I GOT TO SEE THE STONES TODAY!
WHILE THEYβRE NOT A PANACEA FOR ALL MY ILLS, THEY SURE DO PUT SOME PEP IN MY STEP.
I WONDER IF THEYβRE GOING TO BE APPEARING IN THE SAME PLACE TOMORROW?
HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE!
NAR Β© 2023
44 words
YOU ROCK!
KINK IT UP
“Cβmon in, toots! Donβt be shy! Lemme take a gander at ya.
Stand by the window, would ya? Yeah, thatβs it.
Give us a little twirl. Yeah, just like that. Now back to me and lean into it.
Nice rear view!
Yeah, darlinβ, youβll do just fine.
Lemme paint the scene for ya, cookie.
Youβre the newbie on the derby circuit, a real cutie from Nowhereville. Them other broads, they ainβt happy to see ya knowing their skatinβ days are fadinβ fast. Theyβre tough, the type thatβll chew up and spit out a sweet piece of sugar like yourself.
Yeah, youβre a timid little thing but ya can skate circles βround them other jammers. Besides, ya caught the eye of Mr. Big and he likes what he sees.
Ya with me so far, baby cakes?
Now weβre gonna take some shots. Go get dolled up while I ready the Polaroid.
Thatβs it, honey. Put on them skates.
Now it’s time for a little fun. Undo them buttons on your blouse and tie it in front under them boobs. Yeah, just like that.
Oh, man! Ya got the goods, alright.
Lose that hair thingy. Let them chestnut curls flow.
Wow! Youβre a regular Daisy Duke!
This here fanβs gonna blow them curls, just like skatinβ ’round the oval.
Ok, hands on knees, arch that back and pucker up.
Oh, baby Baby BABY! Youβre a natural!
Now weβre gonna kink it up.
Mr. Big’s gonna love these!
Big smile and say … ‘Bondage!’β
NAR Β© 2023
250 Words
THE CIRCLE OF FEAR
We bring children into this world.
We nourish and provide for them as best we can.
We watch over them as they sleep at night and hold the back of their new bicycle as they learn to ride a two-wheeler.
We protect them with our lives, watch them grow and eventually they leave the inner sanctum of heart and home to walk among the wolves.
They marry, have children of their own and radiate joy.
The circle of life.
We pray for them, worry about them, rejoice in their accomplishments and weep for their inevitable heartbreaks.
Our parental primal instincts emerge and we struggle against the riptides of life to shelter them from the unwelcome eventualities of the world.
But we cannot.
And that is the greatest fear of all.
NAR Β© 2023
PASS THE BATON
I have had the great honor of being asked to join in on the pass the baton challenge started by Marla on the first of August.
The link back to the origin post is here: https://marladragon.wordpress.com/2023/08/01/august-passthebaton-challenge/
*****
This is the story so far:
βI canβt meet you tonight. The group before me was late completing their portion and I have to finish my part by Friday. Itβs going to be three very long days.β
βThey canβt make you work long hours like that! You should quit.β
βItβs my job, and I like it. Iβm not going to quit.β
βI wouldnβt work those hours, I would quit. You should too.β
βItβs a contract and I have to complete my work. I need to go.β
βIt doesnβt make sense that your contract needs to be completed by Friday. They canβt force you to complete it. You need to have a life too. Tell them to go to hell, they can get it by next Friday.β
βThatβs not how it works. Itβs a contract and I have to fulfill those obligations.β
βThat doesnβt make sense. You should quit.β
βIβm not going to quit. It does make sense.β
βMake it make sense then, because I still vote for quit. I would.β
βYouβre not me. I work by contract. My company receives a contract and they assign me. If I donβt complete any part of the project within the set time-frame, they will remove me from the contract and replace me. Itβs really not that complicated.β
βYouβre not making any sense. Just quit.β
βI canβt discuss this right now, I have to work. I am NOT quitting.β
βYou shouldnβt work those hours. It doesnβt make sense that they want you to. Seriously, just quit.β
βI gotta go.β
Jake was angry when he terminated the call. A contract was a contract, and he was very good at what he did. However, quitting was not an option.
Heβd told Stella in the beginning that his job could be very demanding and he may have to be away at times. In many ways, though, she was turning out to be more demanding than his job, and that would have to be addressed relatively soon. Thank god they werenβt married.
He was living a double life and his cover stories were always plausible as he had excellent credentials and was a whizz when it came to computer software. This contract was important, and he had three days to plan, prepare and execute.
Finishing the last of his coffee, he packed up his gear and headed for the departure lounge. His flight took off in an hour and he needed to get some rest. He hadnβt been kidding when heβd told her it was going to be a very long three days.
Exhausted, Jake closed his eyes and fell asleep before the flight left the ground. He was awakened about an hour later when the pilot announced over the PA system that the plane would be turning around and returning to Dallas because a major winter storm had closed the Denver airport. The guy in the seat next to Jake said, βDammit, itβs my anniversary tomorrow and if I miss it, my wife is going to kill me.β
Jake looked at the man in the seat next him. He knew the guy wasnβt being literal, but what he said amused Jake. Because in Jakeβs case, if he didnβt get to Denver tonight, he might not be able to execute his contract in time, and Jake knew what the consequences of failure to execute his contact would be.
His mind started racing, examining his options and determining which would have the highest probability of success. Jake knew he had to act quickly to have any chance of pulling this contract off, and he came up with a plan that just might work. But once the plane landed back in Dallas, he knew he had no time to lose.
Jake knew that for just under $200, Jake could take an Amtrak train to get from Dallas to Denver. The train only runs twice a day, and it is just over a 40-hour trip. The first one leaves at 11:00am and if he doesnβt make that he can catch the other one that leaves at 3:00pm. Jake realized that bad weather could delay trains, but it is more likely that a train will get through a bad storm than other modes of transportation, however he could relax more on a train, as he really wasnβt fond of flying in a snowstorm. Being a seasoned traveler, Jake knew that airlines are always delaying or canceling flights when they determine that the weather conditions make it unsafe to take off or land and he wasnβt too worried about the take off, but an icy landing was something that he wanted no part of.
A storm like this is an act of God and even though his contract needed to be completed by Friday, as long as he was making progress toward the goal, the company would understand. Since he couldnβt be sure when the next plane would take off, the train seemed like hoe only option. Jake took a taxi from the airport to the train station, and he was able to get a ticket for the 11:00am departure. This meant that Jake would be in Denver on Friday at 3:00am and he could complete the assignment by the skin of his teeth, making the best out of bad situation. Jake got his own private compartment on the train which was called a Roomette with a comfy seat, a bed, WiFi and outlets with a fold-down table for his laptop and then he heard the conductor shout βAll aboardβ as the train left the station.
Jake sat looking out the window. The weather was so bad, he really hoped the train would get to Denver on time, so he would be able to complete his assignment.
He took out his laptop and began to look at his notes.
He had so much to do and so little time to do it!
His phone began to buzz.
βOh shitβ, he said loudly. βI wonder who that is?β
He picked up the phone and there it was, her number, flashing on his screen.
His hand hovered over the answer button. Should he answer her? Sheβd be expecting answers. He didnβt have any for her.
He took the plunge and hit the answer button. βHello?β
He heard sobbing on the other end of the phone.
βJake?β, Celia sobbedβ¦something terrible has happened!β
This was getting to be too much. First he had Stella on his back about quitting a job which, although he didnβt tell her this, was extremely lucrative. Next, his flight gets cancelled and heβs going to arrive right before the deadline, making it impossible to have any time to relax. Now, Celia! And Celia in tears? Jake started to feel a lead weight weigh down his stomach like a thousand pound rock!
βCelia, whatβs wrong? Stop crying and talk to me.β
βJake, remember I told you I was going to meet my brother in the city this weekend?β
βYeah, did something happen?β
βJake, he just messaged me and said that he wonβt be around this weekend anymore and that he wonβt be able to get together for a long time. A long time! What is that supposed to mean?β
Jake was happy Celia couldnβt see his face. Yes, it would be a long time before she saw Clint again, well unless she died soon too! Celia had no idea what her brother was into and if she knew she wouldnβt want to see him anyhow. But, the contract specifically said that Clint would be in Denver for dinner Friday night. That was when it was all supposed to go down. Now here he was on a train to Denver for what? To go to a job that couldnβt be completed? Of course he couldnβt say any of this to Celia.
