A peace bubble for Tom…..
NAR © 2023
This is Mishka singing Peace and Love …
RHAPSODESIA
The sea kisses the shore
The clouds embrace the sky
Your lips whisper love words
upon my neck
My breasts ache for your touch
NAR © 2023
24 Words
This is Emile Pandolfi performing Ebb Tide – 1991
DOING IT CHICAGO STYLE
For Jim’s Song Lyric Sunday, I’m celebrating the phenomenal voice and life of the legendary Etta James, whose heartfelt tunes and soulful pipes captured an enduring spot in American music history.
James was born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938, in Los Angeles, CA. She grew from a gospel prodigy into a versatile singer of jazz, R&B, soul, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.
James’ greatest success came after she signed with Chicago-based Chess Records in 1960. During her time with the company, which inspired the movie “Cadillac Records”, she produced pivotal works including “A Sunday Kind of Love,” “Trust in Me,” “At Last,” and “I’d Rather Go Blind” which I am showcasing today. These great songs are all part of her hits album, “The Chess Box” as well as highlighted in “The Essential Etta James”.
“I’d Rather Go Blind” written by Ellington Jordan and co-credited to Billy Foster and Etta James, is one of those blues songs you hear once and never forget. It was first recorded and released in 1967 by Etta James and has subsequently become regarded as a soul and blues classic.
“I’d Rather Go Blind” was written while Ellington Jordan, AKA “Fugi”, was in prison. Fugi poured his grief from being incarcerated into the song and in 2006 told an interviewer “I got tired of losing and being down. I was in prison and didn’t know when I was going to get out. I sat in a piano room and began to write”. For Etta James, the song was about being blind in her “love life” and her “personal ways”, she wrote in her autobiography “A Rage to Survive: The Etta James Story”.
Over the years, “I’d Rather Go Blind” has been covered by Rod Stewart, Christine McVie and Beyonce, among others. In her autobiography, Etta James wrote “Funny, but that’s a tune that’s deepened along with my life, its meaning growing more mysterious. Me and the song have grown old together.”
For many listeners, the two and half minutes of “I’d Rather Go Blind” convey so much of the emotion James must have been feeling. When Leonard Chess of Chess Records heard the song for the first time, he had to leave the room, crying.
This is the one and only Etta James and “I’d Rather Go Blind”.
NAR © 2023
Lyrics
Something told me it was over
When I saw you and her talkin’
Something deep down in my soul said, ‘Cry, girl’
When I saw you and that girl walkin’ around
Whoo, I would rather, I would rather go blind, boy
Then to see you walk away from me, child, no
Whoo, so you see, I love you so much
That I don’t wanna watch you leave me, baby
Most of all, I just don’t, I just don’t wanna be free, no
Whoo, whoo, I was just, I was just, I was just
Sittin here thinkin’, of your kiss and your warm embrace, yeah
When the reflection in the glass that I held to my lips now, baby
Revealed the tears that was on my face, yeah
Whoo and baby, baby, I’d rather, I’d rather be blind, boy
Then to see you walk away, see you walk away from me, yeah
Whoo, baby, baby, baby, I’d rather be blind…
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Ellington Jordan / Billy Foster
I’d Rather Go Blind lyrics © Arc Music, Arc Music Corp, Urban Ideas Publishing
| “I’d Rather Go Blind” | |
| Single by Etta James | |
| from the album Tell Mama | |
| A-side | “Tell Mama” |
| B-side | “I’d Rather Go Blind” |
| Released | 1967 |
| Recorded | 1967, FAME Studios, Muscle Shoals, Alabama |
| Genre | Soul Blues Deep Soul |
| Length | 2:32 |
| Label | Cadet 5578 |
| Songwriters | Etta James, Ellington Jordan, Billy Foster |
| Producer(s) | Rick Hall |
THE CLERK
“This can’t be the right place, Alex.”
“Well, it’s the address the hotel clerk gave me and our GPS brought us right here.”
Alex and Gwen sat in their car wondering how the little yellow shack by the water could possibly be “the best fish and chips place in all of Liverpool”.
Exiting the car, they were struck by the tantalizing aroma of frying food. Grabbing each other’s hands, they ran to the front of the shack. The smell of fish and chips was mouthwatering and there were at least fifty people in line.
Damn if that clerk wasn’t right!
NAR © 2023
100 Words
This is Jubing Kristianto performing “Fish and Chips”
PEACE BUBBLE
Who am I to burst someone’s wish bubble,
especially when it’s for the greatest treasures on earth?
We’re talking about peace and love!
✌🏼 💙 ✌🏼 💙
NAR © 2023
This is Peace Train from Yusuf’s Live Cafe Sessions 2007.
JULY MORNING
Trigger Warning: The unspeakable events in Israel this week
have left me numb. This is a very bleak tale.
I hope you will bear that in mind
as you read my story today. Thank you.
The church used to be there, across the river.
Rumors were that Pastor Roderick had a squaw named Chenoa who kept house for him. People talked; they agreed the relationship seemed …. peculiar. One October night a few curious boys paddled across the river. Hearing shouting, they crept to the vicar’s cabin and peeked in a window.
Roderick was drunk and yelling at Chenoa. The boys were startled when the vicar threw his glass across the room and reached for a birch cane by the hearth. He grabbed Chenoa and ripped the front of her tunic from neck to hem, leaving her standing naked and trembling. He wrestled out of his waistcoat and began whipping Chenoa’s breasts as she sobbed. Purple welts appeared on her chest and bloody droplets trickled down her belly. Roderick licked the blood, then twisted Chenoa around and entered her from behind. When he was done, he pushed her to the floor.
The boys fled and told their parents what they had witnessed. The next morning the sheriff and a posse rowed out and discovered the church and cabin burned to the ground. Roderick was dead, an arrow sticking angrily out of his neck; he had been scalped. There was no sign of Chenoa.
On a sultry July morning the village women went berry picking by the river. They screamed out in horror at the sight before them: a despondent Chenoa had hanged herself from an oak tree. The papoose on her back cradled a sleeping infant.
NAR © 2023
250 Words
If you are unable to view the video, which I understand is a frequent problem, it can be found on YouTube. Sorry for the inconvenience. The song is “July Morning” by Uriah Heep. This is a pic of the version I chose for today’s story:
SOUNDS OF SILENCE
It’s a sad commentary when two people are out spending time with each other and yet they are miles apart – or so it may seem at first glance; this is not always true as we will soon learn in the case of Dan and Josephine.
This was the lesser of two evils as far as our young couple was concerned for, you see, people would talk about them no matter what they did and they are still too unsophisticated to grasp the concept that what other people think of them is not their problem.
