Yesterday’s prompt from Sadje for Just Jot it January 2024. Here’s my tardy but heartfelt reply. βοΈβ π₯―
With Humble Gratitude For my husband Who, every morning, Without hesitation, Brings me my coffee in bed. Sometimes heβll bring a warm bagel. I couldnβt ask for anything more! With humble gratitude for my husband.
This is the Manhattan Transfer with “I Love Coffee, I Love Tea”.βAnd I love Bill!
Dectina Refrain: This refrain is written as follows: 1st line β 1 syllable, 2nd line β 2 syllables 3rd line β 3 syllables, and so on for 9 lines; the 10th line is comprised of the first four lines as one stand-alone line.
Prompts today from Jim at Song Lyric Sunday and Linda at Daily Prompt – JusJoJan
Todayβs challenge from Jimβs Song Lyric Sundayis to write about a song that mentions clothing accessories suggested by Christine of Stine Writingand Miniatures. Now thatβs an interesting topic!
I started working on this post a couple of days ago, thinking about βaccessoriesβ; at the time I didnβt have Christineβs list of suggestions and some of the items I came up with were shoelaces, hats, ties, scarves, belts, hairpins, assorted jewelry, purses and socks. And thatβs where I stopped β at socks. I was curious about that because I thought socks were not considered “accessories” but rather actual articles of clothing. It’s definitely debatable and when I saw them on the list I was thrilled because I had a great song in my head.
And that song is ββIβve Got a Feelingβ by the Beatles. Thereβs absolutely no need to discuss the group so letβs just get into the song.
“I’ve Got a Feeling” is from the Beatles 1970 album βLet It Beβ and was recorded almost 55 years ago on January 30, 1969 during the Beatlesβ rooftop concert. It is a combination of two unfinished songs β Paul McCartneyβs “Iβve Got a Feelingβ and John Lennonβs βEverybody Had a Hard Yearβ.
McCartney’s unfinished song was written for his girlfriend Linda Eastman and is quite upbeat, telling her that she was the girl he had always wanted. In Lennon’s song, each line begins with the word “everybody” and isnβt as light as Paulβs. John had a bad year: he divorced Cynthia, he and his son Julian became estranged, his girlfriend Yoko Ono had a miscarriage, he was arrested for drug possession, and he was increasingly discontent in the group. Critics called it a βlitanyβ and they were right.
So, βWhatβs socks got to do with this song?β you ask. Very simple: one line that goes βEverybody pulled their socks upβ. Sound familiar? Letβs have a listen:
From that legendary rooftop concert, here are the Beatles with βIβve Got a Feelingβ. I honestly think this is one of the greatest things they ever did. To capture this performance on a roof with no monitors in the freezing cold with the police breathing down their necks is just incredible.
This is “I’ve Got A Feeling” from the Beatles rooftop concert
Lyrics
I’ve got a feeling A feeling deep inside Oh yeah Oh yeah, that’s right I’ve got a feeling A feeling I can’t hide Oh no, no Oh no Oh no
Yeah, yeah I’ve got a feeling, yeah
Oh please believe me I’d hate to miss the train Oh yeah, yeah Oh yeah And if you leave me I won’t be late again Oh no Oh no Oh no
Yeah, yeah I’ve got a feeling, yeah I’ve got a feeling
All these years, I’ve been wanderin’ around Wonderin’ how come nobody told me All that I been lookin’ for was somebody who looked like you
Ooh, I’ve got a feeling That keeps me on my toes Oh yeah Oh yeah I’ve got a feeling I think that everybody knows Oh yeah Oh yeah Oh yeah
Yeah, yeah I’ve got a feeling, yeah Yeah
Everybody had a hard year Everybody had a good time Everybody had a wet dream Everybody saw the sunshine Oh yeah (oh yeah) Oh yeah, oh yeah (yeah) Everybody had a good year Everybody let their hair down Everybody pulled their socks up (yeah) Everybody put their foot down Oh yeah
Yeah Woo
I’ve got a feeling (everybody had a good year) A feeling deep inside (everybody had a hard time) Oh yeah (everybody had a wet dream) Oh yeah (everybody saw the sunshine) I’ve got a feeling (everybody had a good year) A feeling I can’t hide (everybody let their hair down) Oh no (everybody pulled their socks up) Oh no, no (everybody put their foot down, oh yeah) Yeah, yeah
I’ve got a feeling (oh yeah) I’ve got a feeling (oh yeah) I’ve got a feeling Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (Oh my soul, so hard)
There I was, sitting in my car taking a smoke break. Damn shame! We canβt smoke anywhere these days and thatβs a perfect example of discrimination.
Anyway, Iβm looking out the car window, and thatβs when I spotted it …. a rubber glove on the ground. Disgusting!
Since I was parked just across from a nursing home, I figured that glove belonged to one of the employees there and that made me even angrier than I was. Imagine, a health facility employee tossing a glove away like that! I bet they throw their masks on the ground, too. Pigs!
Whatβs wrong with people? Youβd think after 3+ years of Covid, they’d finally get it right and stop ditching their used gloves or masks on public property. I could never understand how someone, especially a health-care worker, could show such disrespect for other people. If I had seen whoever tossed that glove so indiscriminately, I would have said something.
Well, thereβs only one thing to do β¦. I donned a glove, picked up the offensive litter and deposited it in the trash. Puffing on my smoke, I walked back to my car feeling very proud of myself.
Just then a pigeon landed on the trash can, picked out the glove and flew off only to drop the glove on the road. Well, Iβll be damned! It wasnβt a deliberate act of human negligence after all! I chuckled, my faith in mankind restored.
Flicking my cigarette butt out the window, I drove off.
Leyland spoke softly as he comforted his weeping wife, Willow.
βHush, darling. Another season has come and gone and Iβm still here to protect you and the children. I realize I had a couple of close calls but so far, so good. I never thought Iβd say this but Iβm thankful for my disfigurement; itβs kept me from being selected and close to you.β
Willow sighed. βI feel terribly guilty. Thereβs no chance I will ever be chosen and I fear for our friends and family.β
βI know, darling. Iβll check on Douglas today. Pray the family is all safe.β
Author’s Note: Leyland and Douglas are very popular evergreens sold as Christmas trees. One of the saddest things is seeing all the dead and forgotten Christmas trees discarded by the curb after the season. Next time you go looking for a Christmas tree, consider buying one with its root ball intact instead of one that’s been chopped down; you can replant it in your yard or place it in a pot. Your tree gave you so much joy during the holidays; why not give it a chance to keep living?And BTW, artificial doesn’t need to have a negative connotation!
