What’s Ringing In A Belle’s Ears?
I’ve always been amazed at how music can take you to another place. For me, this started at a young age. For as long as I can remember, my sister and I LOVED to perform… and we were quite the entertainers. Some of my best childhood memories are of us dancing around in the den with our friend, Erin, singing into hairbrushes (remote controls, markers, you name it).
I don’t know if other kids did this as much as we did. Part of me imagines my mother in her early thirties, completely overwhelmed with two rambunctious little girls trying to get her attention as she studied for one of her night classes. I can see her looking up and telling us, “Why don’t you two go put together a musical performance? I’ll come watch when I’m finished studying!” And I can imagine how relieved she was when we took the bait enthusiastically and went back into the den to plan our fabulous production. It’s really genius when I think about it… and I highly recommend this to my abundance of friends who are about to embark on parenthood. Not only did it get us out of our mom’s hair, but we developed these HUGE imaginations and likely a confidence in our raw talents that allowed us to be less fearful when it came time to audition for the school play, try out for cheerleader, or express ourselves in any number of ways.
Years later, I remember going to my sorority formal with The (Baseball) Player, and slow dancing to “The Dance” by Garth Brooks. I could hardly breathe as I tried to fight back the tears without letting him see me. It was one of those moments in life where time stood still. Instantly I knew that moment would always remain crystal clear in my memory. And it has. That memory, that song, signifies so many things to me. My first love, my first heartbreak… but also a time in my life where I was free spirited and independent, while still so naive. When I hear that song, I’m transported back to that moment and I vividly remember all the emotions which defined that period in my life. Now, it brings a smile to my face because I’m grateful for those experiences.
For the most part, now I rotate playlists based on my moods. Rather than a certain song signifying a pivotal moment, I’ll create a playlist of songs to accompany whatever is going on in my life at the time. I’ve got playlists for practicing yoga, working at my office, to help me fall asleep, to play while looking at stars on my balcony… and yes, I’ve even created my fair share of “breakup mixes” too. (Cringe)
Today though, I just threw together some of my all-time favorites. To no surprise, 30 seconds into the first song I was giving an energetic performance in my living room. Henry started turning circles and prancing around too. I figured I’d share today’s playlist and with my fellow Belles in case any of you felt like dancing around your living rooms. Do you have any special songs or good playlists to share? As always, feel free to post a comment or email me at Belle@IndependentBelle.com. Look forward to hearing what you’re listening to!
- There Goes The Fear – Doves
- The Tracks Of My Tears – Smokey Robinson
- The Heart Of Life – John Mayer
- I Just Called To Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder
- Goddamn Lonely Love – Drive-By Truckers
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder
- Ain’t Too Proud To Beg – The Temptations
- Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
- America – Simon & Garfunkle
- Baby, I Love You – Aretha Franklin
- Part Time Lover – Stevie Wonder
- Cecilia – Simon & Garfunkle
- Yellow – Coldplay
- Say You Love Me – Fleetwood Mac
- Respect – Aretha Franklin
On August 25th, 2010 at 3:00 pm Mandy Piechocki said:
I am digging this playlist!! I might need you to make me a mixed tape! ha ha! Love you!
On August 25th, 2010 at 3:13 pm Independent Belle said:
Oh, I know you know ALL about the mix tapes… we probably made a fair share at each other’s houses. And heck, we probably recycled each other’s “break up” mixes. Different guy, same damn story.
On August 25th, 2010 at 3:43 pm Elaine said:
As my soul sister I am not surprised about the diversity in your list. I guess if I made a play list ( I usually just do shuffle mode because my mood changes pretty fast) it would be songs that are either about strong women or how are sung by a strong woman.
Hit me with your best shot and heartbreaker by Pat Benatar,
The Chain and Golddust woman by Fleetwood Mac.
Barracuda and Magic man by Heart,
Leather and Lace and Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks.
Sorry but I am stuck in the late 70′s and early 80′s when it comes to music.
On August 25th, 2010 at 3:56 pm Independent Belle said:
Ah, Soul Sister… I am stuck in the 70′s and 80′s much of the time too, those are great choices! If only there were a way to upload all my records to my iTunes. Stevie Nicks is my FAVORITE!!! Cheers for strong women (i.e. Independent Belles)!
On August 25th, 2010 at 4:08 pm Carol said:
Just let me know if you want me to upload a video of those performances! You bring a tear to my eye! -Love you, Mom
On August 25th, 2010 at 4:18 pm Independent Belle said:
I actually thought about posting a video or at least a picture that captured one of our “concerts”! One that comes to mind is Alison and I singing a song (I forget what) and our whole performance consisted of us singing and skipping from one side of the room to the other. I remember watching the video and thinking how hard it must have been to tape AND watch. The camera was going back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. Of course, I guess you got to watch the performance during “dress rehearsal”… because I remember we ALWAYS had a dress rehearsal. Good memories!
On August 25th, 2010 at 6:07 pm Ali Maxwell said:
HEY! Wait a minute mom! Let’s not go posting any embarrasing singing and dancing videos before we get to view them first! I can just see Laura and I being the laughing stock of youtube if one gets out! Haha! I do remember so many memories of our “performances.” Hey, Sis… remember the “keyboard?” I think a bottle of wine and some old videos could provide hours of entertainment for us next time we’re both at Mom and Dad’s! We need to plan that… then hide them from Mom and the rest of the world!!!
On August 25th, 2010 at 6:23 pm Independent Belle said:
Oh my, the keyboard… I nearly forgot!!! And I’m tempted to get a flight down there for some vino and VHS viewing! We’ll have to ask dad where he hides his The Price Is Right tape so we can keep all the embarrassing videos together! LOL
On August 25th, 2010 at 6:46 pm Carol said:
You just set me up to say: “Come on Down!” I’m going to find the video and will report back on the musical selection to the ‘back & forth’ performance. (Then try to wash that tune out of your head for the next week.)
On August 26th, 2010 at 2:09 pm Erin said:
That is a very good idea, Belle, and I’m DEFINITELY going to use it when the little one gets big enough. Those are great memories for me too, and I’m so glad that you still turn to music for all sorts of reasons. Me too…xoxo E
On August 26th, 2010 at 2:21 pm Independent Belle said:
Erin!!! I’m so glad you saw the post… and I’m SO grateful that we are still close after so many years. We should get together for a night of “remote control microphone” singing with Liliana. She’ll likely think we’re crazy, but I bet early exposure increases the chances of her following in our footsteps!! Love you!