Zac Brown - Free

A few years ago, my son, Scott, gave me a Zac Brown Band CD and it's turned into one of my favorites... ever!  

Enjoy!

My favorite spot in the house

When I put in a dogwood tree a couple of years ago  (Okay.. Ryan put it in. I just pointed in the general direction of where I wanted it) I had no idea I would be able to enjoy it from the inside as well as the outside.  It's so pretty.   Don't you agree?

Vince Gill

Okay... when I saw that Vince Gill was going to be at the Keswick I thought... (as I often do)... "What the heck! Why not!".   It's Vince Gill and he's going be close.  So.... sure.  I'm in.

I was sure it would be okay... or even good, but I wasn't expecting it to be as great as it was!  Color me surprised!

When we got there, the sign on the door said "No Intermission."  Hmmmm... I thought (I know you like to know what I'm thinking)... must not be an opening act".  Unless, of course, they were thinking of doing some kind of tag-team switch between acts, which I seriously doubted.  (Nothing gets by me.)

Vince (Yes.. first names.  We're close.) said at the beginning of the show that he had spent a lot of years as an opening act - got to play for 25 minutes.  Sometimes he was the 2nd act and he was able to play for 45 minutes.  He told us that playing is what he loves to do and that he decided that when he did it again, he would just play a lonnnnnnnng time!

 

And play he did!  The show started at 8:00 and it was almost 11:00 before we were on the way to the car. He played lots of old ones... some new ones... had great stories.  It was a great night!

Vince said that one morning, shortly after his 55th birthday, he went to breakfast and noticed the menu for folks "55 and older" and it made him laugh that he was now in that group.  (I hit that age quite a while ago, and it never made me laugh.)

There were 8 in the band - plus Vince.  A great group of musicians!  I teasingly told Michael that this was the "no spring chickens" tour because the musicians were old enough to have "played for a few years"  (she said, tactfully).   We were definitely in the hands of people who knew what they were doing - and who had a good time doing it.

The man can play PLUS... the older he gets, the better he looks. (It doesn't seem to work that way for women)  By the way... those Martin guitars looked (and sounded) pretty good too. 

 A great night of music!  Would I go again?  You bet your boots, I would!

Thanks, Vince!  See you next time!

Any musical surprises in your life lately?

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Martin Sexton

 
The hand-painted backdrop was SO Martin Sexton - a circle of guitars symbolizing the unity of religions... philosophies... lifestyles.  Is there a nicer man anywhere?  I mean... really????  It's a privilege to see Martin Sexton - any time! Tonight was no exception.

The show was all electric tonight - until the encore, which was acoustic.  Pretty good for a guy who started with a Sears Roebuck acoustic guitar.

There was no set list.  He just played what we wanted to hear. "Martin fans" are "Martin fans".  It doesn't much matter what he plays, we love it all!  He even turned us into a choir from time to time tonight.  Fun!

A beautiful man with a beautiful voice.  I'm so glad we went!

And...

The opening act was Stephen Kellogg - lots of energy - great opener.

He told us that times are tough and that he had to use family as his road crew... and then out came his two beautiful daughters to dance for us while their dad played and sang.  I'm a sucker for dancing kids sooooo it was  "hit" with me.  (Irish step dancing anyone?)

Stephen will be back in the area this summer with his band, SK6ers, but I'm not sure where or when. Should be a terrific show!

What's your favorite thing to do on a Friday?

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It's a hit!

Kate is playing softball this year for the first time.  T-Ball softball.  She's #10

Monday we had a record setting day - 89 degrees and Kate had a game so I loaded up the ol' scooter and off I went.  That was one of the best decisions I've made in a while.  I couldn't stop smiling.

  Getting ready...

Kate "roped" one at this at-bat!

Thanks, of course, to the patience and direction of her coach/father.  (Who said they can't mix??)

 Yea! Coach!

T-Ball softball consists of a lonnnnnnng time at bat (and a whole lot of bench time) and a lonnnnnnng time in the field.  Everyone hits.  Everyone fields.  2 innings.  So funny!  Score?  Who knows! (Who cares?)

