tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-269667072024-03-07T14:00:47.216-08:00Life In LA LA's LandA music and life review blog about the world at large as seen from the eyes of a former Los Angelino now currently living in her beloved New England and trying to make sense of it all...Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-14035287996119626952014-07-06T13:34:00.000-07:002014-07-06T13:54:53.691-07:00I don't know what to make of you, I don't know how you came to be, I don't know what stars you see in your sky...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv2b1sAi74J5PVPMzT9-7whTj6ri_SDpYvbXUItW-eg-YGMsqDhAFQq38kiBifRuGCzzlTtwla1BHzvOb6TLX9Uwk-XiH8KIEc_8QqW397ib_r7MlpZRwrE8g07gwWfADndxY/s1600/full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv2b1sAi74J5PVPMzT9-7whTj6ri_SDpYvbXUItW-eg-YGMsqDhAFQq38kiBifRuGCzzlTtwla1BHzvOb6TLX9Uwk-XiH8KIEc_8QqW397ib_r7MlpZRwrE8g07gwWfADndxY/s400/full.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I don’t usually quote one of my own songs but in this moment with what’s on my mind my lyrics fit better than anyone else’s. A close second? Dan Wilson’s song “Too Much” from his recent release Love Without Fear (I LOVE this CD, BTW!):<br />
<br />
“What you’re really like, I can hardly imagine, but I’ve imagined you so well, way too many times. What sets you alight? What gets your heart racing?....” <br />
<br />
You see, I’ve found myself in a most interesting situation this past year. Or rather two situations, actually. Somehow, some way, I find myself caring about two people I’ve never met. Not just caring a little, but a lot; each for different reasons, each of whom I can’t imagine my life without at this point. I don’t understand any of it (although not for lack of trying) and I have no clue as to whether either of them feels the same way. How did this happen? That part I can explain…so here it goes, in order of occurrence….<br />
<br />
It was June 2013 and I was working on what would end up being my favourite episode I wrote for “Buying Alaska”. It all started with some innocent, inquiring emails. I was trying to get to know a character in my show so I could write her better. I never intended for us to be friends. I thought there would be a few back and forth emails and life would move on. It didn’t happen that way. Soon the picture that emerged was one of an intelligent, beautiful, funny, and strong, wife, mother, and friend. I felt a kinship to her as we got to know each other. I loved that she loves kale as much as I do, knits (even though I don’t), understands my sense of humour, and loves music and poetry with the same passion that I possess (though, more accurately, she reintroduced me to poetry - something I’d put aside for a couple of years). She is someone with whom I share a belief system of right and wrong and where any situation might fall on that spectrum. She’s opinionated, honest and straightforward. She cares about the people in her world and has a love and respect for life that few I’ve ever ‘met’ seem to have. Then there’s this other thing about her – she reminds me of all the best parts of my mother. In fact, there have been moments where I felt that the words coming out of her mouth could very well have come from Mom. So much so that it’s been eerie at times, yet all the while comforting. My friend has been a presence that is calming, reassuring and downright sweet in nature. <br />
<br />
All this, and, as I mentioned above, we have yet to meet. Our relationship, as such, has been mostly pen pal in nature – just like the old covered wagon days of yore when people only communicated in person or via the US Mail. In those days many a life-long friendship stayed alive because of letter writing. Though, yes, there have been countless texts and phone calls, but we’ve never skyped, or face-timed. So, we haven’t even met in the virtual, two-dimensional world. I know her voice, I know her laugh and I can tell you the colour of her eyes. But I don’t know what she looks like when you say something she doesn’t agree with, or finds herself in a moment of being polite when she’d maybe rather rip you a new one for vexing her very soul. I don’t know what she looks like when she’s looking at the moon, or into her children’s eyes. Because of all the footage I had to watch to write her episode I do know what she looks like when she smiles or walks down the road. But I don’t know what it’s like to hug her or touch her arm at a party during a conversation. These are things that friends know about each other, things that endear us to one another. Those little moments of intimacy that come about when you share a drink or a laugh. Sometimes when I don’t know someone well, if they give me a good hug, I’ll want to know them more and as such, they slowly find their way into my heart; we take those natural steps that friends take in order to become friends and we move ever slowly down the road. <br />
<br />
All of this and none of it and there she is. I care about her, her family and I want to be there if ever she needs me. I see her as a lifelong presence and a friend I hope to know forever. I can’t seem to help it. I certainly don’t understand how I could care so very much about someone I’ve never met. Although we haven’t been in touch recently I hope she knows that I’ll always care for her and want to be her friend. I also hope she knows, to quote from the very first poem she shared with me, that “I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)…” (e.e. cummings) and I always will.<br />
<br />
4 Aug 2013. A call from Worcester, Massachusetts. A voicemail left and the words ‘you’re a match – please call us back…’ It was in that very moment that I began to care. The call came from what was then the Caitlin Raymond Foundation (now part of BeTheMatch.org) telling me they needed me, or rather my bone marrow or stem cells, to help a patient for whom I was a near perfect match (for more on my experience as a donor please see earlier posts). As the calls, and emails, went back and forth I came to find out that the would-be recipient was a fifty-seven year old woman with leukemia who lived somewhere in the world. The rules being what they are all other information remains private and we are both anonymous to one another until such time after the one year donation mark (22 Oct 2014) that we both agree to find out who the other person is. These rules were explained to me very early on in the process but, yet, I started to care about her. A total stranger. One that I knew even less about than my aforementioned friend. <br />
<br />
How could this be? How can I know so little yet feel attached? To put it quite simply, as of 22 Oct 2013, as far as I know all we share are stem cells (she has mine, that by now have become hers). I have no idea what she looks like, how she laughs, or the colour of her eyes. I don’t know if we have any shared value system or even if she has kids. I can hope that she has people in her life who love her and care for her and for whom my donation came as a welcome gift of time, life and the chance to say more. <br />
<br />
So there I was – out for a run about one week after our 6 month donation mark (which was on 22 April) thinking all was ok in the world. It turns out the doctors, at this stage, perform several tests on the recipient. They want to see how she’s faring with her new ‘stuff’ and how she’s feeling. It makes sense, them following up with her since, technically, she isn’t cancer-free. What didn’t make sense to me was how crushed I felt when the phone rang and my advocate told me that the recipient wasn’t doing well. The tests showed a worrisome t-cell deficiency that, left unattended, would ultimately do her in. They needed me to donate again and was I willing to go through all the tests and the donation process? Hell yeah! No thought needed, no looking back. Just ‘what do we need to do to make this happen and how soon can we do it?’ All the while as I was asking these questions, my heart slowly sank and in those moments I realized just how much I cared about her. This total stranger with whom, as far I know, I only have one thing in common. <br />
<br />
I guess until that day I’d been a little cavalier about the whole deal. What’s it to me? I show up, do some tests, take some drugs, and get strapped into a chair for six hours as my blood is pulled from my body and then put back in (minus the stuff they need). In many ways it was no big deal. I was doing my part to buy someone some time – maybe weeks, maybe months, maybe another lifetime (or at least a second act). It was a stranger, no one I’d met, interacted with (knowingly) or even knew about before that day in August. I did my part and everything else was on her. No reason to take any of it personally. But there I was, standing in my driveway in the warm spring sun, processing the information and realizing that I truly gave a damn about her! More than I ever realized or maybe had admitted until that moment. Yes, I knew I cared, but I didn't understand the depth within me that she had reached.<br />
<br />
So it was on 19 May 2014 I donated to her my t-cells. No drugs this time but I had to go through the physical and all the necessary blood tests (yes, even a pregnancy test, that despite my protestations they still did; ‘hospital policy’ they said, ‘you’re of child-bearing age and if you don’t agree to it we can’t proceed with the donation’). The difference is, this time I felt more emotionally invested. It matters more to me if she lives. It matters to me that she wasn’t feeling well and needed more from me. Like a friend with the flu that needs the soup you bring over. You want them to feel better and you hate seeing them in pain. I hate knowing that my recipient wasn’t feeling 100% well. I want her to be ok – I want her to live long enough to feel the creaks and rattles in her aging body. To look back on her life and think ‘I done good and I done the best I could. I loved, I lived and I gave a shit about those in my life with all I had.’ I can hope these things for her – because I hope we have more in common than the blood running through our veins. If we don’t – it’s ok. Because I will look back on my life and know that ‘I done good and I done the best I could. I loved, I lived and I gave a shit about those in my life with all I had’ and she was among those I cared for. A stranger who I’d like to think knows that I’ll be there for her if she needs ‘more’ from me and is someone who will always be in my heart. <br />
<br />
Yes, I hope I meet these two women I care so deeply for - even though I have no clue as to why. Maybe it’s time I should just stop trying to understand and just accept it for what it is (though clearly it makes more sense with one than the other). I do hope I am lucky enough to look in their eyes and feel the warmth that comes from friends sharing a hug, or a drink, or a laugh. Because, to close out with the last lines of my song from above: <br />
<br />
”When we have our face to face, will the miles they be erased? Will we be like two old friends? Will this mystery ever end?...” <br />
<br />
Thanks for tuning in…until next time…CHEERS!<br />
<br />
Ps. If you’d like to know more about my music please go to www.facebook.com/laraschulermusic <br />
Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-10803679459815399632014-03-17T18:26:00.000-07:002014-03-20T13:59:58.216-07:00HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH <br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/a3Fkuq5Lf0Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
4 deaths. 6 days. 4 people I love feeling direct pain from their losses. My Dad (and my Aunt) took the brunt of it. Two of the losses were their Aunt and Uncle – the last siblings of my grandfather and the last of that generation to go. The 1st loss, though, belonged to my Dad’s best friend. His daughter passed away unexpectedly from complications of pneumonia – she was only sixty-two. The next day, New Years Day, a dear friend lost her sister. While this was a little more expected – she had been ill for years with Multiple System Atrophy – nonetheless it was a hard loss for my friend and her large family. My great Aunt and Uncle each passed away in the 4 days that followed. All four of these people had children, siblings, and two of them had parents who survived them. What a shitty way for my people to start the New Year. <br />
<br />
In the weeks, now two months, since those six days an acquaintance of mine died and another dear friend, the “Thelma” to my “Louise” (check some blog I wrote in early 2009 for that story) lost her Dad as did a friend from elementary school. I have to say, it’s been a rather odd way to start the year. I can’t say I’m directly affected by these losses, though. I barely remember my Great Aunt and Uncle only having met them at some far-away family reunion in Illinois. But my Dad is feeling the burden of now being the oldest generation all the while watching his best friend navigate the waters of loosing another child. My pain rests with the people I love going through all of this – wanting to do more, and be more, to be the shoulder they cry on and to be able to share what wisdom I’ve gained from having experienced numerous losses. All I can do is say “I love you, I’m here if you need me…” as I’ve said to my three friends, and my father (his best friend I’m not in touch with but he has passed on my condolences and love.) <br />
<br />
To really cap it all off we almost lost my Dad last month. My family came within hours of dealing with loosing our last parent, brother, uncle, grandfather. Now my Aunt, his sister, is staring down the barrel of cancer yet again. Her prognosis is unknown but the treatment is simple. She will take bone strengthening pills and tamoxifen for six months. We hope this means she can avoid radiation as the tamoxifen will hopefully kill the cancer. This is good news mixed in with the unexpected bad news. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been scared to loose her. She’s been like a mother to me since my Mom died. She didn’t like my mother – that’s ok – the point is she’s been the supportive and loving voice I’ve needed in the years since my mother passed away. She always knows what to say and never judges. She cries when I cry and rejoices in the good news. She’s also really been present for my Dad. They live less than a mile apart and are there for each other. Loosing her would devastate us all on too many levels to count. To say nothing of my cousins loosing their last remaining parent.<br />
<br />
Which all leads me to “Hallelujah”. A strange song to pick, no doubt, considering all that I’ve just mentioned. But yet, not really. A song, that at its core, is about broken faith and broken relationships; the ups and downs we all face as we navigate God, Love and Faith. Whilst I don’t believe in either God or Love at the moment - I’m wholly agnostic as I was raised to be so in a family of Catholics (my Great Uncle was even a Monsignor in Chicago) and Russian Orthodox people; and as for the Love part, just like the character in the song, I’ve never been very good at it. I do, however, believe we all need to be good to one another in the most whole and most pure sense and having faith in the unknown – which really means our inner selves - is a good thing to carry with you. <br />
<br />
Unlike the character in the song – I’m not tortured, I’m not beleaguered and despite the many existential crisis I’ve experienced in my life, I do maintain a level of optimism and Anne Frankian belief that at the very core of it all we humans are good and well intentioned. If you listen to the song it’s very clearly about sadomasochism – both physical and spiritual and it’s a cry for help. Our main character is torn between love of self, love of God, and love of the other person in the relationship. ‘Hallelujah, Hellelujah’ is sung in relief, distress and in a spare, moment, joy. Depending on where the character is in the song in the midst of their process it can be heaven, or it can be hell. In many ways it’s a common theme. But in no way is this a love song. <br />
<br />
For some reason, just like that James Blunt song “You’re Beautiful” about a coked up encounter on a subway with an ex-girlfriend (that clearly didn’t end well), that got played at nearly every wedding known to man for several years, “Hallelujah” has been grossly misinterpreted. It has also, in recent years, become grossly over-used in public forums such as telethons, for relief of all kinds, and as the closing number at many, too many, a star-studded concert. <br />
<br />
I guess it’s just more fun NOT to listen to lyrics and just go along with a groove and a peppy chorus irrespective of what the song is REALLY about. Which, as a songwriter, I can tell you morphs throughout the years for me. Meaning I might write a song about one thing – then a couple of years later as I’ve experienced more life the meaning changes or life has imitated art and somehow I find new meaning. But no matter what, the basis for the inspiration for the song never wavers. Whatever it was that fueled my desire to put an experience into words and a melody, will always and forever stay the same. It’s just basic gardening – here is the seed, here is the water, the rest is up to the forces of nature. However, words are up for interpretation and thus the overall meaning of a song can be many things and is ever-evolving. So yes, I get it, these are MY interpretations of these songs. This is not lost on me.<br />
<br />
All that being said, “Hallelujah” is one of the most beautiful and haunting tunes ever written. All the more reason to put this out to the universe: PLEASE, for the love of whomever you believe in, STOP COVERING “HALLELUJAH”! Enough is enough, Kate Voegel, Blake, or Gavin DeGraw, Marcy Playground, or even Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, or Willie Nelson…. oh god, I’m getting ill just thinking about how many people have covered this song – over 300 to date. So please, please, STOP! <br />
<br />
Why? Because no one will ever do it better than Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley or kd lang. No one should ever bother to try……<br />
<br />
Take the original (above) – sung by the songwriter with all the intention with which it was written. All the nuance of every word Leonard Cohen put to paper is in each breath and each lilting note. He was nearly 50 when he wrote this song. A man who, at that age, had certainly seen his share of relationship ups and downs as well as fatherhood (in fact, his son Adam fronts the awesome band Low Millions). Since he’s the only one who knows what the song is really about he’s the only one who can sing it with the most honesty. This waltz-like gospel tune evokes a southern 80’s bible-belt hot afternoon. You can almost feel the heat and smell the sin. Cohen’s voice is like 50 grit sandpaper on a shiny piece of glass – but yet you can’t stop listening. His emotional tennis game is long into its fifth match and the struggle to finish is even greater than he expected. This is a man who is facing the down side of life whilst still being young enough to cry about it and experience its affects without being cynical. You definitely feel what he’s going through. <br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/y8AWFf7EAc4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Then you have Jeff Buckley, whose version I admit, is the first I’d heard of the song. This was back in 1994 when he recorded it for his first album. He was such a tortured soul facing an unbearable paternal legacy that you can feel the pain in every syllable and note. It’s almost as if it was written for him and him alone to sing. The angst in his 20-something year old delivery is hard to ignore – here is a young man who has lived a difficult and haunted life gifted with the talents of his late father (whom he only met a handful of times about 3 months before he died) but also gifted with the demons that led his father down the road of abandonment and addiction. Yet, at such a young age, he had not experienced relationships the way Cohen had. What Jeff Buckley was battling were internally raging waters (forgive the pun), that were all consuming, weighted and too much for a young man to bear. He was a bright star on the rise blessed with talent and a name and all the expectations that came with it. How do you live up to the worlds idea of a man you barely knew? This can’t have been easy and no doubt added to his heartbreak of never really knowing his father. All of this pain is very clearly heard in his version. <br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pvIORzoLzrY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Forgive me – but I happened upon these next words from a blog I wrote in November 2006 where I talk about kd lang’s 49th Parallel CD (which is TOTALLY awesome on so many levels): <br />
