Month: December 2023

Story

CHRISTMAS TREE COUP DE GRÂCE

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Denise at GirlieOnTheEdge
is asking us to write a
Six Sentence Story
and to include the word “farm”.
This is my story.

My Tree

Early in our marriage, Bill and I inherited my parent’s ginormous artificial Christmas tree which we used for about ten years until it died; at that point our boys were very young and we thought it would be a nice family outing to go to one of the local nurseries to pick out a live tree, which was something we did for about four years until one Thanksgiving, while celebrating at my sister’s house in Rhinebeck NY, my brother-in-law mentioned they were going to Wonderland Farm the next day to get their Christmas tree (and you can bet my ears perked up at hearing a delightful fantasy name like that …. Wonderland Farm …. an utterly irresistible place if ever there was one and I definitely had to go!).

Well, it turned out that Wonderland Farm was a wholesale grower of Christmas trees, meaning people like you and I could go there, walk around the grounds until we found the perfect tree for our house, chop it down, drag it to the baling machine where it got bound and gagged and tied to the top of the car, then we had to drive the 90 miles home (the whole time checking to see if the tree was still on top of the car), drag the tree into the garage, saw off an inch or two from the bottom and let the tree sit in a bucket of water for a couple of days before bringing it inside to decorate; being totally unfamiliar with this activity and having young boys who thought it would be “awesome” to act like Paul Bunyan for a couple of hours, we decided to join in the tree chopping fad – a new family tradition that lasted for about three years until the back-breaking, ass-freezing novelty wore off.

Once we stopped cutting down our home-grown trees, we weren’t quite ready to bite the bullet and go cold turkey by putting up a fake tree, so back to the local nurseries we went for a few more years until that fateful day when I was un-decorating by myself and, while struggling to get the tree out the front door to the curb, I lost my balance and fell backwards into our partially frozen juniper bush; my hands and clothes were sticky from pine sap, I was a disheveled and scratched mess from wrestling my way out of the juniper, there was a trail of pine needles from my living room to the front curb, I was exhausted and achy and I’d had quite enough …. the perfect storm, the live Christmas tree coup de grâce.

The following weekend the family hopped into the car and drove to the Christmas Tree Shop where we bought a nice big artificial tree which we lugged home and immediately tossed into the attic where it remained until the following December which turned out to be a huge mistake because when we finally opened the box, we discovered it was not the gorgeous fake evergreen we saw on display but a namby pamby shade of pink aluminum which was never going to fly in my house, so we packed it all up and returned to the Christmas Tree Shop where we were told “No refunds after 90 days of purchase”; logically, I knew that but it was still a bit of a blow because the store was to blame for the mislabeled box, so once again we found ourselves wandering around looking for a Christmas tree and we found something I’d never seen before – a skinny tree, fully decorated and lit, with its own storage bag, meant to fit neatly in the corner of a room – and we scooped that baby up and brought it home.

That skinny tree served us well but (you knew there was a ‘but’ coming, didn’t you?) for a skinny tree, that damn thing weighed a ton and lugging it up from its storage spot in the basement really took its toll on Bill’s rotator cuff [we still have that skinny tree neatly packed away in its storage bag and stashed in a corner of the basement and every time I go into that back room, it scares the hell out of me because I forget it’s there and it looks like a body bag up against the wall!]; now I was asking myself what we would do for our next tree and the answer came to me while at the dentist one day and I spotted his lovely 3-foot tall fiber optic tree with twinkling lights which seemed to speak to me in Morse Code saying “Buy me and put me right by the fireplace and surround me with nutcrackers”, so that’s exactly what I did and there it served us very well for a couple of Christmases …. until I saw something while searching for stocking stuffers on Amazon that turned out to be a veritable game changer.

There on Amazon was a gorgeous tree the likes of which I had never seen before and I read all about it (not once but twice) and ordered it yet I was still surprised when a package was delivered that resembled an extremely large pizza box which contained something that looked like a wreath that melted like the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz …. it sure didn’t look like a Christmas tree and I was beginning to wonder if I’d made a mistake or if Amazon had sent the wrong item …. but after laying out all the parts on the floor (which consisted of the melty-looking tree, a base and a pole), it all began to make sense and it was incredible to see it all come together; there’s no way I can adequately describe how wondrous this tree was in person or how amazingly easy it was to assemble so if anyone is interested in seeing for themselves just how easy it really is, go to Amazon.com and search for “Prextex Premium 6 ft Pre-Decorated Christmas Prelit Pop Up Tree” – but I must caution you …. you may very well want a Christmas tree or two just like this for your very own home .… and I absolutely couldn’t blame you!