She's too cute - even on the bench. Do you love the "hats"?  Just right for ponytails!

T-Ball softball is pretty slow, so I was easily distracted by Brynn who never stopped moving the whole time we were there.

Brynn ran this way (with a soft pretzel)...

And then Brynn ran that way (the shirt is great!)...

She sat on the bench...

And made a new friend...

And when she caught me taking pictures, she even stopped a second to pose.

The problem with softball games is that I spent the afternoon looking at Kate's back - on the bench - on the plate.  BUT... I did manage a couple of pictures from the front.

I thought this one was too good to pass up...

Kate makes those papers tidy!

And this one of Brynn the blur...

She ran by me so fast, all I got was her blonde curls.

The game was all about Kate, but in the end.... 

Sisters!

A star is born...

Gregory's Junior High School did a musical production of Beauty and the Beast, and Gregory was an amazing Gaston.

This came from a phone so the quality isn't the best (Next time we'll hire a film crew!)  BUT it's wonderful to see and hear Greg "doing his thing". 

Good on ye, G!

(Oh!  Greg is the handsome chap in the maroon vest and khaki pants.)

Friday Favorite - Sanctuary

A couple of weeks ago, Michael and I went to World Cafe Live to see Red Horse (Lucky Kaplansky, John Gorka and Eliza Gilkyson).   Lucy sang this song of Eliza's and I thought it was not only exceptionally beautiful, but also exceptionally honest (and revealing), so I thought I'd share it with you as a Friday Favorite.

Sanctuary by Eliza Gilkyson

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow thou art with me

though my heart's been torn on fields of battle thou art with me

though my trust is gone and my faith not near

in love's sanctuary thou art with me

Through desolation's fire and fear's dark thunder thou art with me

through the sea of desires that drag me under thou art with me

though I've been traded in like a souvenir

on love's sanctuary thou art with me

Through the doubter's gloom and the cynic's sneer thou art with me

in the crowded rooms of a mind unclear thou art with me

though I'll walk for a while down a trail of tears

in love's sanctuary thou art with me

Does this song speak to you, too?

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Friday Favorite - Kurt Vonnegut Quote

This is only part of the quote, but it's the best part (in my opinion - which is what this is all about, right?)

"Go into the arts. I’m not kidding. The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.  * Kurt Vonnegut *

So... what are you contributing today???


Friday Favorites - This is where it all started.

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Friday Favorites * The Keswick Theatre

 

Tonight Michael and I went to the Keswick to see the Cowboy Junkies.  The Junkies, were, as usual... wonderful!

BUT

As good as the Junkies were... the Keswick itself,  is even better!

Michael and I attend a LOT of concerts in and around Philadelphia and we both agree that nothing compares to the Keswick!  Really!  (Would I kid you about something soooo important???)

I told Ellen (If you don't know Ellen from the Keswick, you're missing someone special) a couple years ago that we love the music that we hear there.  The sound is amazing!  But... it's the people that make the Keswick feel like home.

At 6:30, it feels like we're heading out for a concert... north on I-95... up the Blue Route to the PA Turnpike.. then out Rte 309 to Glenside (Do you get the message that this is not the most convenient venue we might attend??).  Michael drops me at the door and goes to park and I pass through the glass doors into the theater.

Immediately... I'm home.

The first person I see is Cliff from Security.  My buddy!  I usually try to check in and see how things are going at the school where he works during the day, but tonight, people were coming in the door and I only had time for a quick hug on my way in.  

Ray does whatever-it-is-that-he-does with our tickets and I can hardly wait to find out how his daughter is making out at college - how they've adjusted to her not being at home.  He is the proud Dad as he tells me how well she's doing and how happy he is that she's home for Spring Break.

And as is typical in life, when you think things can't get any better... they do.  Tonight I got to see Ellen!  We don't always get to see Ellen, but when we do, it's a special treat.  Ellen is the face of the Keswick for us - the person we talk to most often on the phone.  We love Ellen!

