Kintropy In Action

To say I enjoy and collect music is an understatement.  I worked in music retail for over 13 years, amassing a collection of vinyl and compact discs bound by Beatles, Bowie, and many, many bands of the 80s.  Music has been a constant throughout my life.  It has always been there for me:  no matter what else was going on.

So you can imagine my celebration of my kids' musical awakening.  In Hannah's case, it's been clear from Day One that she is destined to lead a band someday.  She's got the 'doo and the 'tude, and she knows no fear.

I wasn't sure that Gabriel would follow her example.  He's had a more casual relationship with music to date.  Music has competed with tv and video games and, often, lost his interest in comparison.

Two nights ago, I cruised by Gabriel's room.  I had just gotten him his new mp3 player, and he had set it to play him to sleep.  Of course, when I walked by, he wasn't sleeping.  He was dancing around his room, singing in his loudest voice:  "So let me introduce to you!  The act you've known all these years!  Sgt. Peppers' Lonely Hearts Club Band!"

I was thrilled.  The following night (last night), Gabriel and I gave Hannah an improptu concert in the family room, plugging in his player and singing along to Gabriel's current favorites ("While My Guitar Gently Weeps", "Is There Something I Should Know", and "Hungry Like the Wolf").  Hannah was thrilled.  She clapped.  She danced.  She stared eagerly at my mouth between sets.

It's nice to see both my kids embracing music, particularly my music.  I know that it won't last forever.  One day, they will come home with a music that is too loud, too dissonant, too - something.  For now, though, I'm going to kick back and enjoy the moment.  And maybe dig something new-to-the-kids out of my vinyl collection.

-- Dad