Reclaiming This Song

Driving home yesterday, Christopher and I had his Beatles collection on shuffle. We are both huge, huge fans, and their music has marked many milestones in both of our lives. He asked me to add, "From Me To You" to our ongoing "Joy" playlist, and I happily obliged. I added one other to the playlist, too. I can't remember if he specifically asked, but I remember him smiling and squeezing my hand when it came up, and I squeezed back and turned away to cry a little.

My parents walked out of the church after their wedding to "Two Of Us". It was the perfect song for them. They met when they were twelve, and spent the next thirteen years moving in and out of each others lives until they finally married, getting together, it seemed, for good and all. "You and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead..." Their marriage didn't last, and for years, that song has been ruined for me. That promise, that near perfect story wrecked by real life. But, it remains the perfect song for a couple setting out on that long adventure of life together. And, it's a perfect song for Christopher and I right now, lyrically, thematically, musically upbeat and moving forward with joy. "Two Of Us" is really a song about joy between partners.

I need to reclaim it. Because it's long been a favorite, and I miss it, and now that it's so relevant in my life, I need to have it around me.

Two Of Us - The Beatles

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It's Decoration Day...

You haven't seen bone-chilling rock and roll until you've seen this song live. Right down your spine.

We left Maine around 11:00 am; I'm just getting home. A long and sun-drenched day of shopping and open windows and the Beatles, and visiting friends along the way. Marred only by my raging sunburn and an upset stomach from too much food this weekend. BUT, this weekend was glorious, as Christopher and I did a whole lot of nothing. Wandered around Boothbay Harbor, watched the Bruins MAKE THE STANLEY CUP FINALS(!!!! oh my god, more on that later), with Kristian and Rob, and later in the weekend a BBQ at Kristian's family's house. But, lots of naps, lots of talks, lots of silly games, bad TV, and even worse cell reception :) A true unwinding, and we both needed it. It was glorious.

Thanks to Kristian for hanging out with us. Back to the grind tomorrow. :(

Decoration Day - The Drive-by Truckers

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For Sunday, May 29

For The Summer - RayLaMontagne and The Pariah Dogs

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For Saturday, May 28

The Weekenders - The Hold Steady

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For Friday, May 27

Boothbay Harbor bound. See you Monday :)

Lost Weekend - Buffalo Tom

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Musical Irony

I don't actually feel "fine"; I've got a cold. Nothing major, and I actually felt worse yesterday. But, since my calendar had a non-negotiable or two on it yesterday, I soldiered through, and took my sick day of rest today. As much a mental health as physical health day, but the sneezing and coughing is legitimate enough.

Christopher and I are heading to Boothbay Harbor for the weekend tomorrow afternoon. I'm really looking forward to re-exploring that area again, potentially seeing Kristian and Rob, and having lots of unscheduled time in front of us. We both tend to burn the candle at both ends, and this winter and spring season have been particularly action-packed for me. Now that things are winding down, it's no wonder I'm sick. Definitely looking forward to some quiet. I'll likely front load songs for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Let's hope the weather cooperates, too.

I Feel Fine - The Beatles

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Tell It's Me By The Clamor Now Baby...

Christopher and I keep hearing this at sporting events, including the playoff game we went to last week. And, since it's menacing and aggressive, it's perfect for tonight.

GO BRUINS!!!!

Come On Out, The Dark Is Just Beginning

First of all, Happy 70th Birthday to Mr. Robert Zimmerman. We are all better, and more musical, and more aware because you are here on Earth.

Second, the Hold Steady do a fantastic cover of this song.

Third, the list of things I should be doing right now is a mile long, and my head is betraying me with sneezing. I may "try" and "multitask" by reading in bed. The success rate of that will be limited, I'm sure, but I'll at least make the attempt.

Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window? - Bob Dylan

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When I Wake Up Early In the Morning, Lift My Head, I'm Still Yawning...

So tired today. Woke up to gloomy weather, but I woke up happy. However, the gloom just made me want to stay in bed and cuddle. Combine that with a late night of baseball, I had a hard time keeping my eyes open on the drive home. Had myself a bona fide power nap, though. Set the alarm, curled up on the couch under a blanket, and I was OUT like a light. The alarm legitimately woke me.

Feeling more refreshed; still so much to cram into this evening, though. Some paper research, a dinner, then home to watch the hockey game and write some more. No rest for the wicked, I guess.

I'm Only Sleeping - The Beatles

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Seasonal Affective Disorder

It's one of those Mays that doesn't believe it's spring. It's been dreary, and drizzly, and cold for days on end now. We had a brief respite yesterday, enough to make today's return to the gloom twice as hard to stomach. The sun is trying valiantly to peek out right now, but it will be gone again soon.

The weather is definitely affecting my mood. Melancholy, and unsettled. I just want to curl up on the couch and nap, and wake up again when it's 75 and sunny. I have yoga to look forward to, and the Red Sox/Cubs with Christopher after that, but at this moment, all I feel is the gloom and the chill. Come on spring, arrive already.

