December 2023 – The Elephant's Trunk

RAGS TO RICHES

December 31, 2023January 22, 2024 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Today in Song Lyric Sunday, Jim has challenged us
to write about a song by an artist or songwriter
who passed away in 2023. This is my response.

There aren’t too many people who haven’t heard of Tony Bennett and if you haven’t, there’s plenty of info you can find on Wiki. But perhaps you didn’t know he was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in the Astoria district of Queens, New York. He was the son of immigrants …. John, a grocer from southern Italy, and Anna, a seamstress. Tony was the baby of the family, with older siblings, Mary and John Jr. With a father who was ailing and unable to work, the children grew up in poverty.

John Sr. instilled in his son a love of art and literature and compassion for human suffering. His father died when Tony was 10 and Anna worked all hours to support her three children. Watching her struggle, Tony made up his mind to be successful enough for his mother’s trials to end. His Uncle Dick, a tap dancer, provided an early glimpse of show business, and Tony was passionate about both singing and painting by the time he attended the School of Industrial Art (now the High School of Art and Design) in Manhattan.

Tony took bellboy jobs before becoming a singing waiter in a restaurant. He sang with army bands during World War II, but he was demoted and assigned to grave digging for fraternizing on Thanksgiving night with a black soldier who had been a schoolfriend. Twenty years after that episode, Tony was marching in Alabama with Martin Luther King. He was moved to become a pacifist following combat in Europe in 1945, an experience he described as “a front-row seat in hell”.

After demobilization, Tony took vocal classes at the American Theatre Wing School; a teacher there suggested he try imitating the phrasing of jazz instrumentalists and he began singing in nightclubs from 1946 under the stage name of Joe Bari. Comedian Bob Hope hired him in 1949 but, disliking the stage name, told him: “We’ll call you Tony Bennett.”

And so it began, the slow climb from “rags to riches”.

However, there’s something you won’t read about Tony Bennett anywhere but here. Read on.

❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖

“Why don’t you invite Tony Bennett to the wedding?”

That’s something you might expect to hear Nancy Sinatra or Billy Joel say – certainly not me! But I did make that suggestion and here’s how it all came about.

It was probably around 2004 when my son, Bill, first met Tony Bennett. I say “first” because Bill had the pleasure of working with Tony numerous times .… at the tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center, the Grammy Awards, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and other gigs.

You see, Bill’s been a camera man/teleprompter for a lot of years; he’s had the great opportunity of working with celebrities ranging from Paul McCartney to Big Bird to Bill Clinton. His jobs are as varied as crayons in a jumbo Crayola box and just as colorful. I’m not going to bore you with names but the list is impressive. That’s how Bill met Tony.

These gigs – many of which are live – don’t happen in just one take. The crew and the performers (or “talent”, as they’re known in the business) can wind up spending a great deal of time on the set – certainly hours, sometimes days. Some performers prefer to remain aloof; others, like Tony Bennett, are the type who pull up a chair in the break room and eat lunch with the crew.

Now I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m bragging but I raised a good son. Bill is a hard worker, agreeable, unassuming, pleasant, good-looking and funny. Tony and Bill enjoyed working with each other very much – so much so that when Tony was asked to perform at the Rockefeller Center tree lighting again in 2005, he requested my son by name.

During down time at a rehearsal two years later (2007), Bill mentioned his upcoming wedding and Tony happened to be within earshot. He came over to congratulate Bill and they talked about “things” for a while. Tony wished Bill “a happy wedding day”, shook his hand and that was that – until I found out about it and I said what any mom would say:

“Why don’t you invite Tony Bennett to the wedding? He just might say ‘yes’.”

I gave Bill an invitation for him to give Tony the next day. He took it and placed it in his backpack …. where it stayed. Let’s just say my son is a bit more circumspect than me; he opted not to impose on Tony and did not extend the invitation. I was a bit bummed out but it was Bill’s decision to make, not mine, and in hindsight it was probably the right decision.

Still …. can you just imagine what a gas it would have been if Tony Bennett had shown up at my son’s wedding?

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Frank Sinatra was a good friend of Tony Bennett and he had a couple of great things to say about him, things like he was “the best singer in the business” and – my personal favorite – “that kid’s got four sets of balls”!

I saw Tony Bennett perform several times. I’ll never forget a concert we went to at Carnegie Hall about 25 years ago. A highlight of the show was when Tony sang “Rags To Riches”, one of his very early hits, without accompaniment or a mic, and we could hear him clear as a bell all the way up in the “nosebleed’ seats! What an amazing set of pipes! I was blown away by that performance.

To celebrate Tony Bennett’s life, his incredible talents and gifts to the world, I have chosen that memorable 70-year-old song. “Rags To Riches” is based on a famous Russian tune called “Volga Melody” (aka “Samara My Lovely”) by Yuri Shchetkov. Tony Bennett did the best-known version in 1953 with Percy Faith and his orchestra. It was #1 for eight weeks on the Billboard chart and became a gold record. It was also featured in the opening sequence of the 1990 film “Goodfellas”.

From 1953, this is “Rags To Riches” by the incomparable Tony Bennett.

Lyrics

I know I’d go from rages to riches
If you would only say you care
And though, my pocket may be empty
I’d be a millionaire

My clothes may still be torn and tattered
But in my heart I’d be a king
Your love is all that ever mattered
It’s everything

So, open your arms and you’ll open the door
To every treasure that I’m hoping for
Hold me and kiss me, and tell me you’re mine evermore

Must I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true?
Or will I go from rags to riches?
My fate is up to you

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Marc Shaiman / Mike Caren / Randolph S. Parker / Brian Scott / Vito Tisdale / William Hughes / Melvin Adams / L. Elroy
Rags to Riches lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music International Ltd.

“Rags To Riches”
Single by Tony Bennett
B-side	“Here Comes That Heartache Again”
Released	August 3, 1953
Recorded	March 17, 1953
Studio	Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York City
Genre	Pop
Length	2:50
Label	Columbia
Producer(s)	Percy Faith
Tony Bennett singles chronology
(1953)”Someone Turned The Moon Upside Down” (1953)”Rags To Riches“ (1953)”Stranger In Paradise”

Tony Bennett died at his home in New York City on July 21, 2023, – just two weeks shy of his 97th birthday – following a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His family said he kept singing right up to the end. Tony will never be forgotten and has been hailed as the “champion” and “legendary interpreter” of the Great American Songbook.

Thank you for sharing in my tribute to Tony Bennett and “Rags To Riches”. Rest easy, Tony. As Bob Hope used to say, “Thanks for the memories”.

Gone But Not Forgotten

Today at The Rhythm Section
I have posted my final edition
of Name That Tune.
Why not stop by for
one last spin of the disc?
https://rhythmsection.blog//

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

Name That Tune, Sounds Of The Season

NAME THAT TUNE: NEW YEAR’S EVE (December 31, 2023)

December 31, 2023December 30, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Happy New Year’s Eve, everyone! It’s time to ring out the old and ring in the new. 🎊

Welcome to Name That Tune: The New Year’s Eve Edition! 🎉 🥳

I hope you’re ready for one final spin of the disc for 2023.

So, without further ado, let’s get the show on the road; I’ve already given you a HUGE clue. Did you see it?

And we’re off! Here are your five clues:

Today’s 1974 video opens with our singer/songwriter/guitarist walking through the gardens of his estate. Our performer once claimed he was never in the music business to become rich or famous; he would have been just as happy being a gardener.
Today’s artist discovered two short verses carved into wood and stone in the “gardening building” on his property. The carvings were made by Sir Frank Crisp, the original owner of our singer’s estate in England, and the verses are said to have been written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
The only lyrics in today’s song are the song’s title (repeated four times to serve as the chorus) and the verses mentioned in clue #2.
Our very famous singer was once the lead guitarist for a quartet from the UK. After the group split, he had great success as a solo performer/composer/songwriter/recording executive/music and movie producer and author until his death in 2001.
Upon release, today’s song met with an unfavorable response from music critics while others considered its musical and lyrical simplicity to be a positive factor for a contemporary pop hit. Throughout the video our singer is seen wearing a variety of costumes made famous by his former group and is joined by a number of friends you may recognize. There’s also a scene with him wearing nothing but fur boots and his guitar!

