Thought for the day - January 13, 2000

Subject: Thought for the day - January 13, 2000
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Jan 01 - 11:49 PM

From my Grandmother Flora's memoirs:

She is talking about the early days in Boulder, Colorado and the surrounding area

In Longmont lived a jolly fat musician. He had only one leg, but that did not keep him from getting around the country. He soon came through organizing a music class. He had pupils from Longmont to Louisville -- three of them from our house -- Ida, Myrta and Anna.

He came once a week, always reaching our house at noon. We did not mind, for always after dinner he entertained us with his music. He could make the organ shiver and shake. He would pull out all the stops and spread out the bellows, then push them in as he played. He had a good voice and would sometimes sing a rousing song such as "The Hare and the Hounds."

This was applied on our music lessons. He gave the girls an hour each which took most of the afternoon. He also gave them vocal lessons. He made them put wooden pegs between their teeth to keep their mouths open while they sang. I would never leave the house while he was there, for I was fascinated with his music.

One day when he was beating time for the lesson I slipped behind the door (out of sight, I thought) and began waving my arms beating time just as he did. He happened to look that way and saw me. His hearty laugh just rolled, and I ran. He told Mother he would like to give me lessons free of charge if she would let him. He had spoiled it all by laughing at me. I would not go near him after that. That was the only chance I ever had to become a musician.

© 1983 Youmans/Hudson Family Trust All Rights Reserved

I might add that Flora made sure all of her children had music lessons and she had a beautiful voice, herself. Every one of her children, my mom included, were wonderful musicians.

kat

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - January 13, 2000
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jan 01 - 03:50 AM

Oops! While I meant to go back in time with the message, I didn't mean to in the title. Sorry about that!

kat

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - January 13, 2000
From: Morticia
Date: 13 Jan 01 - 06:04 AM

Would you have a date for these writings, Kat? Isn't it interesting how one wrong word or gesture can have such a devasting effect....particularly on the very sensitive young? I was always told I couldn't sing....perhaps in jest, I don't know, but I believed it for many years.Deprived me of the experience of music making for half my life.

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - January 13, 2000
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jan 01 - 10:34 AM

They came to Colorado when Flora was quite young, in a covered wagon. She was born in 1878, so I would guess the time she is speaking of was about 1882 or so; she started school at six, so I think it had to be before that.

A couple of years ago, I think we had a thread either on that or we got off on it: people telling others whether they were capable of making music or not. Bunch of crap, imo, glad you found your voice, Mortee; they obviously didn't know what they were talking about!

kat

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - January 13, 2000
From: Midchuck
Date: 13 Jan 01 - 11:12 AM

People who tell little kids they can't sing, just because they can't hold pitch yet, and make them afraid to try, should be castrated with a dull chain saw.

I don't know what you'd do to the female ones...it might involve a roto-rooter.

P.

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - January 13, 2000
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Jan 01 - 01:45 PM

People who tell their kids that they can't do anything deserve the same fate, Midchuck. Pigs can so fly - we have a Song Challenge to prove it.

Kat,
You are so lucky to have these stories to cherish. I have one picture and one recording of my grandmother singing and a lot of "tales" but no way of verifying them. She had the strongest influence on my life and I barely know her.

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - January 13, 2000
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jan 01 - 02:07 PM

Mary, lucky for us that Flora fell and broke her arm when in her 70's. That when she decided to pen all of her memories of early times. My aunt typed them up in later years and we do enjoy them, very much.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - January 13, 2000
From: Amergin
Date: 13 Jan 01 - 02:26 PM

Oh, kat, that is wonderful...My gramma's been writing her memoirs lately, and I can't wait to read them....I just wish we could have had the stories of my late aunts and uncles...used to sit by them and listen to their tales....

My greatgrandparents (Ellis) used to play for dances and such around Blackfoot, Idaho....and the surrounding areas...

Amergin

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - January 13, 2000
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jan 01 - 06:20 PM

Amergin, that's GREAT that your gramma is writing stuff down! It is such a treasure to have a *hard copy* of such memories.

Thanks, darlin'...

kat