WWJD

So!  I have this neighbor who lives behind me - educated, attractive, well-groomed, healthy (apparently).  She is a member and attender of one of the most prestigious churches in the area - for all appearances, a Christian.

And yet she doesn't have one kind word for any of her neighbors.  She certainly hasn't had one for me in the 20 years I've lived here. Comments from the neighbors about her range from "petty"... to "crazy"... to "mean spirited _____".

She regularly reports (real and imagined) property infractions to the County (and yes, I'm one of those receiving a visit from a County official - and at least some of my infractions were real). 

Recently, she had flood lights installed on the back of her house.  They don't point down at her property.  They point directly into my back windows.   I thought briefly about contacting our friend, the County inspector.  But being a "live and let live" kind of gal, I just close my room-darkening curtains in the bedroom and enjoy the fact that she's lit my back yard nearly as well as she's lit her own.  So, go for it, neighbor.  Light the world! 

Her yard is near-perfect - an apparent metaphor for her life.  She works hard on it, spending hours and hours raking, mowing, brushing, blowing, sweeping, tidying.  And yet I've never seen her sit on the beautiful bench in the back of her yard and read a book or enjoy her lunch in the beautiful setting she's created.  It appears to be much more about appearance than function.

There are days I'd love to fill my back yard with plastic pink flamingos and barbed wire "art" and wait to do battle with the County representative who would almost certainly come to visit.

But most days, I wonder what makes her so unhappy.  Where does the anger come from?  What hurts?

As I sit here, looking out my window at her house and yard, I wonder if there is anything I can do to make it better (other than landscape my yard in like fashion - which I'd love, but can't afford - and would do myself if I were physically able.)

Thanksgiving has passed.  Christmas is on the way. 'Tis the season to be all about peace, love, forgiveness.  What would Jesus do???

Happy Thanksgiving!

(Late)

Yesterday was Thanksgiving and I have a "thankful" hangover.  SO much to be grateful for!

Thanksgivng day was busy and wonderful.  The whole family came to my house for our traditional breakfast.  Even my father made it this year.  Looking down the table at all of the beautiful faces, I was fighting back tears - of gratitude - of love.  My life has been truly blessed - over and over again.

After breakfast, a couple of hours to recover and on to Greg and Amy's for dinner.  They had 3 tables this year.  There must have been at least 20 people.  Greg and Amy carried it off with their usual grace - and a truckoad of food - 2 turkeys this year - a ham - Amy's wonderful mashed potatoes and all of the fixings to go along.

Greg and Amy had a turkey "cook off" - each cooking a turkey.  Amy declared herself the winner!  Greg didn't even put up a fight. 

Richard, Julie, Kate, and Brynn stopped by after dinner for dessert (of which there was no shortage - cheescake - pumpkin pie - apple cobbler - cupcakes for the kids).  I'm still full today!! 

There is a new baby in the family this Thanksgiving and we are thankful for her sweet presence.  Greg has a new job this year.  So does Richard.  Michael was just promoted.  There are also job complaints, but basically we are all grateful to have our jobs - our homes - our families. 

Life is good!  God is good!

We are thankful! 

Shawn Mullins

Shawn Mullins
November 10, 2010
World Cafe Live

If you like stories - bar stories - civil war stories - true stories - fictional stories - stories about stories - then you should LOVE Shawn Mullins. 

Shawn Mullins is a story teller, a dreamer, a heart tugger.  The stories between the songs were as captivating as the stories IN the songs.  As soon as he spoke, he threw a net over the audience with his voice and drew us all in.  

I've only seen Shawn "live" once before - when he toured with The Thorns - Matthew Sweet, Pete Droge and Shawn (spectacular, by the way) - and I think he must have deferred that night because I was totally unprepared for the range, power and depth of his voice.  The resonance was palpable - both when he spoke and when he sang.  It covered us like a warm blanket.  (The incredible acoustics at World Cafe Live didn't hurt a bit.)

It was just Shawn and Patrick Blanchard on stage - and it was enough.  Well... actually...  Shawn and Patrick and a few guitars.  It was a night for Gibson acoustic guitars with Shawn's big ol' Gibsons and Patrick's Gibson J-45 (I think).  Shawn also used a third guitar (maybe an Alvarez ???) - for "Lullabye" and Patrick added color to the evening with a Telecaster.  It was a great night for acoustic guitar with a little sweet electric thrown in.

Although Patrick Blanchard usually plays bass with Shawn's band, there was no bass for Patrick on Wednesday night.  He did more than an adequate job taking the solos and playing some great licks.  He played like he meant it.