βCelia, Iβm sure your brother has a good reason for needing to cancel. You know, I was thinking about coming out to Denver to see you both. Now, maybe itβs not such a good idea.β
βOh, Jake, come see me still! I will be so lonely now that Clint isnβt going to be coming.β
Jake didnβt want to tell her that it was the last time she was going to be seeing Clint anyways. But now what was he going to do about finishing up the contract? Would they believe him when he said the target wasnβt there? This was turning out to be a true shit-show and he was somehow in the middle of it. All he wanted was for Clint to be at the restaurant in Denver Friday night. Beyond that he couldnβt care less what Clint did.
βCelia, listen, give him a call back and beg him to come Friday for dinner and then go off to do whatever it was he was going to do. Heβs your brother. Explain to him that right now you need family. Heβll probably be able to rearrange his schedule that little bit.β
βYeah, youβre right. He knows how desperate I am to see him. Maybe he wasnβt thinking about that part of it. Iβll call him right now and beg him to meet me.β
βYou go girl! Let me know what he says. okay?β
Jake might not have to worry after all. If Celia could convince Clint to show up for dinner then Jake could execute the contract and move on, being there to hand Celia a tissue and lend her a shoulder to cry on. He could do that much. On the otherhand:
On the other hand, he wasnβt sure he should be doing this at all.
His phone rang in his hand, Stella again, he rejected the call and dropped his phone into his backpack, she could ruin everything if she got her meddling hands in this mess, it was bad enough as it was. Why couldnβt she just let him be and get this done? She had never been this clingy before.
He tried closing his eyes and getting some sleep in, there was still a few hours left on his train journey and the stress of the most recent past was weighing on him.
But he just couldnβt settle, something wasnβt right, he could feel it. Stella, Celia, Clintβ¦ Even the plane! Everything seemed to be telling him to not go through with this but he had completed plenty of βcontractsβ like this before, what could go wrong? Sure this one was a little close to home so to speak but no one had any idea of his second life, he had no reason to think they would ever suspect him.
But that wasnβt quite what was worrying him either, he just couldnβt put his finger on it.
He jumped when the train announced his stop was approaching, admonishing himself for letting his guard down so much he grabbed his meagre luggage and stretched, trying to convince himself all was well, it was nearly over with after all.
Until he stepped off the train and came face to face with Stella.
βWhat the fuck are you doing here?β
βI begged you not to do this,β she said, tears in her eyes.
βWhat are you talking about? Itβs just workβ¦β It was then he noticed the small gun she held to her hip, pointing straight at him.
βItβs just work! Thatβs your answer for everything, Jake.β
βStella, whatβs gotten into you and where did you get that gun?β
βShut up, Jake. Iβm so sick of all the lies. Do you think Iβm that stupid, that I donβt know about your secret life?β
βLook, Stella, I have no idea what youβre talking about. Letβs get off this train platform, go someplace quiet to talk.β
βYou really do take me for a fool, donβt you, Jake? How very careless of you to make that mistake.β’
Jake had never seen Stella like this before. Exactly how much did she know? Was she talking about his job? Or maybe it was Celia. A dozen scenarios flashed through is mind in a matter of seconds. All that was important right now was for him to regain the upper hand. He had to get that gun away from her.
βCome on, baby. I have no idea where youβre coming from with these ideas. Youβre upset, I get that …. but a gun? Thatβs not you, Stella. Please, baby. Put the gun away or better yet, just hand it to me.β
Jake saw Sella hesitate for a second and he knew that was the only chance heβd get to disarm her. He was about to reach for the gun when someone came up behind Stella and twisted her arm behind her back.
It was Clint.
My turn to nominate someone; Iβd like to tag Lady Sighs ….. https://ladysighs.wordpress.com/ …..
if she would be so kind as to take on the challenge.
UPDATE: Lady Sighs is unable to pass the baton but no worries; Sadje is running with it. Go Sadje!
SAVING GRACE
There aren’t too many people who know about this part of my life; that’s about to change.
It was 1943 and I was crazy about Pvt. Roy Holmes at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Every night for two weeks I snuck out my bedroom window to be with him. Then he stopped coming around and I found out heβd been deployed. I was heartbroken. Just one short month later I learned he’d been killed. Another month later I realized I was pregnant.Β
Mama and daddy would never understand; what’s worse, they’d never forgive me. I packed some clothes and snuck out one last time. I caught a north-bound bus, getting off at the aptly named city of Hope, Ohio. Eyeing a pretty white church, I headed straight for it and rang the bell. I was surprised when a young handsome pastor answered; he was even more surprised when I fainted in the doorway. When I came to I was on a sofa with the pastor and two women standing over me.Β
βBetter now?β asked the pastor and I gave a little nod of my head.Β βMaybe if you tell us what’s wrong we’ll be able to helpβ he suggested.
“Yes, what wrong, dear? Maybe we can help?” the two kindly women asked in unison.
Speaking softly, I slowly made up my story as I went along: βMy name is Grace Holmes. My husband of five months was killed in the war. I have no family, no money and Iβm pregnant.βΒ I started to cry tears of sorrow and shame. Handing me a tissue the pastor quietly said βThere now. You’ve been through an awful ordeal. Please stay the night here in the parish house and in the morning weβll sort it all
out.βΒ
I gratefully accepted the pastor’s kind offer; the two women led me upstairs and helped me get settled in a lovely guest room. The room was small but well-appointed with a twin bed, nightstand, dresser and rocking chair in the corner. It even had its own bathroom with a bathtub! There was a beautiful view of a pond behind the church and I knew this was where I was meant to be. Still, I felt very guilty about my lies. I decided I would stay a day or two until I figured out what I would do, then I’d move on. I couldn’t take advantage of these kind people.
The next morning I found everyone in the kitchen preparing breakfast. The pastor rushed over to offer me a chair. “Good morning, Grace! These are the two ladies who were here last night when you arrived … our cook, Anna, and Peggy, our housekeeper. Iβm Richard Clark, the pastorβ he said, absentmindedly touching his collar. Everyone was so welcoming!
I remembered the two women as the ones who brought me to the guest room and I thanked them again for their hospitality. We made small talk during breakfast β the weather, what was on sale at the grocery store, a new recipe Anna couldn’t wait to try out. One topic everyone was careful not to mention was the war, obviously for my sake. I refrained from saying too much, afraid of turning my lie into a giant web from which I’d never free myself.
Life at the parish house was surprisingly busier that I thought. People stopped by to discuss weddings, funerals, baptisms, the church bazaar. Some inquired about joining the choir and others invited Pastor Richard for dinner. It was comfortable while being lively and I liked helping Anna in the kitchen, even though she insisted I should be resting in my βdelicate conditionβ. Soon I would have to leave before I wore out my welcome.
One night after dinner, Pastor Richard asked me to join him in his office. He offered me a chair and then sat behind his desk. βGrace, I believe things happen for a reason. Iβve been thinking about this since you arrived the other night. Thereβs a way we can help each other. You see, my secretary recently retired and I havenβt been able to find anyone to take her place. Iβd like to offer you the job. Itβs not very demanding β taking phone calls, answering the door, keeping track of appointments, things like that. The salary is decent and room and board are included. Would you consider taking the job? I believe you’d be a real asset here.β
βPastor Richard, I wasnβt prepared for this and I donβt know what to say. What about my condition?” I responded.
βGrace, youβre pregnant; you donβt need to ring a bell and declare βUnclean! Unclean!β wherever you go. Celebrate the new life growing inside you! Do me a favor; sleep on what we discussed and let me know tomorrow. And Grace, please call me Richard.β
That night in my room I thought about the job and living at the parish house. I had to admit I felt at home here and it would be an answer to my prayers. The next morning I told Richard I wanted to take the job on a 3-week trial basis if that was alright with him. He was so happy with my news, he gave me an unexpected hug that lifted me off my feet.
Working at the parish house was wonderful; I was always a quick study and I became entrenched in my new job in no time. Of course, Richard was a huge part of the reason I was so happy. Over the period of just a few weeks we became much closer to each other. We spent many hours together, our friendship growing stronger until it was undeniable β we were falling in love.
When I announced to Richard that the 3-week trial was over, he walked over to me and said softly βGrace, please stay. I couldnβt bear it if you left.β
I reached up and put my arms around his neck. βIβm not going anywhere, Richard. Iβve fallen in love with you.β And we kissed for the first time.
From that moment on we were inseparable. As our relationship became obvious to those around us, so did my pregnancy. Richard asked me to marry him and I said yes. We were both thrilled but my lies haunted me. I knew I had to confess before I could marry Richard. I took him by the hand and led him to the sofa in his office.
