Everyone knows how much I adore the author Emily Giffin. Once I become infatuated with something, I dive into material to find out as many facts as I can. I learned Emily will sometimes listen to a song on repeat while she writes. (I only listen to music in the car, but it must be quiet while I write). But today I decided to put a little spin on my writing and do it the Emily Giffin way! I'm listening to a song on repeat called Reflecting Light by Sam Phillips. This song is not popular, nor would it blend into what I usually listen to, but sometimes I just fall in love with songs because the rhythm makes me think, not because the lyrics are relatable.
It is a song from my absolute favorite scene in Gilmore Girls when Luke asks Lorelai to dance. (Last time I will reference the show, I swear)! I'm a sucker for romance and had to watch this enticing moment a few times because I’m in awe of the innocent romance that unravels during the scene. Lorelai acts quirky, while Luke stares into her eyes. It is within moments that you see this amazing transformation that they have finally realized their feelings for each other. The song Reflecting Light is playing in the background and it sounds beautiful and makes me think of how times have changed.
Times change and simple things such as music change. Lyrics are not the way they used to be. My parents listened to all of the songs that we now categorize as "oldies but goodies". Some current songs involve cursing and even some movies and television shows don't promote innocence. I see how my students are growing up so fast and know things that I didn't know until a later age. Technology has completely taken over and this generation is absolutely obsessed with being on computers and talking/texting on their cell phones constantly. Sadly, the joy of reading and writing is ancient to most young adults.
Romance. How would you define it? What are you visualizing? Are you thinking about hanging out at a diner, drinking a milkshake, and listening to a jukebox play music? Probably not! That was then, what is now? Whatever image it may be for you, don’t ever let romance in your life vanish because you are stuck in your daily, busy routine. As an example, my husband and I will occasionally leave small notes for each other on the bathroom mirror when our morning schedules vary, telling each other to have a good day. Tom and I know that sweet nothings make a dull day brighter.
As a teacher, I try to open new doors for my students. As a wife, I will continue creating special moments. For myself, I read old literature, listen to a large variety of music, and watch classics. I know times will continue to change in a rapid, continuous motion….what do you do to appreciate the past and not always live in the present? Today is a day as good as any to make a change! Some advice….be romantic at any age, teach your children to listen to different decades of music, to see older movies, etc. Expose them and yourself to different eras!
A quick thank you to my mother for incorporating her generation into my own. I listened to oldies in the car with her, I watched black and white movies with her, and she gave me a gift that I still love-my very own jukebox.
Isn't it amazing how one song can make you think so much?!!
The scene from Gilmore Girls if your interested:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dhMIzc1SyA
