The ramblings of a man who loves God, family, friends, reading, music and cooking, but not necessarily in that order except of course for God and family.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New years eve 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday Musings (#17)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Obscure Musical Lyric for the week of Dec.29/08
Friday, December 26, 2008
The big reveal for the week of Dec.22/08
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tuesday Musings (#16)
Monday, December 22, 2008
Obscure Musical Lyric for the week of Dec.22/08
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Renovations are almost complete
Friday, December 19, 2008
The big reveal for the week of Dec.15, 2008
The name of the song/poem: I heard the Bells on Christmas day.
The writer of the poem: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
The writer of the music: John B. Calkin.
The world event: The U.S. Civil War.
Here is the next stanza from the song, it clearly is contrary to the previous one. Just as Christmas is contrary to the darkness and bleak appearance of difficulty.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday Musings (#15)
Normal and families is as much an oxymoron as Iron Butterfly (In-A-Gadda-Da- Vida) or Jumbo Shrimp(mmmm I love shrimp). There is no such thing as a normal family. Take my family for example, my beloved and I came from diametrically opposed backgrounds in so many ways and we've been blessed with 27 years of marriage and are still going strong. My kids are so different it's amazing that they came from the same den. I was there and I can prove that they did. They have such different personalities, the one that should act like a baby acts like a first born and the first born often acts like the last born (I didn't call him a baby).
I have been exposed to so many families over the years that my scientific (not really) research proves one thing, no one is normal and oh by the way, who decides what normal is anyway? I am not about to tread through the minefield of traditional and not so traditional families, that is not the purpose of this post. If you know me, then you know where I stand on that discussion on family.
Then there is the family that pastes the happy face on for social occasions and we all know that most of us have done that on some or more than some occasion. I can think of walking into church and seeing the phony smiles and realizing that they(or was it us) have just had a huge fight in the van (thankfully we don't have one of those anymore). They have to paste the happy smile on just to show that they are a normal family.
Or maybe it's just me. Maybe the whole world really is "normal" and we're not. If that's the case, I'll stay with abnormal. At least we're real and not phony. Normal is just a setting on your dryer anyway.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Obscure Musical Lyric for the week of Dec.15/08
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Renovations are continuing
Friday, December 12, 2008
The big reveal for the week of Dec. 8/08
I have only had a few responses this week. Once you see the answers, you will probably know what I'm talking about. You're gonna love the video for this one. I found out that the album (33 rpm vinyl) is the favourite Christmas albums of one of the regular readers, how 'bout them apples.
The movie is probably my all time Christmas favourite. I like to watch it and just enjoy the beauty of the simplicity of the story, and do they tell the story? I discovered in my research, that there are numerous mistakes in the film that they wanted to fix, but the writer and Charles Schulz would not allow them. The simple nature makes the story so real and to be honest, life is full of mistakes. There is no one who is perfect. I recently had a discussion about walking on water(not the frozen kind) and the only other person to walk a bit on water lost his perspective and went into the water. Don't lose your perspective this Christmas.
Here are your answers:
The name of the song: Christmas time is here.
The writer of the music: Vince Guaraldi.
The writer of the lyrics: Lee Mendelson.
The first group to record it (trick question): The Vince Guaraldi Trio
The famous Christmas movie: A Charlie Brown Christmas
The first person to get most of the details right was Scott G. He was followed by Steve B. after the awfully gracious hints. I love this movie so much I'm gonna add another few clips this morning. Here's the peanuts gang telling us what Christmas is really all about.
The weekend is almost upon us, may you find that the real meaning of Christmas fills your homes and hearts and that the peace that all of us are searching for is found.
May the warmth of family, friends and peace give you that special glow, not just for the next thirteen days but for the years to come.
"Christmas time is here, spirit in the air, oh that we could always see such spirit through the year"
Merry Christmas one and all
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Tuesday Musing (#14)
"sticks and stones will break your bones and words will never hurt you" is such a mistruth. I have learned that words will hurt, the tongue is the most powerful muscle in the body. No one is exempt from being a recipient of the verbal attacks that can so easily be unleashed. More importantly, none of us (the writer included) are prevented from using the tongue to inflict punishment on others by way of the power of words.