βDarling, I have something to tell you. The night I arrived here, I lied to everyone about my past. Iβm not a war widow; I was never married. I became pregnant by my boyfriend who was drafted and left without even saying goodbye to me. One month after that, he was killed and soon after I discovered I was pregnant. My parents would never understand so I ran away from home. I got off the bus here when I heard the bus driver announce the city of Hope. I believe this is where I was meant to be.β
I sighed deeply and waited for Richard to say something. Finally, when he spoke, his words shocked me.Β Β
βOh, Grace. Iβve been waiting all this time for you to tell me, to unburden yourself. How awful it must have been to be living with that lie day after day. You see, darling, Iβve always known or at least surmised the truth.βΒ
I was stunned. βBut how? How could you know?βΒ Β
βNo wedding ring, no pictures of your βhusbandβ, no mention of your childhood,Β your family. You said nothing about your life at all. I figured it out and I didnβt care. I love you and Iβm so happy you trusted me enough to tell me the truth. I want to be your husband and a father to your baby more than anything in the world. Thatβs all that matters.β And then he kissed me.
βWeβre going to have to call your parents and let them know you’re safe. Donβt worry, darling; it will all be ok. But first we have to tell Anna and Peggy weβre getting married; Iβll never hear the end of it if theyβre not the first to know!β
I made another decision that night: if our baby is a girl, her name will be Hope.
Β NAR Β© 2023
Β
I’m looking forward to
having you join me today
At The Movies.
https://rhythmsection.blog
AT THE MOVIES (August 10, 2023)
The 1965 movie “The Sound of Music” is a tuneful, heartwarming story based on the lives of the Von Trapp Family singers, one of the world’s best-known concert groups in the era immediately preceding World War II.
Julie Andrews plays the role of Maria, a postulant at an Austrian abbey with an abundance of youthful enthusiasm and a lack of discipline. Maria becomes a governess in the home of a widowed naval captain (Christopher Plummer) with seven children, and brings a new passion for music, life and love into the home.
There are so many gorgeous songs from this film penned by the genius duo of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Rather than throw a dart at the list of songs, I have chosen to go with the glorious theme song β “The Sound of Music” sung by the profoundly talented Julie Andrews.
Magnificent scenery, a terrific story and the talent of Julie Andrews combined for an Academy Award-winning combination!
Do you have a favorite song from this wonderful movie? Please share your thoughts or post a video.
Thanks for joining me today At The Movies; catch you next time!
See you on the flip side.
I’m The Sicilian Storyteller
NAR Β© 2023
A FINE TIME TO ASK
βWeβll be home soon, darlingβ I assured my wife.
βIt was a brilliant idea celebrating Christmas at the cabin. Which reminds me, David β you did unplug the lights on the tree, didnβt you?β
βNo, I didnβt; I assumed you did. Fine time to ask, Claire!β
βDavid, you canβt just assume! And since when is it my job?β
βYou assumed I unplugged them!β
βWe have to go back.β
After a three-hour return drive in stony silence, we arrived at the cabin β minutes after the firetrucks.
Only a charred moose head on the stone fireplace remained standing; everything else was smoldering remains.
NAR Β© 2023
100 Words
FOOD FIGHT
Fandango asks us:
DO YOU EVER USE A MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE SUCH AS DOORDASH (OR WHATEVER LOCAL EQUIVALENTS ARE AVAILABLE IN YOUR PART OF THE WORLD)? IF SO, HOW OFTEN WOULD YOU SAY YOU HAVE MEALS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOORSTEP?
βMom! Iβm starvinβ! Whatβs for dinner!β
βMe too, Mom! Iβm so hungry! I didnβt eat all day!β
βWell, Iβm hugrier than both of you! Iβm so hungry I could eat a horse!β
βSo what! I could eat a hippo!β
βBig deal! I could eat an elephant!β
βKids! Please! Iβve been busy cleaning the house and doing laundry all day. I forgot to take something out of the freezer for dinner. Weβll have to get something delivered.β
βYeah! I want Smashburger. Letβs call DoorDash or GrubHub or Uber Eats!β
βNo, Jimmy! We had Smashburger last night. I wanna get Panera Bread!β
βWell, too bad, Betty. Nobody wants Panera Bread except you, right Bobby?β
βWell, I donβt want Smashburger OR Panera Bread. I want Dominoβs!β
βSMASHBURGER!β
βPANERA BREAD!β
βDOMINOβS!β
βSMASHBURGER! PANERA BREAD! DOMINOβSβ
βSMASHBURGER! PANERA BREAD! DOMINOβSβ
βKids! Stop shouting! Iβve got an awful headache and Iβm going upstairs to rest.β
βSMASHBURGER! PANERA BREAD! DOMINOβS!β
βSMASHBURGER! PANERA BREAD! DOMINOβS!β
βDADDYβS HOME! DADDYβS HOME!β
βHey, guys! Whatβs all the shouting about? I can hear you all the way out in my car. Whatβs going on?β
βMommy forgot to take something out of the freezer for dinner…”
“So weβre getting DoorDash or GrubHub or Uber Eats…”
“I want Smashburger, Betty wants Panera Bread and Bobby wants Dominoβs.β
βAll right! Calm down! Whereβs your mom, anyway?β
βSheβs got a headache.β
βAgain!β
βAnd sheβs upstairs resting.β
βOK, listen guys. Iβm going upstairs to check on mom. Watch a movie and be quiet!“
βI wanna watch Spiderman!β
βYou’re stupid! I wanna watch Mulan!β
βI hate you! I wanna watch Super Mario Bros!β
βMOM! DAD! MOM! DAD! MOM! DAD!β
βSTOP SHOUTING THIS MINUTE!! MOM AND I HAVE DECIDED. WEβRE ORDERING FROM THE DINER SO EVERYONE CAN GET WHATEVER THEY WANT FROM ONE PLACE. SIT THERE WHILE I GET THE MENU.β
“Yay!! The diner!! The diner!! The diner!!”
βI wantβ¦β¦.β
NAR Β© 2023
Author’s note: Bill and I have never used DoorDash or any of the other apps for meal delivery. I tried InstaCart once or twice but wasn’t happy with the produce and/or meat that was selected for me by someone else. We will occasionally order pizza or Chinese food when I don’t feel like cooking but I’d rather make my own pizza; it’s inexpensive, delicious and easy to do. Meal delivery is a wonderful service for people who have no other option. For us it’s an additional expense we don’t need.
THE PORCH
βWalnut hair and skin so fair
Freckles like stars on her nose
Green eyes glittering like precious jewels
And lips as soft as a roseβ
βHey, Pops, whatβs that youβre singing? Iβve never heard it beforeβ.
βBrady, I didnβt see you thereβ replied Ben Williams as he leaned his guitar against the porch wall. βJust an old number I wrote for your Mom. Another lifetime.β
βPops, can I ask you something? It makes me sad how little I remember about Mom. What was she like?β
βOh, son. Thatβs not easy to answer. Your mom was a real beauty, a feast for the eyes. And we were happy. We had you and your sister our first two years together. Then I got that trucking job and your Mom was alone a lot. Itβs hard on a woman when her man is away for weeks at a time, especially with babies to care for. She was special and she loved you kids β donβt you ever forget that β but she got lonely.”
Ben continued. βWhen Ron Carterβs wife died your Mom befriended him. They were both lonely and found comfort together. I donβt blame her for that. One day when I was home from the road she brought Ron a cherry pie. She took your sister with her and they never came back. How I wish she’d stayed but I couldn’t force her to be happy here. From that point on it was just you and me.β
Father and son sat in contemplative silence.
βYou know, Pops, at first I thought Mom would come back soon. Then I gave up on that dream and convinced myself she had died. Strange thing is, thinking she was dead was easier than believing she abandoned us.β
Ben let out a ragged sigh. βThank God I had you, Brady. You didnβt know it but you kept me from falling apart. Getting that steady job at the hardware store was a life saver and I was able to be here for you.β
βThen I started dating Rebecca and I was hardly ever home!β Brady laughed. βMarrying her and moving in here with you made my life complete.β
βThat sweet gal of yours made my life complete, too, son. She filled a void in my heart and never once complained about having to live with her pain-in-the-ass father-in-law! Rebeccaβs like a daughter to meβ declared Ben.
βPops, did you know Rebecca was the one who insisted we live here with you. Not too many women would do that. And our kids are crazy about you! Youβve taught them a lot.β
βI love those munchkins, Brady! You all made this house a home and a broken old man whole again.β
Rebecca poked her head out the screen door. βDinner in ten minutes, you two. Please round up the kids and everybody get washed up.β
That night Rebecca asked Brady what he and his father had been talking about.
βJust reminiscing, mostly about my Mom.β
βI wish I had a chance to know your Mom.β
βMe too, Beccaβ Brady replied wistfully. βMe too.β
NAR Β© 2023
Please join me today
In The Groove
for more great songs.
https://rhythmsection.blog/
IN THE GROOVE (August 8, 2023)
Take one singer, add one acoustic guitar, mix together and come up with the most talked-about Country video of 2006.
