Jessica Mitford was a world famous political activist and journalist who devoted her life to social justice. Her landmark book The American Way of Death exposed exploitative practices in the funeral industry and inspired legislation to protect the American public. She stood up to the House UnAmerican Activities Committee and battled on the front lines for civil rights. But through it all she never forgot to have fun. At age seventy six, Jessica was asked to record her unique version of the Beatles Maxwell\'s Silver Hammer. Despite the fact that Jessica was not really a singer, she embraced the opportunity and belted out an amazing, if silly, rendition. During the recording session she told stories about her life and flirted unabashedly with members of the band, men half her age. Bob, her husband of four hundred years, didn\'t seem to mind.

Jessica Mitford showed that having fun is an essential part of life, and that being playful doesn\'t have to interfere with important work. In fact, it helps you get it done. You all need to play, but your lives are crowded. Consider this breakdown of how most of people use their time in percent Sleep 25, Work 25, School 15, Household Chores 10, Socializing 10, Shopping 5, Cooking and Meals 5, Television 20, Complaining 15, Sex with or without a partner 5, Gossiping 20, Snacking 25, Flirting 35, Thinking About Sex 80, Worrying About Sex 90, Religion, Spirituality or and Philosophy 5, Googling 25, You Tube 30. The humble harmonica that comes to save the day. Unlike car racing, it doesn\'t require corporate sponsorship. Furthermore, you can play harmonica while you are doing the other things on your \"to do\" list. It\'s something you stick in your mouth, which helps with the food and sex cravings. Play along with the TV. Play while you are walking the dog. Is it time for an intimate moment with your loved one? What could be more romantic than playing \"When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again\" into that special someones ear?

Say you\'re visiting someone in a retirement community. The conversation is dragging. What better way to lighten the mood than by playing \"Oh! Susanna\"? The great thing about \"Oh Susanna\" is you don\'t need to worry about playing single notes it sounds better played with chords. When you play the harmonica this way, it sounds best if you have the melody note as the highest note that is, the one on the right side of your mouth. Your friend in the old folks home will appreciate you making the effort to play this song, whether they can hear it or not. Maybe they\'ll like it more if they can\'t hear it. Young children will appreciate it, too. They are intrigued that music can be produced out of something so small.

The harmonica makes a great icebreaker, and you can be the one breaking the ice, especially if you make that Sonny Boy Williamson sculpture. Join a musical group consisting of a variety of instruments like, tuba, bagpipe, and glockenspiel, or get with a friend who plays guitar or piano duos can be great. If there\'s no group to join, start your own. Play at talent shows and open microphone events. Start a harmonica club. Nothing stands between you and playing but your commitment, and by that, I mean time. That\'s what you need to give yourself time to play.


By Alex Wess harmonica expert and teacher.