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It comes as a reappearing mild shock each time the toilet dings at me when I’m within its range. It lifts its lid invitingly.  It will sing as well, playing recorded tunes such as In the Mood when a person with the need sits herself down on its seat.

OUR TOILET

When we first tried our new toilet, it played lite classical. Now, the musical selections have been adjusted to rotate through Satie, classical, and classic pop.  Once in every 6 or 7 visits, I get bird song , my personal favorite. The “music” continues until you complete your mission.  It is usually an amusing and surprising distraction, but can quickly turn into an irritant if your stay is extended.  Ironically, while masking sounds emanating from the body, it also announces to anyone within earshot, that the toilet is definitely in use!singing birds

My remarkable single appliance washing/drying machine, as if to reward me, plays a jolly tune after I’ve loaded it and managed to push the correct buttons to set it in motion.  Its sweet 5 second jingle always requires a brief improvisational dance.

Where else on the face of this dear earth are you encouraged to sing and dance while performing the daily routine of personal and household maintenance?

Dianne Vapnek

In an attempt to slow life's quickening pace, I'm writing to share my personal perspective on the aging process, its dilemmas, the humorous self-deception, the insights and the adventure of it all. I spent the bulk of my time in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA, but manage to get to NYC a few times times a year. I've been a dancer/dance teacher and dance supporter almost all my life. For the past20years, I help create and produce a month-long creative residency in Santa Barbara for contemporary American choreographers and their dancers. It's been incredibly gratifying. This year, I decided it's time to retire! Big change. I also now spend several weeks a year in Kyoto Japan, residing for several weeks in the spring and the fall. I've been magnetically attracted to Japan for many years. Now I live out a dream to live there part-time.

5 Comments

  • Carol Kosterka says:

    Dianne, I’m only a week home from Kyoto and it is still filling my dreams. Jill Kitnik alerted me to your blog and I’m so enjoying it. I loved meeting Masa and Sarah and hearing about your new journey. I’d love to see you when you return to Santa Barbara and share stories. Carol

    • devapnek says:

      Carol, It’s so wonderful that you’ve been bitten too. It’s love. Yes, we must join forces soon!

  • Manel Ratnayaka says:

    Dianne, it reminds me of you dancing coming down the stairs….” I have got accustomed to your face…. ”
    This is perfect for you, dancing Dianne! Amazing what our Japanese friends think of these days!

  • Judi Wallner says:

    OMG, love this….just wish the french were as efficient. We’re still waiting for our internet connection and it’s been 6 days. Thank goodness for the internet at our favorite cafe! Guess that it needs is a little music!Let the fun continue!

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