The Rockabilly Weekender-A Love Story

To sum up in a few words my feelings about the Rockabilly Weekender in Vegas: More fun than a body has a right to have!


I was completely in my element the entire time and despite the pregnancy, I never felt wiped out or overwhelmed. It was refreshing to be among people who have the same love for the past that I do and enjoy the entertainment that goes along with it.

This was the tenth anniversary of Viva Las Vegas and so many bands signed up that neighboring hotels had to open up their ballrooms and get in on the action. The main event, however, takes place at the Gold Coast Hotel, a nice western-themed resort w/ plenty of showrooms and ballrooms for the gig. At night, bands play from 6pm to 3am and during the day there are jive classes, the shifters car show, and the best shopping I've ever seen! Yes, I spent too much money...but for once, I have no buyers remorse. From records to shoes to accessories to clothing it was just the best selection I've been confronted with. My most luxurious purchase was a pair of one-of-a-kind shoes from Lucky Lou ( http://www.luckyloushoes.com/styles.html) that I fell in love with immediately! They're like little works of art for my feet...sigh. I mulled over it for two days before finally giving in and handing them the visa.
The Shifter's Car Show Saturday was the highlight of the whole trip. So many gorgeous cars, so much pomade, so many cuffed jeans, and such a plethera of oriental umbrellas you've never seen! And even more shopping...but I was able to obstain. I fell in love w/ every 50's model Chevy on the place. By the way girls, whether it's your style or not, those parasols are a lifesaver! I got away w/ little or no sunburn due to that thing. The three girls in the picture (by the blue car) were on roller skates and they were so cute rolling around everywhere.


The music was all pheonomenal...very traditional rockabilly. I made some great discoveries and rediscovered some old favorites like Narvel Felts and Billy Lee Riley ( 'my gal is RED HOT...your gal ain't doodly squat'). The band in the picture came all the way from Australia and we actually bought their cd...they're called The Firebird Trio. Great vocals and excellent upright! And did I mention the dancing? While the bands played, huge areas were opened up on the dance floor for the couples that could jive and they were amazing! One couple was so good, I was simply mezmerized when they crossed the floor. There was also this cute dance for 'girls only' called the Sex Kitten Stroll that strongly resembles the electric slide. It was a blast!



Sunday was the Tiki Pool Party and it was perfect weather. All the girls dressed in fourties/fifties style swimsuits and did their hair in barrel curls w/ flowers. They also carried their signature sun umbrellas and wore rediculously high platform heels. Silly, but it made for great pictures. Needless to say they didnt go near the water. The guys wore white tanks and straw hats very similar to Huckleberry Fin. We sat for hours just people-watching and sipping (non-alcoholic for me) coctails by the pool. Incidentally, I've never seen so many heavily tatooed girls that somehow still manage to be glamorous. One girl beside me had an elephant tatooed over ther entire back. It was so beautifully done, I had to ask her for a shot of it...which seemed to flatter her alot .















The hotel we stayed at was The Orleans and I liked it so much that I doubt I'll ever be staying anywhere else in Vegas. It is extremely reasonably priced and off the strip so away from the hubbub that can sometimes be annoying. There is little lobby area to speak of, just a huge casino w/ cheesy 'Mardi Gras' themed decorations hanging from the ceiling and a registration desk on the right hand side. But there are at least six restaurants ranging from Tgi Fridays to Japanese to Italian and there's a ten screen movie theater, a bowling alley, and a spa. I had a massage, scrub, and facial combo Friday morning that was the best I've gotten yet...and the spa is beautiful. Actually, the rooms are quaint and quite pretty too, completely different from the loud lights and colors in the casino. The pool is the best we've ever visited! It is immaculately landscaped and there is a lagoon style hot tub that sits off in a quiet corner far away from the huge main pool. There is also a lounge pool for those who want to avoid the kids in the main one and tons of trees to relax beneath. We sat out there for 3 hours Saturday night...even ate dinner out there. The weather, again, was beyond belief. Gosh, I love the desert climate.

On the flight home, we ran into a bit of drama when the passenger in front of us passed out and a doctor had to see to him which sent the whole plane into a tizzy. There was scramblings for blankets and pillows, calls to the air-medic, and even an iv was administered. When we got to the Nashville airport, the tarmac was alive w/ red and blue lights as the perimedics boarded to cart him away to the hospital. My husband (who is an avid 'Airplane' fan) bets he had the fish. heh heh.

Anyway, it was a great trip, a wonderful trip, a perfect trip. And though it's always good to get back to children and congregations and the comfort of every day things...I won't be getting over it right away, I assure you.

Edwurd Fudwupper and The Planet Earth

If any of you are not currently catching the ASTOUNDING series on Discovery called Planet Earth, I cannot stress enough how much you NEED to see this show! If your tv has HD capability, you're in for even more of a treat, as the show was purposely filmed w/ this feature in mind. Regardless, however, let me just say that I have NEVER seen footage of this kind before and every single episode is a gem. You will see things you've never seen before, unbelievable vistas that will give you a lump in your throat, and be introduced to species that are almost too incredible to be real.

The shot above is just an example of the type of footage the show endeavored to capture...yes, that's a great white shark jumping entirely free of the waves to catch a bird as it attemped to dive for food. Each episode deals w/ a different terrain of our planet from deserts, to oceans, to mountains. My seven year old son watched the 'Deep Ocean' episode yesterday and literally remained open mouthed for the majority of the all-to-short 45 minute segment.

Though the creators of the show boast relentlessly about the 5 years it took to create the series, the state of the art technology used to capture such quality footage, and the years of research involved, those of us who know better cannot help but be even more drawn to our Grand Creator , Jehovah God, who is the REAL artist behind all these miracles. You just can't look at the desert landscapes, polar vistas, or fantastic creatures without offering a silent prayer.




Another little recommendation: A few years ago I chanced upon this wonderful book at the library called 'Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big' by Berkely Breathed. I remember being drawn to the artwork and also the fact that Berkley Breathed was the author since I had grown up surrounded by 'Bloom County' memorabilia (my dad was a big fan of the comic strip) and I had an abiding love for Berkley's illustrations and his creations, 'Bill the Cat', and 'Opus the Penguin'.

The other day at Barnes and Noble, I ran across the book again and I'm SO happy I bought it. The story is absolutely timeless, written in rhyming language very similar to Dr Seuss (and every bit as clever) and the story (about how lies grow and grow) not only teaches a lesson but also touches a soft spot if you are a bit older. The artwork is fantastic, alternating Breathed's (pronounced bree-thed) unique sketchy illustrative style w/ some of his sock-you-in-the-jaw brilliant paintings that take up two full pages. I strongly recommend you check this one out for your littluns...they will love it and you will want to keep it for yourself!

Yes! Yes! Yes! Sweet Lord Yes!

At the risk of sounding very Meg Ryan w/ that entry title-such was my reaction upon hearing the new Clutch album, 'From Beale Street to Oblivion'.

As I'm sure many of you know, I have been a fan of Clutch for a loooong ol' time. Their first full length album 'Transnational Speedway League' is still one of my favorites but even I will have to admit that the sound of it was befitting the high school graduates shelling the stuff out at the time. Don't get me wrong, the lyrics were great and the rock n roll was loud, meaty, and a bit doomy. But lyricist/ singer Neil Fallon was capable of so much more than that album offered and over the years he's proven what a great artist he is. His love of delta blues definitely shows in this, their newest contribution, and pulls off a completely different sound for them. While my love for his extremely smart and tongue in cheek lyrics was evident in my adulation of their last album 'Robot Hive Exodus' (http://learnthebigapple.blogspot.com/2005/12/bake-sale-of-year.html), I am more enamoured of the music in this release. The songs are very blues-driven in nature but never lack the rhythym and impetus (hey, that was a great song!) that one would expect from a died-in-the-wool rock n roll band. Gotta make a little mention here of Jean Paul on drums, Tim Sult on guitar and Dan Maines on bass for really pulling out all the stops here, musically.

I'm so excited to see them live (again) on this album tour because I know what a wonderful mix of music we'll be hearing. Each album had a different theme and sound that accompanied it and when coupled w/ the great lyrics and vocal delivery of Fallon, there is all kinds of 'great' to expect! Needless to say, I LOVE this band!

Hey! Lissen!:

http://www.badongo.com/file/2636489

My Ten Names

Someone posted this as a bulletin board on 'myspace' and I thought it was funny...

