I know there are mixed emotions out there about the loss of Michael Jackson yesterday, but I did think it was ironic that I had started these posts about music on the very day we lost such an iconic music figure. His life was controversial and I think sad for the most part. It always amazes me how screwed up money and more importantly, fame can make a person. I do not think we will ever know the whole truth of his life, but I guess the same can be said about any life. But Michael Jackson did contribute so much to so many aspecs of music and dance in my lifetime so this is a "tribute to the music and dance". As for the man, I will let God be the final judge. My prayers do go out to his family, because I know the pain of losing a brother. This is an old tune, because when I first saw the Jackson 5, I was amazed at the talent, especially of the little brother, Michael.
By the way, I was born in 1953, so I was probably about 12 years old when I first saw these guys perform. I think this was about 1972, so I was about 19 years old when this was on Soul Train!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
..................................For a Dream
I picture us together, framed in golden leaf
On the mantle with the others-One big, happy family
But that snapshot can't be found, I don't trust my memory,
But it's alright, alright for a dream.
I imagine that we're all gathered, this time not dressed in black
All laughing and smiling, Not stabbing in the back,
But it's too good to be true, And too bad I still recall the screams,
But it's alright, it's alright for a dream.
I keep half the picture mostly in my mind,
Mama dressed in white ripped where she held your hand
Showing no signs of age just slightly frayed along the seam,
But it's alright, it's alright for a dream.
It's alright all that I can claim; It's alright and it will have to do
It's alright better than the pain; It's alright better than the truth
It's alright Alright for a dream; It's alright better than fate & the grand scheme
It's alright ; It's alright
For Christmas and for New Year I wish and I resolve
But I'm disappointed by myself, Jesus, and Santa Claus
I want to believe se's been saved and he's been redeemed
And it's alright it's alright
For a dream
Okay! I know this song is a downer, but when I first heard Tracy Chapman sing it (singer and composer), it did remind me of my family somewhat. In fact, in my mind, I asked, 'Why didn't I write that?' It's because we live in a world where pictures, videos and all kinds of messages bombard us and tell us what is the "perfect family". But with reality TV, it has not taken long to dispell what the media and Hollywood images tried to put forth for many years.
As I said in my last blog, I love music. It takes us to places in our minds where we once were or where we think we should have been or where we someday will be or where we never want to go?
Last month, MamaLouise did 30 blogs to complete 100 in a year!! Kudos to her! I am going to attempt to place 20 songs in 20 days here on my blog. If you read it and it inspires you or reminds you of a favorite tune or you just want me to share your tune with my readers, then send me the name and artist or writer of the song and I will try to post your one of those 20 days!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
>>>>>>>>it touches my soul and moves me to tears....
It is music. Always has, always will!
Papa Frank & I first lived just outside Nashville, TN and it was heavenly. We had this amazing deck that overlooked the Cumberland River. And we had music. Everywhere you looked and everywhere you went, there was a spiritual connection between the beauty around us and the sound of music being made somewhere close by.
Music is important. And I know that it is for everyone. It is why we sing lullabyes to our babies. It is why babies can dance before they can walk. No one has to teach us. It fills our fibers and spills out. I know there is the adage that "white men can't dance". But, you know what, it does not matter if they can or not, because they do! They may not have the same rhythm as their black brothers, but there is that feeling that moves everyone when we hear that song.
One of things Papa F and I discovered a show called Crossroads when we were in Nashville. It takes two different genres of artists and allows them to perform their songs together and there is this blending. Anyway, we have found this amazing station on HD tv channels here in southern CA and they have concert after concert with amazing song videos in between but they also have CROSSROADS!!!! Right this very minute I am watching Tricia Yearwood and Babyface performing. How wonderful!
Now MamaLouise will laugh when she sees that I have finally done a blog entry again, because U just called her and explained that Papa F & I had just finished a dinner out together! Okay, we found this amazing little Italian restaurant run by a little Italian guy who has just moved here from, you guessed it, ITALY! Well, he suggested that we have a 'house cabernet' with our dinner... and who are we to argue? It was the kind of wine that burns the back of your throat and then a warmth envelopes you, then a slight warm breeze is gently blowing.
