Listening – one of the five senses. I spend so much time with the written word – reading for myself, writing and reading my own work, reading to my kids. I find it really useful to rest my eyes and take in stories via television and conversations. This week, I have been listening to a range of conversations, podcasts, television shows and songs.
Conversations
- From Mr 7 – ‘Did Dad think you were hot when he met you?’ (My answer – of course!)
- In the cafe from the woman at the next table – ‘she was a low-cut sort of woman.’ (What an awesome phrase!)
Podcasts
- Todd Henry, The accidental creative – Todd is an American non-fiction writer who interviews many creative people. I’ve been enjoying his discussions about topics such as why we get in our own way, how to lead a creative team and telling stories.
- Michael Hyatt, This is your life – Michael focuses on platform-building, leadership at work, being your best self and the creative process.
Songs
- Mr 13 was recently in his school production of The Lion King – he was a lioness! There is nothing like a group of 10-14 year-old boys singing Circle of life to raise your spirits!
Television
- House of cards – season 5 – my husband and I have been watching a few episodes since it came on netflix last week – so good. I still don’t know how such conniving characters can be so likeable. Frank and Claire Underwood are hellbent on securing their political position – do we watch them in the hope that they fail or succeed?
- The Wizard of Oz – Miss 10 is in her school performance as a munchkin in a few months so we needed a refresh of this story. It’s always interesting to watch such a classic film and analyse the different turning points and themes in the story.
Random listening
- Mr 13 has a French oral poem to recite and Miss 10 had a speech on elephants – I am now knowledgeable about both French flowers and elephants!
And what have you been listening to this week? Any great podcasts or interesting conversations to share?
Listening is quite a skill, I think our younger folk need to learn to listen without a screen.
Due to renovations I don’t have Foxtel, quelle horreur ( your son will translate, Karen) and so I have been listening to football on the radio. It takes me back to days when it was the only way to keep up with AFL scores. More concentration needed than having it all unfold on a screen.
Terri.
i think you’re right, Terri – it’s harder to listen without looking at something.
Listening to conversations occurring around you can be stimulating. Is what I’m hearing really the correct message or just my slant on it? Grandchildren telling their important message, story. It is a gift to hear but a talent to listen.
Wise words, Pam!
Hey Karen!
It’s around 10.30am and I’m guessing you’re having your chai down at your favourite coffee shop, gladly not being interrupted by the fabulous moi..
When I do anything in life, work, walk the dogs, cook, study or clean the house, I have music on.. and wow it varies in genre. I popped on ‘The best of Lisa Gerrard’ this week when studying and I was transported out of wedding planning world into the depths of her world..!! If you have seen “The Gladitator” with Russell Crowe or “Whale Rider” then you have heard this ladys song.
Lisa doesn’t sing with words as you would think of a “singer”. It’s quite hard to describe her talent – but it’s beautiful!
The next day I was so excited to share her, I said to the Cafe world I work in
“omg… listen to this lady sing!”
After 2 mins of having her on the stereo, she was given two thumbs down, even by me!!
So! I encourage that when listening to Lisa Gerrard, that you have the house to yourself, maybe have a glass of wine in the bath and open your mind to the possibilities that you’re about to be transported into a new world!
Hey Neill, nice to see you here! It was quiet at the cafe without you today! Thanks for suggesting Lisa Gerrard – I’m intrigued by the way you’ve described her.
I would add that getting your children to listen to you is a real art regardless of their age or stage of life!
Think I need to work on this art, David!