My Ten Names
. YOUR REAL NAME:Sharron Ashley

o2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle.) Shasizzle

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (fav color and fav animal) Blue Tiger

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (your middle name and the street you live on) Ashley Littlecreek

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)Wessh

6. YOUR SUPERHERO NAME: (Your 2nd favorite color, and favorite drink) Red Water

7. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, any letter of your middle name, 2nd letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of you dads middle name, 1st letter of a siblings first name, and last letter of your moms middle name) Hslietk

8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (parents middle names) Theo Frank

9. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one of your pets) Black Albert

10. YOUR ADULT FILM STAR NAME: (your first pet's name plus your mother's maiden name) Maggie Nichols

Songwriters: Joni Mitchell

I couldnt go much longer in my songwriters series w/out paying tribute to the great Joni Mitchell. I grew up with Joni's songs and thought my favorites have changed over the years, my love for her music has remained the same. She has such a tender gift for imagery and melody. There are few who have such a gift.

I was first introduced to Joni as a child and the earliest songs I remember are 'Help Me' and 'Free Man in Paris' from the great Court and Spark album. Over the years, I began to examine her earlier efforts such as Song to a Seagull and Clouds-both stunningly beautiful albums and largely overlooked by the listening public. Her more famous works, Ladies of the Canyon and Blue are also phenomenal pieces of work and contain some of the best lyricism of her career, in my opinion. Songs like 'Woodstock', 'Big Yellow Taxi' and 'Blue' have been covered by admiring recording artists for decades, the likes of which span the mediocrity of Amy Grant and the inspired voice of Sarah Mclachlan.

Many people shy away from Joni's untrained vocals but I find her's one of the loveliest and refreshing of voices. Her range is remarkable and her pitch is perfect for each song she creates. There is such an amazing story in many of her songs that only her voice can truly tell and this is one of it's major appeals. I strongly recommend that anyone who is only familiar w/ her 'radio hits' take the time to examine her extensive catalogue and hear what a fabulous artist she really is.

Here are some examples of great Joni lyrics-taken from different albums:

All I Want-from the album Blue
_______________________

I am on a lonely road and I am traveling
Traveling, traveling, traveling
Looking for something, what can it be?
Oh I hate you some, I hate you some
I love you some
Oh I love you when I forget about me
I want to be strong I want to laugh along
I want to belong to the living
Alive, alive, I want to get up and jive
I want to wreck my stockings in some juke box dive
Do you want - do you want - do you want
To dance with me baby?
Do you want to take a chance
On maybe finding some sweet romance with me baby?
Well, come on

All I really really want our love to do
Is to bring out the best in me and in you too
All I really really want our love to do
Is to bring out the best in me and in you
I want to talk to you, I want to shampoo you
I want to renew you again and again
Applause, applause - life is our cause
When I think of your kisses
My mind see-saws
Do you see - do you see - do you see
How you hurt me baby?
So I hurt you too
Then we both get so blue

I am on a lonely road and I am traveling
Looking for the key to set me free
Oh the jealousy, the greed is the unraveling
Its the unraveling
And it undoes all the joy that could be
I want to have fun, I want to shine like the sun
I want to be the one that you want to see
I want to knit you a sweater
Want to write you a love letter
I want to make you feel better
I want to make you feel free
Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm,Want to make you feel free
I want to make you feel free
__________________________________

A Case Of You- from the album Blue (and also one of my favorite love songs evah!)

Just before our love got lost you said,
'I am as constant as the northern star'
and I said, 'Constantly in the darkness?
Where's that at? If you want me I'll be in the bar.'

On the back of a cartoon coaster
in the blue tv screen light
I drew a map of Canada, oh Canada,
with your face sketched on it twice.

Oh you're in my blood like holy wine
you taste so bitter and so sweet
oh, I could drink a case of you darling,
and still I'd be on my feet
I would still be on my feet.

Oh I am a lonely painter,
I live in a box of paints
I'm frightened by the devil
and I'm drawn to those ones who ain't afraid.
I remember that time you told me, you said
'Love is touching souls'
well, surely you touch mine
cuz part of you pours out of me
on these lines from time to time

Oh, you are in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter, bitter and so sweet
oh, I could drink a case of you darling,
and still be on my feet
I would still be on my feet

I met a woman
she had a mouth like yours
she knew your life,
she knew your devils and your deeds
and she said, 'Color, go to him, stay with him if you can
but be prepared to bleed'

Oh, but you are in my blood
you're my holy wine
you're so bitter, bitter and so sweet
oh, I could drink a case of you darling
and still I'd be on my feet
I would still be on my feet.
________________________

Rainy Night House- from the album Ladies of the Canyon

It was a rainy night
We took a taxi to your mothers home
She went to florida and left you
With your fathers gun, alone
Upon her small white bed
I fell into a dream
You sat up all the night and watched me
To see, who in the world I might be

I am from the sunday school
I sing soprano in the upstairs choir
You are a holy man
On the f.m. radio
I sat up all the night and watched thee
To see, who in the world you might be.

You called me beautiful
You called your mother-she was very tanned
So you packed your tent and you went
To live out in the arizona sand
You are a refugee
From a wealthy family
You gave up all the golden factories
To see, who in the world you might be
______________________________

These are just a few of her wonderful wonderful songs. There are so many that it's sometimes unbelievable that one person had such a depth of imagination.

Yadda Yadda

I noticed that alot of my pregnant friends have 'pregnancy blogs' going and such. It's all very nice, I'm sure, but unfortunately, I don't have the energy or desire to start such a thing. Therefore, I'll keep all you interested folks apprised of my 'condition' occasionally on this page here.

Here I am at 13 weeks. As you can see, I still have a couple of stretch marks left over from my last pregnancy. (I'm hoping that nature does me good, and I get them in exactly the same places this time...heh heh.) Anyway, I'm fortunate in my tilted uterus because it has prevented me thus far from having to wear maternity clothes. However, these pants are hiphuggers and they were really tight at the time of this picture yesterday so it looks like I'll be using my bella band as early as this week. Thankfully, maternity clothes have gotten way cute so that's all well and good.

On a slightly less superficial note, baby is doing fine too! I went to the doctor last monday and after much finagling of the doppler thingie, they finally got his little heartbeat (yeah, I'm still not optimistic about my much desired girl). I had an eight week ultrasound (due to not being able to get the heartbeat at that ungodly early time) and everything looked good there too. From what I understand, little one is about the size of a plum right now...or a lime. Awwww.

Pregnancy symptoms are a b*%#h, I must say. My nausea is strangely unpredictable and very annoying. No major heartburn yet (due to the tilted uterus) but I've been pretty sick otherwise. In the morning, I dry heave before breakfast but am pretty fine until evening. Then, it depends entirely on the grace o' god whether I keep my dinner down. It really is hit or miss in that department. It doesnt seem to matter what I eat so I just enjoy myself and cross my fingers. Saturday morning on the way to the One Day Assembly, we had to literally stop on the side of the highway for ten minutes while I ralphed my guts out (pretty terminology I know but oh so fitting) even though I had eaten breakfast and everything. Wierd stuff of which I am very tired. Sigh.

Names: We have not even thought about girl-names this time around. Not exactly sure why. With both my boys, I had girl names picked out almost at the time of conception and the boy names were duly set as well. Johnson Edgar was going to be Josiana Eirinn (Josiana is a french name from Victor Hugo's The Man Who Laughs that I've always loved) and she was going to be called Josie. With my 2nd pregnancy, I had kind of set my heart on Michal Kate had she not turned out to be a Nathan Edward (which indeed she did). Neither of those names really appeal to me now (for different reasons) and so I'm just not thinking about it. However, if we have a boy again, both of us really love Victor Lucian. I also lake Edmund and James as middle names but Victor Westmoreland it certainly is. I'm also crazy inlove w/ his initials being 'VW' for obvious reasons. ;)

Yeah, that was sufficiently long winded.

Pure Genius

I don't know what genius put this thing together but I think it's one of the most knee-slappingly, side-splittingly funny things I've ever seen!

Yep, still can't look at it w/out laughing...giggling a little right now actually.

Cool Maternity Stuff

I'm so excited about the stuff I'm finding this time around. I don't remember stuff being this cool when I was pregnant w/ either of the boys.

The dress above is a 6-in-1 dress from Japanese Weekend (www.japaneseweekend.com). It can be worn as you see it now, reversed to solid black (which looks very audrey hepburn-ish), strapless in both colors, or as a skirt (also in pattern or solid black). There ya have it..a whole pregnancy wardrobe in one piece, practically.

The diaper bag is from a GREAT site that is totally after my heart called dungaree dolly's. This lady creates wonderful purses and bags out of vintage replication fabrics and they are extremely well made. Here's some better views of the diaper bag and fabric choices:

http://www.dungareedolly.com/diaper.html

The purses and checkbook covers are even cuter though!

