Stephanie:
Often on weekends my father would close the curtains and make our living room seem dark, like it would be in the evening. Then he would pour himself a glass of whisky and turn on music. Usually, it was classical music. (We had a beautiful stereo system with massive speakers that sometimes shook everything in our house.) While we listened he would tell me a story about the musical piece that was playing. It was a real story time! For example, while listening to “1812 Overture” by Tchaikovsky, he would tell me a story of Russia’s glorious defence against Napoleon’s army. When cannon fire rang out in the music, I imagined a battlefield and church chimes ringing. I was able to see people celebrating their deliverance, and I would be in tears celebrating with them.
My father did this with so many different pieces. He was a genius in that way.
Grace:
Since I was 7, I loved gathering my sisters and cousins to put on a show for my parents, especially on special occasions like Mother's Day, birthdays etc. We would do a full variety show with plays, singing and dancing, and games. I would write music and a script, and of course there were costumes. This continued until I was too old ("too cool" in my mind, around 13) to do it. I think I really enjoyed creating something new to entertain people.