See, exactly as I described it!

NAR © 2023

This is Brenda Lee and “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”

Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt!
FOWC with Fandango — Disheveled
Poem

DECK THE HALLS DECTINA

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

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

Tree
With gifts
For the kids
And Mom and Dad
Candles all aglow
Yule log in the fireplace
Festive lights brightly shining
Milk and cookies on the mantle
Decking the halls and jingling the bells
Tree with gifts for the kids and Mom and Dad
NAR©
2023

This is “Deck The Halls“!

It’s time for another edition of
Sounds Of The Season.
Please join us today
for more great holiday music!
https://rhythmsection.blog/

In The Groove, Sounds Of The Season

IN THE GROOVE: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON (December 12, 2023)

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Welcome back to In The Groove: Sounds Of The Season! This week we are celebrating along with our Jewish friends the holiday of Hanukkah. Settle in now with your favorite beverage and a comfy blanket; we are about to begin.

Hanukkah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, delicious fried foods, dreidels and chocolate coins; the Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication.”

In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who tried to force the people of Israel to accept Greek culture and beliefs instead of mitzvah (commandment) observance and belief in God. Against all odds, a small band of faithful (but poorly armed) Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, rededicating it to the service of God.

When they sought to light the Temple’s Menorah, they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks. Miraculously, they lit the menorah and the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity. To commemorate these miracles, the sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah.

At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah lighting. The menorah holds nine flames, one of which is the shamash (“attendant”), which is used to kindle the other eight lights. On the first night, just one flame is lit. On the second night, an additional flame is lit. By the eighth night of Hanukkah, all eight lights are kindled.

Very special thanks to my friend David ben Alexander (The Skeptic’s Kaddish) for lending a helping hand in selecting today’s videos. David, you made my “job” immeasurably easier!
חנוכה שמח! תודה לך חברי היקר

The stage has now been set; let the music begin!

“I Have a Little Dreidel” (“The Dreidel Song”) is a playful song that is often sung during Hanukkah. It celebrates the spinning of the dreidel, a traditional Hanukkah game, and is a catchy tune that children and adults enjoy.

“Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah”: This song is a cheerful and lively song that celebrates the holiday and its traditions. It is often sung as a part of Hanukkah celebrations and is known for its festive spirit.

“Ma’oz Tzur” (מָעוֹז צוּר): Also known as “Rock of Ages,” this traditional Hebrew song is typically sung during Hanukkah to praise and thank God for delivering the Jewish people from their enemies. The song has several verses and is often sung with great emotion and devotion.

“Haneirot Halalu” (הַנֵּרוֹת הַלָּלוּ) is a Hebrew song recited or sung after the Hanukkah candles are lit. It expresses gratitude and joy for the miracle of Hanukkah and the opportunity to kindle the lights. It is a short, simple, and beautiful melody that is often part of the Chanukah candle-lighting ceremony.

Thank you, David! Now for two videos of my own because you can never have enough holiday music!

This is “Happy Hanukkah” by Matisyahu

Live from the Levon Helm Studios, this is Woodie Guthrie with “Happy Joyous Hanukkah”.

Wishing all my friends who observe Hanukkah a most blessed, peaceful and happy celebration!

I hope you enjoyed today’s edition of Sounds Of The Season. Please join me again next week as we continue this holiday edition of In The Groove.

Happy Hanukkah! 🕎

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

Uncategorized

TANGO

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Their eyes met across the darkened, smoke-filled room. The attraction was too strong for either one to look away.

They slowly circled the perimeter of the dance floor, never breaking the chain that kept them spellbound.

Everyone and everything in the room seemed to vanish except for the music.

They fell into an embrace and began to dance a tango, moving to the rhythm of their hearts.

NAR © 2023
67 Words

Weekend Writing Prompt #341 – Rhythm

This is Lorena Tarantino and Gianpiero Galdi dancing to “La Cumparsita”.

Music Blog

AND THAT’S A WRAP!

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Today at Song Lyric Sunday, Jim is asking us to choose a song that was recorded in one take. Ok, let’s do it!

In my mind, I can’t imagine anyone not being a Beatles fan …. not to the exclusion of all other bands, mind you …. just an ordinary fan. With that thought in mind, I’m sure you’re all eager to know that the Beatles recorded not one but four songs in one take. The amazing thing about that is the lead singer for each of the four songs was a different Beatle!