A Song For March

For March, let's go w/ a good dose of western swing...from one of the current masters of the genre:

Mr Wayne Hancock with Gonna Be Some Trouble.

http://www.badongo.com/file/2404736

Public School Policy (or: The Reason I Wanted to Kick a Perfect Stranger)

I think my children are cursed. They both get sick at least once a month and my oldest (who goes to public school) was sick w/ no less than 3 viruses in the month of January alone. Actually, since school started in August, he's gotten every virus that has gone around despite any precautions I have attempted to take. He is now being instructed not to touch his friends in any way, especially their hands, and also to keep his hands off their desks. I've also sent notes to his school that he please be allowed to wash his hands as many times a day as he wishes. A little too extreme? Am I teaching my kid to be Melvin Udall? Who knows? But I am at the end of my rope and at a loss as to what else to do.

Anyway, enter the school 'attendance policy'. According to the Smith County Truancy Board, each child is allowed five 'parent notes' a year without penalty. In other words, your kid can miss school for no good reason as long as the parent sends a note along w/ them to the school on their first day back. However, after that, a doctor's note is required in order for your child's absence to be 'excused'. Unexcused absences mean that the child cannot make up their work for the missed days and therefore received zeros for any assignments from those days. After five unexcused absences, the truancy board comes into the picture and the parent must attend a 'hearing' to explain the excessive absences. After that, if one more unexcused day is reported to the truancy board by the school, the county requires that the parent present themselves before a judge, pay extensive court fees, and possibly have their child turned over to 'Childrens Services' where 'whatever means necessary' will be used to get the child to school.(??)

Needless to say, Johnson used up his five 'parent notes' very quickly w/ viruses and an ear infection back in the summer. Since then he's missed eight days of 'unexcused absences' due to sickness. I do not take my kids to the doctor for viruses because, as we all know, unless there are dangerous symptoms that need treatment, there is little a doctor can do. Actually, doctors appreciate when parents don't bring their kids to them for viruses for this very reason. During flu season, there is also the needless risk of the sick child contracting something more serious simply from sitting in the waiting room. Plus, there is the expense involved in a needless doctor's visit. Due to the unexcused absences, Johnson dropped from a straight 'a' student to a b and c student because he had to take zeros for the missed days.

Yesterday I went to the smith county courthouse for my scheduled 'hearing'. I found myself faced w/ five women. Three of them were pleasant, smiling ladies from the Smith County BOE and two of them were frowning, evil looking women spilling over the edge of their bent plastic chairs and dressed all in black. These were the 'larkies' from 'Childrens Services' and their pockmarks and pale skin immediately put me on edge. The mild tempered ladies from the BOE started off by going over Johnson's absences and asking me to explain them to the best of my ability. I told them the situation, explained my reluctance to take him to the doctor when the doctor himself suggests that I not, and how the principle of paying 40.00 for a note just doesnt sit well w/ me. I noticed that the two women from CS were writing down my every word and this also got my 'back up'. The nice women from BOE proceeded to explain to me that the policy is not their idea and that unfortunately there is nothing they can do to change it. They told me that Johnson could not miss one more day or there would be consequences. I asked what would happen and one of the 'devil-women' bellowed, 'You could go to jail and your child could be taken from you!'. While I sat in stunned silence at this outburst (that seemed like an answer to a challenge instead of a simple question and which immediately made me wish I could indeed start blindly kicking the beast), one of the BOE ladies smoothed it out a little by stating, 'That is only under extreme circumstances and usually happens w/ older children. I'm sure this will not happen to you.' The meeting ended w/ them informing me that his attendance would also be monitored next year and if he had one unexcused absence, I would immediately be required to appear before a judge instead of being allowed another 'hearing'.

So that is the story. I guess I'll be taking my kid to the doctor every time he's sick now, which I feel is ludicrous, but is infinitely more appealing than the prospect of going through that mess again!

Home School is looking better and better.

Freudian Snips

I wanted to share a little of Lucian Freud's art. I was thinking of him the other day and did a brief google image search for some of his art. These are some of the best ones that came up. I think the old man might be Jackson Pollock but I'm not sure. I really think his portrait work is some the best I've seen. So much character in the faces-like you know them. Anyway, he's one of my favorite artists so I just wanted to share. The 'realism' of his nudes is almost disturbing at times, especially since he was apt to pose them in the most unflattering of ways.

Yesterday, after posting my tribute to Cole Porter, I decided to put together a collected works cd of his music. I got some great songs for the collection-33 tracks in all. His songs have been covered by so many artists that I only had to duplicate two of them. Here's the lineup:

1. Sinead O'Connor-You Do Something To me

2. Ray Charles-Every Time We Say Goodbye

3. Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby-Well, Did You Evah

4. Peter Cincotti-I Love Paris

5. Peter Como-Begin the beguine

6. Peggy Lee- I Get A Kick Out Of You

7. Nat King Cole-Just One of Those Things

8. Michael Buble'-I've Got You Under My Skin

9. Mel Torme-Too Darn Hot

10. Maurice Chevalier and Frank Sinatra-C'est Magnifique

11. Marilyn Monroe-My Heart Belongs To Daddy

12. Lisa Stanfield-Down in the Depths

13. Kristin Chenoweth-From the Alpha to the Omega

14. KD Lang-So Inlove

15. Julie London-You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To

16. Johnny Ray- All Through the Night

17. Frank Sinatra-You'd Be So Easy To Love

18. Frank Sinatra-Night and Day

19. Ella Fitagerald- Let's Do It Let's Fall In Love

20. Eartha Kitt-Love For Sale

21. Dianne Reeves-I Concentrate On You

22. Robbie Williams-De Lovely

23. Ethel merman-Blow Gabriel Blow

24. Eartha Kitt-In The Still of the Night

25. Rosemary Clooney-You're The Top

26. Tony Bennett- Anything Goes

27. Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly- True Love

28. Billie Holiday- What is This Thing Called Love

29. The ANdrews Sisters-Don't Fence Me In

30. Fred Astaire- So Near and Yet So Far

31. Dianne Reeves- I've Got My Eyes On You

32. Ella Fitzgerald- Do I Love You

33. Bobby Darin- All Of You

24.

Songwriters: Cole Porter

Okay, maybe Cole isnt a 'singer/songwriter' but few would contest that he is one of the pivotal and most important songwriters in American history. I don't think many people realize just how MANY phenomenal songs this man has written. The movie 'De-Lovely' starring Keven Kline had some pretty great renditions of some of these songs by current pop stars and though the movie was depressing in the sense that it shed some unkind light on Porter's personal life, I'm glad it was made so that more of the younger generations could re-aquaint themseves w/ his wonderful work.

Porter wrote his first successful song for Broadway in 1915. It was entitled Esmeralda. But the successof the Hands Up review was quickly followed by a string of failures that resulted in the composer retreating to Paris where he lived modestly selling songs and living off a family allowance.

Cole Porter's return to Broadway, however, in 1928, reintroduced him to America w/ a bang. After his musical,' Paris', hit theaters, he was in for a decade that would long be referred to as Porter's Golden Age. The thirties saw song after song and show after show become rousing hits. His works hits included such popular standards as 'Love For Sale', 'Night and Day', 'Anything Goes', ' Just One of Those Things', 'De-lovely', 'I've Got You Under My Skin', and 'Easy to Love', all of which have been covered by artists ranging from Ethel Merman to Nat King Cole to Robbie Williams.

After a crippling accident in 1932, it seemed that his success and songwriting capablilities would have to slow down but it seemed they only increased. In the forties, some of Porter's most wonderful and exciting shows were written including Kiss Me Kate (featuring the vastly popular 'Too Darn Hot'), Can-Can, and Silk Stockings. He also began to be a staple of the Hollywood Musical, writing the scores for Broadway Melody of 1940, You'll Never Get Rich, The Pirate (starring Gene Kelly and featuring the song 'Be A Clown' that was more than coincidentally echoed in the Singin in the Rain tune, 'Make Em Laugh' ), and my personal favorite, High Society-starring the incomparable duo of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. Every song in this film continues to be some of my favorites of all time, principally the wonderful love song 'True Love' and the jazzy 'Samantha'-featuring the great Satchmo.

Eventually, the great songwriter's injuries caught up with him and he died in 1964 of kidney failure. But his songs will live on as some of the most timeless ever created.

