Open Dialogue

Try Polka

A few months ago my landlords were over doing some work on my apartment. I left my iPod docked in the inMotion player so they could have music while working. Later that day, I was told that my music is "cheerful". Admittedly, I gravitate to more upbeat music now that I am in my 40's.

With that said, I couldn't help but wonder if a lot of my polka catalog played while they were listening. As I sit here typing this entry, the music of Brave Combo is playing in the background. ("Glamorous Gal" by Brave Combo--if this one doesn't life your spirits, you are really down.)

My family background is Eastern European, so polka is in my blood. Like many children from families whose grandparents came to this country around the turn-of-the-century (I'm speaking of the 20th century) I was exposed to polka music as a child. Growing up in the Chicago area, we learned polka in junior high gym class along with square dancing.

I was born 14 and 16 years after my siblings. (Still a boomer--but barely.) My mother had my brother take accordian lessons when he was young. Since my brother was 14 when I was born, he was growing out of his accordian years. The result was that his accordian sat in the closet unused. I would take it out every now and then and look at it in fascination. There were strict instructions from my mother that I better not damage it. It never occured to her that I may be interested in playing. Accordians were for boys and the clarinet that I played was for girls.

Not to mention the fact that the thing looked huge to me.

So, when you have an opportunity, try listening to some polka and see if it doesn't put a smile on your face.

posted by Susan @ 10:15 AM