Let’s see which four songs were recorded in just one take and who sang which song:

On February 11, 1963, Ringo took lead vocals for the first time on “Boys”, a hit song for the Shirelles written in 1960 by Luther Dixon and Wes Farrell. As usual, Ringo also played the drums. On that day the Beatles recorded ten songs for the first album “Please Please Me”, which was released on March 22, 1963.

Next up is Paul. On March 1, 1964, he did his greatest Little Richard impression on “Long Tall Sally” with George Martin joining in on piano. The song was written by session musician Henry Strzelecki and originally released in 1959. The Beatles version was released on June 1, 1964 on a 4-song EP that included “Matchbox’, “I Call Your Name” and “Slow Down”.

On October 18, 1964, George sang lead on a cover of the Carl Perkins song “Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby”, originally written way back in 1936 by Rex Griffin. The take was so well done, there was no need for another. That was a very productive recording session, with the Beatles completing three songs in just five takes!

The last of the songs is one by John singing “Rock and Roll Music”, which Chuck Berry wrote and recorded in 1957. George Martin once again joined in on the piano (as he often did); it was such a clean and crisp recording, only one take was needed.

Nothing new here for the Beatles; they had performed all these songs in their Hamburg days so the group was used to playing them. Yes, you’re right if you’re saying “But, Nancy … Ringo wasn’t in Hamburg – Pete Best was the Beatles drummer back then“. And I would reply that Ringo had sung “Boys” with his previous band so it was only natural that he be given the lead for that song again with the Beatles. These songs were also Rock & Roll or Rockabilly covers – a genre the Beatles loved to listen to and play, which they did with extreme ease.

Many people mistakenly believe that the Beatles routinely recorded songs in one take when in reality it happened only four times in their entire career. Let’s listen to my favorite of the four “one take” songs …. John’s version of “Rock and Roll Music” from “Beatles For Sale”.

Rock And Roll Music (Remastered 2009)
The Beatles
Beatles For Sale

Written by: ChuckBerry
Recorded: October 18, 1964
Producer: George Martin
Engineer: Norman Smith
Released: December 4, 1964 (UK), December 15, 1961 (US)
Available on:
Beatles For Sale
Anthology 2
Live At The BBC

Personnel
John Lennon: vocals, rhythm guitar, piano
Paul McCartney: bass guitar, piano
George Harrison: acoustic guitar
Ringo Starr: drums
George Martin: piano

One and Done

Thanks to Jim for another great prompt in Song Lyric Sunday. I’m looking forward to seeing what other great songs were recorded in just one take.

NAR © 2023

Short Story

LIKE A KNIFE IN THE BACK

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

The prompt for
Stream of Consciousness Saturday
is to include the words “to me”.
This is my response.

Whenever there’s an upset in my life, I ask myself the same question: “How could this be happening to me again?”

Sometimes I wonder if I’m a total sap to give myself entirely to a friendship and at some point end up getting hurt. I don’t know …. maybe I’m delusional but I expect people to treat me the same as I treat them. Perhaps “expect” is too strong a word; after all, do I really have the right to expect people to behave a certain way just because I think they should?

Someone once told me my expectations are unrealistic and that I can’t “will” someone to act or react a certain way simply because I want them to. Perhaps he was right. I think about his words when I feel hurt or angry.

So, yes, I was hurt once again by a friend going behind my back and lying to me. This leaves me wondering if I bring this sort of behavior on myself or if I’m just unfortunate with some of the friendships I have made?

One thing I simply cannot tolerate is lying. I have a personal pact with myself never to tell lies. I know people lie all the time; is it too much to ask those near and dear not to lie to me?

Writing about this recent hurt is cleansing and I have decided I will put it behind me. What gives me some small amount of satisfaction is the fact that the person who lied to me knows that I know. This friend certainly went to a lot of trouble to cover all the tracks but they weren’t 100% successful. First of all, I am nobody’s fool and I catch on fast. Secondly, when you involve a third party into the plot, things can go horribly wrong very quickly. And last, my friend slipped up by making a comment online which I saw through immediately; as I said, I am nobody’s fool. The plotting and scheming behind my back compounded with the lie is particularly vicious; it was entirely intentional. You can’t get much lower than that.

Well, while I am going through this cleansing period, I am not above admitting that I hope the liar(s) are squirming and feeling guilty about stabbing me in the back. This was a grievous act on their part; could an admission and an apology be on the way?

