I’ve always been fascinated by Mariah Carey’s five-octave vocal range. She can pierce the eardrums with the high notes and yet still sing the lower, husky and warm notes. Even if you don’t like her style of music, it is easy to appreciate her beautiful singing voice. Since I sound like a dying cow when I sing, I really appreciate the talent she has shared with the rest of the world.
The other day this average looking duck waddled around some plants on the way to a little pond not too far down the road. It was cute enough, I thought, as long as it didn’t leave anything behind…if you are following my train of thought.
I watched this feathery creature duck (pun intended) in and out while quacking loudly. This brown duck didn’t just quack once or twice, it continuously quacked in a range of voices. At first it was the middle notes which were followed by deeper, longer quacks, but that wasn’t enough for this duck. She also felt the need to produce a high pitch screaming quack.
The next thing I knew, she was waddling away out of sight and had stopped quacking. That started my wheels turning as I compared this duck to Mariah Carey and life.
Mariah Carey came into the public eye in 1989 and after numerous awards and top hits, disappeared for a few years and then made a big comeback in 2005 with the release of her album The Emancipation of Mimi.
Many people or life events also follow this same path. We experience births, deaths, parties, jobs, anniversaries, homes, cars and the list goes on and on. These things come into our lives and then time happens, changes occur and the experiences pass.
So often we are not “in” the moment. We do not see and appreciate the people and possessions we already have in our lives. Often, “I want more, more, more” becomes the guiding theme. More is not always better. New is not always better. Old stuff isn’t simply old, it is often comforting and enjoyable.
I want to be like that when I’m “old stuff”…comforting and enjoyable. I also do not want to take any experience for granted. Living each day to the fullest requires constantly remembering to notice the little things and remain in the moment.
As thrilling as it was when Mariah Carey made her returning debut, it was equally unexciting when the duck returned quacking in a huge voice and leaving things behind for me to remember her.
I wonder if we cultivate relationships in such a manner that people are happy with our return and grateful for being part of the experiences we leave behind.
That was absolutely beautiful! So true, we all need to enjoy the moment more and stop wanting MORE.
Love your blog, so glad you came by mine, it's sure great to meet you! I'm now a new follower of yours!
Yup. I want to be old and comforting too. I think some seniors are actually not only comforting but also inspiring.
Great observations on the duck! You must be quite present to notice him and listen to him.
Love the story and the pics.
You give me things to think about. I always am making sure my children are "nice". But do I always expect the same of myself? Definately food for thought tonight.
That was too sweet! Loved this post. It's a nice reminder to slow down and take in the world around us.
I love how thoughtful your posts are. I thought I followed you yesterday when I visited and then discovered today I hadn't! I've remedied taht and am now an interested follower. Hopw you're ahving a great day. Em x
I'm not a Mariah fan. I'd rather listen to the duck. 🙂
– JB
LOL JB The duck was driving me crazy!
Nice duck and interesting publication …
Congratulations and greetings to all with respect!
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Is this possible?