I know I’m one of the guilty ones when I see two people out together, each one glued to their cell phone, totally ignoring the person they’re with; my first reaction is “how stilted and stifled is this relationship, how bored are these young people that they can’t even carry on a conversation with each other?” and I think of my husband of 50+ years and how we always find something (or someone) to talk about.
Perhaps I’m the one with the problem of being judgmental and jumping to conclusions.
Let’s go back to the case of Dan and Josephine, the young couple in our photo; what people observing them are not aware of is the fact that both Dan and Josephine are deaf and since they have been ridiculed, teased, mimicked and stared at for using sign language while out in public, they have opted to carry on their conversations via text.
Maybe next time we should remember to mind our own damn business and not jump to conclusions; there may be a very good reason – a personal and sometimes difficult decision people are forced to make – and it’s not our place to point fingers …. even if they really are just ignoring each other. 🙈 🙉 🙊
NAR © 2023
THE GRAND OPENING
Trigger warning: offensive and insensitive language, racial slurs.
“Didn’t touch! Only looked!” wailed Eddie, the dishwasher at the Q.E.D. Lounge. The waitstaff came running into the kitchen upon hearing a tremendous crash. Shattered crystal covered the kitchen floor – the new shipment of assorted glasses for the lounge’s grand opening.
Eddie huddled in the corner wiping his runny nose on the sleeve of his sweatshirt, whimpering like a frightened boy. Due to that one decisive extra chromosome, Eddie was very much like a child – a 32 year old man with the mind of an eight year old. Just a little thing called Down Syndrome. Eddie’s brother Jay, the maitre d’, crouched down next to him while everyone stood in stunned silence.
“Eddie, accidents happen. It’s gonna be ok” Jay said calmly. “C’mon, bud. We’ll help you clean up.”
Without hesitation the crew grabbed brooms and dust pans – everyone except Lou, the belligerent bartender.
“Don’t look at me. I ain’t helping!” snarled Lou. “It was that goddamn retard’s fault. He shouldn’t even be around normal people, fucking mongoloid!”
Jay clenched his fists, eyes glaring at Lou.” Shut your filthy mouth, you miserable son of a bitch! Don’t ever talk about my brother like that!”
Martin Byrnes, manager of the Q.E.D., stormed into the kitchen. “What the hell’s going on?!” Slowly he looked around, taking in the whole scene. Martin asked everyone to leave except Eddie, Jay and Lou.
Martin spoke softly. “Eddie, it’s ok. I’m not mad. Can you tell me what happened?”
Eddie glanced over at Lou, then shook his head ‘no’.
“Mr. Byrnes is real good to us, Eddie. He deserves the truth” Jay added encouragingly.
Eddie sniffled and rubbed is swollen eyes. “I saw all the boxes and I was curious, Jay, but I didn’t touch them, cross my heart and hope to die. Then Lou, he came rushing in the back door and pushed me into the boxes and they fell.”
“You lying freak!” yelled Lou. “I was out back chasing that bum who’s always looking for a handout. Eddie’s mangy mutt was there and he tore a hole in my pants cuff!”
“Yeah, after you kicked him, I’m sure” declared Jay.
“Ok, Lou. What happened when you came back into the kitchen?” asked Martin. “Were you so ticked off at the dog that maybe you bumped into Eddie?”
“Look, Mr. B. I’m telling you I didn’t do nothing” sneered Lou. “Who you gonna believe – this idiot or me?”
“Alright! That’s enough! What’s done is done.” Martin sighed. “Jay, you and Eddie finish cleaning up in here. Lou, go down to the basement and bring up whatever glasses you can find. We’re opening tonight as planned.”
Disgruntled, Lou headed for the basement. He remembered a prior shipment of glasses that Martin didn’t particularly like. Rather than return them, they were put in storage. And there they were, two towers of boxes at least four feet fall.
“Why am I stuck doing this shit job? Where’s that lazy spic busboy?” Lou grumbled. He walked to the delivery entrance and shouted “Hey, Manuel! Get in here!” Then he gave a shrill whistle.
Manuel didn’t answer Lou’s command but Eddie’s dog Arlo did. He was still smarting from the swift kick in the ribs from Lou’s pointy patent leather shoe. Arlo growled and inched closer, baring his sharp canines.
Lou backed up as fast as he could but he wasn’t fast enough. Arlo sank his teeth into the bartender’s calf and wouldn’t let go. He meant business and was out for revenge – for himself and for Eddie.
Spinning around like a whirling dervish, Lou smashed into the stacks of boxes. He fell to the floor as splintered wood and jagged glass rained down on him. As a final coup de grâce, Arlo lifted his hind leg, pissed on Lou’s patent leather shoes and trotted out the door.
NAR © 2023
It’s all new
Birthday Thursdays
at The Rhythm Section.
No talk, no fuss, no muss.
Just wall-to-wall music!
Stop by and check it out!
🎂
https://rhythmsection.blog/
BIRTHDAY THURSDAYS
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 Luciano Pavarotti
Born October 12, 1935 in Modena, Italy
THE REGISTER
“Gallagher’s B&B, a beautiful old Georgian country house in Tipperary, set in lovely wooded grounds and gardens. A warm welcome combined with superb food make this gracious house a tranquil refuge for those on honeymoon, couples celebrating a golden anniversary or anyone looking for that special opportunity to get away from it all! You’ll rest peacefully at Gallagher’s!” recited my bride Fiona breathlessly.
“How do you do that??” I asked for the fiftieth time since we met.
“I can’t help having a photographic memory! It’s a blessing and a curse!” she laughed.
It had been raining lightly and getting accustomed to driving on the other side of the road was challenging. As we turned the bend, the B&B appeared before us looking exactly like something out of a Thomas Moore poem. Just then the sun broke through the clouds, a rainbow in its wake.
“Look, Dylan! A rainbow! declared Fiona excitedly. “I’m going to make a wish!”
I chuckled at her childlike enthusiasm. We entered the old but immaculate building and a kindly lady was there to greet us at the front desk. “I’m guessing you’re the Colcannons. I’m Kathleen. Welcome! Would you be kind enough to sign the register?”
Fiona giddily signed the guest book. “Ah, newlyweds! There’s no mistaking that glow about ya, lass” Kathleen said, smiling broadly. “Our last guests departed yesterday so you’ll have the whole place to yourselves.” Handing us the key to our room, we were informed that dinner would be served at 7pm.