<i>“As we meander our way through our trip you can't help but be struck by the oft - covered Leonard Cohen tune "Hallelujah". What makes this version different than the rest is not only the piano work that resonates throughout the whole CD - reminding me of a George Winston work of art - but there's a happiness to this version that's not apparent on either the Jeff Buckley or J.J. Cale versions. What Ms. lang shows us is a less pained side of the tune that gets illuminated by her heavenly voice and a string accompaniment that elevate her ever higher into the Canadian night sky.”</i><br />
<br />
I still feel that way about the song. Her version is angelic, deeply resonating, and by-golly a more positive take on the tune than her predecessors. She comes from a small corner of happiness – without making it into the sappy sick love song others have butchered this tune into being. It’s not a happy song – but I’m not troubled by her approach. I’m moved. Why? Because, lets be honest, this woman may not write songs I particularly like – but she can make a phone book sound sexy, hot and as deep as an Alaskan mountain well. So yeah – I can listen to this version over and over, all the while soaring into the cold Canadian sky….. <br />
<br />
So maybe that’s the trick? Two out of these three versions were sung by Canadians. I’m not saying I want to hear Corey Hart, or Bryan Adams take a stab at it, or even Neil Young (though come to think of it…) but maybe there’s something to be said for growing up in the midst of a harsh Canadian winter, surrounded by cold, unfriendly people, who have to struggle to survive. Or maybe, as I suggest, these will forever be the best versions of this song and shame on anyone who thinks they can do better! <br />
<br />
If you really need a “Hallelujah” fix other than the aforementioned check out these two songs: “Hallelujah In The City” by the incomparable Joan Osborne and “Hallelujah’’ by one of the best songwriters of our generation, Patty Larkin. <br />
<br />
So, “Hallelujah, hallelujah…” to the indomitable spirits of those I love who are handling loss, fighting for life and just doing their best to keep their shit together during these trying times. You all know how I feel about you and I’m here…<br />
<br />
Thanks for tuning in….until next time…Cheers! <br />
Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-72330257202771117412013-11-01T12:40:00.000-07:002013-11-01T12:40:08.608-07:00How to save a life......<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cjVQ36NhbMk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
The pain left me on Friday. Or rather, the BIG guns of pain packed their bags and quietly walked west towards the setting sun. More pain followed throughout the weekend but it was more like a mosquito buzzing – not the knife wielding ax murderer who had inhabited my body since the previous Friday. I had been on a drug for 5 days and was told it would take an additional two or three days for it to work it’s way out of my system. So if you’re keeping track it was eight days of serious, at moments debilitating, pain. I wasn’t prepared for the immediacy of it all, either. I was told I would get my first round of puppy like shots but wouldn’t feel anything until the end of the weekend. They were wrong. As I sat at the dinner table at a hotel in Andover, Massachusetts I could feel my thighs beginning to scream. I thought at first I was sore from my previous days bike ride of ten (hilly) miles. I would have biked longer but I almost got hit by a car and having someone’s life in your hands make one think – clearly not enough to keep me off my bike but at least I didn’t push it – or at least I read the sign that said ‘go home now before two lives are lost’. My body was beginning its hyperactive production of white blood cells that would save the life of a fifty-seven year old woman somewhere in the world.<br />
<br />
In order to get my body to produce lots of white blood cells I was being injected with Neupogen. It stimulates your bone marrow and out kicks the white blood cells that would get transplanted into the recipient. I don’t know why it hurts so much or for so long but it didn’t matter. My objective as a bone marrow/stem cell donor was to save a life and any amount of pain I was temporarily experiencing was minor compared to what ‘she’ was going through as a leukemia patient. In fact, the nurses told me that what I was feeling was akin to what she was feeling for months or years. The body is being ‘attacked’ or so it felt. It was like knives popping out of my bones – sometimes it was like firecrackers going off. The pain moved about and I never knew where or when it would show its face. The day of my second injection I was at a Bat Mitzvah reception and tried to dance. No go! My femur yelled at me, then gave way, and I beat a quick path to my chair. Day 2. OK. This is how it goes? I can handle it.<br />
<br />
Day three brought on more Neupogen. The foundation, bethematch.org, sent a visiting nurse to my ‘sisters’ house in Massachusetts to give me my third injection. You see, it has to be on a twenty-four schedule so your body never has time to get rid of it and also so it builds up and keeps stimulating the bone marrow. This is crucial – they were going to need a lot from me. <br />
<br />
All told it was five days (including my donation day) of that drug. Each day the pain was ever-increasing as my body prepared (not that it knew what we were up to and were about to steal from it) for the donation. It was so weird this feeling. It was, on many levels, fascinating to me. I’ve always been a healthy person. I'm active/athletic and save for my love of goldfish (or any cheesy salty snack) I eat healthy and organic food as much as possible. I’ve also got some good genetics on my side so feeling like I did was an odd study on my physiologic state. All this being said I would, without a thought, do it again.<br />
<br />
Many have asked why do it the first time? Well, first of all, it’s the right thing to do. If you can, why not? As my Dad says it’s the same innate nature in me that makes me stop at an accident (like my previous post describes) when others would keep going. Also, I’ve been an organ donor since I was sixteen. I still carry in my wallet my mother’s permission slip that she had to sign that showed her approval of my choice as a minor. Bone marrow donation is, in many ways, a natural extension of the choice I had made when I was a teenager. The other, bigger reason as it were, is that my grandfather died of leukemia. My Mother was not a match, nor was my uncle (something I know my mother felt remorse over). Back then, the test for a match was invasive. This was at Sloan Kettering, so if anyone would have had a better way it would have been them. My grandfather’s doctor (coincidentally an aunt of my then relationship) advised that my sister and me would likely not be matches so my mother wouldn’t allow us to get tested. She didn’t want us experiencing unnecessary pain for what would most likely be a waste of time. She also didn’t want us to feel like failures. It’s easy to take it personally when it’s a family member (and substitute father) you’re wanting to save. <br />
<br />
Three years ago me and one of my favourite people were walking through the Arsenal Mall in Brookline, Massachusetts and there it was – a kiosk set up to sign people up to be bone marrow donors. It was so easy. The Caitlin Raymond Foundation was trying to find a match for a Yale hockey player of Slavic decent. We’d often talked about being bone marrow donors but the caveat being for a fellow Slav made it even more appealing for me. Unfortunately, neither of us were a match, and they never found one, so she died about a year later. But, thankfully, once you sign up you’re in the database and so there’s always a chance you could get the call.<br />
<br />
I did. This past July. Since I apply to jobs all over the country when I saw a call coming in from Massachusetts I thought it was about work. But I was at work so I let it go to voicemail. When I checked I was very happy to hear that I was a potential match for someone. When I called back he told me what was going on and asked if I still willing to be a donor. Of course it was a no brainer YES for me. But, it seems many people sign up and have the best of intentions (and probably feel good about themselves for doing it) but when the call comes they back out (many people also back out weeks/days before the donation so the best time to do it if you’re not up for it is when that first call comes in – that way no one gets their hopes up, wastes time, or money). I understand because the more I learned about the days ahead of me the more I realized it wasn’t as easy as 1-2-3. There’s a process and there are steps to be taken. <br />
<br />
In a nutshell here it is: the first is a blood test. I drove to the nearest place where the foundation had a contract and gave about 5 vials of my blood. These got tested to determine how close a match I was and to also to test if I was disease-free. About six weeks later (there’s no typical timeframe – it all happens based on the recipients health and what their doctors course of action is), having passed that test I was notified that they wanted my stuff and there was a timeframe in which it all had to happen. Suddenly the clock began to tick and everything sped up. Next followed an in-depth (and sometimes uncomfortable) physical to determine if I was healthy enough (as a horse, thank you very much) to be a donor. Meaning my body needed to be able to withstand the drug and the actual donation. Then more blood withdrawal. All total there were no fewer than fifteen vials taken from me. I’m sure there would have been more but I insisted I was NOT pregnant (nor could have been) and put my foot down. All total it was about three months of testing and hoping for the best (because you never know). <br />
<br />
About a week before my donation/extraction day the recipient went into isolation. They zapped her and killed all of her stem cells or anything else that had been the cause of her leukemia. Whilst I’d been given the option of saying ‘no’ at any time (not that I would have) starting that Monday there was no turning back. If I backed out, or got hurt, or died, she would have died. I won’t lie. I felt it. I felt the weight of having her life in my hands, of knowing that at least for ten days we were undeniably linked. Me and a stranger with whom I may have nothing in common were about to have A LOT in common. Admittedly I felt strange knowing that if I made one wrong step, or got sick, or hurt it all would have been over for her. It was a huge responsibility. Meanwhile I was relishing it. I don’t have kids and am not tied to anyone or anything but for ten days I was. It felt good to be needed and feel that I mattered. So in many ways it was a great! It stretched me. It wasn’t babysitting, it was real life and it was cool! Despite the mixed bag of emotions - I wouldn’t have had it any other way!<br />
<br />
So, four days of drugs and there I was sitting in a chair (more than like a dentists chair) in Providence, Rhode Island getting my last dose and getting hooked up to a huge ass needle and having my arm tied down. That line would pull my blood out of one arm, where it would be circulated through a machine that would pull out my stem cells and white blood cells, of which I had plenty at this point, and then another went into my dominant hand (so I could use it to eat, play on the computer and, yes, text gross pictures to the ones I loved) where most of my blood would return. Six hours later after being tied down and unable to get up I was done and making my way towards the bathroom, the coffee machine and cookies in the lounge. Mission complete! Life saved? On its way….my part was done and there was no turning back!<br />
<br />
All told it was about ten days from first shot to feeling normal again. After I got home my ass barely left the couch for three days. It takes a lot out of your body to be making more stuff than usual and to have your blood pulled out of you and returned. I wasn’t expecting to feel so tired for so long or feel the pain that I did. But every moment was worth it and I would do it again. Everything I did was towards a great purpose and was intended to (hopefully) save a life.<br />
<br />
The odd thing is I think we all go about our days wondering if we make a difference in anyone’s life. That’s why movies like “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Wings Of Desire” (one of my all time favourite films) or “Scrooge” are so relevant to our human experience. It’s so easy to think we don’t matter. It’s so easy to believe that no one gives a shit (especially when you may not have that daily reassurance of being in a relationship) and to keep the time to our own beat whether loudly or quietly on the sidelines. <br />
<br />
Maybe I’m too much of an existentialist but I often wonder if my presence matters. Would anyone miss me if I left my Tony little town in New England? I love it here but I’m not close to anyone other than my family down the road. Maybe I wasn’t built to put down roots, maybe all that moving around as a small kid (and subsequently nine states that I’ve called home in my lifetime) have made me want to keep one foot out the door. <br />
<br />
When I went back to LA in April for work I was astonished at how few ‘friends’ made time to see me. I had reached out on facebook but in two weeks I was there I only saw my friends that I was staying with (which was a blast). So clearly my presence was not missed. Because, as a wise and favourite soul taught me, when someone says ‘I’m too busy’ what they really mean is ‘you aren’t important enough to me to make time for.’ It’s an easy out and one that is too often used. If we want something we get it or we do it – if we want to see someone we make time. It’s that simple. We do what we want. So you can see how it might be easy to think we don’t matter. <br />
<br />
But then I walk around and see the world and I see me in it. While I was in Andover there was a bartender who, when I asked for chocolate milk (something not on the menu) and I explained why (I needed the calcium for my overactive bones) he left his post, went to the kitchen and made it for me. Then the next morning at breakfast, when I asked again he replied ‘I almost brought it out for you but I didn’t want to force it on you.’ Later (after I had finished the glass he brought me), I went out to the lobby and there was a half-gallon of milk and chocolate sauce sitting on ice next to the coffee station. It’s such a little thing, but in those hours of feeling my bones bursting at the seams, taking a step and feeling a leg give out under me, or being mid-sentence in a conversation and feeling my sternum burst, his support and encouragement and chocolate milk made a HUGE difference in how I felt. His hugs made an impact too. Again, a little thing, but he touched my life and made a difference. He and I are in touch (he emailed me a few days later to see how things went and to ask how I was feeling) but I haven’t told him how he affected my life in a positive way. Maybe I will.<br />
<br />
These moments happen every day if we pay attention. But for some reason it’s hard, at least for me, to put the shoe on the other foot. It’s hard for me to see that the smile I leave behind could make someone feel better. Or the hug I gave a friend who unknowingly needed it was the hug they wanted from ANYONE all day. Because lets face it, in the world of ‘social’ (or rather anti-social, sit on your couch and post from miles away and make people believe you’re having an awesome life, or bitch about work when others don't have any etc.) media means that we are making less and less human, skin-to-skin contact as technology advances. Smiles and hugs are needed. Human contact is a part of staying alive and emotionally ‘together’. So it makes sense that these smaller moments of face-to-face interaction become bigger and more important. In many ways, we need them more now than ever as we become disconnected from our surroundings and the people in them and more connected to the device in our hands.<br />
<br />
I grew up wanting to be a doctor. That changed when I failed high school chemistry (even though I aced anatomy and physiology I didn’t, at the time, think it was enough). I always wanted to make a difference. When I started writing songs in college I did so because it was a natural progression from writing poetry (which I’d started around age eight) and playing guitar (I was twelve when I taught myself). I hoped and still hope that any song I write might make someone think, smile, or feel. I even hope they will identify and feel like someone ‘gets’ it. But it’s so intangible. Art is subjective. Some people love my music, others don’t and that’s ok. Some people have cried when I’ve sung for them. But again – it’s fleeting and unpredictable. I have a friend who never listens to lyrics so it has become my life’s mission to change her mind. She likes my music, or so she says, and since my music is more about the lyrics than the melody, I just might be making headway – I might be making a difference in how she hears music going forward. Might. <br />
<br />
All this adds up to one thing. No matter what I do in my life from here on in, no matter how many TV shows I write, or blogs, or songs, I did something that I can concretely say made a difference. As one of my favourite people (and co-conspirator in signing up to be a bone marrow donor) said ‘its not just about the recipient, it’s about her family and friends.’ This one action affects so many people. No matter what, no matter if she survives (though the odds are good) I bought her more time. She will spend 100 days in isolation in a hospital room as my stem cells become hers. After that, she will go home and hopefully begin putting her life back to normal. No one, not even me in my darkest moments of self-doubt, can take away from the fact that one small gesture made a big difference in the lives of one person and her people. This may be the only thing in my life where there will be ‘proof’ but that’s ok – it feels awesome and I would do it again. Not because I need the ego stroke, but because it’s the right thing to do. If you can, then do it!<br />
<br />
While I’ve met several people who are signed up, I've yet to meet another donor because being a match is so rare. That being said, donors are in short supply which means so are matches – I urge you to go to www.bethematch.org so you too can make a difference and possibly save a life….<br />
<br />
Thanks for tuning in…until next time…CHEERS!<br />
<br />
<br />
Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-8832887489524904742013-09-19T08:39:00.000-07:002013-09-19T10:39:50.944-07:00Calling All Angels, walk me through this one, don’t leave me alone, calling all angels, calling all angels, we’re hoping, but we’re not sure how….<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ayHbLe7eyu8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
The signs were there….they’re always there if you’re looking…or more specifically, looking back. It’s always the way it goes – rarely are we IN a moment and thinking ‘this is a sign’ – rarely do we think anything more of a chance meeting or conversation than ‘gee this is nice – I’ve enjoyed this…’ So yes, looking back on that Friday night in June 2013 – I can say I ‘saw’ the sign. But in all reality it was just another party night at my friend Wendy’s house. She’s a local business owner and thus her circle of friends is small and large at the same time. She invited me over to a party – a precursor to 80’s dance night at the local favourite haunt. Basically a bunch of us sit and stand around and drink and chat before we go sweat our asses off dancing to 80’s music – some of it questionable (big hair bands) – some of it I love (The Cure, New Order, Yaz…) some of it is just to stand around running into people I only see at this joint and have no real connection to other than the fact that I (used) to live there. Small talk and chit chat – some of my least favourite things. <br />