Now that you have the clues (including the HUGE hint in my first line), do you think you know the name of our New Year’s Eve song and the person who wrote and sang it? Well, let’s see if you’re right. You know what to do.

Aha! If you said “Ding Dong, Ding Dong” by George Harrison, you are not only correct …. you are brilliant! Let’s hear that happy holiday song right now.

Well, that certainly was fun and a great way to ring out the old, ring in the new. 🥳 🎊

And now for a bit of personal news: this is my final post for The Rhythm Section; we’re closing up shop. It’s time for a break, a change of pace and a chance to do some much-needed reorganization. I’ll be back with some great new music ideas so stick around!

In the meantime, I’ll still be writing stories and doing prompts on my site The Elephant’s Trunk @ https://theelephantstrunk.org where you can read about all new music developments.

Thanks to all of you for being a terrific audience these past nine months and for making all my posts, whether “At The Movies”, “In The Groove”, Birthday Thursdays” or “Name That Tune”, here in The Rhythm Section so much fun. You are what it’s all about and you inspired me to bring you only the best with each and every post. I hope I was successful. This was a labor of love (with a little blood, sweat and tears mixed in) and I’m looking forward to the chance to do it all again!

Thanks to my fellow contributors Pete and Deb and, of course, Nick.

See you at The Elephant’s Trunk, my friends; take good care of yourselves!

Wishing you all a Healthy, Happy and Peaceful New Year! 🥳 🎊

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

This is The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and “Auld Lang Syne”.

Short Story

TO EACH HIS OWN

December 30, 2023December 30, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

It’s time once again for
The Unicorn Challenge.
This is my response to
the photo below.

As far back as Rob could remember, he’d had a love affair with water. All his life, whatever the circumstances, he was drawn to water.

Whether it was to seek comfort or solace, an escape from a busy day, a place to be one with nature watching the sun rise or set – being by the water’s edge was a mainstay in Rob’s life.

Today, as he sat on the docks with his faithful sheepdog Petra, Rob was seeking an answer.

He lived in a nice house and a had a great job, a group of good friends and lots of social activities. Rob and Petra were quite content. The only thing missing was a life companion. He had his share of relationships but two years ago someone special had entered his life. Rob now knew he was ready to make a commitment. She was the girl of his dreams – beautiful physically and in spirit, intelligent, outgoing and vivacious. She had a loyal and trusting heart and a lovely disposition. Rob had never felt such a connection before and he knew this was true love.

He spoke quietly to Petra:

“You know, girl. I feel like the time is right to finally settle down with my true love. It took me a while to realize how I felt but now I know there can’t be anyone more perfect for me. I’m truly happy and ready to pop the question.

What do you say, Petra, my sweet girl? Will you marry me?“

NAR © 2023
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-29/12/23

This is The Ink Spots with “To Each His Own”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

Flash

WRAP IT UP: A DECTINA

December 29, 2023December 29, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Dectina Refrain:
This refrain is written as follows:
1^st line – 1 syllable, 2^nd line – 2 syllables
3^rd line – 3 syllables, and so on for 9 lines;
the 10^th line is comprised of the first four lines
as one stand-alone line.

Torn
wrapping
paper is
scattered about.
Let’s ring out the old
and ring in the new year.
Resolution-making time.
Hit the gym and start that diet.
I’ve never kept a resolution.
Torn wrapping paper is scattered about.

Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – Wrapping

This is “Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon

Uncategorized

APPLE BLOSSOM TIME

December 29, 2023December 29, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Rochelle from Friday Fictioneers
gave us the photo below while
Denise from Six Sentence Stories
provided the prompt word “jingle”.
This is my response, a union of two prompts,
in a 100-word, six-sentence story.*

The year was 1939; they were a happy couple.

When she became pregnant the following year, they were ecstatic; their son was born in 1941, the most beautiful baby anyone ever saw – golden curls, plump cheeks as rosy as apple blossoms.

He was a delightful child who brought incredible joy into their lives.

In 1942 the baby was diagnosed with nephritis; incurable, the doctor said and they were left heartbroken.

In the blink of an eye between Jingle Bells and Auld Lang Syne, their baby silently passed away.

The young couple was devastated; they never celebrated new year’s eve again.

NAR © 2023
100 Words
6 Sentences

*This story is true; the young mother and father were my parents, their baby boy was the brother I never knew. Six weeks after their baby died, my father was drafted and spent his entire tour of duty fighting in Europe during WWII while my mother was left alone without a husband, without a baby. It was many years before I understood the ineffable emotional toll this had on their lives and why we never celebrated New Year’s Eve.

29 December 2023

Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt!

This is The Andrews Sisters singing “Apple Blossom Time”

Short Story

FORCED FUN

December 28, 2023December 28, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Another oldie while I’m being lazy this week!
Some of you have read this; others have not.
Here’s a freshened-up, rewritten story.
Hope you enjoy this one!
🎁

“What the hell am I doing out on a night like this?” Finn grumbled to himself, his mood worsening with each soggy step he took. “Freezing rain, my feet are soaked and I don’t even want to go to this damn office holiday party!”

Finn had been keeping something secret for a while: no one at the place where he worked knew he was going to quit. He waited for his boss, Mr. Hardy, to leave with his secretary, then Finn placed a sealed envelope on the secretary’s desk. It was addressed to his boss and marked “Personal & Confidential”; inside the envelope was Finn’s letter of resignation.

He was sick of his dead-end job, always being passed over and stuck in a little cubicle all day. There had to be more to life than this and he was ready to find out!

Running into the little gift shop located in the lobby of his company’s building, Finn spotted a small lapis lazuli paperweight near the cash register and decided it would make a fine item for the secret gift swap. As he reached for it, his hand collided with a delicate feminine hand with sparkling mistletoe-green fingernails.

“Hold on, buster! That’s mine! I just left it on the counter while I went to get a gift bag.”

Turning his head, Finn encountered a familiar face; it was the receptionist at his office. He always thought she was pretty but tonight she looked particularly fetching.

“Hayden, isn’t it? Well, I’m sorry but the rule is if you put something down before paying for it, it’s fair game. Besides, I’m in a hurry and I don’t have time to look around for anything else.”

Hayden recognized Finn immediately. He reminded her of a dreamy Hugh Grant in his younger days – handsome and charming – just not at this particular moment.

“Finn, right? Well, I’m in a hurry, too. The office holiday party is starting and this is my selection for the gift swap. You’re probably here for the same reason.”

“Guilty as charged” Finn quipped. “Come on, Hayden. It’s been a crappy day. I just want to buy this thing, make an appearance at the party and get the hell out of there.”

“I feel the same way. These office celebrations are the worst! The last place I want to be is at that party but it’s mandatory. Nothing like ‘forced fun’!”

Finn had to chuckle at that.

“Look, Finn. There’s a bunch of other stuff right over there. Just go select something else. After all, I did see this first.”

“Oh, alright! It’s all yours!” Finn conceded and dashed off to find another gift.

He quickly spotted a rosewood ballpoint pen, grabbed a gift bag and returned to the register just as Hayden was finishing up her purchase. She gave Finn a little smile and headed out into the lobby. He couldn’t help noticing her shapely legs as she walked away, heels click-clacking on the marble floor. He watched till she was out of sight, then made his purchase.

Still waiting for the elevator, Hayden heard a familiar voice behind her declare, “So, we meet again”. She felt a slight rush knowing it was Finn.

“Or maybe you’re following me” Hayden replied coyly, hoping she wasn’t blushing.

She and Finn never really spoke at work but they always caught each other’s eye. Glancing at him Hayden was struck with how intensely blue his eyes were. At the same moment Finn was thinking how very kissable Hayden’s lips looked in the shimmering light of the lobby’s chandelier.

They stepped into the elevator, the only two occupants as it made its slow ascent.

“Mind if I ask why you’re dreading this party so much?” Finn inquired.

“That’s easy.” Hayden replied. “I hate my job! The people are unfriendly, all I do is answer the phone all day and give directions to rude visitors. This was not my dream when I first came to New York. I’m bored to death and capable of so much more.” She glanced over her shoulder even though they were alone in the elevator, then asked conspiratorially “If I tell you something will you promise to keep it a secret?”

