I’ve sworn off making resolutions, but I do use the start of another new year to recommit to growing as a person. Since January 1st, I’ve been listening to guided meditations on a more regular basis. I find it helps me start and end my day on a positive note, and it keeps me more focused throughout the course of the day. Louise Hay, the founder of Hay House, Inc., has a variety of meditations that I choose from for both the morning and the evening. Hay House also has a meditation podcast.
This month I experienced another major change in my routine. My daughter started her first semester away at college! On our drive up to Boston to drop her off at school, she introduced me to the music of Peter Sarstedt.  When I first heard his voice, I couldn’t tell if he was an Irish singer, a modern hipster musician, or a folk singer from the 1960s. His style seemed to blend so many sounds and time periods. I’ve since learned Sarstedt was a British singer-songwriter best known for his 1969 hit “Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)?” He died earlier this month.
I’ve found myself listening to this song even now that my daughter’s no longer at home. Perhaps it’s a way to stay connected to her. But I also think it’s due to the unique melody and the unexpected European references in the lyrics.
Hearing Sarstedt’s song has reminded me of a trip to France I’ll be taking later this year. I’m hoping to be able to converse a bit with locals, so I’ve started listening to Fodor’s Travel Phrases. It’s an app powered by Living Language. If I feel motivated to learn more than a few phrases I may even try Living Languages’s online French course. Au revoir for now!