Sometimes I haven’t much to say.
Somedays I haven’t got anything to contribute in conversation
Some days I just don’t speak!
I met the German for lunch and was entertained by his slender grasp on everyday English .
I’m glad he’s not working with counselling clients, for his sake rather than theirs
I had to titter after he raised both eyebrows to my common colloquial saying of disbelief
“ and my dick’s a kipper”
“You are always talking!” he observed over coffee
He wasn’t being unkind , just direct
I need to practice being quiet with him me thinks.
I’ve nothing major to share today.
When I am alone in the cottage, I’m silent
I’m not one to chatter away at the animals
I don’t usually play music either
But today was an exception.
Just before Christmas , the lisping Choir and Metropolitan Orchestra performed the famous barcarolle from The Tales of Hoffman. The original is a lilting aria between two sopranos and it mimics the lilting song of the Venetian Gondoliers and their version for their yearly Children’s concert ( complete with toy instruments ) was sublime and all rather joyous
Enjoy
Did you notice Sylvia reprimanding a chorister for not paying attention at the end
I get exactly what you mean John, sometimes with family , I just sit there, thinking , I’ve got nothing to contribute ,
ReplyDeleteIt’s a confidence thing sometimes, I was always better when I had a partner , someone to bounce off
Keith
Xx ps happy new year to everyone here xxx
Dear Keith , you soft pudding
DeleteI did notice Sylvia's admonition but still she did it with a smile. What a wonderful group of musicians they are.
ReplyDeleteBut with a strength which I liked
DeleteLovely music and a kind, subtle reminder to the daydreaming chorister.
ReplyDeleteI usually have music CDs playing when I'm doing something quiet. Yes, some silence is golden!
Hugs!
I miss a louder home babs
DeleteI have no childhood frame of reference as both DH and I were only children. We have 2 sons who were born 4 years apart, so discovered noisy!
DeleteBig hugs!
How refreshing John ! Too many people in this world have too much to say these days ! When the spirit moves you again we will be all ears !!! Xx Bernie
ReplyDeleteHummm Bernie , to be fair I always have something to say
DeleteI'm so glad you and your German friend have reconnected. It sounds like you're on a similar wavelength, even though there are a few linguistic quirks!
ReplyDeleteMy husband always has to give a running commentary as he watches the telly, even if I'm reading. It's so annoying, but I've learnt to zone out! I rarely have things to say, and can't do small talk for long, I find it very uncomfortable.
Sylvia's smile whilst reminding the chorister to look at her is so professional. Lovely music and vocals, as usual. Thanks. xx
His name is Marcus and we shall see
DeleteI'm a talker to when I'm nervous. I like talking to people, like listening, that's what I miss most about nursing. My husband's not much of a talker unless he's delivering me a lecture.
ReplyDeleteI babble when nervous , but I know when I do it , and try to slow down somewhat
DeleteI don't talk much either, but not because I'm not talkative. I have problems with my jaw joints, and anything approaching a conversation leaves me in pain for days. I'm only just getting over an hours visit from my sister before Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHugs x
DeleteMy next door neighbour is a farmhand, has been for fifty years...he is 62... often if I see him at lunchtime or teatime I get a discussion of what he has been doing on the farm.....and I think it is because he gets to talk hardly atall at work....and lives alone...
ReplyDeleteSometimes your mouth and brain gets out of the habit
DeleteAre Germans noted for their sense of humour? I didn't think so.
ReplyDeleteHe has a charm about him
Delete@ Debra .Stereotype meaning, a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like ,especially an idea that is wrong,
Deleteanna
My partner of many years is German and has a great sense of humour, so has all his family and friends. I don't know where the idea that they don't have humour came from, it certainly isn't true!
DeleteThat's a lovely rendering of the Barcarolle. And the toy instruments. Thank you, I did enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad xx
DeleteSometimes we talk a lot in company bec of all the hours alone and loneliness...a friend or lover who wants us to be silent is not ideal, in fact quite sad. I know, I lived it. [not necessarily re: you and the German, can we at least give him a name?]
ReplyDeleteMarcus
DeleteCloseness without chaos.
ReplyDeleteConnection without pressure.
Presence without intensity.
Comfort within the quiet connection.
A valued relationship where both can breath.
Steady, safe and calm.
Connecting deeply but selectively.
I find, in couples, one person is generally more talkative, friendly and outgoing and the other person is less so. Together they complement each other. It's not a bad combination.
ReplyDeleteA Black Cat/Golden Retriever relationship dynamic popularized by TikTok.
DeleteIf I am home alone I rarely listen to music or in the car, I find it too distracting. But I am a talker if there is someone to listen or interact with. I am a bit loud too so describe myself as an acquired taste. Not everyone's cup of tea but that's ok, I'm kind and gentle so there is that. Just a bit loud!
ReplyDeleteA second-hand acoustic guitar (£10) and a copy of Bert Wheedon's 'Play in a day' instruction book, and you'd be playing by teatime! You'd be amazed!
ReplyDeleteLovely music and singing!
ReplyDeleteI like constant chatter, so wouldn't want you to practice being quiet John, never change! I listened to the choir, quite lovely - no choir that good anywhere near me. Wishing you and all your pets a happy, healthy New Year. Betty
ReplyDeleteI suppose there are few opportunities for chat at home, but at least you do get to talk to people at work.
ReplyDeleteI have few opportunities for a chat so when I do meet people I tend to just blab away!
What a charming reprimand. She’s a pro! “And my dick’s a kipper” is a new one for me and I love it. An American would ask, “What’s a kipper?” So, it might not be very clear.
ReplyDeleteI know I sometimes talk too much and I also know it's out of insecurity. However, the older I get, the more I realize the power of listening.
ReplyDeleteUnlike you, I live alone and sometimes keep up a running commentary. I used to be embarrassed by it and thought it was weird, but now I think whatever pleases me (if it doesn't harm anyone else) should be allowed without censure. And as a single female, I make it a point to speak loudly to my absent spouse as I enter and leave the house.
ReplyDeleteNina
Some mentioned that German people don't have a sense of humour, through my partner (very humourus!) I have met many others, they have all had a good sense of humour. Their conversation may sometimes seem direct but that is the language difference, even if seeming direct they have all been kind and thoughtful people.
ReplyDeleteDoes your friend Marcus live nearer to you now John, I think you mentioned he was living quite a long way away.
ReplyDeleteone of my new year resolutions is to 'practice silence'. This includes merely being with another/not having to talk. It will be difficult
ReplyDelete