A Coincidence, A Croon & an Indiana Home

"I'm discontented with homes that are rented, so I have invented my own" 

Tea for Two

radiodismuke.com

When we bought our first house, a momentous occasion for anyone, we were astonished and surprised by the generosity and support we received from community members, family and friends. I wish every young family to be so blessed. It seemed like a miracle (and some mornings, despite all of the inevitable perils & pitfalls of home ownership, it still does!).

Originally, we went to the Open House just to get my mother out of the house. The agent, Piedad Llerena, greeted us warmly at the door. When we walked in, we felt a peace about this place. We found ourselves coming back to see the house one more time, and I was shocked when my husband said we should go for it. The folks at Lingle helped us out, and with a special first time home buyer's grant our American dream became a reality.

Our house was built in the 1920's or the 1930's. I had always been attracted to the style of that age. So when we began housekeeping, I searched for an inspirational soundtrack while I worked in our kitchen. I found Radio Dismuke, a station out of Texas which plays the songs of the 1920's, 1930's, featuring big bands and Jazz. It seemed appropriate considering Richmond is called "the Cradle of Recorded Jazz". The station live streams the perfect breakfast making soundtrack! While there are certain things that passed in those years that we should not regret losing, it's nice to listen to the sweetness of the music produced by a bygone era when crooners sang so ardently of loving truly, dear.


Around the same time that we became home owners, my husband's beloved grandparents had recently passed away. They were global ambassadors, educators and devoted Hoosiers. Even though they lived to a ripe old age, we miss them always. My husband and I heard a special song, Tea for Two by the Comedian Harmonists one morning while listening to "my station". At our next Christmas gathering, I believe the first we spent without Grandma and Granddad, I happened to play the song for my husband. My Father in Law started. He said, "Did you know that was Granddad and Grandma's song?"

We had no clue. It felt like a special gift, a continuity and connection. Whether it was divine blessing or happy coincidence, it was a wonderful gift! The song and our home, we continue to cherish.

I believe it was owning our home that first made me feel rooted here. I never called myself a Hoosier, until we had our very own permanent address. I'm glad we chose to make Richmond, Indiana home. Here's another song, by the unforgettable Al Bowlly, for my fellow Hoosiers.

"Hang out the stars in Indiana; up in a sky of midnight blue.

Hang out the stars in Indiana to light my way back home to you. 

Have every robin sing a love song--a melody just meant for two. 

For in my heart there will be a love song. 

A song I long to sing to you.

How could I find the things I sought for?

No one delay or deny.

The very happiness I fought for was right back by your side. 

So wait for me in Indiana.

And when the long, long day is through--hang out the stars in Indiana to light my way back home to you."

<3

the Local Gal

PS

(Dear Lingle, (& especially Piedad), if you ever read this, thank you! Whenever we pass your advertisements on a billboard or bench, I pray that you are blessed. We could not have asked for a better first time home buying experience. Bless you.)

Related Links:

Listen to Radio Dismuke HERE

Lingle, Piedad Llerena

Star Gennett Foundation (dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of recorded jazz)

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