Over the Rainbow

Is it just me or are there a lot of rainbows around at the moment? Not that I’m complaining – a plethora of rainbows means despite the rain bucketing down, the sun is making the odd guest appearance. Which I find just as exciting as the fact that it’s now still light until 6pm. Why is that exciting? Because we have passed through the heart of winter and are now coming out on the other side. Winter is going! Summer is coming!

I know for those of you that actually like winter that this is terrible news. But I’m overexcited because for the first time in months I’ve experienced natural light on a weekday that isn’t of the lunar variety. Sure, it rains in winter which is nice but we do get summer storms as well. In winter you get up when it’s dark, freezing cold and windy. And when you get home, it’s more of the same. Compare this with summer. Its light, it’s warm, with maybe a gentle breeze.

Still not sold? I haven’t even mentioned the best parts yet. Everyone is way more relaxed, more willing to go out. As you’re probably gathering, I view summer as one long party which is occasionally interrupted by having to pop into work. And I still haven’t even got to the bestest part yet. Outdoor gigs.

I know, I know. Sometimes they are stinking hot and a swarm of flies descends. Or sometimes there is a weather fail and we do get one of those summer storms. But when everything comes together and you get the right weather, these outdoor performances are the best. Everyone sitting on the grass, enjoying a picnic, the weather and the music. That’s Sunday afternoon bliss right there.

It’s like the sun comes out, the people come out and the music comes out. Have to go outside in winter? You end up rushing by, huddled up against the wind and the rain. Same walk in summer? That’s a stroll. You say hi to people. And there’s music everywhere. Drifting from open car windows, from restaurants with the door propped open. From buskers and festivals to packs of kids wandering around with an iPhone (which is the modern day equivalent of a boom box). No wonder summer feels like one long party.

So here’s to summer and all the outdoor gigs we’ve got coming up. And here’s to the sun, hiding just beyond the rainbow.

Singin' in the Rain

Wouldn't it be great if life were a musical? I know some of you won't agree but just think for a moment how great that would be. Everyone jumping up, singing a few numbers together, busting out some coordinated dance moves. Any problem you've got, you just sing your way through it and by the end of the song you've got your solution. Or you're dead (sorry, but have you seen a musical? Yes, some of them are light and fluffy and everything's wonderful. Others are quite dark. It's not all rainbows and unicorns in musical land). 

Musical theatre is an interesting thing. It's almost like someone sat down one day, considered all the main threads of the performing arts and thought 'heck, let's jam all these elements together and put on one hell of a show' (sorry, I'm not sure why they would talk like that but for the purposes of this exercise they seem to). I know some find musicals frustrating, they don't understand why a large group of people would spontaneously break into a choreographed song and dance routine. The trick is to not reason with it but just enjoy the spectacle. And appreciate the talent (and fitness) it takes to jump around the stage or screen, singing and keeping a smile on your face, like this is the best fun ever, and not what you really feel (which is collapsing on the floor feeling like you're about to die from exhaustion. Though if you're lucky, your character just might and then you can have a rest). 

So just think how great life as a musical would be. Got a problem? Sing it out. Getting into an argument? Sing it out. Feeling weighed down by the mundane? Sing it out. Feeling happy? Sing it out, sing it out, sing it out! 

Fine, I hear you say, but no one actually caught in the rain would sing about it. Why not? You're already wet and miserable and not getting dry anytime soon. Why not sing? You'll still be wet but I challenge you to still be miserable. Choose the right song and it's impossible (you're welcome. Considering the time of year this is invaluable advice. And you're getting it for free). 

And if you've tried singing, why not dancing?