No one’s been messing with your devices!βEach week Birthday Thursdays will now be seen here on The Elephant’s Trunk where I will feature someone from the world of music who is celebrating a birthday that day. There wonβt be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures β just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music
Happy Birthday to Michael Stipe Born January 4, 1960 in Decatur, Georgia
Linda G. Hill has challenged us with another prompt for JusJoJan using the word βcaptivatingβ. Here is my submission β a Dectina Refrain. This refrain is written as follows: 1st line β 1 syllable, 2nd line β 2 syllables 3rd line β 3 syllables, and so on for 9 lines; the 10th line is comprised of the first four lines as one stand-alone line.
Eyes of green like the sea captivating and pulling me in with every crashing wave. Those eyes frighten and thrill me. Should I run to them or from them? The heady allure outweighs the fear. Eyes of green like the sea captivating.
Denise at GirlieOnTheEdge has challenged us to write a Six Sentence Story and include the word “task”. This is my response.
Not having practiced the piano at all that one week, I called my instructor who was waiting for me at the church and declared into the phone βMrs. Ridgeway, itβs Nancy and I canβt make it to my lesson today because itβs rainingβ; I was quite proud of myself for coming up with such a creative and foolproof excuse.
In her clipped New England-accented voice, Mrs. Ridgeway replied βYouβre not a sugar cube and wonβt melt in the rainβ, then went on to say βSurely you have an umbrella you can useβ; I was quick to inform her that I had left my umbrella on the school bus, adding that no one was at home with me to lend me an umbrella and my mother didnβt approve of me walking unprotected in the rain to which my piano teacher replied βWell then, Iβll just come to your house for your lessonβ.
You could have knocked me over with a feather because I certainly was not expecting that response and, true to her word, ten minutes later Mrs. Ridgeway appeared at my front door, ready for the task at hand; I dilly-dallied as long as I could looking for my book of Schirmerβs Library of Musical Classics β Selected Piano Masterpieces, setting up my metronome, cracking my knuckles and swinging my arms a la Ed Norton and shifting butt cheeks searching for the most comfortable position until Mrs. Ridgewayβs patience reached the breaking point and she barked βEnough!β which nearly made me jump off the piano bench in a panic.
Shaking like the last leaf on a branch in a windstorm, I opened my lesson book to the appropriate page and began playing Beethovenβs FΓΌr Elise while Mrs. Ridgeway sat next to me, staring over my shoulder and glaring; I played as though I was wearing boxing gloves and, being the master sleuth that she was, Mrs. Ridgeway saw right through my brilliant plot.
Angrier than my sister the day she discovered I had ripped off all the heads on her Barbie dolls, Mrs. Ridgeway exclaimed I had wasted her valuable time and she doubled my lessons for the next week which would have been tolerable if she hadnβt reported to my mother who got so mad because of my lack of responsibility, she withheld my allowance for the next two weeks and took away my TV privileges β¦. even Dr. Kildare.
This is what FΓΌr Elise is supposed to sound like; youβll notice Lang Lang is not wearing boxing gloves (but I bet heβd sound just as good even if he was).
The incomparable Jackie Gleason and Art Carney in a clip from the Honeymooners – Suwanee River. How could I possibly resist?
The prompt for JusJoJan January 2, 2024 is brought to us by my friend Willow; the prompt word is βGregorianβ. Here is my submission.
The Abbot rushed toward the chapel, his robes kicking up dust all around him. He had never heard sounds like that before; he had to get to the bottom of this mystery.
The chanting continued, increasing in volume. Finally the Abbot reached the room and threw open the doors to the chapel. Immediately the startled monks stopped singing, all eyes on the Abbot. One look and everyone could tell he was furious.
βWhat is the meaning of this?β he demanded, his eyes sweeping the faces of all the monks in the chapel. βSomeone answer me! I demand to know why you are not chanting in the traditional manner. Who gave you permission to do this!β
With great trepidation, one brave monk stepped forward. With eyes lowered he spoke softly. βAbbot, forgive me, but while you were attending the funeral of your beloved mother, word was received from His Holiness, Pope Gregory, that all chants are to be sung in this manner. In his honor, the chants are called Gregorian.β
His Holiness! The Abbot was momentarily stunned by this information. He cleared his throat and replied βOf course! His Holiness. It must have slipped my mind while I was preoccupied with the funeral.β
The monks remained silent, all staring at the Abbot. At last he put everyone out of their discomfort by declaring βThe new chants are indeed quite lovely. His Holiness is most wise. Carry on, my sons.β The Abbot quickly turned and left the monks to their chanting. A slight smile came to his face as he heard their beautiful voices singing the praises of God.
Linda G. Hill has challenged us with the first prompt for JusJoJan January 1st 2024: and the #1 prompt of the year is βtrain.β Here is my submission.
Every morning I take the train to work in lower Manhattan from Far Rockaway, New York and back home again in the evening. Along with a multitude of fellow commuters, I ride the underground transit system (affectionately known as βthe subwayβ) for a total of three hours round trip. Thatβs a long time to observe the parade of weirdos entering and exiting the train.
Riding the subway for as long as I do, itβs easy to become familiar with my fellow passengerβs quirks and foibles β even assigning them made up names to go with their peccadilloes. And let me tell you β people are strange!
Far Rockaway is where the commute originates so Iβm always guaranteed a seat. A couple I call Marge and Homer gets on the same train as me. I have determined from their heated conversations that they have been engaged for about six years. Marge is ready to get married; Homerβs not. She talks about her biological clock; he talks about nothing but his upcoming promotion at work. Then Marge reminds Homer heβs been saying the same thing for five years now and their discussion becomes more heated with every chug of the subway.
First stop: enter Malodorous Man. This guy is always guaranteed a seat in the corner all by himself. The fact that he desperately needs a shower would be enough to keep people away but he also brings his breakfast on the train β a raw onion which he peels and eats with gusto as one would an apple.
At our next stop Mr. Obsessive gets on. He immediately takes out a can of disinfectant and sprays it in the direction of Malodorous Man who indignantly shoutsβHey, Iβm eatinβ here!β
Mr. Obsessive goes to HIS seat (where no one else dares sit because everyone knows itβs HIS seat), cleans it and begins his routine. First he unties his shoe laces making sure they are of equal length. Satisfied that they are, he reties his laces, then adjusts his socks so they reach the exact same height on both legs. He smooths his trousers, unbuttons and re-buttons his jacket, aligns the amount of shirt cuff visible from his jacket sleeves, straightens his tie and adjusts his hat repeatedly. Finally all is well in OCD Land.
At stop number three Malodorous Man departs and the Tattoo Twins get on, a teenage boy and girl covered from the neck down with multicolored tattoos. They lean against the door and start making out while Mr. Obsessive huffs in disapproval.