NAR © 2023
#SoCS

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Dec. 9, 2023

This is “Positively 4th Street” by Dylan

Short Story

LE CYGNE

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

It’s time once again for
The Unicorn Challenge;
this is my contribution.
🦢

© Ayr/Gray

There’s nothing quite as poignant as the sight of a dying swan, when her beauty wanes like that of faded silken cloth.

A life of such magnificence she leads, dressed in only the most majestic and royal of attire, bestowed so easily by nature while other breeds look so ordinary in comparison.

Confident in her beauty, she floats like a downy queen; she renders no judgement on the world nor assumes a superior attitude. Hers is a graceful, peaceful existence.

She rises above the tumult and silently, in a sweetly romantic character, will she take to heart a mate for all her life. No other and never another will she need, for they are soulmates of the seas.

With wings and elegant necks entwined, they swim the waters together, no fear, no discord. In unison they fly with wings of angels, ever one with the other.

The finches and skylarks in admiration glance down from the trees and sing to the beauty of the swans.

Their love comes to fruition; their cygnets hatch like tiny balls of feathered fluff.

But now the song of the swan is almost over, come full cycle but far too soon for her mate has fallen victim to the fisherman’s nets and weights and has been dragged unceremoniously to the depths of the lake.

Now she is alone with only a broken heart until the time comes for her to rest and in silence she will close her eyes for one long and final sleep.

NAR © 2023
250 words

The Unicorn Challenge-08/12/23

This is “The Swan/Le Cygne” by Camille Saint-Saens

Flash

WHY BOTHER?

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Rochelle @ Friday Fictioneers
has offered up another photo prompt;
this is my 100-word response.

PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz

My mother was coming for a visit – just a couple of hours but enough time to give my house the once-over.

I gave up long ago trying to please Mom or meet her unreasonable expectations; nothing I did made her happy or proud so why even bother? Now that I was a mom, spending time with my kids was more important than keeping an immaculate house.

To my surprise, the afternoon with Mom was delightful. As she was leaving, she walked by the pile of shoes in my mudroom and announced with a huff, “Nancy, you are such a disappointment.”

NAR © 2023
100 Words

8 December 2023

This is “Motherless Child” by Eric Clapton

Uncategorized

HANUKKAH SAMEACH!

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

To all my friends who observe this festive time,
may you be blessed with the gifts of love, peace and
happiness this Hanukkah and always!

“Happy Joyous Hanukkah” by Woody Guthrie (Live from Levon Helm Studios)

Short Story

DADDY GOES TO THE MALL

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Denise @ GirlieOnTheEdge
has once again challenged us
to write a Six Sentence Story,
incorporating the word “limit”.
This is my response.
🎅🏼

“Now listen up, kids, because Daddy’s had just about enough of this nonsense; I’m at the end of my rope and very close to losing it right here in front of Cinnabon, you hear me?

Every year it’s the same thing with you kids; Timmy, Sally .… I need you guys to get a grip because people are starting to stare, mall security is checking me out and the big guy in the red suit is becoming impatient.

Try to remember what we talked about last night when I read you a bedtime story, how you gotta behave because Santa is watching all the time and he knows when you’re being naughty (like now) or when you’re being nice; if you want Santa Claus to come to our house this year and bring you Christmas presents, you better shape up this minute and stop crying or else you’re gonna get a big fat lump of coal in your stocking!

Sally, I know you want Mommy right now but the last time I saw her she was ducking into Ye Olde Candle Shoppe and she hasn’t come out yet …. as if we really need more goddamn candles that smell like fruit cake and reindeer balls …. it ain’t normal, I’m telling you; look, we’re next in line to see Santa so everybody settle down, stop crying and when we’re all done we’ll go down to the food court and get ice cream at Baskin Robbins, ok?

Hold on a second, kids, cos one of the elves is putting up a sign and I wanna see what it says; whoa, whoa, whoa …. wait up there, pal …. what’s with the sign?

Ok, change of plans, kids …. Santa’s taking a lunch break and won’t be back till 3:00 so we’re gonna go hunt down Mommy in the friggin’ candle store and then we’re gonna go home where Daddy can watch Sunday football and have a couple of cold ones and Mommy can bring you back to the mall tomorrow while I’m at the office; Timmy, Sally …. for fuck’s sake …. that’s enough now cos Daddy’s good and pissed and has reached his limit …. so stop with the damn crying or I’ll really give you something to cry about!”

