Taking Tea in the Kasbah



This past year has been a tough one for me. Tough parenting-wise, tough career-wise, and tough health-wise.  One of the ways that I’ve seen myself through the tough times is by seeking out things that bring me joy and laughter.

Over the past few years, one of the things I have enjoyed doing is listening to acapella music groups.  I am always amazed at how they are able to create the sounds of an entire band and then blend that with lyrics using only their voices.

My favorite group to listen to is On The Rocks, the male acapella group from the University of Oregon. (As a U of O alum, I’ll admit I have a soft spot for them already built in.)  These guys seem to have such a genuine love of music and they convey that in every performance I’ve ever seen.

Like this one from NBC’s The Sing Off (2010):

Yes, it’s a bit of a cheesy song and not their most antic-filled performance, but I think the lead singer really nails it.

Then there’s this rendition of Billy Joel’s Lullabye, performed during one of OTR’s Free Friday shows in the student union, that makes me want to hug and rock my children to sleep every time I hear it:

My favorite, though, is this last one.  Because what could be better than a bunch of college guys singing and dancing like Lady Gaga?

<Note: There’s a tiny bit of swearing in the lyrics about half way through – a minor thing, really, but I thought I should point it out in case you are listening to it around young children.>

What brings you joy and laughter when times get tough? What are the little things you do for yourself to get through those dark moments? I’d love to hear.

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11 thoughts on “Laughter and Joy in Bad Romance

  1. Love your addition of the music and yes for me – it’s such a necessary part of life. When I’m feeling low or I need to think something through, I like to head into one of my many gardens – I’m happy there if I’m doing nothing but pulling weeds or some other maintenance item.

    • I love being in my garden, too. I can spend hours pulling weeds, moving plants, and pruning. It’s very calming and restorative.

  2. Music can definitely lift my mood … or my kids giggles. Well, really any child’s giggles. And my dogs — especially the ornery one that irritates me the most because in the midst of her antics I can see the pure fun and love she has for life.

  3. This was a delight! When I need to recharge I walk, window shop, watch the ocean, read a book out of my genre.

  4. Pingback: Sara Walpert Foster » The Mash-up: Stoddard, Kenner, Sapir, Clayton

  5. Okay, Bad Romance is my favorite Lady Gaga song, and this version kills it. They are so so good. I took the liberty of linking your blog post to Facebook cuz I’ve got a lot of choir geek friends that will LOVE the video.
    Thanks!
    Liv

    • Thanks for the link, Liv! They really do a great job with Bad Romance – I actually like their version better than Lady Gaga’s! (Or maybe it’s because I’ve heard OTR’s version many more times…) Seeing them perform it in person is even better.

  6. When I’m in a really bad mood, for no apparent reason, I just need to be alone. Seriously alone. Without the pressure of “Maybe my husband will come up to talk or snuggle” or “my daughter needs me in an hour to do this or that” or “the dishes are piled up in the sink, and I have to make dinner, and I should really vacuum…”

    I just need quiet and uninterrupted time alone. Uninterrupted by thoughts or banter or expectations. Just me and my book or a piece of paper and pen or my iPad…usually something related to writing or reading.

    No music. No TV. Just. Me.

    Great video clip BTW. 🙂

    • I know what you mean about needing alone time. The absence of expectations and conversation and noise helps me tremendously, too.

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