Totally out of character Marge suddenly declares to Homer that sheβs βhad enoughβ and moves to another seat next to Bob the Builder, a good-looking construction worker. Homerβs not happy about this; perhaps heβs noticed the same thing I have: whenever Bob the Builder enters the train he winks at Marge and pats his impressive tool belt. Bob and Marge begin a quiet conversation while Homer fumes.
Next stop and Mr. Obsessive fearfully sidles, past the Tattoo Twins who reach out and knock his perfect hat right off his head. Shocked by this unnecessary assault, Mr. Obsessive stares at the now unwearable hat, sniffs in disdain and scurries off the train.
Impulsively, a jilted Homer jumps up and punches Tattoo Boy in the nose who retaliates by shoving Homer backwards on his ass. A few passengers give Homer a thumbs up. Somewhat embarrassed yet proud of himself, Homer glances over at Marge for her approval. She, however, is too involved with Bob the Builder to notice. Homer tells Marge βitβs our stopβ but she shakes her head and snuggles closer to Bob. Homer huffs off and looks back just as Marge fondles the tip of Bob’s hammer.
Welcome to the daily subway sideshow where everyone is strange except me β or am I?
To everyone reading this right now, all my friends on WordPress, Iβd like to thank you for sticking with me, reading my posts, liking them and sharing your thoughts. Your comments mean a great deal to me; when I read them I know I have touched you in some way β¦. with laughter, fear, sorrow, hope, even anger. And you have touched me as well. I am very fortunate to have you in my life; thank you for being here day after day.
Thanks for appreciating the videos I attach to every post. That was just a lark I tried one day and I decided to stick with it. I think they really add something special to my stories. Itβs fun looking for just the right ones and from reading your comments, I know you enjoy them.
And speaking of music, try to listen every day to whatever moves you at the moment. Music provides a total brain workout. Listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness and memory β just what the doctor ordered!
My wish for you is that your new year be filled with peace and love. May you be safe, may you be compassionate, may you choose wisely, may you be happy while bringing happiness to others and may you be blessed with good health and good friends.
Now itβs time for something really cool. While the visual quality isn’t the greatest, the audio is out of sight! From 1998, this is βHappy New Yearβ with guitar legends BB King and David Gilmour and on piano, the incredible Jools Holland.
Happy New Year! Rock on, my friends! π π π« β¨
Today in Song Lyric Sunday, Jim has challenged us to write about a song by an artist or songwriter who passed away in 2023. This is my response.
Tony Bennett, 1926-2023
There arenβt too many people who havenβt heard of Tony Bennett and if you havenβt, thereβs plenty of info you can find on Wiki. But perhaps you didn’t know he was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in the Astoria district of Queens, New York. He was the son of immigrants …. John, a grocer from southern Italy, and Anna, a seamstress. Tony was the baby of the family, with older siblings, Mary and John Jr. With a father who was ailing and unable to work, the children grew up in poverty.
John Sr. instilled in his son a love of art and literature and compassion for human suffering. His father died when Tony was 10 and Anna worked all hours to support her three children. Watching her struggle, Tony made up his mind to be successful enough for his motherβs trials to end. His Uncle Dick, a tap dancer, provided an early glimpse of show business, and Tony was passionate about both singing and painting by the time he attended the School of Industrial Art (now the High School of Art and Design) in Manhattan.
Tony took bellboy jobs before becoming a singing waiter in a restaurant. He sang with army bands during World War II, but he was demoted and assigned to grave digging for fraternizing on Thanksgiving night with a black soldier who had been a schoolfriend. Twenty years after that episode, Tony was marching in Alabama with Martin Luther King. He was moved to become a pacifist following combat in Europe in 1945, an experience he described as βa front-row seat in hellβ.
After demobilization, Tony took vocal classes at the American Theatre Wing School; a teacher there suggested he try imitating the phrasing of jazz instrumentalists and he began singing in nightclubs from 1946 under the stage name of Joe Bari. Comedian Bob Hope hired him in 1949 but, disliking the stage name, told him: βWeβll call you Tony Bennett.β
And so it began, the slow climb from βrags to richesβ.
However, thereβs something you wonβt read about Tony Bennett anywhere but here. Read on.
ββββββββββ
βWhy donβt you invite Tony Bennett to the wedding?β
Thatβs something you might expect to hear Nancy Sinatra or Billy Joel say β certainly not me! But I did make that suggestion and hereβs how it all came about.
It was probably around 2004 when my son, Bill, first met Tony Bennett. I say βfirstβ because Bill had the pleasure of working with Tony numerous times .β¦ at the tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center, the Grammy Awards, the Macyβs Thanksgiving Day Parade and other gigs.
You see, Billβs been a camera man/teleprompter for a lot of years; heβs had the great opportunity of working with celebrities ranging from Paul McCartney to Big Bird to Bill Clinton. His jobs are as varied as crayons in a jumbo Crayola box and just as colorful. Iβm not going to bore you with names but the list is impressive. Thatβs how Bill met Tony.
These gigs β many of which are live β donβt happen in just one take. The crew and the performers (or βtalentβ, as theyβre known in the business) can wind up spending a great deal of time on the set β certainly hours, sometimes days. Some performers prefer to remain aloof; others, like Tony Bennett, are the type who pull up a chair in the break room and eat lunch with the crew.
Now I hope it doesnβt sound like I’m bragging but I raised a good son. Bill is a hard worker, agreeable, unassuming, pleasant, good-looking and funny. Tony and Bill enjoyed working with each other very much β so much so that when Tony was asked to perform at the Rockefeller Center tree lighting again in 2005, he requested my son by name.
During down time at a rehearsal two years later (2007), Bill mentioned his upcoming wedding and Tony happened to be within earshot. He came over to congratulate Bill and they talked about βthingsβ for a while. Tony wished Bill βa happy wedding dayβ, shook his hand and that was that β until I found out about it and I said what any mom would say:
βWhy donβt you invite Tony Bennett to the wedding? He just might say βyesβ.β
I gave Bill an invitation for him to give Tony the next day. He took it and placed it in his backpack …. where it stayed. Letβs just say my son is a bit more circumspect than me; he opted not to impose on Tony and did not extend the invitation. I was a bit bummed out but it was Billβs decision to make, not mine, and in hindsight it was probably the right decision.
Still β¦. can you just imagine what a gas it would have been if Tony Bennett had shown up at my sonβs wedding?
ββββββββββ
Frank Sinatra was a good friend of Tony Bennett and he had a couple of great things to say about him, things like he was βthe best singer in the businessβ and β my personal favorite β βthat kidβs got four sets of ballsβ!
I saw Tony Bennett perform several times. I’ll never forget a concert we went to at Carnegie Hall about 25 years ago. A highlight of the show was when Tony sang βRags To Richesβ, one of his very early hits, without accompaniment or a mic, and we could hear him clear as a bell all the way up in the βnosebleedβ seats! What an amazing set of pipes! I was blown away by that performance.
