Author Archives: Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Music Monday: March 17, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. In honor of this Irish holiday, I would like to pay homage to one of my favorite bands, U2.

Next year will mark 50 years since they formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1976. Their drummer, Larry Mullen Jr.-born October 31, 1961 in that city-placed an ad on a notice board at the Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin, looking for musicians to form a band. These students responded:

David Howell Evans, lead guitarist, keyboardist & vocalist, who would later change his name to The Edge-born August 8, 1961 in Essex England-but his family relocated to Dublin a year later.

Adam Clayton, bassist, who just turned 65-born March 13, 1960 in England-who moved to Dublin five years later with his family.

Paul David Hewson, n/k/a Bono, lead vocalist, guitarist and primary lyricist, who will turn 65 in two months-born May 10, 1960 in Dublin.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

U2 was signed to Island Records and released their debut album, Boy, in October 1980. More than a dozen albums followed including 1987’s The Joshua Tree, 1988’s Rattle & Hum and 1991’s Achtung Baby. But it was their album released in 2000-All That You Can’t Leave Behind-that sent the group off on their “Elevation” tour in Marc 2001 which would put them front and center in the U.S. to deliver a love letter to the country not long after one of its most devastating tragedies.

U2 performed the halftime show at Superbowl XXXVI in New Orleans on February 3, 2002. Standing on a heart shaped stage, they opened with “Beautiful Day”. As they began their second song, “MLK”, a screen emerged from behind the stage which listed the names of all the victims who died five months earlier on 9/11. By the end of their third song, Bono opened his leather jacket to reveal it was lined with the American Flag. With that, the band clapped for the audience who stood before them-and for those watching from home-in an incredible act of kindness and grace underscored by the healing power of music.

Three unforgettable images from Super Bowl XXXVI in February 2002. Top: U2 on stage during the halftime show (L-R: The Edge on lead guitar, Bono behind the mic on vocals, Larry Mullen Jr. on drums and Adam Clayton on bass). Middle: The names of those who lost their lives on 9/11 were featured on a giant screen behind the band as they started their second song. Bottom: Bono showing America some additional love at the end of U2’s performance. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

U2: ” Where The Streets Have No Name” (1987, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

U2: “One” (1991, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

U2: “Walk On” (2000, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

U2: “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own” (2004, written by U2: Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr.).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: March 10, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Another of my favorite songs just hit a milestone anniversary. It was written by blue-eyed soul master Daryl Hall and included by he & John Oates on their 1980 album, Voices. Another singer with a smooth R&B sound released it 40 years ago on February 25, 1985 as the first single from his second album, The Secret Of Association. The track reached the #4 spot in the UK a month later and the #1 spot in the U.S. for one week in July of the same year.

British singer, songwriter & musician Paul Young followed that hit with “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down” which reached #13, also in 1985. Young first broke into the U.S. Top 40 in February 1984 with “Come Back And Stay” which peaked at #22 off his 1983 debut solo album, No Parlez. Later that year he was chosen as one of the lead voices (and the first one heard) on the charity single by Band Aid, “Do They Know It’s Christmas”. He also performed at Live Aid in London in 1985.

In 1990, Young reached the #8 spot in the U.S with a cover of The Chi-Lites #1 hit from May 1972, “Oh Girl”. Another cover-this one of Jimmy Ruffin’s 1966 classic, “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted”-peaked at #22 for Young in 1992. A year later, he joined Elton John on his Duets album for a cover of “I’m Your Puppet”. To date Young has released 10 albums including 2023’s Behind The Lens.

Paul Young circa 2019. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Paul Young: “Everytime You Go Away” (1985, written by Daryl Hall).

Stay safe & well.

A New Collection

Posted in Decorating by

A little over two years ago, an innocent eBay search led me down a rabbit whole which rekindled my love of sugar bowls & pitchers. Since creamers are basically mini pitchers, I decided to find a set I loved. And thus, a new collection was born.

(Image by me.)

My kitchen has built in shelves in the window frame and it is the perfect spot for these beauties. The first sugar bowl I stumbled upon was by Noritake in the Melissa pattern. I absolutely love the soft delicate flowers

Top image by me, bottom picture found online. (Original source unknown.)