<br />
Back to Wendy’s…so at this stage of the game I’ve moved out of this town and moved closer to New York City so I have to drive a few extra miles after work (and drink less once I get there since I can no longer walk home) in order to start my evening. I arrive close to 9p after a hectic drive. Fridays are always the hardest in the warmer months – everyone leaves to get out of the city – so I grab for the nearest alcoholic beverage and start my weekend. My weekends are much needed at this point. You see, by day I’m a television writer and producer. I work long hours and sometimes have long commutes. This weekend was well earned because I had delivered a rough cut of my episode for “Buying The Bayou”. It had been a bit of a challenge making all the pieces fit (a challenge I always love, by the way) so I was ready for talk that had nothing to do with time codes, shot selections or music timing. Standing in the kitchen, sucking down my first cider of the night, I was introduced to Wendy’s old band mate who now lives in Canada. She left the states about 10 or so years ago to be with her then girlfriend (some chick whose name escapes me). <br />
<br />
Being musicians we start chatting about instruments, music and, of course, musicians we love. Three plus months later I can’t remember how it came up – maybe we were talking about Canadian musicians – but she mentions that her now ex used to work for Jane Siberry. Actually, I think we were chatting more about the ex. I was somehow dragged into a long laborious ‘talk’ or rambling on about the ex and the break-up and all the stuff people tell to strangers even though as strangers we really don’t care so much. But I patiently allowed her to talk AT me for, what seemed like hours, and indeed turned into hours much to my polite chagrin. Once Jane Siberry’s name came up (and the bragging that went along with the disclosure of her ex that went along with it – which, I’ll say frankly, I thought this chick was a little too impressed with her ex and herself – maybe I’m cynical or jaded having met much bigger stars than Siberry – but either way she was annoyingly proud) thankfully the conversation switched to music and our mutual love of the song “Calling All Angels”. Of course this chick had on her computer some concert footage not found on the internet – so I got to watch some stuff I’d never seen before. That was cool! I have to say for all this bitching about this chick that Jane Siberry is ridiculously talented! I’ve always appreciated her music and because of the soundtrack to the film “Until The End Of The World” by one of my favourite directors, Wim Wenders, I had found this song when the film was released in the movie theatres. It may have even been the first time I’d heard of her. (That's what’s so great about soundtracks – it’s how I first heard of Dido on “Sliding Doors” several months before her first CD was released here in the states.) <br />
<br />
The night went on…as soon as we got to the bar I ditched the annoying chick. After twelve years in LA my patience for people who talk AT me and don’t engage in two-way conversation is non-existent and basically I just write people off at this point. Sometimes I wonder if I attract these people (I used to think it was just LA but I'm finding it happens here in New England albeit with much less frequency) or if it’s how society is moving in the face of one sided social networking spewing and texting (of which I am guilty and not a day goes by where I am not engaging in thumb sprints on my ‘smart’ phone). I went about my evening – danced and chatted with the locals and had a good time as I always do on those nights. But something stuck with me. Through the haze of Adam and The Ants, Duran Duran, Bonnie Tyler, and Kate Bush and the occasional Bon Jovi tune “Calling All Angels” stuck with me. You could say it haunted me – all weekend, in fact…<br />
<br />
I got home – to my new home – slept in and painted and unpacked. All the while I had a feeling that something was amiss in the air. I couldn’t place my finger on it – but something was ‘up’. This was a big step – I’d left a horrible and mean situation and was feeling good about this new chapter and getting a fresh start. I was settling into my work – the flow of a new show – new people – new commute and enjoying this, my fourth living room, since leaving LA. I thought everything was cool…and it was except for this nagging feeling.<br />
<br />
Monday comes and I get up, start my day and vow to leave exactly ON TIME to be at work AT 10a – not 10:05 as had been my pattern of late. I think I forgot – nothing. My desire to leave right at 9a (it’s a 58 minute commute) clearly was not strong enough to make it a reality – I think I left around 9:05…I don’t remember because there was nothing spectacular about that morning or my leaving. It was a sunny day – really warm – pushing 80 degrees already and that was about it, just another mid-summer morning in New England. On the way in to work I take a small road – two lanes – country and trees and small deli’s and gas stations spatter the landscape before hitting the reservoir that tells me I’m near the highway. It’s fifteen miles of me going only as fast as the driver in front of me and never as fast as my car wants to go. I’d gotten a new CD a week or two earlier – Richard Shindell – someone I’d been introduced to years before. I had picked up a live CD by him, Courier (released in 2002, coincidentally the year I met one of my favourite people and the person who introduced me to him), and was listening to it non stop on my drives to and from work. I was a little obsessed you could say. I left the CD in and let it play end to end and backwards again….I was particularly newly in love with “A Summer Wind, A Cotton Dress” (I had heard it several times before and at one of his live shows - but somehow it was really speaking to me in those weeks) so I was hard pressed to take the CD out and listen to anything else – not even the radio. <br />
<br />
I got on the highway – a winding road that has a tendency to flood in bad weather – it’s a road I’d been driving Monday to Friday since 22 April when my work on “Buying Alaska” began (the same production company produces both shows so whilst I was hired to work on ‘Alaska’ I’d been moved to ‘Bayou’ after my first episode of ‘Alaska’). Within a few miles of going about seventy miles per hour in not-quite-rush hour traffic - it happens. Out of nowhere I see a guardrail flying through the air – I quickly do some math on trajectory, speed and how to avoid it going through my windshield. I steer away from where I believe it to be heading all the while trying to avoid hitting the car right in front of me as she (I would later find out) does the same. Meanwhile a blue car is crossing from my left lane and headed off the highway and towards the trees that separate the highway from the neighbourhood that runs parallel to us. Steering through the debris and into the right lane I look to my left and see a white SUV stopped dead in the road and totaled. I safely slow down, stop and look in my side view mirror – luckily – and jump out and head towards the nearest car – the blue Jetta that now sits in the grass. He’s bleeding and disoriented so I help him out of the car, set him down a safe distance from it (at this point all traffic and stopped behind the white SUV) and run back to my car for water and my first aid kit. The woman in the car in front of me had also pulled over so there are two of us helping so I run over to the white SUV and get them out of the car. They appear to be fine so I go back and focus on the guy in the Jetta. In the meantime some tool from the neighbourhood decides to come check things out – I ask him if he’s here to help – he said ‘no I just want to see what’s going on’ so I tell him to get the fuck out of here – he’s scared of me - so he leaves – all the while I see people with their phones taking photos of all of us – it’s so bizarre that no one else tried to help. Go figure! <br />
<br />
It seems like forever – but it wasn’t – within ten minutes emergency vehicles and fire trucks from the nearest town start to show up…and take over. I can’t quite breathe at this point even though I know everyone was in good hands….it’s the rush of adrenaline…the blue sky and the heat of the highway baking my legs. I’m thirsty – but I’m more worried about the guy from the Jetta. He’s disoriented and when they get him on the stretcher he starts breathing really fast and heavy. He’s panicking and going into shock. None of the EMT’s seem to notice (I think they were a little busy) so I lean in and try and calm him down. Finally they cart him off. <br />
<br />
Then me and the other lady who stopped are just waiting to be questioned. The police get to us and then tell us as soon as the fire trucks get out of the way we are free to leave. About forty-five minutes after the crash I’m getting into my car. I had managed to text work to let them know what was going on so I knew I didn’t need to rush. I put my Bluetooth on and turn the car on…..before I start driving I call my Dad. He doesn’t answer and so I ended up leaving a slightly panicked message – I didn’t want to alarm him (I can’t fool him) but I didn’t want to just say ‘hi’. I needed him…I need his voice to tell me I was ok…to calm me down…and assure me I had gotten lucky. When he didn’t answer the CD player came back on…and yes, you guessed it “A Summer Wind, A Cotton Dress” began to play. It’s a very calm and lyrically sweet song. I could feel my blood pressure beginning it’s epically slow decent into my normal range. I had to keep my shit together long enough to drive the remaining half an hour to work. The song helped keep me focused. <br />
<br />
I had half an hour to think – no talking to anyone and just 25 miles and a ride across the Hudson River to get through. It occurred to me that I had angels looking over me that morning. All of my angels had been called to keep me out of that accident. All of them played a hand in my being later to leave than I had planned and (I had just had my brakes done) kept me level headed in the midst of flying guardrails and car parts and an asundry of debris. I had often wondered if they’d left me. It’s been years since the last really important person in my life died. While there have been some close calls (we almost lost Dad last year) for the most part the people I know who have died have been related to important people in my life and while I mourned them – it’s not nearly as hard hitting when it’s not your kin or your close friend. So I had been wondering – at one point do the angels just move on and leave us earthlings to our own lives? If you believe in reincarnation as I do than it's a pretty obvious question to ask. They MUST be in someone else’s body by now and being a part of someone else’s soul. They must have left me behind. While I had felt their presence in recent years it had been nothing more than a feeling of being haunted – a ‘knowing’ of sorts. But that morning – in that hour it was clear. I was not alone. I was being looked after – cared for and being kept safe. My angels were there – they had just not been needed in an obvious way in recent years. <br />
<br />
Thankfully no one died that morning. But I was a definitely shaken up! I got to work in one piece and my awesome bosses offered up hugs and alcoholic beverages while I ran off at the mouth and started to ‘come down’ from the adrenaline rush that had kept my head focused enough to drive. They told me to take my time and ease into my day. So when my Dad called me back about fifteen minutes later I didn’t feel bad about taking my time to talk to him. He calmed me down. He assured me I was ok and that I was lucky it wasn’t worse. His soothing voice jump-started my blood pressure to lower more quickly and allow me to focus on my work. Which, luckily, in that moment merely entailed me gathering information for my network deliverables (the stuff that Discovery wants to know about the episode and the people in it). It promised to be an easy few hours – perfect and just what I needed before diving into my next episode of “Buying The Bayou”. <br />
<br />
That day I took myself out to lunch (sushi – my go-to treat) and celebrated the fact that I was alive - just like my Mother did that icy February day I rolled my sister’s car on a tiny back road in Connecticut when I was seventeen. She took me to a local place for dinner in my home town and while most mothers would have grounded me (even though it was an accident) my Mother told anyone who would listen how glad she was that I was alive and that we were celebrating that fact. It was just us (my sister was away at college) and no grandparents. Just me and Mom and her beaming smile of relief. I later heard from my grandmother that my Mom got really upset when she saw the car that I had rolled. It was totaled and she got scared that, had I not been wearing my seatbelt (for basically the first time – this was before laws), she would have lost her little baby. She never showed me her panic – just her joy. I guess that’s what mothers do. It was also a tremendous lesson I witnessed in being grateful for life and for knowing how to rejoice in the little gifts. Mom was cool like that! <br />
<br />
After lunch I was walking back to my desk and my Executive Producer called me into his office and asked me if I’d started on the new ‘Bayou’ episode. I said ‘no – I was just about to, though…’ then he told me the schedule had changed and they were moving me back to ‘Alaska’. So I went to my desk and started the process of working on the new show. My job entails me watching hours upon hours of footage that has been shot by a field crew. Our episodes are all filmed in three days, using three cameras and if I’m lucky I also have transcripts to comb through (word by word typed pages of what was on camera) but I always like to watch the footage first. This way I learn about a personality and also if something had to be re-shot or someone stumbled their words or simply said them in a less than energetic way - than I can choose the best take or version of that segment or interview. Everyone has their own way of working – but this is mine. The more footage I can watch the better my script will be on the first draft. It also helps me change gears and get into a story and figure out what the direction and ‘hook’ will be. <br />
<br />
I was still pretty shaken up – my Dad had calmed me down a lot but there was still about twenty percent of me that was feeling weird and nervous even though it had been a few hours since the accident. But I had to work so I pulled up some footage to watch and settled in and let my Final Cut roll. There she was. Someone I’d never seen, and had only heard of in passing a few weeks earlier (as in – ‘that guy’s co-worker will be doing a show’). I don’t know what happened but within a few minutes of me watching her on the screen I could feel myself calming down. How could this be? This is a person on my small screen who is emanating a centred and peaceful vibe, for lack of a better word. But why? What the hell is going on? My mind had a hard time wrapping itself around these thoughts. Maybe it’s like how we felt we were friends with the “Friends” crew or the “Dawson’s Creek” kids because of watching them week after week. Her presence brought me back to earth and I started to feel ok. Was it her easy laugh? Her voice? Her smile? I don’t know, and to this day I’ve no clue what transpired but my shakes started to disappear and my head was beginning to clear. By the end of the afternoon I was feeling normal again. It was like I’d taken a stress B vitamin and gone for a five mile run. Whatever it was – she took me down that last twenty percent. I quietly thanked my angels for this distant presence – for the new, unexpected episode, and for these hours of footage that I got to watch that day. <br />
<br />
A few days later I had to reach out to her – I had some questions I needed answering that would help me fill in some blanks to write the episode. It was a very professional email that belied my desire to tell her what she had unknowingly done for me. How do you tell a stranger ‘thanks for calming me down’ when all they did was shoot a television show and until this email in their in box appeared they didn’t even know you existed? Of all the crazy things – I was not about to say a word. A day or so later she wrote me back. But she started the email by asking ME a question. Nobody ever asks ME questions – I’m the Producer looking for answers. So I answered her – I think because she had calmed me down and by now I’d been watching three days of footage for the past three days – I felt comfortable with her and honestly and fully answered her question. Then I thanked her for her answers and then I don’t know how it happened – but the emails continued. More questions from both of us – more answers shared. That led to me sending her some tunes and her liking them. <br />
<br />
Then….I started to break my own rule. I never make friends with people I write about. I want to know just enough about them to help me write a better show but anything more – any more contact than the information I need crosses a line for me. Some of it is also that I don’t want to have to worry about whether someone likes the show or not – I just want to write the best one I can without worrying about hurting someone’s feelings – even though I always try and write people in as good and positive light as I can – but still. Maybe because of the accident and her affect on me it made me break my rule (not that that’s any great prize for her) and allowed the boundaries to be broken. Maybe because very quickly I discovered that this was one cool and fascinating person. She’s led a very interesting life and not all of it has been easy. On a daily basis she is faced with immortality and the idea that she may, in all likelihood, outlive her son - all of this due to a random and unfairly drawn straw. Not that she would ever put it that way and not that any of it comes across on camera. Her non-pitying attitude and matter-of-fact approach to this aspect of her life (that she readily shared with me) immediately garnered my respect. This woman is not a victim as so many people are or would be given the opportunity. She is who is and is not defined by her son’s condition. (He suffers from neurofibromatosis – for more on that go to www.ctf.org and please donate if you can.) <br />
<br />
It’s been three months since those first emails. Countless texts, phone conversations and boisterous laughing fits have been exchanged. Although we’ve yet to meet – not even on skype or facetime – I feel as though she and I are friends. Good ones. Even though I worry about over sharing on my part and worry about how much does she really want to know about me? Why would she want to know anything? I think that has more to do with where my head, and self esteem have been in recent years and less about her. It’s funny – in one moment she can remind me of my Mother, and then in another moment she’s like the sister I relate to more than my own. We come from such different worlds, and live in very different ones as well, but somehow I feel there’s a soul sister thing going on. We exchange recipes, jokes, and I know more about her musical tastes (which are more diverse than mine, in all honesty) than most people I see on a daily basis. She’s also one of the funniest people I know who can crack me up in a split second. But there’s a kindness to her as well – maybe it’s the mother thing in her – maybe she was just born kind. <br />
<br />