βStayβ was recorded by the country duo of Jennifer Nettles (lead vocals) and Kristian Bush (vocals, guitar, mandolin) who together made up the group βSugarlandβ.
The heartbreak in Nettlesβ distinct voice [sprinkled liberally with a heavy Georgia accent] coupled with tightly clenched fists and tears spilling from her eyes make this number more than a song; it’s a performance. She plays the role of a distraught woman asking her man to stay with her and not run off to his lover whenever she calls.
βStayβ reached a peak position of #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts where it stayed for four weeks. The song, written solely by Jennifer Nettles, was ranked #10 on CMTβs 100 Greatest Videos.
Listen, watch and see for yourself why this video is so talked-about. Here is βSugarlandβ doing βStayβ.
“I’ve given you my best, why does she get the best of you?” What a great line that is!
When I first saw this video and heard the sorrow in Jennifer Nettlesβ voice, I felt like I was intruding on something extremely painful and personal. I couldnβt look away; her grief is very real and very raw. The subject of betrayal is something everyone can relate to,
Hereβs the question of the day; there are no right or wrong answers and every answer is a good one.
Music touches us in so many different ways; it can bring us great joy or terrible sadness. Can you think of a song or video that affects you profoundly.
My answer is the Italian song “Caruso” by Lucio Dalla. The music is heartbreakingly beautiful and Dalla’s voice is desperate with grief.
I’d love to see your comments so please share your thoughts or simply post a video.
Have a great week; I’ll catch you next time In The Groove.
See you on the flip side.
Iβm the Sicilian Storyteller
NAR Β© 2023
TODAY @ THE RHYTHM SECTION
What fun! Check it out!
This is what you’re missing
if you aren’t reading us!
Be Our Guest (August 6, 2023)
Today we have a treat for you!
One of our followers, Keith Allen, AKA “The Nostalgic Italian“, has written a guest post which we’re sure you’ll find entertaining, interesting and enlightening. It’s guaranteed to brighten up your Sunday. Enough talking from me; I’m going to hand the reigns over to Keith for the first edition of Be Our Guest in The Rhythm Section. Let’s give him a warm welcome! Take it away, Keith!
ββββ
I’m Keith, known to my blog followers as “The Nostalgic Italian.” I am honored to have been invited by Nancy to share some songs with you. I suppose it is only fitting that I start with an Italian song from my favorite Italian singer – Dean Martin.
If someone asked me to pick my favorite Dean Martin album, I would probably pick “Dino – Italian Love Songs.” I have this on vinyl and I have listened to it more than once on the record player my wife bought me for my birthday a few years back. The entire album is fantastic and includes some of his biggest hits.
One of my favorite cuts on the album is a song written by Johnny Cola called “Vieni Su“. The song was never released as a single, but it should have been.
As far as the lyrics to this song, there aren’t many. As a matter of fact, it’s one verse and a chorus. Perhaps that’s what makes it all the more powerful to me. In Italian, Vieni means “come” and Su means “on”. The song is about a man who has waited for his special woman. He adores her and loves her. Now, he wants her to come with him through the years ahead and spend the time ahead together. A simple love story.
The song was recorded while Dean was still with Capitol Records. The melody of this song is just beautiful. I love the entire arrangement of this song. Dean’s vocal is simple, and spot on. It is such a perfect love song.
For me personally, it takes on a whole new meaning. Ever since becoming a father I wished for a daughter. I have two sons from my first marriage and shortly afterward, I was told I only had about a 4% chance of ever having more children. When I remarried, we were surprised to find we were expecting our first child together. We decided to find out the gender and I was overjoyed to find out we were having a baby girl. Ever since she was born, it is a song that I sing to her. When you hear the song, or read the lyrics, you will see just how much they mean to me. It is a song that I can listen to over and over again.
Vieni Su
Vieni su, vieni su, vieni
Come along through the years with me
Can’t you see how I adore you
And how long I waited for you
Vieni su, vieni su
Won’t you say you love me too
Can’t you see how much I adore you
And how long I waited for you
Vieni su, vieni su
Won’t you say you love me too
Well, I hope you enjoyed my first contribution to Be Our Guest here at The Rhythm Section! Please leave a comment or even your favorite Dean Martin video and maybe I’ll be asked back again to do another slot.
Arrivederci!
Keith, The Nostalgic Italian
KA Β© 2023
LOVE STINKS
L is for the louse I almost married
Glad I learned before I tied the knot
With him my life was always harried
I knew that I deserved another shot
O is for the opinionated SOB
He never agreed with anything I said
He wanted other lovers besides me
So I kicked the bugger right out of my bed
V is for the many vices he enjoyed
Out all night and sleeping all day long
Now the slouch no longer is employed
And he still can’t figure out what he did wrong
E is for the engagement ring he gave me
It was nothing but a chintzy piece of glass
I had no other choice, as you can see
But to boot him out and kick his sorry ass
Not all people are the marrying kind
Regardless of what everybody thinks
When youβre sure youβve got yourself a real find
Turns out the ugly truth is that love stinks
Youβve heard the song that love is all you need
And for the longest time I really felt that way
But that man of mine was just a real bad seed
And that’s the truth, no matter what folks say
So think twice before you walk down that church aisle
Heed my advice and listen to my plea
Take your time, no need to rush, just wait a while
Because thereβs plenty more fish swimming in the sea
NAR Β© 2023
238 Words
MOON WALKING
I was thinking about that night back in March when Max and I went out walking. We were both feeling a little restless and unsettled; walks always took the edge off. It was really quiet on that road; even the usual noisy critters in the woods were not chattering. A brightness broke through the clouds and fog, lighting the way as we went moon walking. Thatβs when I started softly reminiscing about my life with Max.
βYou know, Max, itβs hard to believe weβve been together four years already β just you and me, constant companions. I still think about the first time we found each other. We both really needed someone in our lives at that time, somebody to fill a void. It didnβt take long before we were best friends.
Working from home during Covid took a little getting used to; being in each otherβs space 24/7 could have been disastrous but it turned out to be a blessing. We kept each other from going crazy while holed up inside. I imagined a lot of staring out the window, whining. Thank goodness for that park across the street and our quick jogs for groceries.
Yeah, Max. Youβre my main man and I donβt know what Iβd do without you. I’ve been tossing some stuff around in my head and I have something very important I need to run by you, buddy: you see, Iβve found someone.
Now, donβt start getting weird on me, Max. This is new territory for me, bringing someone into my life β into your life, too. Sheβs become very important to me and I hope you’ll like her as much as I do. I’ve been giving this a lot of thought and I’d like her to move in with me … with us. I know this is all very sudden and itβs asking a lot, which is why I want you to meet her and get to know her.
She makes me happy, Max, and I can see all of us spending our lives together. Sheβs sweet, beautiful and loving. Well, youβll see for yourself; she’s going to meet us here tonight. I call her Sasha.β
Max and I gave each other a look and I wondered if my eyes said βI know this is a lot to take inβ. As we approached a large tree along the side of the road, there was Sasha, waiting for us, and I quickened my step to greet her. We nuzzled and sniffed each other, totally forgetting Max was standing a few feet away, patiently waiting. I looked back and forth between my two loves β one canine and one human β and I hoped Sasha and Max would become best friends, just like me and Max.
Finally Max came over to us and squatted down for a better look. I had no idea what he was going to say and I was a bit nervous. For the first time since we started our walk, Max spoke:
βWell, look at you, Miss Sasha! Arenβt you a pretty girl? Youβve got a lovely lady friend here, Jake, a petite chocolate lab. Letβs see; do you have a collar? Nope, nothing. Well, youβre either a stray, a run-away or someone let you go. I canβt imagine that, not a pretty girl like you.β
Just then Sasha darted over to the tree and emerged with a puppy dangling from her mouth; my heart did a flip. Our little guy couldnβt have been more than a couple of days old. Sasha walked right up to Max.
βWell, would you look at that!β Max laughed. βA little guy and he looks just like you, Jake! I guess congratulations are in order. Well, Jake, Sasha. What do you say we all head home? Sasha, may l carry your pup for you?β
Sasha looked up at Max with trusting eyes and gently placed our pup in his hands. We all headed home, walking in the moonlight; Max hummed a happy tune while Sasha and I trotted close beside.
βSasha, we really need to find a nice woman for Max, donβt you think?β and my love gave a little woof of agreement.
NAR Β© 2023
IN MY DEFENSE
What the hell are you looking at?
Never seen a raccoon before?
And whatβs with the fence?