I think I fell for the Melissa pattern because it reminded me of one of the first Noritake patterns I fell in love with, Sweet Leilani. I discovered it in a store at Tanger Outlets in Riverhead, New York which was only about 40 minutes away from me when I lived on Long Island. It was not just the bargain prices that drew me to the outlets, but the availability of items I never would have considered to purchase “just to have”. This beautiful set changed my mindset. I also bought two dinner plate sets to use to make those take out nights extra special.

Top image by me, bottom picture found online. (Original source unknown.)

That led to to my third Noritake pattern discovery, Marywood. I adored it so much I bought two dinner settings of this as well along with a few berry bowls.

Top image by me, bottom picture found online. (Original source unknown.)

I have a few Ironstone sugar bowls that I keep with my other Ironstone pieces. But this weekend I found one of them without a lid and decided to bring it home. I have another un-lidded one that I use in my bathroom to hold my make up brushes, but this new to me one completed the bottom shelf of my kitchen display perfectly. And I really like how it looks next to the blue & white Winterling sugar bowl I spotlighted here back in January.

(Images by me.)

What do you collect? Are you thinking of starting a new collection? I would love to know so please tell me in the comments below and include any pictures you would like to share.

Until next time, stay safe & well.  

Music Monday: March 3, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marianne Faithfull died on January 30, 2025 at age 78. She began her musical career as a folk singer in 1964. When she met The Rolling Stones the same year at a party, their manager gave her one of their newly written songs to record which was the first of a series of hit singles for her. A relationship with Mick Jagger followed from 1966-1970 and while she proved to be a muse for him, her life became tainted by substance abuse which led to a decline in both her personal & professional lives. Her 1979 album, Broken English, started a career comeback with with more albums to follow along with acting roles on stage, TV and in movies.

Marianne Faithfull: December 29, 1946 – January 30, 2025.

Marianne Faithfull circa 1967. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Jerry Butler died February 20, 2025 at age 85. He was the last surviving original member of The Impressions but left them in 1960 to pursue a solo career. In addition to his rich baritone voice, he also co-wrote several songs including “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” with Otis Redding (who recorded it in 1965 for his Otis Blue album), “Only The Strong Survive” and “Never Give You Up” with Philly Soul superstars Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. The former is also the title track to Bruce Springsteen’s 2022 album of soul classic covers. The latter was a hit for Butler in 1968 & covered by The Black Keys for their 2010 album, Brothers. Their version is also featured on the soundtrack for the British crime thriller, “Luther” (S3 E4). Despite his tenure on the Cook County Board of Commissioners in Illinois from 1985-2018, Butler stayed active in music where he served as the chairman of the board for the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

Jerry Butler: December 8, 1939 – February 20, 2025.

Jerry Butler performing in the 1970’s.(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Roberta Cleopatra Flack died on February 24, 2025 at the age of 88. She was born February 10, 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She started singing in church as a child and began formal piano training at age nine. In the 1970’s she was known for her own work which led to her becoming the first artist to win Record & Song Of The Year back to back at the Grammy Awards in 1973 & 1974.

That decade also gave her success with a few of her duets with Donny Hathaway in the (“Where Is The Love” was a #5 hit in August 1972 and “The Closer I Get To You” peaked at #2 in May 1978), later with Peabo Bryson (“Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” was a Top 20 hit in November 1983) and Maxi Priest (“Set The Night To Music” peaked at #6 in 1991). In 1996, The Fugees cover of “Killing Me Softly”-a #1 hit for Flack for five non-consecutive weeks in 1973- brought attention back to the original recording. In 1974 she received her third #1 song with “Feel Like Making Love” which topped the chart for one week in August 1974.

But it was the placement of one of Flack’s songs in 1971’s “Play Misty For Me”-the directorial debut by Clint Eastwood-that was not only an incredible moment in cinema but led to her first #1 song. It held the top spot for six weeks in the spring of 1972, yet it was originally released on her 1969 album, First Take. I was today year’s old when I found out she did not write that song as I always thought she did. It was written in 1957 by British singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl, the stage name for James Henry Miller. But Flack’s interpretation, her slow, easy yet powerful vocal placed perfectly in an incredible film gave the track and the artist the attention both so richly deserved.

Roberta Flack: February 10, 1937 – February 24, 2025.

Roberta Flack performing in the 1970’s. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Yesterday marked the 75th birth anniversary for the beautiful & unbelievably talented Karen Carpenter. She was born in New Haven, Connecticut on March 2, 1950 and moved with her family to Downey, California when she was a teenager so her brother, Richard, could pursue a career in music. When she joined him as a drummer in his trio, he discovered her sublime voice. It was that sound along with his producing and arranging skills that catapulted them to stardom as a duo in the 1970’s.