NAR © 2023

Sunday’s Six Sentence Story Word Prompt!
FOWC with Fandango — Grip
Weekly Prompts Colour Challenge – Red!
FOWC with Fandango — Normal

This is Bob Rivers & Twisted Christmas with “I Am Santa Claus”

It’s Birthday Thursday today
at The Rhythm Section.
Stop by and see who’s
celebrating a birthday!
No fuss, no muss;
just wall-to-wall-music!
https://rhythmsection.blog/

Happy Birthday

BIRTHDAY THURSDAYS

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 Harry Chapin
December 7, 1942 in New York City

This is “Dreams Go By”

“Taxi”

“Cats In The Cradle”

Story

THE CALL

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Out of the blue the call arrived. It was late and I was beyond tired after a day of Christmas shopping and decorating. We were tempted to let it go straight to voice mail, but Gary thought it might be important. 

“Gary? Hi, it’s Alice from the adoption agency. I hope you and Carol are sitting down! We have a baby for you! Can you come by in the morning to talk?”

Gary stood up; his face registered shock. “What? My God! Are you sure?” Completely convinced that something terrible had happened, I grabbed the phone from Gary. “This is Carol Wheeler. Who’s this, please?”  

It was not bad news …. just the opposite. It was elating, magical, top-of-the-world, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year news! 

A baby in need of a home! A baby for us to love!! 

“Yes!! We’ll be there! Oh, Alice. I’m so happy! Thank you so much!” I was rambling. 

Dumbstruck, we stood there …. then pandemonium broke loose. Laughing, crying, hugging, kissing, dancing, tossing tinsel around the room like crazy people. Anytime would have been amazing but for this to be happening during the holiday season was wondrous!

We didn’t think …. or even care …. to ask “boy, girl, age, etc., etc.”? After eight years of trying to get pregnant and faced with disappointment each time, an incredibly strong and loving stranger was presenting us with the most precious gift imaginable. 

“Gary, do you realize in a few days we will be a family of three?” I asked breathlessly.

IN A FEW DAYS!!  

All tiredness forgotten, we raced to the attic for the plastic bins of assorted baby items. There in the corner stood the bassinet; it seemed to glow in the darkness. I believe at that moment I heard angels singing. We reverently carried it down to our room. I leaned into Gary, overcome with elated exhaustion. 

And then the phone rang a second time. We stared at it, afraid to answer, sure it was Alice calling to say the baby’s mom had changed her mind, there would be no happy family for us. 

I reached for the phone and wearily, warily said “This is Carol.”

“Carol, it’s Alice again. Sorry to bother you and Gary but there’s been a development.”

I closed my eyes waiting for the words I didn’t want to hear. Not now, not at Christmastime. Alice continued talking and I felt my knees growing weak.

Stunned, crying, all I could manage was a hushed “Oh, Alice! Are you absolutely sure? How could this be happening? Yes. Yes, I understand.”  

I hung up the phone without even saying goodbye. I was already crying when I turned to face Gary. He held me close and whispered “Shh. It’s ok, honey. Everything will be ok. Another baby is out there waiting for us. It’s just a matter of time.”  

On tiptoes, I reached up to give my darling husband a little kiss. I murmured “I love you”, my mouth just brushing his. I looked into his eyes and spoke, my voice breaking.

“Oh, Gary. There was a mix up at the hospital and Alice was given the wrong information.”

Gary started to speak but I gently placed my fingers on his lips to quiet him. I continued.

  “Alice called just now to ask how we feel about adopting twins.”

I’m quite sure neither of us was breathing at that moment. Gary’s eyes grew wide as the realization sunk in and I let out a little laugh. Gary put up two fingers and mouthed the word “Two”. I nodded and replied “Two. Twin girls”.

We fell to the couch, a huddle of tears and laughter and hugs. Then I heard my love’s voice next to my ear: “I told you another baby was out there waiting for us!”

Twins! Oh, what a joyful Christmas this will be!

NAR © 2023

This is Mark Tremonti with “The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”

I hope you’ll join me today
for an all new In The Groove
as I welcome in the holidays.
Stop by for some great tunes!
https://rhythmsection.blog/

In The Groove, Sounds Of The Season

IN THE GROOVE: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON (December 5, 2023)

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Can you believe we are in December already? Chanukah begins in just three days, Christmas is less than three weeks away and a new year is knocking on the door! I love the holidays …. the smell of pine trees, the sight of twinkling lights, the taste of peppermint, the warm feeling of a fireplace, the sound of seasonal songs and the love of family and dear friends. What a joyful time it is.