Although Shawn Mullin's catalog is full of great songs, everyone still wants to hear "Lullabye" before the night is over.  We were not disappointed.  Shawn closed the show (the last show on this tour for him) with the ever-favorite, "Lullabye".  For an encore, he performed Kris Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down".  An amazing ending to an amazing night!  (and the song is available on iTunes)  Great show - wonderful music - a night to remember!

I may even start a Shawn Mullins channel on my Pandora.

Everything's gonna be alright
     Rockabye Rockabye
          Bye bye, baby
               Bye bye

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday do you!
Happy Birthday, dear Dad
Happy Birthday to you!

87 Years old today - still golfing - still bowling.  Amazing! 

So... I went to visit my father and we went drinking.

Kind of.

Well... for me, anyway. 

We had a glass of wine.

Dinner at Cesare's (NOT the Dallas Diner) was great - wonderful food - pretty place - a nice night.  Then, after dinner, the scenic route back to his house - by the Yacht Club - the train station - by the bowling alley.  We hit all the hot spots! 

The drive home to Delaware was uneventful - great music on XM - not much traffic.  All in all, a really nice evening.

Happy birthday, Dad!

Red

Let's hear it for old people!!!  This movie was soooooooo good!!! 

Michael and I laughed until we cried.  It was a good story - lots of action - and tons of humor. 

All I have to do is look at Bruce Willis and I laugh.  His eyes laugh even when his face doesn't.  And John Malkovich?  OMG!  John Malkovich was born to play a crazy person.  (Is he playing?????)  Morgan Freeman is one of my favorites and there just wasn't enough of him in this movie to suit me, but a little Morgan Freeman is worth more than a lot of many other people.  I've been a fan of Helen Mirren since "Calendar Girls".  She was exceptional in this film!  She is one sexy senior - for sure!

This is one I will definitely watch again and again when it becomes available on cable. 

You HAVE to go see it!!!  GO!  Today!!

Quotes * October 31-November 6

October 31 - November 6

I don't know why

The trees grow so tall
And I don't know why

I don't know anything at all
But if there were no music

Then I would not get through
I don't know why

I know these things, but I do

From "I Don't Know Why"
~ Shawn Colvin ~

Hi Ho Cherry-O

It was game day with Bryce today and as always, he amazed me!

I love to play board games and card games and so, apparently, does Bryce.  We played one game after another all afternoon yesterday.  What fun!

AND... every game had all of the pieces.  True! 

Do you know how many of those little cherries there are in the Hi Ho Cherry-O game?  I think there are 4 colors - 10 cherries of each color - 40 cherries.  They must give you a couple extra, because Bryce not only had ALL of the pieces, he had extras. 

Scott said that Bryce loves games and so he and Crystal taught Bryce that if he wanted MORE games, then he had to take care of the games he had.  If he doesn't take care of what he has, he will not get more.  Ahhhh!  The joys of common sense!  (and standing by what you say - which is sometimes hard - and which was never my strong suit)

We laughed SO hard - talked trash to one another - and had a wonderful afternoon.  At one point we went outside to see how Scott was doing (he was installing a new scooter lift on my car) and Bryce grabbed a soccer ball and proceeded to play a make-believe soccer game.  I got to be the announcer, which was fun and made me laugh. 

Bryce would whisper to me... "announce that I'm coming into the game".. and I would announce... "Now entering the game is Bryce.  His team is down by 2 goals with less than a minute in the game.  CAN Bryce score the goals his team needs to win????"

And so Bryce would run and kick and at one point he whispered again to me "count the seconds down, Grammie"... which of course, I did - with delight.

I called a "time out" and Bryce came and sat next to me on the porch.  We decided to go in for a while and I headed toward the door.  Bryce ran out into the yard and grabbed his soccer ball to take inside.  Impressive!

I hope we can spend another afternoon together soon.  SOOOO much fun!

Happy Birthday, Alex!

Alex is 10 today!  Amazing!  Ten years of wonderfulness!

Alex wanted to go to Damon"s for dinner so Michael and I tagged along with Greg, Amy and the kids - and I'm so glad that we did! 

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Alex!
Happy Birthday to you!

Websites * October 24-October 30

October 24 - October 30

Since this is Breast Cancer Awareness month - a website that benefit Breast Cancer research...

Vera Bradley - 10% of the proceeds from Vera Bradley's "Twirly Birds Pink" pattern benefit the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.  Win one at BHG.com/verabradley.