Lyric samples:

Anything Goes from Anything Goes (1934)

Times have changed/ And we've often rewound the clock / Since the Puritans got a shock/ When they landed on Plymouth Rock . If today, Any shock they should try to stem/, 'Stead of landing on Plymouth Rock/, Plymouth Rock would land on them/

. In olden days a glimpse of stocking Was looked on as something shocking, But now, God knows, Anything Goes./ Good authors too who once knew better words,/ Now only use four letter words /Writing prose, Anything Goes. /

The world has gone mad today/ And good's bad today, And black's white today, And day's night today,/ When most guys today That women prize today/ Are just silly gigolos/ And though I'm not a great romancer I know that I'm bound to answer /When you propose, Anything goes /When grandmama whose age is eighty/ In night clubs is getting matey with gigolo's,/ Anything Goes. /When mothers pack and leave poor father/ Because they decide they'd rather be tennis pros, /Anything Goes. /

If driving fast cars you like/, If low bars you like,/ If old hymns you like/, If bare limbs you like, If Mae West you like/ Or me undressed you like/, Why, nobody will oppose! /When every night, The set that's smart/ Is intruding in nudist parties in studios,/ Anything Goes. T
The world has gone mad today /And good's bad today,/ And black's white today,/ And day's night today, /When most guys today /That women prize today /Are just silly gigolos /And though I'm not a great romancer /I know that I'm bound to answer/ When you propose, Anything goes

If saying your prayers you like/, If green pears you like/ If old chairs you like/, If back stairs you like/, If love affairs you like/ With young bears you like, /Why nobody will oppose!
And though I'm not a great romancer/I know that I'm bound to answer /When you propose, Anything goes... Anything goes!


De-Lovely from Red Hot and Blue! (1935)

I feel a sudden urge to sing the kind of ditty that invokes the Spring
So, control your desire to curse while I crucify the verse
This verse I've started seems to me the "Tin Pan-tithesis" of melody
So to spare you all the pain, I'll skip the darn thing and sing the refrain

The night is young, the skies are clear
And if you want to go walkin', dear
It's delightful, it's delicious, it's de-lovely
I understand the reason why
You're sentimental, 'cause so am I
It's delightful, it's delicious, it's de-lovely
You can tell at a glance what a swell night this is for romance
You can hear, dear Mother Nature murmuring low "Let yourself go"
So please be sweet, my chickadee
And when I kiss ya, just say to me "It's delightful, it's delicious, it's delectable, it's delirious, It's dilemma, it's de limit, it's deluxe, it's de-lovely"

You can tell at a glance what a swell night this is for romance
You can hear dear Mother Nature murmuring low "Let yourself go"
So please be sweet, my chickadee
And when I kiss ya, just say to me "It's delightful, it's delicious, it's delectable, it's delirious, It's dilemma, it's de limit, it's deluxe, it's de-lovely"


Too Darn Hot from Kiss me Kate (1948)

It's too darn hot/It's too darn hot/I'd like to sup with my baby tonight/and play the pup with my baby tonight/I'd like to sup with my baby tonight/and play the pup with my baby tonight/but I ain't up to my baby tonight cause it's too darn hot/
It's too darn hot/It's too darn hot/I'd like to stop for my baby tonight/and blow my top with my baby tonight/I'd like to stop with my baby tonight/and blow my top with my baby tonight/but I'd be a flop with my baby tonight/cause it's too darn hot, it's too darn hot
It's too darn hot/I'd like to fool with my baby tonight/break ev'ry rule with my baby tonight/I'd like to fool with my baby tonight/break ev'ry rule with my baby tonight/but pillow you'll be my baby tonight/cause it's too darn hot/it's too darn hot

*BRIDGE*According to the Kinsey report ev'ry average man you know/ much prefers to play his favorite sport /when the temperature is low/ but when the thermometer goes way up and the weather is sizzling hot/Mister Adam for his madam is not/cause it's too too/it's too darn hot, it's too darn hot/It's too too too too darn hot/

I'd like to call on my baby tongiht/and give my all to my baby tonight/I'd like to call on my baby tongiht/and give my all to my baby tonight/but I can't play ball with my baby tonight/ cause it's too darn hot/
It's too darn hot/I'd like to meet with my baby tonight/get off my feet with my baby tonight/I'd like to meet with my baby tonight/get off my feet with my baby tonigh/tbut no repeat with my baby tonight/cause it's too darn hot/
It's too darn hot /I'd like to coo with my baby tonight /and pitch some woo with my baby tonight/I'd like to coo with my baby tonight /and pitch some woo with my baby tonight/but sister you fight my baby tonight/cause it's too darn hot/it's too darn hot

According to the Kinsey report/ev'ry average man you know/much prefers to play his favorite sportwhen the temperature is low/but when the thermometer goes way up/and the weather is sizzling hot/Mister GOB for his squab,/a marine for his queen/a G.I. for his cutie-pie is not

Cause it's too too too darn hot/ Its too...darn...HOT!!

Archie is Ugly-But He Ain't No Sam...

So here is Archie. He is the 2006 'World's Ugliest Dog'. I suppose the protruding tongue, frizzled facial hair and hairless body are decidedly unpretty for a dog. But when you look back at last year's champion, Sam, little Archie looks like a perfect specimen.










See?




Poor Sam died last year or he'd surely still be the champ.

Useless Posts R Us

Me old friend Rachael colored my hair last Sunday. There is something about red hair that makes you want to drive faster and have the ability to manage quick-witted retorts to everyone you meet. It also makes me regret that I cannot raise one eybrow in lieu of responding to stupid questions. Oh well. Can't wait to get out the hot rollers!

Hey, have you ever decided that your breakfast menu was becoming a little on the dull side? Tired of eating the same thing every morning? Try this for a change! One banana topped w/ two tablespoons yogurt (vanilla or banana) and a sprinkling of granola. It's like banana pudding for breakfast! Mmmmmmm.

Does anyone else miss The ELectric Company? I was watching a special on it the other night. I think it was the smartest childrens' show ever! I was especially happy to see quality time devoted to 'Letter-man!', 'The silent-e song', 'Hey you guys!', and Morgan Freeman as the vampire who liked taking baths in his coffin. I think I'm gonna have to break down and get me the dvd's. I really couldnt care less if the kids are interested.

What a difference a year makes...

Last night was the 49th annual grammy awards. I usually watch the telecast because one: I like awards shows and two: I love music. Unfortunately, the industry's choices for the 'best' are rarely my picks. Last year was especially mediocre in this regard ( http://learnthebigapple.blogspot.com/2006/02/purrr-teee.html). I am a little distraught by how biased the academy is when it comes to who it chooses to honor with the awards. For example, there are nominees in the r & b category for female vocal performance, male vocal performance, group vocal performance, album, song, video...yadda yadda. The same goes for the pop category. However, 'metal' only gets one measley category for 'metal performance'. This is pretty important genre, people...even if it's not your cuppa tea...and the fact that there is no nomination for album or song is pretty crappy, really. Bluegrass also gets the shaft and there is not a single category that would support my personal favorites of the year, The Old Crow Medicine Show. In my opinion, their album Big Iron World was the hands down best of the year. But I digress.

I was about to say that in actuality, this year was a big boost from last year. Some quality music was recognized and I have to say that I agree w/ alot of the results. Though I'm not a big fan of Waiting on the World to Change, I really love John Mayer. His bluesy compositions and great lyrics really move me...so I was happy to see him honored. The same goes for The Dixie Chicks (love the brave lyrics in Not Ready to Make Nice), Gnarles Barkley, Corrine Bailey Rae, John Legend, Tony Bennett , Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Wolfmother, and the Red Hot CHili Peppers (though I confess I'm becoming a little bored w/ them in my old age). To a lesser degree, I also have respect for Justin Timberlake, Carrie Underwood, and Mary J Blige's emotion (though I detest her music). So yes, we're acres above and beyond where we were last year at this time when i was seriously wondering what just HAPPENED?

The show was really entertaining too. Lots of great performances, some that were pretty good, some that were just ok, and for once, none that sucked...at least in my opinion. It was an impressive lineup. Here are some highlights that I appreciated:

1. The Police-reunited and just as good as ever!

2. The singer/songwriter medley-consisting of John Legend, Corrine Bailey Rae, and John Mayer. All sang songs not popular on the radio and all did a fantastic job. The contribution each of the performers made to one another was also a great touch.

3. Christina Aguilera- wha? Didnt I just slam her performance last year? Yes I did. She ALWAYS oversings. But this time it worked! Her rendition of "A Man's World" -a tribute to James Brown- was nothing short of brilliant! I have to admit I was smiling like an imbecile by the end of it.

4. Gnarles Barkley-Loved the slow sultry version of 'Crazy'. Really highlighted his amazing pipes.

5. Justin Timberlake-the first performance was really good. He sat at the piano and utilized his 'blackness' really well. (I did hate the second part of that performance, however, when he decided to shove a hand held camera up his nose for our viewing pleasure. Yikes. And the bit at the end w/ the 'winning grammy girl' was just way to indulgent for Justin-who had already performed! Shame on you, academy!)

