Ms Alice's blog

Music, No Lyrics

I am one of those people who always needs to have a soundtrack. Outside of Jonah’s Treehouse, I am always listening to my iPod, whenever politeness allows. Even when I am “unplugged,” my friends will point out to me that I have been whistling for the past twenty minutes. That being said, I do not know how much longer I can listen to “Itsy Bitsy Spider” before the madness sets in.

I have a secret. Sometimes, when I am working with the kids alone, I will replace the playlist at Jonah’s Treehouse with my own, a list of 200 songs I have culled painstakingly from my modest library. Just for funsies, I have set it to random and will try to explain how the songs were chosen, what was passed over, and what some kids and parents have said about my taste.

 “Mission: Impossible Theme”

From the first movie

I do not really know why, but I feel compelled to include this in every single mix I make. To be more precise, every mix that serves an active purpose. Cleaning? Driving? Chasing two-year-olds around the room for an hour? All are occupations that can be made a little more enjoyable with some ironic action music in the background. Also good: anything from the Ronin soundtrack.

 “Autumn Leaves”

Instrumental – unknown artist

Instrumental tracks are always a safe bet for kids, if you are looking for something inoffensive. That may not sound like the most glowing endorsement, but it really is supposed to be. When I am done screening pop songs for questionable language, it is a relief not to have to worry about who is going to do what to whom. Plus, if you are looking for a truly American sound, I do not think you can find much better than jazz standards.

 “Sweet’s Song”

Written by Joss Whedon, performed by Rosie Nappi

I am a huge fan of Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as the writer, lyricist and composer of its musical episode, “Once More With Feeling.” Two years after this episode first aired, several of my friends decided we should produce a staged version. My dear friend Rosie was the musical director, and she painstakingly re-arranged the score and recorded keyboard tracks so our actors could rehearse on their own. I think, by now, you should be able to find karaoke tracks of the songs from the episode, but this version holds a special place in my heart.

 Of course, there are more songs, ranging from Disney to the Temptations to U2. And, I just now noticed that my shuffle has served up three instrumental tracks in a row. So, I will save lyrics screening for another day.

 In the mean time, my rule of thumb is variety. Kids like music, and different kids like different music. So experiment. Some kids will like minor chords, some kids will like drums, some will like everything. Your kids (and you) will only learn what they like after they have tried it.

Ye Olde Renaissance Faire

"I told you they would be a pain," Vicki said jokingly, after I told her about my day trip with her two older sons the day before.

The truth is my trip with Gabey and Jonah to the Maryland Renaissance Fair was not half as difficult as Vicki feared it would be. I had a lot of fun, and what unfun I had was not really the boys' fault. Still, in the future, and for anyone who may also attempt to take their little ones to the Renaissance Fair (or any other day trip, come to think of it) here are some lessons I have learned.

It's never too early. Fortunately for us, I always like to get a head start. Usually, I am awake by 8:30 on the weekend (which, I know, is mid-day for small children and the adults who raise them). Rick dropped the boys off at our house at 9:30, we were on the road at 10, and we got to the fairgrounds at 10:30, a half-hour after they had opened. Revel Grove was ours -  to share it with the 150 or so other people who had got there before us, and the numberless masses who were streaming in after us.

Bring backup. Luckily, I could see this one coming and planned appropriately. Even though the boys did not feel like wandering away from each other or from me throughout most of the day together, they would have spent a good four hours in line after line after line if I did not have my trusty sidekick and best friend KJ with me. If I had to do something boring (like wait in a line) she would whisk the kids off to adventure. A partner is also useful to help carry the masses of stuff you will inevitably find yourself laden with.

Stop at an ATM on your way. Most of the stores accept "Lady Visa and Master Card," but, to my knowledge, none of the concession sites do. There are a few ATMs located throughout Revel Grove, but at least two of them ran out of money during the day, and a third limited withdrawals to $80. I find it is just as easy to spend less than $80 at the Renaissance Fair as it is to spend more than that amount. In either case, who wants to stand in line for 45 minutes when there are turkey legs so close you can taste them? If you have cash, that is.

Skip the warm-up act. If your little ones were promised a man swallowing swords, they will not stand (or even sit) for a magician. Remember, once you are inside the fairgrounds, all the shows are free. No one will stop you from joining the audience of Johnny Fox, Swordswallower Extraordinaire, 20 minutes into his act. Just be prepared for Standing Room Only. On the plus side, that does offer you a quick escape, should anyone need or want to leave RIGHT NOW.

Ask before you touch. Or, rather, remind the children that they have to ask before they touch. A lot of the merchandise is hand-crafted and/or fragile, as are many of the costumes that the employees and the other guests are wearing. Luckily, in the latter case at least, many people will let you (or, rather, a small child) poke them, if the enthusiast happens to be wearing armor. Most of the people I saw were happy to take a few moments to talk with you about their outfit, sometimes in character.

You're on their schedule. Sunday was the first time I had attended the Renaissance Fair without seeing Hack & Slash or Shakespeare Scum. But, the boys had an agenda, and it involved pirates. With prompting, we were able to expand their game plan to include eating and using the Privies. Most of the time, they wanted to play in the Pirate Ship playground, especially after the horu-long mission to buy wooden swords. Ultimately, I did not mind; my own mission was to show the boys a good time. After all, I may want to bring them back someday.

On that note...You'll know when it's time to go. If you are lucky, like we were, you will have spent a long tantrum-free day exploring, when one of the little ones tells you, "I'm ready to go." Do not argue or ask questions, just stop at the Privies one last time and enjoy the quiet as the kids fall asleep in the back seat, full of hot dogs and chocolate.

And, don't forget the camera! I did, and I have been kicking myself every since. You are just going to have to take my word that the boys getting their arms and faces painted, or climbing a pirate ship, or covered in chocolate were truly snappable moments.