To celebrate Tony Bennettβs life, his incredible talents and gifts to the world, I have chosen that memorable 70-year-old song. βRags To Richesβ is based on a famous Russian tune called βVolga Melodyβ (aka βSamara My Lovelyβ) by Yuri Shchetkov. Tony Bennett did the best-known version in 1953 with Percy Faith and his orchestra. It was #1 for eight weeks on the Billboard chart and became a gold record. It was also featured in the opening sequence of the 1990 film βGoodfellasβ.
From 1953, this is βRags To Richesβ by the incomparable Tony Bennett.
Lyrics
I know I’d go from rages to riches If you would only say you care And though, my pocket may be empty I’d be a millionaire
My clothes may still be torn and tattered But in my heart I’d be a king Your love is all that ever mattered It’s everything
So, open your arms and you’ll open the door To every treasure that I’m hoping for Hold me and kiss me, and tell me you’re mine evermore
Must I forever be a beggar Whose golden dreams will not come true? Or will I go from rags to riches? My fate is up to you
Must I forever be a beggar Whose golden dreams will not come true? Or will I go from rags to riches? My fate is up to you
(1953)”Someone Turned The Moon Upside Down” (1953)”Rags To Riches“ (1953)”Stranger In Paradise”
Tony Bennett died at his home in New York City on July 21, 2023, β just two weeks shy of his 97th birthday β following a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His family said he kept singing right up to the end. Tony will never be forgotten and has been hailed as the “champion” and “legendary interpreter” of the Great American Songbook.
Thank you for sharing in my tribute to Tony Bennett and “Rags To Riches”. Rest easy, Tony. As Bob Hope used to say, βThanks for the memoriesβ.
Today at The Rhythm Section I have posted my final edition of Name That Tune. Why not stop by for one last spin of the disc? https://rhythmsection.blog//
Happy New Yearβs Eve, everyone! Itβs time to ring out the old and ring in the new. π
Welcome to Name That Tune: The New Yearβs Eve Edition! π π₯³
I hope youβre ready for one final spin of the disc for 2023.
So, without further ado, letβs get the show on the road; Iβve already given you a HUGE clue. Did you see it?
And weβre off! Here are your five clues:
Todayβs 1974 video opens with our singer/songwriter/guitarist walking through the gardens of his estate. Our performer once claimed he was never in the music business to become rich or famous; he would have been just as happy being a gardener.
Todayβs artist discovered two short verses carved into wood and stone in the βgardening buildingβ on his property. The carvings were made by Sir Frank Crisp, the original owner of our singerβs estate in England, and the verses are said to have been written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
The only lyrics in todayβs song are the song’s title (repeated four times to serve as the chorus) and the verses mentioned in clue #2.
Our very famous singer was once the lead guitarist for a quartet from the UK. After the group split, he had great success as a solo performer/composer/songwriter/recording executive/music and movie producer and author until his death in 2001.
Upon release, todayβs song met with an unfavorable response from music critics while others considered its musical and lyrical simplicity to be a positive factor for a contemporary pop hit. Throughout the video our singer is seen wearing a variety of costumes made famous by his former group and is joined by a number of friends you may recognize. There’s also a scene with him wearing nothing but fur boots and his guitar!
Now that you have the clues (including the HUGE hint in my first line), do you think you know the name of our New Yearβs Eve song and the person who wrote and sang it? Well, letβs see if youβre right. You know what to do.
Aha! If you said βDing Dong, Ding Dongβ by George Harrison, you are not only correct β¦. you are brilliant! Letβs hear that happy holiday song right now.
Well, that certainly was fun and a great way to ring out the old, ring in the new. π₯³ π
And now for a bit of personal news: this is my final post for The Rhythm Section; we’re closing up shop. It’s time for a break, a change of pace and a chance to do some much-needed reorganization. I’ll be back with some great new music ideas so stick around!
In the meantime, Iβll still be writing stories and doing prompts on my site The Elephantβs Trunk @ https://theelephantstrunk.org where you can read about all new music developments.
Thanks to all of you for being a terrific audience these past nine months and for making all my posts, whether “At The Movies”, “In The Groove”, Birthday Thursdays” or “Name That Tune”, here in The Rhythm Section so much fun. You are what it’s all about and you inspired me to bring you only the best with each and every post. I hope I was successful. This was a labor of love (with a little blood, sweat and tears mixed in) and I’m looking forward to the chance to do it all again!
Thanks to my fellow contributors Pete and Deb and, of course, Nick.
See you at The Elephant’s Trunk, my friends; take good care of yourselves!
Wishing you all a Healthy, Happy and Peaceful New Year! π₯³ π
As far back as Rob could remember, heβd had a love affair with water. All his life, whatever the circumstances, he was drawn to water.
Whether it was to seek comfort or solace, an escape from a busy day, a place to be one with nature watching the sun rise or set β being by the waterβs edge was a mainstay in Robβs life.
Today, as he sat on the docks with his faithful sheepdog Petra, Rob was seeking an answer.
He lived in a nice house and a had a great job, a group of good friends and lots of social activities. Rob and Petra were quite content. The only thing missing was a life companion. He had his share of relationships but two years ago someone special had entered his life. Rob now knew he was ready to make a commitment. She was the girl of his dreams β beautiful physically and in spirit, intelligent, outgoing and vivacious. She had a loyal and trusting heart and a lovely disposition. Rob had never felt such a connection before and he knew this was true love.
He spoke quietly to Petra:
βYou know, girl. I feel like the time is right to finally settle down with my true love. It took me a while to realize how I felt but now I know there canβt be anyone more perfect for me. Iβm truly happy and ready to pop the question.
What do you say, Petra, my sweet girl? Will you marry me?“
Dectina Refrain: This refrain is written as follows: 1st line β 1 syllable, 2nd line β 2 syllables 3rd line β 3 syllables, and so on for 9 lines; the 10th line is comprised of the first four lines as one stand-alone line.
Torn wrapping paper is scattered about. Letβs ring out the old and ring in the new year. Resolution-making time. Hit the gym and start that diet. Iβve never kept a resolution. Torn wrapping paper is scattered about.
Rochelle from Friday Fictioneers gave us the photo below while Denise from Six Sentence Stories provided the prompt word “jingle”. This is my response, a union of two prompts, in a 100-word, six-sentence story.*
When she became pregnant the following year, they were ecstatic; their son was born in 1941, the most beautiful baby anyone ever saw β golden curls, plump cheeks as rosy as apple blossoms.
He was a delightful child who brought incredible joy into their lives.