Our room was charming with a view of the rear gardens. Just before dinner we checked out the library. It was small but offered a variety of books from ‘Time Travelers’ to the writings of Diogenes. Dinner was phenomenal – leek and potato soup for starters, then Kathleen’s own creation called Guinness beef and onion pot pie. Dessert was an amazing apple crisp with vanilla bean ice cream and a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Exhausted and full, we retired early, looking forward to sightseeing in the morning.
The next day we were served a traditional Irish breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash, toast, marmalade and Lyons Tea. “I’m stuffed! You up for a walk?” I asked Fiona, and off we went exploring. Typical of Ireland, the day was overcast and as we walked along the path we came upon a cemetery. Slowly we weaved our way among the headstones, reading aloud the names as we went along.
“This is one for the record book of coincidences” said Fiona. “Yesterday when I signed the register I remember seeing the name ‘Guinness’ and dinner was Guinness pot pie. Another name in the register was ‘Lyons’ and this morning at breakfast we had Lyons Tea. And now here are two headstones with those very same names! That’s truly incredible!”
“It’s just your photographic memory working overtime, Fiona. Both those names are pretty common here. I don’t think it’s terribly incredible, luv.”
Fiona gave me a playful shove and we continued our walk. Strolling by the gardens, we discovered Kathleen busily gathering vegetables. “Why, if it isn’t Mr. & Mrs. Colcannon out for a morning stroll”. She proudly showed us the potatoes she’d just dug up. “For tonight’s dinner”, she explained. “A combination of mash with bacon and cabbage cooked together in butter and blended with a lovely ladle-full of cream.”
“Oh, my goodness! That sounds delicious!” declared Fiona “What’s it called?”
Kathleen looked up at us from her crouched position. “Why, I reckon it’s a name you’re quite familiar with.” Then, moving very swiftly for a large woman, she jumped up and began hacking wildly with her machete! Grinning like a madwoman, she shrieked “It’s called Colcannon!”
The last thing I remember seeing was my darling Fiona’s head roll to the ground. I was felled by an excruciating pain in my neck while Kathleen cackled hideously. Then the whole world went black.
NAR © 2023
Are you ready for
round two of
In The Groove?
Come check it out.
It’s gonna be a hot one!
https://rhythmsection.blog/
IN THE GROOVE: METAL MADNESS (October 10, 2023)
🤘🏽 ☠️ 🤘🏽
During the late 1960s and early 1970s a new musical genre developed into a phenomenon that is still going strong some 50 years later and shows no sign of slowing down. In case you didn’t get the hint from my new header image, I’m talking about heavy metal!
Today I’m featuring another group from the “unholy trinity”, a band Bill and I got to see for the first time in November, 1970 at the Fillmore East. You may recall I mentioned the Fillmore last week but if you are not familiar with the venue, please Google it; that place was the spot to be, especially for groups just starting out. We spent many a Friday or Saturday night there watching group after group, acts ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Cat Stevens, Vanilla Fudge to The Who. There were usually three to four bands each night doing two sets each and our tickets were good for the whole night. We often say it would be easier for us to make a list of groups we haven’t seen than those we have seen. The Fillmore East was a fabulous place for us …. an up close and personal introduction into the world of music!
Now it’s time to talk a little about our next group; I promise, this won’t take long. Brace yourselves, kids, and summon all your courage. The madness continues with group #2 on the list: Black Sabbath.
Sabbath was formed in Birmingham, England in 1968 by guitarist Toni Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osborne. Like so many young guys from that time period, they were looking to escape a life of factory work through music. They got their start in such bands as the psychedelic Rare Breed and Mythology. Influenced by the reigning British rock and blues bands of Led Zeppelin, Cream and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, our four enterprising guys formed Earth Blues Company (shortened to Earth) in 1968. Then, as Black Sabbath, the group helped define the heavy metal music genre early in its career with the release of albums such as the eponymous Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1971) and Master of Reality (1971).
Black Sabbath has sold over 75 million records worldwide, making the group one of the most commercially successful metal bands. They were ranked by MTV as the “Greatest Metal Band of All Time” and placed 2nd on VH1’s list of “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock”. Black Sabbath was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2019 the band was presented a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ok, boys and girls, it’s time for a little less conversation and a lot more action. My Sabbath playlist is primed and ready; are you? Listen to any, listen to all; each one is great!
From the group’s second studio LP, “Paranoid”, this is “Iron Man”:
Are you game for a couple more? As I said before, listen to as many or as few as you like; we’re here to have fun!
Now for a little change of pace. Break out your cigarette lighters for our last one …. the softer side of Sabbath. This is “Changes”. ✌🏼
That’s the way it is with heavy metal music and groups like Black Sabbath; you can’t stop at just one!
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Metal Madness. Please join me next week for the third member of the “unholy trinity”. Are you having fun yet, gang? The party’s really heating up now! 🤘🏽 🔥
See you on the flip side.
I’m The Sicilian Storyteller
NAR © 2023
PIONEER POEM: AUTUMNAL NIGHTS
Owl watches on high
Cowl hooded toadstools
Lark sounds his shrill chirp
Dark thoughts are dispelled
Magic home aglow
Tragic tales be gone
Cobbled pathway smooth
Hobbled gnomes seek rest
Stone bridge subtle curves
Lone frog soundly croaks
Lamp light leads the way
Damp mist fills the air
Safe warm rooms inside
Waif and stray embrace
Fog caresses trees
Log blazes on hearth
Fear naught in these woods
Hear the babbling brook
Soft surroundings drift
Oft autumnal nights
Cowl hooded toadstools
Owl watches on high
NAR © 2023
BLUE EYED PHILLY SOUL
Okay, we’re gonna turn the heat up just a bit here and really get in the groove with a little Philadelphia (Blue Eyed) Soul, as prompted this morning by Jim at Song Lyric Sunday.
When this song first came out in September of 1972, I was a newlywed of exactly three months with nothing but loving on my mind. I thought this was possibly the sexiest, most titillating and steamy song I’d ever heard.
It’s the story of an affair between a married man and his equally married lover. In the song, the two meet in secret “every day at the same café” at 6:30 where they hold hands and talk. The two are in a quandary: “We’ve got a thing going on. We both know that it’s wrong but it’s much too strong to let it go now.”
I’m presenting a cover version of this song by my favorite duo of all time – Hall and Oates, the most successful pair in music history (yes, even more successful than Simon & Garfunkel).
Why a cover and not the original when the original is an excellent recording? Two words: Daryl Hall. Fifty-plus years after seeing him on MTV, I still “have a thing going on” for Daryl Hall so please allow me this one indulgence.
Here now are Hall and Oates doing a live performance of “Me and Mrs. Jones”.
