Another moment for music

Music has played such an important role in my life. My Mom loved music...my Dad had his own Country Western Trio for years. I've been singing since I was four and played instruments since I was six. I just feel music and lyrics can express so many amazing things in a way that touches a variety of the senses. And with the dawn of the internet and YouTube and blogs, you can see it and hear it and feel it - well, you get the idea. As much as some of this technology makes me think we've lost a part of those "simple days of yester-year," I also am so grateful for all of it. Sharing with you again, I hope you enjoy this song.

This is Michael Johnson singing Bluer Than Blue (a song I really love). I believe it was written by the great Barry Manilow.

Click here to listen to Bluer Than Blue

Losses come in all shapes and sizes

Well...both my teams lost tonight - the Yankees are out of it for the season and perhaps Joe Torre, a great manager, will be booted from the Bronx. Maybe worse was the complete last minute debacle of the Buffalo Bills who had the game won. "Not again!" I keep thinking. It's funny that I can get so wrapped up in a sporting event - pinning my hopes and emotions on something really intangible. And yet, when I am rooting, shouting and believing, it seems as important as anything. I would think that to be a healthy ritual, and yet, when my hopes are dashed...when my cheers turn to jeers, I find myself depressed - literally. And that can't be good. I guess I want to back winners so that I can feel like I'm a winner. Does that make any sense? I know that I have had success in so many things during my life but I have also had intense failure and obviously, as we all do, very personal loss.

I guess, that in the past year or so, I have been particularly sensitive to failure. I feel that ASTC has failed (for the most part); my 14 year relationship has failed and I often feel so alone; feelings for others always seem to be dashed when they don't feel the same; career opportunities pass me by; I find myself making irrational or maybe more accurately, rash choices.

It's funny. Whenever I am feeling any sort of extreme emotion (which is most of the time - I mean have I ever had an even-keeled moment in my life?) I always turn to music as my solace. When I am really joyful I want to sing and when I am really depressed I want to sing.

So tonight, I turned to one of my favorite groups from the past: THE LITTLE RIVER BAND. Usually, when I am down and out, I like to listen to music that many would find depressing. But actually, knowing that someone else has felt the way I do, always gives me hope.

I share these two songs with you from YouTube...I really love them - the first is really how I am feeling lately. "I'm getting lost in the crowd...hear me crying out loud. Just want you to know, I know that you had to go. It's all up to you but whatever you do, take it easy on me." The second is actually sung by Player singer, Peter Beckett. And there are other great hits by this group - click their name above to go to their official website and you'll be amazed at all the hits they had and hopefully you'll be REMINISCING!

TAKE IT EASY ON ME

BABY COME BACK

In just a few more days...

Christmas will be here. I'm still recovering from our bash last weekend and just finished my Christmas shopping tonight. Last year I did everything online. This year I shopped a little online but also hit the stores and must admit I had a good time. It put me in that spirit of giving. Online can cause less headaches but it also lacks the charm of picking things up and seeing other shoppers finding what they're looking for. And yes, the front yard of our house is too much but hey, we've got all the stuff, no use leaving it in the garage! I even put speakers outside this year and piped Christmas music - we have quite a few familes stop by to enjoy it all.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!