Monday, January 30, 2017

One arm

Imagine you've been playing drums since you were nine years old. On your fifteenth birthday, you are given the rare opportunity to be offered a position in a band. Doesn't take you but two seconds to take the gig. I'm guessing you're thinking this is the best birthday gift ever.  Undoubtedly, you are very gifted.

You play for years in the band. You get along wonderfully with your extremely talented band mates and enjoy immense success. After all, you're the drummer in a highly accomplished  80's rock band.

Any guesses which band?
Here's a few clues...

You and your mates are from England. Sheffield to be exact.
The band has sold well over 100 million records.
When one thinks of the 80's decade, this group immediately comes to mind for most.
All members are incredibly gifted musicians.

Give up?

The answer: Def Leppard. 

One day, you take a drive in the English countryside. December 31, 1984, to be exact.  Your seat belt isn't fastened correctly, but you don't realize that until it's too late. The car you are driving crashes, severing your left arm. An arm you use to play those drums in that highly successful band.  What do you do?

This is the journey of one of the greatest drummers of all time. Rick Allen has persevered through this dark valley. The encouragement from his band mates helped him through his darkest hours. I find it cheery to read of the love the band has for one another. None are perfect, but then none of us are.
http://rickallen.com/

He is quite inspiring. Rick continues to play the drums for the band. I find that in itself extremely exhilarating.  The accident could have devastated him. Instead, he chose the path less traveled. Not easy. Take a moment to click through his site. He is quite motivating. I have no more excuses. Neither do you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNpK5nhJCmg
This is an interview with Rick Allen. It's a peek into who Rick Allen is. Note his work with wounded warriors.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

49

Remember Wang Chung?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoXu6QmxpJE

How about Katrina and the Waves?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPUmE-tne5U

Yes, it's true. I'm an 80s girl! Best decade ever. Such great music.

I'm 'Walking on Sunshine' AND I'm going to Have Fun! Want to know why?

In a few days, It's my birthday. It's my birthday! It's my birthday! 

Birthdays are for celebrating LIFE. And that's exactly what I'm going to do.
I'll be 49. I've already got some ideas stirring around for what I'm going to do when I hit the big 50. For sure, it will involve travel. But for now, I'm 49.

I'm meeting my sister for lunch and then my daughter for dinner. I need to spend some time at the book store and go for a facial. Maybe even take in a movie. I will read and sleep in and stay in my PJs most of the morning. Whatever I do, it's my birthday and I will celebrate the gift of being alive. It's a day on the calendar that needs attention more than any other day of the year. I can't wait!

I hope when it's your birthday you do all the things that bring you joy.




Monday, January 23, 2017

Rachel

My friend Rachel is in Limerick, Ireland.
She's a sophomore in college and is studying abroad.

Here is a link to her web page...

https://livinginlimerickblog.wordpress.com/2017/01/23/orientation-week/


Rachel has been gone for just over a week and according to photos on Facebook, she's smitten. One photo reminded me of a scene in the movie, P.S. I Love You. Holly, the main character, is ambling through the countryside in Ireland enjoying the view. The setting is breathtaking.

Like "Holly," Rachel is radiating pure joy. In one photo, the sea is licking the cliffs behind her. Kind of reminded me of when I was in Beachy Head, England.
I think of Rachel often. How fortunate she is to be in another country at such an early age. She has the travel bug. Her view of life has expanded  by taking the risk and saying YES to broaden her horizons. I am thrilled for her.

 

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Tomorrow is the day

January 20.

The day the President of the United States is sworn in to office.
I wondered about the day. January 20. Why that day?

Inaugurations used to be held in March of the following year.  It took that long to select a cabinet and frankly, travel to the oval office.  There were no planes back in George Washington's day. Do the math. The election is held in November. Things have changed quite a bit since then!  In 1937, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution changed the date to January. Technology has made it easier to count the votes and get the winner to Washington!

If January 20th happens to fall on a Sunday, the President is sworn in privately, and a public swearing in is held on Monday. The Chief Justice administers the oath at noon. That would be Chief Justice John Roberts for the 45th President, Donald Trump, on Friday.

