Wednesday, May 11, 2005

James Brown in the Yichud Room (knew that would grab your attention!)

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I drove home from work today the way I always drive -- one hand on the wheel, one hand on the radio tuner. I'm a notorious "tuner"/"channel changer"! I'll listen through a song or oftentimes just a few bars, and then I'm surfing the airwaves yet again. When I actually examine my habits, I realize that if the dial is set to a classical radio station, I'll keep it there for a longer time.

But any music I listen to grabs me...if only for a little while.

Today a James Brown song, "Papa's Got a Brand-New Bag," came on, and of course I had to listen to the whole song. Although James Brown is a caricature-like person to look at, his music is uplifting in its own way. His screaming voice, his grunts, the keyboards and drums in the background grab a great beat and stick to it. The music reminds me of days gone by, different clothing styles, different lingo, different world mentality.

As I listened to James's song, I couldn't help but have a flashback to my wedding day. Specifically following the chupah. Specifically in the yichud room.

Now I'm not sure what generally goes on in a yichud room between new husband and wife, and I've never bothered to consult with other newly-marrieds to take a poll. But I know how this newly-married at the time spent her time in the room.

Of course, my husband and I had both fasted that day, and it was probably after 7:00 p.m. by the time the chupah was over and we had our private time. I remember there being trays of hors d'oeuvres laid out for us, as well as drinks, but I wasn't hungry, even after the fasting. I was EXCITED, ELATED, ECSTATIC, ENTHUSIASTIC; I was someone wife, someone's daughter-in-law.

And what did I do to display my newfound energy? I kicked off my heeled shoes, picked up the hem of my beautiful wedding gown, started to dance and sing..."I Feel Good," one of James Brown's more famous tunes. It defined the moment, defined how I was feeling, defined my energy level.

Life was good. The night was young -- and I was married!

4 comments:

Chaim said...

that is hysterical, lol .. really. Funny thing is that all single people mysteryisly wonder what goes on in the yichud room, after everyone does the same thing, kicks off thier shoes, eats, and finally for the first time in months exhale.

Just Passing Through said...

really? I always assumed no one even had a chance to eat in the Yichud Room. hmmm. Maybe I better shut up then.

Anonymous said...

doesn't anyone keep any secrets anymore? it seems that nothing is too private or special to share with the world. sad, i think.

torontopearl said...

Oh-oh... is that last comment from "anonymous" perhaps from my husband, in fact? Makes me wonder...and worried.