Late the other night my husband and I were sitting together in the living room. We were side by side on the couch, each with our respective laptops on our laps, working and writing contentedly. (That counts as hanging out together, right?)
“You’ve got to see this,” he said with a smile.
He turned his computer towards me and started this video:
Download YouTube Video | YouTube to MP3
I was amazed at the courage it took for someone to do this in what appears to be a baggage collection area at LAX – and by the total lack of response from anyone around.
When the video was over he said, “That’s what it’s like being in public with you, sometimes, you know.”
I think I must have look surprised.
I knew that I had moves, of course, but not ones that I generally displayed in airports or other public venues. I am more of a kitchen and living room dancer.
“Only with you,” he continued, “it’s singing.”
Huh. Perhaps not so very surprising, after all.
Because when I am busting my moves in the house, I am always singing along to my oh, so creative choreography. I have written before about my tendency to burst into song whenever a song demands. Or whenever I am in the car. Or someone else is singing. Just whenever.
My mind flashed back to all the hours I have spent in the passenger seat as he drove, turning up the “Oh! I love this song!” and singing and bouncing in my seat through traffic, oblivious to the stares of other motorists.
I recalled strolling through the grocery store beside him as he pushed the cart, singing along with the oldies music that they were playing over the loudspeaker. People probably looked up from sniffing their produce as we walked past.
I remembered the summer party when the DJ started playing ‘Callin’ Baton Rouge’ by Garth Brooks and I sang along gleefully. (And Glee? Don’t even get me started.)
My husband, ever-loving and patient, would simply smile and occasionally shake his head.
I took singing lessons many years ago, but I was terrified of singing in front of people. My throat would close, I would run out of breath and my voice would shake and crack. However, when I was at home or in the car or goofing around – I could sing. There was no pressure.
Then one day, years ago, I found this:
It’s supposed to be a coaster, but it has never held a drink. It has had a place of honour somewhere in our home, no matter where we have roamed.
And then I found that it was part of a longer quote:
It became a sort of mantra for me. It’s not about singing and dancing. It’s about life.
Even though you’re scared, do it anyway.
Take the pressure off and just have fun.
Try.
That’s why I sing; I sing like nobody’s listening.
So – just in case we ever hang out together – you’ve been warned. Although I am successful at holding my songs in. (Most of the time.)
You just keep on singing, sister! A guy danced through a bunch of malls around Nashville a couple of years ago around Christmas time. I enjoyed the bravery and the show!
tori nelson recently posted..Piss Poor: A Guide To Potty Training
Thanks, Tori! I admire the courage it takes to bust a move in a public place – while no one else is dancing – that takes a different kind of courage.
Lisa is a singer, too! And she is isn’t afraid to bust a move in public either. It is one of the things I love most about her, because I am far too insecure for any of that…and I wish I wasn’t! Great post!
thedoseofreality recently posted..I Will Cut You If You Bother Me While HotSean! Is On T.V.
Thank you! I haven’t danced in public in a loooong time. I think I would be insecure about it now, too.
I would occasionally bust a dance move at work, but only in my office with my closest coworkers. Sometimes I wish I had the courage to not care, but I do think that is a great mantra to live by.
Bev recently posted..Food, Flea & Fun: A Winter Weekend Getaway to New York City
That’s the sort of environment where I feel comfortable busting a move, too – around family and friends. With my singing, sometimes it just sort of comes out without really thinking about it.
Hah, the girl has some courage!
It can’t be that bad with your throat closing as your husband knows perfectly well that you sing all the time!
Alexandra recently posted..Top 5 Mobile Apps to Manage Your Family’s Health
Yes, he knows – he can’t help but know. I’m not nervous about singing in front of him. (Maybe he wishes I would be sometimes so that he could have a little quiet?)
hah, don’t do him this favour! Being married should also mean being forced to listen to singing of the other spouse (even when it is bad – like in my case!)
Alexandra recently posted..Top 5 Mobile Apps to Manage Your Family’s Health
Ha! I think you are right – he’s stuck with me!