A βNO TRESPASSINGβ sign would have sufficed.
Whatever happened to βMi casa es su casaβ?
You wanna play a little game of βClimb This Fenceβ?
OK, youβre on! I can climb this fence before you can say:
βRocky Raccoon runs rings around reclining redheadsβ.
Psst! Turn around, Carrot Top! Iβm on the other side. Haha!
Look, in my defense, I got a wife and six kids waiting for me
back at the dumpster and we gotta eat.
A babyβs full dirty diaper feeds a family of eight quite nicely.
Hey, donβt look at me like that!
One manβs poop is anotherβs PΓ’tΓ© de Poulet.
Next time, leave some tabasco sauce; my wife likes it hot!
Ha-cha-cha-cha!
NAR Β© 2023
VAFFANCULO!
“So, what brings you here today, Lou?” asked Dr. Patterson.
“I can’t sleep, Doc!” replied Lou in despair. “I’m so tired! I haven’t slept a wink!”
“If I had a dollar for every time I heard that!” laughed the doctor. “Look, Lou. Of all the ailments people discuss with me, the greatest number of complaints isn’t about body aches, irritable bowels, erectile dysfunction or psoriasis: the most talked-about topic is lack of sleep. Falling asleep at bedtime and getting a good night’s rest is a problem that plagues millions so you’re not alone in this. I’m going to ask you some questions; let’s see if we can come up with a solution.”
Lou yawned and nodded in agreement. His wife Marie chimed in. “Maybe you should start by telling the doctor how much coffee you drink every day.”
“Ok, that’s an excellent suggestion. How much coffee do you drink, Lou?” asked Dr. Patterson, his fingers hovering over the keys of his computer.
“Oh, I guess about eight cups a day and an espresso after dinner. We have one of those β whatchamacallits β Nespresso machines. Fantastic things! Just pop in a little plastic capsule and brew yourself fresh coffee in no time”
“Whoa! That’s a lot of caffeine!” The doctor was clearly surprised.” You need to cut back. If you drink that much coffee, at least half of it should be decaf. I’d like to eventually get you down to just one cup of regular coffee in the morning. How about alcohol?”
“Go ahead, Lou. Answer the doctor” Marie said, giving her husband a nudge with her elbow.
“I’ll have a couple of glasses of my cousin Carlo’s homemade vino while Marie’s preparing dinner. And another glass or two with dinner. Oh yeah, I like a nice sambucca while I’m watching “The Tonight Show” with that Jimmy Fallon. He’s a funny guy!”
The doctor stared at Lou allowing his words to sink in. “That’s five alcoholic drinks per day!” Dr. Patterson was flabbergasted.
“Give or take. Yeah, that sounds about right” was Lou’s reply as the doctor shook his head in amazement.
“What form of exercise do you engage in?” the doctor asked.
“Exercise!?” squawked Marie. “The strongest parts of his body are his fingers … from pushing himself away from the dining room table, surfing the interweb and using the remote control. He gets his exercise by watching Stallone running up and down those steps in that Rocky movie … as if that’s gonna work, you stupid jackass!”
Lou’s eyes shot daggers at his wife. She shrugged. “What? It’s the truth, Lou, and you know it.”
“What about your diet, Lou?” asked Dr. Patterson while eyeing Lou’s sizable belly.
“Diet? I ain’t on no diet, doc! My Marie is a fabulous cook!” Lou exclaimed, making her blush. “She makes everything from scratch, including her pizza, pasta, braciola, arancini β you name it, she can make it. And her ricotta cheesecake? Fuggedaboutit!”
“Well, it’s wonderful that Marie’s such a great cook but it sounds like you’re eating a lot of rich, fattening foods” the doctor replied with concern.
“What’s wrong with pizza?” Lou asked incredulously. “It’s the perfect food β something from all the food groups. You got your carbohydrates, your protein and your dairy, right?”
“Well, technically, yes but I wouldn’t call it ‘the perfect food’. Dr. Patterson entered all Lou’s information into his computer. “Let me get this straight, Lou. Your caffeine and alcohol intake is off the charts, you eat rich foods and desserts, you spend a lot of time in front of some type of device, you stay up late and you don’t exercise. Is that about right?”
“Yeah, I guess” Lou admitted begrudgingly.
“Do you realize that everything you’re doing is adversely affecting your quality of sleep? And what about you, Marie! How well do you sleep?”
“Who, me? Why, I sleep like a rock” Marie answered proudly.
“You’re not kidding! You should hear her snore, doc!” Lou guffawed. “What a racket! It sounds like bocce balls rolling around the court! Hey! That’s probably why I can’t sleep!”
Marie huffed indignantly.
“You snore, Marie? Sounds to me like you could have sleep apnea β a serious disorder. Considering everything we’ve discussed I’m referring you, Lou, to a life management specialist. And Marie, I’m scheduling a sleep disorder study for you.”
Lou and Marie stared at the doctor in shock.
“Can’t you just give me some sleeping pills?” pleaded Lou.
“And maybe all I need are some of those nose strips” Marie suggested hopefully.
“I’m afraid not. You need to make some serious life changes” replied the doctor showing Marie and Lou to the door. “Just stop by the desk on your way out and Victoria will have all the paperwork ready for you.”
“Thanks a lot, Marie, making me tell the doctor everything! Now I gotta see a specialist!” Lou griped. “This is all your fault!”
“Oh, shut up, Lou! Thanks to you, I gotta go for a sleep study! Well, you can get your own damn dinner tonight. I’m on strike!”
Lou looked devastated.
“And another thing, Lou β vaffanculo!”
NAR Β© 2023
I hope you’ll visit
me today
At The Movies
for more great music!
https://rhythmsection.blog/
AT THE MOVIES (August 3, 2023)
Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer from working-class Philadelphia, is arbitrarily chosen to take on the reigning world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed, when the undefeated fighter’s scheduled opponent is injured. Will this chance of a lifetime be the break Rocky’s been waiting for or is he fated to be a no-name boxer forever?
“Gonna Fly Now”, composed by Bill Conti, is the immediately recognizable theme song from the movie “Rocky”. Released in 1976, the song became entrenched in 1970s American pop culture as part of the daily training regimen of the film’s main character and namesake, Rocky Balboa.
Who doesn’t love the movies and music from the Rocky franchise? And no one could ever play Rocky Balboa like Sylvester Stallone.
Enjoy this clip from Rocky featuring Bill Conti and “Gonna Fly Now”; it really gets the juices flowing!
Stallone always manages to entertain, whether playing Rocky, Rambo or even a Rhinestone Cowboy! Do you have a favorite Stallone movie?
Just a reminder that our friend Keith, The Nostalgic Italian, will be featured in our first guest post slot this Sunday, August 6. I hope to see you there at Be Our Guest.
That’s a wrap, kids; now hit the showers. Catch you back here next time.
See you on the flip side.
I’m The Sicilian Storyteller
NAR Β© 2023
AN UNLIKELY HERO
Sadje has asked us “What do you see?”
Fantasy Land, May 2, 1865 β
The day started out as any ordinary sunny spring day in Fantasy Land but by noon the town was in a frenzy for the news was out that 9 year old Mary Andrews had lost her lamb, Snowflake. Mary had Snowflake for only a few months but they had become attached to each other immediately, so much so that he followed her to school every day, even though Mary knew it was against the rules.
Teacher Sarah Johnson had this to say: βMaryβs such a lovely girl and Snowflake is so sweet with his fleece as white as snow. I didnβt mind the fact that the lamb followed Mary to school because she always tied him to a nearby tree but today for some reason he followed her right into the classroom. As you can imagine all the children wanted to do was laugh and play.β
Pressed for more information, Miss Johnson went on to say that she took Snowflake outside herself and tied him to the tree but when the children went out to play, the lamb was nowhere in sight.
The three blind mice who live across the road from the school became rather indignant when questioned about the incident.Β βOf course we didnβt see anything, you fool! We’re blind as bats! But we did hear some strange noises near the tree shortly before the children came outside.β When asked to described the noises one mouse saidΒ βIt sounded like pulling or tuggingβΒ while another thought it was more like a snapping sound. The third mouse added βThere was definitely a scuffle of some sort. Poor little Snowflake.β
Maryβs parents, Abigail and Wyatt Andrews, rushed to the school to console their daughter. Mr. Andrews was visibly upset to learn that the teacher had taken Snowflake away from Mary.Β βShe had no right touching that lamb. Sheβs a school teacher, not a farmer and has no idea how to tie a proper knot. She should have asked Mary to tie Snowflake to the tree like she always does.β
Moments later Little Bo-Peep arrived on the scene and was asked her opinion on the incident. βWell, Iβve been a shepherdess for a long time now and if thereβs one thing I know itβs this: If you leave them alone theyβll come home wagging their tails behind them.β
By mid-afternoon all the townβs residents had gathered at the school and formed search parties to look for Snowflake. Even Humpty Dumpty was there, sad and terribly broken up. In all my years as a reporter Iβve never seen such an outpouring of support.
