Original tip 29: Radios

 29. The radio is still a great option, so are cassette players for those of us who still have them, so are records and turntables. Vinyl records can be valuable collectibles, but they are still affordable in various types of conditions. Or, if you play an instrument, get it out and dust it off. Pay attention to the composers, to how things are composed, see what different types of genres and music the composer has written, for what instrument. These are vocations in themselves, and interest nearly everyone. Take a survey and ask friends family, students, etc., what types of music they like, and you will find we are all amateur experts in certain types of music. Sharing that knowledge is one of they joys of everyday living.

I still love listening to the radio, to all kinds of things.  When I had Sirius, I was in heaven, and even got on via an email the Early Morning Live Show on the Martha Stewart channel.

Listening to the news on the way home from work was a great way to unwind.  I used to listen to old radio shows when I worked on miniatures and crafts at my kitchen table.  I could concentrate, but had something fun to listen to.  The classical station saved me during law school.

When my mentor Dr. Tweet was alive, I was privileged to be on his radio show, Scribble, with Senator Don Wooten, the other host. I d id Art Talks with my friend, the late Bruce Carter, read poems, and was a radio guest on the Sean Moncrieff show.  I would gladly do my own radio show.  I love it because I find TV can be distracting.  It demands that you look, when I'd rather listen.

I have a dear friend in his 90s who loves his VCR and videos, and also loves records and music.  He is a talented artist and singer who even sang with Sinatra and who knew many stars through his father, an actor and lawyer to many stars.

When my cousin died last week, I listened to two of her 45s.  She was a budding star when she was young, and sang with a band. It was a comfort to hear her beautiful voice and remember the times she took our her guitar and sang live for me.  I have my old cassettes, and a cassette player at home, and my records and CDs.  

I still play the piano, take lessons, and do music theory.  It relaxes me and grounds me; it is structure that I can count on, and supports everything I do.