After catching up with Ellen, we head to the second aisle and greet the greeters and "let them" tell us where our seats are.  We thank than and head down the aisle to the next set of Ticket Checkers.  They move us forward to the next volunteer who looks at our tickets and shines her flashlight on the seats to the left.

Michael and I smile at each other and move into the row of seats to our right ('cause that's where are seats are).  "Pssst!  Over here."  we tell the volunteer.  As she quickly changes direction and shines her flashlight on our row, scanning the seat numbers, we just quietly move into our seats and sit down.  "You're right!' she says, astonished!

We could have told her... 2, 4, 6, etc. over there on the right.  1,3,5, etc.  right over here on the left.  101 - 108, right in the center.. .but we didn't .  We just smiled and let her think she was helping us.  (*wink wink*)  We love to help the helpers!

We're early and so John (also from Security) comes over to talk music for a bit.  This is his first Junkies concert so we tell him about Margo & Michael Timmins and how we LOVE Margo.   He tells us who he's excited to see on the coming calendar and he chastises us for not having tickets for Steve Wynnewood (yet). Shoot!  He's right!  How did we miss THAT one?!?!

I see Greg  (Security... right!)  and ask him if he's ready for the rowdies.  He laughs and points at Michael and me and implies that we fit that category!  PLEASE!  Us???   <evil laugh>

A quick shout-out to Randy on the stage and then... the warm timber of Roy's voice welcomes visitors and lets us know that it's time. 

We spend several hours lost in the wonderful music and then it's time for farewells and our trip home where we spend the next hour talking about the evening - the music - and our wonderful friends at the Keswick.

Thank you to our Keswick family!   We love you!

(and thanks to the Cowboy Junkies as well)

Check out the Keswick's website!

Friday Favorites - This is where it all started.

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Friday Favorites * Plunka-plunka-plunka-plunk

I'm a musician only in my mind.  My fingers don't do so well, but that doesn't stop me. Even lack of talent has not deterred me.  I keep trying (and trying.... and trying... you get the idea)

I have several guitars so I can't hardly blame the guitar for my troubles.  It's gotta be me.

In my head, I hear this beautiful (or slammin'.. or funky... or rockin'... depends on the day) music, but when I pick up the guitar all I hear is plunka plunka plunka plunk.

ANYWAY... I do have a couple of favorite guitars, but Michael gave me this one (as he has all of the others) and I love it!!!  I love the sound; the tone - I love the size.

It's a Taylor GS Mini with a laminate back and sides and a Sitka spruce top. It's not as small as a Baby Taylor or a Martin LX-1 or LX-M. I guess you would say it's about 7/8 size. Since I have stumpy short arms (and spine "issues"), it's a great size for me.

You know the bird I told you about last Friday? Well, this is the guitar that I keep in the room with the Bonnie Bluebird. It's a great room for playing the guitar. I think the music sounds better with the lights dim and the house quiet. (and no... it's not better with ear plugs)

I thought maybe I was too old to start playing the guitar BUT... I'm going to be the same age whether I play the guitar or not so... what the heck!  Maybe some day I'll be good enough to play it in front of someone.  (Pray it's not you!)

I think one of the things that makes this one of my favorites is that it represents life to me - that life is meant to be lived - that there is always something new to learn - that there is always hope.

What have you learned lately... or what would you like to learn?

Enjoy your weekend!

Friday Favorites - This is where it all started.

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Friday Favorites * Bluebird of Happiness

Okay... so I know this isn't THE Bluebird of Happiness, but she is my bluebird of happiness (my life is kind of lower case, if you know that I mean).  Her name is Bonnie (Scottish for beautiful? Get it?).

I found this little bird a couple of years ago on Etsy in a shop called TrashBirdMakes - made by a woman named Nicah and I fell in love with it!.

Bonnie is not fancy.  She's not finished with great detail - but she's very special. (Duh!  Obviously!)

Since Bonnie came to live with me, I've been back to Nicah for several more bluebirds to give as gifts.  Everyone I've given one to seems to love it as much as I do (or they lie well).

It's just one of those things that makes me smile.  Who wouldn't want a Bonnie Bluebird?  Really!

