me and Neil

When I was growing up, my Mama was quite smitten with Neil Diamond. So it was pretty common to hear his music drifting through our house several days a week. I think it's safe to say that his albums were the soundtrack to my childhood. And because of this, I have a love for his songs that few of my peers do. Or at least few that I know of.

Now that I'm several hundred miles from my family, I listen to his songs more than I think I would if I were near them. It makes me feel like I'm home again. I'm sure anyone reading this has music that does the same for them. It's such a good feeling, a safe feeling. A reminder of times when all the members of my family...got along better...but then that's a whole other blog post (which won't happen, btw ;)

It's funny to see Jim's reaction to hearing Neil playing sometimes. He is, in the truest sense, a child-of-the-eighties when it comes to music. Hair bands, metal, progressive...you get the idea. For him to walk in to Neil singing one of his funky songs...it's hilarious. Of course, I get the same reaction to emo or country...

I find myself wondering what the soundtrack to Eli's childhood will be. Only he will be able to determine that when he's older, but Lord knows he has exposure to anything and everything here. I seriously can't think of any style we don't listen to in this family. We stay away from anything crude or vulgar, but between Jim and I, we literally cover every style of music.

I'm in no rush to find out, mind you. I'm loving every minute of Eli's childhood and plan to extend it as much as time allows me to. I just hope whatever he listens to when that day comes gives him the same warm, comforting feelings that Neil gives me :)