Blog 1 - Spencer Gray

Below are many of the meaningful experiences that the music we listened to in class evoked.

A Perfect Summer Day Up North

The first song’s energy reminded me of a classic summer day up north. Waking up early with coffee and

a family breakfast. Boating on the lake, playing golf, and going to the sandbar with friends. As the song

tapers off, the day comes to a calm end. You are tired, and sun-kissed, ready to wind down with games,

movies, or a fire.

Home Is the Water

“Home is the water, and the water is our home.”

Working and living up north every summer makes these lyrics feel so real. I always feel most at home

at my cottage. It is such an inviting place that brings everyone I love together. Everyone is so relaxed

and at peace. The water is so freeing and liberating. 

Early Mornings at the Golf Course

Working early mornings at the golf course meant boating to work in the dark, with the lake barely

illuminated by the moon. It was hard to distinguish between water and land. The lake felt empty, dark,

and lifeless, yet I felt so alive.

Which Way Is Up

“Which way is up?” Not knowing which way is up underwater is genuinely scary.

Kitchen Escape and Canoeing

My friend Jack and I both worked in the kitchen as chefs, and we often had the same schedule.

One afternoon, we got out of the kitchen early and borrowed a friend’s car, along with a canoe from

work. We went canoeing down the Oxtongue River. The weather was perfect, the company was great,

and the vibes were immaculate.

Summer Camp Rule Breaking

At camp with my friend Connor, we sailed to his cottage, which was not allowed. The lifeguards had to

boat out to us and tell us to turn around.

Water Like Gold

The introduction mentions the water as gold, and it truly can feel and look like gold on a perfect day.

Grand Bend Memories

Camping at Grand Bend with my friends created amazing memories. A gorgeous beach, food made

and shared, and plenty of laughs and stories.

Time With My Dad

The fourth song made me think of the time spent up north with my dad. Silly arguments and memories

I will cherish forever. It makes me feel grateful for the life he has provided for me and reminds me

how important it is to cherish the time we have together at the cottage.

Cold Water and Laughter

Going to the cottage in the fall to help my dad winterize the dock. Swimming under the dock in

freezing water while trying to unhook metal chains. My dad could not stop laughing as I struggled to

catch my breath.

Growing Up

All the great memories made from all my summer jobs up north, coming to an end, made it feel like

my childhood was over. But I am so grateful for those memories and truly feel blessed to have had

such amazing summer jobs for so many years.

Storm Chasing

Jed and I went “storm chasing” on our way to a friend’s cottage, but we ended up hitting a huge storm

that completely stopped us in our tracks. We had to pull over at Victoria’s cottage until the storm

passed. It felt like the ultimate mission for two young guys. Everyone at work found out we went out

in the storm and got really mad at us.