like trying to stop breathing. It’s not in my DNA!
Plato, Mozart, and me
Posted on July 6, 2010 by June
What is called music today often, to me, sounds more like a roar of rebellion or a demo of notes rolled around in the latest vocal fashion. Of course, I know this immediately sets me up as an old fogey critic. But hey, it’s not as though my definition of music is just the product of my “Donna Reed” generation. Plato said, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” And if you dismiss this as Platonic romanticism, consider Nietzsche’s assessment that “Without music life would be an error.” Plato and Nietzsche would, I feel, agree that the most brilliant musician and composer who ever lived would be the divine Mozart. He performed as a child prodigy, and continued to play and compose until he died at the tragically young age of 35. And since he was on familiar terms with many of the high and mighty of his world, won many awards and generally displayed his phenomenal gifts to the power brokers of the day, you would think he would have had a relatively comfortable life.
Not so! Mozart had a lot in common with many of us today. He overspent in order to keep up appearances. He could not obtain a position that would cover the numerous expenses of a renowned artist. Though he worked feverishly, he could not get a job with a steady income and was dependent on temporary commissions. Struggling to pay off his many creditors, he could not support himself and the young family that he dearly loved.
To add to his misery he had to live with his cruel father’s accusation that he had neglected his beloved mother when she was living with him in Paris and was responsible for her death. Sensitive and sincere behind his public mask, Mozart was pierced to the heart by such an accusation of irresponsibility.
Though I loved the beautiful movie Amadeus, I feel many have concluded that Mozart was a kind of clown as a result of seeing the film. They fail to consider the political scene in which he had to live and to understand that playing the buffoon sometimes deflected the social, paternal, and professional animosities with which he had to deal.
Mozart’s true character is written in his music. It is there that we can feel the beating of his great heart. Plato would have loved Mozart. For Mozart’s music does indeed ” give soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to everything.” Yes, Plato would have loved Mozart!
Gracious Japan
Posted on August 14, 2010 by June
Sorry to say, it has been over a month since my last entry. I had a big problem with my back as a result of sitting in one position for too long. This time I resolve to be more faithful (and take more breaks)
Recently I activated my Twitter and have expanded my follower’s list. I hope I haven’t created any problems for myself, but I’m even using my real name. Couldn’t resist expanding my world. One of my followers, a woman, writes from her home in Japan. As a result, some Tweets are in Japanese!
I have fond memories of my visit to Tokyo years ago. We stayed at the Okura and were treated like royalty. One day I wandered out on my own to explore the city and became so mesmerized that I lost my sense of direction. No problem. The first Japanese gentleman I asked walked with me until the hotel was within sight and courteously wished me a happy visit. Wherever I turned during my visit I found gracious hospitality.
Dog Days
Posted on August 15, 2010 by June
The middle of August in Chicago land. Dog days. Hot and humid. Yet having grown up in Chicago, I know such days are typical this time of the year. I remember living in what were called sun suits (think shorts with an attached bib) and downing icy, drippy Popsicles one after the other. No air-conditioning, of course.
We had a park district wading pool, into which I remember walking until the water was over my head, before I managed to have enough sense to walk out. You had to take a long bus ride before you got to a real swimming pool, and it wasn’t acceptable in our middle class neighborhood to open up a fire hydrant and frolic in its spray.
It was hot, hot, hot. Yet we had one wonderful convenience: a back screen door. It was painted white, but it was so frequently used that fingerprints and weather had more than dulled its color. Weather beaten though it was, I loved that old door. Most importantly, it welcomed kids who might come to the door and call for me to to play. And when the weather was stifling, it allowed whatever breezes existed to enter our tiny kitchenette. We now live in what some would classify as an “uppity” suburb. The neighbors have expensive aluminum back doors that can stab you in the heel if your entrance is not speedy. Not for me! One of my favorite “amenities”, and it was not easy to come by, my old fashioned, wooden, back screen door.
China and Grandma June
Posted on August 22, 2010 by June
Just a few minutes ago I viewed a discussion on cable that actually raised hope about our economic future! The basis for the optimism lay in one of the expert’s comments that contrary to fears that China’s progress will rapidly eclipse that of the U.S., China has reached the stage where they share many of the obstacles that confront us.
For example, the Chinese workers are becoming disenchanted with meager wages that barely cover living costs and are becoming more knowledgeable about environmental hazards. Added to this is the population decrease that creates fewer numbers in the work force. The interdependencies of Global Corporations were also cited. The program was Meet the Press, and one of the panelists was Niall Ferguson. The important point: China is changing so fast it is becoming much like us. Ironically, the more like us they become, the less likely it is that they will outpace us in the near future.
As for the far future? Time will tell. Well, at least there would appear to be a glimmer of hope here. I’ll settle for that!
Wheels of Steel
Posted on August 23, 2010 by June
Roller skates. Wheels of steel that served as my magic carpet to bliss and adventure. As a little girl living in an apartment building, they were my passports to the surrounding world. Mother was busy with being owner, manager, decorator, and sometime janitor in our 19 apartment building.
The building was a ticket out of the poverty of the depression for my family. Mom was iron willed that the building would not fall into foreclosure. So that left me with quite a lot of time on my own. And even when friends could not come out to play, I had my roller skates. How I looked forward to tightening the shoe clamps (the adjustable metal clamps attached to the skates), buckling the well-worn leather straps and falling into a rhythm that propelled me along the cement sidewalks.
Ah yes, the cement sidewalk. Both my nemesis and friend. I’d look forward to the patches of smooth, even blocks where I could glide along with pleasure, and braced myself for the old cobbled ones that challenged my balance. Oh yes, roller-skating on cement could be blood sport! And even after all these years, my knees have remnants of the scars to prove it.
The Organic Egg and I
Posted on August 24, 2010 by June
Since as far back as I can remember, I’ve loved eggs. Although I buy and eat only organic