YES! keep singing! also, i had to laugh at your intro. right now at this very moment my kids are all in bed. my hubby and I are sitting next to each other in front of the tv and also in front of our respective laptops. Ha. Living like it’s heaven on earth. Oh yeah, I dig.
Sarah @sundayspill recently posted..the sunday spill–about nodding yes and being matched up
Glad we are not the only ones that send time with each other (and our respective laptops) like that in the evenings!
Living like it’s heaven on earth sounds pretty good to me, too!
We are kindred spirits, sister. I bust out into song whenever I can. Sometimes totally without realizing I am doing it. Listen I just can’t stop the rhythm, you know what I’m saying?
Love this. Please keep on singing!
Kiran
Kiran(Masala Chica) recently posted..You Don’t Have to Eat My Samosas
I know exactly what you are saying. Glad I am not alone – I often don’t realize I am singing, either. (Until the boys ask me to be quieter or I get a look from a passing motorist.)
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Happy Sharefest! There’s a gal at work who bursts into song based on any topic of conversation that comes up. It’s fun, not crazy. Just keep singing, just keep singing, singing, singing, singing!
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted..Parenting Classes That I Wish Were Offered
Thank you! Everything reminds me of a song, too. (And now I have got Dory’s song in my mind – my family will be hearing it this morning, I am sure!)
So glad you stopped by!
I love this! I’m married to a man who not only sings in public, but makes up his own songs.
Sounds like you and your husband are a great pair together! I like your mantra – keep it up! SITS Sharefest
Thank you! My husband is a keeper, for sure.
Thank you so much for stopping by today!
I love the quote Dance like nobody’s watching! I had no idea it was part of a longer quote! SO pinning this! I sing too and my kids get mad because I sing the wrong words and don’t care! Love this post!
Raquel @ Organized Island recently posted..Orange Vanilla Cupcakes
I just laugh when I miss up the words or make mistakes – which usually makes anyone that happens to be nearby laugh, too.
Thank you for stopping by today!
There was only ONE time that I was dancing down the aisles at the market I promise because I really don’t dance well. But singing- I’ve got my mother’s condition where songs pop out whenever a phrase reminds me of a song (do the same thing with movie quotes). We’re all just living in musicals
I never realized that was a Twain quote that is so cool! Thanks for sharing.
c @ annuary chit recently posted..PicMonkey’s Premium: Is Royale too high for you?
I love movie quotes, too. I will come out with one of those in everyday conversation, too.
Love it!! I sing everywhere too! My dad used to slowly turn up the radio in the car when I would sing along, thinking he could drown me out! My husband grudgingly puts up with it.
Mine does as well. He is a very easy-going fellow – especially since our sons may very well be just like me.
Love what you said, “Even though your are scared do it anyway!” What great words to live by!!
Sandra recently posted..Superhero Letters Fit For Any Crime Fighter
Thank you – I like to remind myself that from time to time!
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Love this! Like you, I love to sing and dance throughout my day, whether it is rocking out in the kitchen or taking a shower! I used to take voice lessons and be in musicals when I was in high school and college, so it is just what I love to do. My husband thinks I’m crazy sometimes, but as much as he hates to admit it, he loves to join in and add his verse or choreography! Our 2.5 year old loves to make up his own songs and dance, too. We always have music playing no matter where we are in the house or in the car. It just makes life so much brighter! Happy SITS Day!
I agree – music does make life brighter! Thank you for visiting!
You and I should start a singalong! I’m told I have a tendency to burst into song so much that my best friend calls me a “walking musical” and my husband calls me a “looney tune.”
Classic NYer recently posted..On idleness and alcohol
Love the quote. I so totally need to follow it. I worry too much what other people think when I shouldn’t
homejobsbymom recently posted..Renting Textbooks for Dummies
I worry about what others think sometimes, too – but that quote reminds me to follow my own heart without worrying so much.
I worry about what others think sometimes, too – but that quote reminds me to follow my own heart without worrying so much.