desperately seeking octovin

Lunchtime with Kate is sometimes like a treasure hunt. She begins a story with complete sincerity and I have to go hunting for clues to try to make it make sense to me. Today was a sweet hunt. It started with the man Octovin. "He was a little scary but I was brave when Mrs. Raybold pushed the button and the music came out. His music is sad and mad. Do you know he lives in a place that is called Germany? It's over a very big bridge. I am going to be brave and drive there after lunch. Do you want to come?"

By this time I figured out she was talking about music class. And I predicted it was Beethoven. She agreed it was, but still insisted it was pronounced Octovin. So like all modern parents we went to the computer and YouTube'd him and his Symphony No. 9. When his image came up she called over Elliott and told him to be brave, "that's what Octovin looks like." As the music began, she closed her eyes and began to lead the orchestra. Here are snippets of her conversation: this song has a big girl song and a baby song. I love it. I love this song, it makes me jump. It looks like a monster is coming in Beethoven's house. It's still going up Elliott, it takes a long time. When Papa comes home I'm going to show him Octovin's music. That makes me jump. I couldn't hear my ears. They're singing kind of loud. I'm going to pretend that's Beethoven singing.  You know I'm making that music, I'm singing that. I really love this. I really love it.

Talk about music appreciation. I can honestly say I have never appreciated it as much as I did just now. Thank you Mrs. Raybould, thank you Ludwig van Beethoven and thank you Kate. I think Elliott sends his thanks too.

Here he is.

Happy Friday! xoxo the gang