Either way, I’m glad I broke my rule – and I’m convinced the angels sent her my way right when I needed her (two weeks after I started that episode I got the courage to thank her for what she ‘did’). I don’t think I was ready for a new person in my life in the previous months or years. If all this had happened a year ago she’s be just another subject in a TV show I wrote about. I’ve no clue why she’s friends with me (she has a very full and busy life and doesn’t really need me in it) but that’s ok – I’m still too busy trying to figure out how it is I am friends with, and feel close to, someone I’ve never met. It’s a new experience for me and it’s cool – I guess we don’t get to understand everything in life. Some things are meant to be a mystery. I need to just accept that and be okay with it all. Whatever our purpose is in each other’s lives I hope we stay friends for a long time. I’m planning on it on my end. I hope she is on hers. <br />
<br />
When we do meet face to face (as we have plans to do) I’d like to think it will be like two old friends getting together for early afternoon martinis on a hot summer afternoon in The Berkshires. I’d like to think we’ll be that comfortable with one another. I can only hope, and I’m guessing if my angels have anything to say about it, it will be just like that. Because now more than ever I believe they’ve not left and when called upon they were there…..and are here.<br />
<br />
Thanks for tuning in…Until next time…CHEERS!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-79475717069422659582012-12-28T09:02:00.000-08:002012-12-28T09:02:48.398-08:00You’re a tough old gal, but a dog is just a pal, And believe me, my dear, I’m not complaining….<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XA1cX-wgMdM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
So I'm just going to say it: 2012 was a shitty year for me - both personally and professionally. I am so glad to see this year come to an end. Though to be honest, I'm not sure I have the faith right now to believe that the New Year will be any better. I thought that same thing at the end of 2011 (which wasn’t entirely all bad) and where did it get me? A worse year. I'm trying, but it's just not there for me right now. To be clear 2000 & 2001 were THE worst I've ever experienced - this wasn't nearly as bad - and believe me - I do have a fair measure of perspective. As I watch my neighbours suffer the loss of their children and teachers a few miles away I'm reminded that life can always be much worse and, in fact, it is right now for twenty-seven families. Not a day goes by where there isn't some story that brings the degree of separation ever closer; thus serving as a reminder to love the people we love with all we have and to not hold back, or waste time – just in case....So much has already been written about Newtown that I will spare you any more of my thoughts and feelings - but I do want to say one thing: civilians don't need automatic, military grade weapons. If you have any doubt about that come for a visit. I dare you to look in the eye of one of these families and tell them to their face that you support the NRA 100%. I'm guessing you'll get a swift kick, a punch in the eye, and then get run out of our state. As well you should.<br />
<br />
Aside from this recent madness it's also been a tough year for a number of people that I love and care for who have lost family members or otherwise had a difficult time of it. Whether it was loss, underemployment, financial stress, or a rough break-up I have to say I know very few people for whom 2012 was a good year. Hell - for most people I know it wasn't even a decent year. Maybe I know the 'wrong' people - or maybe it was just something in the water. I don't understand it but I hope it gets better for all of us and that time will heal. When I am going through a hard time there is a sense of powerlessness watching people I love experiencing rough days. It's almost as if when I'm feeling good I have more strength to be there for others - I feel like I have more to give to them. Basically, I don't like this feeling of powerless one bit. I like being that person that my people can come to and lean on. I don't know that I've done a good job of that this year, though. <br />
<br />
Despite my current feelings of failure, throughout my life I have been blessed with some tools that have helped me navigate the highs and lows, the hills and valleys, the roller coaster of life, however you put it - these things have helped me to not entirely loose my shit. No matter how long this current valley seems to be at least I have running (I got up to 7.3 miles a day this month), the outdoors (kayaking, hiking, camping) and music to clear my head and balance my brain - writing, playing and listening. While I didn't have a ton of disposable income this year to be buying a lot of new music I did have Spotify, fellow music lovers, and the most awesome WFUV (90.7 for you locals to NYC or wfuv.org if you live elsewhere) to at least expand my horizons and open my ears.<br />
<br />
Since I always do an end-of-year posting of favourites - albeit past years were full of much less bitching - here are some videos that I hope you will check out. <br />
<br />
I started with Aimee Mann…good lord! I’ve been a fan since ‘Til Tuesday and if anyone gets better with the years and is as fine as aged whiskey - it’s her! This video of “Labrador” (one of my favourite songs from her new CD, Charmer, and today’s title quote) is a send-up of “Voices Carry” which, for shits and giggles, I included below for a fun comparison. By the way – if you ever have a chance to see her live…run don’t walk! No matter how many times I see her it’s never enough and it’s always a different show! One more thing…hands down she’s one of my favourite musicians I’ve had the pleasure of meeting…super nice and as cool as she appears!<br />
<br />
What can I say? Dave Matthews Band just always finds a way to get to me. Maybe it’s his jazz influenced notes, the timing of this song, or maybe he’s got the key to my inner thoughts - but more than likely he’s just a damn good songwriter! Another long-time favourite band of mine this year’s latest release, Away From The World, does not disappoint! The live tracks on this CD are particularly hot as is this tune “If Only”; a sultry, sexy number that in some ways says it all! Also, this video was shot at one of my all-time favourite venues - The Hollywood Bowl - save for Tanglewood you don't get much better than this for a place to hear music and feel the nature surrounding you. <br />
<br />
As always I end with Vince Gill's song "What You Give Away" - a humble reminder of all that surrounds us and all that we should strive to be. Call it my religion, my edict, or just wise words to live by. Whatever you call it – just listen….<br />
<br />
Some other people whose music I’ve enjoyed this year (but whose videos I’m not posting): James Taylor, Sharon Van Etten, Passenger, Beth Orton, Dawes, Rodriguez, Brandi Carlile, Bonnie Raitt, The Avett Brothers, Glen Hansard, The Tallest Man On Earth, Shawn Colvin and on…..<br />
<br />
No matter what you listen to, here's hoping 2013 is a better year and that peace will prevail – both inner and outer. Since I was raised by eternal optimists no doubt it will…and no doubt my existential malaise will wane and be replaced by optimism – it’s how my Mama would want it and I always try to do right by her….<br />
<br />
Thanks for tuning in...Until next time...CHEERS and Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uejh-bHa4To" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/baE6nF37bSI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TsWAI6mxCyQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-22161751094975980362012-05-24T10:23:00.001-07:002012-05-24T17:29:16.040-07:00If you break down I'll drive out to find you, if you forget my love I'll try to remind you, stay by you when it don't come easy...<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ouANJb_haZY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
It's been nearly three years since I left Los Angeles. This morning a friend posted this song on Facebook and reminded me that we were there at this show. In the audience were musicians, stars and every day people who were all witnessing this great night of music. I had forgotten about this duet - Patty Griffin and Melissa Etheridge singing live "It Don't Come Easy" for a Lifetime Network benefit show for cancer. It's always been a favourite song of mine from Patty but this is a truly special version and one that has moved me this morning. Hearing this and viewing it brings back a lot of fond memories and reminds me that I lived a good life out there. I didn't always see it that way but I do now. Distance and change since my departure have a way of making me see that the moment I was experiencing in the past may have been one of the best. I am not saying this with any regret. But I do ask myself - did I really appreciate the moment while I was living it? Is it possible to appreciate every moment you are in?<br />
<br />
While I ask myself that question I can say with certainty that it does not apply to the people in my life. I've lost many who are close to me and I am no longer shy about telling those I love that they are important and how much their presence enriches my life. I try not to overdo it - but I rarely hang up the phone without saying I love you. Those were the last words I ever said to my mother a mere 6 hours before she died unexpectedly. You never know when life will change so why fuck around and hide from our feelings? In many ways that's the easy part. If you take the time to look at those around you and really assess the people in your life - you will feel that there are many who are worthy of these emotions. I don't give them away easily but I don't wish to deny my feelings, either. I spent much of my twenties and a good deal of my early thirties living in denial and thinking with my head (and which possibly led to the perception that I was playing games). It took someone very special to break through all those walls and show me that it was OK to feel again. It was OK to trust the living instead of only the ghosts that had inhabited me. It wasn't an easy task but somewhere inside of them they must have felt I was worth the effort. I have become more emotionally fearless in the years since we met and much less wasteful of time. For that I am truly grateful to this person.<br />
<br />
But yet I wonder - when I was at this concert did I fully appreciate those hours in that small hall? To be honest, I'm not sure I did. I can tell you that it was a great, energizing show - not just Patty Griffin's part - but Sophie B. Hawkins and 'several others'. See? I remember the feeling of that night but I don't remember the details of who else was there. Pathetic. But it says a lot about how little I appreciated the moments I was IN. Over the years that has been one of the things many close friends have pointed out to me as a failing of mine. I know they are right - I know I didn't always appreciate my time in Los Angeles - though I will say the last seven years I was there I did - or most of the time (save for this night). I can say I did because I wouldn't have stayed so long if it weren't worth it. Believe me when I say that I feel I was truly blessed for those years. If I hadn't met that special person of which I speak I would have left a lot sooner and I never would have been at this concert. Everything does happen for a reason and while I don't want to over think anything - it's important to see where a moment began and how you got to where you are. Maybe for that reason alone it's important to be more present.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if I'll ever get the equation right: presence + awareness + living-in-the-moment = immediate appreciation but I'd like to think I've gotten better in the years since this concert was filmed (2006?). I'd like to think that I am least trying to be more present, more appreciative. Sure - it's easy to remember that first kiss leaning against my Cannondale on a monday night - or a first camping trip...or a last one. But it is much harder to remember some of the every day moments. Moments I wish I could get back - moments I would trade for a last hug - or even knowing it WOULD be a last hug. Maybe the trick more is finding that balance between total and complete awareness - thus over thinking while experiencing an event - and living in the present so as to have fewer regrets. (Because no matter how much I think we figure out - I believe it's impossible not to have a regret or two along the way). So many lessons to learn in this life but maybe the real trick is figuring out which ones we NEED to learn. Indeed this is one of them for me. <br />
<br />
No matter what - I think at least I got the love part figured out....if nothing else.<br />
<br />
Thanks for tuning in...until next time...CHEERS!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-27089238667173449652011-12-21T13:46:00.000-08:002011-12-21T16:14:27.313-08:00And nobody has to cry to make it seem real nobody has to hide the way that they feel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoeXGVpJ-LjkpbzqZgD6jKsOe8AD949cGPWN-2LtwDYx6R_sbbyE9ZR1Mnl763ts0_xRhR-AS5J7Mez4g-kKuTc3DPvAtNt6vBLSF2qLWhat15kTKJ1tlJBVXmaJhuo5pizJh/s1600/Ashes+%2526+Fire.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoeXGVpJ-LjkpbzqZgD6jKsOe8AD949cGPWN-2LtwDYx6R_sbbyE9ZR1Mnl763ts0_xRhR-AS5J7Mez4g-kKuTc3DPvAtNt6vBLSF2qLWhat15kTKJ1tlJBVXmaJhuo5pizJh/s400/Ashes+%2526+Fire.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688736029329942594" /></a><br /><br />It's the Holiday Season and in case you are looking for some last minute gifts for the music lover in your life I thought I would share some of my recent obsessions.....yes...obsessions...these CD's are awesome on so many levels I feel as though I want to listen to nothing more than these three. For weeks now if I don't have WFUV on I have one of these CD's playing. <br /><br />Starting with Ryan Adams latest - Ashes and Fire - this CD is his first as a sober writer and I tell you - he's lost nothing by giving up the booze. His music is as thoughtful and at times pained as it ever was! Though it's hard to pick a favourite off of this incredible collection of tunes in this moment on this day it would be "Come Home". If you're new to him and his music this is a great place to start - if you're already a fan - this might become your new favourite CD...I dare say it's mine of 2011! http://www.losthighwayrecords.com/ryanadams<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O9vAt18y9Bs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Next up lets talk about Adele. I know, right? If you know me you might not think I'd dig her - but how can you not? I've been a fan since her 19 release and I absolutely can't get enough of 21 which was released earlier this year. I have no idea what took me so long to acquire this but man - she has proven here that she's no flash in the pan. This chick is the real deal and seriously talented! I suspect we will know of her for many years to come as she does not appear to be of the Amy Winehouse School of Rock - what a tragic loss! Back to Adele - not only is she a talented songwriter she chooses some great songs to cover - I never thought I'd ever want to hear anyone but The Cure sing one of my favourites by them - "Lovesong" - but damn does she do it right! This chick is no product of computer generated ANYTHING....she is who you hear on her CD's...to prove it I am sharing her live version of the song from Letterman. Speaking of her live performances I can't wait to get my hands on her Live From Albert Hall CD! http://www.adele.tv/<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DyM5jb2ZABs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />I've been an Indigo Girls fan from the very, very beginning. I even saw them live at Yale playing to probably no more than 100 people one summer day back in the later 80's. But I have to say I've not loved every CD they've put out. They have come in and out of favour with me over the years. I've not felt that they have been as consistent with their music as one would hope. So maybe that's why I love Beauty Queen Sister so very much! It harkens back to their roots yet displays musical maturity that come from being around for so long and hopefully improving on your craft. To be honest I've always had a hard time with the religious references that permeates their music (hence their knick name "The Bible Dykes") but I've always been able to get past that and enjoy their honest, well spoken lyrics and pure, sweet as southern tea melodies. One of the things I want to say that surprised me about this collection of tunes is that Amy Ray's music - for possibly the first time for me - has truly tugged at my innards in a way that her songs never have. I've always felt that Emily's music, being the literature major of the two, was more romantic and appealed to me more than Amy's harder edged tunes. Not on this CD! Amy's songs are among my favourites - again - not that I could have a favourite - but in this moment I will say Amy's "Share The Moon" might be the best tune on the whole CD....so here you go! http://www.indigogirls.com/home.html<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OXJkRxVqEEw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br />Ok - so to be clear - we've had a full year of new music so I'd like to throw in some 'also ran's' for some great music that I have yet to become obsessed with - though Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons CD Cabin Ghosts (http://www.corychisel.com/) is very close to obsession for me. In no particular order here they are:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQW2_mgx1fAnuiZogVTv0YB5B8SWKenJJGaHxOQtIyvEzcxRXgA748nSc87i1kngNY9W0R_KSezFHzj2r27-UuRDYsk685petiR7AtEbQDfNHWnYGxpTgKbopSy_LTSRlxl0N/s1600/cory-chisel-and-the-wandering-sons-cabin-ghosts-artwork.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQW2_mgx1fAnuiZogVTv0YB5B8SWKenJJGaHxOQtIyvEzcxRXgA748nSc87i1kngNY9W0R_KSezFHzj2r27-UuRDYsk685petiR7AtEbQDfNHWnYGxpTgKbopSy_LTSRlxl0N/s400/cory-chisel-and-the-wandering-sons-cabin-ghosts-artwork.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688726356132323842" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One half of The Swell Season - Marketa Irglova struck out on her own this year to put our Anar....what a great CD!! http://marketairglovamusic.com/<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi4eCUS8W3-9uM8iDCliQ_ZbHeC9fk451XAehH_6wP5bSlrq1uONiV55_V_I0x09XeNNJoZ6AZMqW2vyaDLP7iWWbKD73CCi9NzQV2owQTEV4RL6bSJpBV2J4TCUu8pOonUpH/s1600/Marketa+Irglova.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi4eCUS8W3-9uM8iDCliQ_ZbHeC9fk451XAehH_6wP5bSlrq1uONiV55_V_I0x09XeNNJoZ6AZMqW2vyaDLP7iWWbKD73CCi9NzQV2owQTEV4RL6bSJpBV2J4TCUu8pOonUpH/s400/Marketa+Irglova.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688730401965060066" /></a><br /><br />Iron and Wine also put out a cool one this year....http://www.ironandwine.com/ <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4cy1NydqWBA0WN0BUM8LAUYJjGZ6oUH5sbD1U1Phb67bp9sP3ytqyCIP06Q3ZvdHabZHWfRxPkbyjH9vEvydgLCxVwKz4My8C9TqlQUA7nLqBxVMZ4zv-irSb40oBM1r-uGO/s1600/Iron+%2526+Wine.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4cy1NydqWBA0WN0BUM8LAUYJjGZ6oUH5sbD1U1Phb67bp9sP3ytqyCIP06Q3ZvdHabZHWfRxPkbyjH9vEvydgLCxVwKz4My8C9TqlQUA7nLqBxVMZ4zv-irSb40oBM1r-uGO/s400/Iron+%2526+Wine.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688728944897246370" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Totally digging David Mead's latest, Dudes, another CD worth your hard earned cash! http://www.davidmead.com/<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsW2kykhsGO311hNv-tp5Z_ObcEA3N_z8KztGBPcgL9rO6sbsInq4v_KMcvIOW7__5isiqw30Mbq8p8MNQRdGuXHqrGCdJhotHlJI7tKDC3OO4NQL-LNvtezGKCorE5USIhsw/s1600/David+Mead.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsW2kykhsGO311hNv-tp5Z_ObcEA3N_z8KztGBPcgL9rO6sbsInq4v_KMcvIOW7__5isiqw30Mbq8p8MNQRdGuXHqrGCdJhotHlJI7tKDC3OO4NQL-LNvtezGKCorE5USIhsw/s400/David+Mead.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688733586185882226" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mildly obsessed with Brandi Carlile's The Story....this chick is awesome! http://www.brandicarlile.com/<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJsNx4PjdrgTeYZE9oHNj33P-e_Sz0c1RUIJLNSlFAH93NMbW0APDaT0DthP-3yq4QxSBkPCmLMvOVB0vgE-Ibz_D_5g3b4E5t4LuKds3xfK43gDo7DAb2jZQ8QWK_ekfepoV/s1600/Brandi.