So what to do in this quandary? An old colleague used the phrase "choose my words with an eye dropper" and this is a good start, but it isn't perfect. It only takes one word to destroy a person, their character and their life. So measurement is not the answer. The answer is to control the tongue and this is achieved by surrendering my attitudes and discriminatory behaviours and placing the wants, needs and concerns of others before my own.
"ancient words, ever true, changing me and changing you, I will come with an open heart, Oh let the ancient words impart"
Happy Tuesday everyone!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Obscure musical Lyric for the week of Dec.8, 2008
Christmas is creeping closer every day. For the most part you can see it in the eyes and attitudes of the people milling around. It's so nice to see people enjoying themselves as they shop for others.
This weeks song is a classic. It's actually a jazz song that was written in 1964 or 1965. The music has been used in movies and it was re-recorded by a Canadian singer for their Christmas album last year.
Have a great week, I'll try to add some hints on Wednesday. only 17 sleeps 'til Santa comes. Make sure you are extra good for the rest of this month.
Friday, December 5, 2008
The big reveal for the week of Dec.1/08
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday Musings (#13)
I have decided to read "Christmas" related material for the month of December. I've started with "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. It has been so long since I have read it. I sat down by the fire last night with a nice cup of tea and began to read the foreword in the particular version I recently purchased. I am also planning on taking a tour through the gospels, particularly the book of Luke as well as through the old testament passages that prophesied the birth of Jesus.
The Christmas season is regularly referred to as Advent. It's called Advent for a reason, Advent comes from the Latin Adventus which means arrival or approach. So as I anticipate the arrival or approach of the Christmas season I need to prepare myself for the season.
For most, it's baking, shopping, looking at lights or whatever suits their fancy and it usually keeps us way too busy. In the midst of this crazy mixed up world that we call 2008, I have decided to take time to read both the secular and religious texts about this time.
Interestingly (that's for you Perry D.), A Christmas Carol speaks of one man's(Scrooge) journey from darkness to light or from loss to redemption during the story. Just as the story of Christmas tells the story our loss and redemption and the choices we get to make. I will take the time to read and enjoy the texts and hopefully grow and be redeemed.
Happy Tuesday everyone.
"Merry Christmas one and all"
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Obscure Musical Lyric for the week of Dec.1/08
Friday, November 28, 2008
The big reveal for the week of Nov.24, 2008
Steve B got the name of the band.
Here are your answers:
The name of the band: Lighthouse
The name of the lead singer: Bob McBride
The name of the song (and album): One fine morning
Who created the art work for the album cover: Roger Dean(who did a lot of work for the albums of Yes)
The instrument played by the writer (Howard Shore) of the LOTR music: Horn section
I was unable to embed this particular song, so check out the video bar for some versions of the song. Have an awesome weekend. Take some time to slow down before the crazy part of Christmas begins to hit. I imagine that the malls will get very busy soon. I'll be loading the Christmas music on the ipod this weekend as well as trying to get some rest.
I am planning on doing Christmas songs for the month of December and have some new things in mind for the new year. Enjoy family and friends this weekend.
All deep things are song. It seems somehow the very central essence of us, song; as if all the rest were but wrappages and hulls!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday Musings (#12)
In one month it will be Christmas day. I can't wait. Well I can wait, I just am so excited for Christmas this year. Oh yes, I say Christmas, I don't say happy holidays or even seasons greetings. I celebrate Christmas. if you celebrate Hanukkah, then have a happy Hanukkah, if you celebrate Kwanzaa, then have a happy Kwanzaa.
I am so ticked at the homogenization of everything. You can't say this cause it might offend someone, oh please, how can saying Happy or Merry Christmas offend anyone. For those of us who celebrate the birth of Jesus, it is that, a celebration of a faith. If I offend you by saying Merry Christmas, I'll say it now, I am sorry that I offend you, but (I need to put that little word in there at this time) I will continue to say Merry Christmas or Happy Christmas (to honour my Mom or Charles Dickens or Clement Moore).