In 1942 the baby was diagnosed with nephritis; incurable, the doctor said and they were left heartbroken.
In the blink of an eye between Jingle Bells and Auld Lang Syne, their baby silently passed away.
The young couple was devastated; they never celebrated new yearβs eve again.
*This story is true; the young mother and father were my parents, their baby boy was the brother I never knew. Six weeks after their baby died, my father was drafted and spent his entire tour of duty fighting in Europe during WWII while my mother was left alone without a husband, without a baby. It wasmany years before I understood the ineffable emotional toll this had on their lives and why we never celebrated New Year’s Eve.
Another oldie while I’m being lazy this week! Some of you have read this; others have not. Here’s a freshened-up, rewritten story. Hope you enjoy this one! π
βWhat the hell am I doing out on a night like this?β Finn grumbled to himself, his mood worsening with each soggy step he took. βFreezing rain, my feet are soaked and I donβt even want to go to this damn office holiday party!β
Finn had been keeping something secret for a while: no one at the place where he worked knew he was going to quit. He waited for his boss, Mr. Hardy, to leave with his secretary, then Finn placed a sealed envelope on the secretary’s desk. It was addressed to his boss and marked βPersonal & Confidentialβ; inside the envelope was Finn’s letter of resignation.
He was sick of his dead-end job, always being passed over and stuck in a little cubicle all day. There had to be more to life than this and he was ready to find out!
Running into the little gift shop located in the lobby of his companyβs building, Finn spotted a small lapis lazuli paperweight near the cash register and decided it would make a fine item for the secret gift swap. As he reached for it, his hand collided with a delicate feminine hand with sparkling mistletoe-green fingernails.
βHold on, buster! Thatβs mine! I just left it on the counter while I went to get a gift bag.β
Turning his head, Finn encountered a familiar face; it was the receptionist at his office. He always thought she was pretty but tonight she looked particularly fetching.
βHayden, isnβt it? Well, Iβm sorry but the rule is if you put something down before paying for it, itβs fair game. Besides, Iβm in a hurry and I donβt have time to look around for anything else.β
Hayden recognized Finn immediately. He reminded her of a dreamy Hugh Grant in his younger days β handsome and charming β just not at this particular moment.
βFinn, right? Well, Iβm in a hurry, too. The office holiday party is starting and this is my selection for the gift swap. Youβre probably here for the same reason.β
βGuilty as chargedβ Finn quipped. βCome on, Hayden. Itβs been a crappy day. I just want to buy this thing, make an appearance at the party and get the hell out of there.β
βI feel the same way. These office celebrations are the worst! The last place I want to be is at that party but itβs mandatory. Nothing like βforced funβ!β
Finn had to chuckle at that.
βLook, Finn. Thereβs a bunch of other stuff right over there. Just go select something else. After all, I did see this first.β
βOh, alright! Itβs all yours!β Finn conceded and dashed off to find another gift.
He quickly spotted a rosewood ballpoint pen, grabbed a gift bag and returned to the register just as Hayden was finishing up her purchase. She gave Finn a little smile and headed out into the lobby. He couldnβt help noticing her shapely legs as she walked away, heels click-clacking on the marble floor. He watched till she was out of sight, then made his purchase.
Still waiting for the elevator, Hayden heard a familiar voice behind her declare, βSo, we meet againβ. She felt a slight rush knowing it was Finn.
βOr maybe youβre following meβ Hayden replied coyly, hoping she wasnβt blushing.
She and Finn never really spoke at work but they always caught each otherβs eye. Glancing at him Hayden was struck with how intensely blue his eyes were. At the same moment Finn was thinking how very kissable Haydenβs lips looked in the shimmering light of the lobbyβs chandelier.
They stepped into the elevator, the only two occupants as it made its slow ascent.
βMind if I ask why youβre dreading this party so much?β Finn inquired.
βThatβs easy.β Hayden replied. βI hate my job! The people are unfriendly, all I do is answer the phone all day andgive directions to rude visitors. This was not my dream when I first came to New York. Iβm bored to death and capable of so much more.β She glanced over her shoulder even though they were alone in the elevator, then asked conspiratorially βIf I tell you something will you promise to keep it a secret?β
Finn nodded and gave her the βzipped lipsβ sign.
βIβm quitting tomorrowβ Hayden whispered.
βNo kidding! So am I! I left a note on Mr. Hardy’s secretary’s desk just before I left today. I hate my job, too. Making a career out of working in a glass box 8 hours a day was never my plan. But mumβs the word, OK?βΒ Finn whispered back covertly and they stared into each otherβs eyes like kids making a pinky pledge.
βAny idea what youβre gonna do?β Finn asked.
βNot reallyβ Hayden sighed βbut Iβve always dreamed of running a bed and breakfast in Maine.β
βIt’s gorgeous thereβ Finn replied wistfully. βWe used to vacation at my grandparentβs lake house when I was a kid.β
The elevator door opened to the office party in full swing. Finn and Hayden rolled their eyes and deposited their little bags on the gift table. He went one way, she went the other but every now and then they found themselves looking for each other across the crowded, noisy room.
After a short time Hayden casually made her way to the elevator. She was just about to make her escape when she heard that familiar voice cry out βHold the elevator!β and Finn rushed in breathlessly.
They stood side-by-side, both unsure of what to say. Then the inevitable happened.
βI was wonderingβ¦..β they said at the same time and laughed self-consciously.
βYou firstβ prompted Hayden.
βI was thinking perhaps we could get a drink somewhere and talkβΒ Finn suggested.
βMy thoughts exactlyβ Hayden replied. And when they stepped outside they discovered the freezing rain had changed to snow. Finn thought the light dusting of snowflakes on Haydenβs hair looked enchanting.
Hayden smiled at Finn. βMaybe we can have that drink at my placeβ she suggested, her eyes twinkling.Β βWe could light the fireplace, listen to some music β¦..β
βSounds perfectβ Finn replied softly and slipped his fingers between hers.
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 wonβt be any chit chat from me, no facts and figures β just some great tunes (and an occasional surprise). Check it out right here every Thursday and enjoy the music.
Happy Birthday to Edgar Winter Born December 28, 1946 in Beaumont, Texas
As I sit here in my recliner looking out my bedroom window, wondering where Christmas has gone, I ask myself if I should venture out for my walk.
βItβs a bleak-looking day and awfully chilly. Stay inside where itβs warm and comfy.β
But then I remember that my wonky knee could use the exercise and time is fleeting. In just 83 days the beautiful blushing bride of nature will arrive and winter will be nothing but a distant memory.