“Me and Mrs. Jones” was a #1 single originally performed by Billy Paul, recorded and released in 1972 on CBS Records’ Philadelphia International imprint. The single, included on the album 360 Degrees of Billy Paul, was written by Cary ‘Hippy’ Gilbert, Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff, and arranged by Bobby Martin.
Lyrics
Me and Mrs. Jones
We got a thing goin’ on
We both know that it’s wrong
But it’s much too strong
To let it go now
We meet every day at the same café
Six-thirty and no one knows she’ll be there
Holding hands, making all kinds of plans
While the jukebox plays our favorite songs
Me and Mrs., Mrs. Jones
Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones
We got a thing goin’ on
We both know that it’s wrong
But it’s much too strong
To let it go now
We gotta be extra careful
That we don’t build our hopes up too high
‘Cause she’s got her own obligations
And so, and so do I
Me and Mrs., Mrs. Jones
Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones
We got a thing goin’ on
We both know that it’s wrong
But it’s much too strong
To let it go now
Well, it’s time for us to be leaving
It hurts so much, it hurts so much inside
Now she’ll go her way and I’ll go mine
Tomorrow we’ll meet
The same place, the same time
Me and Mrs., Mrs. Jones
Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones
We got a thing goin’ on (thing)
We gotta be extra careful (goin’ on)
We can’t afford to build our hopes up too high
I wanna meet (thing) and talk with you
At the same place (goin’ on), the same café, the same time
And we gonna hold hands like we used to
We gonna talk it over, talk it over
(Thing) we know, they know (goin’ on), and you know
And I know that it was wrong
But our thing is strong, we gotta let ’em know now
That we got a thing going on, a thing going on
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Cary Grant Gilbert / Kenneth Gamble / Leon Huff
Me and Mrs Jones lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc
And now for the original by Billy Paul:
This will always be one of the smoothest, coolest and sexiest songs ever recorded.
Thanks, Jim, for a fun Philadelphia Soul prompt!
MIGHTY MOUSE
Every Saturday, as soon as A Stitch In Time opened its doors, my mother was first in line …. and she’d drag me along.
Mother would spend hours going through the new fabric; the store, with its profusion of colors, designs and matching thread, was her fantasy land.
Then Kelly’s Knitting Korner opened next door and mother would lose all sense of time surrounded by cotton candy skeins of wool.
I hated being there. Bored, I’d spin the display racks, play pirate with the knitting needles and wish I was home watching Mighty Mouse.
I never did learn how to knit.
NAR © 2023
100 Words
https://youtu.be/X78i13q-atk?si=N8Mcl_w7piwvkmMd
KETCHUM, IDAHO
“Papa, you said we were going fly fishing today. I’ve been waiting hours! What’s taking you so long?”
Lorian stood at the entrance to her grandfather’s study, an adorable 8 year old tomboy in hip waders, boots, a plaid shirt and golden-brown hair in pigtails, tied with a bow the exact shade of red as in her shirt. Arms folded significantly across her chest, she stared at her grandfather’s typewriter as if wiling it to spontaneously combust.
Ernest turned to face his granddaughter. He spoke to her as though she was one of his cigar-smoking buddies, not like a child, and she loved him for that.
“I’ve got to keep one step ahead of that damn Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words? He says I don’t know the $10 words. I know them, alright. But there are older and simpler and better words and those are the ones I use.”
He paused but Lorian knew not to answer. She also knew not to tell Papa that her mother was reading Faulkner’s newest book.
“Besides, he’s an alcoholic. Good thing he’s Republican!”
“Papa, can we go fishing now? The fish ain’t gonna wait all day!” and Ernest laughed at that remark. Then he spotted his gun leaning against the wall.
“Forget fly fishing, Lorian! We’re going duck hunting!”
“But, Papa. Mommy says I’m too young to shoot a gun.”
“Well, she’ll only know if you tell. Grab my hat, kiddo. Duck’s ain’t gonna wait all day!”
NAR © 2023
250 Words
MOAI MAN
He was covered with dirt, leaves, broken branches and assorted detritus of a dozen or more years’ worth of storms and the forces of nature … dismissed, ignored, abandoned and forgotten … never given a scant thought until I came upon him, and even in his forlorn and dejected state, cast off and tossed aside, he was still majestic and I knew I had to give him breath, new life, a home, a place of honor.
After pulling him from the webs of thorny bushes and strangling ivy, I wrapped him in a blanket, secured him inside my car and drove home where I positioned him on a table in my potting shed and gave him a thorough wipe-down; he was in remarkably good condition for having spent all that time in the elements … after all, he is not made of stone or plaster or concrete but of wood and still there was no rot, no boring holes from worms or bugs, no tiny gnawing marks from rodents as if he had commanded them all to stand back, to keep their distance.
A gentle sanding was all that was needed to remove any loose and chipping paint; there was hardly any, a sign that this proud fellow refused to allow years of snow, rain, wind and unrelenting sun to wear him down.
I primed my pump sprayer and, with a slight nod of deference to this royal figure, I began applying a fresh coat of paint as black as pitch … new garments meant for a prince; in constant, sweeping motions I covered him from head to toe until he was gleaming in a slick veneer of ebony, a raven cloak.
When the paint was dry, I raised him up in my arms and carried him out to a spot specifically chosen for him, a place where he will be seen by all, where he will proudly reign.
He is my Moai Man, carved by the Rapa Nui; his name is Jude and his bearing is regal. 🗿
NAR © 2023
THE WHISPERING COTTAGE
“It’s a nice house, don’t you think, Virginia? The property is a decent size. And the fresh air! Just what the doctor ordered.”
Finding the perfect house for his ailing wife was first and foremost on Edgar’s mind.
Encouragingly, he continued: “It’s quite affordable at $5 a month! Downstairs there’s one bedroom, the parlor and a nice kitchen which your mother will put to good use. And upstairs is another bedroom for us with my very own writing niche.”
From their carriage Virginia smiled at her husband, covering her mouth with a handkerchief as the deep cough began again. Edgar hurried to her side and she stared lovingly into his eyes. “Yes, my dear. I think we will be very happy here.”
“Then it’s settled! I’ll finalize the rental while you rest here.” Before returning to the cottage Edgar covered Virginia with a blanket to protect her from the cool April breeze.
Sitting in the carriage with her mother, Virginia gazed at the cottage. “A lovely little home for the three of us, Mother.” Closing her eyes, Virginia pictured their caged songbirds on the porch, a rocking chair nearby where she could rest in the sun and work on her needlepoint.
