What really makes the world go ’round? It’s not what you might think!

Bee Gees, Retrieved January 5, 2022 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbVln98CoRs

This is my question for today and it is ultimately a reflection of the mood I’m in right now. I guess I’m feeling a bit sarcastic about the world this evening. At any rate, what really makes the world go ’round? Is it love? Is it money? Is it music? Is it food? What, pray tell, please tell me, what is it? No answers? Cat got your tongue? I know the answer – forget love, forget money, and it’s definitely not food. So, that only leaves one answer. You got it – it’s music! Thank goodness for music!

When there’s nothing else, there will always be music. And, if you can’t listen to any of it, you can always make your own. I can go and tickle the ivories on my tired piano downstairs, I could drag out that dusty clarinet, or I can hum my own tune. I’m very good at entertaining myself – maybe a bit too good.

When you have been single as long as I have, sometimes you just get really, really tired of it. Is there anything else to life? Or is this it? I don’t know – maybe I shouldn’t complain. Things could be better, but they could always be worse.

Thank goodness that music is what truly makes the world go ’round, and I like all different kinds of music! I can listen to some really great songs that I can relate to by some fave singers and groups such as Sarah McLachlan, the Bee Gees, U2, and INXS to name just a few.

Anyway, my song for this evening is “Tragedy” by the Bee Gees. I’ve listened to a few weeks of Sarah McLachlan’s beautiful Wonderland album for the holidays. Now, it’s time to get back to reality with those Gibb brothers. Forget “How Deep is your Love,” never mind “Stayin’ Alive.” It’s all about “Tragedy.” I don’t quite agree with all of the lyrics, but it’s pretty close.

Did I get you laughing yet? I hope so!

Next may be some INXS, who knows? They have a good song that fits my mood tonight, too. I need my music fix!

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“Two Days at Disney” (By: Michele Babcock-Nice)

View of EPCOT with 20th Anniversary Flower Show, Monorail, and Spaceship Earth, Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, April 2013

During Spring Break 2013, in the first week of April after Easter, my son and I spent two days at Disney World.  I have visited Disney world numerous times throughout my life, and have taken my son there on some occasions, as well.  He and I enjoyed two wonderful days at this wonderful, get-away paradise, wishing that we could have stayed longer.  For a single parent on a limited budget, even two days was financially difficult to do, though it was important to get away and enjoy some refreshment even for a couple of days.

Flamingos at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, Florida, April 2013

On our first day at Disney World, we visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  My son had not visited the Animal Kingdom for the past seven years, and I promised him that we would go there on this trip.  I am so happy that we went because it turned out to be the absolute perfect day!  The weather was great, and while it was toasty, it was not too unbearably hot outside yet.  The shade of the many trees in Animal Kingdom also helped to keep us cooler.

African Dance Party at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, Florida, April 2013

The highlights of our visit to Animal Kingdom were going on the safari ride, eating lunch at the Tusker House Restaurant with some Disney characters, and viewing the Lion King Show.  Each of these activities were wonderful, and we really enjoyed them!  On the safari, we saw many animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, monkeys, crocodiles, and more.  During lunch, Mickey Mouse visited with us, as well as other Disney characters.  And, the acrobatics, songs, and costumes of the Lion King Show were amazing!  Additionally, in the African section, we did some shopping and enjoyed African culture, including music and singing.

The Lion King Show at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, Florida, April 2013

On our second day at Disney World, we went to EPCOT.  It was another beautiful, yet humid day, and we often got refreshed in the air conditioned buildings or drank water or juice to cool down.  At EPCOT, we visited different sections, including Canada, England, France, Morocco, and Japan.  We were privileged to see and hear three marching bands troop past us.  We also had our pictures taken with many characters, including Alladin and Princess Jasmin.

A Marching Band from Ohio, Performing at EPCOT, Disney World, Florida, April 2013

Also at EPCOT, we rode on the newly upgraded and more modernized Test Track, at which my son designed his own red sports car on the computers there.  We extremely enjoyed the 20th Annual EPCOT Flower Show, particuarly with flowers arranged on the ground in the form of flowers and butterflies.  While we did not stay late into the evening to see the fireworks, we still had a fabulous time!

Beautiful Flowers at the 20th Anniversary EPCOT Flower Show, Disney World, Florida, April 2013

My philosophy about children is that they grow up very fast, and it is important to provide as many fun, interesting, and memorable experiences for them as possible.  Disney World is a place where I have vacationed very often, having first visited when I was about three or four years old.  Now, I have the pleasure and satisfaction of taking my own son to Disney World for his enjoyment.  I am happy to have the opportunities and ability to provide for such family enjoyment, and look forward to more visits there in the future.

This blog post is a tribute to all those who lost their lives or who were injured – especially children – in the bomb blasts at yesterday’s Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts.  May God bless you all and keep you close.