Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Wildest Dreams (2014)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

A word about Taylor Swift: I lead Crazy Sam's research and development department and did this Sat 9 more than a month ago, before Ms. Swift was named Person of the Year. So it's just coincidence that it hits now, when she's the focus of so much attention. Example: I work at a card shop that has a gift table. There's a Golden Book devoted to Ms. Swift and it's selling briskly. One twenty-something woman I sold it to was excited because it was going to be a stocking stuffer for her dad, who is a self-proclaimed Swiftie. Another woman, a bit older, was buying it for her husband who became a convert when he accompanied her to Swift's Eras Tour movie. My favorite ballplayer, Anthony Rizzo, has changed his walk up song to "Ready for It." I love that she's receiving this acclaim long after she was an overnight sensation (her first album was 17 years ago) and admire the way she emphasizes that wealth is not greed with her charitable and civic work. She's a positive role model. Brava to Time's Person of the Year!

1) In this song, a tall, handsome man asks Taylor Swift to drive away with him to escape the crowds. Where were you headed when you most recently got behind the wheel? I don't drive, so I wasn't behind the wheel. But I took a rideshare home from the hair salon.

2) She sings about memories of a romance that just "follow you around." Is anyone special on your mind this morning? (It doesn't have to be a romantic partner.) Oh, three of my friends are bedeviling me. Henry has major medical problems. Kathy's cognitive issues are worsening and making her even more difficult. My oldest friend is making unwise decisions ... again. I love Henry and my oldest friend and I feel responsible to Kathy, so this all weighs heavily on me. But I'm trying not to let all this hamper my joy in the moment and the season.

3) The lyrics reference sunset. Now that it gets dark earlier, do you find yourself watching the sun set more often? Nope. I should, too! My living room window faces west. All I have to do is look.

4) The video for this song takes place on a movie set. Swift said it was inspired by tales of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton embarking on a love affair while co-starring in Cleopatra. Elizabeth and Richard fell in love in Rome, while this video was filmed outside of Gaborone, Botswana. In your wildest dreams, which of these exotic locales would you rather visit: Rome or Gaborone? Rome.

 

5) In homage to Elizabeth Taylor, Swift went from blonde to brunette for the video. Do you have an appointment with a stylist between now and year end? Next week.

6) Both Taylors (Swift and Elizabeth) often wore the color purple. What color dominates your wardrobe? Blue.

 

7) In the video, Taylor Swift's leading man is Scott Eastwood, son of Clint. Though not as famous as his dad, Scott works steadily and has more than 30 TV and movie credits. Can you think of another second-generation performer who followed his or her parent into show business?

Michael and Kirk Douglas

8) In 2014, when "Wildest Dreams" topped the charts, Paul McCartney had to reschedule tour dates so he could recover from a bout with the flu. How are you feeling this morning? Any coughs, sneezes, sniffles? I've just gotten over a cold.

9) Random question: How many different zip codes have you lived in throughout your life? Three.

 

 
 

 

He opened his eyes!

My friend Henry survived two surgeries on his brain and opened his eyes. It was only for a moment, and I don't know if he registered recognition. He's still intubated, so he can't speak. 

The surgeon alleviated pressure on his brain by removing two blood clots, so it's a victory that he opened his eyes.

The next few days will be important. Right now he's at increased risk for seizure and stroke.Will he be able to breathe on his own? Can he speak? What about his motor skills? 

I have to wait on his husband, Reg, for word. Reg's own issues these days complicate everything, so I much be patient. Patience doesn't come easily to me, but I'm going to have to hang in there.

Henry is still alive and he opened his eyes. For now, that's all I've got. I love him very much, so I shall cling to that.