On Saturday we gathered on the Seed playground under overcast skies for our annual picnic. There was plenty of shade under our glorious trees where picnickers could sit and eat together. It was a calm and peaceful event that included face painting, wand making, a group collage project, and a delightful musical component.
The music, provided by AJ Odneal, a local “indie folk singer/songwriter influenced by pop and jazz who plays guitar, ukulele, and banjo,” set the tone for the event. Accompanied by Seed parent/musicians, Jenna Dalbey, Matt LaBenz, Brandon Marin, and the Seed’s own Jay Cleveland, their lovely tunes filled the air with hopeful, relaxing music.
Prior to the picnic, AJ came to school and went from class to class with Jay to introduce one of her songs, “Space Commute,” to the children. They practiced singing it in preparation for a brief performance at the picnic. Midway through the picnic, children of all ages gathered near the musicians, facing their attentive audience of parents sitting in the grass. “Space Commute” is a song about someone living and working in outer space, thinking of a loved one, and finding their way back home. The children’s sweet voices sang this chorus:
“I think of you on my space commute,
while I’m lacing up my big moon boots.
I think of you when I zip up my suit
I think of you on my space commute.”
Their singing made me think that we’re really all on a space commute, finding our way home through the universe. No matter what our belief system is, we are all on this journey, individually and collectively.
There is disturbing, troubling news every day about the condition of our planet. I listen enough to stay slightly informed, then turn my focus to podcasts and music that give my hope. It made me happy to be introduced to AJ Odneal’s music last weekend. I was glad to know there is one more space commuter who is devoting her life work to making our world a better place.
<3 <3 <3 <3