Most of my waking hours are spent in the car, with children, driving to various activities, carpooling, late night pick ups, etc. Radio blasting, heart pounding bass that cause the drivers next to me to stare with disapproval as if they are saying "How can you let your children listen to that?"
I wont lie, there are some songs that I enjoy for their beat alone, and I do appreciate all kinds of artists. I also have to be realistic and accept that this is what is offered to my kids today. I can't control everything they download and sing ( or rap ) along to.
I take pride in knowing, however, that Sara (15) loves Joni Mitchell just as much as I do. For all of the dirty lyrics that tarnish her brain, she still has room for the innocence and simple, beautiful words and work of this wonderful song writer.
Last week, on one of those late night rides home, we listened to our favorite Joni Mitchell songs. Songs I played for her since she was born. She knew every word and we "belted them out" taking the long way home so we could squeeze in another track. It was that moment that inspired me to do a series of photographs based on her musical poetry.
All of her music is a gentle reminder to take the long way home.
Woke up, it was a Chelsea morning, and the first thing that I heard
Was a song outside my window, and the traffic wrote the words
It came a-reeling up like Christmas bells and rapping up like pipes and drums
Oh, won't you stay
We'll put on the day
And we'll wear it 'till the night comes
Woke up, it was a Chelsea morning, and the first thing that I saw
Was the sun through yellow curtains, and a rainbow on the wall
Blue, red, green and gold to welcome you, crimson crystal beads to beckon
Oh, won't you stay
We'll put on the day
There's a sun show every second
Now the curtain opens on a portrait of today
And the streets are paved with passersby
And pigeons fly
And papers lie
Waiting to blow away
Woke up, it was a Chelsea morning, and the first thing that I knew
There was milk and toast and honey and a bowl of oranges, too
And the sun poured in like butterscotch and stuck to all my senses
Oh, won't you stay
We'll put on the day
And we'll talk in present tenses
When the curtain closes and the rainbow runs away
I will bring you incense owls by night
By candlelight
By jewel-light
If only you will stay
Pretty baby, won't you
Wake up, it's a Chelsea morning