Finn nodded and gave her the ‘zipped lips’ sign.

“I’m quitting tomorrow” Hayden whispered.

“No kidding! So am I! I left a note on Mr. Hardy’s secretary’s desk just before I left today. I hate my job, too. Making a career out of working in a glass box 8 hours a day was never my plan. But mum’s the word, OK?” Finn whispered back covertly and they stared into each other’s eyes like kids making a pinky pledge.

“Any idea what you’re gonna do?” Finn asked.

“Not really” Hayden sighed “but I’ve always dreamed of running a bed and breakfast in Maine.”

“It’s gorgeous there” Finn replied wistfully. “We used to vacation at my grandparent’s lake house when I was a kid.”

The elevator door opened to the office party in full swing. Finn and Hayden rolled their eyes and deposited their little bags on the gift table. He went one way, she went the other but every now and then they found themselves looking for each other across the crowded, noisy room.

After a short time Hayden casually made her way to the elevator. She was just about to make her escape when she heard that familiar voice cry out “Hold the elevator!” and Finn rushed in breathlessly.

They stood side-by-side, both unsure of what to say. Then the inevitable happened.

“I was wondering…..” they said at the same time and laughed self-consciously.

“You first” prompted Hayden.

“I was thinking perhaps we could get a drink somewhere and talk” Finn suggested.

“My thoughts exactly” Hayden replied. And when they stepped outside they discovered the freezing rain had changed to snow. Finn thought the light dusting of snowflakes on Hayden’s hair looked enchanting.

Hayden smiled at Finn. “Maybe we can have that drink at my place” she suggested, her eyes twinkling. “We could light the fireplace, listen to some music …..”

“Sounds perfect” Finn replied softly and slipped his fingers between hers.

This is John Legend and Kelly Clarkson with “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”

Please join me today
as we celebrate the final
Birthday Thursday for 2023.
Wonder whose special day is it?
https://rhythmsection.blog/

Birthday Thursdays, Happy Birthday

Birthday Thursdays

December 28, 2023December 19, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Welcome to Birthday Thursdays here in The Rhythm Section. Each week I will feature someone from the world of music whose birthday falls on that day. There won’t be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures – just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music.

Happy Birthday to Edgar Winter
Born December 28, 1946 in Beaumont, Texas

“Frankenstein”

“Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo” with Rick Derringer

“Free Ride”

Flash

VERNAL EQUINOX

December 27, 2023December 27, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

As I sit here in my recliner looking out my bedroom window, wondering where Christmas has gone, I ask myself if I should venture out for my walk.

“It’s a bleak-looking day and awfully chilly. Stay inside where it’s warm and comfy.”

But then I remember that my wonky knee could use the exercise and time is fleeting. In just 83 days the beautiful blushing bride of nature will arrive and winter will be nothing but a distant memory.

NAR © 2023
79 Words

This is Felix Mendelssohn’s “Spring Song, Op. 62 No. 6″

Weekend Writing Prompt #343 – Window

Short Story

COCKAMAMIE BUSINESS

December 26, 2023December 26, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

“Credited for my award-winning fruitcake” was probably the last thing I heard my speed date say before I zoned out, my head hitting the table with an impressive “thud”.

“DING!” went the timer and my arm automatically shot up as I shouted out “Check, please!” Everyone looked at me like I was crazy. “Yeah, I’m crazy alright for agreeing to go along with my friend Nadine’s cockamamie idea of speed dating the day after Christmas …. and she never even showed up!”

I looked up to see my next date arriving – an Elvis impersonator replete with spangled jumpsuit, a ton of hair and heavy cologne. Whoever invented the jumpsuit should be pummeled with one of Elvis’ belt buckles. “Well, hello there, little lady. I do believe fate has brought us together. You are the spittin’ image of my darlin’ Priscilla.”

“Oh Lord! Get me out of here!” my mind screamed. Quickly I jumped up.

“Hey, toots! Number 9! Whaddya think you’re doing? You can’t just break outta line like that!” shouted the hoody-wearing overseer with the pronounced nose. He pointed an accusatory finger at me looking every bit like Charon the Ferryman from the River Styx.

I shoved passed him, walking out into the cold December night. “You are such a pathetic loser” I murmured to myself. “Another wasted night and this time during the holidays! Wonder if there’s anything to do other than just go home?”

Looking around I noticed a movie theater down the street. “Well, better than nothing.” As I got closer I saw the movie was “A Hard Day’s Night” and it was about to start. Cool! I got my ticket and bought some popcorn. There were clusters of people sitting here and there so I chose a secluded seat in the back. I liked sitting by myself, away from weirdos.

Just as the theater lights dimmed, some guy walked in and sat right next to me. “Jeez!” I’m thinking, rolling my eyes. “Of all the seats, you had to choose that one!”

Looking straight ahead, eating my popcorn, I assess the situation. I never know what to do at times like this. Do I change seats and risk him saying something nasty? Do I stay put and pretend everything’s normal? What if he’s a pervert?

“This is all your fault, Nadine” I whispered.

“Excuse me. Did you say something?” asked the guy next to me.

The charming English accent caught my attention; I turned my head slightly in its direction. In my excitement, I immediately began choking as I inhaled a puff of popcorn. The guy sitting just inches from me was a carbon copy of my one true love – George Harrison.

“Are you ok?” he asked. “Here, have some water.”

Finally able to breath and talk again, I said “I’m awfully sorry! You shocked me. Has anyone ever told you you look exactly like George Harrison?”

“All the time. It’s a curse. And has anyone ever told you you look exactly like Priscilla Presley?”

“All the time; it’s a curse.”

We both sighed heavily in resigned commiseration and turned our attention to the movie. We laughed through the whole thing, totally enjoying ourselves and lost in the moment; there was definitely a connection between us. When it was over we left together and decided to get a drink to celebrate the holidays.

We walk to a swinging little bar and who happens to be there? None other than “No-Show Nadine”!

Spotting me and my guy from the movie theater, she came running over, gushing like a schoolgirl. “Oh my God! Has anyone ever told you you look exactly like George Harrison? Giving ‘George’ the once-over, she drooled. “Mighty slim pickings here tonight. Wanna dance, handsome? Olivia won’t mind, will ya, hon?”

Wanting nothing more at that moment than to escape Nadine, ‘George’ grabbed my hand and we ran from the club, laughing and tripping over ourselves just like in the movie.

Maybe I wasn’t a pathetic loser after all!

George Harrison and “Cockamamie Business”

It’s our final edition of
“In The Groove: Sounds Of The Season”
and we’re celebrating the holidays
with something George would definitely dig!
Please stop by and join in the fun!
https://rhythmsection.blog/

This website (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

In The Groove, Sounds Of The Season

IN THE GROOVE: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON (December 26, 2023)

December 26, 2023December 26, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

And just like that, it’s almost over! All that remains are the crumbs of Christmas cookies, discarded wrapping paper and the sighs of 2023 as it creeps closer to the back door. Some of us may still have family to visit or get-togethers with friends …. and let’s not forget New Year’s Eve. If you’re like me and my mister, you’ve opted to eschew the party hats and noisemakers in favor of a more relaxed and intimate setting.

But that doesn’t mean we’re going to roll over and play dead this week …. not by a long shot! Have you forgotten the Sicilian Curveball? Well then, I think it may be time to serve up one final pitch right about now.

Gather ’round the fire pit and turn up the volume; welcome to the Rocking Sounds Of The Season! We will not go out with a whimper here In The Groove!

Now remember …. as is my style I have prepared a holiday banquet of treats for you – one might say “The 12 Rocking Days of Christmas”. This is an audio/visual feast, my friends! The videos are intended to be viewed throughout the week, not ingested whole unless that’s the way you roll. If that is your preference, then by all means ….. belly up to the bar. ‘Tis the Season, after all!

I’m opening today with an American group based in Omaha, Nebraska. This is a neoclassical new-age music ensemble founded in 1974 known primarily for its Fresh Aire series of albums which blend classical music with elements of new age and rock, and for its modern recordings of holiday music. They are wildly popular, having sold over 28 million albums in the US alone.

Strap yourselves in, kids; it’s’ gonna be one hell of a sleigh ride!