“Virginia, I’ve been waiting for you“
Opening her eyes, Virginia asked her mother to repeat what she just said, but Maria assured her she had said nothing. Again Virginia closed her eyes and again she heard the gentle voice in her ear.
“Virginia, welcome home”
An unusual peace came over Virginia as she realized it was the cottage whispering to her. “My lovely forever home”, she thought.
They moved in on a beautiful day in May of 1846 and they were happy there. In the evenings after eating a modest meal prepared by Maria, Edgar worked on his poem “Eulalie” while the family cat sprawled across his shoulders and Virginia dozed by the fireplace.
How Virginia glowed with happiness that gloriously sunny day as Edgar proudly displayed the etched wooden signpost which read “POE COTTAGE”.
But even with constant care, sunshine and fresh air, Virginia’s consumption became worse, her waif-like body wracked with fits of coughing.
In January Virginia’s health began to fail rapidly. Edgar stayed by her side day and night, reading to her, until at last on January 30, Virginia heard the whispering cottage beckoning her.
She died peacefully that night in Edgar’s warm embrace as he softly recited –
“This maiden she lived with no other thought
than to love and be loved by me.”
NAR © 2023
Author’s Note: The Poe Cottage is the former home of American writer Edgar Allan Poe. It is located on Kingsbridge Road and the Grand Concourse in the Fordham neighborhood of The Bronx, New York, a short distance from its original location and about 20 minutes from the house where I grew up. I was privileged to visit Poe’s house many times. The cottage is now located in the northern part of Poe Park and is part of the Historic House Trust, listed on the National Register Of Historic Places, administered by The Bronx County Historical Society since 1975. It is believed to have been built in 1797.
It’s all new
Birthday Thursdays
at The Rhythm Section.
No talk, no fuss, no muss.
Just wall-to-wall music!
Stop by and check it out!
🎂
https://rhythmsection.blog/
BIRTHDAY THURSDAYS
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 Brian Johnson
Born October 5, 1947 in Dunston, County Durham, UK
JUDAS BLUE EYES
I cherished you
Once beloved
friend
confidant
brother
How you
eviscerated
me
Your eyes
radiate
hate
Your mouth
spews
Lies
Aspersions
Deceptions
Distortions
Fabrications
Dishonesty
Duplicity
Hypocrisy
Inaccuracy
Mendacity
Perfidy
You are
dead
to me
NAR © 2023
35 words
BALLS TO THE WALL
While reading the real estate section, my wife Jen called out to me. “Hey, Eric, check this out. You know that community we love? One of the houses is available, has everything we want plus a big yard and a pool. And get this – they’re asking only $275,000! That’s well within our budget!”
“Seriously? Those houses usually go for twice as much! Wonder why it’s so low.”
“The agent’s number is right here” replied Jen. “Let’s call.”
After a brief phone conversation, we agreed to meet at the house at noon. When we arrived, the real estate agent explained to us that the previous owners had moved back to England for work purposes and were anxious for a quick sale – even at a loss.
The community was lovely and families were outside enjoying the great weather. The house we had our eye on was even more beautiful than we imagined – not a thing wrong. We asked the agent to make arrangements for an inspector to check everything out and a few days later he reported the house to be in excellent condition. Any doubts were removed from our minds.
“Well, babe”, I said, giving Jen a hug, “looks like we just found our dream house!”
Two weeks later we moved in and everyone was extremely welcoming. In fact, the guy next door came over the first night we were in the house to invite us to a barbecue that weekend. We knew we were going to love this place.
The barbecue was fun and gave us a chance to meet all our new neighbors. Later that night at home we talked about how nice everyone was; in particular, Jen was surprised by how helpful the men were – “Except for that one awkward scene when Barb got annoyed with Gil because his potato salad had too much mayo!” she laughed.
As time went by, we couldn’t help noticing that all the men were house-husbands while all the women went to work. How odd! One night Gil called to invite me to the weekly Friday night poker game at his house and Jen to a ladies book club night at Susan’s.
The card game was going well and I was on a winning streak when out of the blue Gil asked “So, Eric, when are you gonna get your balls snipped?”
Totally thrown off base, I gagged on my drink. “Excuse me??” I sputtered.
“You know. Snipped! We’re all snipped” Gil answered, making little scissor cutting gestures with his fingers. “Dr. Susan does it, smooth and easy. Our wives convinced us life would be much calmer that way and it is. Here’s her number.”
Mumbling hasty excuses, I hurriedly left the game and dashed home, colliding with Jen running home from the other direction.
“Do you know what they do here?!?” she asked, horrified.
I nodded frantically. “And the only things getting cut are our losses! C’mon! We’re outta here!”
NAR © 2023
I hope you’ll join me today
as I take you on a
new musical journey
In The Groove.
It’s gonna rock your world!
https://rhythmsection.blog/
IN THE GROOVE: METAL MADNESS (October 3, 2023)
🤘🏼 ☠️ 🤘🏼
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, a new musical genre was developed. It kicked in the door of the music world and turned into a phenomenon that is still going strong some 55 years later. And there are no obvious signs of it slowing down any time soon. In case you didn’t get the hint from my subtle new header image, I’m talking about heavy metal! 🤘🏼
We all know what it is: a genre of rock music that developed largely in the United Kingdom and United States with roots in blues rock, acid rock and psychedelic rock. Metal bands created a thick, monumental sound characterized by distorted guitars, extended guitar solos, emphatic beats and loudness.
WHAT?? Oh, I think I know what you’re trying to say, Mr. Wikipedia –
In other words, heavy metal crashes through the safety of your walls, grabs you by the throat, flips you around like a rag doll, tosses you upside down onto the Helter Skelter for a few spins at Mach 3.3, drags you off by your hair, straddles you and screams in your face “HEAR ME!”, then slams you down Centerstage Row A without any sissy earplugs where you stand dripping in blood, sweat and tears, wonky legs barely supporting you, arms extended, fingers shaped like 🤘🏼 as your heart races frantically inside your chest like John Bonham on speed, your head starting to erupt into a trillion bits and, like Ozzy, you howl at the moon “All aboard! This is bloody freakin’ awesome!!”
Get the picture? Good. Now let’s get this show on the road!
In 1968 three of the genre’s most famous pioneers were founded. Often referred to as the “unholy trinity”, their hope was to attract wide audiences with their musical message; they were often misunderstood and ridiculed by critics. That didn’t stop them.
That same year, March of 1968, Bill and I met on a blind date. The following week for our second date, we went to the concert mecca of the Lower East Side of Manhattan – the Fillmore East. It was our first time there and the start of a long run of concerts. Ten months later we saw a relatively unknown group at the Fillmore who would go on to become one of the greatest bands of all time. That band is the group I’m featuring today in Metal Madness.