Save It For Sunday - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

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That's Great, It Starts With An Earthquake

Since the world is apparently ending today, I better post that make-up song for repeating "Give Peace A Chance".

What happens tomorrow when all these fringe Christians wake up, and they're still here? The kids will be pissed that they'll have to do their chores, unless, of course, their parents have signed some fundamentalist suicide pact, which is what I'm really concerned about with the rapture, its aftermath on believers' psyches and what ends they will take to reconcile that.

It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine... :)

It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) - R.E.M.

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The Man From The Television Crawled Onto The Train

Terrific concert for the last night of the world ;)

Waiting For The End Of The World - Elvis Costello and the Attractions

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It Was A Fine Idea At The Time

I have it on good authority that this song is on the song wheel for this evening's performance. I hope someone spins it, and I hope I get to be one of those someones.

Years ago, when Elvis first unveiled this tour, and this concept, Andrew attended the show at the Orpheum Theater in Boston. He raved about this show for what was likely the rest of his life. I remember it was all he talked about for at least a week afterward. So, I'm excited it's been resurrected, and I'm calling on Andrew for a little help from the beyond to get me on stage to spin. We are in the 4th row; I think my chances are good.

Brilliant Mistake - Elvis Costello

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And I Just Think I'll Retire

It's past 11:00, and I'm just rolling home. I wish I could say it were for a good reason, but it's been a long day of obligations, and minor dramas, and troubling information.

Hoping tomorrow is better, and brings some joy. This week has been a long road, and I'd really like it to be over.

So, I'm near the end, and I just think I'll retire. And I'm wasted, and I can't find my way home...

Can't Find My Way Home - Blind Faith

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Someday, Yeah, We'll Put It Together And We'll Get It All Done

Soon, right? Because I am worn down. I feel it in my brain, in my lungs, which is not good.

Things are gonna get easier... here's hoping.

Ooh Child - The Five Stairsteps

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I Got My Head Checked...

(Make up for Tuesday)

Jesus, what an amazing Bruins game. Heart-stopping in places. For 20 minutes, they looked like champions. They need to sustain that momentum.

Playoff hockey. Best drug free rush out there.

Song #2 - Blur

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As Long As There Are Stars Above You

45 years ago today, the world was given this masterpiece.

I have never felt this song more in my life than I do right now.

God only knows...

God Only Knows - The Beach Boys

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Blogger's a B***ch

Blogger was a pain in the ass all weekend, not being available on the few moments I was able to post in this jam packed 72 hours. So, here's Thursday evening (the suck) to Sunday afternoon (the calm after the whirlwind) all at once. Enjoy.

Happy Birthday, Mom

To the woman who raised me on a steady diet of Bowie, the Bee Gees, and AM pop gold.

In the immortal words of Telly Savalas, who loves ya, baby?

Modern Love - David Bowie

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Saturday's Status Check

And clearly, a bachelorette party in the Presidential Suite at the Hotel Commonwealth and Eastern Standard indicates we're pretending to a certain status level, right? But, a lovely evening, and a perfect match to the bride. Good food, good wine, happy women.

Girls Like Status - The Hold Steady

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Friday's Cure for Thursday's Mood

And an amazing date night to boot. Much love. Much joy... :)

Let's Groove - Earth Wind and Fire

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Thursday's Mood

It wears me out...

Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead

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In This Bright Future, You Can't Forget Your Past

Today was about finding the joy. It had the potential to be really, really horrible, but the universe brought me little joys all day long. Deals on the internet, funny videos, systems running smoothly, an honest to goodness love letter :)

So, on this anniversary of the passing of Bob Marley, who brought so many so much joy, I give you this mantra:
Everything is gonna be alright...

No Woman No Cry - Bob Marley

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You Thought I Would Forget But I Remembered

All of the heightened awareness of bullying, particularly here in Massachusetts, after the suicides of Phoebe Prince and Carl Walker-Hoover, has been hard for me to watch without emotion. Granted, as an educator, it's been good to see such a firm and definitive response from the legislature, reactive as it may be, to this problem that has been existent in school since we became aware of "have" and "have not". But for me, it's brought back memories of my childhood that though I've never forgotten, I have worked really hard to overcome.

You see, I was the target of bullies beginning in fourth grade and continuing, in some form or another, into middle school. And it was vicious, and it came without warning, or explanation, or resolution. Not for lack of trying. My parents called teachers, who never saw it happen, as these girls were slick. Whispers through closed lips in line at lunch, on the playground, sitting close enough at lunch to make the hateful words heard. My parents called other parents, who of course believed their own children rather than me. My parents loved me and tried to protect me the best that they could, but obviously, they couldn't go to school with me; they made sure my life at home was safe and happy.

And there's the difference. I could go home at the end of a horrible school day. I could go home, and not have to worry about Facebook or IM or texting invading my privacy, my recovery, my safe shell. Phoebe and Carl never had that chance. Today's world has so many more ways to connect one another, in both good and terrible ways. The bullying I endured was limited to the hallways, the school bus, the playground. I endured it, and I survived it. This pair of girls sent eleven other girls my age to counseling through their torment. And each of us stood by silently as another was targeted because we were relieved the venom had been directed elsewhere, and desperately wanted to keep it away.