This is Mannheim Steamroller!

“Deck the Halls“

“Faeries from Nutcracker Suite”

“Hallelujah“

“Sleigh Ride“

And now, from the world of Heavy Metal ….. oh, did you think I wouldn’t go there? Ho! Ho! Ho! Think again! Here are four of the greats!

We’re going to church, boys and girls, so show some respect. This is Dio (with Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath fame) and a few other guys) with “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”.

Here we have an old Chuck Berry number …. “Run, Rudolph Run” …. hopped up a bit featuring Lemmy (Motörhead), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) & Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)

A little something called “Very Merry Led Zeppelin” …. a Led Zepp Medley, if you will.

Nobody even think of leaving just yet. This is “Carol of the Bells” by Metallica.

My final featured group today is another US-based band founded in 1996 and based in Tampa, Florida. This rock band gained popularity when they began touring in 1999 after completing their second album, “The Christmas Attic”. In 2007 the Washington Post referred to them as “an arena-rock juggernaut whose music is like a meeting of Pink Floyd, Yes and the Who at Radio City Music Hall”. They have sold more than 10 million concert tickets and over 10 million albums and are known for their elaborate concerts and light shows.

I bring you TSO – Trans-Siberian Orchestra!

“A Mad Russian“

“Christmas Eve/Sarajevo“

“Siberian Sleighride“

“Wizards in Winter“

This is it, kids …. the final In The Groove 2023 for The Rhythm Section. I think you’ll agree it is a true Sicilian Storyteller smorgasbord that will take you right into the New Year!

Enjoy your holiday week, my friends! Stay safe, happy and healthy always.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

Uncategorized

WARMEST WISHES

December 25, 2023December 23, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

My friend Clive at Take It Easy …. https://cliveblogs.wordpress.com …. posted these two videos on his site last week; to me they represent what Christmas is all about. I wanted to share them and their distinctive messages with you.

The first one is a delightful advert by the people at Hafod Hardware, a shop in the Welsh town of Rhayader. Everything about it is perfection – the story that revolves around 2-year-old Arthur starting his day, helping his grandparents in their shop and the clever and imaginative ending, including the ubiquitous and endearing 👍🏼 greeting,

The second video was made for the song “Merry Christmas, Happy New Year” by Ingrid Michaelson and Zooey Deschanel. The animation is truly unique …. totally charming and endearing. I’ve never seen anything like it! I hope you enjoy these videos as much as I did.

My warmest wishes to you all, dear friends, for a very Merry Christmas!

2019 Hafod Hardware Christmas Advert

“Merry Christmas, Happy New Year” by Ingrid Michaelson & Zooey Deschanel featuring some of the most charming, adorable and lovely animation I have ever seen! This is a real delight! ❤️

Short Story

WHEELBARROWS AND WOODPECKERS: PART 2

December 25, 2023December 25, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Yesterday my MC had just emailed his estranged wife
and was hoping for a reply, a Christmas miracle.
Here’s where we left off. Let’s continue:

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

Push send and cross my fingers that Annie hasn’t changed her email address. Going to bed and will say a prayer for a Christmas miracle…..

I woke up early again today; it’s Christmas morning. I’m anxious and afraid to check my email. Can I bring myself to read beyond the first couple of words? Instead, I decide to wait just a bit and pour myself a cup of coffee. I sit looking out the window as the woodpeckers hop from branch to branch finding their way home.

Did Annie get my email? Will she answer me? I guess I can put off the inevitable for only so long. I decide to check my computer; nothing. My heart is shattered and I crumble onto the chair . What a fool I was to wait so long to reach out to her.

It’s early afternoon now and the luscious aroma of roasting turkey is wafting through every room in the house; I can’t bear the thought of eating Christmas dinner alone. When everything is done cooking, I’ll pack up all the food and bring it to the soup kitchen; at least someone will reap the benefits of my stupidity.

I clean up, get dressed and pour myself a glass of wine. Perhaps I’ll sit by the tree and listen to some Christmas music while the turkey finishes doing its thing. The happy tunes coming from the radio do not match my mood and then, as if by simply willing it to happen, a melancholy song starts up. I never thought I would be spending Christmas like this …. alone, broken-hearted and in tears.

I hastily wipe at my eyes with the back of my hands and turn off the radio. No more music today. Time to see how the dinner is coming along. On my way into the kitchen, I glance out the window at the woodpeckers. Standing by the once useless wheelbarrow, suitcase in hand, is my Annie. She gives me a slow, sweet smile and a little wave.

Without stopping to think “Is this real?”, I flew down the stairs and out the back door. Thank you, God, for second chances.

This is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” by Diana Krall.

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS,
MY DEAR FRIENDS!
MAY ALL YOUR WISHES COME TRUE!
🎄

This website (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and not for use by anyone except with permission. NAR © 2017-present.

Music Blog

BUON NATALE, BABY!

December 24, 2023January 22, 2024 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

It’s Christmastime today at
Song Lyric Sunday,
my favorite time of the year!

One of the greatest personal moments in music is when I hear an instrumental and the combined qualities of that piece get my imagination going to the point where I see an entire story unfolding. Surely it happens quite often with classical pieces since most are instrumental.

So where am I going with this? Well, in his post today, Jim asked what our favorite Christmas song is and mine happens to be an instrumental. From the first notes to the last, as the excitement builds, this song is, for me, the epitome of Christmas. Yes, there is a version with lyrics and they’re pretty good ones, but I prefer the original instrumental. Can you guess which song I’m talking about? Hang on a bit longer, please, and I’ll play it at the end of this post. First, I want to talk about something else.

Today in Song Lyric Sunday, the suggestion for “Anything Christmas” comes from our friend Clive at Take It Easy.

Since I’m The Sicilian Storyteller it should be obvious that I am extremely proud of my heritage. I want to say “Mille grazie, Jim & Clive” for the opportunity to play some Italian Christmas songs and to wish our readers “Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo a tutti!”

My first song for today’s “Anything Christmas” prompt is a fun Italian/American favorite Christmas song.

“Dominick the Donkey” is a novelty Christmas song recorded by Lou Monte in 1960 (written by Ray Allen, Sam Saltzberg and Wandra Merrell). This beloved Italian Christmas song describes a donkey who helps Santa Claus bring presents (made in Brooklyn, of all places!) to children in Italy “because the reindeer cannot climb” Italy’s hills. The song was listed at No. 14 in Billboard’s “Bubbling Under the Hot 100” list in December 1960.

Lou Monte was an Italian-American singer best known for a number of best-selling, Italian themed novelty records which he recorded for both RCA Records and Reprise Records in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He also recorded on Roulette Records, Jubilee Records, Regalia Records, Musicor Records, Laurie Records, and AFE Records.

Let’s have a little fun with Lou Monte and “Dominick The Donkey”.


LYRICS

Hey! Chingedy,ching,

(hee-haw, hee-haw)

It's Dominick the donkey.

Chingedy ching,

(hee-haw, hee-haw)

The Italian Christmas donkey.

(la la la-la la-la la la la la)

(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Santa's got a little friend,

His name is Dominick.

The cutest little donkey,

You never see him kick.

When Santa visits his paisons,

With Dominick he'll be.

Because the reindeer cannot,

Climb the hills of Italy.

Hey! Chingedy ching,

(hee-haw, hee-haw)

It's Dominick the donkey.

Chingedy ching,

(hee-haw, hee-haw)

The Italian Christmas donkey.

(la la la-la la-la la la la la)

(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Jingle bells around his feet,

And presents on the sled.

Hey! Look at the mayor's derby,

On top of Dominick's head.

A pair of shoes for Louie,

And a dress for Josephine.

The labels on the inside says,

They're made in Brooklyn.

Hey! Chingedy ching,

(hee-haw, hee-haw)

It's Dominick the donkey.

Chingedy ching,

(hee-haw, hee-haw)

The Italian Christmas donkey.

(la la la-la la-la la la la la)

(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Children sing, and clap their hands,

And Dominick starts to dance.

They talk Italian to him,

And he even understands.

Cumpare sing,

Cumpare su,

And dance 'sta tarantel.

When jusamagora comes to town,

And brings do ciuccianello.