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJsNx4PjdrgTeYZE9oHNj33P-e_Sz0c1RUIJLNSlFAH93NMbW0APDaT0DthP-3yq4QxSBkPCmLMvOVB0vgE-Ibz_D_5g3b4E5t4LuKds3xfK43gDo7DAb2jZQ8QWK_ekfepoV/s400/Brandi.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688734196603877442" /></a><br /><br /><br />Last but not least - Harper Simon - Wishes and Stars - Paul's 30-something year old son waited until he could afford to make this CD on his own instead of trading on his name...worth the wait! This guy has talent! http://harpersimon.com/<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoS-Vysj_x-oeHEuh-PTtxAKISb-sUAYhR3X2DEjMiGmRJ69CQsAGuc6D53kkbjtbRQG8esFGEpgby_Dt-RsS0dCHhurX8DIEi5DxonylTCMmXdodrY8gpragmZyZJSnAunc2/s1600/Harper.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoS-Vysj_x-oeHEuh-PTtxAKISb-sUAYhR3X2DEjMiGmRJ69CQsAGuc6D53kkbjtbRQG8esFGEpgby_Dt-RsS0dCHhurX8DIEi5DxonylTCMmXdodrY8gpragmZyZJSnAunc2/s400/Harper.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688735463460508546" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />That about covers it for now so - go buy some new music!! I wish you all a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! Remember - it's "What You Give Away" (thanks Vince Gill) that counts the most!<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in...Until next time.....Cheers!!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-58531069911450325512011-07-25T07:15:00.000-07:002011-07-25T07:18:09.502-07:00I treated myself like I knew I would, I told you I was trouble, you know I’m no good….<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4suwonIBvpXEn_YsbiyBlYlxoqwTwo8NpavzAPm19wk5ioaOmKYFT46nrrWwbNGb3-hKawJ-hMogPHc2WsSqcdykVbzaK9phbj1NsRPtIfuqC4r9wEskLrWItF1mg-BWA828/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 185px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4suwonIBvpXEn_YsbiyBlYlxoqwTwo8NpavzAPm19wk5ioaOmKYFT46nrrWwbNGb3-hKawJ-hMogPHc2WsSqcdykVbzaK9phbj1NsRPtIfuqC4r9wEskLrWItF1mg-BWA828/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633291717021801154" /></a><br /><br />In honour of her very sad passing this past weekend I thought I would republish this post from May 2007. Needless to say this is a very deep loss to the music community and her talent will be missed! She was a true original....RIP, Amy...<br /><br />-----------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAw_b4KBzgNlAWH3_UWguGgfXYzxlEHJ3CyjLEhBEJ0oaTNJRGtvAUSmrfFXGbw3iqEb-XVDSKdbvTf-bfmDG-rvaYOwrQYg5nvqZxzySXyaEWGhuR1-KsGJAqHV3La7ZDeim/s1600-h/images-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAw_b4KBzgNlAWH3_UWguGgfXYzxlEHJ3CyjLEhBEJ0oaTNJRGtvAUSmrfFXGbw3iqEb-XVDSKdbvTf-bfmDG-rvaYOwrQYg5nvqZxzySXyaEWGhuR1-KsGJAqHV3La7ZDeim/s320/images-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067079774271535250" /></a><br /><br /> I picked up the Amy Winehouse CD, Back To Black , this weekend and thought I would try something new – writing about it as I listen for the first time. Over the last few months (her second album, it was released in October 2006) I’ve heard a track here and there but this is my first REAL sit down with it. So far it’s a smooth mix of jazz and R & B. <br /><br />What strikes me most is her retro sounding voice. If I didn’t have a picture of her in front of me (she definitely looks like a modern woman – tattoos and all) I would think she’s some 1960’s girl jazz group reincarnate (were there actually any? But still….). This isn’t surprising since she sites as her influences many female jazz/R & B singers – Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington and the late great Minnie Ripperton to name a few. <br /><br />At this point I’m about half way through the CD and so far I would say I’m really loving the music! Somehow, some way you get the feeling that this could be a live show in a club in NYC in the mid 1960’s. I swear it’s truly amazing how good this stuff sounds! Don’t get me wrong – it’s not some faux retread, it’s fresh and interesting and downright impressive! Even the backing vocals have it down…back when they added almost more than real instruments and certainly more than they add these days. I think that was what was so cool about the music then - it was more basic and stripped down – you couldn’t hide behind synthesizers and electronic drums – you had to work with what you had and vocals stood out more because of those now antiquated methods of recording and more ‘acoustic’ instruments. Nowadays it’s easy to fill in musical gaps – to make something better than it is because of all the recording tricks, and cutting and pasting one can do whilst in the studio and after the fact.<br /><br />While I can’t be certain of the methods used in recording this CD, I can say that after hearing the whole album straight through it’s true to it’s word throughout– honest, pure and definitely a sexy listen! If you’re looking for something retro but new and fresh – this is it! She’s got a killer voice – the songs are cool and it’s a fun ride! Check her out at itunes, www.myspace.com/amywinehouse, or http://www.amywinehouse.co.uk/<br /><br />My mother always told me ‘those who can’t do – teach’. She felt that if you were really capable at your art – you wouldn’t be teaching it – you would be a successful artisan. This was especially loud in my ears as she fought my tenth grade English teacher when he gave me a ‘C’ on a paper she (and others – including my mother’s own college professor) felt was a college level paper. She even tried to get the hack fired - that’s how strongly she was behind it. So when recently I was asked to donate time to run lights for the adult version of “Grease” for the kiddie school where I have worked on and off over the last six months – I was a little skeptical. Of course, it was all for their scholarship fund – about 30 students a session are on scholarship – so that wasn’t the issue – every person working on it donated their time – but I was unsure of what I would see on stage. In the adult versions of these musicals all the teachers, some former teachers and a few parents act and sing their way through the show.<br /><br />I was, to say the least, pleasantly surprised. After months of seeing/working these kiddie shows where, despite the talent that some of these kids come from, the apple does apparently fall from the tree, it was great to see a show how it’s supposed to be done! There were harmonies, people being IN character, knowing their lines and knowing the songs. Overall I was impressed by the actors on stage! Of course some were better than others and some were more in tune than others but no matter what it was a lot of fun! Everyone on stage and in the audience had a blast – and it showed! At one point last night I held a blackout a little longer because “Good Lovin” <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mCPXEQ-9U3JbixrhRKlpcs9t__OP7uaceG_ESlGd3TA8_w9J8jTFfV3qei3hV8w6x3sJOO4iMLTBpk6ZZ9Kwuc6tQLoJPPeWwqtaymcB7kHvSyYb4FkgMm12e3ZuUlK4q2HK/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mCPXEQ-9U3JbixrhRKlpcs9t__OP7uaceG_ESlGd3TA8_w9J8jTFfV3qei3hV8w6x3sJOO4iMLTBpk6ZZ9Kwuc6tQLoJPPeWwqtaymcB7kHvSyYb4FkgMm12e3ZuUlK4q2HK/s320/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067080104984017058" /></a>came on (I know – “Grease” takes place in the 50’s and this song came out in 1966 – a point not lost on me) and everyone in the theatre started clapping in time and singing along, it was a cool moment that you think only happens in movies. But the point is – while no one on stage is an academy award winning actor or singer these teachers impressed me. They can do!<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in…Until next Monday….CHEERS!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-77557111835296370072011-06-10T08:15:00.001-07:002011-06-10T08:39:15.824-07:00Our love is like a paper airplane flying in the folded wind Riding high, dipping low And innocence is fair game, I'm hoping I can hold it inWow....has it really been that long since I've updated this? Needless to say it's been a busy few months. But I've still had time to buy some new music so I thought I'd share what I've been listening to in recent weeks and months...in no particular order...Enjoy!<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y-6EwdDiopQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/j3CqR_m6NO0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/p55wIvNnPMU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F4xY__FoDzY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2-0drZqMdR4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c33KyFrMOow" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FXevL7hvpgU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />I think I'll stop right there.....I hope you've enjoyed this snippet of new(er) tunes...<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in...Until next time...CHEERS!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-84417355249669297562011-01-19T07:04:00.000-08:002011-01-19T08:38:39.356-08:00And in those times of trouble When you are most alone The memory of love will bring you home. John Denver<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrbJsjGAyuKNS8Wnv1hNOdUhQ6cuW_9zl6ZlWPG9ofPMAulgilKsqV_Kp39wQhxvlMCBSsMJL1fvIakUYEAJiV1sUSoEvSaZkkXk0p1Np8OFyesgDbd4HqgGSFVRX55EYvZc_/s1600/IMG_1085.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrbJsjGAyuKNS8Wnv1hNOdUhQ6cuW_9zl6ZlWPG9ofPMAulgilKsqV_Kp39wQhxvlMCBSsMJL1fvIakUYEAJiV1sUSoEvSaZkkXk0p1Np8OFyesgDbd4HqgGSFVRX55EYvZc_/s400/IMG_1085.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563935890576950546" /></a><br />It's been 11 years and one day since I last heard my Mother say "I love You". In fact, those were the last words she ever said to me the evening before she unexpectedly died. It is the memory of her love and those last words that carry me through my days. Those words echo in my heart when I feel the world has turned away. They ring in my ears and serve to remind me that wherever I am I am nothing if not loved. Love carries on and transcends time and physical place. My mother was not perfect - she had her faults - and her demons. Yet despite an early childhood spent in displaced persons camps in Poland and Germany right after WWII she embraced the world around her with compassion and grace along with an abundance of optimism. She was beautiful inside and out - she was humble - she was kind - she was giving. I am truly blessed that she was my Mother and that 'those' were the last words we spoke to each other. <br /><br />The greatest gift my Mother gave me aside from her wit, her charm (I hope) and her nose- was her love. Or more specifically - her fearlessness towards love. She was not afraid to tell the people in her life that she loved and cared for them. She went out on a limb - she threw away all caution - she jumped right in - despite the pain that might follow - she LOVED with everything she had and did so generously. She may have feared rejection (she was, after all, an actress) but she didn't let the fear prevent her from expressing her feelings and demonstrating her love. She not only said "I Love You" she showed it. Maybe that scared some people - I'm sure at times in my troubled youth it scared me - but she persevered. She hugged, she held, and she cried right along with you if you needed her. She was supportive, encouraging and completely unconditional with her love. I say this not just as her daughter - but I've been told by those who knew her as an adult and a contemporary. She meant LOVE and she was LOVE.<br /><br />I do my best to carry her lessons with me on a daily basis. Although it took me years of reckless behaviour to fully grasp Her kind of Love luckily my Mother bore witness and, hopefully, truly felt my love. My Dad tells me that she did. So if I love you - I say it. I fear nothing - except rejection - yet still I persevere. I mean it, too. I mean it forever. I mean it unconditionally. Once you have entered my heart there is no escaping. There are those I've not heard from in years - but if they were to reach out - they would find my open arms. I learned all this from my Mother. Love is forever and it will bring you home. <br /><br />Thanks for tuning in....Until next time....CHEERS!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-73050724031510413262010-12-08T06:10:00.000-08:002010-12-08T06:17:21.326-08:00"Love is a flower, you gotta let it, you gotta let it grow..."<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlSLh7zvUW6UTAU8ucvoKYHIhUSDwVTIoOy-zKsUoLwPHZE-EK4DkshF9g5YrH83X-dO0ssMM7p-NFAcFSGgl9m8RQhvBfv7VD8TrVzP8twzDwm40yMYBGybls6L7AsR7vRA2/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlSLh7zvUW6UTAU8ucvoKYHIhUSDwVTIoOy-zKsUoLwPHZE-EK4DkshF9g5YrH83X-dO0ssMM7p-NFAcFSGgl9m8RQhvBfv7VD8TrVzP8twzDwm40yMYBGybls6L7AsR7vRA2/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548314147774430450" /></a><br /><br />Still such a loss.....Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-52539709719042560822010-11-24T15:16:00.000-08:002010-12-08T06:15:36.675-08:00Well, there seem to be two states of mind, One is visionary, the other blind, And the best that we can hope to find, Is to meet somewhere in between<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QrzdsJImZX0?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QrzdsJImZX0?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />You’ll forgive my silence these last many months I hope. You see, after writing about Ross I felt I really had not much more to add to this crowded world of blogs and ramblings. Some of it is because his music and his story touched me so deeply that I have been at a loss as to how to follow up. Some of it is that I’ve just been really busy working, resting from work, traveling, recording my own music – and lots of time running (or as some would say ‘jogging’, my drug, my sanity keeper). These activities have been keeping me busy. But - the Holidays are now upon us and the year has gone by quickly so it seemed like a good time to check in and say hello again. <br /><br />This being Thanksgiving I thought I would chime in and share some of the thoughts and ideas I’m grateful for. If you know me personally than you know there have been some really dark years – if you’re reading this blog for the first time – let me just say the fact that I’m alive to write this blog and didn’t do anything stupid is a feat of – well – angels? Persistence? Upbringing? I think maybe that’s a big part of it. The lessons taught to me by my departed family members ultimately may have saved my life. I would also like to add that there are many living people who, along the way, saved me as well. I needed saving. I know it’s ‘weak’ to say that you ‘need’ something – but it’s downright true. We can’t do it alone – sometimes there are things bigger than us and fighting our demons many times requires the love and support of others. <br /><br />I think the ‘funny’ thing about all of this – if there is a ‘funny’ thing – is that the love seems to go on. I know it might sound crazy but there are moments when I feel my mother’s presence – when I hear her voice in my head or can feel her last hug on me. I’ll never forget that last hug. I know what day it was – I know where we were standing and I know where the sun was sitting in the sky. I also know she looks over me all these years later. It was her voice that stopped me from taking things to too far and past the point of no return. It was her teachings and beliefs that she shared with me in the years before her passing that helped me get through her sudden departure - and the ones that followed in the next year and a half. So I do believe as that cheesy song says that ‘love goes on’. (Or was it my heart? Either way, if you have to ask what that song is you’re reading the wrong blog and should move on to the next one, lol). <br /><br />As for another not – so - cheesy song featured in the most awesome film, Love Actually, love is, ‘all around us’ (really Hugh Grant says this in a voice-over but the song that’s playing whilst he’s saying it…well...). How do I know? I feel it. I feel I’ve come out of a tunnel since my departure from Los Angeles. I am feeling the love of those that came before me and those I’ve met along the way. <br /><br />You see, when you emerge from a tunnel – whether you’re driving, you’re the passenger or you’ve been asleep, no matter what, it takes time to adjust your vision. I mean that quite literally and figuratively. It’s dark, the lights are on, but vision is limited. You see the light, you move closer, ever so slowly your eyes adjust. You reach the end of the tunnel – it’s a BIG light – but still your eyes need time, as does your mind. Time to take stock - figure out what’s going on – and though it’s blinding at first you find your way. You find the road – the line – the path you are meant to be driving. You feel the warmth of the sun and you put your foot on the gas….you are free.<br /><br /><br />Free? For what? Free to move on? Free to be you and me? Maybe it’s just feeling free to feel. Maybe it’s freedom to listen to your heart when your mind is bossing you around. Maybe when you’ve survived a tunnel you learn to appreciate the people in your life who make you smile, dance in the kitchen when a song comes on that you never knew you both liked, or maybe it’s as simple as making you feel loved. Maybe it’s not about ‘making’ you feel loved. Maybe it’s you allowing yourself to feel it. <br /><br />I can say I do. I haven’t always but I do. I feel the love of the people in my life and those that maybe aren’t around. Maybe you stopped in for a spell, maybe you stayed awhile. But either way I think that love does carry on long after the person has left our side. It transcends miles, universes, and the hereafter. Love is, all around us. For that I am grateful. Grateful to be able to know that it is and grateful that it simply IS. <br /><br />This posting is for all those people throughout the years who have made me feel loved and continue to do so. I wish you all (readers too) a Happy Thanksgiving…may your bellies be full and your hearts fuller. And may your mind take a rest...<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in….Until next time…Cheers!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-83543447563184476452010-03-21T14:43:00.000-07:002010-03-21T14:58:21.406-07:00“I understand wasn’t part of the plan and I think we can agree that it’s hell when we’re apart…there’s Nobody Better than me….”