Thank You, Elton

Yes, it sucks being at your desk at 5 a.m., sucking down your second cup of coffee and wondering how you're going to get it all done in time ... but at least the drive in wasn't bad ... zipping through town on darkened streets ... sunroof cranked open ... "Yellow Brick Road" cranked up ... singing along at top-lung level, cracking notes Elton and Bernie never meant to be heard. That's the way to start a day.

Still, I'd rather be in bed.

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Music Really Does Soothe the Savage Beast

Long line at Starbucks this morning, but they’re playing R&B, so I don’t mind waiting. Aretha is singing “Respect,” and my left foot is tapping out the beat. My leg gets into it, then my hips. My shoulders are dancing as I start (quietly) singing along.

Place my order as The Jackson 5’s “ABC” begins. I dance-walk to the order pick-up table, and start singing, tapping, and dancing in place. A college girl walks up: “I’m singing, too. May I join you?” So, we sing and sway and entertain the bux for a couple of minutes.

I arrive at the office a littler less grumpy, with a soulful bounce in my step.

Now it’s lunchtime. Walk down to the building cafeteria to grab a sandwich. “Lady Marmalade” starts, as do I. The toe-tapping, the shoulder dancing, the singing. My New Orleans-bred CEO is in front of me, and he joins in.

I am a walking Ellen Degeneres commercial. But my mood’s a helluva lot better. I’m a deep one, aren’t I?

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