βCredited for my award-winning fruitcakeβΒ was probably the last thing I heard my speed date say before I zoned out, my head hitting the table with an impressive βthudβ.Β Β
βDING!βΒ went the timer and my arm automatically shot up as I shouted outΒ βCheck, please!βΒ Everyone looked at me like I was crazy.Β βYeah, Iβm crazy alright for agreeing to go along with my friend Nadineβs cockamamie idea of speed dating the day after Christmas …. and she never even showed up!βΒ
I looked up to see my next date arriving β an Elvis impersonator replete with spangled jumpsuit, a ton of hair and heavy cologne. Whoever invented the jumpsuit should be pummeled with one of Elvis’ belt buckles. βWell, hello there, little lady. I do believe fate has brought us together. You are the spittin’ image of my darlin’ Priscilla.β
βOh Lord! Get me out of here!β my mind screamed. Quickly I jumped up.
βHey, toots! Number 9! Whaddya think youβre doing? You canβt just break outta line like that!β shouted the hoody-wearing overseer with the pronounced nose. He pointed an accusatory finger at me looking every bit like Charon the Ferryman from the River Styx.
I shoved passed him, walking out into the cold December night. βYou are such a pathetic loser” I murmured to myself. “Another wasted night and this time during the holidays! Wonder if there’s anything to do other than just go home?”
Looking around I noticed a movie theater down the street. βWell, better than nothing.β As I got closer I saw the movie was βA Hard Dayβs Nightβ and it was about to start. Cool! I got my ticket and bought some popcorn. There were clusters of people sitting here and there so I chose a secluded seat in the back. I liked sitting by myself, away from weirdos.
Just as the theater lights dimmed, some guy walked in and sat right next to me. βJeez!β Iβm thinking, rolling my eyes. βOf all the seats, you had to choose that one!β
Looking straight ahead, eating my popcorn, I assess the situation. I never know what to do at times like this. Do I change seats and risk him saying something nasty? Do I stay put and pretend everything’s normal? What if heβs a pervert?
βThis is all your fault, Nadineβ I whispered.
βExcuse me. Did you say something?β asked the guy next to me.
The charming English accent caught my attention; I turned my head slightly in its direction. In my excitement, I immediately began choking as I inhaled a puff of popcorn. The guy sitting just inches from me was a carbon copy of my one true love β George Harrison.
βAre you ok?” he asked. “Here, have some water.β
Finally able to breath and talk again, I said βIβm awfully sorry! You shocked me. Has anyone ever told you you look exactly like George Harrison?β
βAll the time. It’s a curse. And has anyone ever told you you look exactly like Priscilla Presley?β
βAll the time; it’s a curse.β
We both sighed heavily in resigned commiseration and turned our attention to the movie. We laughed through the whole thing, totally enjoying ourselves and lost in the moment; there was definitely a connection between us. When it was over we left together and decided to get a drink to celebrate the holidays.
We walk to a swinging little bar and who happens to be there? None other than “No-Show Nadine”!
Spotting me and my guy from the movie theater, she came running over, gushing like a schoolgirl. βOh my God! Has anyone ever told you you look exactly like George Harrison? Giving βGeorgeβ the once-over, she drooled. “Mighty slim pickings here tonight. Wanna dance, handsome? Olivia wonβt mind, will ya, hon?β
Wanting nothing more at that moment than to escape Nadine, βGeorge’ grabbed my hand and we ran from the club, laughing and tripping over ourselves just like in the movie.
It’s our final edition of “In The Groove: Sounds Of The Season” and we’re celebrating the holidays with something George would definitely dig! Please stop by and join in the fun! https://rhythmsection.blog/
And just like that, it’s almost over! All that remains are the crumbs of Christmas cookies, discarded wrapping paper and the sighs of 2023 as it creeps closer to the back door. Some of us may still have family to visit or get-togethers with friends …. and let’s not forget New Year’s Eve. If you’re like me and my mister, you’ve opted to eschew the party hats and noisemakers in favor of a more relaxed and intimate setting.
But that doesn’t mean we’re going to roll over and play dead this week …. not by a long shot! Have you forgotten the Sicilian Curveball? Well then, I think it may be time to serve up one final pitch right about now.
Gather ’round the fire pit and turn up the volume; welcome to the RockingSounds Of The Season! We will not go out with a whimper here In The Groove!
Now remember …. as is my style I have prepared a holiday banquet of treats for you β one might say “The 12 Rocking Days of Christmas”. This is an audio/visual feast, my friends! The videos are intended to be viewed throughout the week, not ingested whole unless that’s the way you roll. If that is your preference, then by all means ….. belly up to the bar. ‘Tis the Season, after all!
Iβm opening today with an American group based in Omaha, Nebraska. This is a neoclassical new-age music ensemble founded in 1974 known primarily for its Fresh Aire series of albums which blend classical music with elements of new age and rock, and for its modern recordings of holiday music. They are wildly popular, having sold over 28 million albums in the US alone.
Strap yourselves in, kids; it’s’ gonna be one hell of a sleigh ride!
This is Mannheim Steamroller!
“Deck the Halls“
“Faeries from NutcrackerSuite”
“Hallelujah“
“Sleigh Ride“
And now, from the world of Heavy Metal ….. oh, did you think I wouldn’t go there? Ho! Ho! Ho! Think again! Here are four of the greats!
We’re going to church, boys and girls, so show some respect. This is Dio (with Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath fame) and a few other guys) with “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”.
Here we have an old Chuck Berry number …. “Run, Rudolph Run” …. hopped up a bit featuring Lemmy (MotΓΆrhead), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) & Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)
A little something called “Very Merry Led Zeppelin” …. a Led Zepp Medley, if you will.
Nobody even think of leaving just yet. This is “Carol of the Bells” by Metallica.
My final featured group today is another US-based band founded in 1996 and based in Tampa, Florida. This rock band gained popularity when they began touring in 1999 after completing their second album, βThe Christmas Atticβ. In 2007 the Washington Post referred to them as βan arena-rock juggernaut whose music is like a meeting of Pink Floyd, Yes and the Who at Radio City Music Hallβ. They have sold more than 10 million concert tickets and over 10 million albums and are known for their elaborate concerts and light shows.
I bring you TSO β Trans-Siberian Orchestra!
“A Mad Russian“
“Christmas Eve/Sarajevo“
“Siberian Sleighride“
“Wizards in Winter“
This is it, kids …. the final In The Groove 2023 for The Rhythm Section. I think you’ll agree it is a true Sicilian Storyteller smorgasbord that will take you right into the New Year!
Enjoy your holiday week, my friends! Stay safe, happy and healthy always.
My friend Clive at Take It Easy β¦. https://cliveblogs.wordpress.com β¦. posted these two videos on his site last week; to me they represent what Christmas is all about. I wanted to share them and their distinctive messages with you.
