Saturday 9: Feliz Navidad (1970)
1. "Feliz Navidad" is Spanish for "Merry Christmas." Can you wish us happy holidays in a language other than English or Spanish? God Jul
2. According to ASCAP (the American
Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers), this is one of the 20
most played holiday songs of the last 10 years. What's the most recent
carol that you heard? I tend to think of Vanessa Williams as an actress, which is too bad because she's got a lovely voice.
3. Which Christmas song do you hope you never hear again? "My Favorite Things" because it is NOT a Christmas song! Maria sings it to the Von Trapp children during a rainstorm, not a snowstorm! It's spring, not winter! (Exclamation points indicate how very strongly I feel about this burning issue!)
4. This week's featured artist, Jose
Feliciano, was honored to perform this song at the tree lighting
ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. If you were to win a
trip to our nation's capital, which sites would you visit? The Smithsonian would be first on my list.
5. As a very young child, Jose taught
himself to play the accordion. If you could suddenly, easily learn to
play any instrument, which would you choose? Guitar
6. Jose says that hearing early 1950s rock on the radio made him want to become a singer. What's your favorite music genre? Pop
7. At 17, Jose had to drop out of school
to help support his family. Too young to enter bars, he played guitar
in coffee houses for tips. Have you ever worked a job where you
regularly received gratuities? I got tips when I was a babysitter
8. Jose and wife Susan have been together for more than 40 years. Who is the happiest married couple you know? Hmmm ... Thursday night at dinner I was heartened to hear how my friend Kathleen's husband is supporting her during a very difficult time. He's a fascinating man, rather challenging, so their marriage hasn't always been smooth. But I think it's been happy.
9. Jose wrote and performed the theme of the 1970s show, Chico and the Man. What's your current favorite TV show? NCIS. I loves me my Gibbs.
These are the thoughts and observations of me — a woman of a certain age. (Oh, my, God, I'm 65!) I'm single. I'm successful enough (independent, self supporting). I live just outside Chicago, the best city in the world. I'm an aunt and a friend. I feel that voices like mine are rather underrepresented online or in print. So here I am. If my musings resonate with you, please visit my blog again sometime.