<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMenMJ7dHwbT-xDSW2HtlXjJmXm0Lz3Leb23LShx51s7Fyvwzcs6tVQ4Q590-ITnfHYbR8iXzUHULWO71M3EmIqRtjifXP-Gp6omR-v65OXkJeZ3m9mJCoHrG0rwcTkkJYCevq/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 99px; height: 99px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMenMJ7dHwbT-xDSW2HtlXjJmXm0Lz3Leb23LShx51s7Fyvwzcs6tVQ4Q590-ITnfHYbR8iXzUHULWO71M3EmIqRtjifXP-Gp6omR-v65OXkJeZ3m9mJCoHrG0rwcTkkJYCevq/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451209389735173826" /></a><br /><br /><br />I’ll never understand why this song from Ross Clark makes me cry – but it has ever since the first time his friend from High School played it for me. In fact, “Nobody Better” was the first song I ever heard from this very talented singer-songwriter, and gifted musician. From his self-made CD entitled Delayed Dreams, this and so many other songs are from a musical soul that is of a rare breed. Sensitive, yet edgy, uniquely voiced (he’s a tenor – a rarity in Rock/Bluegrass) and for so many reasons you should pay attention to him. If I were a music producer I would have signed him the moment I finished listening to this beautiful, sweet tune of love. Or the first time I heard “Feeding Dreams” – yet another delicate, melodic lilting song of love and tenderness. Oh that I were even remotely well-connected enough to make his dreams come true – Delayed or otherwise. <br /><br />Last night over 200 people attended Ross’ memorial service in Upstate New York. When I first wrote about him in my last posting right before the Holidays unbeknownst to me he had already passed away (19 Dec 2009). He fought a lifetime of health issues and bravely one day said ‘enough is enough’ – three days later he was gone. He was only 35. But this blog isn’t meant to be about his death – it’s meant to be about his life and the musical legacy he left behind. <br /><br />I never met Ross, but I’ve been a fan for several years. I had always hoped to play music with him when, or if, our paths crossed. The closest I’ve come is seeing video of him – he had a strong presence and a very sweet touch on the guitar. He could play soft, he could rock out – he seemed to have no boundaries – no fear – zero inhibition. His sweet voice that bordered on the feminine gave no hint as to the pain he felt in his body on a daily basis. Maybe that’s what made him so open? This hopeless, yet realistic romantic gave his every breath to the notes and feelings inside of him. He shared his gift with his family and friends and honestly the real tragedy is not of a life cut far too short – it’s that too many in this world have yet to discover his talents. <br /><br />Maybe it’s his voice that makes me cry – maybe it’s the undiscovered talent I can relate to – the struggle of being an artist and needing to survive. Crappy jobs just to get by and too many packets of ramen noodles. Maybe it’s that I weep for a kindred spirit. Maybe it’s songs like “Crickets (Ode To Bree)” that reach my softer/melodic side. More than likely it’s because this guy was freaking talented. Oh that I could just let it all hang out like he did….oh that I could play a Blues song and make it sound as real…or give Dan Tyminski from Union Station a run for his money. You name it – he played it. Ross had a gift. A true gift. <br /><br />“Am I strong enough, to be weak for you? Do I have enough to give all I have to you?....” Weak For You Blues. I was in the car yesterday on my way to go hiking. I have over 2000 songs on my iphone and of all the days – this song came on. I gave a nod upwards – a big smile crossed my face and then a tear came to my eye – not because I lost someone – because the world lost a talented musician. Somehow I felt that at that moment he was reaching out to me and saying ‘Hey – I’m with you…’. As long as people hear his music he will always be around. His family asked not for flowers or donations but asked that we – those who have already had the pleasure of ‘knowing’ Ross – share his music and hopefully learn from his passion. That is what this blog is about. Sharing Ross and all that he left behind. To his family I say – thank you for allowing me to know his music and for allowing me to write about him here in this forum. My condolences are with you all as well as my deep regret that I never met him. Though because of his openness in his writing – I feel as though I know him. I hope you will too! Please visit him on itunes or find him on his blog: <br />http://rossongs.blogspot.com<br /><br />Thank you for tuning in….until next time….CHEERS!! and RIP Ross…you deserve it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl0fgwrpsfSkTc3sIaR-zPZiBPiivUIZnjPYUY-1zwcn-FJmioMDjgVOsljd2oWQWx5c_vU1Kw7DL3UNfRcqAtRenY4mSWTXa2NTb2empk8OQ8H7FY6Pfl6X4t4G43W-xCWm9/s1600-h/rossman.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 187px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl0fgwrpsfSkTc3sIaR-zPZiBPiivUIZnjPYUY-1zwcn-FJmioMDjgVOsljd2oWQWx5c_vU1Kw7DL3UNfRcqAtRenY4mSWTXa2NTb2empk8OQ8H7FY6Pfl6X4t4G43W-xCWm9/s400/rossman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451206817172091714" /></a>Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-4653595003805060012009-12-21T12:56:00.000-08:002009-12-21T13:14:05.677-08:00The Measure of a man is one who lends a hand that’s what my father said….<div><object width="480" height="362"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x1q8tl&related=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x1q8tl&related=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="362" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1q8tl_vince-gill-sheryl-crow-what-you-giv_music">Vince gill & Sheryl crow - what you give away</a></b><br /><i>Uploaded by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/rawestern">rawestern</a>. - <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/us/channel/music">Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.</a></i></div><br /><br />If you’ve been a reader of this blog over the years you will know that this Vince Gill song is one of my favourites from 2007 and at this time of year it’s become my holiday post. While I don’t consider myself a country music fan every once in awhile a tune will grab my attention. This song has done more than that – it’s stayed with me since I first heard it on the CMA’s. The message of this song is clear and obvious. It’s not about what you earn it is indeed what you give away. <br /><br />A few months ago I was looking at a friend’s myspace page. In her ‘heroes’ category the first person she listed was her Mom who “raised me single and poor but I never knew it”. Something about that has stayed with me. Knowing what I know of this family it’s very clear - it’s about Love (‘Love Actually is all around us’ according to Writer/Director Richard Curtis). All this got me thinking – the song – her words – my favourite movie….what if, during this time of financial struggle for so many, we think about not just giving some cash here and there to our favourite charity or local Salvation Army, but we think about Love and how we can give it away.<br /><br />As you well know this has been a HUGE year for me – LOTS of changes. A big move. Travel. Lots of time zones. I’ve logged over 11,000 miles on the roads of the US and Europe, flown over 15,000 miles, packed up and unpacked more times than I care to remember. All of it has been worth it and none of it could have been done without the support of those I love. I wonder – did I get all this Love because I gave/give Love away?<br /><br />The other day a friend informed me that her best friends 35 year old brother decided to stop 3 years of dialysis. I don’t know him other than knowing that he’s a very talented musician but I’m touched by his decision. I wonder – aside from the obvious reasons - did he make it because he felt that he’d given and gotten enough Love? <br /><br />My father this holiday season informed me that he would be short on presents for us kids because he was sponsoring a ‘needy’ family and wanted to give them a better Christmas (and it’s not like I need anything). He barely knows them – but he wanted to help. While he was telling me this I got the sense that he wanted to do more for them. Meanwhile I feel like I got an amazing gift knowing he is giving his Love and support to these strangers.<br /><br />I wonder - do we ever feel that we’ve gotten or given enough Love? That’s a very hard question to answer. When I look back on this year I can say I gave of myself to those I love and maybe barely know – but was it enough? How do we quantify Love? I think when we give – we actually get. Sometimes it doesn’t take much. Maybe a smile to a stranger or kind words to a friend who needs to talk. Hell, sometimes all I want is for someone to be there. It’s very simple. I can only hope with all my heart that the people I know feel as though I gave enough Love. I sure as hell got it. <br /><br />So no matter how much you made this year or how little – know that even the littlest gesture can mean so much. Some measure of Love is all it takes to make someone’s day. Irrespective of how you define Love – just give it away. Open your heart and do it. As the song says “no matter what you make, all that you can take, it’s what you give away, What You Give Away…”.<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in…HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! Until next year…CHEERS!!!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-24648959031951867502009-11-19T11:11:00.000-08:002010-01-22T18:04:40.192-08:00I dont think I'm gonna go to LA anymore, Get lost on the boulevard at night, Without your voice to tell me I love you, take a right...<object width="660" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fMVQ1synlaU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fMVQ1synlaU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br />I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore<br />I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore<br />I don't know what it's like to land and not race to your door<br />But I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore<br /><br />I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore<br />I'm not sure that I really ever could<br />Hold on to a hotel key<br />in your bedroom neighborhood<br />With me sleep walking in Hollywood<br /><br />I'm gonna steer clear<br />Burn up in your atmosphere<br />I'm gonna steer clear<br />Cause I'd die if I saw you<br />I'd die if I didn't see you there<br />So I don't think I'm gonna go to LA anymore<br /><br />I dont think I'm gonna go to LA anymore<br />Get lost on the boulevard at night<br />Without your voice to tell me<br />I love you, take a right<br />The ten and the two is a lonely sight<br /><br />I'm gonna steer clear<br />Burn up in your atmosphere<br />I'm gonna steer clear<br />Cause I'd die if I saw you<br />I'd die if I didn't see you<br /><br />I'm gonna steer clear<br />Burn up in your atmosphere<br />I'm gonna steer clear<br />Cause I'd die if I saw you<br />I'd die if I didn't see you there, see you there<br /><br />I think I'm gonna stay gonna stay, gonna stay in the grey, think i'm gonna stay<br />All the street lights say nevermind nevermind<br />All the canyon lines say nevermind<br />Sunset says we see this all the time, nevermind never you mind<br /><br />Post Bridge:<br />Where ever I go<br />What ever I do<br />I wonder where I am in my relationship to you<br /><br />Where ever you go<br />Where ever you are<br />I watch your life play out in pictures from afar<br /><br />Where ever I go<br />what ever I do<br />I wonder where I am in my relationship to you<br /><br />Where ever you go<br />Where ever you are<br />i watch your life play out in pictures from afar<br />[ John Mayer Lyrics are found on www.dapslyrics.com ] <br /><br /><br />Thanks for tuning in....Until next time....Happy Turkey Day and CHEERS!!!!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-63452074593290586352009-10-25T14:04:00.000-07:002010-01-22T17:59:29.481-08:00If everything we are is true, Our memories are attics in those houses on the hill, Our love is there above us holding everything so still....<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2KDB6a_H2CM&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2KDB6a_H2CM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />This song, “Follow The Lights”, by Ryan Adams has been on my brain a lot the last few days. To be honest, it’s one of only a few songs I want to hear right now (the other being Shawn Colvin’s version of “This Must Be The Place” – another song about home….). When I first started listening to it (I discovered it whilst watching the TV show “October Road”) I was living in Los Angeles – it was just before the holidays in 2007 and I was feeling homesick. It made perfect sense to fall in love with the tune – it said everything I was feeling at the time and the visual that went along with it was truly magical to me. While living somewhere that was warm year round the idea of snow and houses and tree lined streets hit me in the heart. It was instantaneous and I immediately went out and bought the CD – Follow The Lights.<br /><br />Now here it is nearly two years later and my life is VASTLY different than it was even five months ago. A lot has changed in my life – well frankly everything has changed. I’m living in the country with family surrounded by trees and the weather is changing for the colder. Snow is on the way and my life remains unsettled. It’s the chance you take when you jump off the bridge and finally do it. You don’t where or when you will land you just know that limbo is the place to be. <br /><br />Home is, once again, the East Coast - this is where I grew up and when asked I say without hesitation Connecticut and North Carolina. So when I got the call to go down to Winston-Salem, NC for a job interview it seemed the perfect opportunity to take a drive, see a new place and then head to the beach where I grew up (not far from where Ryan Adams grew up coincidentally). The last time I set foot in that state was a horrible horrible time. It was September 2001 – my birthday - and on that day my grandmother was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The time before that was for my mother’s funeral – so you can imagine my trepidation at the thought of heading back there to face all that sadness. For eight years I had put off going – understandable and undeniable as to why. Despite a lifetime of happy memories having to do with the beach the last two visits kept me away. Time to face up and deal.<br /><br />I hopped in my car and headed south. A friend I met on a shoot in New York City lives in Winston-Salem so it was perfect. She had a little bit of time and futon for me to crash on. While we’d made a strong connection the day we met I was a little nervous about spending time with someone I didn’t really know and clearly with much going on in my head I was even a little more scared than usual. My friend is a student so she lives with her mother. In addition to hanging with her I was also meeting an important family member. Lots to face – I was feeling overwhelmed with emotion and yet excited to be setting foot again in my other beloved state. I had no idea what to expect from my head or from them. <br /><br />From the moment I walked up to the house and got a hug from my friend I felt at home. I was truly taken aback. This is not what I thought was going to happen. These people are strangers to me. I thought: this is not my life. After twelve years in a city that I never understood surrounded by people I could not make sense of – this is not what I’m used to. This can’t be real. But it was. <br /><br />After a quick meal - meeting her awesome mom and filling up on gyros and fries she asked me if I wanted to meet these very important friends of hers who are like family to her. After a day or two of traveling on my own I think I was ready for human contact again so….sure! Why not? Bring it on!! Lets go hang with your peeps! If you love them I’ll love them. Again – I didn’t know what to expect – everything, everyone, was new to me. So we drive out to the country, and I mean country, and meet her friends – a husband, a wife, three kids and assorted animals. Yep. Foreign to me! Now I’m surrounded by more people and a place I don’t know. Yet – you guessed it – I felt at home. And damn quickly I might add. These new people were amazing – warm – intelligent – and very welcoming. Did I mention the baby kitten they had? She and I had a moment and I realized I was ready for a new little guy to enter my life – Cali changed my mind that sweet thing!! <br /><br />Looking back on my trip as I’ve been doing these last few days it’s no wonder this song has been heavily on my brain. My first twenty –four hours back in North Carolina far exceeded anything I had imagined. I wasn’t sure I’d ever feel right about that place again. Don’t get me wrong – it was hard approaching the bridge to the island that first time after so many years and so much sadness – and as I did I put on my mother’s favourite song that we played every time we went down there – but admittedly having my night in Winston-Salem surrounded by these four incredible people gave me a lot of courage to face a very difficult situation. Feeling at home – feeling welcomed – feeling cared for – made a huge difference in how I felt about facing my demons. These ‘strangers’ gave more than they will ever know and were a huge part in making North Carolina a happy place again. For that I will always feel blessed and feel lucky. One day on a music video, one person and her people - changed my life for the better. <br /><br />After twelve years in Los Angeles one of the things I carry with me is a not-so – healthy dose of doubt that goes along with all new people in my life. I heard a lot of nice things, promises and happy ideas over the years that led to well – nothing. I’m not proud that I feel so distrusting of kind words and actions as I do right now – but I do know that I will eventually get over that and find a healthier balance. But for now I can’t help but feel a little damaged and so when I say I don’t know that I’ll ever see these people again or even hear from them it comes from that place. I don’t know that they even know this blog exists so there’s no way for them to truly know how appreciative I am for those twenty-four hours. But I am forever changed for the better and am so grateful for all they brought to my world that day and night. They gave me a home where I least expected and shone new light on an old one. I do hope I see them again because if I do – no doubt it will feel like……home.<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in…Until next time….CHEERS!!!!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-20404190151255127912009-10-07T11:36:00.000-07:002009-10-07T13:03:50.672-07:00I want to know about you I want to live around you But it's easy to worry here Oh I hope I don't disappear...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZGPmDpJ0TqbWH5M0wDdZCyPYcO2RdJmyQ219nmj5ynYg1mtkn7SE45uErSVrdSL4SgOg8rGT98GqhhQxt7er3vMeaPAetUm37is-oLmEnK1z9KDy-xTvnM_lONIcBWkDeih6/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZGPmDpJ0TqbWH5M0wDdZCyPYcO2RdJmyQ219nmj5ynYg1mtkn7SE45uErSVrdSL4SgOg8rGT98GqhhQxt7er3vMeaPAetUm37is-oLmEnK1z9KDy-xTvnM_lONIcBWkDeih6/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389929179799773650" /></a><br /><br />To say I'm mildly obsessed with Pete Yorn's release Back & Fourth is an understatement. I can't stop listening to it - seriously - it's like 5 times a day - on my run - when I put my computer on to stroll the internet - when I work - the only safe place is my car - so far. There is something about this CD that is really getting to me. Every song has a great melody and every song has lines in it I can relate to. That's a rare thing for me. I'm not the sort to buy a song here and there from an artist I like - I buy the whole thing and hope to enjoy the whole thing - which usually I do - but this CD has taken that to a whole other level. <br /><br />I can't find anything about it I don't like. Seriously. I will say that he sure seems like a tough guy to be in a relationship with - not sure I'd want to go there despite how cute and sexy he is - if his songs are any indication of who is in a relationship well then I'll pass. Not like I have the opportunity anyway - but you know what I mean. I'm sure there are people who feel that way about my music - hell - there are people who feel that way about me to say nothing of the songs I write. But I digress and this is a blog about other people's music not my own. <br /><br />His songs on this CD are absolutely some of the best he's written. I have everything of his except the stuff he did with Scarlett Johansson - so I think it's safe to say he's really tapped in well to some emotionally heavy topics here - not just love. There's a song about an old flame who has died - "Social Development Dance" - a song about leaving someone "Shotgun" and "Rooftop" my favourite from this one - about well - ok - I take it back - basically this CD is about love and breaking up in it's various forms - but it's not a Debbie Downer compilation it's merely a conglomeration of the varying stages of break up we all go through; denial, love, "come back to me", "you drug addict, you" etc etc. Clearly he had a rough time of it whilst writing this one - and that's cool - his melodies bely the pain he's expressing in his lyrics so you have to really listen (and read his lyrics) to totally get that - but that's what makes this CD so well done. If you don't pay attention you can just hum your way into happy denial. It's like Suzanne Vega's "Luka" and that 10,000 Maniacs song "What's The Matter Here?" - both have very catchy melodies but are about a very serious topic. <br /><br />Here are some of my favourite lines:<br /><br />"Comin over the rooftop Would you save me? Cos I'm not okay And seasons change for everyone I've seen it all <br />And if the rain comes down Let the rain come down..." Rooftop<br /><br />"And when we kissed it was electric A chemist made us for each other But I was far from being your only one My roommate said he'd seen you before...There's something missing in us We try to make it whole Though it never feels like it, I know you have it all..." Social Development Dance<br /><br />"I know men aren't supposed to act this way, but things they got too real; I couldn't stay....Turn the lights down low and close the door, and try to feel the way I felt before. Hell, cry in the middle of the day, It better make me feel a better way, if it could take my pain away..." Don't Wanna Cry <br /><br />"I needed some time To figure out my shit Still walking Through the mines Explosions never far I want to know about you<br />I want to live around you But it's easy to worry here Oh I hope I don't disappear..." Shotgun<br /><br />So yeah - you get it......check this one out!!!! www.peteyorn.com or find him on itunes!!!!