participate in it that way to enjoy it. Music can be felt by, understood by, related to, and expressed by all. Of course, I readily confess to being someone who, despite lack of skill, sings all the time around the house (sometimes complete with dance moves). Hooray for not being in denial! If my brain was a radio, it would constantly be on the random station. I will sing multiple songs within the same small window of time that have no real connection whatsoever. Phantom of the Opera here, some children’s show theme song from my early years there, pop somewhere in the middle, you name it. Plus, you know that annoying thing that radio stations do when they get a new song that’s a big hit and they play it like 24/7 for several weeks? Well, I suppose I’m like the radio in that regard as well; when I find a new song that I really like, I’ll play it a million times in a row for a while and sing it until I’m burnt out on it. Yep, I daresay I like the random station. :)

Alright, I’m not so sure I can be entirely objective on this subject not having experienced the actual decade for myself. However, perhaps that’s the beauty of enjoying the fifties sixty years later- you have the opportunity to recreate the fun aspects while not having your image spoiled by harsh realities!

So firstly, I adore the fashion of the fifties: polka-dot dresses with cardigans, gentlemen dressing like just that- gentlemen- no need to sing pants on the ground here. Furthermore, let us not forget how everyone had their hair parted and slicked back in any given direction. :P Yes, this was most certainly in my mind a finer point of the decade.

Secondly, I loved some of the music from back then, more coming out of the 40’s. My favorites are the well-knowns such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby, and maybe a little Andrews Sisters in between. :) I am proud to have each of these and more on my MP3 player.

Thirdly, Audrey Hepburn. Need I say more?

Lastly, I appreciate all the hard work that centered around the family life. Women cooked good American food for their families, family values were actually valued, people actually spent time together when they weren’t working or at church (which people actually did then as well), etc. Yes, in my mind, correct or not, the 50’s are quite lovely. :)

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My family had guests over for dinner this evening. I thoroughly enjoyed myself for the entirety of their visit. You know you have good company when your tiredness is forgotten, and everything outside your conversation or present activity seems irrelevant. Of course, I just love people in general. I’m pretty sure if there is no personal interaction intersparsed into my corporate life in future, a part of me will die. Speaking of friends, I think I’ll ask all my friends I might mention here for a name they’d like to be called instead of using their real names. It’ll be safer; besides, who doesn’t want an alter ego, right?! It’ll be like the Dragnet intro- “The story you are about to see is true; the names have been changed to protect the innocent”

Referring back to dinner, we had something wonderful for dessert! You guessed it- fondue! Yes, the well-loved way of eating that doubles as fishing. Of course, this fondue had to be chocolate. Needless to say, I was very happy. I didn’t realize that it was as new in America as the 50’s when tourists found it in Switzerland. I truly do (or should I say due…har har har) find new reasons to love that decade all the time. *sigh*

I’ve never been entirely very good about being consistent with anything of this sort, however, I’ve had little bits of inspiration here and there, so here goes- I shall attempt to keep a running blog. *insert gasp here*

On a separate note, God bless our nation today as we remember the victims and events of 9/11/2001. “From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.” Acts 17:26

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