Day 22-24 movies, newspapers, and joy

Sitting with Mum in the big chair
Nibbling cookies with hot cocoa
Outside snow descends
We watch Arsenic and Old Lace
Delighted by the wackiness, I laugh
Already knowing I loved this film
Yes, I remember that snow day.

Arsenic and Old Lace was both zany and dark, and Cary Grant played the role of Mortimer Brewster to comedic perfection. Mortimer had a doozy of a dysfunctional family. I remember sitting there in my bathrobe watching the hi jinks and laughing. The movie released in September of 1944. This song was at the top of the charts that month,



Music comes not only from voice and instrument, but also from the ordinary actions and items the surround us. The sound of rain on a tin roof, icicles melting from the same roof and smashing to the ground below, the crunch in crisp carrots as you eat them are little considered music, but they are. The performers in STOMP! Live demonstrate this with verve and charm. This is called Newspapers.




I first learned about the hammered dulcimer at a science fiction convention. I was roaming the huckster's room looking at the merchandise for sale. Among all the expected comic books and light sabers are always a few sellers with something less usual. Handmade chain mail, detailed period clothing and handmade musical instruments were also on display.

The hammered dulcimer was beautiful, made with obvious care and craftsmanship. I wanted it, even though I couldn't afford it, or even play it. I lingered, then walked away, hoping it would find a good home.