One glass of this magical potion and I probably should not have driven home, but I did. (And I did pray before I left the parking lot that God was watching over my every move!) Put down the top, perfect CA evening, pop in my Tracy Chapman's newest CD. I wanted to take a roadtrip!! But I drove home (about 5 minute drive). When I got home and turned on the big screen, there was Tricia and Babyface. Just about as good as having a front row seat in a small club, huh?
I know this is not a cataclysmic moment. But it is one of those blessed tiny moments where it just hits you: this life is so short and music should fill as many moments as possible!
Now, I will address my daughter. Mamalouise, you have been blessed with a gift: your voice! I hope and pray that someday soon, you will find an outlet that will allow you to use your talent. I know I am THE MOM. But you have a special ability and I only want you to never doubt it. I know it takes an exeptional energy and vulnerability to put yourself out there. Just be courageous.
Papa Frank & I first lived just outside Nashville, TN and it was heavenly. We had this amazing deck that overlooked the Cumberland River. And we had music. Everywhere you looked and everywhere you went, there was a spiritual connection between the beauty around us and the sound of music being made somewhere close by.
Music is important. And I know that it is for everyone. It is why we sing lullabyes to our babies. It is why babies can dance before they can walk. No one has to teach us. It fills our fibers and spills out. I know there is the adage that "white men can't dance". But, you know what, it does not matter if they can or not, because they do! They may not have the same rhythm as their black brothers, but there is that feeling that moves everyone when we hear that song.
One of things Papa F and I discovered a show called Crossroads when we were in Nashville. It takes two different genres of artists and allows them to perform their songs together and there is this blending. Anyway, we have found this amazing station on HD tv channels here in southern CA and they have concert after concert with amazing song videos in between but they also have CROSSROADS!!!! Right this very minute I am watching Tricia Yearwood and Babyface performing. How wonderful!
Now MamaLouise will laugh when she sees that I have finally done a blog entry again, because U just called her and explained that Papa F & I had just finished a dinner out together! Okay, we found this amazing little Italian restaurant run by a little Italian guy who has just moved here from, you guessed it, ITALY! Well, he suggested that we have a 'house cabernet' with our dinner... and who are we to argue? It was the kind of wine that burns the back of your throat and then a warmth envelopes you, then a slight warm breeze is gently blowing.
One glass of this magical potion and I probably should not have driven home, but I did. (And I did pray before I left the parking lot that God was watching over my every move!) Put down the top, perfect CA evening, pop in my Tracy Chapman's newest CD. I wanted to take a roadtrip!! But I drove home (about 5 minute drive). When I got home and turned on the big screen, there was Tricia and Babyface. Just about as good as having a front row seat in a small club, huh?
I know this is not a cataclysmic moment. But it is one of those blessed tiny moments where it just hits you: this life is so short and music should fill as many moments as possible!
Now, I will address my daughter. Mamalouise, you have been blessed with a gift: your voice! I hope and pray that someday soon, you will find an outlet that will allow you to use your talent. I know I am THE MOM. But you have a special ability and I only want you to never doubt it. I know it takes an exeptional energy and vulnerability to put yourself out there. Just be courageous.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
....................................................to my belles-filles
My belles-filles! I like that! Happy Mother's Day, Belles-Filles! I just completed a Mother's Day Blog below where I talked about my biological children, grandchild and my own dear, sweet mom. But I did not even mention some of the most important and special people in my life since the day I married my sweetheart
, Papa-F! This is in away an apology to his children/grandchildren and to the memory of their their beautiful mother, Jackie. From all that I have heard and all the positive qualities I see in her children's lives, she seemed to be a great wife and MOTHER! They were married for 25 years before cancer took her from their lives. I know to some extent, from losing my own mother how hard this had to have been, however, both of Jackie's children were alot younger when she died. I know too that they loved her and that she was and always will be their mom.