<br /><br />WOW....so what can I say? Some of you may have noticed that I've been AWOL these last few months. There's an excellent reason for that. You see, I left Los Angeles - hence all the changes to this blog (new place, new beginning) - and have moved to Connecticut for the time being. I'm currently staying with my sister and my niece, who at 6 can't really say my name (or won't, lol), thusly calling me "LA LA" which explains why the name of this blog didn't change much. This all happened for various reasons and quite suddenly (no I wasn't running from the law or some po'd producer) but it happened and once the decision was made (that had been discussed for several years) why not just DO IT!! So we did it - sold nearly everything that wouldn't fit in a cabrio and a Cherokee and mailed some things....gassed up and left LA on 27 May. Everything happened with one month's notice so as not to pay more rent to my useless landlord than necessary and we didn't tell too many people. Why? Well - the few people that gave a sh** knew and the rest we figured would figure it out. The reason I didn't come out and say I was leaving on this blog (I hinted at it in the last posing) was because we were surprising someone and keeping the secret off of here and facebook was more fun than any 2 people moving across country should have. <br /><br />Yep. FUN. Well, no, not really. It sucked eggs. My AC was out, it was 100 degrees some days and by golly it's a brutal trip even under the easiest of circumstances. Never mind that I had four chairs strapped to my roof, and the back was loaded up to the ceiling inhibiting my awesome speakers from shining. Oh well. What can you do? Sometimes you gotta get off the pot. Sometimes being near family and those we love is more important than a silly, overcrowded, flakey city. No - I'm not bitter - I'm very glad for my time there. I learned a lot, I met a ton of interesting people and made some friends who will be around until the end of time - and I wrote some good songs about the place. In fact there is much about LA that I miss but there is so much here in New England I'm getting to know again. I never fit in in LA - it was never my scene - but I fit in here. I belong. I revel in seasons and rainy weather. I love snow. I love lobster. I love New England and am so glad I grew up here. I'm even more glad to be back even though I have no idea where I will end up settling down (that will depend on a job) and no clue as to when that will happen, for now I'm with my family - for better or worse - I'm here and, as my song, "Now", goes...."I still don't have the answers, I still don't know our chances, all I know is I'm alive...." <br /><br />Thanks for tuning in...until next time.....CHEERS!!!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-91088992685685897702009-05-27T21:59:00.000-07:002009-05-27T22:18:31.949-07:00We lost our way, in California down in LA they never warn ya....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBUk4o_lPXk1bOpkdcjxFLNBcU9icBwlZSFuqmsIedXF4-fkikHewZhe0RBv2reTCvCAjLyf0G1oMNaMyoRyTh3okDN-AGq8W4lTAZQw6h1oCRHdqpovqwrLYrVciDtykOJoW/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBUk4o_lPXk1bOpkdcjxFLNBcU9icBwlZSFuqmsIedXF4-fkikHewZhe0RBv2reTCvCAjLyf0G1oMNaMyoRyTh3okDN-AGq8W4lTAZQw6h1oCRHdqpovqwrLYrVciDtykOJoW/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340736321092478706" /></a><br />We Started Walkin' <br />and then we learned to run <br />I still don't know what <br />We're Runnin' From <br />You said you loved me <br />but you couldn't stay <br /><br />Oh We lost our way <br />in California <br />down in LA <br />They Never warn ya <br /><br />it just all goes wrong, <br />it all turned bad <br />you said that love <br />was a funny thing <br />and you'd move faster <br />without a ring <br /><br />Oh we lost our way <br />In California <br />down in LA <br />Nobody warns ya <br />it just all goes wrong, <br />it all turns bad <br /><br />we searched for something <br />we could not find <br />and somehow somewhere <br />love got left behind <br /><br />yeah we lost our way <br />in California <br />down in La <br />they barely warn ya <br />it all goes wrong <br />oh it all turns bad <br /><br />I don't look back <br />cause it hurts too much <br />to see everything that <br />we just gave up <br /><br />oh we lost our way <br />in California <br />down in LA <br />nobody warns ya <br />Oh We Lost Our Way <br />In California <br /><br />and it all went wrong <br />it all turned bad <br />it all went wrong <br />it all turned bad<br /><br />(metrolyrics.com)<br /><br />WOW....I can not say enough about Chris Isaak's CD, Mr. Lucky.....so I won't. Suffice it to say I am deeply in love with his latest and long over due release. Check it out. www.chrisisaak.com<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in...Until next time...Cheers!!!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-36921547395793835062009-05-17T15:09:00.000-07:002009-05-18T11:55:26.534-07:00I've been haunted by this old ghost before, I want to hear your voice you know it's been so long.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyAKcJ0ot9bsLAQvGH-yXdRhltgcM1tkHKYEahOrHSwViOcmDJ05lLNsv2xAYRPFCrxPYFMNbePoYO9mn0FBtTYzS57T08r5cQUfCIgQjmkasY5e73hsSCrT9ABec7-JPsGEn/s1600-h/lrg_d13c0b5610f45f0ce91885bdfa58712b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyAKcJ0ot9bsLAQvGH-yXdRhltgcM1tkHKYEahOrHSwViOcmDJ05lLNsv2xAYRPFCrxPYFMNbePoYO9mn0FBtTYzS57T08r5cQUfCIgQjmkasY5e73hsSCrT9ABec7-JPsGEn/s400/lrg_d13c0b5610f45f0ce91885bdfa58712b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337238499140933490" /></a><br />I've been haunted by this old ghost before<br />I want to hear your voice you know it's been so long<br />Like a dancing wave you balance on the shore<br />It would feel so good to see your face again<br /><br />I still sleep with the lights on<br />I still stay up late alone<br />I still love another one<br />I still sleep with the lights on<br /><br />We both understand we've got no way back<br />Our love was strange in a strange land<br />We got broken wings we were bound to fall<br />Until the sun comes up you can hold my hand<br /><br />I still sleep with the lights on<br />I still stay up late alone<br />I still love another one<br />I still sleep with the lights on<br /><br />Take it easy, take it slow<br />Let's just watch the tides they grow<br />The wind is coming from the side<br />We are sleeping in the light<br /><br />Feel like waking up in your house some day<br />Or eating of your hand like a bird astray<br />But nothing's gonna change, we'll still be the same<br />We've said what's to say, nothing's buried nowhere<br /><br />I still sleep with the lights on<br />I still stay up late alone<br />I still love another one<br />I still sleep with the lights on <br />[ Sleeping With The Lights On Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ] <br /><br />It was Easter weekend and we were driving down the 101 on our way back from a camping trip in Bug Sur. Just outside of Buellton, CA – the pea soup capitol of the world (it’s worth the stop) – Teitur’s song “Sleeping With The Lights On” (from Poetry & Airplanes, 2003) came on a mixed CD. I had never heard the song before that I could remember. Something about it struck me and I couldn’t help but break our ‘only rewind 3 times rule’. For about 20 minutes or so it was the only noise I wanted to hear. I wanted to understand every word, every nuance and I wanted to be inside this guys haunting voice. <br /><br />Rarely has a song struck me this way – inspired me even – it was truly a very cool moment. I think some if it has to do with the fact that I feel a little numb (no, not a shameful plug for my last CD though I wouldn’t mind if you had a listen on itunes…so maybe it has become a shameful plug, lol) living here in Los Angeles. After nearly twelve years on the same block it would seem that inspiration – in my listening to music, my writing of it, or even my enjoyment of this city - has severely waned. Perhaps that is why I haven’t updated this blog since before Christmas. I was working a job that sucked over 50 hours a week out of me and left my soul an empty jar. It seems no matter how much you love a job or learn from your experiences there in the end the stress can really sap so much out of you that you are left numb and uninspired. That has been me the last few months and I’m grateful to this song for reawakening a spark inside of me – planting a seed, if you will and opening my ears again. <br /><br />Anyway….enough said. Have a listen for yourself! Unfortunately the 'embed' ability on the official video youtube link has been disabled - so try this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCigJ1G3TPw or listen to a live version below....<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in and until next time (yes – there will be one)….CHEERS!!<br /><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Oz99OpTo9mI&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Oz99OpTo9mI&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-78097859818161759792008-12-07T12:19:00.000-08:002008-12-07T12:23:44.125-08:00What you give away.....Happy Holidays all...and remember - it's not what you keep or what you earn that makes us who we are.....it's what you give away....here's one of my favourite songs from the last few years....Enjoy!!!<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in and and until next time...CHEERS!!!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ocbdxkQ-Mm8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ocbdxkQ-Mm8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-80575835077164323272008-11-30T10:56:00.000-08:002008-11-30T12:26:56.202-08:00Suns are in the sky now, Suns are in my veins, Throw me in the fire now Love is what remains.....Some of you may have noticed that I have been MIA these last few weeks - there are several reasons for this - one is that I am working now and thusly have less time on my hands and because there is less time - time moves more quickly which means I didn't even realize until I opened this page that it had been a month since my last posting. In light of less time and the Holidays already upon us I thought I would put together a list of things that over the past year have made me enjoy life more. Some of these things, or people, have been around awhile, but have only this year made me happy or otherwise enhanced my life or they are new things that were released this year. In any case, in no particular order (but starting with Joan Osborne because of today's quote) here it goes:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr3VKLEXwW__gKzxcyxgP6t4LjqwqYGXYcme7T9YwLBxhEDv3k_amKXP82Roo-j4WZCnUSNB6Qqa6ApwnQeQFS_4kKiUyW6RJ-6XMhWcO9XJZN2nYBzlewrMAibOry8bQhuDQ/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr3VKLEXwW__gKzxcyxgP6t4LjqwqYGXYcme7T9YwLBxhEDv3k_amKXP82Roo-j4WZCnUSNB6Qqa6ApwnQeQFS_4kKiUyW6RJ-6XMhWcO9XJZN2nYBzlewrMAibOry8bQhuDQ/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274529123608262306" /></a>Joan Osborne's "Little Wild Things" - because she can do no wrong and this CD is worth every last moment spent listening to it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrkq5ocxzMMmMZGnFd2AF5zp-hiiNZiIMC8e7i_2-_w-RCMtXonQN_IKrU7w4l_LB1874zf_8ipH0TLzEKjq8SvdoM0mUCrlJjN1_an4F7Sto0EYT2YzDTDB-XVraaIJYbXhu/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 116px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrkq5ocxzMMmMZGnFd2AF5zp-hiiNZiIMC8e7i_2-_w-RCMtXonQN_IKrU7w4l_LB1874zf_8ipH0TLzEKjq8SvdoM0mUCrlJjN1_an4F7Sto0EYT2YzDTDB-XVraaIJYbXhu/s400/images-1.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274531854045895074" /></a> Joe Jackson's Rain - his latest - and one of his greatest - as a very long time fan he not only is one of the best live acts I've ever seen but he's one of our greatest song writers ever.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWzc4CfxMvriDpAAZjGlmk79kAPxuZ_bA60aZpF4EtF9CDelxpQvN_hno3BjdPg4bGb7PwhA-0IvzGjhQf5qpiQoWz1N4cRs7TR6s5dESOGgF1gmyoMUJStVzbEtnyiIUU-iY/s1600-h/images-2.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 74px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWzc4CfxMvriDpAAZjGlmk79kAPxuZ_bA60aZpF4EtF9CDelxpQvN_hno3BjdPg4bGb7PwhA-0IvzGjhQf5qpiQoWz1N4cRs7TR6s5dESOGgF1gmyoMUJStVzbEtnyiIUU-iY/s400/images-2.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274532820181219186" /></a> Kim Dickens - one of the most underrated and talented actresses of our time. Yes, kids, some former models CAN indeed act and until you've seen her in Allison Anders "Things Behind The Sun" your life is incomplete.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuon0K8KGpmAU2OsDBWf1R0iVw_oeQNo3TnWR3daSy0YVE46NCPVOFcyNcEQSwSGREweaqFUVerfsTlBWI0ytPlPWX9LOs1X13bYnPFfb873i0gf2bgLV0OgcpXfHKds6OBEz/s1600-h/base_image.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 90px; height: 90px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuon0K8KGpmAU2OsDBWf1R0iVw_oeQNo3TnWR3daSy0YVE46NCPVOFcyNcEQSwSGREweaqFUVerfsTlBWI0ytPlPWX9LOs1X13bYnPFfb873i0gf2bgLV0OgcpXfHKds6OBEz/s400/base_image.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274534230353072738" /></a> The next time you are sitting on your porch or patio on a chilly winter's night sipping some holiday wine - pop in Over The Rhine's Drunkards Prayer - it will warm your soul and stimulate your brain - you won't be sorry.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmTHBe3tKlnKm2xKL5TiI7kCbtFYBxyJRaD9FNbVjMZS9mFi6JnLSFS2XWNo2uOmYuOawjZypy2rSEw7CvphWAHT94Kn4BnCYRiWnsxwscMsbBBFb4CLiUfbRZSUHgMPv3yDq/s1600-h/images-3.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmTHBe3tKlnKm2xKL5TiI7kCbtFYBxyJRaD9FNbVjMZS9mFi6JnLSFS2XWNo2uOmYuOawjZypy2rSEw7CvphWAHT94Kn4BnCYRiWnsxwscMsbBBFb4CLiUfbRZSUHgMPv3yDq/s400/images-3.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274535557921228818" /></a> Ryan Adams' Follow The Lights - one of my favourites from last year is still hitting the mark and like fine wine gets better with age. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUW4l9b24gfpNTUCJTcdRHdgHi8KCGyV1eZ7kjP0oplN0iw7OxK0DDRsQaGjjfuXwjNs76orSM8nuZ760JmGT1qyIUlw_rEvOCymkSt_yu0ZhGXV6fcn47mflOvV6FZfYqGBv/s1600-h/images-4.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 99px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUW4l9b24gfpNTUCJTcdRHdgHi8KCGyV1eZ7kjP0oplN0iw7OxK0DDRsQaGjjfuXwjNs76orSM8nuZ760JmGT1qyIUlw_rEvOCymkSt_yu0ZhGXV6fcn47mflOvV6FZfYqGBv/s400/images-4.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274536105373246194" /></a> In The Wild - triple threat - GREAT movie from a <br />GREAT book that begat a GREAT soundtrack. Need I say more?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwJG-twkSfMUsvnbGzEKyj6VhTdsJjNoKg_GiTWpWs8Yjb5JH7rkgQQoEg7ZKUn3Iec8s6_ZcHkk7vxixIGhYJrR7jGLPljs10L-s1qfGM8XRORGgwP2FOuxohXdUHabAhvqU/s1600-h/images-5.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 137px; height: 103px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwJG-twkSfMUsvnbGzEKyj6VhTdsJjNoKg_GiTWpWs8Yjb5JH7rkgQQoEg7ZKUn3Iec8s6_ZcHkk7vxixIGhYJrR7jGLPljs10L-s1qfGM8XRORGgwP2FOuxohXdUHabAhvqU/s400/images-5.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274536730961279026" /></a> Awesome deal - awesome choices - affordable and amidst the bills in the mail good news arrives with every red envelope.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_hQKxiVJChLV3rjUehB9bGSQMmAhK-1Vrm9FwL0zCt2ge4XfuH_OEWnza6GQLeejTQLnlFNJp_rQS5P5_teV2SrDW9X9ke-EbvY-Mtwgi2ThhrmY4U511pVOxDB2BuWGDPz6/s1600-h/images-6.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 56px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_hQKxiVJChLV3rjUehB9bGSQMmAhK-1Vrm9FwL0zCt2ge4XfuH_OEWnza6GQLeejTQLnlFNJp_rQS5P5_teV2SrDW9X9ke-EbvY-Mtwgi2ThhrmY4U511pVOxDB2BuWGDPz6/s400/images-6.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274537426928017298" /></a> I know - kind of cheesy - but it's nice to be in touch with long lost friends. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaO35UUjytf8jkPbgP-TkEvR9QsMHbw3YGoyj51Ae_hUOawDWhW7HLmoopdSbxw6yLG7fN7E-VoF83xlSwg7kl7esyVuvIybZdAYwl4yNEQ21O5khj_LzcEtQESEcW5mK65QcI/s1600-h/images-7.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 101px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaO35UUjytf8jkPbgP-TkEvR9QsMHbw3YGoyj51Ae_hUOawDWhW7HLmoopdSbxw6yLG7fN7E-VoF83xlSwg7kl7esyVuvIybZdAYwl4yNEQ21O5khj_LzcEtQESEcW5mK65QcI/s400/images-7.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274538424015380322" /></a> Love Actually - one of my all time favourite movies it is a must see for me every year around this time. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tGhh0eBCkoqTo99wJD7rkc99xClZf2grq3GOXx-ofelASz5ExRuYx61bZRUN9Iyc0bE_g3i2f90Sx-ur3u7gFOoP1qPayFvHUB3qPH_Znz7HrqcZcKhbj0BWcCH2KTIeGVtW/s1600-h/images-8.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tGhh0eBCkoqTo99wJD7rkc99xClZf2grq3GOXx-ofelASz5ExRuYx61bZRUN9Iyc0bE_g3i2f90Sx-ur3u7gFOoP1qPayFvHUB3qPH_Znz7HrqcZcKhbj0BWcCH2KTIeGVtW/s400/images-8.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274538788282853730" /></a> See? Cameron Diaz is more talented than you think...and The Holiday proves it. Everyone in it is amazing and the story is very sweet. Worth watching. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFngofoDjN3s-XNWXjIHAKwLYrqglQub3D4s483zBWmVChiIKnlO52-bTdGATDmAWLNph83Lt77yHXwWcSaInSJqEWMuu_BZxzyWGbOLf7j9ZlFjO0-3RRAxIhWGHcbB81u6i7/s1600-h/images-9.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 85px; height: 31px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFngofoDjN3s-XNWXjIHAKwLYrqglQub3D4s483zBWmVChiIKnlO52-bTdGATDmAWLNph83Lt77yHXwWcSaInSJqEWMuu_BZxzyWGbOLf7j9ZlFjO0-3RRAxIhWGHcbB81u6i7/s400/images-9.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274539706350107426" /></a> My 1993 000C16L gets better sounding every year....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXC6gn2ahTy_9XCKEfDzFcycYUwVwyYWkL5iGWx4bkle9wVAJMKilxuUeBGTwzPRy8CnYVCQBBRurEpfWYtc69NFRwvzFuyGxhTVKPAK6LNLKTey0kkxzHmc1rQ47e7CKQH8j/s1600-h/913767828_m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 64px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXC6gn2ahTy_9XCKEfDzFcycYUwVwyYWkL5iGWx4bkle9wVAJMKilxuUeBGTwzPRy8CnYVCQBBRurEpfWYtc69NFRwvzFuyGxhTVKPAK6LNLKTey0kkxzHmc1rQ47e7CKQH8j/s400/913767828_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274540336785130578" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHU4c2nhB7kcEnzDLLz0KTwg0DBp2RdkIV4DqbfLgZd9hPMr8fikfH4OiBVdyjdZIBsfDMSijC14Ng7C_yrgpmyokuF4Z0S-830RcZ_CO3l_6MbsiioRTrtkdMNGejF41w68y/s1600-h/tent.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHU4c2nhB7kcEnzDLLz0KTwg0DBp2RdkIV4DqbfLgZd9hPMr8fikfH4OiBVdyjdZIBsfDMSijC14Ng7C_yrgpmyokuF4Z0S-830RcZ_CO3l_6MbsiioRTrtkdMNGejF41w68y/s400/tent.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274542884180551634" /></a> My new North Face tent and the greatest campsite ever - 12,000 feet up a mountain in Colorado next to a river off of Route 550. It really doesn't get much better than that.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAgoMUNX8PsUQ1LG95dRLgdM0Z1xDz1ahTmfgrYJXQLLodSkZTyl1wRkG_0oNV6iTohmaHwWa01hFwI-rQgYMzS66uciiIwVGDS7Bu_9-R_raNL9B-GrTJmefQM71wtcmIczX/s1600-h/DSC00087.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAgoMUNX8PsUQ1LG95dRLgdM0Z1xDz1ahTmfgrYJXQLLodSkZTyl1wRkG_0oNV6iTohmaHwWa01hFwI-rQgYMzS66uciiIwVGDS7Bu_9-R_raNL9B-GrTJmefQM71wtcmIczX/s400/DSC00087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274545145580332754" /></a> <br />My niece, Cate, because while I would like to see her more often - still - hearing someone say "I miss you" never gets old.