Plunka - plunka -plunka - plunk

That's how it sounds when I play the guitar.  "Play the guitar?", you ask???  "At YOUR age???"  Well... yeah!  And... what's worse is that I'm taking lessons!  AND... I'm having so much fun!

I'm taking guitar lessons from Andy, who is a terrific guitar player and one of my favorite people. I am his test of patience.  

As soon as I found out that Andy teaches guitar lessons, I contacted him.

"Andy... do you have an age limit for lessons?"

"Well, I don't teach kids under 12."

"Hmmmmm.  How about an upper age limit... like over 60?", I asked ever-so-sweetly.  :-)

Andy laughed and then foolishly agreed to give me guitar lessons.  See how nice he is???  He'll be WAY sorry (if he's not already)!

"What's your goal?", asked my ever-so-serious guitar teacher.

"Ultimately, I'd like to suck less.", I answered, reaching for the stars.  I reaaaaaally suck now.  Maybe with Andy's great teaching and a lot of hard work on my part, eventually I might suck... less.  A noble goal.

So!  Tonight's lesson was mainly theory and review and regrouping.  Andy has some great ideas about what direction we should take.  And I'm just excited to be there!

Rock on! 

Going The Distance

It was crude. Very crude.

I love Justin Long and Drew Barrymore - still do, but I don't know if I mentioned this.  The movie was very crude.  And in my opinion (and what other opinion counts, after all???), it wasn't necessary.

I don't consider myself a prude or anything... but I found this movie offensive - and it was not integral to the story line.  I mean... I'm sure I'll live and everything but when it comes out on video, I doubt if I'll watch it. 

I liked the story.  I liked the premise.  There were lots of good things about this movie and I wouldn't say "Don't go", but I would say... be prepared.  And maybe wait for the video.

i still love Drew Barrymore and Justin Long and if they happen to be in a movie together again some time, I'm sure I'll go. But I was disappointed this one.

I'll give it a generous 2 Go's.

Happy Birthday, Bryce!

The party was on Sunday... but the birthday is today.  I hope it's a happy one for Bryce!

He's FIVE!  He's FIVE!  He's FIVE years old today!

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday, dear Bryce!
Happy Birthday to you!

Quotes & August, 2008

August, 2008

“Don't grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach.”
~ Michelle Held ~

“The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
~ Jacques Cousteau ~

"I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move."
~Robert Louis Stevenson~

The Expendables

Rocky with guns! Corny - predictable - silly.  But it was also hysterically funny - witty - even better than expected.  You could feel the comradery between these longtime friends, These old guys know how to do it right!  I LOVED it!!!!!

And the scene with Arnold Schwarzteneger?  I almost fell out of my seat laughing.  Okay... that may be a little over the top, but you get the idea.  Very clever... and what a good sport ol' Arnie is!  I didn't think Bruce Willis was going to make it through that one.  (I'd love to see the out takes)

When this one comes out on video, I'll see it again - probably more than once.  The action won't be nearly as good on TV as it is on the big screen, but the people - the characters (and... oh... are they characters) will always be bigger than life.

If you haven't seen it yet, then you have to go before it's gone.   You won't be sorry.

I'm giving it 4 Go's!

Rainwater - Sandra Brown

I loved the book.  I hated the book.  I loved the book.  I hated the book.

In the first couple of pages I discovered a single mom running a boardinghouse, her son who appears to be severely mentally handicapped, and a boarder who is dieing.  The setting is depression-era Texas.  I should have put the book down.  "Step away from the book."

I'm a fan of the "happy book" and this was obviously not a "happy book".  BUT... it was not a depressing book.  Go figure.

This was a very meaty book (no pun intended) with - an insight into the time period - a rotten villain - a strong hero - lots of great stuff.

Within 10 pages I was hooked.  It was a typically predictable romance novel with some typically predictable elements, but.. so what, ya' know???

I loved it! (I hated it!)  *sigh*

It's a quick read.  I recommend it and give it 3 "Good Reads".

Inception

I was sitting at my computer at work.  The next thing I knew, I was watching a movie with Michael... but... I didn't remember how I got there... and... Michael was not really Michael... he was a projection (I think).  And then... the music started...

I can't tell you any more, though - really.  No... really.  I'd wreck it.

So... go!    4 Gos - at least!

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Just about everyone I talked to about this insisted that I should go - that it was the best Twilight film yet.  Well... I don't agree.

I mean... don't get me wrong.  It was good.  But not the best.  And if you didn't read the book... don't bother going.  You'll be lost.  That may be a little harsh. It was a good action movie kind of thing, but there was SO much missing that was in the book but not in the movie.

