Kontan’s Place

Introductions: Djembe

From left to right: Alli, Djembe (Jem), Tiki, Me, Lil Bit, Big Bit, Tchaik, Blackie

As it is Valentine’s Day I guess it is only appropriate for me to do my second introductions post and tell you about Djembe. Our story is strange, but I find it amusing. For those who haven’t figured it out yet Djembe is my husband. I sometimes refer to him as Jem, Mr. Wonderful, the Cook, or my little drummer boy. The word Djembe refers to an African drum. I chose the nickname because Jem is a percussionist…a rather good one if I do say so myself.

I met Jem at a Halloween party, October 29, 1994. On and off we spent the evening talking and laughing together. At that time I knew he was older than me, but I had no idea by how much. It didn’t matter. We had really connected and I was looking forward to getting to know him better. Over time we figured out that our paths had been crossing for years.

While I was in high school he was the drum instructor at a rival high school. We had attended many of the same competitions and shows, but never crossed paths. That’s a good thing given that he is eleven years older. We also discovered that I met his best friend a few years before I ever met him. I had my heart set on attending another college and had been visiting the other college and playing with their band all through my high school years. Jem’s best friend was involved with the drum line there. Another odd quinky dink, Jem was a roommate of a cousin of mine. When Jem met my favorite great-aunt at a family get together he was surprised to realize he had met her before. I fully believe that regardless of my college choice we would have eventually crossed paths to end up together.

After we finally met we were close from the start. Being apart was absolutely miserable. We met at the end of October and after a miserable Christmas break apart we decided that being apart was not something we would let happen again. We married May of 1995.

Through good times and bad we have grown together. He is my best friend. He is my valentine.

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Relaxing to the sounds of: John Tesh - Spanish Steps
via FoxyTunes

Saturday Saying #4

We’re all in this together
High School Musical

Every six months or so I get restless. Djembe has learned to humor me during these times. He will rearrange the furniture or help me paint. He even broke his arm because of me. (Curious? Read about it here and the miserable ER visit here.) OK, not because of me…the TV mounting was not ALL my idea. Anyway, he is Mr. Wonderful when it comes to dealing with my latest whim.

Today I had the grand idea to switch the music room and the living room. The catalyst for this decision was the fact that the living room wall is shared with the shower wall in the bathroom. If someone is taking a shower it is all you can hear, and if someone wishes to enjoy a relaxing bath all they can hear is the TV. The other reason, I like the fireplace and want it to get the respect that it deserves instead of sharing the glory with Jem’s awesome TV. I was very surprised when Jem agreed that it was a good idea. Despite the hours that the transition required I must say it was not just a good idea, it was great. The living room will now close off. It is a cozy space, very relaxing. The den is just as relaxing. It needs one more chair, but that is not essential to enjoy the serenity of a relaxing workspace and fireplace. (I am such a pyro.) A couch and my comfy chair are sufficient for now. The PC is in here as well. I must say, it works. I’m just thankful that I have someone willing to appease me. I am still going to petition for his drum stuff to accent the office den. I really liked having a music room.

Everyone worked together today. There were tense times when the girls insisted on being under foot. They did their part though. They cleaned their rooms and worked on getting their clean clothes folded and put away. I like when we are working together. These days it is essential.

Hope your weekend is grand.

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Relaxing to the sounds of: Steven Curtis Chapman - Live Out Loud
via FoxyTunes

Audible hug

Djembe came home from a rehearsal yesterday and brought home the greatest gift. He has the opportunity to play with the church we attended in Tupelo. While there for rehearsal he was given a CD: Gravity by Rick and Dena Pike. (Check out their myspace and listen! If This Is Love is a favorite.) Hearing their voices and the familiar sound is an audible hug. They are both super talented.
Great gift.
Great sound.
Great reminder.

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Relaxing to the sounds of: Rick and Dena Pike - reflection
via FoxyTunes

Birthday Wishes!