The first one is a delightful advert by the people at Hafod Hardware, a shop in the Welsh town of Rhayader. Β Everything about it is perfection β the story that revolves around 2-year-old Arthur starting his day, helping his grandparents in their shop and the clever and imaginative ending, including the ubiquitous and endearing ππΌ greeting,Β
The second video was made for the song βMerry Christmas, Happy New Yearβ by Ingrid Michaelson and Zooey Deschanel. The animation is truly unique …. totally charming and endearing. Iβve never seen anything like it! I hope you enjoy these videos as much as I did.
My warmest wishes to you all, dear friends, for a very Merry Christmas!
“Merry Christmas, Happy New Year” by Ingrid Michaelson & Zooey Deschanel featuring some of the most charming, adorable and lovely animation I have ever seen! This is a real delight! β€οΈ
Yesterday my MC had just emailed his estranged wife andwas hoping for a reply, a Christmas miracle. Here’s where we left off. Let’s continue:
β» β» β» β» β» β» β» β» β» β» β» β»
Push send and cross my fingers that Annie hasn’t changed her email address. Going to bed and will say a prayer for a Christmas miracle…..
I woke up early again today; itβs Christmas morning. Iβm anxious and afraid to check my email. Can I bring myself to read beyond the first couple of words? Instead, I decide to wait just a bit and pour myself a cup of coffee. I sit looking out the window as the woodpeckers hop from branch to branch finding their way home.
Did Annie get my email? Will she answer me? I guess I can put off the inevitable for only so long. I decide to check my computer; nothing. My heart is shattered and I crumble onto the chair . What a fool I was to wait so long to reach out to her.
It’s early afternoon now and the luscious aroma of roasting turkey is wafting through every room in the house; I canβt bear the thought of eating Christmas dinner alone. When everything is done cooking, Iβll pack up all the food and bring it to the soup kitchen; at least someone will reap the benefits of my stupidity.
I clean up, get dressed and pour myself a glass of wine. Perhaps Iβll sit by the tree and listen to some Christmas music while the turkey finishes doing its thing. The happy tunes coming from the radio do not match my mood and then, as if by simply willing it to happen, a melancholy song starts up. I never thought I would be spending Christmas like this …. alone, broken-hearted and in tears.
I hastily wipe at my eyes with the back of my hands and turn off the radio. No more music today. Time to see how the dinner is coming along. On my way into the kitchen, I glance out the window at the woodpeckers. Standing by the once useless wheelbarrow, suitcase in hand, is my Annie. She gives me a slow, sweet smile and a little wave.
Without stopping to think “Is this real?”, I flew down the stairs and out the back door. Thank you, God, for second chances.
Itβs Christmastime today at Song Lyric Sunday, my favorite time of the year!
One of the greatest personal moments in music is when I hear an instrumental and the combined qualities of that piece get my imagination going to the point where I see an entire story unfolding. Surely it happens quite often with classical pieces since most are instrumental.
So where am I going with this? Well, in his post today, Jim asked what our favorite Christmas song is and mine happens to be an instrumental. From the first notes to the last, as the excitement builds, this song is, for me, the epitome of Christmas. Yes, there is a version with lyrics and theyβre pretty good ones, but I prefer the original instrumental. Can you guess which song Iβm talking about? Hang on a bit longer, please, and Iβll play it at the end of this post. First, I want to talk about something else.
Today in Song Lyric Sunday, the suggestion for βAnything Christmasβ comes from our friend Clive at Take It Easy.
Since Iβm The Sicilian Storyteller it should be obvious that I am extremely proud of my heritage. I want to say βMille grazie, Jim & Cliveβ for the opportunity to play some Italian Christmas songs and to wish our readers βBuon Natale e felice anno nuovo a tutti!β
My first song for today’s βAnything Christmasβ prompt is a fun Italian/American favorite Christmas song.
“Dominick the Donkey” is a novelty Christmas song recorded by Lou Monte in 1960 (written by Ray Allen, Sam Saltzberg and Wandra Merrell). This beloved Italian Christmas song describes a donkey who helps Santa Claus bring presents (made in Brooklyn, of all places!) to children in Italy “because the reindeer cannot climb” Italy’s hills. The song was listed at No. 14 in Billboard’s “Bubbling Under the Hot 100” list in December 1960.
Lou Monte was an Italian-American singer best known for a number of best-selling, Italian themed novelty records which he recorded for both RCA Records and Reprise Records in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He also recorded on Roulette Records, Jubilee Records, Regalia Records, Musicor Records, Laurie Records, and AFE Records.
Letβs have a little fun with Lou Monte and “Dominick The Donkeyβ.
Then, while surfing the net, I found this. There wasn’t much info, just what the composer/singer offered up. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did, even if you’re notβItalian …. AYYY!
“The Other Italian Christmas Song” by Eddie Napilillo
I stayed up all night and wrote this so people could enjoy it this Christmas! It’s kind of an Adam Sandler Hanukkah Chanukah Song parody. It was fun making it and clearly expresses that everyone, all religions ethnicities and beliefs, is welcome in an Italian family home at Christmas! Merry Christmas everybody! Peace and love to you and your families! Please forgive my lyric reading and sloppy playing!!! I mispronounced some names too… lol.. No Mic, no reverb or affects, just iMovie, an iSight camera, and a $20 acoustic guitar. β Eddie Napolillo
π π π π π π π π π
From the ridiculous to the sublime β¦. my next song for you today is a traditional Italian Christmas carol called βTu Scendi Dalle Stelleβ (“From Starry Skies Thou Comest”) or, more colloquially, βYou come down from the starsβ, written in 1732.
The melody and original lyrics for the hymn were written by Alphonsus Liguori, a prominent Neapolitan priest and scholastic philosopher (later canonized) who founded the Redemptorist missionary order. While staying at Convent of the Consolation, one of his order’s houses in the province of Foggia in southeastern Italy, he wrote the beautiful Christmas song, βTu Scendi Dalle Stelleβ. Over the years, this song became the most popular Christmas carol in Italy.
Many artists have recorded this carol and they are all lovely. In my opinion no one sings it more sweetly than the great Andrea Bocelli; it is his version I have chosen for you today. If you would like to follow along, I have provided the lyrics in both Italian and English.
