Chapel Ceiling St. Augustine Florida

Lucy at 6

Lucy is our 6 year old American Cocker Spaniel. She is lovingly referred to as the “House Princess”. Our girl will turn 7 in December and while she still acts like a young pup, she really is a mature lady. Lucy is the center of entertainment and source of constant joy around our abode. She is the epitome of happiness that comes with four paws and a fur coat.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

This week the theme at 4M is to give honor to the Dog Days of Summer by posting songs about animals. For the first tune I am going to bend the rules a little and I use the photo above, of Lucy, for my inspiration. One could argue that Lucy is the short version of Lucille and that makes “Lucille” by Little Richard a song about animals…well, at least one cocker spaniel. Can I get a witness?

Honestly one could do a whole Beatles playlist that fits the theme, I Am The Walrus, Rocky Raccoon, Hey Bulldog, Blackbird, Bluejay Way, etc. I think I’ll go on a little discovery trip and try to locate tunes that are new to me. Let’s see how this goes.

Fun With Filters

Original Edit

Fresco Filter

Aww…some Mondays

A Little Post Processing Fun

Monday’s Music Moves Me

This week at 4M is a freedom of choice week. We get to post any music we want, with or without a theme involved. I have always been a fan of the female vocalists of the 60’s & 70’s. Carol King, Linda Ronstadt, Carly Simon, Cher, Emmy Lou Harris, Cheryl Crow, and Rita Coolidge were just the best group ever. One of the most under appreciated artists from that era had her own band, which was an incredible feat for a woman in a male dominated business like rock music. I have been collecting a few of her vinyls lately and I am in love all over again with her voice and talent. Pull up a chair, turn up the volume, and give a listen to Bonnie Rait.

Aww…some Monday

Monday’s Music Moves Me

The theme for this week at 4M is Feature song titles with opposites ie black/white, night/day, etc Great creative, don’t stress it, just have fun!  Idea lifted from Debbie at The Dog Lady’s Den, That’s a bit more difficult that it sounds especially if you’re trying not to pick to obvious opposite comparisons.

For the first comparison I am going to use earth and space. The first song comes from Sir Elton John and the obvious selection is Rocket Man.

And Carly Simon will bring us Back Down to Earth.

Any relationship would be better served if it was based on honesty and integrity. Elvin Bishop just asks, “Don’t You Lie to Me”.

Of course one of the easiest ways to spot an untruthful person is their “Lyin’ Eyes”.

Regardless of the circumstances that bring about an end to a relationship, the loneliness is real. We may realize that we Never Knew Lonely.

When God leads you to your soulmate and you can see the source of their love is the love found in Scripture…especially The Red Words.

Lyrics

The Bible says that we’re all equal
I’ve seen times when that ain’t true
‘Cause I’ve been good, and I’ve been evil
And I’ve been forgiven, too

I’ve learned that you can’t fight life
I’ve learned the truth can set you free
The one I love and most admire
Is lyin’ right here next to me

She’s the best in conversation
I’ve never seen her turn away
She’s an open invitation
Just like the Bible’s red words say

The red words cut the deepest
The red words are the call
The red words come from Jesus
And they mean the most of all

She’d take a bullet for her children
She’d give ’em all her last breath
Always there and always willing
Some mother’s love never rests

And I know black’s her favorite color
‘Cause without it there’s no depth
She says she loves me like no other
I think I know why Jesus wept

The red words cut the deepest
The red words are the call
The red words come from Jesus
And they mean the most of all

Show some kindness to a stranger
And be grateful for today
Open up your family Bible
And read what the red words say

Open up your family Bible
And read what the red words say

Aww…some Monday

Monday’s Music Moves Me

The theme this week at 4M is truly unique and the possibilities are endless. Today’s theme, is to build playlist from the 60s – 80 to celebrate someone special’s 64th birthday.  Where do I begin. The 60’s is my wheelhouse. I became a teenager in 1959, the music of the 60’s defines my teens. I turned 21 in Vietnam in 1967 and the music of that year is almost lost to me. My wife and I got marred in 1974, so we are a stone’s throw from celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. Our daughter is a Bi-Centennial baby of 1976. We moved to Arkansas in 1987 and still call the Natural State our home.

I don’t keep good track birthdays outside my immediate family so I’ll just wish all those celebrating their 64th anniversary of their birth a very blessed and Happy Birthday.

Needless to say there is an infinite number of tunes that are running through my mind and then I look up the top 100 for some of these years and the story they tell is amazing. In 1960 there were as many pure country tunes on the Billboard charts as there were rock n roll songs. Instrumental numbers and movie theme songs made the charts as well. Music listeners were exposed to a much larger variety genres than is found today. Elvis shared the charts with Percy Faith Orchestra, Patsy Cline, and Chubby Checker.

Okay let’s start this trip down memory lane with song that climbed to number one on the charts in 1960 and came back to top the charts again in 1961. The song and the dance craze was “The Twist”.

1965 was my senior year in high school and the music was some of the best ever recorded. The British invasion was in full swing, with the Beatles and Rolling Stones leading the way. The Beach Boys were at their best and I got 7th row seats to see them in Tulsa, OK. I think the tickets were about $20 each. A few years later I saw Elton John for about the same price. Those were the days.

One of my favorite songs from my senior year and a song that will be on the playlist at our 50th anniversary celebration next year will be all about “My Girl”.

The British Invasion

The Surf Scene

I spent from May 1967 to May 1968 in Vietnam. Armed Forces radio was always a little behind the times, so the music of 1967 didn’t reach me until after I got home and only as “oldies” by that time. Still, there was some good stuff.

1969 was a monster year for music, highlighted by the concert to end all concerts…WOODSTOCK!!! The artists and music that came out of that three day affair in rural New York was a watershed moment in rock music. Artists included Joan Baez, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Joe Cocker, Grateful Dead, The Band, and Santana.

I could go on and on and on and…. but I’m going to close this concert down. Whom ever is celebrating their 64th birthday, have a great day and may God bless.

Aww…some Monday

Dani

A couple of months ago I began volunteering at our local animal shelter. Once a week I go over to the shelter and walk a dog or two. I take them or a walk of about a half mile. There is a park bench along the way and we usually stop and I deliver my new friend a few snacks and we watch people riding bikes, walking and others walking their dogs. Last week I met Dani. Dani is a shepherd mix who has never met a stranger and is friendly to everyone. She has only been at the shelter a week and I would love to see her find a new home very soon. I really like my new adventure. I have made some very good furry friends along the way. As much as I like my new friends, I really would prefer not to see them again. I would prefer that they all find a furever home. I mean, who can resist this face?

Monday’s Music Moves Me

This week is a freedom of choice week, so I get to pick what ever songs move me. When November rolls around, my wife and I will be going to a Joe Bonamassa concert. I can’t wait and here is why. Keep in mind, he’s been playing like this since he was twelve years old! Have a blessed week.