As I said on 10/09/07 ....

"You say it's your birthday. It's my birthday, too, yeah."

No, it's not my birthday. But it would be his, were he still with us. Happy birthday, John.

He was a giant, and his career cast a long shadow over music, over his generation, and over me personally. John was never one of those artists who was afraid to let his world view inform his art. He was aware that there were those out there who just wanted him to stay a "mop top" forever, to do fun music that didn't make them think. But he understood that the role of the artist always has been to challenge the status quo. I loved him for his uncompromising courage in this area.

Just because he knew how to articulate what he saw around him and set it to music doesn't mean that's all he did. Not by a long shot. Now that I've given him his props for his message music, I want to shine a spotlight on one of my favorite (and lesser known) Lennon CDs, Rock'n Roll. If this CD has a message, it's simply that early rock can fill us all with joy. I still miss the old boy, but I'm grateful I can still hear these 13 songs through my iPod headphones whenever I feel like celebrating his life.

1. Be-Bop-A-Lula
2. Stand by Me
3. Medley: Rip it up/Ready Teddy
4. You Can't Catch Me
5. Ain't That a Shame
6. Do You Want to Dance?
7. Sweet Little Sixteen
8. Slippin' and Slidin'
9. Peggy Sue
10. Medley: Bring It on Home to Me/Send Me Some Lovin'
11. Bony Maronie
12. Ya Ya
13. Just Because

October Challenge -- Day 9

Today's October Daily Prompt: Sweater Weather

I bought this Eileen Fisher sweater about a decade ago. (Mine is lilac.) It's beautifully made and timelessly styled and, alas, now way-way too small for me. Since I paid nearly $100 for it -- even on sale back in 200X -- I can't stand the idea of it going to Goodwill and selling for $5.

That's why I'm so happy I can ship it off to my niece. She looooves thrift shop/second hand shopping and so wearing a hand-me-down won't bother her. And since I love this soft and pretty sweater so much, I'm glad it will stay in the family.

Off to Michigan with you!

Sunday Stealing

Wish List Meme, part one

1.) What are 3 things on your Wish list and why?  a. A World Series appearance by my beloved Cubs, because it would make me happy  b. To get good news from my friend Barb, who owns two homes in Hilton Head, because she deserves some good news  c. To learn that the lottery ticket in my wallet is worth $8 million, because duh.

2.) Do you miss your childhood? No. I try to concentrate on the good things, but it really wasn't a great childhood.

3.) What do you do on your spare time on the weekends? This. Movies. Laundry/errands. Recharging.

4.) What do you appreciate most in your life? I've got books and cats.

5.) Would you rather be rich or healthy? Yes, please.

6.) If you could go back in time would you and why? I would love to go back in time because I fantasize that cowboys were hot. I'd love to be able to come back in case they weren't.

7.) Favorite game as a child? I liked playing on the swings. As far as board games go, I enjoyed Sorry!

8.) What is your dream career? Retiring wealthy.

9.) What do you do in your free time? Watch movies, read, fart around on the internet.

10.) Favorite clothing stores? Carson's (maybe it's Bergner's in your part of the country) or Macy's.

11.) What TV shows can't you live without? Morning Joe, NCIS, and the new This is Us


12.) 3 things you need in your life are: The Cubs, the Beatles, my cats

13.) What can't you sleep without? Nothing. I can sleep easily on buses and trains.

14.) Who do you have a celebrity crush on? Mark Harmon.

15.) What is your Favorite Season and why? Autumn. The MLB playoffs and my birthday. What's not to love?

16.) What is your Favorite Wild Animal? Okapis.

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17.) Name 3 of your Favorite Childhood shows: Batman, Bewitched, That Girl

18.) If you could live as a character in a movie who would it be? Jo March from Little Women. Then I could share an umbrella with Professor Bhaer.


19.) Favorite vegetables? Peas, corn, squash.

20.) Favorite Fruit? Peaches, bananas, strawberries.

21.) If you had a dragon what would you name it? Richard, after Richard Burton. For if I had a dragon, he would speak to me in a deep, mellifluous voice.

22.) What do you put on hotdogs? Ketchup and relish. Or barbecue sauce. (Yes, you can live in Chicago and put ketchup on your hotdog.)


23.) Do you play online games? Farmville 2

24.) Whats your favorite way to get inspired? I'm good after a shower or a nap.

25.) Do you have a middle name? Why, yes, I do.

The Cubs Are Giant Killers!

Unfortunately there's no game Sunday and we have to wait till Monday to clinch it and go on to the next round. But my, oh, my! My heroes in Cubbie blue looked terrific tonight!