Between 1968 and 1977 – the period known as B.K. (Before Kids) – Bill and I saw the “unholy trinity” as well as many other groups, multiple times. Back then, even the good seats were cheap and we were always in one of the first three rows. I laughingly remember the night Robert Plant tossed back his magnificent mane of blonde curls and rained droplets of sweat on us. It was fabulous!
Allow me now to delve a little deeper into our first group in Metal Madness: Led Zeppelin.
Formed in London in 1968, Led Zeppelin developed their style by drawing from a variety of influences, including blues and folk music. The band was comprised of vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones and drummer John Bonham. With a heavy guitar-driven sound, they are cited as one of the forerunners of hard rock and heavy metal music. Zeppelin has been credited as significantly impacting the nature of the music industry, particularly in the development of album-oriented rock and stadium rock.
Led Zeppelin is one of the best-selling musical groups of all time, with total sales estimated at over 300 million records sold worldwide. The group achieved eight consecutive UK #1 albums and six #1 Albums on the US Billboard 200, with five albums certified diamond in the United States. Rolling Stone magazine once described Zeppelin as “the heaviest band of all time”, “the biggest band of the 70s”, and “unquestionably one of the most enduring bands in rock history”. Led Zeppelin was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995; the museum’s biography of the band states that they were “as influential during the 1970s as the Beatles were during the 1960s”. That’s quite a statement.
For me listening to these great songs is like eating potato chips; I can’t eat just one! I have several video selections for you today. Listen to any, listen to all; the choice is yours and each one is great!
Ok, no more talking; it’s time for some music. And if you look hard enough, you just might spot me in the audience!
This is Led Zeppelin!
https://youtu.be/fIQMktyP90s?si=N-GIIS_5G-NwcLIF
I’d like to close with what I consider to be an indelible moment in time – Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart performing at the Kennedy Center in a concert honoring Led Zeppelin. This is no hype; you’ll know what I mean when you see the reaction from the honorees watching from the best seats in the house. The song is one you all know; it has been called “the single-most important and celebrated song Led Zeppelin ever recorded”.
This is “Stairway To Heaven”.
That’s the way it is with heavy metal and groups like Led Zeppelin; you can’t stop at just one!
I hope you enjoyed your first ride on the Metal Madness Express. Thanks for being here! I’d love to know your thoughts so kindly leave a comment.
Please join me right here next week for an introduction to the second group in the “unholy trinity”. Can you guess who it is? You don’t want to miss it; I’m just warming up! 🔥 🤘🏼
See you on the flip side.
I’m The Sicilian Storyteller
NAR © 2023
Nancy’s Fuhgeddaboudit Lasagna
Since publishing my story Honeysuckle and Provolone, I have received a few requests for my lasagna recipe. I’m happy to share a great Italian dish which I’m sure will become a favorite of yours. I’ve been making lasagna for more than 50 years and I have a few tricks that will prevent major headaches for anyone who is making lasagna for the first time.
The most difficult part about preparing lasagna is handling the boiled pasta sheets; they can be delicate and I always suggest cooking them al dente as they will continue to cook while in the oven. I know some people who prefer to skip the boiling step altogether since the sheets will cook and soften up in the tomato sauce while baking.
Another option is to place the lasagna sheets in a pan, cover with boiling water and let them sit for 30 minutes before rinsing in cold water. The people at Barilla make traditional lasagna sheets as well as ones that are oven-ready and do not require boiling; I have never tried making lasagna without first boiling the pasta sheets so I’m not an authority on the oven-ready method. However, I do know enough about cooking to know that the pasta will soften up sufficiently while baking as long as you use enough tomato sauce to cover it entirely.
I prefer to use Barilla pasta; I believe it is a superior product – lighter and tastier than other brands. That’s just my preference; please use whichever brand you like.
One box (1 lb) is sufficient for one 9×13″ lasagna.
They are much smaller, the package is smaller
and you will need to buy several boxes
to make one 9×13″ lasagna.
If you’re making a traditional lasagna and boiling the pasta first, it’s very important to use a BIG pot. The lasagna sheets are long and wide and need plenty of room to move around in the water; I prefer to cook six sheets at a time for less crowding in the pot. Also, it’s extremely helpful to add a splash of oil to the pasta water; this will keep the lasagna sheets from sticking together. Once lasagna sheets get stuck together, it’s extremely difficult to separate them without tearing. A little oil in the cooking water will prevent a big sticky problem. Boil the lasagna sheets for the amount of time indicated in the cooking directions on the box. And don’t forget to salt the cooking water.
Boiled lasagna sheets should be rinsed and separated in a colander under cold water immediately after cooking and kept in a pot or plastic tub of cold water while the meat is cooking and the cheese filling is being prepared. Just as you would use an ice bath to stop vegetables from overcooking and to retain their color, use a cold water bath for the cooked lasagna sheets.
Here’s another trick a lot of cooks ignore. When assembling lasagna in a baking pan, the direction of the lasagna sheets should be alternated every other layer. The first layer of pasta should be placed lengthwise in the baking pan with the edges slightly overlapping; the next layer should be placed widthwise in the pan. Since the width of a standard lasagna pan is shorter than the length, the lasagna sheets will need to be trimmed to fit the pan. This is easy to do with standard kitchen scissors. Alternating the layers will make for a firmer lasagna that will not fall apart when cut into; this is the best assembly method to use regardless of the size of the pan and you will always have neatly cut squares of lasagna.
Here is an image of layering lasagna sheets; there’s no sauce or other ingredients in this image so you can clearly see what I mean by alternating the layers:
and trimmed to fit the size of the pan. Easy!
This may seem like a lot of information but don’t let it scare you; it’s basic reference info only. If you refer to it as you cook, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Now, let’s take a look at the ingredients:
1 lb sweet Italian sausage
1 lb ground chuck 80/20
½ cup diced onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
28oz can crushed tomatoes (+see below)
12oz can tomato paste (+see below)
15oz can tomato sauce (+see below)
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ cup freshly chopped basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (*see below)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 lasagna pasta sheets
15oz whole milk ricotta cheese
1 lb whole milk mozzarella, shredded (reserve a handful to sprinkle on top layer of lasagna)
½ cup grated Romano cheese (reserve a handful to sprinkle on top layer of lasagna)
½ cup grated parmigiano cheese (reserve a handful to sprinkle on top layer of lasagna)
1 large egg
dash nutmeg
+ I am not a fan of tomato sauce in a jar. My mother taught me to make her tomato sauce and that is the only one I use. On a day when I have nothing to do, I’ll whip up a few batches, portion it out into Tupperware and freeze it. It’s nice to know it’s there whenever I need it; however, canned tomatoes for this recipe are fine.