Welcome to In The Groove: Sounds Of The Season! To help get us in the holiday mood, I thought it would be nice to start our new category with some lovely traditional holiday instrumentals. Light the candles, pour yourself a brandy, a cup of cocoa or a glass of eggnog and snuggle up with your favorite blanket. The music is about to begin.

Now bear in mind …. as is my style, I have prepared a number of videos for you; think of them as the hors d’oeuvres at a holiday party. Sample a video today, perhaps another one tomorrow; they are meant to be viewed and enjoyed throughout the week. However, if you cannot wait and simply must gobble them all up at one sitting, then go right ahead. The choice is yours!

For your relaxing listening pleasure today I have chosen the beautiful sounds of Mantovani.

Annunzio Paolo Mantovani was an Anglo-Italian composer and conductor known for his signature cascading musical string sound. He was born in Venice, Italy in 1905 into a music-oriented family. His father, Benedetto Paolo Mantovani, was a violinist and served as the orchestra concertmaster of La Scala opera house in Milan, under the baton of Arturo Toscanini. The family moved to England in 1912, where young Annunzio studied at Trinity College of Music in London. After graduation, he formed his own orchestra, which played in and around Birmingham. By the time World War II broke out, his orchestra was one of the most popular British dance bands, both on BBC radio broadcasts and in live performances.

Sit back now and enjoy the soothing sound of Mantovani & His Orchestra.

This is “O Tannenbaum” (O Christmas Tree)

“The Christmas Song”

“Christmas Bells”

“O Come All Ye Faithful”

“Sleigh Ride”

“O Holy Night”

What beautiful music to put us in the holiday mood; let’s spread the joy of the season everywhere we go!

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet up with me today. I hope you’ll join me again next Tuesday for more delightful Sounds Of The Seasons here In The Groove.

Stay well and be kind to yourselves and one another.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

Flash

THWACK!

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

“Watcha staring at, Norman?”

“Ain’t staring, Agnes. I’m observing.”

“That so? Watcha observing then, Norman?”

“Nuthin that concerns you, Agnes.”

“It’s Mrs. Claus with the biggy bumps, ain’t it?”

“She’s got a nice wobble, is all.”

“You idiot!”

**THWACK!!**

“Ow! I gots a biggy bump on me head now, Agnes!”

“Ain’t no bump, Norman! Just a wee wobble.”

NAR © 2023
58 Words

Weekend Writing Prompt #340 – Wobble

This is Sue Thompson singing “Norman”.

Music Blog

IT’S TIME TO GO TO CHURCH

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Today in Song Lyric Sunday
Jim is challenging us to write about
a killer album closer. Here’s my response:

Say “hello” to my little friend.
This is Eddie, the official mascot for Iron Maiden.
Eddie is a perennial fixture of the group’s artwork,
appearing on all their album covers and merchandise,
which includes T-shirts, posters and action figures.
Eddie, AKA Eddie the Head, made his debut February 8, 1980.

There are metal singers and then there are METAL SINGERS.
Bruce Dickinson, without a single solitary doubt in my mind,
falls into the latter category.
He is among the best of the best!

“Hallowed Be Thy Name,” the end track from the epic “The Number of The Beast” album, is not only one of Iron Maiden’s best songs, it’s one of the greatest metal tracks of all-time, period. The epic 7+ minute track instantly became a mainstay at live shows and has been covered by numerous artists, including Dream Theater and Machine Head.

Allmusic describes it as “perhaps the most celebrated of the band’s extended epics; it’s the tale of a prisoner about to be hanged, featuring some of Harris’ most philosophical lyrics.” Several band-members have since stated that it is one of their favorite tracks, with Bruce Dickinson describing it as “fantastic” and that performing it live is like “narrating a movie to the audience.”

On the evening of October 2, 1982, my mister and I hired a babysitter for our boys and drove into Manhattan for one of our final rock concerts. It had been a while. Now that we had kids, who knew when we would be able to have this experience again. We were all grown up with a different set of priorities but this was one event we could not miss. Performing that night at Madison Square Garden were two British groups Bill and I didn’t have a chance to see B.K. (Before Kids).

The concert tour was called “Beast On the Road” and the two groups were Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. It was incredible and the closing song sounded a lot like this:

“Hallowed Be Thy Name” by Iron Maiden

Lyrics

I’m waiting in my cold cell when the bell begins to chime
Reflecting on my past life and it doesn’t have much time
‘Cause at 5 o’clock, they take me to the Gallows Pole
The sands of time for me are running low
Running low, yeah!

