Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Just the Way You Are

When I was 13 or so, I asked for a keyboard for Christmas.  I invested my allowance in a number of books for my keyboard, and spent hours in my room learning the notes.  I placed cheat stickers on the keys of my Yamaha, so that if I got lost I could look down and find my place.  Oh how I wanted my hands to speed over the keys.  Over and over I practiced the songs and tried to improve. 

My Mom recently brought the keyboard to the house for the boys.  It's the exact model that I had - she said she found it in my grandmother's basement.  I don't think it is my old one (after all, there is no residual sticker residue on the keys) but it is the same. 

The Yamaha can play one song on its own.  Billy Joel's Just the Way You Are.  It plays it with different instruments, demonstrating all the wonders the keyboard can do.  The refrain is familiar in my mind - musical paths untraveled for many years, but still worn to a groove in my mind. 

Yes, readers, this keyboard has been quite the hit with the boys.  It's seen a few fights in the past week.  And some happy banging and singing too.  I confess that I don't mind the memories.

I'm taking tomorrow off, but I wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!  And just because I won't be blogging tomorrow, readers.....
Don't imagine you're too familiar
And I don't see you anymore
I would not leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times
I'll take you just the way you are

Aww, come on readers, humor me my cheesy 80s song lyrics on Thanksgiving!  Enjoy your families tomorrow folks!  :-)

31 comments:

  1. Betty ManousosNovember 27, 2013 at 6:42 AM

    man, your boys are so darn cute, lisa!

    here's wishing you and yours a very happy thanksgiving filled with love and most of all delicious food!:))

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  2. Sunnybrook FarmNovember 27, 2013 at 8:29 AM

    Carrie used to play on her mother's big keyboard when that age. One day she accidentally turned on the demo while I was doing a video and it looked like she suddenly started to play a song, so funny. It is good to let them play with instruments early, they are more likely to get into music later as it was fun when they were little.

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  3. LynnNovember 27, 2013 at 8:51 AM

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family... do you run more on these festive times?

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  4. AnonymousNovember 27, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    What an awesome gift to all of you! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  5. Tina Fariss BarbourNovember 27, 2013 at 10:23 AM

    So cute! I love to hear children singing with abandon. I have a keyboard now, and it's fun to try out the different instruments.

    Now I'll be singing "Just the way you are" all day. :-) I don't think it's cheesy.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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  6. TexWisGirlNovember 27, 2013 at 10:37 AM

    really cute. i had an old keyboard for a while, too.

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  7. MichaeleNovember 27, 2013 at 10:38 AM

    Kids just love to make music! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving. Hope nothing-I KNOW you will.

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  8. MaryNovember 27, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    Happy Thanksgiving to you all too, Lisa! What fun for your boys! I always wanted to be musical.. alas.. lol.

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  9. GardenOfDaisiesNovember 27, 2013 at 12:25 PM

    Happy Thanksgiving, Lisa!

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  10. TiggerifficNovember 27, 2013 at 12:36 PM

    I was given a Yamaha keyboard piano and I really enjoy playing some old hymns that have stuck in my mind. I don 't need music the notes just come. Glad your boys like your piano. Maybe in the near future you can hear something lovely.ta ta for now from Iowa.

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  11. AnonymousNovember 27, 2013 at 1:33 PM

    Bet they have a blast making their own music!
    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  12. LONDONLULUNovember 27, 2013 at 2:36 PM

    Enjoy your Thanksgiving and happy keyboard memories! I played piano as a kid and have a beloved keyboard now - I would've been fighting over it if I were one of your boys!:)

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  13. Marie November 27, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    You're silly. :)
    My son took piano for a bit when he was four. He has a keyboard and never played it much, but I've heard that he does play the piano at a friends house. lol He also plays the guitar pretty well and never had lessons, he go this talent from his dad. I guess I may invest in a piano in the future. :)
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. :)

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  14. Vision By MilaNovember 27, 2013 at 3:24 PM

    I wish I'd remember how to play, so my keyboard doesn't just sit there for decoration.

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  15. Ginny HartzlerNovember 27, 2013 at 3:54 PM

    Awww, Lisa, this is wonderful! I am hearing Billy in my head now! What will you be doing tomorrow, staying home? I wish you the best ever Thanksgiving! And how wonderful about the keyboard!!! Perhaps someone did manage to clean that sticker glue off, wouldn't that be fabulous?

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  16. camp and cottage livingNovember 27, 2013 at 5:26 PM

    Oh, we all have those songs that transport us back in time....
    I'm sure the boys will have many hours of singing and fun on the keyboard. Who knows, maybe one of them will decide to get as serious about playing as you were!

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  17. Harry FlashmanNovember 27, 2013 at 6:19 PM

    I thought those were very kind sentiments.

    Have a happy Thanksgiving.

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  18. Thistle Cove FarmNovember 27, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    what cute boys! wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving, full of good memories, great food and family.

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  19. Grandma BonnieNovember 27, 2013 at 9:38 PM

    Happy Thanksgiving to you. Such fun memories! Enjoy your family!

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  20. Endah MurniyatiNovember 27, 2013 at 10:07 PM

    I really love this song. I still enjoy the 80's songs. Easy listening. An evergreen song.

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  21. Tweedles -- that's meNovember 27, 2013 at 10:13 PM

    Your not being cheesy- your saying what you feel! And we feel it too.
    That is the coolest gift! And we know its going to be so loved.
    Memory lane has some places to stop and sit, and reflect. Thank you for taking us there.
    Happy Thanksgiving
    love
    tweedles

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  22. AnonymousNovember 28, 2013 at 7:13 AM

    It looks like you will have music along with a feast! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  23. mail4roseyNovember 28, 2013 at 10:17 AM

    I like Billy Joel. :) That is fun that your boys are playing on the same kind of keyboard you had too. Happy Thanksgiving to you!

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  24. SallyNovember 28, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    Now, that is SO sweet! I have to tell you, I took some piano when I was younger and the family begged me to stop. :)

    I hope this Thanksgiving Day is wonderful for you and the family.
    xoxo

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  25. Betsy Banks AdamsNovember 28, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    My kids and grands loved those keyboards also..

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

    We are in FL with George's son and family enjoying Thanksgiving. They are cooking a FEAST for us… YUM.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  26. AnonymousNovember 28, 2013 at 4:44 PM

    *´¨)
    ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
    (¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Happy Thanksgiving! ¤

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  27. MaggidNovember 28, 2013 at 4:54 PM

    Thankful for you
    Just The Way You Are . . .

    (i wonder how many times i played & sang that song all over the nation?
    Never loved it so much as i do right now . . thank you.)

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  28. Rob-bearNovember 28, 2013 at 8:25 PM

    Billy Joel is good, any time of the year.

    Happy Thanksgiving. Blessings and Bear hugs!

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  29. AnonymousNovember 28, 2013 at 11:23 PM

    80s music is the best! Love some Billy Joel!The boys had a great time with the remote control helicopters - all the boys 27 to 13. I think there could be a couple of fights over them over the next few weeks! LOL Happy Thanksgiving - and wishing you a joyful Christmas season!

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  30. Buttons ThoughtsNovember 29, 2013 at 6:58 AM

    Oh Lisa I am impressed you taught yourself. The boys will love getting to know those old songs:) Hug B

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  31. An Apel a DayNovember 30, 2013 at 9:09 PM

    Oh my goodness my sister had the exact same keyboard.

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Thanks for taking the time to comment. I love hearing from my readers!