Hey! Chingedy ching,

(hee-haw, hee-haw)

It's Dominick the donkey.

Chingedy ching,

(hee-haw, hee-haw)

The Italian Christmas donkey.

(la la la-la la-la la la la la)

(la la la-la la-la la-ee-oh-da)

Hey! Dominic

Written by: Ray Allen, Sam Saltzberg, Wandra Merrell
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

Then, while surfing the net, I found this. There wasn’t much info, just what the composer/singer offered up. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did, even if you’re not Italian …. AYYY!

“The Other Italian Christmas Song” by Eddie Napilillo

I stayed up all night and wrote this so people could enjoy it this Christmas! It’s kind of an Adam Sandler Hanukkah Chanukah Song parody. It was fun making it and clearly expresses that everyone, all religions ethnicities and beliefs, is welcome in an Italian family home at Christmas! Merry Christmas everybody! Peace and love to you and your families! Please forgive my lyric reading and sloppy playing!!! I mispronounced some names too… lol.. No Mic, no reverb or affects, just iMovie, an iSight camera, and a $20 acoustic guitar. – Eddie Napolillo

🌟 🎄 🌟 🎄 🌟 🎄 🌟 🎄 🌟

From the ridiculous to the sublime …. my next song for you today is a traditional Italian Christmas carol called “Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle” (“From Starry Skies Thou Comest”) or, more colloquially, “You come down from the stars”, written in 1732.

The melody and original lyrics for the hymn were written by Alphonsus Liguori, a prominent Neapolitan priest and scholastic philosopher (later canonized) who founded the Redemptorist missionary order. While staying at Convent of the Consolation, one of his order’s houses in the province of Foggia in southeastern Italy, he wrote the beautiful Christmas song, “Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle”. Over the years, this song became the most popular Christmas carol in Italy.

Many artists have recorded this carol and they are all lovely. In my opinion no one sings it more sweetly than the great Andrea Bocelli; it is his version I have chosen for you today. If you would like to follow along, I have provided the lyrics in both Italian and English.

Here is Andrea Bocelli with “Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle”

LYRICS

You come down from the stars, O King of heaven
Tu scendi dalle stelle, o Re del cielo

And come to a cave in the cold and frost
E vieni in una grotta al freddo e al gelo

And come to a cave in the cold and frost
E vieni in una grotta al freddo e al gelo

O my divine Child, I see you here trembling
O Bambino mio divino, io ti vedo qui a tremar

O blessed God
O Dio beato

Ah, how much it cost you to have loved us
Ah, quanto ti costò l’averci amato

Ah, how much it cost you to have loved us
Ah, quanto ti costò l’averci amato

To you, who are the Creator of the world
A te, che sei del mondo il Creatore

Clothes and fire are missing, oh my Lord
Mancano panni e fuoco, o mio Signore

Clothes and fire are missing, oh my Lord
Mancano panni e fuoco, o mio Signore

Dear chosen little child, how much this poverty
Caro eletto pargoletto quanto questa povertà

The more I fall in love
Più m’innamora

Since he made you poor love again
Giacché ti fece amor povero ancora

Since he made you poor love again
Giacché ti fece amor povero ancora

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Alfonso Maria De Liguori
Tu scendi dalle stelle lyrics © Tratore

Oh, did you think I forgot about my favorite Christmas song? Never! Did you guess what that song is? Well, let’s play it now and we’ll see if you were right. Here is the incredible Boston Pops Orchestra with its awesome rendition of “Sleigh Ride”.

Seventy-five years after Leroy Anderson created “Sleigh Ride” (1948), the song is still ranked as one of the 10 most popular pieces of Christmas music worldwide!

Thanks to Jim at Song Lyrics Sunday for always coming up with great prompts and to Clive for his suggestion today of “Anything Christmas”. Merry Christmas to all; may your day be joyous and wonderful and filled with terrific music!

Jingling Ring Tingle Tingling

Longer Stories

WHEELBARROWS AND WOODPECKERS: PART 1

December 24, 2023December 23, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Taking a short break to celebrate
Christmas with my family.
Rebooting an old favorite from 2021;
some of you have seen it; many haven’t.
💫

My Dear Annie,

It took about ten minutes of me staring at a blank computer screen before I started typing this email – and that’s just today. I’ve been doing the same thing every day for the last eight months. I’ll type a paragraph, then delete it. The idea of reaching out to you began thirty seconds after you left our house and closed the door on our life together. I have about a thousand thoughts and questions swirling around in my brain, much like the snowflakes dancing in the wind in our backyard.

I got up early and made myself a cup of coffee, then sat by the kitchen window and watched the birds at the feeders. You’ll be happy to know the red-headed woodpeckers have returned, just as they always do. How I wish you would return to me, too.

I held my coffee cup up to my nose and inhaled the rich aroma of dark roast. I’m drinking from that cup you gave me ages ago with COOL BEANS scrawled across the front. I use it every day and always think about you (not that I need a reminder) and I’ve decided that today will be the day I must summon the courage to write to you to say “I’m sorry”.

You see, tomorrow is Christmas Day and I can’t think of a better time to tell you what’s on my mind. If I don’t do it today who knows if I ever will? I miss you, Annie. I miss you so damn much it literally hurts. My heart aches for you and my stomach churns when I realize what a first class jerk I was to let you slip through my fingers.

I don’t know what I was thinking. No, I take that back; I do know. I was thinking about myself – me, myself and I. What a stupid, selfish idiot I was. I’m sure you’d agree with that assessment. I’m equally sure there’s a spot for me in the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest fool ever. How could I expect you to put your dreams and plans on hold while I pursued mine?

If I’ve come to realize anything over these last few months it’s the fact that what I want in life isn’t more important than what you want and all my achievements are not worth a damn without you. I am so sorry for not seeing that sooner.

When I finally realized how empty my life was without you and how much I yearned to be sharing and living our dreams together, you were long gone. I don’t blame you one bit; if I was you, I would have left me, too. I’m useless without you and I’m so ashamed that I put myself before you.

Do you remember that old wheelbarrow we found last year buried under weeds and ivy? It was missing its wheel and was of no use to anyone. You had the brilliant idea of transforming it into a planter instead of throwing it away. I have also lost my wheel, my direction in life and I find I can’t do anything without it, without you. I need you to help bring me back to life, to give me purpose. I need your forgiveness. I need you.

I was driven by my obsession for success and power more than anything else – more than putting you first, more than your deepest desire to start a family. How could I have deprived you of that? How could I have deprived us of that? How could I have been so blind not to see that was exactly what I wanted too? Well, I screwed up royally. All the success and power I ever wanted are mine now but they are hollow victories. The price was too dear – losing you and everything that was and might have been, that should have been. I wake up alone in our bed and come home to an empty house. And all day, every day, I simply exist like a wheelbarrow without a wheel.

I have no idea where you are, how you are or what you’re doing. I pray that you haven’t lost all faith in me, even though that may be what I deserve. That would surely destroy me because my love for you is stronger than ever. I wouldn’t blame you for not believing what I’m about to say but I would do anything, give up everything just to have you by my side once again. I am empty inside without you and I’m begging for a second chance. My one hope that I cling to every day is the fact that I haven’t been served with divorce papers …. yet. Please tell me there’s a chance for us, a chance that you can possibly forgive me.

Christmas Day. What a blessing it would be to have you back, to have you tell me we’re going to be okay! How grateful I would be for the opportunity to show you how much I love you and need you in my life!

Don’t laugh but I’m going to attempt to prepare my very first Christmas dinner by myself. I bought a small turkey, all the fixings and a lovely bottle of wine .… just enough for two. It would give me the greatest joy to share the day with you and every day after that, to hold you in my arms and make all the sorrow go away.

Annie, if only you could sprout wings and fly home to me like the woodpeckers! Will you come home for Christmas? Please come back to me and never leave.

I love you so very much.

Charlie

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

Push send and cross my fingers that Annie hasn’t changed her email address. Going to bed and will say a prayer for a Christmas miracle.

TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW

This is U2 with “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)”

Warmest Wishes This Christmas Eve!