6. Carrie Underwood- she can sing, no doubt about it. Her version of Bob Wills' 'San Antonio ROse' was good stuff. (Too bad she had to go and ruin it w/ that mediocre cover of 'Life in the Fast Lane'. I HATE Rascal Flatt with a passion! His fat head just makes me want to hurl tomatoes .)

7. The Dixie Chicks-great performance, even if it did sound just like the record.

8. The r & b medley-Smokey can still blow, Lionel still makes me sigh, and even though I'm not a fan of Chris Brown, that kid can dance! And what about those little 'krumpin' kids?! Whoah.

9. Shakira and Wyclef-No, those hips DON'T lie. Sheesh! It's like she's detatched in the middle.

Nobody else struck me as particularly remarkable...but like I said, nobody sucked. Even Rascal Flatt was 'on', I guess. So that's a one-up for the 49th for sure!

New Review: Shattered Glass (2003)

www.movinpitchers.blogspot.com

A Song For February...

You gotta love a gal who sounds like she's got dirt in her throat when she sings.
Now everybody get to dancin' !
The Distillers-City of Angels

http://www.badongo.com/vid/284474

New Review: A Man for All Seasons (1966)

www.movinpitchers.blogspot.com

Back to Vegas...

For years now, my husband and I have been 'hemming and hawing' about whether to make the trip to Vegas for the yearly 'Rockabilly Weekender' held at the Gold Coast (www.vivalasvegas.net). Well, even though we just went to Sin City (stupid name) in October, we have decided to 'post haste' and make the trip again in April. The main reason(s) being that w/ the advent of the new baby, we may not make it again any time soon and also that we really didnt need that much of a reason to blow our tax refund anyway. I mean, who needs an excuse to enjoy three full days of phenomenal bands, gorgeous cars, jive classes, sock hops, shopping fabulous vendors, playing dress-up, and hanging out in Vegas? Plus, I hear they have this 'chocolate massage' at the Orleans hotel. Mmmmmm.

And so it is settled. I made our reservations this morning for airfare and hotel and bought the three day event pass also. Now that it is done, I feel very peaceful in my mind.

I'm sure morning sickness in Vegas will feel different...heh heh.

Bliss

Songwriters: Paul Simon

I think Paul Simon is the best songwriter of all time. Mouthful isnt it? But that is my honest opinion and has been for a long ol' time. Ever since I was a kid, I have adored Simon and Garfunkel but as I got older I began to have a deeper appreciation for the songwriting and the realization hit me that this guy has written more fantastic songs than anyone I can think of!

For our five year anniversary (nearly 7 years ago!) my husband bought me the Simon and Garfunkel 4 disc cd anthology and, needless to say, I have listened to it until it's pretty ragged-especially for a cd set. From the sometimes politically charged folk songs of Wednesday Morning 3am to the quiet beauty of Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme and the swelling impetus of Bridge Over Troubled Water, they never made a mistake-at least not in my book. Of course, it was Paul Simon who made this group what it was. Garfunkel had a lovely voice that blended perfectly w/ Simon's own vocals but without Paul's gift of melody and lyric, the group would have become another flash in the pan. Even his instrumentals like the beautiful guitar piece Angie are phenomenal for the simple and understated way they build without your realizing it.

As a solo artist, Simon has also succeeded magnificently. Some of my favorite of his tunes were written after the breakup of Simon and Garfunkel and this in itself is a proclamation of his great talents as a writer. His voice has never been spectacular but the songwriting, once again, has buoyed his career into legend-hood. Some consider his album Graceland to be one of the best of all time-and I'm, of course, one of them. It's a totally original piece of work that is full of amazing melodies and gorgeous lyrics.

Paul Simon will always be a huge part of me since his songs have been with me thru my whole life . And he's still going strong! His newest album Surprise was released in 2006 to critical acclaim and several nominations, including an oscar nomination for the track father and daughter. That makes me proud, I must say. Not sure why.

(Oh, and I bet if any of you have some young pictures of Bill Bouldin, they probably look a LOT like that one of Paul that I have posted. Those of you who know Bill, can't possibly deny the resemblance...LOL!)

Here are a few examples of Paul's wonderful poetry which , when coupled with their great melodies, make for some of my absolute favorite songs:

The Dangling Conversation

It's a still life watercolor/ on a now late afternoon/ as the sun shines through the curtain lace/ and shadows wash the room.
And we sit and drink our coffee/ couched in our indifference/ like shells upon the shore/ you can hear the ocean roar.
In the dangling coversation/ And the superficial sighs/ are the borders of our lives.

And you read your Emily Dickinson/ and I my Robert Frost. / And we note our place with bookmarkers/ that measure what we've lost. /Like a poem poorly written,/ We are verses out of rhythym/couplets out of rhyme/ in syncopated time/ Lost in the dangling conversation/ And the superficial sighs/ are the borders of our lives.

Yes we speak of things that matter/ with words that must be said./ 'Can analysis be worthwhile?' / 'Is the theater really dead?' / And now the room has softly faded,/ And I only kiss your shadow, / I cannot feel your hand/ you're a stranger now unto me./ Lost in the dangling conversation/ And the superficial sighs/ are the borders of our lives.
_______________________

America

Let us be lovers /we'll marry our fortunes together./ I've got some real estate here in my bag./ So we bought a pack of cigarettes and mrs. wagner pies/ and walked off to look for America.

'Kathy' I said as we boarded a greyhound in Pittsburgh, / 'Michigan seems like a dream to me now./ It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw / I've come to look for America.'

Laughing on the bus/ playing games with the faces./ She says the man in the gabardine suit is a spy/ I said ' be careful, his bowtie is really a camera'.

Toss me a cigarette, I think there's one in my raincoat/ We smoked the last one an hour ago./ So I looked at the scenery/ she read her magazine/ And the moon rose over an open field.

'Kathy, I'm lost' I said, though i knew she was sleeping./ I'm empty and aching and I don't know why'./ Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike/ They've all come to look for America.
_______________

Something So Right

You've got the cool water/ when the fever runs high/ You've got the look of lovelight in your eyes/ And I was in crazy motion/ til you calmed me down/ It took a little time/ but you calmed me down.

When something goes wrong, I'm the first to admit it/ the first to admit it/ and the last one to know.
When something goes right/ well, it's likely to lose me/ it's apt to confuse me/ It's such an unusual sight./ I swear, I can't get used to something so right.

They've got a wall in china. / It's a thousand miles long/ To keep out the foreigners, they made it strong. / Well, I've got a wall around me, that you can't even see. / It took a little time, to get next to me.

When something goes wrong, I'm the first to admit it/ the first to admit/ but the last one to know./ When something goes right, well it's likely to lose me/ it's apt to confuse me/ It's such and unusual sight./ I swear, I can't get used to something so right./ Something so right.

__________________

(and the following is one of my favorite lullabies ever)

St Judy's Comet

Oh, little sleepy boy, do you know what time it is? / Well, the hour of your bedtime has long been past/ And though I know you're fighting it, I can tell when you rub your eyes, you're fading fast... fading fast.

Won't you run come see St Judy's Comet roll across the sky/ leaving a spray of diamonds in its wake/ I long to see St Judy's Comet sparkle in your eyes when you awake/

Little boy, won't you lay your body down? / Little boy, won't you close your weary eyes? / Ain't nothin' flashin' but the fireflies

Well I sang it once, I sang it twice/ I'm gonna sing it three times more/ I'm gonna stay until your resistance is overcome/ Cuz if I can't sing my boy to sleep/ well, it makes your famous daddy look so dumb/ look so dumb.

Won't you run come see St Judy's Comet roll across the sky/ leaving a spray of diamonds in its wake/ I long to see St Judy's Comet sparkle in your eyes when you awake.

Little boy, won't you lay your body down? / Little boy, little boy won't you close your weary eyes/ Ain't nothin' flashin' but the fireflies.

Sappy Songs and the Tivo Generation...

I discovered this little song recently and was strangely drawn to its unabashed sappiness,-gaggingly sweet, really. If you are inlove, you'll probably smile when you read the lyrics. If you are not, you will probably ralph on your shoes. I understand it's from an obscure musical called the Apple Tree, by the same guys that did Fiddler on the Roof. So it's a showtune to boot!

What Makes Me Love Him

What makes me love him?
It's not his singing
I've heard his singing
It sours the milk,
and yet, it's getting to the point
where I prefer that kind of milk.

What makes me love him?
It's not his learning.
He's learned so slowly
his whole life long.
And though he really knows
a multitude of things,
they're mostly wrong.

He's not romantic
and yet I love him,
though on occasion, he's used me ill
And though he's handsome
I know inside me,
were he a plain man, I'd love him still

What makes me love him?
It's quite beyond me.
It must be something I can't define.
Unless, it's merely that he's masculine
and that he's mine.

