Stress everywhere and plenty to spare..

I'd like to know what you do to reduce your stress after a hard day? Does it seem like things are getting a bit crazy or what?

Jeffrey, Jeffrey, Jeffrey

First concert of the season, yeah! Almost rained out, yeah! Free, yeah!
After one bad day this week it was a treat to go and see one of my favorite performers Jeffrey Gaines. Who you ask? Are you an XPN listener? I first saw him perform and pour his heart out in song and sweat one hot June evening at the Tweeter when Sting had transportation problems. I still remember this black man wearing red leather pants and a jacket in June. He had to be hot and he was, his music that is. If you have never heard his heartfelt and engaging songs you should give a listen. Songs like "Over and Over,"Always Be," and I know a Man" are great. His version of PG's "In your Eyes" is better than the original, in my opinion. JG is hard to define his songs from the heart are about his life, heart, aspiring to greater things, and personal freedoms. He doesn't sound like anyone I could name and I have tried. He defies generalization. I bet you can find JG performing somewhere this summer in the area as he hails from PA. Most of his performances are free to the public and he can usually be found donating his time for charitable causes like Katrina or Africa relief. If not you'll find him on XPN.
I woke up with his music running through my mind over and over, oh, that's one of his lyrics.
Love, love, love JG. Sorry couln't download a pic. Try his website: Jeffrey Gaines @Homepages.com for interviews on politics, music and more...

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

This weekend the classic movie channel ran "Mr. Smith goes to Washinton." Am I the only one who hasn't seen it? It dates to 1939 and is considered by some to be Capra's best work. Thought that Christmas tale was also named as his best, but anyway. The obvious message is one of corruption in politics. There is a secondary plot that the one man can make a difference. It is just as relavent today as it was in 1939. Do check it out if you haven't already.

Oh what a year?

On May 27, 2006 the first anniversary of writing a blog came and went without fanfare or celebration. If you don't count the months I was away. Most of my entries have been just journals on the computer. Thinking about what has transpired over the last 365 days makes my head spin. One year ago today was the Appel Farms concert with Aimee Mann, Mavis Staples and the Wainright clan. Loved the eccentricity of Lodon Wainright so much that I went to the XPN festival where he headlined. (I thank Pax Romano for introducing me to his music). That was the only time I can remember us sharing an activity with Judy Holiday and everyone having a good time. Music is nourishment for my soul and last summer was filled with more concerts than some attend in a lifetime. Diversity is my middle name when it comes to music including: Live 8, Tears for Fears, Jack Johnson, James Taylor, Bochelli and Jim Brickman are just the memorable highlights. I am gratefull for every friend who is young at heart and willing to stand among the crowds. Many were the walks at Longwood or the shore. Just looking out over the ocean is calming. It was in the heat of summer my Mom decided to sell her home of forty years and move to an apartment. One grandson and I helping her moving years of memories, hobbies and the important paperwork of a life. Packrats beware. In retrospect that is probably what started me cleaning and empting my house of many unused items. No one thinks they are the packrat in their family, do they? What can I say I come from three generations of savers. My Gran saved and recycled after the depression making feed sacks into dishtowels and old clothing into quilts. Mom came from another country and has all the memories of a lifetime. Their adage is to waste not, want not? (Thanks for reminding me Jac's). How many books and CD's have I collected?
I also reached twenty five years working in civil service. Where did the time go?
By fall it was deep into the home improvement projects which any home has, unless yours is brand new. I finally finished the yard projects and hate to admit that maybe there are a few too many garden beds. Thank God we did not put in the pond as it would be very murky after my time away.
Winter was not just gray but made longer waiting for the tests that report me to be in good health. Its been three years already. I am very lucky to be here and need to remember to enjoy every day. Sometimes it is hard not to be frightened. Simply put, Dad used to say,"everyday you wake up is a good day."
In spring I left home and ran away for a while to try to find my way. I had been thinking about making changes for a long time. Unlike some of our brave blogger friends I could not bring myself to share the minutiea or the heartache. I have said very little and no one asked any questions that I did not want to answer. Besides who has not been through something in their life that alters it forever.... Let those in glass houses...etc. etc. (I think of Yul Brenner in the King & I, as well, for Merci).
Last weekend, Memorial Day, I went to a party, perhaps the first time by myself and it was OK. I look forward to another summer, another concert and other opportunities to lunch and laugh with friends. What would my Dad say? "It's a great life if you don't weaken." Love and best wishes to all who have been supportive friends this year.