A new development as Hansel and Gretel just arrived at the school.Β βWait! We think we can help!βΒ they cried and tearfully reminded those of us still at the school of their traumatic encounter with the evil witch who held them captive in her gingerbread house. βWe all know how much Snowflake loves to eat wildflowersβΒ Hansel said. Gretel added βThe witch has flowers growing all around her house. If she get’s Snowflake to follow her there, the poor little guy wonβt stand a chance.β
With great trepidation we entered the forest and came upon the witchβs house. There she was, gnarled and bent over, dragging a bleating Snowflake behind her. βSTOP!!β the witch shrieked, βIβll kill him right before your eyes!β Suddenly, Humpty Dumpty appeared out of nowhere and ran up to Snowflake, freeing him from the witchβs clutches. Snatching Humpty, the witch cackledΒ βFine! Take your precious lamb! I don’t need him. Iβll feast on scrambled eggs all week!β and she disappeared into the dark forest with Humpty.
What an act of bravery exhibited by Humpty Dumpty! He was indeed a good egg.Β
NAR Β© 2023
IN THE GROOVE (August 1, 2023)
Today I am featuring works from the solo career of the extremely prolific Paul McCartney.
Iβd like to share with you two McCartney songs which really impressed me. The first one is called βDonβt Let the Sun Catch You Cryingβ which is done very much in the style of a jazzy Billy Joel. This is NOT the Gerry and the Pacemakers’ hit we all know and love. Written in 1946 by Joe Greene, this number is included on the 1990 LP by McCartney called βTripping the Live Fantastic.“
The second song is a piece entitled βUsed To Be Badβ which harkens back to the sounds of The Steve Miller Band and ZZ Top (not surprising since it was co-written by McCartney and Miller). This one is a bluesy number which keeps going from start to finish and can be found on McCartney’s 1997 βFlaming Pieβ LP. Upon its release, the time was ripe for McCartney to deliver an album steeped in Beatles lore and thatβs exactly what he claimed βFlaming Pieβ was all about.Β
For your listening enjoyment, here now is the one and only Macca with two very different-sounding pieces.
So, whatβd you think of the ex-Beatle turned jazzy blues piano man?
The only question for today is which one of these songs you liked the best.
I hope you enjoyed hearing a little Macca today; in all honesty, I’m really not a fan of Paul’s solo work but I did like these two. I’m casting my vote for the funky blues sound of “Used to Be Bad”.
Please join me next week for another edition of In The Groove. Enjoy the rest of your week and all the upcoming music here on The Rhythm Section!
See you on the flip side.
I am The Sicilian Storyteller
NAR Β© 2023
THE FIRST TIME
The first time I felt my baby
move inside me,
I was in the bathtub.
I felt a tiny flutter in my belly
and thought βmaybeβ.
Then the water rippled
and my heart soared.
β€οΈ
NAR Β©
34 words
NAME THAT TUNE (July 30, 2023)
It’s Sunday so that means you have another shot at seeing if you can decipher my clues and Name That Tune.
Are you ready to play? Ok, letβs get this thing going! Here are your five clues:
- According to the performer of today’s song, the title was derived from and inspired by a spiritual co-written by Sam Cooke.
- The song for today was featured in the 1986 film of the same name about a group of boys trying to find a friend who had gone missing.
- Our featured performer rose to prominence as one of the principal lead singers of the R&B vocal group The Drifters.
- This song has been covered numerous times, most notably by Otis Redding and John Lennon, but the recording today is the most popular version and the biggest hit.
- Today’s artist started his solo career in 1960; his first solo hit was “Spanish Harlem” and the following year he had a second hit with today’s song.
So, howβd you do? Do you think you know the name of the song and who performed it?
Letβs see if you’re right. Scroll down for the big reveal.
Thatβs right! The answer is βStand By Meβ by Ben E. King. Did you guess it? What was your βAha!β moment?
Are you ready to hear the song and watch a little clip from the movie? Ok, let’s go!
What a great coming-of-age film! This movie, based on Stephen King’s novella “The Body”, was directed by Rob Reiner and starred Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O’Connell.
It’s great hearing these terrific songs, don’t you think? How many of you remember The Platters? I sure do and my favorite song by them is “Twilight Time”. Check it out next time you’re on YouTube.
Next week in this slot there will be a surprise post waiting for you. I have gladly forfeited my August 6 edition of Name That Tune for a special guest post …. our first here on The Rhythm Section. Please stay tuned for what I know will be a great addition to our site!
I hope you had fun with me today playing Name That Tune! Catch ya later, kids!
See you on the flip side.
Iβm The Sicilian Storyteller
NAR Β© 2023
CHASING DREAMS
Everything was going fine until it wasnβt. Then Joe and Willie met β two guys down on their luck.
Willie grew up in the street, standing outside saloons dancing a jig just to earn a coin for something to eat. Some days heβd get tossed a fresh cigarette; heβd break it in half, smoke one piece first and save the other behind his ear for later. One odd job led to another but nothing steady and heβd move on, some bread and cheese in a sack over his shoulder.
Now Joe was a lucky SOB. Born in a brothel, all the ladies took him to their bosoms. By the time he was eight, he knew what was what. Life was good until the girls got sick and the house was shut down. Joe fell through the cracks. He found a bit of money, some jewelry and food left behind, placed it in a bag and took off.
Willie and Joe met while hopping freight trains and chasing their dreams. Willie was on the track to nowhere but Joe had his sights on California gold. By now Willie was sick β¦ βconsumptionβ, he said; Joe kept an eye on him. When you got only one friend in the world, that person means something.
They planned to hop the freight train heading west. Willie never made it, coughing to death one night in the train yard. Joe placed Willieβs hat over his face and ran for the biggest, fastest iron horse California bound.
NAR Β© 2023
250 words
GRAMPS
“Now listen up, Pumpkin, and don’t turn around. As far as you’re concerned, I’m not here and we’re definitely not together.
We’ve been over and over this scenario two dozen times and I know you know it by heart, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned over a lifetime of grifting is if something can go wrong, it will. Best to be prepared for anything so let’s go over it one more time. Just give Gramps a yawn if you’re with me.“
*Yawn*
“That’s my girl. If there’s anything you don’t understand, give me a little cough. Now there’s a couple of good marks coming our way. They’re completely oblivious. I’m telling you, Pumpkin; people like this make my job easy as pie!
Ok, here’s the plan. I’m gonna start acting like I’m not feeling too good β chest pains or trouble breathing. I’ll probably slump over onto the bench; that’s always very effective. Don’t turn around if I do that, ok Pumpkin? I’m alright and it’s all for show, got it?”
*Yawn*
“Good girl! So once people notice I’m in distress, they’re gonna come over to see if they can help. They’re gonna be concentrating on me β not their stuff and definitely not you. When everyone is distracted, that’s your cue to act. Just slip your little hand into their pockets, their purses, their shopping bags. Do it smooth, feather-light and quick. Whatever you snatch, drop it into your shopping bag. Don’t be greedy and don’t stay too long. And don’t look at me, you hear?”
*Yawn*
“When you’re done, turn around and walk away β not too fast and not too slow. Just amble into the department store and go to our designated spot. Once I’ve reassured everyone that I’m ok β just a little asthma attack β and I don’t need an ambulance, I’ll come meet you. If anything, anything at all doesn’t feel right or things go wrong, ditch the plan. Forget about me. Just take your bag and walk away, got it?”
*Yawn*
“And one last thing, Pumpkin. Remember our pinky swear. Not one word of this to your mom and dad.”
*Yawn”
NAR Β© 2023
TO THE MOON, ALICE!
Reposting this from 2021. Initially I thought it would be
a good companion piece for today’s “Moon River” post on
At The Movies in The Rhythm Section.
Then I saw Fandango’s comment when this was
originally published (see bottom) and I got all verklempt.
A giant ‘thank you’, Fan; it really is a fine little story,
isn’t it?
β€οΈ
For as long as I can remember my Uncle Bobby was my idol β the self-proclaimed βPoster Boy for Home Depot”. In fact, I canβt recall a time when he wasnβt fixing this or repairing that. He was the neighborhood handyman, the guy everyone called to replace a broken window or unclog their toilet. He could paint a room like nobodyβs business, his cutting-in seams done to perfection without the use of that βsissy painterβs tapeβ. Yep, he was like a magician, my Uncle Bobby was, and I loved following him around on his odd jobs, delighting at his request for me to hand him a Phillips head screwdriver or a roll of duct tape.
