Grow With Me Music, LLC - Roets' Notes - music is timeless and transportive

Roets' Notes > music is timeless and transportive > Comments

Rebecca Chaimovitch wrote in Roets' Notes
on 09/17/09 9:41 PM

I woke up this morning to hear that Mary of Peter Paul and Mary had passed away... What a rough week; Patrick Swayze and now Mary. I don't ever remember a time where I didn't know Peter Paul and Mary. Their songs are embedded in our musical history ~ "Puff the Magic Dragon", "Inch by Inch", "If I had a Hammer"; the list goes on and on. they are songs we have been singing for 40 odd years and will continue to sing long into the future (or should!). Just thinking of this trio triggers a soundtrack in my mind that has always been there, sparking memory after memory.

I can see myself lying on my twin bed as a little girl listening to "Peter Paul and Mommy" on my portable record player. I can see the picture of the three children on the cover of the album and the beautiful girl with the long blonde hair ~ why were they calling her Mommy? was it a mistake? hmmmm...

Next I'm a nanny in Ridgefield, CT and word in the park is that Mary has been seen sitting on one of the park benches along the main street through town. What if I see her? Should I say Hello? Ask for an autograph? What if I annoy her? I never do see her, but wish I had so I could tell her how her songs and love of music, children and justice have inspired me in a gentle persistent way.

Fast forward a few years and my husband Jeff and I are excitedly buying a CD of "Peter Paul and Mommy" for our first born. We both remember it fondly and agree that every child should have it in their collection. At the same time we see "Peter Paul and Mommy II" and have to buy it as well. "Hush Little Baby don't say a word..." singing to my sweet little boy ~ sharing these songs with my child is a treasured memory long forgotten, remembered today.

I've spent the week starting up a long schedule of family classes and preschools. 100 preschoolers in 2 days... I'm tired and cranky ~ this work is exhausting.

If the work I do means that children of generations to come will continue to sing the songs of Peter Paul and Mary along with all the other artists who have given songs to the world, then it is worth all the exhaustion in the world.

Peace to you Mary ~ your work goes on...

Comments

Anne Vaaler
09/18/09 1:06 AM

Hi Sweetie - you know, that "Peter, Paul and Mommy" album was my very first real album. I sang along with it endlessly. I remember singing the blackbird song for the elementary talent show - I think I accompanied myself on my "zither" (remember those?). I'm sure that this album has been a part of my path - the one that led me to becoming both a singer and a music teacher. So many creative souls moving on - but their music and influence lives forever. I'll do my best to carry it on.

Rebecca Chaimovitch
09/18/09 7:34 AM

Thanks Anne~ you know that for me, you are one of those creative souls who knew what MY path was before I did...

Jeff Stalley
09/18/09 7:46 AM

So here is your two degrees of separation with Mary. This year you sang in Luther Hall for the concert portion of the Giant Church Fair. The last year (or one of the last years) I worked at Calumet, Dave Mallett gave the concert in Luther Hall for what was then called the Giant Church Picnic. He wrote the Garden Song (Inch by Inch) that Peter, Paul, and Mary sang.

FARAH
01/09/19 4:50 AM

WHATS THE design thinking, plz? http://www.ju.edu.jo/ UJ UJ

Add Comment

Please type your name:*

or just login to add comment using the existing contact.

Message:*

* - required fields.