For all the cracking wise and exhaustions and glasses of wine, most of us are grateful for the warm memories. And this guest post from Don Schlienz captures that nostalgia. It is comforting for those of us still in the world of little kids, or those of us surviving the teenage years – all together now, exhale. It’s also nice to know that it’s not our imagination, we really do remember some bits and pieces forever. They become part of our mental repertoire, like the muscle memory of driving a stick shift or riding a bicycle.
Bedtime Stories and Lullabies
Don Schlienz (on right, in glasses) sings Bass 1, and is a frequent soloist. (image by Jim King)
“Once upon a time, there lived a (fill in the blank)…and they lived happily ever after.”
“Hush, little baby, don’t say a word
Mama’s gonna buy you a mockingbird…”
Silly stories and nonsense rhymes, told and sung by a loving adult to a small child, a toddler, a baby. Meant to comfort and calm, and help young ones to ease into sleep. Many times done from the steady back and forth of a rocking chair, or told while lying together on a bed. The voice is warm and familiar. The blanket is soft and snuggly. A teddy bear or favorite doll is held close by. The light is low. The night outside the window is dark and threatening, but there is security and safety in the ritual. [Read more…]