When the priest comes to read me the last rites
Take a look through the bars at the last sights
Of a world that has gone very wrong for me

Can it be that there’s some sort of error?
Hard to stop the surmounting terror
Is it really the end, not some crazy dream?

Somebody, please tell me that I’m dreaming
It’s not easy to stop from screaming
The words escape me when I try to speak
Tears flow, but why am I crying?
After all, I’m not afraid of dying
Don’t I believe that there never is an end?

As the guards march me out to the courtyard
Somebody cries from a cell, “God be with you”
If there’s a God, why has he let me go?

As I walk, my life drifts before me
Though the end is near I’m not sorry
Catch my soul, it’s willing to fly away

Mark my words, believe my soul lives on
Don’t worry now that I have gone
I’ve gone beyond to seek the truth

When you know that your time is close at hand
Maybe then you’ll begin to understand
Life down here is just a strange illusion

Yeah-yeah-yeah, hallowed be thy name
Yeah-yeah-yeah, hallowed by thy name

Yeah

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Stephen Percy Harris
Hallowed Be Thy Name lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music, Universal Music Publishing Group

“Hallowed Be Thy Name”
Song by Iron Maiden
from the album The Number of the Beast
Released22 March 1982
RecordedJanuary–February 1982
StudioBattery, London
GenreHeavy Metal
Length7:08
LabelEMI
Songwriter(s)Steve Harris
Producer(s)Martin Birch

Album Closer

Thanks to Jim for another great prompt in Song Lyric Sunday!

NAR © 2023

Short Story

LONGYEARBYEN

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

It’s time once again for The Unicorn Challenge,
and oh, what a challenge it was this time!
Here is my response to the photo prompt below.

© Ayr/Gray

Little Arvid was just a wee babe when his parents were tragically killed in a sledding accident. The only family he had was his Uncle Gunnar and Aunt Sigrid, who happily took him in to live with them. They were childless and lovingly raised their nephew.

Gunnar and Sigrid were little people, married for so long, neither one could recollect; their devotion was so rare, it kept them young. In fact they hadn’t aged at all since the day they married!

They lived in a tiny house in the world’s northernmost town of Longyearbyen, just 650 miles from the North Pole.

As Arvid grew, it became obvious that he, too, would be a little person; this was no problem because almost everyone in the town of Longyearbyen was a little person.

When Arvid reached the age of 8, Gunnar and Sigrid knew it was time for “the talk”. With great care they led Arvid into a small privy which was so secluded, Arvid had never seen it before. There was an imposing teal blue safe inside …. how very curious! Arvid was even more surprised when Uncle Gunnar opened the safe’s door to find it led directly outdoors!

The little family hopped on a long sled parked outside and sped down the snowy mountains until they reached the most magical place of all …. The North Pole! Soon, alongside his aunt and uncle, Arvid learned the mystical wonders of life …. helping Santa make toys for good girls and boys.

NAR © 2023
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-01/12/23

Ho! Ho! Ho! This is “Jingle Bell Rock (Daryl’s Version)” by Hall & Oates, pre-restraining order, don’t you know. Yeah, it is! 🎅🏼

Music Blog

SATURDAY HARRISONG

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬
In the studio

It’s only fitting that we conclude this week of “All Things George” with one of my favorite George Harrison songs.

“Taxman” was the sixth song by George to appear on a Beatles album; out of all the Beatles songs combined (not counting solo work), only 22 were written by George. “Taxman” was released as the opening track on “Revolver” in 1966. It’s a powerful piece of guitar rock with a sexy beat that dives into psychedelic rock.

Written from the perspective of a federal agent, the song sarcastically attacks the high levels of progressive tax taken by the British government of then Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

Early on, the press called the Beatles millionaires; they were so naïve, they didn’t realize their millions were earnings, not assets, and they needed to set aside a lot of those earnings for taxes. They were never happy about that and that’s why George wrote “Taxman”. They’d been poor boys who worked hard to make their money and now someone was trying to take it away …. something we can all relate to.

This song named names and pointed fingers; it’s down and dirty, gritty and sexy, and I didn’t need any more convincing that George had it going on. This song bashed me over the head like a caveman and dragged me home by the hair …. and I loved it.

From 1966’s Revolver, with superb artwork by the brilliant Klaus Voormann, this is the gritty, sexy, down and dirty “Taxman”.