Our families had not even met until we got married, August 3, 2003. They all lived in different areas of the country, so we decided to get married in Las Vegas. We were happy when all of the kids and many of our relatives could attend our ceremony there.
There were actually 22 people at our wedding at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas!
That was the beginning of our new "blended family". When the pictures were taken, I tried to explain relationships to the photographer and she said, "You can no longer say 'my children' or 'his children', as of today, they are 'our children'." And it hit me, she was correct! We had discussed how our children would deal with our marriage, but we had pretty much agreed that because they were adults or old enough to make their own decisions, they would be okay with our union. But I also knew that my children have their dad and that our marriage would never interfere or change that. Nor would our union change what Papa F's children had with their mom!
But there is a new relationship that forms. And as with any human relationship, the real tide that binds is time spent with the other person. And with our seperate geographical locations, it is not really something that any of us deal with on a regular basis!
Here is what I am trying to say: I feel so blessed! Papa-F's son is a very loving and caring person and he is married to a lovely young lady. He
has a terrific 9 year old son who we have not seen much, but who seems to be a great boy. His daughter is a wonderful woman who has a beautiful 3 year old daughter with her loving spouse. All of them have made me feel very accepted and cared for whenever we are together or talk on the phone. My husband has sai
d the same thing about my kids.
But I do not like labeling these folks "stepchildren" or "stepgrandchildren". I do not like the expressions? So, I have adopted the term "Belles-Filles" on this Mother's Day! Now if I could just find something that works better than "blended family". We are not blended. We are still who we are! But we do respect and care about each other. I have grown to love my belles-filles. They really are special and precious to me.
I also failed to mention our other belles-filles who is married to my daughter. He too is a great guy and I love him. 
, Papa-F! This is in away an apology to his children/grandchildren and to the memory of their their beautiful mother, Jackie. From all that I have heard and all the positive qualities I see in her children's lives, she seemed to be a great wife and MOTHER! They were married for 25 years before cancer took her from their lives. I know to some extent, from losing my own mother how hard this had to have been, however, both of Jackie's children were alot younger when she died. I know too that they loved her and that she was and always will be their mom.Our families had not even met until we got married, August 3, 2003. They all lived in different areas of the country, so we decided to get married in Las Vegas. We were happy when all of the kids and many of our relatives could attend our ceremony there.
There were actually 22 people at our wedding at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas!That was the beginning of our new "blended family". When the pictures were taken, I tried to explain relationships to the photographer and she said, "You can no longer say 'my children' or 'his children', as of today, they are 'our children'." And it hit me, she was correct! We had discussed how our children would deal with our marriage, but we had pretty much agreed that because they were adults or old enough to make their own decisions, they would be okay with our union. But I also knew that my children have their dad and that our marriage would never interfere or change that. Nor would our union change what Papa F's children had with their mom!
But there is a new relationship that forms. And as with any human relationship, the real tide that binds is time spent with the other person. And with our seperate geographical locations, it is not really something that any of us deal with on a regular basis!
Here is what I am trying to say: I feel so blessed! Papa-F's son is a very loving and caring person and he is married to a lovely young lady. He
has a terrific 9 year old son who we have not seen much, but who seems to be a great boy. His daughter is a wonderful woman who has a beautiful 3 year old daughter with her loving spouse. All of them have made me feel very accepted and cared for whenever we are together or talk on the phone. My husband has sai
d the same thing about my kids.But I do not like labeling these folks "stepchildren" or "stepgrandchildren". I do not like the expressions? So, I have adopted the term "Belles-Filles" on this Mother's Day! Now if I could just find something that works better than "blended family". We are not blended. We are still who we are! But we do respect and care about each other. I have grown to love my belles-filles. They really are special and precious to me.
I also failed to mention our other belles-filles who is married to my daughter. He too is a great guy and I love him. We are all going to get together and celebrate this Christmas and I can't wait! I look forward to us all getting to know each other better and making memories that we can share and enjoy for many years to come!
So, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to ALL of YOU!
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