Here is Andrea Bocelli with “Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle”
LYRICS
You come down from the stars, O King of heaven Tu scendi dalle stelle, o Re del cielo
And come to a cave in the cold and frost E vieni in una grotta al freddo e al gelo
And come to a cave in the cold and frost E vieni in una grotta al freddo e al gelo
O my divine Child, I see you here trembling O Bambino mio divino, io ti vedo qui a tremar
O blessed God O Dio beato
Ah, how much it cost you to have loved us Ah, quanto ti costΓ² l’averci amato
Ah, how much it cost you to have loved us Ah, quanto ti costΓ² l’averci amato
To you, who are the Creator of the world A te, che sei del mondo il Creatore
Clothes and fire are missing, oh my Lord Mancano panni e fuoco, o mio Signore
Clothes and fire are missing, oh my Lord Mancano panni e fuoco, o mio Signore
Dear chosen little child, how much this poverty Caro eletto pargoletto quanto questa povertΓ
Oh, did you think I forgot about my favorite Christmas song? Never! Did you guess what that song is? Well, letβs play it now and weβll see if you were right. Here is the incredible Boston Pops Orchestra with its awesome rendition of βSleigh Rideβ.
Seventy-five years after Leroy Anderson created “Sleigh Ride” (1948), the song is still ranked as one of the 10 most popular pieces of Christmas music worldwide!
Thanks to Jim at Song Lyrics Sunday for always coming up with great prompts and to Clive for his suggestion today of βAnything Christmasβ. Merry Christmas to all; may your day be joyous and wonderful and filled with terrific music!
Taking a short break tocelebrate Christmas with my family. Rebooting an old favorite from 2021; some of you have seen it; many haven’t. π«
My Dear Annie,
It took about ten minutes of me staring at a blank computer screen before I started typing this email β and thatβs just today. Iβve been doing the same thing every day for the last eight months. I’ll type a paragraph, then delete it. The idea of reaching out to you began thirty seconds after you left our house and closed the door on our life together. I have about a thousand thoughts and questions swirling around in my brain, much like the snowflakes dancing in the wind in our backyard.
I got up early and made myself a cup of coffee, then sat by the kitchen window and watched the birds at the feeders. Youβll be happy to know the red-headed woodpeckers have returned, just as they always do. How I wish you would return to me, too.
I held my coffee cup up to my nose and inhaled the rich aroma of dark roast. Iβm drinking from that cup you gave me ages ago with COOL BEANS scrawled across the front. I use it every day and always think about you (not that I need a reminder) and Iβve decided that today will be the day I must summon the courage to write to you to say “I’m sorry”.
You see, tomorrow is Christmas Day and I canβt think of a better time to tell you whatβs on my mind. If I donβt do it today who knows if I ever will? I miss you, Annie. I miss you so damn much it literally hurts. My heart aches for you and my stomach churns when I realize what a first class jerk I was to let you slip through my fingers.
I donβt know what I was thinking. No, I take that back; I do know. I was thinking aboutmyself β me, myself and I. What a stupid, selfish idiot I was. Iβm sure youβd agree with that assessment. Iβm equally sure thereβs a spot for me in the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest fool ever. How could I expect you to put your dreams and plans on hold while I pursued mine?
If Iβve come to realize anything over these last few months itβs the fact that what I want in life isnβt more important than what you want and all my achievements are not worth a damn without you.I am so sorry for not seeing that sooner.
When I finally realized how empty my life was without you and how much I yearned to be sharing and living our dreams together, you were long gone. I donβt blame you one bit; if I was you, I would have left me, too. Iβm useless without you and Iβm so ashamed that I put myself before you.
Do you remember that old wheelbarrow we found last year buried under weeds and ivy? It was missing its wheel and was of no use to anyone. You had the brilliant idea of transforming it into a planter instead of throwing it away. I have also lost my wheel, my direction in life and I find I canβt do anything without it, without you. I need you to help bring me back to life, to give me purpose. I need your forgiveness.I need you.
I was driven by my obsession for success and power more than anything else β more than putting you first, more than your deepest desire to start a family. How could I have deprived you of that? How could I have deprived us of that? How could I have been so blind not to see that was exactly what I wanted too? Well, I screwed up royally. All thesuccess and power I ever wanted are mine now but they are hollow victories. The price was too dear β losing you and everything that was and might have been, that should have been. I wake up alone in our bed and come home to an empty house. And all day, every day, I simply exist like a wheelbarrow without a wheel.
I have no idea where you are, how you are or what youβre doing. I pray that you havenβt lost all faith in me, even though that may be what I deserve. That would surely destroy me because my love for you is stronger than ever. I wouldnβt blame you for not believing what Iβm about to say but I would do anything, give up everything just to have you by my side once again. I am empty inside without you and Iβm begging for a second chance. My one hope that I cling to every day is the fact that I havenβt been served with divorce papers β¦. yet. Please tell me thereβs a chance for us, a chance that you can possibly forgive me.
Christmas Day. What a blessing it would be to have you back, to have you tellme weβre going to be okay! How grateful I would be for the opportunity to show you how much I love you and need you in my life!
Don’t laugh but I’m going to attempt to prepare my very first Christmas dinner by myself. I bought a small turkey, all the fixings and a lovely bottle of wine .β¦ just enough for two. It would give me the greatest joy to share the day with you and every day after that, to hold you in my arms and make all the sorrow go away.
Annie, if only you could sprout wings and fly home tome like the woodpeckers! Will you come home for Christmas? Please come back to me and never leave.
I love you so very much.
Charlie
β» β» β» β» β» β» β» β» β» β» β» β»
Push send and cross my fingers that Annie hasn’t changed her email address. Going to bed and will say a prayer for a Christmas miracle.
It’s time once again for The Unicorn Challenge. Our mission: to write a story in 250 words or less in response to the photo prompt. This is my story and I’m sticking to it. π¦βπβπ¦
When our son was still in elementary school, he demonstrated a great ability and clever imagination for art. He had a penchant for cartoon characters of his own creation which he drew on his book covers and all over his school notebooks.
My husband and I encouraged his artwork and we kept him well-stocked in supplies, including a drafting table, paints and copious amounts of drawing pads. His main character was a T-rex called βMonstroidβ β¦. a Jurassic lawman who was not above getting down and dirty.
When our son was about twelve years old, he asked permission to paint Monstroid on his bedroom wall. I had no problem with that; Iβd rather he paint his own wall than someone elseβs. Thirty-something years ago, graffiti was considered vandalism, not the street art it has become today.
The story of Monstroid grew in my sonβs head, along with other dinosaurs, friend and foe alike. It got to the point where every wall in his room was covered with his creations; dinosaurs grazed on one wall while epic prehistoric battle scenes appeared on another wall. I didnβt mind; the boy was hurting no one and I would never suppress his natural ability for art β¦. just as I would never squash our other sonβs talent for music.
Our son is now a television cameraman β another form of art. However, he never lost his love of painting and Monstroid is alive and well on the bedroom walls of each of his three kids.
Tom has invited us to participate in this Mansionic Pioneer Poem prompt. Happy to do so, Tom! The first words of each line are the rhyming words. Each line must be 5 syllables or less. The last two lines of the poem are the same as the first two lines, only written in reverse. Here’s my poem.
