ITTY BITTY’S BIRTHDAY PLANS
Summer is fast approaching and in my family that means three different birthdays spaced three weeks apart. The first one that comes along is for The Boss Baby. He will be turning three. From here on out he will be known as Smalls as in the movie “Sandlot” Smalls. Oh, he still is a bossy boy but not technically a baby so I’ve moved on to a more appropriate name. I am looking forward to the day I can say, “Smalls, you’re killing me” and he will know what that means.
The second birthday in line is for my son. Somehow a grown man’s party pales in comparison to his sons.
The third of these three important land marks is Itty Bitty who is turning the ripe old age of eight. Eight years in age, smart as a whip and eclectic in his tastes.
He is now old enough to voice his opinion on themes for his special day and this year he has chosen … “Queen.” Yes, you read that right, this boy has a special affinity to the 70’s rock band Queen. He plays Bohemian Rhapsody over and over and is this close to being able to sing it all. He practices this alone in his room, dedicated to being able to perform this song in it’s entirety. Unfortunately, little brother (Smalls) likes to join in. Not with any correct words, mind you, just babbling along with the tune.
This annoys Itty Bitty to no end. He stops, he stares, he chases Smalls from the room, he starts over again. Only to be interrupted again. It’s hard to hone your singing craft with an interloper trying to make it a duet. On and on this goes until Itty Bitty has had enough and yells which then causes Smalls to erupt in a fit of epic proportions. It’s not easy being Itty Bitty or Smalls. Life is unjust for the young.
But back to the Queen birthday. How this is going to be executed is only known by Itty Bitty and his mom. I have gleaned a few details, such as mustaches and microphones for everyone with Queen music playing in the back ground. I personally think Itty Bitty should dress in white jeans, a “wife beater” (I hate that phrase) tee shirt, and a studded arm band. The food should be 70’s themed, (can we say fondue?).
But, let’s not forget the rest of the band. My personal favorite is the drummer, Roger Taylor. Drummers have always had my heart, or more precisely my crush. Maybe it’s the soul thumping beat, the upper body strength, or the deftness of the sticks but it’s always about the drummer for me. So I think a small portion of this birthday party should recognize the heart beat of the band. But, it’s not my party and I’m not going to cry about it.
As I shared my grandson’s fascination with Queen to a co-worker, she shared with me a birthday party for her four year old cousin with a Mama Mia theme. There was a stage with the theme song playing, a microphone and various feather boas. Boys and girls of all ages were welcomed up on stage to recreate the magic of ABBA. And who do you think did the best job? Why yes, the birthday boy. He listens to it several times a day to the quiet distraction of his mom who wants to tear her hair out. ABBA has always been catchy, with an up beat flavor, but the question is, can a stay at home mom listen to this several times a day for many days in a row and not slowly but surely so stark raving mad? We shall see.
In telling of these celebration plans I find myself delighted in the thought that the very young are appreciating the music of my youth. They are bringing back the foot stomping, heart pounding, joyous music. I listen to more up to date music on my car’s radio occasionally but so far nothing can get my heart stirring like classic rock. It’s just not the same. There is nothing like the beat of Queens “We will Rock You,” or the soaring feeling of “We Are the Champions.” But one of my all time favorites is “Fat Bottom Girls Make the Rocking World Go Round” …….. for obvious reasons.
Who knew a seven year old boy and his Nana could enthusiastically find common ground with music from another century. They don’t call it classic for nothing.
magicalmess 