I think about Phoebe a lot. I know what she went through. And I don't think I was any more resilient than she, or any stronger. I know I never considered killing myself an option, but I know exactly how she felt. There is a certain sense of solitude and despair that accompanies this, when you watch bystanders ignore the tormentor's actions, when you hear your parents fighting with other parents, when you see the puddle of tears on the lunch table as you try and eat a sandwich while crying silently. There is a certain amount of discomfort typing these words right now, decades later.

But I made it. I survived my bullying and came out stronger on the other end. And I support my colleagues in education and in public office as they make pro-active stands against this too-common imbalance of power. I still see a shadow of myself in Phoebe though, and her story makes me sad, and uncomfortable, and unbelievably lucky that I lived to tell my tale.

Fighter - Christina Aguiliera

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Maybe You Can Turn The Karma Into Happy Ever After

A favorite Bob Mould song. I can always count on this one to perk me up when I'm feeling weary.

It's actual physical weary tonight, which worries me. It's only Monday. Long week ahead, and a weekend I know will not be restful. Kick ASS, for certain, but not restful by any means. Lots of joy. Just need to get there.

Deep Karma Canyon - Bob Mould

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And She'd Smile Like Twink the Wonder Kid...

Today is Mothers Day, a day for us to take a moment and honor the women who made us who we are today. Our biological mothers, our mothers by proxy, our friends and family who take on the responsibility of mothering the ones they love. I am a lucky woman, as I have always been able to rely on my mother to be a model of resilience, and caring, and connectedness. To her community, to her friends, first and foremost, her family, my mother has always been there. She instructed my sisters and I in how to be strong women, and in the little joys in life. Like this story below.

My mother, my sisters and I, driving around Cape Cod, looking at giant beachfront houses and wishing. Listening to this cassette in Mom's Peugot station wagon, and singing at the top of our lungs.

"His name was always BUDDY, and he'd shrug and ask to stay,
And she'd sigh like Twink the wonder kid and turn her face away,
She's uncertain if she likes him, but she knows she really loves him.
It's a crash course for the ravers,
It's a drive-in Saturday."

In this picture, I am less than a year old, and she is growing out her Ziggy Stardust haircut.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you.

Drive-In Saturday - David Bowie

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For the Derby

Chips Ahoy - The Hold Steady

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It Swings, It Jives, Shakes All Over Like Jelly, Babe...

In honor of my turn as Brooke Burke tonight at the third annual Dancing with the Norwood Stars, I give you the song I danced to in 2009. And yes, I am wearing the dress as well.

Such fun. So glad to be part of this terrific event again.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Brian Setzer Orchestra

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PS. This is my 1600th post. I really have this much to say?? ;)

An Angel of the First Degree

Rocking myself to sleep with this one. Wish you were here...

Tupelo Honey - Van Morrison

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A Little Bit of History Repeating

First, a confession. I repeated a song Tuesday. I was going with the moment, the zeitgeist, so to speak, and forgot I used Give Peace a Chance to mark John's birthday. So, I apologize. I'll post an extra song one of these days to make up for it.

Second, the repeating. I got a phone call this afternoon that caused me to cancel plans with the wonderful and charming Christopher, in order to relive a little former glory, and be a lot of obnoxious for a good cause. Norwood's Circle of Hope is having their third annual Dancing With the Stars event this Friday night. Some of you may recall I was in the inaugural evening. Well, NPA has asked me to be the Brooke Burke of Norwood's event. Interviews with all the couples backstage, after they hear their scores. Allowed to be funny, snarky, charming, but MORE IMPORTANT, allowed to wear my dress again, should I choose.

Should I choose... seriously.

History Repeating - Propellerheads

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Stupid Zombies...

I blame Christopher for this one; he had me play the Stupid Zombies game on his phone the other day, and now I'm addicted. Completely addicted. I can't believe I'm wearing out my phone battery playing this game.

But the sound it makes when the zombies get shot is sickeningly pleasing.

Zombie - The Cranberries

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This Ism, That Ism, IsmIsmIsm...

I cannot celebrate death, of anyone, no matter what evil he may have perpetrated on the world. That kind of karma only revisits you in kind, and not kindly.

In this time of unrest, where long festering wounds are re-opened, and people are remembering darkness and hatred and great fear, we must remember what the real purpose of our time here is, and that is to be good to one another, and love one another, and respect that we are one world, that resembles much less a sphere, but a many faceted jewel.

All we are saying is give peace a chance...



Give Peace A Chance - Plastic Ono Band

Tell Me More, Tell Me More...

Tonight, Christopher and I are going to see "Grease" in Boston. Although I have been told I will need to sing this duet with him at karaoke some night in exchange for attending. No matter. I'll take that challenge, although, everyone (including Christopher) knows I'm SO much more Rizzo than Sandy... ;)

Summer Nights - Grease

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