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSoR8HdMXjgosfzdMTvGgvUMWmsjFFUkTSt7jTcyG1bTPiXoCjrMHHTXWxCPd3JcWSLt7B575T_Tal6m8b7bORjJpO8NfYvy1_1Ky6KpAjWmv9TDEJxuE76HlLK4kbNbYYbb2/s1600-h/DSC00138.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSoR8HdMXjgosfzdMTvGgvUMWmsjFFUkTSt7jTcyG1bTPiXoCjrMHHTXWxCPd3JcWSLt7B575T_Tal6m8b7bORjJpO8NfYvy1_1Ky6KpAjWmv9TDEJxuE76HlLK4kbNbYYbb2/s400/DSC00138.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274546687035265362" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Even though I lost my little guy, Phineas, this year - I am grateful for the nearly 13 years we had together....and yes...Love is what remains. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So there it is - some of the people and things that have inspired me this year....I hope you enjoyed my list and while there are so many more pieces that could have been included I think this is a fair representation. Feel free to check out earlier posts for other CD's, people and movies that have made this a very good year.<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in....Until next time...CHEERS! and Happy Holidays!!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-4507737053507712272008-10-26T14:59:00.000-07:002008-10-26T15:11:10.313-07:00Any minute now my ship is coming in…I’m ‘Waiting For My Real Life To Begin’….<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sy81OvsX0LwN6nREifb5dS6NDSU3LyPhUxEu_ala6XXsVGtlK2_adDRtGSU9b0uRnhOZWdYDVkvPznBFj5vV0G4-5C4MKUs6n2pu9_tjzkSgEkR_alepNwCpIzAre7c18V4G/s1600-h/f96423lkaoe.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sy81OvsX0LwN6nREifb5dS6NDSU3LyPhUxEu_ala6XXsVGtlK2_adDRtGSU9b0uRnhOZWdYDVkvPznBFj5vV0G4-5C4MKUs6n2pu9_tjzkSgEkR_alepNwCpIzAre7c18V4G/s400/f96423lkaoe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261588185895120178" /></a><br />If the only thing you know about Colin Hay is that ‘he’s that singer from that 80’s band Men At Work’ (if you even know that)…than you are missing out on not only a great songwriter, but a great performer and singer. Originally from Scotland circa 1953 he moved to Australia in ’67 and formed what would be Men At Work in 1978 hitting the charts in ’82 and disbanding ’85. Shortly thereafter in ‘87 he released his first solo album entitled Looking For Jack. There have been nine releases since including Man At Work (2003) a fabulous collection of M.A.W. songs redone and a few new songs where you can find today’s title quote. His most recent release is Are You Looking At Me? from last year. <br /><br />I have to admit that although I am a fan of Men At Work I didn’t start paying attention to Hay’s solo work until 2002 when I heard “Beautiful World” on the Scrubs soundtrack (also on his release Company Of Strangers). That song got my brain thinking and looking for his stuff (amazing what a well put together soundtrack can do). Around that same time I saw him play at Largo here in Los Angeles where he was promoting his then upcoming release Man At Work. The show was one of the best I’ve ever seen - just him, his guitar and his wife, Cecilia Noel. That show opened up a whole other world for me where his music is concerned and it’s where I first heard “Waiting For My Real Life To Begin” (even more powerful live) and “I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You” from Transcendental Highway (also found on the Garden State soundtrack where is also listed as a Producer). Clearly there is so much of his music I have yet to discover but I look forward to it because this guy has seen the world and he is still clearly not stopping any time soon. Check him out at www.colinhay.com and www.myspace.com/colinhay <br /><br />Here he is performing “Waiting For My Real Life To Begin” with Cecilia Noel (typed lyrics follow)…..<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_HZjC_7CeW4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_HZjC_7CeW4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /> <br />“Waiting For My Real Life To Begin”<br /><br />Any minute now my ship is coming in <br />I'll keep checking the horizon <br />And I'll stand on the bow <br />And feel the waves come crashing <br />Come crashing down, down, down on me <br /><br />And you said,"Be still, my love <br />Open up your heart <br />Let the light shine in" <br />Don't you understand? <br />I already have a plan <br />I'm waiting for my real life to begin <br /><br />When I awoke today suddenly nothing happened <br />But in my dreams I slew the dragon <br />And down this beaten path <br />And up this cobbled lane <br />I'm walking in my own footsteps once again <br /><br />And you say,"Just be here now <br />Forget about the past <br />Your mask is wearing thin" <br />Let me throw one more dice <br />I know that I can win <br />I'm waiting for my real life to begin <br /><br />Any minute now my ship is coming in <br />I'll keep checking the horizon <br />And I'll check my machine <br />There's sure to be that call <br />It's gonna happen soon, soon, oh so very soon <br />It's just that times are lean <br /><br />And you say,"Be still, my love <br />Open up your heart <br />Let the light shine in" <br />Don't you understand? <br />I already have a plan <br />I'm waiting for my real life to begin <br /><br />Hey heyeyeyeyey <br />Hey yeeeeeee <br />Hey heyeyeyeyey <br />Eeh eeh eeh eeh eh x5 <br /><br />On a clear day <br />I can see, see for a long way <br /><br />On a clear day <br />I can see, see a very long way<br /><br />(Colin Hay/Thom Mooney courtesy of www.metrolyrics.com)<br /><br />So there you have it. This is where my brain is these days. ‘Nuff said.<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in….Until next time…..CHEERS!! and don’t forget to go Rock The Vote next Tuesday the 4th…..Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-64921748210103278052008-10-13T12:35:00.001-07:002008-10-13T12:44:48.008-07:00I want you to be my love, ‘Neath the moon and the stars above, I want you to be my love…<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeYRdRP_TrsY7U8YdnRmnwVDoLnM7NwigTfPV_ktZ4D9e3HjDq0689y_JIWFYvWx2P0Kv2QtNZVE05k9NflCeTOiRTLQ0gc3wkGf89gfobjRYYrWUkiznnTGv2f8Qo4C-OxwW/s1600-h/cd13.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeYRdRP_TrsY7U8YdnRmnwVDoLnM7NwigTfPV_ktZ4D9e3HjDq0689y_JIWFYvWx2P0Kv2QtNZVE05k9NflCeTOiRTLQ0gc3wkGf89gfobjRYYrWUkiznnTGv2f8Qo4C-OxwW/s400/cd13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256724659069539522" /></a> So simple….so clear….so direct. There’s nothing complicated about today’s title lyrics. They are the words you wish you could put down on paper instead of trying to say more, or really, too much. They come from the band Over The Rhine – a Cincinnati, Ohio duo made up of married singer songwriters Linford Detweiler and Karin Berquist. She’s the voice. He’s the magician. Together they weave stories of love, angst, spirituality, and life questions and bring together a deeper meaning to the words ringing in your ears. <br /><br />The CD I’m listening to right now is Drunkard’s Prayer from 2005 – it’s the only one of theirs I know even though they have a 17 CD’s out including one they released just last year called The Trumpet Child – no doubt as good as this one but for now, I want to get lost in this one. 11 songs – one cover – “My Funny Valentine” – and the rest of them originals. The songs that caught my ears are “I Want You To Be My Love”, “Bluer” and the oh so sweet “Born” (Berquist/Detweiler): <br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yzNzFaKLbGs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yzNzFaKLbGs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />There’s something about her voice that pulls me in - she’s not your average female singer/songwriter – while her voice is smooth it has a depth that few other women out there have – she’s like Margo Timmins of Cowboy Junkies meets Barbara Kessler; I get lost in her notes and it makes me want to go running through a field of grain on a hot summer’s eve with some kind of reckless abandon I’ve long forgotten about. Some of the songs sound a little like what I would call ‘bluegrass jazz’, some are your out and out pop folk tunes a la Nanci Griffith (minus the country) with a crisp clear piano and swaying beat and others are well – just good music that I can’t pinpoint. All are catchy and have a simplicity and complexity that makes you want to just put the ipod on ‘repeat’. You really need to listen for yourself - they have a lot to say and they do it well. http://www.overtherhine.com & http://www.myspace.com/overtherhine<br /><br />Sometimes the most perfect days are the ones you don’t plan. This past Saturday was one such day. It started with Abby putting on Drunkard’s Prayer and while I’d listened to a few of the songs before (I’m not sure how she discovered them but I’m glad she did) – I’d never really ‘heard’ the whole CD until Saturday morning. Ipod on, ipod on repeat, sour apples pancakes on the griddle, maple syrup, a cool morning, long jammies and suddenly before 11a it’s already a great day. With bellies full, dark blue jeans, short sleeve shirt, my keens and Red Sox hat on and we were good to go – with a purpose in mind we set out on an urban hike through the city to hit a health food store Abby had never been to – Erewhon on Beverly – to look for gluten free pizza crust mix. Yum! <br /><br />It’s not a very far walk – 2 miles give or take each way - but the day was so beautiful it felt like you could walk forever. The air was clean, the sky pure blue (as opposed to the smog infiltrated blue we have most of the year) and the Hollywood Hills that feel so close you could touch them – it was a day long in the making as the heat from our eight month long summer slowly faded away. Perfect weather. Perfect day. After a rare (for me) soda break of Virgils Root Beer while we contemplated our Erewhon finds we hit The Grove and Farmers Market next door. We didn’t mean to go – it can be a little crazy touristy jam packed on a Saturday – but something in me figured – hey – we’re here – lets swing on by….glad we did. We ended up grabbing some lunch at Charlie’s in the Farmers Market – a place I’ve always wanted to try but wasn’t able to because I wasn’t eating meat until this summer. VERY TASTY burger and fries were had - add a Cider to the mix and you’ve got the perfect lunch. Next up – the perfect desert – Pink Berry and then ‘hike’ back home.<br /><br />‘Perfect’ is hard to define. Sometimes I don’t think we know we’re having a great day until we settle in for the evening and think about our travels. I knew it while it was happening. I knew it as we made the pizza and put on The Red Sox game (even though they lost) that days like that are hard to come by. Days when you forget your troubles, when you realize that life is good even if the circumstances aren’t always good. Sometimes it is as simple as a great walk on a clear day, as simple as great music in your ears or as comforting as a hand on our shoulder and the presence of a loved one long departed. However you define it – I hope you find it. I hope you each have that day whatever it means to you and whatever you do. Sometimes the best days are the days you don’t plan – the days when you allow yourself and those around you to just ‘be’.<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in….Until next time…CHEERS! And GO RED SOX!!!!Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-52419324169890113472008-09-29T11:26:00.000-07:002008-09-29T11:56:18.643-07:00In the shadows of tall buildings....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwRbZaUqG0dmL0ZuFLraj0Gt_5Yd8kCi73VoeFWJY7q8bS4Agc1BdRT-SizA6i5Uopni2GIz8ik09YHjnL7Ww_3h0CM4Eq-dPyMKQSr4DiqWoubNWYZKWTeSLO_Ns0pelKQnt/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwRbZaUqG0dmL0ZuFLraj0Gt_5Yd8kCi73VoeFWJY7q8bS4Agc1BdRT-SizA6i5Uopni2GIz8ik09YHjnL7Ww_3h0CM4Eq-dPyMKQSr4DiqWoubNWYZKWTeSLO_Ns0pelKQnt/s400/images-1.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251517296240866034" /></a><br /><br />Because Joan Osborne is a goddess and can do no wrong I wanted to share her cover of Jump LIttle Children's "Cathedrals" from 1999 (reviewed here in an earlier post of mine from 27 Jan '08 entitled "In the Cathedrals of New York and Rome..." <a href="http://lifeinlaland.blogspot.com/2008/01/in-cathedrals-of-new-york-and-rome.html">http://lifeinlaland.blogspot.com/2008/01/in-cathedrals-of-new-york-and-rome.html</a>). This is from her latest release "Little Wild One". I look forward to picking it up and will review it at a later date....though what I've heard of it so far I love already. I first heard her do this song at a show here in Los Angeles that my dear friend Jodi, Abby and I went to two years ago. Joan was amazing and this song brought tears to my eyes...I found out this weekend that I wasn't the only one so moved by her performance. Yeah - she's a goddess of massive proportions and clearly I'm not the only one who feels this way. Nice not to feel so alone sometimes when amidst the shadows of tall buildings.<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in...Until next time....CHEERS!! <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u5jtAf8PClY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/u5jtAf8PClY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26966707.post-54333691800308164422008-09-15T13:47:00.000-07:002008-09-15T15:16:58.511-07:00It's alright, it's alright, it's alright....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMVY7Lh6I4klHEPiMgQW4nFxkehzd8OHDL7v3ulhC6ftF-gKZSfs1eRTfXOa7V-N8TbVWH9MIKcJm2rPdGHv3iW6gl09m7Y3GIx_NxguaERaGHtPadmEsWI586S4wlHF2KZdE/s1600-h/1219643481darwilliamspromisedl.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMVY7Lh6I4klHEPiMgQW4nFxkehzd8OHDL7v3ulhC6ftF-gKZSfs1eRTfXOa7V-N8TbVWH9MIKcJm2rPdGHv3iW6gl09m7Y3GIx_NxguaERaGHtPadmEsWI586S4wlHF2KZdE/s400/1219643481darwilliamspromisedl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246356477330444002" /></a><br />I'm finding it hard to write these days but I felt it was time to at least say something. Though I'm not sure something is better than nothing I wanted to let you all know I haven't dumped this blog all together - I've just been uninspired since my best friend kitty passed away in July. I'm still deeply saddened by his loss and have been left somewhat speechless as it were. I thought perhaps that if I start to write something the words would flow so this is all stream of consciousness writing and really has no point.<br /><br />Today's title is from Dar Williams' new CD called Promised Land, she's an old neighbour of mine, a very sweet person who has done well for herself and she's certainly not lacking in talent. She's more than alright, that's for sure. I hope you check her out. http://folkmusic.about.com/od/darwilliams/a/DarWilliamsQA.htm<br /><br />Anyway....life has moved forward - the summer is at an end. I celebrated my birthday in The Sequoias last weekend and wanted to share some pictures from the trip.<br /><br />Thanks for tuning in...until next time (and there will be one)...CHEERS!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHj9VpvOKhS2mIzzQgb6othjXE-KETa9mepFHYD-SW1nGYOoR3YZ2Ll22tPRKcsy15_njExx5T66pFZA_4Zr6nwYXkwBS3nbeZ3N8KSzvMtSxjJs6TZ_2DMqCDC8oWZxd4zv4/s1600-h/DSCF0147.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHj9VpvOKhS2mIzzQgb6othjXE-KETa9mepFHYD-SW1nGYOoR3YZ2Ll22tPRKcsy15_njExx5T66pFZA_4Zr6nwYXkwBS3nbeZ3N8KSzvMtSxjJs6TZ_2DMqCDC8oWZxd4zv4/s400/DSCF0147.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246362110699084322" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSvPuW28EUcU3bzyq8u44Q1kWpcn2MXc8xF0l9QhZOsNK6LloEXzeYQT3JJRLzMIdNU59kQgL0WgcgpB1aO5z93D2k9b4oUbIyB4yIqPUM9afcNqtY-1NPJkvsJsH5zdI8oq4/s1600-h/DSCF0164.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSvPuW28EUcU3bzyq8u44Q1kWpcn2MXc8xF0l9QhZOsNK6LloEXzeYQT3JJRLzMIdNU59kQgL0WgcgpB1aO5z93D2k9b4oUbIyB4yIqPUM9afcNqtY-1NPJkvsJsH5zdI8oq4/s400/DSCF0164.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246362118087262226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB9YrxD3DGOj2Jk8xjYwQ_0jOLDRiuHrTV7mC-4C4wNQ5flIGpwEsXMqhmDxxnP4y01hSyf00eC6PT7mkT-zFuLHz_9BVLoMxdzecClK8RG9xLFG7DrVzW-M6Bq0nRTFqWoWi/s1600-h/DSCF0173.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB9YrxD3DGOj2Jk8xjYwQ_0jOLDRiuHrTV7mC-4C4wNQ5flIGpwEsXMqhmDxxnP4y01hSyf00eC6PT7mkT-zFuLHz_9BVLoMxdzecClK8RG9xLFG7DrVzW-M6Bq0nRTFqWoWi/s400/DSCF0173.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246370156683031714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2L5gxiUdB2YoGNyPRJWMDWmTCIUe8fcvr5NzX1CPFxcXHYcZz-Bg-4Hybt-4FsDYg6-ka0B7xZzHzfzCve8sqc_Cna3bPJ6Z23uCsjR9P-npyRkwKpHI2qjgsyDHiPStq1n7s/s1600-h/DSCF0289.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2L5gxiUdB2YoGNyPRJWMDWmTCIUe8fcvr5NzX1CPFxcXHYcZz-Bg-4Hybt-4FsDYg6-ka0B7xZzHzfzCve8sqc_Cna3bPJ6Z23uCsjR9P-npyRkwKpHI2qjgsyDHiPStq1n7s/s400/DSCF0289.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246363454939866770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5ohgrDlALQWzt5f_tWmRNiK-OdARF8xirK6IQGqfskY_4hgmhp3zfoBCqwxrPz1bkWZFp9Ju7Z1goHo7zNNpA1eJEge7ijH-65brqffkyCshEq9gaC0scN5av3AAF5-bsCdc/s1600-h/DSCF0286.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5ohgrDlALQWzt5f_tWmRNiK-OdARF8xirK6IQGqfskY_4hgmhp3zfoBCqwxrPz1bkWZFp9Ju7Z1goHo7zNNpA1eJEge7ijH-65brqffkyCshEq9gaC0scN5av3AAF5-bsCdc/s400/DSCF0286.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246362934633621554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgFB7qM5EyUPu8MF1Wxxbij45D3qJ5_PJQgYbsDAqyeVrWjwmkblpfPgQp4rES5X7o4ApIhsfXImYHzQBUqPnZeg2qR3R82j4Hfqj2w6uiEDayA3fvJrT6UvZpfy8xTPwYs3e/s1600-h/DSCF0204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgFB7qM5EyUPu8MF1Wxxbij45D3qJ5_PJQgYbsDAqyeVrWjwmkblpfPgQp4rES5X7o4ApIhsfXImYHzQBUqPnZeg2qR3R82j4Hfqj2w6uiEDayA3fvJrT6UvZpfy8xTPwYs3e/s400/DSCF0204.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246375184745874818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3XLrVqqrHfk2oa9Xh1VlG3U6Djywhihyphenhyphenhk38p0_mhgsITHSJhbwlvpZ-9KH2cteYR59FSYD4JQcMzcGaWrfEyDwPDF_zms23R_oIf5xvqke7PbHIpbnUssW7FRpA2aiujCCH/s1600-h/DSCF0216.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3XLrVqqrHfk2oa9Xh1VlG3U6Djywhihyphenhyphenhk38p0_mhgsITHSJhbwlvpZ-9KH2cteYR59FSYD4JQcMzcGaWrfEyDwPDF_zms23R_oIf5xvqke7PbHIpbnUssW7FRpA2aiujCCH/s400/DSCF0216.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246368740962563538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U4eucQBbxtIalBH2-wvEG45xqEMhRd93lwt5hyVKWEge8RwQoM-ECWppxwq13MFs1rpcmjjktK-N2cuDqE7MfTFzbUOBEYz-QFab-RB9MhiaaKiQVVONYqEwsSemBziCE1Kq/s1600-h/DSCF0221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U4eucQBbxtIalBH2-wvEG45xqEMhRd93lwt5hyVKWEge8RwQoM-ECWppxwq13MFs1rpcmjjktK-N2cuDqE7MfTFzbUOBEYz-QFab-RB9MhiaaKiQVVONYqEwsSemBziCE1Kq/s400/DSCF0221.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246369249590122354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoitIzN_mUf4LbKrrtPzdAiLH3fJ2-aSyGNMr-sI-pOVnyyGbWlrbsWd06PAikyfMXu3rjH-p-DbbAcDb_dk5PFZs3CCpc82KdYkSfJK14A2-106s16mDmLJfClbHvIG85X8tV/s1600-h/DSCF0182.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoitIzN_mUf4LbKrrtPzdAiLH3fJ2-aSyGNMr-sI-pOVnyyGbWlrbsWd06PAikyfMXu3rjH-p-DbbAcDb_dk5PFZs3CCpc82KdYkSfJK14A2-106s16mDmLJfClbHvIG85X8tV/s400/DSCF0182.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246372316312858770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcGuBNveT1m9OHb7umvtoxET5D3vQB8J1YNKz829-karfEpcExu0P4SKMhVDNBFQe8FDCXIj8F-2FkqHzHRxxGGTreWTpwtFm9UEF7MRNwuhzZlhXoC_XBsrAg4Z-q26kGYlx/s1600-h/DSCF0189.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcGuBNveT1m9OHb7umvtoxET5D3vQB8J1YNKz829-karfEpcExu0P4SKMhVDNBFQe8FDCXIj8F-2FkqHzHRxxGGTreWTpwtFm9UEF7MRNwuhzZlhXoC_XBsrAg4Z-q26kGYlx/s400/DSCF0189.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246372866528587106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwjGIly8dIyzvKxBzlGj_gOlRnNA1G_-oCmtlQFPetEXnXQ7eDLpmaieZd_9509dvnSRjcT2zcRt1W9wpNt_ycQJPheBIvq4sGW4afcuk6GQl8iCAtwlRMlhN6dBuvxTDRqGr/s1600-h/DSCN3466.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwjGIly8dIyzvKxBzlGj_gOlRnNA1G_-oCmtlQFPetEXnXQ7eDLpmaieZd_9509dvnSRjcT2zcRt1W9wpNt_ycQJPheBIvq4sGW4afcuk6GQl8iCAtwlRMlhN6dBuvxTDRqGr/s400/DSCN3466.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246368226769459218" /></a>Larahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09149945270528916868noreply@blogger.com1