If you want to hear the little tune, the only place I know of finding it is on this so-so album of Sarah Brightman's called The Songs That Got Away. It's got a simple melody that is nice.

(beat)

So today as I was cleaning the bathroom my two year old came running up to me in a panic. Apparently, he wanted me to fast forward the commercials on his favorite cartoon! Isnt it kind of sad how dependant we become on modern technology? I've only had my dvr for less than a year but I rarely watch live tv anymore...so spoiled am I. And evidently the urchins are spoiled too...on the occasion that we do watch something in 'real time', they just don't know what do with themselves when the commercials come on. Hey, maybe those obnoxiously loud ads will become obsolete pretty soon? Here's hoping.

Coo Coo for CaCa!

So, I guess I've lucked out w/ my two year old. He has miraculously potty trained himself, it seems! I have been keeping him 'diaper-less' for a couple of months now when we're home during the day and frustratingly cleaning up little resultant messes here and there for the duration. He just didnt seem to 'get it', only going to the potty after the fact. Last week, he started hitting a little closer to the mark (pun intended) and actually did his business in the can a few times.

Well, last weekend in Memphis-town he proved himself the smartest boy alive and did not have one 'accident'! And on the way home , even when we were stuck for an hour and forty-five minutes on the interstate, he never slipped up even though he had on a pullup and it was completely expected. Since then, I'm forever hearing him trot to the potty throughout the day and haven't seen any mishaps yet...So yay!

His brother was potty trained by 2 1/2 himself but I didnt have such high hopes for littlun since he started a lot later (Johnson started using the potty at one year). But, my worries were unfounded I suppose. So again, Yay! That's a good 40.00 a month saved , for sure!

New Review: Ikiru (1952)

www.movinpitchers.blogspot.com

The Great Unknown

We went to Memphis last weekend to visit family AND to see Unknown Hinson at the Hitone friday night.

I first discovered Unknown a year or two ago when I heard a song that tickled my funnybone called 'Venus Bound' in which a man sings of visiting Venus since the women there are far superior to his current brand. 'I'm gonna build me a rocket ship/ to go where wormens don't give no lip/ I'm a-blastin' off/ Honey, I'm Venus Bound. ' The songs are truly clever-campy and sophomoric-but really clever and his image as a Rockabilly Vampire tickles me too. His fake sideburns, blackened eybrows and coffin guitar cases coupled w/ his hilarious and off-kilter interviews also made me a fan, I'll admit. Anyway, I guess I had him kind of pegged as a 'novelty' act based on the songs I heard so when I recommended his music to friends, it was usually in homage to his humor.

However, Friday night I was blown away by his guitar ability. He's one of the best guitarists I've ever seen, live. And I realized that the image, lyrics, and hillbilly vocals are just his tongue in cheek way of not taking himself too seriously. If any of you have an oppurtunity to see this guy's act, do yourself a favor and give him a shot. The hilarity of his songs will pale in comparison to the solid musicianship he showcases.

But, until then, why not give 'I'm Not Afraid of Your Husband Baby', 'Polly Urethane', 'Rock n Roll is Straight from Hell', 'Man to Man' (a fuuuuuny kind of 'love song' to an exwife w/ a sex change) or any of 'the king's chart-toppin' hits' a listen? You KNOW you want to.

A Song for January

(another monthly feature)



SONG OF THE MONTH:

Wreck My Car-Scott H Biram

Scott is one of my favorite discoveries of 2006. It's only right he should start off the year.

http://www.badongo.com/file/1953892

2007 and All Is Well...

Here's a new pinup girl that I rushed thru this morning while I had a few minutes...very obviously rushed. I'm still not a fan of the watercolor pencils but I'm bored w/ ink and pencil and until I can get some new supplies, they'll do for practice. Anyway, she's number 5.

Where was everyone at the stroke of midnight? It's been years since I've been 'out' on New Year's Eve. I don't really see myself doing it anytime soon. Yesterday afternoon we had a family outing which climaxed in a record low score of 45 at the bowling alley! It was truly amazing. My six year old bowled 50, if that's any indication of the mockery that should ensue from my admitting such a fact. We decided bowling alley culture is really quite fascinating however, and have decided to do some research on it. A brief 'google' this morning turned up some pretty amazing stories from various bowling alleys around the world. More on that later...?

So after the game, we headed to Sonic for refreshments and home to enjoy Garrison Keeler's New Year's Special at the Ryman. We opted for the radio instead of TV so that we could enjoy it like the days of olde. Guests at this shindig included The Old Crow Medicine Show, Emmylou Harris, Ronda Vincent and many other greats. It was a really fun New Years Celebration though, especially when Keeler counted down the New Year and broke into Auld Lang Syne w/ the audience. His countdown was very understated-almost missed it!

While we listened we put on the Twilight ZOne Marathon on SCIFI and watched it with no sound, competing to see who could guess the episode first without hearing it. Really fun, actually. We let Johnson stay up until midnight for the first time and he was really excited at first but began to get bored quickly. I don't think he got the point of it all. He liked saying 'I'm going to bed next year' though.

Anyway, the induction of 2007 was very perfect for us so hopefully we established a new family tradition, what with the Ryman Celebration and all.

No 'resolutions' this year. Lots of spiritual goals that I'm gonna keep to myself and I still haven't quite vanquished Duran Duran (a brief allusion to last year's Barbarella mission). I'm planning on eating healthier, drawing more, and all that bunk. But nothing official to saddle myself with or anything.

'You've Got Ears, Say CHEERS!'

Hodgey Podgey-isms

The above picture has nothing to do with the randomness of this post but doggone it...it is just a work of art, isnt it? Those of you who know the above 'gals' are going to be especially appreciative, I'm sure. Giggling all over yourselves are'nt ya?

Let's see...news and info.

-Christmas 'Eve', I went to a slumber party. Five girls and no kids . Two of us are temporarily visiting from their missionary status in Bolivia and Nicaragua respectively, one of us is an implant from Mexico who speaks endearing and dodgy english, and one of us has an unbelieving mate who was currently spending the holiday with family. Since we don't have all that much in common on a secular level, it was inevitable that 90% of the conversation would be spiritual in nature. The next morning, we were all feeling enormously upbuilt and unified.

-Movies have been very disappointing lately. I haven't seen anything 'new' to theaters but the stuff I've seen at home has been painfully ho-hum. Talladega Nights-The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, The Way We Were, and The Last Time I Saw Paris were all equally 'meh'. Oh well...I did put one new review on my 'movin pitchers' blog-'Murder on the Orient Express' deserved the full 'treatment', I felt. I'm really hankering to see the new Christopher Guest flick, 'For Your Consideration' that is only showing in limited release right now-I'm sure it's wonderful.

-New page on the Man Who Laughs blog (www.themanwholaughs.blogspot.com) really moves me. One of the best descriptions of a human being I've ever read. And you don't have to be following the story to 'get it'. Victor Hugo was a genius.

-Current read: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. I started it, saw the movie, and decided to finish it-in that order. The first 20 pages made me feel utterly inadequate as a housewife because they detail the inner workings of an english estate via the perfect butler. It's extremely intricate and even a little stressful to read. But after I saw the great movie, I decided to give it another try and now I'm loving it! Not finished yet...have you read this one, bookyeti?

-Is it wierd that I love Miami Ink so much? Yesterday was a marathon...a woman had a grilled cheese tatooed on her chest. It was a 'spiritual' grilled cheese with the face of the virgin Mary on it. Now, I definitely saw the likeness of a face on there but it's so funny to me that it had to be the Virgin Mary...haha. The original sandwhich sold for 20,000 dollars! So I guess the lady wanted to have it tatooed on her to 'keep it with her always'. I don't know. It looked more like Hilary Clinton to me.

-Some fun links for your amusement:
See wonderfully wierd 'art' that some might find a bit disturbing but still strikes me as funny and fascinating:
http://www.customcreaturetaxidermy.com/

Ogle the best web emporium out there for retro style accessories. I just love browsing this site:
http://www.go-kat-go.com/index.html

Wow, this is a great idea-Where is my digital camera when I need it?:
http://www.menwholooklikekennyrogers.com/gallery01.html

Ahhhh, the wonders of competition-worthy facial hair:
http://www.worldbeardchampionships.com/

The 'bedazzling' stylings of Leslie Hall-don't forget to treat yourself to her videos and inventive sweater names:
http://www.lesliehall.com/index8.html

The prettiest pictures on the web? Me thinks so...yuk yuk:
http://www.christianbale.net/home.htm

And last but not least, hey-I needed this reference on MY favorites so maybe now you can add them to yours! The guide to garment heiroglyphics:
http://www.apparelsearch.com/care_label_symbols.htm


See ya'll little lady...

