The last 3 years I was in college, I worked in a Salon & Spa on the Oxford Square – the center of the Town of Oxford. I have many many great memories from my days at La Rousse. I worked there since they opened November 1, 2004. It was just a handful of us back then. We all fit around one dining room table for our Christmas party that first year. They were my surrogate family – La Rousse had become my 2nd home.

Having a 3/4 job in Oxford (I wasn’t full time but always worked more than part time) meant I was usually there when a majority of the students had already left campus for Holiday. I didn’t mind hanging around for most of my breaks because A. I was making money. and B. I secretly loved Oxford the most during these times. The time of year when Winter was creeping across North Mississippi, the sun was setting much earlier, the Square would quiet down and become almost still with the students gone and the dinner crowd barely starting to make it’s appearances. And there I’d be in the shop, Toni finishing up her last client and me getting things ready to close up for the day.

We listened to a lot of John Mayer, Billie Holiday, the Love Actually / Bridgette Jones Diary Soundtracks, and of course a good bit of Motown. When I was at the shop closing up by myself (which wasn’t an odd occurrence), the first thing I would do after locking the front door is run back to the back and turn up the music. I would sing and dance around while sweeping the floors and checking the day’s balances. (And it also wasn’t an odd occurrence the off chance someone would catch me while passing by on the sidewalk. Didn’t phase me one bit.) These were some of my favorite moments in Oxford. I wasn’t worried about school work, or dance practice, or anything. Things were just …. right.

So for today’s Music Snack, here’s one of my favorite songs that takes me back to these, my beloved Oxford memories. Aretha was always a favorite when it came time to close up the shop. Enjoy!

Aretha Franklin – You Send Me

My dear La Rousse has since now moved to a new location and has grown immensely. From the starting days, it’s just Toni left. I pop my head in from time to time whenever I can make it back to Oxford. No matter what and no matter how long it’s been, I always look back and smile. On the friends I made, the memories which are forever in my mind, the freedom of basking in the music and the moment because I can, and those times when things were just …. right.

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The Music Snack comes out every Wednesday to put a little rhythm in your week. Requests are always welcome, so don’t be shy!