To my taste, I don't think Edward came off as protective.  He felt more like a controlling stalker to me.  I understand that Bella was in danger... blah blah blah... but I think he would be just as stalkerish if she wasn't in danger.

And besides... Jacob is WAY hotter!  Really!  I think the whole Edward thing must be a mind control issue.  I just don't see it. 

Those of us who are  ::::cough cough::: more mature... know the difference between love and obsession. 

She should have called me. I'd have helped.  But then... she doesn't listen much to anyone. 

If you're into the Twilight thing, you have to see the movie, but I'm only giving it 3 Go's! 

Colors!

I've had the same colors in my house for about 20 years - jewel tones - deep red - deep emerald green - deep sapphire blue - plaids, stripes, solids. 

I'm ready for a "do-over" and I've been looking at colors.  I wanted to do something lighter, but my room is dark, so I read that I should probably do something warm. What to do!  What to do!

I tend toward blues and greens - beachy colors - or so I think when I'm trying to analyze what I like. 

But then... I have a red Tiffany-style stained glass lamp in my kitchen that I love and really don't want to get rid of.  And... there's that red shelfy-boxy thing that hangs on my dining room wall I bought it almost 13 years ago when I went to visit my friend, Linda, in Oregon. 

So, I'm back to red.  But I don't want to repeat what I have - and around and around I go. 

This week, we got a sale catalogue from Lands End and while browsing through the "Home" section, I saw a comforter and pillow shams that just grabbed me.  What color?  Well, red, of course!  *sigh*

But this was red flowers with tan, white and cream.  I fell in love with it.  I'm not sure that particular print is "it", but the colors are wonderful.  And I can keep my red hanging lamp (but move it to the living room). And I can keep my red shelfy-boxy thing.

I can see a tan sofa (I think) with pretty pillows - maybe a red print chair.  Where do I go from there?  What color walls?  I wanted some color on the walls - maybe white (not bright white) trim.  The walls are now almost white - with tan trim.  I was really thinking more color, but now I'm stuck. 

Any suggestions??

The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown

Wow!  Dan Brown has surely mastered the art of the "page turner".  Every time I put the book down to take a break, I changed my mind within 15 seconds and picked it back up again. 

I read "Angels and Demons" and "The DaVinci Code" and loved them both, but I think I liked this one even more.  That could be because my reading tends to be 'in the moment' and I love whatever I'm reading at the time.  But... maybe not. 

I thought the violence was extreme, but... well... I get it.  It's that kind of book.  Still, I know that when the movie comes out (there WILL be a movie, right?) I'll be sitting there with my eyes covered.   I'll have to take someone with me to let me know when it's okay to look.  (Richard... are you in?)

The twist almost knocked me off the couch.  Maybe I should have seen it coming, but I didn't.  From that point on, there was not even a pretense of putting the book down before I was finished.  I had to get to the end!!!

Did you read it?  What did you think?

I'm giving it 5 "Good Reads"!!  Definitely... if you haven't read it already... read it!

* * * * * * * * * * *

Happy Birthday, Greg!

Today is my son Greg's 37th birthday.

Lots of memories today...

Greg was born on a Sunday night (obviously, in July).  My brother-in-law and his wife (who was also pregnant) and their 15 month old son (2 weeks younger than my oldest son) were visiting from Florida.  They had invited my husband's aunt and grandmother (right... my brother-in-law's aunt and grandmother, also) for the day.

I went into labor in the morning but I didn't want to say anything - didn't want to create a commotion - make a fuss.  So... the day went on - I played hostess all day - made dinner for the whole family - but as I was giving the 2 fifteen month old boys a bath, the labor pains were just too bad to continue.

I told my husband I was in labor and needed to go the hospital.  The next hour was like something from an old Keystone cops movie.

We grabbed my "stuff" and headed for the car.  I sat in the front.  My brother-in-law (who knew nothing about Delaware) got in the driver's seat - my husband in the back.  And off we went - only to discover that I-95 on Sunday night in Delaware was a parking lot - everyone coming back from the beaches - Delaware and New Jersey. 

My brother-in-law sped up the shoulder, hoping to attract a policeman.  No luck. 

Eventually we made it to the hospital - started to get out and realized we were at the wrong hospital.  Back in the car and we were gone again.

Greg was born shortly after 10:00 PM.  The doctor had just told my husband that it would be a while yet.  I told them that this is how my first pregnancy went and that it would be soon.  They patted my hand - you know... the "don't be hysterical" pat - the doctor left - Rich went to the phone booth (remember those?) to call home and let everyone know it would be a while.