Songwriters: Tanya Donelly

So this blog has been going for almost a year and I've kept up with it pretty faithfully. I've decided to take a leap and start adding a monthly 'feature', if you will. Since lyrics and songwriting are a big love of mine, I've decided to make the Singer Songwriter genre the subject of my prosey periodical.

The first songwriter (and flattered she should be...yuk yuk yuk) I've decided to showcase is the great great Tanya Donelly.

I first discovered Tanya Donelly when she was with the band Throwing Muses where she shared the songwriting, singing, and playing w/ childhood friend and stepsister, Kristin Hersh. Hersh is a phenomenal lyricist as well and will eventually find a place in this little mission, I'm sure. However, it's Donelly's songwriting that always sticks with me. The words to her songs are replete w/ great imagery and subtext, sometimes dark and sometimes comically light. Her poetic talents are always shown to their best advantage when coupled w/ the haunting musicianship that accompanies them-smooth and thick atmospheric melodies, most.

After Donelly left Throwing Muses in 1990, she contributed briefly to the This Mortal Coil album, 'Blood', and accompanied Kim Deal in the Breeders release, 'Pod', which was greatly influenced by her particular style. In 1991 she began the critically acclaimed group Belly whose two albums are both phenomenal pieces of work. 'Star' was a haunting and somewhat spooky concoction where 'King' offered a more folk-rock influenced collection . 'King' is my favorite and has easily made its way into by top 20 albums of all time. 'Feed the Tree' from the former album is probably their best known song though I feel it barely touches on the band's true talent or its frontwoman's gift.

Now Donelly is enjoying a successful solo career and all of her albums so far have been great and show no signs of her slowing . The album names are Love Songs for Underdogs, Beautysleep, Whiskey Tango Ghosts, and The Hungry Life-the last of which I am all a-twitter to hear because it's brand spankin new.

It's hard to describe what makes me so thrilled by Donelly's lyrical style. She has a babyish voice that is instantly appealing and somehow when it joins the distorted guitar and simple melodies with her poetry, there is just this magical thing that happens. I'm sure many feel I'm overstating it here but there it is. Listed below are a few examples of her lyrics...enjoy and remember to check her out...for pete's sake, check her out!

Sad Dress

from: 'Star'

Im so tipsy I cant seem to walk/And you take me firmly by the hand in the dark/ And those cheekbones of yours shine in the dark/ I swear they do.

Think about dixie/ she ducked when she ran/ Made up three bad reasons to stand by her man (he goes)./ Missed the vein once/ try, try again/ I swear I just went.

My my, your dress says so sad / You don't care, you just stole it somewhere./ Feel it. Fight it. Sleep inside it./ Your dress says so sad...so sad./ You don't care, you just stole it somewhere/ I'd chew my foot off to get out of this dress.

Judas My Heart

from: 'King'

Where I live, there's a blanket of gauze and it covers the scars/ of the drunks who are hungry as ever. /Where I live, there's a blanket of sighs and it covers the stars./ In my heart, I'm as hungry as ever./ This the room where we met.

Where I live, there's a lady/ who walks everywhere on her hands./ She don't trust where her feet want to take her./ Where I live, there's this lady who walks everywhere on her hands/ She don't trust where her feet want to take her./ This is the room where we met/ This is the dress I had on/ This is not the moment you fear when you wake up and no one is there...

Low hangs the moon/ inside this room/ Low hangs the moon/ inside this room/ so that I'm a witness/ when you Judas my heart.

Where I live there's a blanket of sighs and it covers the stars/ In my heart, I'm as hungry as ever. / Where I live, I'm afraid that I walk everywhere on my hands/ I don't trust where my feet want to take me.

This is the room where we met./ This is the dress I had on./ This is not the moment I fear/ (I say 'I' 'stead of 'she' now you're here)/ Low hangs the moon/ inside this room/ Low hangs the moon inside this room/ So that I'm a witness when you/ Judas my heart.

Can I get a witness when you Judas my heart again?

Goat Girl

from: 'Love Songs for Underdogs'

See my child my past/hoping yours is a blast/ I parked my heart in your driveway/ now I'm healing hell./ I wanted a lion but I ended up with a man/ who wanted a gazelle.

But...

I am a goat girl/ I am a goat girl/ I am a goat girl/ and I do my brutish best.

I am a goat girl/ I am a goat girl/ thinking goatish thoughts/ dreaming goatish dreams/pickin' up tin cans/ chewin' on your sleeve.

And I do my brutish best.

Green Door

from: 'Love Songs for Underdogs'

Look at him looking/ Everybody see how he looks at me/ Like to set me on fire,/ like to burn/ Like to set me on fire/ like to burn.

But, I'll always get out/ I'm not afraid / With these hips, these lips, these getaway sticks/ I've got it made./There's always a green door/ and green gets you out./ Green is sliding and driving and proteins colliding/ and it's your hipness, your fitness, your undying witness.

Leave the lock on my door/ I can find my own way home./ For tomorrow, I'm sure tomorrow, I'll find the green door. / Everyone out now. / It's just you and me/ and I warned you I warned you I warned you I warned you/ You look at me, like to set me on fire/ like to burn. / Like to set me on fire, like to burn./ But I'll always get out/ I'm not afraid./ I'll always get out.

I've got it made.

Tina's Survey Silliness...

Wow, one post a day is a bit excessive isnt it? I think I did TWO yesterday. Anyway, here's a fun and silly survey for everyone to copy and paste...

Name: Ashley
> Age: 31>
Hair Color: Light Brown, I think. It's been YEARS since I've seen it.
Eye Color: Cold Coffee, baby
Pet(s) & Their Name(s): New kitten-Albert and Beagle dog-Mrs Roper
Birthplace: Memphis-town
Nickname(s): Ashes, Ashil-Sashils, and 'Skinny'
Most Widespread Nickname: None are really that commonly used
Height: 5'6", I think
Mood Right Now: Sedate

~Favorites~
Color: Deep Peacock Blue (or some say Peacock Green)
Animal: Horsies
Number: 4
Gum: Big Red because it reminds me of my husband's kisses in the early days.
Sport: Weight-lifting and Aerobics to do but I love to watch Figure Skating
Season: Summertime
Candy: Dark Chocolate truffles
Song: 'In Your Eyes'-Peter Gabriel
Actor: James Stewart for-evah!
TV Show: Seinfeld is going down in the annals as the best show ever, for me anyway

~This or That~
Morning or Evening:Morning
Hugs or Kisses: Depends on who their from-I'm not a fan of kissing from anyone except my husband...LOL
Love or Money: Wuv
Movies or Music: Tough one...Movies, I guess
Big Crowds or Little Crowds: Little crowds if we must have one at all
Beach or Mountains: Mountains
Six Flags or Carowinds: Six Flags but I'd rather have Disneyworld!
Percussion or Strings: Strings-guitar strings, that is
Skateboard or Skooter: Skateboards are great but not for me...Skooter, I guess
Heels or Sneakers: Heels, all the way baby! I wear them 90% of the time.
Black or White:Black
Red or Green: Red
Skittles or M&Ms: M& M's
Sun or Moon: Sun
Water or Fire: Water

~Have You Ever~
Danced in the Rain: Yes, I believe so
Honked a Car Horn at Strangers: Yes when I was a teen it was my favorite thing to do...'Excuse me, are those Bugle Boy Jeans you're wearing? Eeee Gad.
Done Something You Regret: Of course, that's a stupid question
Cried in a Full Theater: Yes
Done Drugs: No
Smiled for No Reason: There is always a reason...I agree Tina.
Thought About Something and Laughed Really Loud: Yes.
Done Something Stupid in Front of Your Crush: I remember that ...yeah.
Said Something No One Else Got:I'm the queen of this particular point
Acted/Sang on Stage: I was in a drama when I was 12 and I do Karaoke often
Talked in Front of a Large Group (EXcluding Oral Reports): Talks at the KH
Had a Cavity: Lordy, yes. I have some right now.
Said Something That Others Took Wrong: Once again, I am the Queen
Been Told to Get Your Mind Out of the Gutter: yes but I was usually clueless as to why
Been in Love: Yeah, still am (sigh)
Fallen Down in Public: Yes.
Been Stupid in Front of a Lot of People: Its my forte
Done Something Someone Said You Could Never Do: Yep-challenges motivate me

~Do You~
Sing Well: I don't know about 'well' but I love it
Dance Well: No, but I do it anyway.
Embarrassed Easily: Yes
Consider Yourself a Morning Person:Yep
Take Walks in the Rain: yeah, I like it
Keep Your Promises: Yes, and I try not to make them if there's any chance I can't
Like to Talk: Yes very much because you see I'm quite talktaive and being talkative is kind of a protection because alot of people don't talk very much so if I talk alot then I know that at least SOMEONE is talking and that in itself is comforting because you know how alot of people just SIT there when there's a large group, I just can't do that...oops.
Speak Your Mind: Eventually...sometimes too late
Trust Others Easily: I've been told that I'm entirely too trusting

~Movies & Music~
Best Movie You've Seen in Theaters Lately: The Prestige-LOVED it
Saddest Movie: Dead Poets Society still really gets me but the movie JUDE is the be all end all of sad movies...I don't recommend it to parents

Cutest Movie: I also think it's wonderful but I guess You Can't Take It With You could also qualify as 'cute'...though it kind of sounds sacreligious

Movie You Find Yourself Quoting: O Brother Where Art Thou is heavily quoted in our house, by kids and parents alike

Ever Made Movies With Your Friends: Just vacation videos...not movies

Radio Station You Listen to Most:Jack Fm when I listen to the radio..