Lyrics

One, two, three, four
One, two (one, two, three, four)

Let me tell you how it will be
There’s one for you, nineteen for me
‘Cause I’m the taxman
Yeah, I’m the taxman

Should five percent appear too small
Be thankful I don’t take it all
‘Cause I’m the taxman
Yeah, I’m the taxman

I’ll tax the street
(If you try to sit, sit) I’ll tax your seat
(If you get too cold, cold) I’ll tax the heat
(If you take a walk, walk) I’ll tax your feet
(Taxman)

‘Cause I’m the taxman
Yeah, I’m the taxman

Don’t ask me what I want it for
(Ah, ah, Mr. Wilson)
If you don’t want to pay some more
(Ah, ah, Mr. Heath)
‘Cause I’m the taxman
Yeah, I’m the taxman

Now my advice for those who die (taxman)
Declare the pennies on your eyes (taxman)
‘Cause I’m the taxman
Yeah, I’m the taxman
And you’re working for no one but me (taxman)

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: George Harrison
Taxman lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

I hope you enjoyed reading about George this week as much as I enjoyed writing about him. Thanks, and remember…..

There’s not a single thing wrong with a George Harrisong!

NAR © 2023

Flash

”PETAL” TO THE METAL

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬

Rochelle at Friday Fictioneers is challenging us
once again with a very unusual photo prompt!
This is my 100 word response to her challenge.

© Photo Prompt by Fleur Lind

Dad never learned to drive so mom had to take matters into her own hands.

She got her driver’s license in 1957 at age 40. Oh, she’d driven a bit when she was younger but women drivers in the 30s and 40s was unheard of.

Her first car was a Studebaker Golden Hawk and she ran that thing into the ground, literally.

One blindingly sunny day with the pedal to the metal, mom drove off the road, smashed into the cemetery and dug up a few floral arrangements along the way.

The old Golden Hawk. May she rest in peace.

NAR © 2023
100 Words

1 December 2023

This is Drive, She Said with “Pedal to the Metal”

Music Blog, Uncategorized

FRIDAY HARRISONG

Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬
“Rubber Soul” recording session

After a couple of discreet contributions to “Help!”, George really started taking his revenge with “Rubber Soul” and began to show his enormous capacity as a songwriter. With this new-found theme, George was on his way to surpassing himself on each upcoming album.

I thought I couldn’t dig George any more than I already did, but when this song came out in 1965, I realized I was wrong. I was under his spell!

In his 1980 autobiography, “I, Me, Mine”, George recalls a little about the inspiration behind “Think for Yourself”. He said that his intention was to target narrow-minded thinking and identified the British government as a possible source. Partly as a result of the vagueness of his comments, the song has been interpreted as both a political commentary and a statement on a failing personal relationship.

The song reflects the influence of Bob Dylan; just as their songs had encouraged Dylan to embrace rock music, Dylan’s work inspired the Beatles (and particularly George, as a budding songwriter), to address more sophisticated concepts than the standard love song. Some critics likened “Think For Yourself” to Dylan’s  “Positively 4th Street” …. not too shabby a comparison!

From 1965’s fantastic “Rubber Soul”, this is the impressive, heavy-hitting “Think For Yourself”. 

Lyrics

I’ve got a word or two
To say about the things that you do
You’re telling all those lies
About the good things that we can have
If we close our eyes

Do what you want to do
And go where you’re going to
Think for yourself
‘Cause I won’t be there with you

I left you far behind
The ruins of the life that you had in mind
And though you still can’t see
I know your mind’s made up
You’re gonna cause more misery

Do what you want to do
And go where you’re going to
Think for yourself
‘Cause I won’t be there with you

Although your mind’s opaque
Try thinking more if just for your own sake
The future still looks good
And you’ve got time to rectify
All the things that you should

Do what you want to do
And go where you’re going to
Think for yourself
‘Cause I won’t be there with you

Do what you want to do
And go where you’re going to
Think for yourself
‘Cause I won’t be there with you
Think for yourself
‘Cause I won’t be there with you

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: George Harrison
Think for Yourself lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

“Think for Yourself”
Song by the Beatles
from the album Rubber Soul
PublishedNorthern Songs
Released3 December 1965
Recorded8 November 1965
Studio EMI, London
Genre Pop rock   rock
Length2:18
LabelParlophone
Songwriter(s)George Harrison
Producer(s)George Martin

There’s not a single thing wrong with a George Harrisong!

NAR © 2023