OK now back to why I am excited for Christmas this year. It is the plan to have all of us (4) at home for Christmas. We will not have been together since Josh left for school and we're looking forward to being together. We'll do all the traditions that make it Christmas for us including a new one where all of us go to Casa Rugantino for a nice dinner just before Christmas. My in-laws will hopefully join us for a few days and we'll all hang out and enjoy the love that is our family. I'm really looking forward to having some time off and just enjoying my family time.
Happy Tuesday everyone and of course, Merry Christmas ;)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Obscure musical Lyric for the week of November 24, 2008
The song this week is an old song, released in 1970 and apparently re-released in 2008 on itunes. The song is the title song from the album. The band is Canadian and delivered a mixed bag of instruments, but no bag pipes. One of the former (although some of them still tour and play together) band members wrote the music for the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) movies.
I want to know the following:
The name of the band:
The name of the lead singer:
The name of the song (and album):
Who created the art work for the album cover:
The instrument played by the writer of the LOTR music:
Have a great week. In one month it will be Christmas eve. Next week I will begin my Christmas music trivia and will continue up to the week before Christmas, oh what fun it is to ride....................
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Angry Dad
Friday, November 21, 2008
The big reveal for the week of Nov.17/08
Quite a few of you got the "clues" from the original post this week. I'll measure my "words with an eyedropper" (that's for burger boy) next week. The more I listened to the music, the more I enjoyed it. I might even buy the album. The nice thing is you can listen to it from the album's website, a nice touch I say.
Here are your answers for this week:
Have an awesome weekend, find a way to stay warm, cosy up somewhere with a book, a fire and something warm or cool to sip. Don't forget to play some wonderful music that will take you away to places unknown except to you and make a pilgrimage to that special place that only you go to.
"Music has charms to soothe the savage beast, to soften rocks or bend a knotted oak"
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Sleepless in Elmira
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tuesday Musings (#11)
One of them is death. I made a glib comment last Friday night(Date Night) to my beloved about a song that was playing on the ipod as one of the songs that I want played at my funeral. I watched as tears flowed down her cheeks at my lack of sensitivity to what would be a great loss for her. We are currently watching and waiting as the brother of our closest friends (the carpenter and the bonnet babe) moves closer to eternity. It really upset my beloved that I was talking about my own eventual promotion. Death really sucks. It is usually associated with some tragic accident happening or the eventual loss of ones parents who we have been with us all our life. From a corporeal perspective, death is the end. It means goodbye, or maybe even no chance for goodbye as was the circumstance 7 1/2 months ago. It leaves us with a bad taste, tears and gut wrenching loss. It leaves us many questions, rarely answered.
Death from a Christian perspective leaves us with some joy. Paul writes in his letter to the Thessalonians, "we sorrow not like those who have no hope". That is the lot of the Christian, we have hope. And the hope referred to here is not like hoping for a particular birthday gift that may or may not come, hope here refers to the knowledge that something will happen and an assurance that it will occur.
Death sucks that's for sure, it separates us from those we love. The cause and/or reason for death also sucks, but, there is hope. The hope that we will be reunited one day in a far better place where there will be no dying, no death, no tears and no pain. If that's what kept me up last night, then I will enjoy the waking hours today because it really is a happy Tuesday, no matter what.
Happy Tuesday everyone.
Monday, November 17, 2008
obscure Musical Lyric for the week of Nov.17/08
The song I have chosen this week was one of the top one hundred (100) songs from 2007 as chosen by Rolling Stone. Yep, this is a relatively current song. It is sung by quite a contrasting pair of individuals, one of whom is considerably older than the other. I have rarely listened to one of them and have listened to the other one much more back in the day.
The hints are pretty tough this week. They are a "new duo" and have been touring and singing together for the last year. They came from significantly different musical roots, are from different places and have a large age gap.
I would like to know the following:
The name of the song:
The name of the album:
The singers:
The writer of the song:
Have an awesome week, I have a very busy week but will try to get some additional hints to you on Wednesday. Enjoy the snow, at least it looks pretty and most people who suffer from allergies, don't have to suffer right now. There's a silver lining to every snow cloud.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Community
Friday, November 14, 2008
The big reveal for the week of Nov.10/08
I had only one reply to this weeks song and that person got some of the information correct. I even stumped all of the regular guessers. I suppose that this was tough, maybe the mixing of the verses together helped, or maybe you are bored. Anyway, the trivia will continue, I'll bring it into the '90's or closer for the next few weeks and then wait 'til you see what's planned for the Christmas season.