At the moment, Bonnie lives in my guest room - on the nightstand beside the bed next to a green glass lamp.  I keep a guitar in that room (Thank you, Michael) and so I stop by to visit Bonnie a couple of times a week and play for her (She never never complains!  Oh! The joy of inanimate objects!). 

SO!  if you like to sing and everyone leaves the room when you do - or if, like me, you play an instrument but you suck at it, you need a friend like Bonnie to be your captive audience.  OR... if you just need something to make you smile... a bird like this would be just perfect!

 
I've sent a convo to Nicah (that's what we Etsians call it - a convo) to see how she is and if she's still making birds.  Her shop is pretty bare, but I'm hoping to find that she's still making the beautiful birds that filled her shop when I bought Bonnie and...  (Oh yes!  I have another bird... but we'll save that for another Friday/)

Do you have something that makes you smile when you look at it?  Do you suck at something and want a non-critical audience?  Tell me, please!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Friday Favorites - This is where it all started. 

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Friday Favorites * Open Wide and Say "Aaaaaaaah"!

Friday Favorites - Every Friday I'm posting a "favorite" thing.  Follow the Friday Favorites link to find out more about what and why.
 

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Michael and I recycle.  We had this big, brown, ugly, round thing in our kitchen where we put our recyclables before they went out to the Big Receptacle in the Garage.  It was ugly. REALLY ugly.  Plus, it looked like we kept a pile of trash in the middle of the kitchen.  Not attractive!

SO... I wanted a stainless steel trash can with a lid  - for the recyclables.  I mean... it's still a trash can but it's not so gross looking.  But... they are so doggone expensive!!

I am an online shopper for the most part.  The mall gets a visit from me a couple times a year, but mainly the UPS man and I are best buds. There are a lot of benefits to online shopping, some of which I previously overlooked (O, but not any more!).

Looking around online a couple of weeks ago, I got a wonderful surprise.  I have had "Cash Back" rewards at Overstock (one of my other favorites - maybe we'll visit there some Friday).  I knew I got 5% cash back at Overstock, but I was in such a shopping frenzy before Christmas that I just shopped... cash back be damned.  That was NOT in my view finder. Silly me!  Lesson learned!

ANYWAY... on one hand there was my Cash Back reward - on the other, a shiny stainless steel (and black plastic) trash can on sale... calling my name.  I mean it!  I could hear it.

I had no choice!  I bought the trash can with my Cash Back credit.  I didn't read a lot about it.  It looked big enough. It had a lid.  It was mostly stainless steel.  I was pumped!   Color it "sold"!

The trash can arrived and Michael promptly put the thing together using 2 sets of blue prints, 3 schematic diagrams, a tool box and a couple of batteries (everything needs a couple of batteries).  That may be a slight exaggeration but not by much.  (I mean it even has an activated charcoal filter!)

Looks normal enough....

BUT....  if you get anywhere near the thing...

Say "Ahhhhhhh"

... the lid flies open - FLIES open, I tell you!

I swear it laughs at me (almost as much as it makes me laugh).

Reach for something on the table... the lid flies open.

Turn the light on coming into the kitchen... the lid flies open.

Pick something up on the floor next to the dear thing... the lid flies open.

And then I laugh.

And laugh.

I swear it seems to have a life of its own.  

The UPS man had better watch out.  I'm in love with this trash can!!

Have you ever had a relationship (or a run in) with a trash can???

Happy Friday!!!

Friday Favorites - This is where it all started.

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Friday Favorites

Oprah has her favorite things. I have mine.  Hers are probably a lot cuter than mine - definitely more expensive than mine.  But the best thing about mine are... well...they're mine.   :-)

Some of my favorite things are not "things" at all.  They might be websites, people, quotations, song lyrics, movies, etc. You just never know.

When I'm having a bad day (like that ever happens. right?), this is a great place to visit - to make me smile - to remind myself of all the things in my life (a Friday favorite or not)... for which I am sooooo grateful! 

Fridays will be "Favorites" day.  If you have some things that are YOUR favorites, let me know.  I'd love to hear (or see).

Happy Friday!

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