While he was on the phone, talking to his brother, the doctor knocked on the phone booth to tell Rich that he had a son. 

What a crazy start for poor Greg!

Lots of memories over 37 years - lots of reasons to smile.

There is a quote that I like to put at the and of my emails to my kids:

"If I could reach up and touch a star for every time you've made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand."  ~Anonymous~

So true!  So true!

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Greg!
Happy birthday to you!
Life is surely good!

I Click

... or rather, I "clink" - like the sound of a piece of flatware gently tapped on the side of a glass. 

Of course, no one can hear this "clink" except me.  The "clink" comes from inside my neck.  (No... not like a voice inside my head.  It's a "clink" - in my neck)

Sounds suspicious, eh?  You're wondering what other noises I might be hearing, right?

Turns out... this "clink" really is legitimate!  I went to the surgeon today (Dr. Todd Albert) who did the spinal fusion in my neck about a year ago - just a check up.  (and apparently I'm going great - just fusing and fusing).

I cautiously asked the doctor about the said "clink" and he never flinched.  He showed me on the x-ray what is causing the clink - where it comes from.  I have to admit there was a part of me that was just plain delighted that he was right on board.  I think I half expected him to narrow his eyes... look at me strangely, and say slowly.... "a clinnnnk???"

Whew!

2010 Quotes * July 4 - July 10

July 4, 2010 - July 10, 2010

"When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things - not the great occasions - that in retrospect, give off the greatest glow of happiness."

Bob Hope

She's Here!!!!

Brynn was born this morning at 7:33 a.m.!

We are all so grateful and joyous!  

I found the following verse in a greeting card quite a while ago and loved it from the moment I read it.  The verse is inspired by Russian poetry.

Newborn child,
You were placed in this land
at this time for a purpose.
You bring gifts to the earth
that only you can bring. 

Welcome, Brynn - to your place in the world!!!

I am now a grandmother of 6! 

Websites * June 13 - June 19

June 13, 2010 - June 19, 2010


Hassle Me - This one cracks me up, but I have to admit I love it. Talk to me in 6 months. I may change my mind. Here's the premise:


"Is there something you're always forgetting to do? Need a little accountability to keep you going to the gym? This website can help you remember things you tend to forget or just don't want to do."


If you're reading this, I think you should add reading my blog to your list of things to be hassled... er... reminded about.


Make a Snowflake - Remember when you were a little kid and right around Christmas time you would fold up pieces of paper and cut out pieces and when you unfolded it... you had a unique snowflake. Now, there's on online version.

Websites * June 13 - June 19

Hassle Me - This one cracks me up, but I have to admit I love it. Talk to me in 6 months. I may change my mind. Here's the premise:

"Is there something you're always forgetting to do? Need a little accountability to keep you going to the gym? This website can help you remember things you tend to forget or just don't want to do."

If you're reading this, I think you should add reading my blog to your list of things to be hassled... er... reminded about.


Make a Snowflake - Remember when you were a little kid and right around Christmas time you would fold up pieces of paper and cut out pieces and when you unfolded it... you had a unique snowflake. Now, there's on online version.

Quotes * June 13 - June 19

June 13, 2010 - June 19, 2010

"When at first I learned to speak
I used all my words to fight
With him and her
And you and me
Ah, but it's just a waste of time
It's such a waste of time"

The Avett Brothers
"I and Love and You"

The Great Earring Giveaway

I'm not sure who else thinks it's great, but I do!  :)

Donna, from DH Designs bought a couple pairs of my earrings and LOVED them, so she is hosting an earring giveaway on her blog, DH Designs .

Check out Donna's blog post for details on how to win a pair of earrings from The Earring Lady shop!

Soooooooo the winner is :::: drum roll ::::

Nancy of Marcus Designs (that's a link to Nancy's design blog) who chose Turquoise Briolettes.

Congratulations, Nancy!  I hope you LOVE your earrings!

Killers

* * * * * * * W A R N I N G * * * * * * *

Suspend any faint expectatiion of reality that you may be tempted to take into this movie with you.  Step away from reality! Then ----- Enjoy!

I was never a big fan of Katherine Heigl (Do you remember her comment about not deserving an Emmy nomination for Grey's Anatomy - because the scripts were not Emmy worthy?).  I may change my mind, though.

First of all, I'm not generally a good grudge-carrier.  Oh!  Don't get me wrong.  I've carried a grudge or two in my day - over rocks - through water - up mountains - when dropping the doggone grudge would have been SO much easier.

