My grandmother introduced me to a love of music at their theater in Washington, Ga., when she took me to see Singing in the Rain with Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds. Of course the pianist at their big Methodist church amazed me too.  And then we moved to Jackson, Georgia and that Methodist church had a huge organ plus a grand piano with a very talented musician. I appreciated the music director taking me under her wing to teach me more beautiful hymns. 

  So glad when Norman helped me buy my electric Yamaha piano. I can punch buttons to change it to other instruments and add background beats too. I bought lots of books full of past and present joys and loved it when I found the music for “Tomorrow” which reminded me of that wonderful Annie movie.  And then, along came the Henry Players and the Performing Arts Center right next door to the Henry Hilton. PTL! I watched “Dirty Dancing,” “West Side Story,” “Singing in the Rain” plus lots more. 

  I grew up loving Christmas carols, and always enjoy learning the latest Mt. Bethel cantata. This year it’s a combo of all my favorite December songs, plus some I’m just now learning. I slip a CD into the Camry’s slot and off we go to do some shopping and then for my afternoon swim, listening and learning as I drive.

  I enjoy the oldies, country, rock and everything I hear on 92.1 as I’m doing housework, cooking, and relaxing. They play my favorite gospel songs on Saturday, and then I get to hear specials on Sunday morning as I listen to Jackson First Methodist while getting us ready to go to Mt. Bethel for more musical joy. We have added two new members to the choir and they blend in perfectly, plus they know most of the songs we love, and like the rest of us, are willing to learn something new.

  Music can be calming. It can take you back to another time in your life, or it can get you up and doing the twist if you know how! I can’t imagine living without hearing that joy as I go through each day. I loved it when we could go to the Square and hear bands and sometimes I take a slow drive by when I’m aware of that free joy. I once visited the Methodist church in town for their Christmas specials and another time enjoyed a sweet presentation at Shiloh Baptist church. 

  I still have a few 45 records and one 78, all with favorite music from another era; Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, and Elvis Presley. I was so happy when they came out with eight tracks and I had a small collection of those and was sad when someone snuck into our carport one night and stole the eight track player from my 1965 Chevelle. The next music amazement, they came out with was cassettes. I loved ZZ Top and Credence Clearwater Revival, and bought their wonderful albums. Then the music industry converted to CDs and of course I made sure the replacement radio in my 1997 Maxima accepted those. Just when I think I’ve got all of the music I need, I hear a new one on the radio. I fell in love with “Candy Man,” and PSY’s “Gangnam Style,” so I took a quick trip to Tanger to collect my latest amazement.

  I did learn, via Facebook, from our talented pianist about a book “Imperfect Harmony” that says singing in a choir can make you happier. As we lift up the words, our brains release dopamine; more free healing.  Wow! I used to joke that choir practice was my free Valium and I was right.