Short Story

MONSTROID

December 23, 2023December 22, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

It’s time once again for
The Unicorn Challenge.
Our mission: to write
a story in 250 words or less
in response to the photo prompt.
This is my story and I’m sticking to it.
🦖 🎄 🦕

When our son was still in elementary school, he demonstrated a great ability and clever imagination for art. He had a penchant for cartoon characters of his own creation which he drew on his book covers and all over his school notebooks.

My husband and I encouraged his artwork and we kept him well-stocked in supplies, including a drafting table, paints and copious amounts of drawing pads. His main character was a T-rex called “Monstroid” …. a Jurassic lawman who was not above getting down and dirty.

When our son was about twelve years old, he asked permission to paint Monstroid on his bedroom wall. I had no problem with that; I’d rather he paint his own wall than someone else’s. Thirty-something years ago, graffiti was considered vandalism, not the street art it has become today.

The story of Monstroid grew in my son’s head, along with other dinosaurs, friend and foe alike. It got to the point where every wall in his room was covered with his creations; dinosaurs grazed on one wall while epic prehistoric battle scenes appeared on another wall. I didn’t mind; the boy was hurting no one and I would never suppress his natural ability for art …. just as I would never squash our other son’s talent for music.

Our son is now a television cameraman – another form of art. However, he never lost his love of painting and Monstroid is alive and well on the bedroom walls of each of his three kids.

NAR © 2023
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-22/12/23

This is Bob Brown with “Santa, Bring Me A Dinosaur”

Flash

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

December 22, 2023December 22, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Time once again for Friday Fictioneers.
Rochelle has offered up this photo challenge.
This is my 100-word response.

This can’t be the right place.

Checked my text message again; yeah, it’s the correct address.

In all my years as Santa Claus, I’ve been sent to a few places that tore my heart out but they were castles compared to this.

Broken windows could only mean no heat. No lights – obviously no electricity.

My white-gloved hand grabbed the fence and it shook as my anger began to rise. How do people exist like this? Why is homelessness allowed to continue?

Dammit! Better get a grip and do my job. Can’t have these sweet kids going without yet another night.

NAR © 2023
100 Words

22 December 2023

From 1984, this is “Do They Know It’s Christmas” from Band Aid

Poem

SOLSTICE BLESSING

December 21, 2023December 22, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Native American Solstice Blessing

May the peace of the promise of the solstice night

That each day forward is blessed with more light

That the cycle of nature, unbroken, and true

Brings faith to your soul and well-being to you

Rejoice in the darkness, in the silence find rest

And may the days that follow be abundantly blessed

“Dream Catcher Native Flutes” ~ Ron Allen

Poem

PIONEER POEM: JOVIALITY

December 21, 2023December 21, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Tom has invited us to participate in this
Mansionic Pioneer Poem prompt.
Happy to do so, Tom!
The first words of each line are the rhyming words.
Each line must be 5 syllables or less.
The last two lines of the poem are the same
as the first two lines, only written in reverse.
Here’s my poem.

Twinkling silver lights
Sprinkling snowflake frost

Making-merry time
Baking gingerbread

Jolly Christmas morn
Holly wreaths and boughs

Ringing jingling bells
Tingling frozen toes

Gifts all gaily wrapped
Drifts of silent snow

Boys with trucks and trains
Toys and games for all

Girls with princess dolls
Swirls of petticoats

Tummy full of sweets
Yummy popcorn balls

Kittens in the tree
Mittens with white fur

Cups of hot cocoa
Pups nipping ankles

Shimmering lip gloss
Simmering spiced tea

S’mores by the fireplace
Doors with big red bows

Glowing candlelight
Blowing wintry winds

Sprinkling snowflake frost
Twinkling silver lights

MPP Prompt: Joviality

This is Andy Williams with “My Favorite Things”

Please join me today for
Birthday Thursdays.
I wonder whose day it is!
https://rhythmsection.blog/

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section. NAR © 2017-present.

Birthday Thursdays, Happy Birthday

BIRTHDAY THURSDAYS

December 21, 2023December 19, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Happy Birthday to Frank Zappa
Born December 21, 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland

“Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow”

“A Very Zappa Christmas”

“Muffin Man”

Short Story

FATHER, FORGIVE ME

December 20, 2023December 19, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

It’s six for A Six today,
all coming together to form one story:
One prompt for GirlieOnTheEdge’s Six Sentence Story,
four Fandango’s One Word Challenge prompts and
one photo prompt from Melissa’s Fandango Flash Fiction Challenge.
Yes Siree Bob, that makes six!
🎄 🦌 🎅🏼 🦌 🎄

It was a long time ago, probably 30 years now, but I remember that night like it was yesterday, as if someone had taken a permanent marker and etched the whole event on my brain for all eternity; at the time I was quite active in my church, so much so that I somehow managed to get myself elected president of the parish council, a situation I found myself in because it’s a tremendous challenge for me to say “no” and, as a result, I end up getting involved in projects I’d rather not be doing.

My committee and I were decorating the rectory meeting room and setting the tables for the parish council’s Christmas dinner when I realized the wine I bought for the function had gone missing; now, I am a very organized person, certainly no scatterbrain, and when I found there was no room whatsoever in the refrigerator or freezer for the bottles of wine, I placed them in a covered box in the garage attached to the rectory knowing they would stay safe and cold, so how they could have disappeared was a total mystery.

Faced with the inability of turning water into wine and with no time to go to the store, I decided to check the rectory storage room hoping to find wine left over from a previous dinner and I was rewarded with an entire case of red wine sitting on a shelf in the corner just waiting for me; well, never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I saw this new-found wine as divine intervention and placed two bottles on each table, quite pleased with myself for having saved the night at the last minute.

When the priests arrived for the party, they looked around the room in approval, nodding and smiling, but that was short lived when I suddenly saw one priest, Fr. Bob, heading my way and he didn’t look happy which made me wonder what was causing his consternation; now, in my defense, I am not a member of the clergy and have no way of knowing these things but the wine I found in the storage room was not just any ordinary, run-of-the-mill wine – no siree – it was blessed communion wine, meant solely for the purpose of Holy Communion and definitely not for a party, albeit a church Christmas party!

When Fr. Bob asked me (rather belligerently, I might add) how I could have made such a careless mistake, my mind went blank and everything I tried to say ended up sounding like a lame excuse; what was supposed to be a great accomplishment for me as parish council president turned into the most mortifying experience of my life and just when I thought the evening could not get any worse, it did.

The man I hired (from a so-called “reputable” agency) to play Santa Claus went AWOL, leaving his sleigh and a slightly inebriated-looking reindeer abandoned in the snow-covered backyard of the rectory; after a search of the grounds, Santa was found in the monsignor’s car in the garage, drunk as a skunk, passed out in the back seat and clutching my missing bottles of wine …. and if you give me a Bible, I will place my right hand on it and swear that everything you just read is entirely true (except the part about the tipsy reindeer; I added that because I simply couldn’t ignore the adorable graphic accompanying this story).

Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt!

FOWC with Fandango — Permanent

FOWC with Fandango — Mortifying

FOWC with Fandango — Blank

FOWC with Fandango — Scatter

Melissa’s Fandango Flash Fiction Challenge #247

This is “The Ballad of Uncle Drank – Santa’s Hammered”

Story

TIS THE SEASON

December 19, 2023December 18, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

We headed out last night to buy our Christmas tree. It’s not like me to wait this long to decorate; it was just one thing after the other this year and before I knew it, Christmas was one week away and we still didn’t have a tree.

There’s one place in town we always go to; it’s run by the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and I’d rather give them my money than some fancy nursery. At least I know all proceeds go to an excellent cause.

Right after Thanksgiving the VFW starts selling Christmas trees. A certain number of trees are immediately sent to our forces stationed overseas and others are donated to hospitals, nursing homes and other groups in need of trees to decorate. There’s a home for mentally challenged adults in my town as well as a religious retreat house run by Franciscan friars; both places receive multiple trees from the VFW.

We arrived at the tree lot around 3:30, just after the kids got home from school, and I was shocked to see some mighty slim pickings. Just the other day when I drove by there were hundreds of gorgeous trees – Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine, Douglas Fir and others. Where the heck had they all gone?

That’s exactly what I asked Phil, one of the volunteers who was working the lot last night. He told me that many of the trees were sold already, which was completely understandable; then he recounted something that just blew my mind.