Uncle Bobby was a no-frills kind of guy; what you saw was what you got with him. He was my dadβs brother, living with us in the spare room of our old rambling Victorian house. He must have replaced just about every board of the huge porch that wrapped itself around the house. My mom would complain that the decking looked like a patchwork quilt with no two pieces of wood being exactly the same. Uncle Bobby would always say the same thing: βDonβt worry βbout nothing, Margie. Theyβll all weather with age and youβll never be able to tell βem apart.β But they never did and the porch truly looked like a jigsaw puzzle.
The biggest problem with Uncle Bobby was the fact that he couldnβt really fix anything that required true skill, like a washing machine or a radio or a power lawnmower. Whenever he attempted such jobs, heβd inevitably have a couple of pieces left over even after he finished putting the whole thing back together! Heβd toss all the unused parts into a ten-gallon drum in our basement (which was also his workshop). Funny thing was everything he was asked to repair would work fine for a while, then breakdown after several days anyway. Uncle Bobby would explain that he “fixed the dang thing but it was just its time to go”. I think I was the only one who knew about his stash of leftover essential pieces which doubled in size on a weekly basis.
Truth was Uncle Bobby had more crap in our basement than Carter had liver pills and he was slowly but surely inching his way over to the cramped corner where my mom had her washing machine. She finally put her foot down one day and demanded he either clean up his crap or build a wall around her laundry area so she wouldn’t have to look at all his crap. Rather than clean up the place, Uncle Bobby built mom a wall. Even she had to admit it was the best looking wall she’d ever seen, with a door and everything!
Believe it or not, Uncle Bobby was a genuine ladiesβ man and he βcleaned up real niceβ as old Mrs. Jenkins liked to say. Heβd wash up in the basement using Lava Soap, shave with menthol Barbasol and splash on the Aqua Velva then head out to Kellyβs Place for ribs and a few beers. All the girls liked Uncle Bobby but his favorites were the Andrews twins, Patty and Paula. They didnβt seem to mind the perpetual ring of dirt under Uncle Bobbyβs fingernails; no matter how many times he washed his hands that grime stayed put. He said it was βthe mark of a hard-working manβ.
Uncle Bobby loved watching those old black and white tv shows like Flash Gordon, Superman and The Twilight Zone. He had a real fascination with outer space and anything that could fly. Thatβs probably why he loved βThe Honeymoonersβ β that classic Jackie Gleason comedy show; heβd laugh his head off every time Ralph Kramden roared his trademark tagline βTo the moon, Alice!β
Iβll never forget that one Christmas when I got a remote control airplane; I think Uncle Bobby spent more time playing with that damn thing than I did. He was happy as a pig in slop the day he found a used one at the church tag sale. Heβd tinker with that thing every chance he could, making it fly higher and faster. Heβd inevitably forget to include a piece or two which he’d just toss into that catch-all drum of his.
So one day out of nowhere right in the middle of dinner Uncle Bobby announced he had his mind set on building a rocket ship. Well, I think everyone thought it was an asinine idea except me and they all laughed it off as him just joking around as usual. But I knew Uncle Bobby better than anyone and he was dead serious. He told me he was gonna use all the bits and pieces and spare parts heβd collected over the years. And what he didnβt have, heβd scavenge for in dumpsters, rubbish piles outside people’s houses or the garbage bins behind Home Depot. Those places were like a magical treasure trove for Uncle Bobby and he always came home with something. βYou never know when this might come in handy” heβd declare, proudly showing me a discarded catalytic converter or a manual typewriter.
Well, true to his word Uncle Bobby started construction on his rocket ship the morning of April 1st and the neighbors howled that it was the perfect April Foolβs Day joke ever. But it wasnβt no joke to Uncle Bobby and he worked on that craft every day. He pitched a tent in the backyard, rolled out that giant ten-gallon drum and went at it like a man possessed. And I was his helper; my special assignment was to find him a really good helmet and a cooler which I filled with Hawaiian Punch, bologna sandwiches and Twinkies.
By July 4th Uncle Bobbyβs rocket ship was finished. To be honest it looked like a pile of junk but he thought it was the most beautiful thing heβd ever made. He painted it red, white and blue and named it βIndependence Dayβ. By now word had gotten out and the whole neighborhood was there to watch Uncle Bobby attempt to take off into the wild blue yonder. Sporting his best overalls and the cool viking helmet I found for him, he climbed in, waved goodbye and slammed the door shut.
Well, the damn thing sputtered and smoked and made all kinds of weird noises but it suddenly started shaking and actually took off. It was kinda wobbly at first but it just kept on going higher and higher until it disappeared into the clouds. We all stood there with our jaws hanging open, expecting to see the ship come crashing down any second β but it didnβt. We stayed out there for a long time, then gave up and went inside thinking Uncle Bobby would probably just waltz back in when he was good and ready with some great adventure tales to tell.
Damn thing was, we never did see the rocket ship or Uncle Bobby again. Boy, I sure do miss him!
Hereβs to you, Rocket Man! Hope you had a great journey, wherever you are. π
NAR Β© 2021
| Please join me today At The Movies. https://rhythmsection.blog/ |
AT THE MOVIES (July 27, 2023)
Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini wrote the song “Moon River” for Audrey Hepburn to sing in the 1961 film, “Breakfast At Tiffany’s”, based on Truman Capote’s novella of the same. The lyrics, written by Mercer, are reminiscent of his childhood in Savannah, Georgia, including its waterways. Mercer said that as a child, he picked huckleberries in the summer and he connected them with his carefree childhood and Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. You can imagine Johnny Mercer’s memories in this enchanting song.
In the movie “Breakfast At Tiffany’s”, Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) is a deliciously eccentric New York City playgirl determined to marry a Brazilian millionaire. George Peppard plays her next-door neighbor, a writer who is “sponsored” by 2-E, a wealthy older woman who lives in the same building and is known only by her apartment number.
Guessing who’s the right man for Holly is easy. Seeing just how that romance blossoms is one of the enduring delights of this charming movie.
Singer Andy Williams splendidly crooned his way through the brilliant Oscar-winning Mancini/Mercer theme song. Let’s all relax and enjoy the smooth tones of Andy Williams singing “Moon River”.
There’s a new beautiful rendition of “Moon River” by Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck which Nick played for us a couple of weeks ago; I thought it would be fun to play it again today. Which one gets your vote β Andy or Eric & Jeff? Please share your comments with us.
I do love Andy Williams’ version but I can’t resist a good axe man … and here we have two in Clapton and Beck! What do you think?
Thanks for joining me today for a peek at this captivating film and a listen to this beautiful song. See you again next week.
Tomorrow is Friday so you know what that means: Nick is in the house and he’s breaking boundaries!
See you on the flip side.
I’m The Sicilian Storyteller
MINDGAMES
It’s time for another Sixer, courtesy of Denise at GirlieOnTheEdge.
βMelt away the fears and anxieties in your mind, feel them liquify and allow them to slowly trickle down your face and relax as tiny rivulets flow down your neck, shoulders, back, thighs, legs and finally your feet where they silently fall off the grid into the βWell of Anxiety and Panicβ; keeping your eyes closed, cover the well, lock it in place trapping your anxieties inside, inhale, exhale, open your eyes and allow the calmness and peace to envelop you.β
After six long months of listening to my therapist repeat the same litany in her soft, sing-song voice, one would think I was well on my way to living a life free of worry, what-if scenarios, anxiety, panic attacks and Xanax.
Oh, I have my times of quiet lucidity … weeks of stress-free bliss when I can enjoy a lovely dinner with my husband or a carefree shopping trip in Manhattan, nights when I fall asleep quickly and easily and wake up refreshed and at peace.
Then just as Iβm getting used to this ineffable comfort zone … WHAM BAM THANK YOU MAβAM!! … the panic machine is back with a vengeance, coming out of nowhere with all the subtlety of an 18 wheeler, taking over my life for hours upon days upon weeks only to suddenly, spontaneously run out of gas and coast away down the road leaving me in a safe haven until it reaches a rest stop where it can take a break and refill its gas tank for the next assault; itβs a cesspool of what-the-fuckedness, the grasping, squeezing dragging down quicksand of fuckedupedness!Β
Some Einstein once said βThe intuitive mind is a sacred gift; the rational mind is a faithful servant.β
MIND β Noun: a beautiful servant; a dangerous master.
NAR Β© 2023
THE THRILL OF IT ALL
Ooh! Keep the kiddies out of the room!