It is customary for the outgoing president to attend the President elect's inauguration.  I found it interesting that five former presidents chose not to attend their predecessor. Those being:

John Adams
John Quincy Adams
Andrew Johnson
Woodrow Wilson
Richard Nixon

Nine took the oath of office upon their predecessor's death or resignation. The swearing in is kept very low key. I was not born yet, but have seen photos of  Lyndon B. Johnson taking the oath in a plane.
Those nine include:

John Tyler
Millard Fillmore
Andrew Johnson
Chester A. Arthur
Theodore Roosevelt
Calvin Coolidge
Harry S. Truman
Lyndon B. Johnson
Gerald Ford

We may not like the outcome of an election, but our democracy works. The old saying is true. There truly is nothing new under the sun.  President Lincoln's inauguration was heavily guarded as war was imminent. The heavy burden that man must have endured while president.

For America, I wish President elect Donald Trump great success.









Monday, January 16, 2017

A Work of Art

Look at this!
I've spent quite a bit of time this past weekend gazing at this amazing piece of art gifted to me.
My dear friend John made this bridge. Did I mention he made it for me?  Me. I love it because let's face it, it's just plain cool. Look at the detail.
     Do you see the date engraved up there inside? 1781.
Can you see why I love it? WOW!
John and I headed to the real bridge in Shropshire, England.

It is the first arch bridge to be built in the world made of cast iron. In 1934, the bridge closed to vehicular traffic.
This is a scenic view from the bridge.

Such a quaint village.
Shropshire, England.
I want to go back!

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Good Question

What do you do when it looks like Narnia out your living room window, it's -14,  (no, that's not a typo) and you're shivering. Snot is running down your nose like a little kid and taking your temperature is a moot point  because you already know the answer. Sigh.  
Oh, and your hands look like that of a 96 year old woman?
Well, that's the life one chooses when living in the tundra! No, there are no trips coming down the pike. We have a wedding to pay for, remember? Wink wink!

So, the next best thing is to think of warm places,
  sip tea from a favorite cup,
...and nurse your cold with a hot bowl of chicken soup!

If you live in a warm climate, I'm officially jealous.
Good thing I have memories to keep me warm.

Monday, January 9, 2017

Born to Sing

To say she has a gifted voice would be an understatement.

How would you describe Adele? Soulful? Deep?

No matter how you define her, she's got vocal power. This past week, I was channel surfing in the car. I stopped when I heard her voice. I'm probably the only one who hasn't heard her song, Water Under the Bridge. I'm hooked. I can't get the tune out of my head.

I won't even share a link because I know you all have heard it. It's such a catchy tune. I love it.

Did you know Adele was given a contract after a friend posted a demo of her on MySpace? Now that's a friend!
Adele is one of the world's best selling recording artists.  Just try and get a ticket! She's sold out everywhere!
She is from England. SIGH.
I read she doesn't like to fly and the last book she read was Matilda by Roald Dahl.

She's just 28 years old. A baby!

Do you like her music? What's your favorite?




 



Thursday, January 5, 2017

It's the Little Things

Last night I came home to this leaning up against my garage.
As you can see, it's a pretty big box.
I've been anticipating a package full of fun, but this seemed much too ginormous for that. I parked my car and grabbed the container. It wasn't heavy. At all.

I ripped open the box only to find my order rolling about, unrestrained, inside. Good thing they're encased in their own container!
What is it?
Ohuhu colored pencils!
Aren't they beautiful? I'm already coloring with them! 72 colors to choose from!
Colors like: PINK, BLUE, YELLOW, BLACK! Who knew this much excitement could come from pencils!

Indeed, it's the little things in life.






Monday, January 2, 2017

Princess

London is where she spent the last days of her life.

I've spent a bit of time viewing past interviews and tributes to Carrie Fisher. I have to admit, I've never seen Star Wars. GASP!

Science Fiction is just not my genre. I was dragged to the movie theater last year to see the latest one. I fell asleep! However, I do know Carrie Fisher played Princess Leia. Did you know if she had known the movie would gain such notoriety, she would have turned down the role? Having famous parents, she was very familiar with the costs of being famous. Being a movie star isn't all its cracked up to be.

Carrie Fisher was quite a writer. I'm anxious to read her books. I didn't realize she dealt with Bipolar disorder. I am well acquainted with that disease. Not only does it affect the person diagnosed, but those around them. It's an ugly sickness.  

I'm sorry for her family. Not only did they lose Carrie, but also Debbie Reynolds the very next day. It's a classic case of a broken heart. The mother simply could not live without her daughter. May they both rest in peace.

I love these wise words from Carrie...

"Stay afraid,
but do it anyway.
What's important is the action.
You don't have to
wait to be confident.
Just do it and eventually
the confidence will follow"