The lot had been robbed the night before! Some clowns with a metal cutter snipped their way through the fence and in the middle of the night made off with about 150 trees! They were obviously organized and came with the manpower as well as the horsepower to make off with that many trees. They probably headed over to New Jersey or Connecticut to sell the trees at a huge profit.

Only despicable trash, the lowest of the low, would steal Christmas trees from the veterans! That’s like snatching a kid’s candy cane or taking an old man’s walker. It’s a real cheap shot and now the VFW was out thousands of dollars!

So, there we were on December 19^th, standing in the middle of the VFW tree lot staring at a bunch of Charlie Brown Christmas trees. I actually thought about going home, climbing up to the attic and dragging down my mother’s old silver aluminum tree she used years ago when they were all the rage. But then Phil said something that brought me back down to earth.

“Sorry for the measly selection. If you head over to Redwood Nursery, I’m sure you’ll find a lot of beautiful trees to choose from.”

This guy and the VFW had just lost a ton of money and he was willing to sacrifice another sale just so I could have a gorgeous Christmas tree in my house. Wow, talk about the “Spirit of Christmas”!

We walked around the lot until we found a tree that was practically begging for us to take it home. Phil tied it onto the top of my car and we headed home.

We placed our new tree in a stand full of water and sat down for dinner. When we returned to the living room to decorate, that wonky tree looked a little fuller and stood a bit prouder and I knew it wasn’t my imagination playing tricks on me.

One little tree was all it took to remind me of the true meaning of Christmas.

This is “One Little Christmas Tree” by Stevie Wonder.

I hope you’ll join me today
as we continue with
In The Groove:
Sounds Of The Season.
It’s going to be a joyous week!
https://rhythmsection.blog/

In The Groove, Sounds Of The Season

IN THE GROOVE: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON (December 19, 2023)

December 19, 2023December 18, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Christmas Eve is five days away and I have no idea where the year went! I love the holidays, especially this week leading up to Christmas …. the baking, wrapping, watching old holiday movies on TV, visiting with friends, attending church services, taking the little ones to see Santa. It is a truly magical time of year.

Welcome back to In The Groove: Sounds Of The Season! To help make your Christmas week even more meaningful and festive, I thought it would be nice to feature some of our most popular and well-loved holiday songs and Christmas Carols. I hope you enjoy my selections and come back to this page whenever you’re in the mood for some wonderful holiday music.

For me Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without my favorite cookies – Viennese walnut crescents, so buttery they just melt in your mouth. That’s the way I feel about certain performers and the Christmas songs we all love. There was a big problem, though: I couldn’t choose just one single song from each artist – they’re all too good – so I’m breaking with tradition and posting a few complete albums. I think there’s a nice selection of music for you to listen to and, just like delicious cookies, there’s more than enough to sample and satisfy your musical cravings anytime during these last weeks of 2023. Let’s begin with a real beauty:

Here is Nat ‘King’ Cole and this is “King Of Christmas”

From December 9, this is “Christmas With André Rieu 2023″ a compilation of the full concert.

This is Frank Sinatra with “O Jolly Christmas”

Here is “The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Sings Christmas Carols”

From 1968, this is “Snowfall – The Tony Bennett Christmas Album”

Under the direction of Arthur Fiedler, here is The Boston Pops and “Christmas Album”

The beautiful voice of Connie Francis from her album “Merry Christmas [Fantastic Christmas Carols]

The soothing sounds of “Classical Winter” – Classical Music Selections

Enjoy the week doing all the things that bring you peace and happiness …. including listening to great music. I’ll be back In The Groove on December 26th with something completely different; I predict you’re going to be sufficiently blown away! It’s just what we need for The Rhythm Section’s final week of 2023.

See you on the flip side.

Wishing you all a very joyful Christmas week,

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

Flash

LIFE IS STRANGE

December 18, 2023December 18, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

This weekend our challenge was
to write a poem or a piece of prose
in exactly 21 words using the word “ocean”.
Here’s mine.

Life is strange.

I’ve lived years on
one continent
only to find a friend
across the ocean

who became
my sister.

Weekend Writing Prompt #342 – Ocean

This is Lucy and Ethel singing “Friendship”

And from the 1954 movie “White Christmas”, this is Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen singing “Sisters” (co-stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye).

Short Story

WINDOW SHOPPING

December 17, 2023December 17, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Waves of glorious flaxen hair rippled over her shoulders, swaying and bouncing with every high-heeled, leggy stride she took.

Never one to shy away from attention, especially that of the male population, she confidently waltzed down Fifth Avenue toward Saks, stunning in red Jimmy Choo thigh-high boots, a snow-white fur coat, and a single strand of pearls.

Admiring looks didn’t intimidate her; they titillated her, challenged her to be more daring and quite a bit risqué. It was all a game and she loved to play.

As she strolled the avenue, stopping to look at the exceptional Christmas displays in the store windows, she noticed the reflection of a man leaning drowsily against a parked car. Accustomed to men looking her way, she thought nothing of it at first but found herself glancing at his image more often than usual. Sliding her Ray Bans a little down her nose, she gave this mystery man’s reflection a furtive peek. Intriguing.

Repositioning her glasses, she continued window shopping, collecting all the longing glances cast her way and storing them in her bag like so many colorful Christmas lights. Every so often she’d linger at a quaint little shop or gallery, acutely aware of her mystery man shadowing her along the way. Now this was starting to get interesting. Slowly she removed her shades and gave his reflection a long look.

Why not? Slipping her sunglasses on, she turned around to a vision that caught her breath …. from head to toe the epitome of elegance and charm. Raven hair, tanned skin, black cashmere coat draped over his arm, charcoal grey pinstripe suit, crisp white shirt, black and silver Art Deco tie and Italian shoes …. not black but the exact color of his suit. Nice touch; the paragon of haute couture.

She smiled. He smiled. She turned slowly, giving him ample time to fall into place beside her.

She continued walking, no longer followed by a mysterious shadow but side-by-side with an intriguing companion. Together they would take the road wherever it led them.

FOWC with Fandango — Exceptional

Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge – Single

This is “All I Want For Christmas” by Robyn Adele Anderson, featuring Von Smith

Join me today for a brand new
Christmas edition of
Name That Tune.
Let’s see who gets it right!
https://rhythmsection.blog/

Name That Tune

NAME THAT TUNE: CHRISTMAS EDITION

December 17, 2023December 17, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

HO! HO! HO!

We’re really getting close, kids! Only two more chances to play Name That Tune after today. Have you been naughty or nice? Are you checking off the days until Santa arrives? I know I am. 🎅🏼

But the big question is ….. “Can you name today’s tune and who sang it?”

Ok, get those thinking caps on; I have a feeling you may need them today.

And …. we’re off! Here are your five clues:

This 1957 Christmas song was co-written by a very well-known crooner who’s infinitely more famous for singing songs than writing them.
Today’s featured performer had a career spanning decades (as a singer, dancer, entertainer, TV host, Academy Award-winning actor and Chairman of the Board) and was as popular in his day as the Beatles were in theirs.
This song was not an immediate hit; ok, the fact is it never even made the charts but it has since become a popular little Christmastime tune. Is it in the top 10? Nope. The top 20? Doubtful. But if you like Christmas standards then you’ll know this one.
Our featured song is all about Christmas food, festivities and traditions; the title mentions two types of evergreen plants; one has bright red berries and the other one’s berries are white. PSA: Do not eat the berries; they are pretty but they’re also pretty poisonous and nobody wants to spend Christmas in the emergency room getting their stomach pumped!
Today’s artist was born Dec 12, 1915 in New Jersey and is probably solely responsible for putting Hoboken on the map.

So, who thinks they got it right? Let’s find out! Scroll on down for the big reveal.

That’s right, kids! It’s none other than Hoboken’s own Frank Sinatra singing a song he co-wrote called “Mistletoe And Holly”. How about we give a listen right now.

Well, I thought that was rather charming and after hearing Dino on Friday and now Frank, I’m definitely in the Christmas spirit! How about you? Are you decorating, wrapping, cooking and getting ready for the big day?

