Finding joy
Friday night – I’m days behind in posting this, I know – we went to a Graham Platner for US Senate Town Hall in a nearby town.
When we got there, these two musicians were playing. The most foot-stompin’, hand-clappin’ music. So enjoyable and helped me let go of the unsolvable problems of political, social, environmental and every other aspect of life. They played for a long time. A film crew was setting up to make a video of the event and it took them quite awhile. I didn’t mind because it was such good energy.
Once the film crew was ready, Graham joined them. The three guys knew each other, hometown boys. The whole event had such a grass-roots, local feeling. Really special. They all look very somber in the photo below, probably because they were performing “Whose Side are you on?,” a famous labor union song. I looked up some background on the song – it was written by Florence Reece in 1931 during the Harlan County, KY, mining conflict.
The event pulled me out of a slump and I allowed myself to enjoy it. Graham’s speech was great, being part of the crowd was great. I felt the wisdom of enjoying the moment, enjoying the togetherness, regardless of what the future might bring.
And here’s the tassel of my finished Melt the Ice Hat. Already a number of people have complimented me on the hat. And I’m almost done with a second one!
Catherine~ Isn’t it amazing how much we can be moved by music?! Perhaps we need lots more of it! I like the hat. It looks so fuzzy-warm!
Be well
You’re right! I don’t go to many concerts. Come to think of it, I really prefer this small type of gathering, where you can really feel like part of a cohesive group.
I’m jealous … I went to a rally for James Talarico, who is running for US Senate in Texas … there was a noticeable lack of energy which could have been much improved with some music (ironically, the event was held in a music venue)
That’s too bad! These musicians have attended many of Graham’s town halls, and it really makes it feel like a party.
We all need good energy: music, coming together to stand for Democracy is that energy as well as wearing a Melt Ice hat…it all helps to hold onto what can be elusive at times, Hope. So I thank you Catherine for this uplifting post. I don’t have a Melt Ice hat but I do have a little cardboard sign right by my front door. I drew a golden sun in one corner with rays shining down on the words, Melt ICE…brings me strength every time I leave and come back and see it by my front door. It is a sister to my year old Hands Off Democracy sign. All who visit and deliver packages can see these signs and some even ask about them and so we talk and that is citizen participation that matters.
Every little effort is positive. I love the symbolism of Melting the Ice. So many layers of meaning, including all the actual frozen water around here right now.