* Using a store-bought mixed jar of Italian seasoning is perfectly fine but you might want to try making your own. Combine 2 tablespoons each of dried basil, cilantro, marjoram, oregano, parsley, red pepper flakes, rosemary and thyme. Store in a tightly sealed spice jar. Using store-bought Italian seasoning for this recipe is fine.
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
This recipe makes a large pan of lasagna.
I use a deep dish Pyrex lasagna pan or a deep 9×13” baking pan.
- In a large saucepan, cook the sausage, ground beef, onion and garlic until cooked through. Drain the fat..
- To the cooked meat add the tomatoes, paste, sauce, water, sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and parsley. Stir well.
- Simmer, covered, over low heat for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.
- While meat is cooking, boil the lasagna sheets; drain and keep cool in cold water.
- In a medium bowl mix together all the cheeses, egg and nutmeg
LET’S PUT OUR LASAGNA TOGETHER!
(I suggest reading through before starting)
- Heat oven to 350ºF.
- Lightly cover the bottom of a 9×13″ lasagna pan with a small amount of meat sauce.
- Lay 4 lasagna sheets lengthwise over meat sauce; overlap edges slightly.
- Spoon approximately ¼ of cheese mixture over lasagna sheets and spread to cover.
- Spread 1/2 cup of meat sauce – or enough to cover the cheese mixture.
- Cover meat sauce with 4 lasagna sheets widthwise, cutting to fit pan.
- Continue layering cheese mixture, meat sauce and lasagna sheets, alternating the direction of the sheets, until all ingredients are used. Reserve some meat sauce for the top layer. Top lasagna with meat sauce and sprinkle with grated cheese and mozzarella.
- Cover pan with with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes uncovered.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for 15 minute before slicing.
- Serve with a side salad and warm Italian bread.
That’s all there is to it! You’ve made lasagna! 👩🏼🍳
It’s been a pleasure sharing with you the recipe for one of the most popular Italian dishes. There are many different variations of lasagna – meatless, wholegrain, vegetable, béchamel, kosher, etc; don’t be afraid to experiment and make whatever changes you like. Google is a chef’s great friend! If you’re not a fan of sausage, this recipe can be made using all ground beef.
More important that anything – enjoy your cooking experience. Cooking should be a joy – not a chore. To that end, I’ve added a full concert video by Il Volo to accompany you while you cook.
Happy cooking and eating! Buon appetito!
NAR © 2023
LET THEM EAT CAKE!
This week Jim at Song Lyric Sunday is asking us to write about a song that mentions a food suggested by Christine of Stine Writing and Miniatures. Here is a unique little ditty just about as old as bread itself.
“Bread and Butter” is a 1964 song by the American pop vocal trio Newbeats; it was the group’s first and most popular hit. The song served as the Newbeats’ demo in an effort to obtain a recording contract with Hickory Recording.
The opening two-chord piano riff and the lead falsetto of Larry Henley are the most notable features of the song.
“Bread and Butter” was the inspiration for the advertising jingle of Schmidt Baking Company used in the 1970s and 1980s; it went like this:
“I like bread and butter,
I like toast and jam,
I like Schmidt’s Blue Ribbon Bread,
It’s my favorite brand”.
Catchy, isn’t it?
The song has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows as well as a variety of television commercials. It is part of music compilations found on Billboard Top Rock’n’Roll Hits: 1964 as well as Classic Rock (Time-Life Music).
Let’s have a listen to this quirky hit from 1964:
Lyrics
… Ah, he likes bread and butter
Ah, he likes toast and jam
Ah, that’s what his baby feeds him
Ah, he’s her loving man
… Well, I like bread and butter
I like toast and jam
That’s what baby feeds me
I’m her loving man
… Ah, he likes bread and butter
Ah, he likes toast and jam
That’s what his baby feeds him
Ah, he’s her loving man
… Well, she don’t cook mashed potatoes
She don’t cook T-bone steak
She don’t feed me peanut butter
She knows that I can’t take
… Ah, he likes bread and butter
Ah, he likes toast and jam
Ah, that’s what his baby feeds him
Ah, he’s her loving man
… Well, I got home early one Monday
Much to my surprise
She was eating chicken and dumplings
With some other guy
… No more bread and butter
Ah, no more toast and jam
He found his baby eating
Ah, with some other man
… No, no, no
No more bread and butter
Ah, no more toast and jam
I found my baby eating
Ah, with some other man
… No, no, no, no
No more bread and butter
No, no, no, no
Ah, no more toast and jam
… No, no, no, no
Ah, no more bread and butter
No, no, no, no
Ah, no more toast and jam
No, no, no, no
Ah, no more bread and butter
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Jay Turnbow / Larry Parks
Bread and Butter lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
From the movie 9 1/2 Weeks:
Buffet of Options
As Jim pointed out to me, the big surprise in this song is when the guy comes home early and finds his lover eating chicken and dumplings with some other guy! What a great ending!
Well, I gotta run; I think I smell toast burning! 🍞 🧈 🥫
NAR © 2023
Well …..
We were so busy bailing water from the basement, I forgot to post a story for today!
Did you miss me?
Well, there’s good news! You can still hop on over to The Rhythm Section for a little game of Name That Tune.
Hey, they’re my websites so I’m gonna self-promote the hell out of them! 🤣
Thanks to so many of you for your kind words and best wishes during our water-logged “setback.”
I bow before Mother Nature.
PS: What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours! Today is warm, sun-shiny t shirt weather and not a raincloud in sight! 🌟 😎
NAR © 2023
Name That Tune.
The Rhythm Section.
Come on over!
https://rhythmsection.blog/
NAME THAT TUNE (October 1, 2023)
Welcome back to Name That Tune!
Today we are featuring a famous American group and what I believe is their best known song. I had forgotten this group was together only three years, from 1965 to 1968 and when I read that, it was shocking to me. They’re one of those groups you just assume were together much longer than they were.
Nuff said! It’s time for some fun! Let’s play Name That Tune. Good luck!
- Today’s song was written by the two founding members of our featured group during a particularly cold winter in New York. The lyrics tell us about the couple’s desire to leave the harsh winter weather and return to their warm, sunny hometown.
- Our featured group, a very popular West Coast folk/rock quartet, was founded in 1965 and was comprised of two men and two women. They were together only three years and after the break up, each member pursued solo careers.