There is a story I have read on several sites that mentions a time Karen crossed paths with John Lennon at a restaurant in Los Angeles, California and he told her that he loved her voice. Rumor has it that as flattered as she was, Karen did not believe it as she never realized how supremely gifted she was. The song I have chosen to honor her with today has amassed 67 million views on YouTube. And that is only one platform and only one song from the string of hits she put her vocals to. That is the staggering magnitude of her talent.

Karen Carpenter: March 2, 1950 – February 4, 1983.

Karen Carpenter in the 1970’s. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Marianne Faithfull: “As Tears Go By” (1964, written by Mick Jagger, Andrew Loog Oldham and Keith Richards).

Jerry Butler & The Impressions: “For Your Precious Love” (1958, written by Arthur Brooks, Richard Brooks and Jerry Butler).

Roberta Flack: “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (1969 & 1972, written by James Henry Miller, stage name Ewan MacColl).

The Carpenters: “Rainy Days & Mondays” (1971, written by Roger Nichols and Paul Williams).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: February 24, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Several now classic and legendary songs hit the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts 50 years ago. This week I am focusing on three of my favorite #1 songs of 1975 – Part 1.

The year started with Elton John in the top spot for two weeks with his cover of a 1967 Beatles song. One of the song’s co-writers-John Lennon, billed on the cover track as “Dr. Winston O’Boogie”-played guitar and contributed backing vocals to it. The two artists collaborated on Lennon’s song, “Whatever Gets You Through The Night” in 1974. It became a #1 hit on November 16 that year, a feat John predicted would happen. That forced Lennon to settle a bet by appearing on stage at John’s concert at NYC’s Madison Square on Thanksgiving night on November 28, 1974 where the two performed that song & a cover of The Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There”.

John ended the year with two other #1 songs: “Philadelphia Freedom” hit the top spot for two weeks in April & “Island Girl” was #1 for three weeks in November 1975. He also provided backing vocals on Neil Sedaka’s song, “Bad Blood”, which was #1 for three weeks in October that year. That same month, John became godfather to Lennon’s second son, Sean. 1975 was one of several outstanding years for Elton John.

Elton John (L) and John Lennon (R) on stage at NYC’s Madison Square Garden on November 28, 1974. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The next song to hit #1 in 1975 was by Barry Manilow. The first top selling record of his career reached that position for one week on January 18. Two more #1 records would follow for him over the years along with 11 Top Ten hits to add to his previous success as a jingle writer, a theme song writer & a pianist for The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler. I love a couple of other songs by him-“Weekend In New England” and “Trying To Get The Feeling”, specifically-but Manilow’s #1 track from 1975 had me from the line, “You kissed me and stopped me from shaking”.

Barry Manilow’s second album was released in October 1974. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

On February 15, 1975 Linda Ronstadt took over the #1 spot for one week with a track from her fifth album, Heart Like A Wheel. That proved to be her breakthrough record, as it reached #1 on the Billboard Albums chart the same day her cover of the 1963 song by Dee Dee Warwick (sister to Dionne) gave Ronstadt the biggest selling song of her career. Ten Top 10 hits would follow in the next several decades as she successfully explored a number of different genres of music, but 1975 was the year Ronstadt broke through as one of the industry’s greatest talents.

Today’s Linda Ronstadt’s song is from her fifth album, released in November 1974. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Elton John: “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” (1974, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney).

Barry Manilow: “Mandy” (1974, written by Scott English and Richard Kerr).

Linda Ronstadt: “You’re No Good” (1974, written by Clint Ballard Jr.).

Stay safe & well.

Let There Be Hurricane Lamps

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My grandmother came to live with me when I was 12. Admittedly, her decorating style was not similar to mine at all. She preferred lots of bold color, I was into more softer hues. She liked a lot of texture, I did not. She introduced me to criss cross curtains which I loved, then she traded them in for shutters. But she had two beautiful hurricane lamps that I absolutely adored. One of them is now mine.

(Image by me.)

I inherited it in 2001 after she passed away and I have cherished it ever since. I wish I had asked her more about the lamp, like when and where she bought it, but for some reason I never did. The middle part still has remnants of the lamp oil she used in it so I have not had the heart to clean that part out. I find the entire piece so elegant, especially the base which reminds me of some candlestick holders she had as well.