ANYWAY... I think I'm ready to drop my Katherine Heigl grudge. I really liked this movie and I really liked HER in this movie.  I think she got this part just right! 

And Ashton Kutcher?  Okay.. we all know the ol' "hot" thing (Back in the olden days we would have called him a "hunk".  Stop laughing!).  He is without a doubt, a good looking guy, but he is also funny!  REALLY funny!

I laughed!  I cried!  Hmmmm No... I didn't cry.  But I did laugh - a lot!

In fact, I was still smiling when I left.  All in all, a nice afternoon!

I'm giving it 4 GO's! 

Phil Roy & Melody Gardot

Phil Roy

How many times did Melody Gardot open for Phil Roy?  Last night at the Keswick Theathre, Phil did Melody a favor (in my opinion) and became the opening act.  For us, the concert was all about Phil.  Melody was just an afterthought - a bonus (that sounds a little more positive). 

I saw Phil Roy for the first time with Roseanne Cash at Appel Farms in New Jersey.  I was an instant fan - of his songs - of his voice - of his musicianship.  And after a 15 minute "chat" at intermission, I was a fan of Phil Roy as a person.  He was warm, open, and kind. I felt like I'd known him for years.

We try to see him play any time he's in the area.  We are after all... fans!  It's also pretty common to find him milling around at World Cafe Live on a night when Amos Lee, or Mutlu or Jim Boggia are playing.  He is a fan of Philly musicians.  Just one more thing to love about the man.

Phil's rich, passionate voice never sounded better than it did last night at the Keswick.  He played songs from several of his albums and "The Business of Love" from Mask.  He's written songs that have been sung by a variety of people in a variety of genres - from Pops Staples to Guster (3 songs on one album).

I was disappointed when Phil ended his set and he hadn't played "Melt" - one of my favorites.  But he came back out with Melody during her encore and the two of them sang "Melt" together.  What a remarkable treat!  It was an emotional moment for both of them.  It seems forever ago, that Phil asked Melody to sing on one of his CD's.  No one outside of Philadelphia knew her then.  How things have changed!

Life seems to be good for Phil Roy at the moment.  Phil has found love and is moving to New York to follow his heart.  We will miss his sweet spirit.

Melody Gardot

I know that Melody Gardot is HUGE in Europe having sold over 8 million records and winning several prestigious jazz awards - but I just don't care.

We always hear about her terrible car accident when she was 19 that left her "disabled" - causing her to walk with a cane and wear dark glasses.  She had her cane with her, but she danced, stood on one leg - then stood on the other - squatted - stood for an extended period of time - then picked up her cane from its holder and walked to the piano.  If she can stand, dance.. blah blah blah without the cane, why does she need the cane to walk 10 steps to the piano? I don't get it.  The cane and the glasses felt like an affectation. 

Maybe it just "hit me wrong" at the moment.  Maybe it's because I walk with a cane (that I need) and I promise you - if the day ever comes that I can get around without it, the cane will be gone - gone - gone!

ANYWAY... This was the Melody Gardot we remembered from her "rookie" days, but larger than life - more dramatic - in fact, totally over the top.  I guess you could chalk it all up to musical theater, but it completely turned me off.  Ms. Gardot is beautiful and incredibly talented.  There just isn't any need for the excessive and relentless drama and "show".  I thought it was a distraction.

I mean... really Margot Timmons is a very sexy lady - with no need to prove it continually through a concert. 

Okay... okay... okay!  Let me put away my soapbox!

The highlights of "an evening with Melody Gardot" were Melody's closing comments and "Melt" with Phil.  She was genuine, humble, grateful.  I found myself liking her for the first time all night.

There is no doubt that Ms. Gardot has earned all of the awards that she's won. But the best part of her show, for me, were her musicians. I don't know that I've ever seen any better.  In fact, I don't know if "better" even exists.

 

Charnett Moffett, on the base, seemed to accomplished things that aren't even possible!  What an amazing musician and artist!  He stopped to talk to us for a of couple minutes outside, after the show, as we made our way to the car.  (He's delighted to be home again in Pennsylvania with his family.)  We were privileged to experience his musicianship!

Irwin Hall, obviously the master of many instruments, played alto and tenor sax (at the same time) with passion and enthusiasm.  His connection to the music drew us in and when he played, the rest of the auditorium disappeared and there was only Irwin Hall.

Charles Staab - A drummer's drummer - we were mesmerized by Mr. Staab's talent and intensity. 

