Happy October to you, my friends; how lucky for us to see another October! And I
say this with jubilation as what happens at the end of this month will start me on
a new path of becoming. Right away, I will qualify for some hefty perks. Take a
look:
- Entertainment Discounts
- Travel Perks
- Early Bird Specials
- Medical Benefits
- Local Transportation Assistance
- Lower Gym Membership Rates
- Tax Breaks (…)
And I’m not fighting any of it. It’s my birthday month, folks, and on this glorious
occasion, I want to welcome this milestone with you by sharing a couple of 3-4
minute-long essays on, you guessed it, change and becoming. These essays are
aimed at those living parallel lives with me (read: all).*smile*
Well, the parallel lives we live are obvious everywhere: Now, more than at any
other time in human history, we see this parallelism played out: Youngsters hanging
together but involved in different dimensions on their devices; parents and children
at the dinner table, on their phones doing the same. Everyone here, but not here!
But this is not new. If you have kids or are near little ones, you’d have noticed how they
stand next to each other, flinging occasional nods or smiles at each other but are
involved in their own play. A normal developmental step called parallel play, I’m told.
Children do this before they “learn” to play with each other. Interesting, huh? Parallel
relationships!
Instead of arguing that kids right now never “learn,” I will proceed by telling you
of another meaning I just learned about the word parallel: parallel keys. And funny
thing is that it’s with these keys I’ve been dancing and becoming.
The essays were penned and appeared on Medium in a publication that explored topics
on midlife. I was going through my second puberty (the real thing) then and thought it
helpful to share what I was going through with my readers. The articles did very well.
I’ve excavated the nostalgic articles from the rubble from that era, polished them, and
wish to give them a second life in the hopes they help you too.
Why now? Well, because the onset of another birthday makes me nostalgic, I
think of my mother, who helped me become her miracle. And set me on my path to
dance to the tune of becoming sixty. How blessed I am!
But you’ll need to trust me when I tell you that the mindset of one becoming needs to be cultivated with heart. So even if you aren’t close to this second becoming, it pays
to be informed.
A timely pause
To show you how the universe is conspiring on our behalf: In a blog post I read today,
the lovely author reminded me of the catchy tune and lyrics of the 1971 Coca-Cola
commercial song about the drink being the real thing (so I had to update this previously scheduled post).
Well, I was never a fan of that drink, but I liked the melody & lyrics:
“I’d like to teach the world to sing,” went the second verse, and
“in perfect harmony… it’s the real thing!”
Midlife is the real thing, my friends– make no mistake!
On my way to owning up to my sixth decade (that was how long ago the Cuban missile crisis was paramount in everyone’s mind) and my appreciation for life, I’ll be dancing to the tune of parallel keys and sharing some personal wisdom.
Want to know more about parallel keys?
I’m not a musician, nor am I learned in music theory, but thanks to Wikipedia, I learned
a lottle about what tonic note are: In music theory, says WikiP, a major scale and a minor scale that have the same tonic note are called parallel keys and are said to be in a parallel relationship.
Cool, I thought, I’ve been trying to sync to the frequency of the universe– been having a parallel relationship, amIright? And so, parallel keys are my keywords in October.
I hope the essays bring you closer to acing becoming the real thing.
So wait for them early in the week. And won’t you dance with me?
Thanks for reading today and for being so fabulous.
As a bonus, let me present you with the hit of the year I was born.
“This is arguably the most successful novelty song of all time. Bobby Pickett
Songfacts
accomplished the rare feat of reaching the top 100 music chart three times with
the same song. On October 20, 1962, the original release hit #1 in the US.”
Nine days before I was born. Wow! It’s still being played at Halloween today. *applause*
The Monster Mash, Bobby Pickett
Wikipedia also lists a few examples of songs that emphasize parallel keys:
Grass Roots‘ “Temptation Eyes“, The Police‘s “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic“, Lipps Inc‘s “Funkytown“, The Beatles‘ “Norwegian Wood,” and Dusty Springfield‘s “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me“
And from this lineup, my pea-sized brain tells me the Coca-Cola song belongs in this group. But please don’t quote me; correct me.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Happy October, and #iWishYouMiracles
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<3 Awww, you are a mere child! 🙂 <3
Love your writings!!! <3
I am, aren’t I. My soul knows that truth. Thanks so much for these lovely words. I appreciate the support. Blessings to you. XoXo
Parallel keys 👏👏 I look for the essays, I’m intrigued!
Splendid. I hope not to disappoint. I did get tangled in a glorious mess when trying to make them look presentable. I take so much care not to sound preachy. No one deserves to be preached on. I hope you enjoy them as I send these informative personal gliders out into the world.
Thanks for your support, dear one. Means the world to me.
I bless you. XoXo
Always a pleasure!! 💗🌷💗
I agree…a mere child. And so we should always remain in our outlook on life, full of wonder. (K)
Aww. Yes! This exactly. In wonder and awe with life. Always. Thanks for supporting my efforts. I bless you.
You are welcome.
Lovely post Selma. I enjoyed it very much.
You did?! 😢 happy tears.
TYSVM (thank you so very much)
IWYM (I wish you miracles)
Thanks a lot Selma
Wonderful post. Beautiful parallel key.
Aww. 🤗 TY 💗
Yes, I got it’s! 👍(Me)
Delightful writing, Selma. I would love to dance with you!
You have the moves already dear one. I have only years on my side.
Still these bones remember how to dance. So let’s. 👏
I do love to move – thank you. 🙏🏻Dancing is ageless. Let’s! 💞
Lovely post Selma. I enjoyed reading it. I love to celebrate the word” becoming”💖
Becoming is such a powerful word. So glad you resonate with it. Thanks, my sweet. I appreciate you.
Great insightful writing. I believe, we become more aware, more confident, when we reach this age. And, most interesting is— We stop bothering ourselves with unnecessary worries. Enjoy your birthday month. 🌹🌹
You are right I and appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me on this one. Birthday month: I will enjoy it. Xoxo
Dancing with you! Happy Birthday month, Selma 🎉💕😁💕
Let’s dance, then Harmony. Let’s. Thanks for the support, sweet you. Blessings. Hope everything’s well. Xoxo big 🤗
“Parallel keys” in steady progression to which to dance, become, the miracle we’re created to be — wonderful blessing. Looking forward to reading your essays, Selma. ❤️
Dora, dear. Thanks for the enthusiastic response. I’m encouraged to go on with my plan on essays this month. Hope you swing back to take a look and “dance” with me.
Blessings, dear friend. Always.
Congratulations on your birthday month, Selma. I love the concept of parallel things you bring here. Specially, that example about children. I will return to read your essays on becoming.
I appreciate you reading, dear Sonia. Stay sweet. XoXo
Love your musings during your birthday month Selma. Relatable!💕
Pleased you read. 😘 💃🏼 👏