Bagels and Tunes

Yesterday evening, Mary, and her roommate, Jeremy, came over to make bagels. Jeremy got here a little earlier and we started right off with the hallowed and much-Lubbers-lauded jalapeno cheddar bagels, Then we made a batch of everything bagels. Finally we finished with a batch of plain. Of course we sampled the jalapeno cheddar ones as our dinner. I reference these often enough that should any reader care to make them, here is the link to the recipe: https://www.sophisticatedgourmet.com/2009/10/new-york-style-bagel-recipe/

Threaded throughout the evening was a continuation of our family tradition, sharing songs we love or find novel or timely. Jeremy and I discussed how much we both liked Postmodern Jukebox, particularly this cover of Radiohead’s “Creep.” Then I encouraged/made/forced? Mary and Jeremy to listen to Mac Davis’ “Hard to be Humble.” Surprisingly, Jeremy already knew it and could sing along, which tickled me to no end. We threaded in a couple of pieces from the Broadway musical Book of Mormon, particularly “Turn It Off” which had us in absolute stitches. Mary then introduced me to Bardcore–a very bored attorney during Covid decided to do Medieval-style covers of pop tunes and I was frankly blown away by the clever creativity.

I think it’s so appropriate that we use the term “play music.” My mom once gave me this cute little booklet with charming drawings about the importance of play. To play and delight in and celebrate have always been part of who I am determined to be. While I am slammed with aching pangs of grief throughout my days and nights, these moments of play seem even more vital to survival.