Someone’s doing a naughty two-fer!
π π π
Lil was always a rebel,
A renegade, if you will.
She liked to go commando;
It gave her such a thrill!
She loved that airy feeling
In her girly parts.
Proper folk would always say
βSheβs one of those naughty tarts!β
Lil was just a free spirit,
Always looking for fun.
She was a wild child
With no panties on her bum.
Now donβt you dilly dally.
Donβt you ever forget.
Lil doesnβt approve of wasting time,
Especially in the toilet!
NAR Β© 2023
81 words
SELF-PRESERVATION
β’Settlers or Sellers’, that antiques show is coming on. Wanna watch, Doug?β
Just then the phone rang. Itβs our daughter Chrissy talking about how tomorrowβs going to be a gorgeous day and our five grandkids really want us to go to the beach with them.Β
βOk, honey. Sounds wonderful. Weβll see you in the morning. Yes, weβre looking forward to it.β
Doug, who had been happily watching βSeinfeldβ, was now sitting imperially on the edge of the couch scowling at me.
βWhat was that remark ββweβll see you in the morningββ? I donβt know about you, Helen, but the only people Iβll be seeing in the morning are my golf buddies. Weβre going to rent a couple of carts, play 18 holes, drink martinis with lunch, talk sports and smoke cigars. Iβm begging you, Helen. Donβt take my day away!β
βOh, don’t be so dramatic! You can play golf any day. When do we get to go to the beach with the kids.β
βAs infrequently as possible!β Doug groused. βAnd Iβd like to keep it that way.β
βOh, come on! Summerβs almost over and the kids are so looking forward to a day with us.β
βAnd Iβm looking forward to seeing my buddies! Weβve had this outing planned for two weeks. Helen, must I remind you what hell it is going to the beach with the kids?β
βDoug, youβre making it sound horrible.β
βHelen, my love, it is horrible! Weβve been to the beach with the kids exactly three times. Do you know why? Because itβs HELL!β
βBut Doug, I hate to disappoint them.β
βAnd that, my dear, is your Achilles Heel. We start off excited for a great beach day and within an hour it turns into hell. Chrissy brings so much stuff weβre like the Israelites crossing the desert. Who complains the sand is too hot? Who needs a diaper change? Who drops their lunch in the sand? Who fights over the sand toys? Before you know it, everyoneβs crying, they want to go home and our wonderful day at the beach is kaput.β
βAnd youβre the one crying the loudest, Dougβ I laughed.
βDamn right I am, woman. Itβs a nightmare and you know it! Listen, why donβt I call the guys and suggest our lovely wives join us tomorrow? You havenβt played in months. How about it?β
The idea was very appealing. βDoug, do they still serve those delicious Celtic Guey Cocktails and Waldorf salads?β
βYou bet they do! I know theyβre youβre favorites. What do you say? Are we on?β
βYes! We certainly are on! You call the guys and Iβll call Chrissy. I hope the kids arenβt too disappointed.β
Doug kissed the top of my head. βHoney, it may not seem like it now but youβre doing us all a favor. The kids will be just fine β and so will we. Now call Chrissy.β
Feeling just a wee bit guilty, I dialed Chrissyβs number.
βChrissy, sweetheart. About tomorrow. So sorry to disappoint but your dad just reminded me ……β
NAR Β© 2023
Come on over today to
In The Groove
for more summertime fun!
https://rhythmsection.blog/
IN THE GROOVE (July 25, 2023)
Do you think Janis Joplin ever once contemplated the possibility that 53 years after her death people like me would be writing about her and millions more would be listening to her music? It seems highly unlikely to me yet here we are.
Janis was a loner, a misfit who marched to the beat of her own drum. As a teenager, she befriended a group of outcasts, one of whom had albums by blues artists Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey and Lead Belly which she later credited with influencing her decision to become a singer.
In 1966, Joplin’s bluesy vocal style attracted the attention of the San Francisco-based psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company which had gained some renown among the hippie community of Haight Ashbury; she was recruited to join the group.
And the rest is history.
I was fortunate to see Janis Joplin perform in person several times; itβs difficult to compare her to any other performer Iβve ever seen; she was two different people when on stage. She had a powerful and commanding voice. She was focused and uninhibited. She was a dynamic force to be reckoned with. But when her song was over she was transformed into a little girl who was surprised and delighted that people liked her and her songs. For a few seconds “Pearlβ was gone … the nickname Joplin gave herself for the hard-talking, ballsy barfly image she so often took on as her protective strategy against feeling vulnerable … and Janis was back.
As many of us are now going through the dog days of Summer, I thought it would be appropriate to play Janis Joplinβs well-known interpretation of George Gershwinβs βSummertimeβ from βPorgy and Bessβ. Let’s listen.
Another lost soul searching for answers. As always, I’m happy to read your comments so please share your thoughts.
Thanks for spending this dog day afternoon of summer with me getting your groove on. I look forward to catching up with you next week. Until then, let’s just call it a wrap.
Peace out. βπΌ
See you on the flip side.
Iβm The Sicilian Storyteller
NAR Β© 2023
GROUNDED
Two for the price of one:
Fandango’s Flash Fiction Challenge
and
Fandango’s Story Starter.
Can you do the Fandango?
“What in the world could have possessed you to do what you did?β she asked.
That was my mother talking β¦ or perhaps I should say βyellingβ. And she had every right to yell because I had once again done something stupid. Yes, it was an accident but if I had listened to my mother in the first place this never would have happened.
It all started when I asked my mother if I could borrow her red nail polish to paint my nails for the pool party at my friend Tinaβs house. Mom was ok with me borrowing her polish but gave me strict orders to apply it in the bathroom or the kitchen. If I spilled the polish, cleanup would be easy. I was absolutely forbidden to do my nails in my bedroom or the living room; both rooms had wall-to-wall carpeting and any spills or even a drip could spell catastrophe.
So what did I do?
Well, I had to call Tina with a very important question about the pool party and the only phone in the house was in the living room so I sat on the floor and began to polish my toenails while talking on the phone. Have you ever tried to balance a phone receiver with a 3 foot cord attached between your shoulder and ear while trying to do something else with your hands? Take my word for it; itβs not easy.
Now, Iβm not exactly sure how it happened but the cord yanked the phone receiver off my shoulder and, in my attempt to catch it, I knocked over the bottle of my motherβs red nail polish β¦ right on the plush white living room carpet.
I watched in slow-motion horror as the bright red polish oozed out of the bottle and was immediately soaked up by the carpet like a sponge. When I came to my senses, I grabbed the bottle and ran into the bathroom, all the while crying βOh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!β I seized the nail polish remover and a rag and ran back to the scene of the crime. I applied the polish remover to the rag and began dabbing at the spill. While I was able to remove some of the polish, it wasnβt enough and I sat there helplessly staring at a 2β diameter patch of drying redish-pink carpet. The topic of getting dried nail polish out of carpeting was never discussed and back then we didn’t have the web to look things up.
The one good thing about this incident was my parents were not home at the time. I ran into the laundry room and gathered an arsenal of cleaning supplies: a scrub brush, detergent, spray cleaner, bleach, scouring powder, rags and a bucket of water. The combination of products and the use of the scrub brush only made matters worse. The 2β spot was now much bigger and pieces of the thick pile had come out. That area of motherβs expensive wall-to-wall carpeting now resembled a manβs balding head. It was a mess and I was up the creek.
So I did the only logical thing. I moved the coffee table about 8β to βhideβ the damage. There! From where I stood the problem was solved and no one would be the wiser.
Or so I thought.
I was about to exit via the back door for Tinaβs pool party when my parents came home. I heard my mother before I saw her. In fact, I think the entire neighborhood heard her:
βNancy Ann Schembre! Get in here this second!
What part of βdo not use nail polish in the living roomβ
did you not understand?
You deliberately ignored what I said, just like you always do,
and now my carpet is ruined!
Do you think I talk just to hear the sound of my own voice?
No pool party for you, young lady.
Youβre grounded for the rest of the summer!β
I stood there unable to move, staring at my mother in disbelief. Grounded again … and this time for the rest of the summer! My life was over!
With head hung low I sniffled an apology and skulked back to my room but I had a plan. Instead of going to my room, I tiptoed down the stairs to the basement and headed for the back door to make my escape. My hand was on the doorknob when I heard a voice from upstairs.
“Where do you think you’re going? I said you were grounded!”
“Oh, man! You’re upstairs! You can’t even see me! How’d you know?”
“Because I know YOU!”
Then came the line that gave me the creeps every time I heard it:
“Besides, I’ve got eyes in the back of my head!”
NAR Β© 2023