(Image by me.)

For a while I had amassed a collection of about seven or eight of them, with some similar to the one below which I found online. Once I downsized and sold my home, I just kept hers which currently sits on my refrigerator so it is one of the first things I see when I enter my apartment.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I have held onto and continue to acquire the chimneys which work so well over pillar candles for safety but also to give them a more sophisticated look. While some of the chimneys are quite delicate, there are many that have more weight to them. I also bought two similar to the ones below which look quite nice as well.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Despite how well my hurricane lamp probably still functions, I prefer to keep it as a decor piece only. Just looking at it provides enough joy and I do not have to worry that I might damage it if I use it.

What are some of your favorite inherited pieces? Please tell me in the comments below.

Until next time, stay safe & well.  

Music Monday: February 17, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Four of my favorite albums are celebrating milestones this year.

Abbey Road, while released in September 1969, was the #1 album in the country at the beginning of 1970 where it stayed for the first two weeks of the year. It was bumped during the third week of January but returned for one more week at #1 on January 24, 1970. Fifty-five years later, Sir Paul McCartney performed the side two medley – “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End” – to close out last night’s SNL 50th anniversary celebration. Respect.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Morrison Hotel is the fifth studio album by The Doors released by Elektra Records on February 9, 1970. This year also marks 60 years of the band which formed in Los Angeles, California in 1965. Three unbelievably talented accomplished musicians paired with a brilliant phenomenal vocalist & poet helped to bring an abrupt end to The British Invasion of the 1960’s with their stunning 1967 self-titled debut. The Doors are arguably the greatest American band whose impact & influence continues today.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

John Fogerty released his third solo studio album, Centerfield, forty years ago on January 14, 1985. It included three hit singles including the title track, “The Old Man Down the Road” and a song I am pretty sure is about me & my fellow “rock & roll girls”. Part of the success came from Fogerty’s decision to embrace the “new” format of music videos at that time, so several of his were in heavy rotation on MTV, which introduced him to a whole new audience.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Fifteen years earlier, Fogerty and the rest of Creedence Clearwater Revival released their fifth studio album, Cosmo’s Factory, on July 8, 1970. About a month later it became the #1 album in the country for nine consecutive weeks from August 22 – October 23, 1970. It includes a fabulous cover of Marvin Gaye’s smash, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” as well as original songs like “Travelin’ Band”, “Looking Out My Back Door”, “Run Through The Jungle” and my favorite song by the group. And 55 years later, CCR’s music is still one of the top chapters in classic rock.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Beatles: “Something” (1969, written by George Harrison).

The Doors: “Roadhouse Blues” (1970, lyrics written by Jim Morrison, music written by John Densmore, Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek).

Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Who’ll Stop The Rain” (1970, written by John Fogerty).

John Fogerty: “Rock & Roll Girls” (1985, written by John Fogerty).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: February 10, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

This month marks 66 years since Buddy Holly (age 22) and two other musicians-Jiles Perry “J.P.” Richardson Jr., better known by his stage name, The Big Bopper (age 28) and Ritchie Valens (age 17)-along with their pilot, Roger Peterson (age 21)-died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959 in Clear Lake, Iowa. The actual cause of the crash remains unknown with only speculations as to probable causes.

Remembering the four men who died 66 years ago in Clear Lake, Iowa (pictured L-R): Jiles Perry “J.P.” Richardson Jr., better known by his stage name, The Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the pilot, Roger Peterson. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

That tragedy was believed to mark the end of the early rock & roll era, so it was referred to as “The Day The Music Died”. That phrase was immortalized by Don McLean in his now legendary ode from 1971, “American Pie”. Its popularity continues to resonate as evidenced by the fact that the official YouTube video for the song has amassed over 40 million views.

Don McLean circa 1971. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The music of the three artists who died in the crash continues to be a part of pop culture more than six decades after their deaths. Some significant examples include a Holly song featured in a 2008 episode of one of my favorite TV shows, “Lost” (S4 E11, “Cabin Fever”) 51 years after the track’s initial release. The Big Bopper’s biggest hit appeared in the S4 finale of “Murphy Brown” (“Birth 101”) which aired May 18, 1992. When Eldin sang it to Murphy while she was overwhelmed by the pain of her labor in an episode which was broadcast 33 years after Richardson’s death, it allowed him to became a part of pop culture in a whole new way. Valens’ story was the feature of the 1987 movie, “La Bamba” and his songs have been heard in at least two iconic movies, “Grease” & “The Right Stuff”.