- Today’s song was originally written for and recorded by the American singer Barry McGuire (“Eve of Destruction”); however, the version by our featured group is by far the best known and immediately recognized.
- The two founding members of our group were a married couple when the group formed. After their divorce, the husband was accused of some very disturbing and sordid drug-related activity which you can read about on Wiki.
- Today’s song became a signpost of the ‘California sound‘, heralding the arrival of the budding counterculture era.
Did my clues help you figure out the answers to today’s mystery? Well, we’ll find out in few seconds. Just scroll on down for the big reveal.
If you answered “California Dreaming” by The Mamas and The Papas, you rock!
Let’s listen to that very cool song right now:
Michelle Phillips wrote the lyrics, “Well, I got down on my knees, and I pretend to pray,” but Cass Elliot had sung “began to pray” on the original recording and had continued doing so on tour until corrected by Phillips.
They really had a terrific sound, didn’t they? Of all their many hits, do you have a favorite Mamas and Papas song? Let’s hear from you; drop a line in the comments section or add your favorite video. We love videos!
My time is up for today. Be sure to check in with The Rhythm Section all week for some really great music. Thanks for hanging with me today playing Name That Tune!
See you on the flip side.
I’m The Sicilian Storyteller
NAR © 2023
PIONEER POEM: NIGH ON OCTOBER
Rooms with locked windows
Tombs for the undead
Rats flee scurrying
Cats hide in waiting
Bell tolls in the wind
Hell waits on the doomed
Screaming in the night
Teeming black waters
Full moon’s graveyard shine
Pull demons from earth
Tombs for the undead
Rooms with locked windows
NAR © 2023
DAYS OF RAIN
The early morning air was thick with the smell of rain, the stillness almost suffocating. I was determined to finish my walk and get back home before the storm hit. Still on the historic Leatherstocking Trail which snakes its way through the woods near the old train station, I had about a mile to go.
There was an alien look about the sky, otherworldly and menacing. Tenebrous clouds, clumsy and swollen like an over-full bladder, partially obscured a series of long, jagged slashes of coppery-red. I was reminded of the familiar adage:
“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight.
Red sky at morning, sailor’s warning.”
Nothing about this day bode well.
I stopped to tie back my hair and pull the hood of my jacket over my head, securing it snugly with the drawstring. A few rumbles of thunder warned me not to dawdle; there would be no stopping this rain.
The threat of the approaching nor’easter brought with it the unwelcome promise of flooding – a frequent visitor in these low-lying areas of the Hudson Valley.
I quickened my pace, the only sound the muffled slap of my sneakers hitting the leaf-strewn path.
An impressive bolt of lightning split the sky, followed by a barrage of thunder. By now my indignant left knee was barking ferociously and I cursed for having walked so far.
My house finally came into view. The rain started as I climbed the steps to my front door; a forlorn train whistle howled in the distance.
NAR © 2023
250 words
NB – As I am writing this, New York, the place I call home, is in a State of Emergency due to unrelenting rainstorms and severe flooding. This rain is the worst we’ve had in years. Four continuous days of rain last week and now this. The saturated ground cannot hold any more water and it has nowhere to go but up. Exhausted from bailing out our basement, we finally gave up, defeated. No matter what we do, the water will always win.
DON’T BLINK
“Grammy, come see our new homework room. Daddy painted the walls for us. Come look!”
My grandchildren tug at my arms, leading me into their newly decorated room. There were three workstations for them to do their schoolwork, shelves lined with books and a big old wooden chest filled with treasures.
The underwater scenes my son painted were wondrous; honestly, the theme didn’t matter.
It was the memories that came flooding back to me from thirty years ago when he painted the walls of his own room with cartoon characters he created.
“Crying? No, sillies! Just something in my eye.”
NAR © 2023
100 words
HOUSECALLS
Saunders Drive. On the right corner stood the library, looking exactly as it did the last time I saw it. Diagonally across the street was the church we attended every Sunday, the preacher bellowing about morals and principles. Directly across from the church was a quaint-looking inn with a sign over the doorway – “Welcome Home!” And on the fourth corner was the big Colonial house where the Casey Family lived.
Jeff Casey was my first boyfriend; feels like a hundred years ago. Now there was a prominent shingle on the front lawn which read JEFFREY CASEY, M.D. A doctor! I never should have broken up with him!
My childhood house was a stone’s throw from the Casey’s. Not quite ready to see the old place just yet, I kept walking. About halfway down Main Street, I came across a boho-chic coffee shop/poet’s corner called “Beggars, Cynics and Euripides”. A pretty young woman wearing a rainbow tie dyed hippie skirt was preparing lunch tables outside. The freshly-painted red chairs were staggering in their brilliance. She smiled pleasantly at me and asked if I’d like a table.
“Why not?” I answered as she handed me a menu. I was engrossed in reading the descriptions of the lunch fare when I became aware of someone standing nearby watching me. Glancing over my shoulder, I was pleasantly surprised to see the still-handsome face of Jeff Casey grinning at me.
“Rebecca Gardner! My God! What’s it been – 20 years? What brings you back to town?”
“Jeff! You look great!” and I instinctively hugged him. “Please join me.”
The waitress took our orders for iced coffee and as we waited, that warm, relaxed feeling between us resurfaced.
“Twenty years exactly. My folks sold the house after I graduated college. Honestly, I’m not sure why I’m here. Memories, you know?”
We caught up on life – marriages, divorces, etc. – and I mentioned going to see my old house but for whatever reason I was nervous.
Jeff tossed a twenty on the table and said “Come on. Let’s go together.” And before I could think of an excuse, he took my hand and we were on our way.
“The Matthews Family lives here now. Nice people.” Jeff bounded up the front steps and rang the doorbell. No answer.
The old oak tree was standing proud and tall in the front yard. My fingers lightly traced the weathered heart shape with our initials carved inside and we shared a smile and unspoken memories.
We strolled up Saunders Drive to Jeff’s place, neither of us in a rush for this bubble of serendipity to burst. Jess sighed. “Well, I’ve got patients to see.”
“And I’ve got a train to catch” I replied. “Jeff, it’s been too long. Let’s keep in touch.”
“I’d like that, Becca. By the way, I make housecalls.” He smiled over his shoulder as he disappeared inside.
NAR © 2023
It’s all new
Birthday Thursdays
at The Rhythm Section.
No talk, no fuss, no muss.
Just wall-to-wall music!
Stop by and check it out!
🎂
https://rhythmsection.blog/
BIRTHDAY THURSDAYS
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 Ben E. King
Born September 28, 1938 in Henderson, North Carolina
The Elephant's Trunk 