I hope you’ve been enjoying the wonderful holiday music this month. Everyone is so busy these final days of 2023 but there’s still more to come before we ring in the new year so stick around. You owe it to yourselves to stop and hear the music!

I’ll be back on Tuesday with more Sounds Of The Season; I have some of your old favorites scheduled so when you feel the pressure of the holidays starting to get to you, click on a video and enjoy the music. 🎄 ✨

Be well and take care of yourselves.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

Short Story

STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND

December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

It’s time once again for
The Unicorn Challenge.
This is my response
to the photo prompt below.

And so the time came to pass that the young woman was too heavy with child to continue the journey. They had traveled many miles with still more land to cross and she knew her time had arrived to deliver her babe.

She told her husband she could endure no more of this pilgrimage and, reluctantly he agreed; while it was important for them to return to their hometown, the safety and comfort of his wife and their unborn baby were of the utmost concern. But they were strangers in a strange land and knew no one. The husband stopped at the first house they saw.

The couple waited patiently, the young woman suffering in silence as her baby wrestled inside her, anxious to make an appearance. Finally, the owner of the house answered the door and, holding up a lantern for a better view, quickly assessed the situation. He knew this young couple needed his help.

Quietly the homeowner informed the husband that he had no room in his house for them; the disappointment on the face of the husband was obvious, even in the darkness of the late hour. The young woman tried to maintain some propriety but could no longer stifle her pains of labor and let out a deep, low moan. Both men knew the time for her to be delivered was imminent.

The homeowner hesitated only a second, then led them to a lowly cellar. Apologizing, he offered them this place and they gratefully accepted…..

The Unicorn Challenge-15/12/23

This is “Once In Royal David’s City” (Full HD Libera Boys Choir)

Be Our Guest

BE OUR GUEST: HOLIDAY EDITION (December 15, 2023)

December 15, 2023December 14, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Today we have a treat for you: Keith is back in the house!

Keith Allen, AKA The Nostalgic Italian, has written another guest post which we’re sure you’ll find interesting and entertaining. With ten days to go until Christmas, it’s guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit. Today Keith is talking about one particular Christmas song that’s become his favorite. It’s a great song and I like the fact that it isn’t one of those songs you hear constantly during the season.

OK, I’ve said enough! I’m going to hand the reins over to Keith for another edition of Be Our Guest. Take it away, Keith!

❖❖❖❖

Thank you, Nancy, and Happy Holidays to you, dear readers! When I heard that The Rhythm Section was going to feature holiday music throughout the month of December, I had to be a part of it! I am one of “those” people who can listen to Christmas music all year. It always seems to brighten my spirits and put me in a good mood.

I love Christmas music so much that I wondered if I’d actually be able to pick just one song to write about. Off the top of my head, I could pick something from Elvis, Mel Tormé, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Helms, Jim Croce, Brenda Lee, and so many more. It will come as no surprise to those who know me that I picked a cut from my favorite singer …. Dean Martin.

Dean recorded two Christmas albums. The first was “A Winter Romance” for Capitol Records in 1959. It had some Christmas songs as well as “winter” themed tunes on it.

His second Christmas album was for Reprise Records (Sinatra’s label). “The Dean Martin Christmas Album” was the fourth of five albums he released in 1966. The release of the album in October and Dean’s TV show in November, 1966 were accompanied by what Billboard described as a “merchandising avalanche”. Billboard said Dean as running the “hottest streak of his career” and added that Reprise planned to sell $4 million of his records over the Christmas sales period. Billboard later reported that Martin had sold 850,000 albums in December, 1966.

Of all of the holiday songs he recorded, there is one that has always stood out to me as his best. From the opening notes, I am smiling; I am talking about “A Marshmallow World”. I am aware of the MANY other versions of the song; although Darlene Love’s version is a close second, I personally believe that Dean’s version is the ultimate version of this song! It is the perfect song for him and he delivers it in his very own style. He sounds like he is having so much fun with it.

The song itself had been around long before Dean recorded it in 1966. It was written in 1949 and while the song is about winter and is commonly regarded as a Christmas song, the lyrics make no mention of the holiday. The imagery in the song really stands out to me. It compares a snowfall to marshmallows and mounds of whipped cream covering the ground. It is such a beautiful thing that the singer “waits for it the whole year ’round.” It was first a hit for Bing Crosby in 1950 reaching #24 on the charts and done by many others afterward.

Here now is Dean Martin’s “A Marshmallow World” (Official Audio)

Dean recorded it just once, for his 1966 album, but he performed it more than a few times on his show. If you want to see just how much fun he has singing it, you need look no further than the following clips. As you watch each of them, you can’t help but love how he can have so much fun with it in one version and then make you swoon with another.

This is “A Marshmallow World”, duet by Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra (The Dean Martin Show)

From The Dean Martin Show, another version of “It’s A Marshmallow World”

For our final song, here is Dean Martin and “A Marshmallow World” – Live, Christmas 1971

To me, Christmas isn’t Christmas without “A Marshmallow World”!

Thanks again to Nancy and the good folks here at The Rhythm Section. I wish you all the Merriest Christmas and many blessings in the New Year!

Until next time,
Keith, The Nostalgic Italian

❖❖❖❖

Thanks, Keith! It’s always great to have you join us. Just like you said …. with only ten days until Christmas, I’m really feeling the spirit!

I have to admit, when you approached me about doing a holiday song and sent me a copy of your post, I wasn’t sure I even knew “A Marshmallow World”. Then as I thought about it, I remember saying to my husband “Yeah, I think I know this song!” It was really great to hear it again and you’re so right about this song being the perfect one for Dino’s voice. You really hit it out of the park this time, Keith! Thanks for a great holiday song!

Just a reminder, friends, to stay with us for the rest of December; we’ve got lots more holiday music coming up, all the way through December 31, as well as a couple of surprises. It won’t be the same without you!

Once again, a big “thank you” to our friend, Keith!

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

Flash

KUKLA HUGS

December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Today Sadje is asking us
“What do you see?“
Using her image along with
Eugi’s word prompt “boundless”
and Fandango’s word prompt “back”,
this is my response.

*Image credit: Jr Korpa* @ ***Unsplash***

I stand at the doorway and watch
as she stretches her legs from her car seat
in the back of her daddy’s car,
grunting with that Little Engine That Could determination
until her fur-trimmed black ankle boots finally reach the curb.
With the boundless spirit of a 3 year old,
she runs up the path to our front door,
stops for a second to wave at our North Pole decorations,
and gaily calls out “Grammy! Grampy! It’s your Kukla! I’m here!” ….
my nickname for our youngest granddaughter, Colette.
She flings herself into my arms
and we share a big warm Kukla Hug.
Her hugs are the best and I don’t want to let go.
Eyes smiling, she excitedly tells me
she saw Santa and the elves outside
and asks if we can bake Christmas cookies today.
Every day with her really is
the most wonderful time of the year.

Moonwashed Weekly Prompt – Boundless

What do you see # 216- December 11, 2023

FOWC with Fandango — Back

This is Pentatonix with “The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”

Please join us today
for a very special
holiday edition of
“Be Our Guest”.
https://rhythmsection.blog/

Flash

BLUE CHRISTMAS

December 14, 2023December 13, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Rochelle @ Friday Fictioneers
has challenged us once again
to write a 100 word story
using the image below as a prompt.
This is what came to mind.

“What is this place, Draco, and why have I never seen it before?”

“Ah, Natalia, this is the most prized room in the castle! Very few know of its existence …. only those whom I trust implicitly with my deepest secrets, those whom I know will never speak of this room to another living soul.”

“Oh, dearest Draco! Tell me truly. Does this mean you love me?”

“Love you, Natalia? No, my dear. It’s not love that rules my vampiric heart, but lust.”

And with that he ravished her atop the sarcophagus before sinking his teeth into her comely neck.

15 December 2023

This is “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley

Please join me today for
Birthday Thursdays.
No fuss, no muss –
nothing but music!
https://rhythmsection.blog/

Birthday Thursdays, Happy Birthday

BIRTHDAY THURSDAYS

December 14, 2023December 10, 2023 Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Happy Birthday to Charlie Rich
Born December 14, 1932 in Colt, Arkansas

“The Most Beautiful Girl”

“Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues”

“Behind Closed Doors”

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