I've said for years, "food and music are two things that will always take a person back"... and it's the truth. Regardless of how old we get there is a unique type of nostalgia that relates to our taste buds and our ears. From the simplest thing, like a coke in a glass bottle, to a decadent lobster bisque. We recall fondly where we were, who we were with and the circumstances revolving that outing or visit. Music is very similar. We recall when we heard the song, what was going on; if it's in a movie, we even can recollect the scene or the feelings the score mustered.
Music and food, my 2 anchors to memories and emotions I, on occasion, forget about.
For instance, Godiva chocolates will forever remind me of my grandfather. He'd receive a box of Godiva chocolates as a gift and then run out and buy the Russell Stover's Cherry Cordials chocolates, do you know the ones? They're not great. Well, he'd meticulously sit there and unwrap each Godiva chocolate and replace them with the Russell Stover chocolate, he'd then re-wrap these counterfeits and return them to the Godiva box. He'd then place the box on his coffee table. Everyone thought he was so "nice" offering chocolates to them when they'd visit. For years, I thought Godiva chocolates were disgusting. But low and behold, one day when he wasn't paying attention (and believe me, that was rare, this guy always brought his "A" game) I saw a box of Russell Stover chocolate in the fridge and thought, "my goodness, this has to be better then the crap in the living room"... well, what do you know? They were scrumptious. Needless to say, that every time I walk by a Godiva store or even see the bar of chocolate at a check out register, I can't but smile.
As for music, the Carpenters song, "Close to You" remind me of my parents, and the first dance at their wedding. Not because they danced to the song... no, no. See, I listen to that song and think, "I bet my parents WOULD HAVE danced to this song"... know why? My dad was so anxious to begin the honeymoon that he swept my mom off right after they arrived at the reception. They took a few obligatory pictures and he was ready to go. My mom has told us all our lives that she wishes she could've danced at her wedding reception. See my dad was genuinely concerned for her well-being. He was concerned she'd break a leg dancing at the reception and threaten the honeymoon. He wasn't willing to take that risk. So, this particular song, brings such joy to my heart, because that intense passion my dad had for my mom on their wedding day has never diminished. He'd still rather be alone with her than anywhere in the world.
Food and Music will always be able to conjure up feelings and emotions unlike too many other things in this world. I'm grateful that God has allowed memories to taste so good and sound so sweet.
On next week's blog post... unhealthy fascination with food (just kidding)