Here are the answers(Lori S. got #2 and #3):
1. who released the song in 1972? The Chi Lites.
2. who released the song in 1990? Paul Young.
3. the name of the song? Oh Girl.
4. the writer of the song? Eugene Record.
5. the name of the 1972 album? A Lonely Man.
Have a great weekend, enjoy whatever weather arrives. Spend some time with family and friends. Take some time to thank someone for just being themselves. Perform an act of random kindness and if someone is kind to you, pass it on.
" As long as we live, there is never enough singing"
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Trying to learn patience
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
I want to dream again
I'm currently listening to "Once Chance" by Paul Potts. He won the "Britain's got Talent" competition a year or so ago. His life story was one of being bullied because he liked to sing and for other reasons. He's almost like a Mr. Tanner of sorts, except the critics liked him and he kept singing. What strikes me most is that he doesn't meet the pretty boy image that most people want and yet he won and he's good. Watch the following from one of his performances from "BGT". In the midst of all that is wrong with the world, someone like Paul comes out and blesses and encourages just by being himself.
Every time I watch this, I get tears in my eyes Even the normally caustic Simon Cowell is taken aback by the sheer joy of this man when he is singing.
This is not new, it is however a reminder that we need to dream and go for it. It is also the answer to bullies out there and there are lots: physical, emotional, verbal, spiritual and other kinds. The answer is this, you bullies will never win. Because inside the heart of a bully is a scared person afraid to show their own weaknesses for fear of being observed for your reality. Inside the heart of the one being bullied remains a tiny fire that when given enough oxygen will flame into brightness and expose the wrong for what it is.
Congratulations to Paul Potts for persevering. We are all called to persevere no matter what kind of pressure is placed upon us. Some day we will stand in triumph over the "bullies" of this world.
I will dream again.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tuesday Musings (#10)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Obscure Musical Lyric for the week of Nov.10/08
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Birthday weekend
Embarrassed by Riches
Friday, November 7, 2008
The U.S. election: part 2
I will pray that people will come together and work as one for the ideals that have been set out in their constitution. I will pray for our own country that we will learn from the foibles of others and never look down on anyone but build them up. I will pray for wisdom for the leaders as they govern.
The big reveal for the week of Nov.3/08
The name of the song: Hide in your Shell.
The name of the album: Crime of the Century.
The name of the writers: Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson.
Who sang lead vocals: Roger Hodgson.
Who sang back up vocals: Christine Helliwell, Vicki Seibenberg and Scott Gorham.
The winner this week was Steve B. (again) who admitted that the band was a favourite of his when he was younger. For the record, I'm pretty sure that I am older than him and they were a favourite of mine when I was in high school(Lakeport High) so he must have been a fan when he was quite young.
I'll work on something that he might not know on the weekend for next week. Have a great weekend, enjoy family and friends "cause you know who your friends are by looking in their eyes". If you know what song that is from, let me know? I have a memory of a dj playing that at the end of his show back in the 70's. It's birthday weekend in our house, it is my daughters 18th (where did the time go), my sisters and mine too. Might be a bit of fun to be had this weekend.
"Brass bands are all very well in their place -- outdoors and miles away"Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The U.S. election
What troubled me most about this election was the polarization of people based on their choices. There appears to be no middle ground, the prevailing attitude in that political arena seems to be "either you are for me or against me". I do not see one iota of co-operation or collaboration. One side wins and they thumb their noses at the "losers". Rodney King said it best, "why can't we all just get along". If you don't know who he is just google him and see what happened to him.
I challenge you all to remember this day and see where the U.S. stands in less than two years and what affect it will have on our Canada. I am so thankful that I live here where differing yet plural opinions are allowed. Anyone caught speaking against this winner will be charged as a racist, or worse as a heretic. There is a new "opiate of the masses" I suggest. Or maybe it's the same, just in different clothing. Once again, be careful what you ask for, my friends.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tuesday musings #9
I don't write for other people (with the exception to the obscure lyric trivia group). I write for myself. What amazes me about some people is how they think they know me, and to be honest, even those of you who do read this thing regularly don't know me(by the way, thanks to G for calling me after last weeks musing, I appreciated that call more than you know). I can already hear the chorus from "simply red" as I type. If you didn't get that last reference, then go to last weeks trivia answer.