When you have a minute, find these men on YouTube - or better yet, a concert - and prepare to become a fan - whether this is your "type" of music or not.

Whever else Melody Gardot does, she has surrounded herself with electrifying talent - and she allows them each to shine. 

Besmirched, Bothered and Bewildered

So!  I went to the movies today (there's a movie review down there somewhere) and before the movie, we saw previews of upoming movies (somehow that seems redundant).

One of the movie previews talked about a girl's reputation being besmirched (sullied, soiled - Pronunciation: bi-ˈsmərch, bē-\) and i thought to myself... "What a great word! And one we don't hear very often."

I don't think dictionaries always go far enough.  Soiled, sullied - there's a lot of room in there. 

I went out to lunch today and besmirched my shirt with tomato sauce? Not really.

"Mary Jones left an hour early today."  Her reputation will be totally besmirched after this.  Would leaving an hour early totally besmirch you? Partially besmirch you?  Earn you an "atta girl"? (Would anyone even notice??)

"Had to get my car washed today.  It was completely besmirched after last night's rain." 

Maybe you have to be a living, breathing thing to be besmirched.

"How are you and the dog getting along?" 
"After the way she's been acting lately, my feelings about her are... well...  just besmirched."

These are the things that occupy my mind and make it...
                                                                                 besmirched?

Toad and Mutlu

Toad the Wet Sprocket  AND Mutlu - at the Keswick!

Life is good!

Mutlu

We are long time fans of Philadelphia's own Mutlu!

Mutlu plays everything from Sitcom theme songs (which we missed this time) to great covers - to a cover of a Turkish pop song (that has gone from in "oh no!" in my mind to eager anticipation)  - to his own beautiful and distinctive music.

Mutlu's brand of music is upbeat - hopeful - with a soft groove that will melt your heart and a voice that angels envy.

On his most recent CD, "Livin' It", Mutlu is joined by G. Love, his buddy, Amos Lee, Darryl Hall, and others.  There are songwriting collaborations with Amos Lee, Ben Arnold, Tony Reyes - and more.  My favorite cut?  Maybe "Hello Morning" - but I'd better not think about it too long or my "favorite" will turn out to be my "favoriteS".  If you're not ready (yet) to buy the whole CD, try "Hello Morning" on iTunes.  You won't be sorry.

As a "Philly Local", Mutlu is a friend of WXPN (the NPR station from the University of Pennsylvania) and an active participant of the "Musicians on Call" program, where musicians go to local hospitals and sing for children who are hospitalized. 

If you have a chance to catch Mutlu in concert, don't pass it up! 

Really!



Toad The Wet Sprocket

I mean... really!  Toad!!! Could we possibly pass up this one??  What a great night!  (And what great seats!  First row, center!)

Glenn Phillips is not a stranger to Philadelphia - and we go to see him - and his bare feet - every time he comes through town, but we've never seen him with Toad before! 

My oldest son said that he thinks it was the first concert he's ever been to where he could sing along with ALL of the songs. 

I'm sure every song brought back memories of where he was when he heard those songs for the first time. 

It was obvious that the band enjoyed the concert almost as much as the audience.  Personally, I'd like to see a new "Toad" album - and I'm sure I'm not alone.   There were about a thousand people there last night who, I'm sure, would agree with me.

Glen, Todd Nichols (guitar), Dean Dinning (bass), and Randy Guss (drums) were joined on stage by Johnny Hawthorn (slide, guitar, mandolin), who also plays with Everclear.  (Johnny is the guy in the hat sitting back there by the drums.)

The music was great!  The energy level was high.  The harmonies were spot on.  The band and the audience were completely connected.  Toad never sounded better! 

They played music from "Fear", "Dulcinea", and "Pale" - and closed the night with "Walk On The Ocean"...

"Don't even have pictures,
just memories to hold
Grows sweeter each season,
as we slowly grow old"

Hey Toad!  Come back soon!

Letters To Juliet

I don't have to worry about giving away any secrets because you've seen this movie and/or read the book many, many times if you've ever read a "Romance" book or watched a "Romance" movie.

Don't get me wrong, predictable is not necessarily a bad thing for me, if done well.  Anyway...

• Girl meets boy
• Boy is an arrogant, miserable pain in the ass
• Boy dislikes girl
• Girl dislikes boy back
• Over time they grow to love each other but they don't want to admit it
• They "accidentally" kiss
• Boy loses girl
• Girl thinks she lost boy, but it's a miscommunication (There's always a miscommunication)
• Boy gets girl
• Girl gets boy
• They live happily ever after

Meanwhile... back at the vineyard...