After over six decades I did not expect to have anything new to add to this monumentally tragic event. But last week I stumbled upon the 2022 documentary, “The Day The Music Died: The Story Of Don McLean’s American Pie“. It is a deep dive into his song verse by verse, the musicians involved in its recording, its impact in music while also taking an inside look at the arena where the three men played for the last time-The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa-during the Winter Dance Party tour. Valens’ sister, Connie, is featured in the film and is shown meeting McLean the day he performs at that venue.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

One part of the documentary I found particularly moving came from the producer of McLean’s epic song, Ed Freeman, who expressed such a poignant sentiment about it:

“(The song) was really encapsulating the experience of a whole generation. We were witness to the death of the American dream…..Hippies thought we were gonna take over the world with love and peace. It didn’t happen. For me, “American Pie” is the eulogy for the dream that didn’t take place. It was real important that way. I think we all needed it. It was an acknowledgement of what we had been through and in a way, because it was an acknowledgement, we could move on”.

Buddy Holly: September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959.

Jiles Perry “J.P.” Richardson Jr., a/k/a The Big Bopper: October 24, 1930 – February 3, 1959.

Ritchie Valens: – May 13, 1941 – February 3, 1959.

Roger Peterson: May 24, 1937 – February 3, 1959.

A Winter Dance Party poster image found on the NYC Met Museum website. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Buddy Holly: “Everyday” (1957, written by Buddy Holly and Norman Petty).

J.P. Richardson a/k/a The Big Bopper: “Chantilly Lace” (1958, written by J.P. Richardson). 

Ritchie Valens: “La Bamba” (1958, written by Ritchie Valens based on a traditional Mexican folk song).

Don McLean: “American Pie” (1971, written by Don McLean). 

Stay safe & well.

Pretty In Pink

Posted in Decorating by

Is there a better win at an estate or tag sale than stumbling upon something so beautiful you literally swoon? My first look at this bowl over a decade ago did that to me and I still feel butterflies every time I see it.

(Image by me.)

It is a perfect balance of my love of white Ironstone & a soft delicate minimal floral pattern in a sweet shade of pink. And I love how one side featured two flower bunches to the individual one on the other side. Such a unique way to give the pattern more visual interest.

(Image by me.)

The edges are scalloped with a small dot pattern all around the edge. Such beautiful attention to detail to such a lovely piece.

(Image by me.)

I am sad to say that in all the years since this find, I have yet to come across another piece to build a collection with. I used this bowl on my coffee table for all to see for many years where it held the TV remote. Now that I no longer have a television, I repurposed this piece to hold seasonal items like acorns and pinecones in the fall & winter and wrapped candy in the spring & summer so it can remain on display. It is just too pretty not to be the center of attention.

(Image by me.)

The stamp on the back shows the manufacturer as K. T. & K. CO. which stands for Knowles, Taylor & Knowles.

(Image by me.)

From the search I did online, they were a pottery company which operated from 1854 to 1931 in East Liverpool, Ohio. There is a page dedicated to them on the National Museum Of American History.

What finds have made you swoon? Please tell me in the comments below.

Until next time, stay safe & well.  

Music Monday: February 3, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

This month marks 61 years since The Beatles arrived in America-on February 7, 1964-and changed music, Sunday nights & pop culture forever with their first appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show”-on February 9, 1964.

Here is the post I wrote about this epic event on the 55th anniversary in February 2019:

February 9, 1964.  One night.  One show.  One band.  And the rest, as they say, was history.

Ed Sullivan with The Fab Four on February 9, 1964. (Photo courtesy of CBS. Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Beatles on February 9, 1964. (Photo courtesy of CBS. Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

There isn’t anything to add to this moment in history.  It was perfect.  And it changed music and subsequently the world forever.  Thank you, Mr. Sullivan, for introducing us to John, Paul, George & Ringo.  For all they gave us, for all those they inspired and all those that came after them.  This was the moment that started it all.

The performance of this song does not get as much recognition as the other songs they sang that night, but it was during this number that each of the Beatles were identified by their first name.

The Beatles:  “Till There Was You” (1963, written by Meredith Willson).

Stay safe & well.