Last night while fretting obsessing over a formatting issue on a blog post I was trying to publish for my website, I received a text message from Jimmy.
He was downstairs.
This has become one of our habits. I mean it is easy. Sometimes it can even feel like a guilty pleasure, now don’t go gutter on me here, getting a sweet message in the middle of the work day from my husband of nearly 19 years is straight up awesome.
So he was downstairs.
We live in the same house, we both office in said “same house”—happily, I’d like to add, in different rooms on different floors. In case you hadn’t guessed we also share the same bed, although lately with my insomnia in full bloom he may beg to differ over the definition of that said sameness. We even share a car right now—not for long—but for now. And with all that sharing, it seems to me that lately we are almost never together.
So last night and the text. This is what it read:
Jimmy knows as well as I do when I say 5 minutes and I am writing messing with my blog, I really mean 20.
I read his response and looked at the clock on my computer.
Ten minutes later, I glanced at the clock again…and then I unplugged the computer and brought it downstairs.
“I can do this while we watch, I only need ears for this show anyway.”—me
“OK…”—him (insert sarcastic tone)
So there we were on the couch, me ignoring the show, Jimmy watching on his iPad. (yeah…on the off chance you actually are reading this, I saw you.) I’m guessing he was checking scores from his fantasy football league…something he can do and also watch…just don’t ask him a question if he’s texting.
Then, out of nowhere, this incredible thing happened.
One of the contestants, his name is, James Wolpert, was talking. I heard him say he was going to sing a Joni Mitchell song.
“Wow, wait, what? Did he just say a Joni Mitchell song?”—me
“Yes.”—him (mildly irritated)
“Oh, OK…I am sure that will go well, not.”—voice inside my head
And then he began to sing…
For a brief moment I was leveled. Brought back in time like only music can do. To a place that was not so good. A time when Joni Mitchell unwittingly scrapped me up from off of the proverbial sidewalk after a bitter life-fall.
But, and in this case I am so glad there is a but…
James Wolpert gave me a gift—an old favorite song that went bad, now has an altogether new context—Jimmy, right here, next to me and, corny as it may sound, constant as the northern star.
James Wolpert sings, A Case of You:
Much as I hate to admit it, Chris and I are guilty. The whole entire thing, right down to the iPad. Lovely reminder to unplug, and that includes the iPad.
Also, that song was just beautiful! At around 1:18 he suddenly reminded me of Freddy Mercury.
Another poignant post, Elin!
Elin: I don’t watch the Voice so thank you for making me aware of this lovely singer. What a treat. You are so blessed to have your North star and how sweet that the song been transformed. Music is magical. xo
Agree! Music is magical. I am chuckling…I guess I don’t “watch” the Voice either! 😉 Thanks for stopping by. xo
I hardly ever “watch” any shows anymore. They get roughly 1/3 of my attention.
It seems to me there really isn’t a whole lot worth watching!
I love it. I don’t watch The Voice, but can totally relate to the communication style – it’s how my hubster and I communicate in the evenings – from each of our couches.
I sure as heck prefer it to shouting through the house!
That’s great that you found a new association with such a beautiful song! 🙂
yes…that is for sure the win here, thanks for saying so Jackie.
I love this post. That was the best performance of the night — Joni Mitchell is my #1 all-time favorite, and I thought James did an awesome job with A Case of You. I am laughing at you and Jimmy because I always did that with my kids when they were home — but it’s very nice that you ultimately got to spend time sitting together. 🙂
P.S. You’re going to have to do NaSoPoMo (song a day) with me and Ruth!
My husband thinks something is wrong when I don’t have my laptop on my lap and my phone at my side! Loved this version of this song! I also love your “voice”, Elin — I am always right there with you…. Thank you!
Thank you Ruth, very appreciated. xo
I’m really happy to know that the ability to check on all things “Sports Related” while doing something else, yet not being able to respond to wife while texting is a “man thing” and not just a “Greg thing” !!!!! LOL!! Thank You, Elin!
🙂
My husband and I have a rule.. 7:30pm every weekday is Jeopardy. The computers must be turned off. We must not take any phone calls. We compete against each other for getting correct answers faster.
On very busy days that might be the most time we get to spend together but we make sure that, barring emergencies or work problems, we are always on the couch doing this.
We had to.. or we might have gone days barely speaking.
It is amazing how so many things can take up space in our lives. J and I ordinarily do a pretty good job of disconnecting and grabbing walks at the beach, that sort of thing. It is easy to get away from though because there are so many competing factors. Thanks for visiting and for your comment!