Confessions of a "Sound of Music" Groupie

I am a "Sound of Music" Groupie.  I'm not ashamed.  I once owned the VHS tape.  I watch it several times a year.  I've been on the tour in Salzburg, Austria where the Epic was filmed. 

As I sat on a tour bus filled with 42 other Groupies, all singing along to the tunes that are forever etched in our minds and artfully sung off tune, there was a camaraderie - a bond of sorts - an invisible thread of kindred love that held us together through the Austrian Alpine.  We were part of the Von Trapps.  We were Maria's children.

Last night, our family watched a live performance of "The Sound of Music" on NBC.  Featuring native Oklahoman, Carrie Underwood as Maria, a cast performed to millions through the magic of television.  It was an event, however ... as much as I love the tale ... I couldn't get passed what I had come to know as "THE Sound of Music".  Sorry Carrie and cast ... it just wasn't the same.

Isn't that ... my dilemma with embracing a new "Sound of Music" ... a modern day fable of sorts?  Now that I find myself in a certain age bracket, I just don't think most "new" things measure up to how they used to be:  movies, music, department stores, cars, fashion.  The list could go on and on.

During this season of festive Joy ... I find myself with that same melancholy mood.  When my girls were little, there was a lot more sneaking around to hide gifts, hushed tones concealing a surprise to come, and good-natured fighting over who would get to open the Advent Calendar door to eat the chocolate encased inside.

I'm not moping about.  I'm embracing this "new".  Each phase of life is about letting go to the old and accepting ... with grace if you want to live well ... the new.  That's where I find myself.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Embracing through clenched fingers,
christina