I guess the questions that I need to answer are as follows:
1. Do I want you to know me?
2. Do you really want to know me anyway?
3. Why haven't I allowed myself to be more open?
4. Can I trust you with who I really am?
5. What happens when I become open and my trust is breached(it happens)?
There are few people who know me as well as "my beloved". I have not opened up as much as I should (or should I?)to my children, and certainly not to my few friends. Who made the rules about all this anyway?
We (you, I and everyone else) live in multiple communities and there are rules for each community and they are usually different for each community i.e. current home, home we grew up in, in-laws home, work, church(place of worship), volunteer agencies, vacation spots and the list is likely very long.
The rules dictate what and how we should act and what our level of "intimacy" and transparency should be in each different community. I wonder what would happen if we minimized the rules once in a while and became real with each other just for a moment? I think that we would develop real intimacy in relationships then maybe, just maybe we would eliminate the politics that come with all these relationships. If that could be accomplished we would in no way accomplish Nirvana (the state not the band), what we might arrive at is honesty and trust and be willing to "share" with each other and for each other.
I know some of you are thinking that we would all end up sitting around in a circle singing "kumbya". Go ahead, laugh if you will, your greatest fears may also be your greatest desires as in: to know and be known (to paraphrase Maslow).
Well, I've opened the door just a little bit again this time, I can hear the hinges creaking, just like a cottage screen door, I guess it's time for a little oil.
Happy Tuesday everyone.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Obscure Musical Lyric for the week of Nov.3/08
This weeks song is a golden oldie (at least for me). It was a favourite of mine and many others in the latter years of high school. The album it's from may have been the band's best, if you ask me. The album was released in 1974 (it was their third). I can see myself driving down Linwell road singing the first "hit" while listening to either CHUM FM or Q107 with Dave Marsden (Marsden on the radio). This one should not be too obscure.
I'll do my best to get some hints in on Wednesday. Those of you who were around in the 70's should get this one. Have a great week, looks like we may still have some warmer weather before the real ugly stuff comes.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Applewood Hollow
You will do well to spend a night or two at this most relaxing bed and Breakfast.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Life on Mars (one more try) Some spoilers in this post.
Leningrad Cowboys and Red Army Chorus
The big reveal for the week of Oct.27/08
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Who needs Mats?
This is hockey the way it is (not was)supposed to be. I enjoyed watching the hard work and the incredible tenacity that the new coach demands. I'm quite confident that there will be significant losses for the team this year, however their work ethic (read fear of the press box) is something that at the least demands respect.
So, does the "team" need Mats? I step out and say, no! I think he would upset the apple cart. Can you see the coach sending him to the press box? He certainly doesn't have the speed anymore. leadership needs to be on the ice and in the room. Would be he good for the "team"? I think he might be, but he will also eat up dollars that could be spent somewhere else on either free agents or on more than one younger player. If he returns let him go to another team, let him try for the cup with a team that can do it this year or next and then let him retire and go into the Hall which he deserves.
I say, don't even pursue him but I'm just a fan.
Go Leafs Go.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday Musings (# 8)
I seem to have gotten to the place where I have been "stretched too thin" and am in need of replacement energy. It seems that the events of the past four months as well as the past five years have slowly been drawing my energy and strength away. Covey talks about the emotional bank account and how regular and constant withdrawals leave one bereft of emotional strength to manage regular activities.
Most people around me just don't understand and I have to constantly explain the truth or lie to minimize it. Then I have been scraped too thin. The problem is, I'm not sure who I can trust with the truth. I know that I can trust "my beloved" with everything. It seems that others don't want to hear or don't know how to deal with emotional exhaustion. It's really easy to deal with a physically "broken" something, but not so easy to deal with that which cannot be seen.
I wasn't sure where this post was going when I started. I do know this, I need new life breathed into me and I need some "time away". Looks like I'll be calling Loyola House real soon, I need that kind of band aid.
Happy Tuesday everyone.