• Woman makes huge mistake 50 years previous
• Woman tries to right mistake
• Blah blah blah - happily ever after

So... "girl" is Amanda Seyfried.  Throughout this movie we focused on "girl's" boobs:

• Bouncing in her t-shirt when she runs
• Jiggling in her scoop neck dress (she's braless in this one)
• Almost falling out of her v-neck dress at the wedding, when she runs - bent over with her boobs right there on the center of the screen (boy had to fall on the ground for "gir" to bend over and accomplish this look properly)
• Bouncing, jiggling and/or generally being exposed in almost everything else she wears

So.. if there are any "guys" out there who are being pressured to go see this "chick flick", you might consider going.  The view isn't too bad. 

"Woman" is Vanessa Redgrave and they turned her into an absolute frump-a-dump wearing beige, round-toed, mary-jane type flats with an ankle strap - skirts that hung about 4 inches above her ankles - baggy shapeless tops and baggy, ugly jackets.  I mean really!  If this is the main love interest of the movie, shouldn't she have been somewhat of a hot granny?

I don't care how old she is, Vanessa Redgrave is beautiful, but they did everything they could to disguise that - at least until her wedding (*gasp* are you shocked?  Did I give it away?).  For her wedding they at least pulled that long, stringy hair - normally held back in barrettes on the sides (please!) - into an up-do, reminiscent of the 60's (can you say French Twist?) but respectably sophisticated - and flattering.

I think that long, gray hair was supposed to romantic.  Nah - not so much.  In one scene - where she recognizes her true love (Aw shucks!  I did it again - gave away a surprise plot twist.), they manage 30 seconds where her hair blows in the breeze around her face and is somewhat flattering.  The rest of the movie?  I'd sue them, if I were her!

The men in the movie were appropriately hot. If it were a book, they'd have rippling biceps, blah blah blah.  The "man" was way hotter than the "boy", I thought.  But then... I'm old.

When I started this, I was thinking 3 Go's.  After reliving the movie in this post, I'm changing my mind... 2 Go's. 

Google Doodle

Did you see this???  This was the national winner of the Google Doodle Contest where K-12 students are invited to try ou their artistic talent on Google's home page.

This Doodle was designed by a 9-year-old 3rd grader from Missouri.  Pretty Amazing!

If you'd like to see the winners from each state, check this out!

Wow!   Fantastic!

What I Know

 

“I don’t know how deep the sea is.
I don’t know how high the sky.
What I know is I’m going to love you.
Love you, love you, love you, ‘til the day I die.

I don’t know when the mountains going to crumble.
And I don’t know when those seas will run dry.
When the moon’ll turn blue, baby, I haven’t a clue.
But I’m going to love you ‘til the day I die.”

From “What I Know” by Tom Rush

It was the 1960s and music was my hope and my life. Tom Rush was a big part of that time for me. I saw him in and around Philadelphia at the Main Point – at the 2nd Fret – at the Philadelphia Folk Festival (where he has been performing for 4 decades – and will be again this year).

Tom (I can call him by his first name ‘cause we’re close to the same age, although I AM younger <-- had to add that!) played the music of my life then – and now. I wore out vinyl and CD versions of “The Circle Game” (In fact, I think I may still have a very worn out version of “The Circle Game” in vinyl) and I’m sure that I’ll wear out “What I Know”, Tom's most recent CD, also.

In addition to five Tom Rush originals, on “What I Know”, Tom continues to graciously cover other artists like Steve Bruton (“Too Many Memories”), Mishka (“Lonely”), and Melanie Dyer and Kim Beard (“What an Old Lover Knows”) – to name a few.

“What I Know” also features duets with Nanci Griffith, Bonnie Bramlett, and Emmylou Harris (my favorite) that make you want to close your eyes, shut out the world, hug those headphones close to your head, and completely give yourself to the music.

Robin Batteau accompanies with violin on “The River Song”. Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!

The CD ends with my favorite cover on the album – played with elegant simplicity…

“And when my mind is free
You know a melody can move me
And when I’m feelin’ blue
The guitar’s comin’ through to soothe me

Thanks for the joy that you’ve given me
I want you to know I believe in your song
And rhythm and rhyme and harmony
You help me along, makin’ me strong

Oh give me the beat, boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll
And drift away”

From “Drift Away” by Mentor Williams

Thanks, Tom! I’ve waited a loooooong time for this one!!! (And it was worth the wait!)

I'll give it 3 Notes