Song Currently Stuck in Your Head: 'Get Ready To Wiggle' is on Tv and tends to stick w/ me for a while

Stupidest Song You've Heard Lately: I don't think anything is ever going to out-stupid Honky Tonk Badonk adonk...it reigns supreme

Song You Hear Most on the Radio: JackFm doesnt play new music that much...they really like 'We're Not Gonna Take It' by Twisted Sister

Would You EVER Skydive: No.

Do You Think There's Gold on the Other End of a Rainbow? Probably somebody over there is wearing some

What CD Have You Listened to Most Lately? Clutch-Robot Hive Exodus, Open Hand, a self-made compilation cd of songs from the 40's and 50's,

Have you everr Held a Snake or Tarantula? Both.

Do You Like Scary Movies? yes, I do
What's Your Pet Peeve? People who don't use child safety seats

Do You Have a Type A Personality? Yes

What Would YOU Do for a Klondike Bar? Walk to the freezer, I guess. I find them not that good

What's the One Thing You Would Bring With You to a Deserted Island? The NWT

Ever Been Tubing? Yes

Drove a Jetski? Yes, briefly

Do You Believe in Love at First Sight? No, but I strongly believe in attraction at first sight.

Introvert or Extrovert? Extrovert

Do You Like Big Crowds?I don't mind them but I'd prefer a small group...like four people

What's Your Favorite Quote from a Friend? To the tune of John Denver's 'Country Road': 'Breast Virginia...Like your mountains mama'-and I'm not saying who it's from

What Word Do You Use Too Much? 'Brilliant'. I think it's a brilliant word

Can You Sing Your ABC\'s Backward\'s? I could if I felt like concentrating that hard.

What\'s the Latest You\'ve Ever Stayed Up? All night...I'm a mom, after all

Have You Ever Been Betrayed? Yeah, stupid Eve and her fruit craving

What\'s Your Greatest Strength(s)? I'm very 'changeable' and can adapt to almost any situation

Weakness(es)? I've been told I'm too willing to believe and trust

Do You Laugh a Lot? Yes.

Are You a Leader or a Follower? A follower that somehow gets stuck leading alot of the time

Do You WANT to Be Like Everyone Else? No, actually-'I wanna bee like YOU-ooo-ooo...I wanna walk like you/ talk like you tooo ooo oo '

What\'s the Compliment You Receive Most? I get compliments on my paint colors in my house

Do You March to the Beat of Your OWN Drummer? Yes, but it would be easier if he were talented.

Can You Talk Extremely Fast? Sho Nuff


~Last Words~
What Are Your Last Words?

'Once I knew a gnu who had a nose for news. A nose for news no newsman ever knew. But now he's dead and though I know another nosey gnu, I'll never know a gnu who knew the news that that gnu knew.'

Yeah, I think that says it all

Cacaphonic Cats

Okay, I just wanted to use the word 'cacaphonic' in a sentence...heh heh.

This weekend saw the addition of a new member to our pet family-Albert, the barking kitten. Those of you who have read my childrens story (that I'm still looking to publish) know how funny this is.

My son had a kitten earlier this year named Marty and he was precious and funny and just a great kitty! He was a long haired gray tabby that my beagle dog just loved but alas, he ran away. We went to Memphis in June and when we came back a week later, Mrs Roper was alone on the porch w/ her head cocked in that curious way of hers. 'Where is Marty?' she seemed to ask. And we haven't seen him since.

My little boy was not 'devastated' but he was sad and we've been looking for a new feline friend ever since. I finally resorted about a month ago to putting a little note on the local grocery store window w/ a drawing of a kitty and the message: 'My little boy wants a kitten, preferably a black one. Do you have one? Please call-----.' I forgot all about the note until Saturday when I got a call from a gravely voiced lady saying 'Do you still need a kitty for your little boy?' So, I piled the kids in the car and went to the gravely-voiced lady's house for our new pet. Johnson had no idea what we were doing and he was delighted when I brought the little sooty ball of fluff out to the car. He was wearing a red and green ribbon around his neck -courtesy gravely-voiced lady and kin- and soooo pretty. The best thing is, he's got some kind of funny condition where his meows are hoarse, short, croaky little squeaks that sound very similar to a whining dog! Albert for sure.

Unfortunately, we've had kind of a rough weekend w/ Albert. We're keeping him in the basement so that he can eventually help move out the mouse population down there but Johnson brings him up to the yard to play also. Well, yesterday I looked out of the window and Mrs Roper had taken the kitten in her mouth and was slinging him around like some type of old sock! I ran outside and grabbed the dog by her neck, forcing her to spit out the kitten! The poor slimy kitten was lying on the ground in turmoil, groaning and seeming almost dead. After giving Mrs Roper a well deserved beating (which made little impact I'm sure), I tried to pick up Albert and carry him inside to assess damages. I received two very deep bites on my hand but eventually I was able to carry him to the bathroom and rinse him off, thankfully finding that he was just fine...no blood or anything. I wrapped him in a towel and held him until he stopped trembling and now he seems 'over it'.

The dog obviously does NOT like this cat and that could present a problem. She was trying to kill it and that disturbed me so badly because Johnson and Nathan were there watching and crying. But hopefully, they will eventually get used to each other. I suppose baby steps are in order.

In addition to our funny cat situation, Nathan has developed a new 'expression' that puzzles me no end! Whenever he wants something, he now says 'Two-A' repeatedly. We have no idea what that means and have examined every possibility from battleship to bingo. Maybe when he grows up, he'll be able to clue us in.

'Two-A'.

PINUP #4

Someday I'll get a scanner and my girls won't look like distorted paper dolls.

Santa's Little Yelpers

My feelings exactly. Heh heh heh heh.

Out of the mouths of babes: My son says to me this morning in that no nonsense thoughtful tone of his : 'mommy, why do people give gifts to each other on Jesus' birthday?' Very good question m'dear.

Aye Christmas...how I dislike thee.

Isnt it strange that when people ask you why you don't celebrate they don't REALLY want to know the reason? When you try to explain your feelings about the pagan origins and such, I've found that most people suddenly have a million other things to do. Recently I tried to condense the explanation when someone asked it of me by saying: 'Have you ever looked up the history of christmas and its traditions in the encyclopedia?' The response ? 'Oh, I don't have time for that stuff....'

And so it goes...

PINUP #3

So here she is. I posted the close-up because the neck looks a little thick in the long shot....the closeup shows the perspective a little better. The hand is also hilariously stumpy. There was a crazy optical illusion in the photo that made her hand look that way but I should have tapered the fingers more on my own instead of trying to be faithful to the photograph. Anyway, I'm getting bored w/ black and white...I'm searching for a medium that I like for color. Oils are amazing but not as conducive to latenight spontaneity so I need something else-maybe oil crayons or markers? I'll figure it out on my next trip to Michaels, I guess.

I do like the feet and legs in this one though...and it's my first car!

'GET BEHIND ME, STREPTOCOCCUS!'

Noun
1.
strep throat - an infection of the oral pharynx and tonsils by streptococcus


Friday's doctor visit confirmed it. I am suffering from strep throat for the THIRD time this year. Even the doctor called it 'excessive' and tells me I may have to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist for a second opinion that could result in the removal of my tonsils! But I don't wanna remove them...they're mine! I've had them my whole life...sniff.

The wierd thing is, I've never had strep prior to this year. In 2000, prior to my first son's birth, I tested positive when the doctor did the mandatory strep test and therefore I had to stay an extra night in the hospital while they tested him and such. In 2004, when I was pregnant w/ Nathan, I didnt test positive so...go figure. It is also possible the husband is giving it to me via his yummy kisses but I am not going to be believing that for now.

So here I am kicking with fever, shaking and shivering and cursing, unable to eat or drink, miserably downing my antibiotics...and getting used to it? There's something wrong w/ this picture!