Let’s Take A Moment Day 10

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today’s song is in honor of the fishing & boating seasons which began in CT yesterday.  Launches are now open, fishing can take place wherever you can drop a line and both activities can be done within the social distancing guidelines.  The therapeutic nature of the water and its power to heal is well known and many people have taken to it when all feels lost.  Stephen Stills wrote today’s song after a sailing trip he took when he was trying to come to terms with the end of a marriage.  He said it was about  “using the power of the universe to heal your wounds”.  I love that and thought some of you would, too.

Southern Cross

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Crosby, Stills & Nash:  “Southern Cross” (1982, written by Stephen Stills, Rick Curtis and Michael Curtis).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

 

Let’s Take A Moment Day 9

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

I keep reading how bored everyone is getting being at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go. Maybe if you change your view and add a little exercise you might feel better.  Dancing to a great song is a fabulous way to get your blood pumping again. And by great song I mean something from Motown. So go outside, breathe in the fresh air, keep yourself socially distant from your partner and have fun. And if you are by yourself even better-no inhibitions!!!

This song has been covered by bands as diverse as The Grateful Dead and Van Halen and as a duet by rock gods David Bowie and Mick Jagger, but I must admit the original is still my favorite.

dancing in the street

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Martha & the Vandellas:  “Dancing In The Street” (1964, written by Marvin Gaye, William “Mickey” Stevenson & Ivy Jo Hunter).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 8

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

I love every song this man recorded, and I understood by listening to them what a great singer he was.  But it was not until I saw one of his concerts on TV did I fully understand how he got his title.  His stage presence & energy were phenomenal, his interactions with the band and his audience were spectacular and his performance was just electrifying.  His voice was powerful, commanding, deep, expressive and passionate.  He was magic in every sense of the word.  All hail the King.

elvis presley
 Elvis Presley circa 1970 (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Elvis Presley:  “Suspicious Minds” (live from Las Vegas in 1970.  Originally recorded in 1969, written by Mark James).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 7

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Beware the Ides of Monday.

Monday, Monday, can’t trust that day
Monday, Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way

What does your Monday look like? Are you at your job, working from home or forced into #stayhomestaysafe mode? Wherever this Monday finds you, I hope it’s a good one.

Album

The Mama’s& The Papa’s in 1966 (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Mama’s & The Papa’s:  “Monday, Monday” (1966, written by John Phillips).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 6

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

This is one of my favorite pieces of music ever. The composer wrote this when he was 22 years old. Ten years earlier, he attended a music conservatory where he was basically told he had no talent. It tripped him up for a while but eventually he made his way back to music and the result was this exquisite piece of music. I think it is a lot like life: achingly beautiful, poignant, reflective, slow in tempo but over impossibly fast. I also think it is a perfect song to end the week we have all had and get ready for the one ahead.

Erik Satie

Erik Satie in 1920  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Day 6: Erik Satie: “Gymnopédie No.1” (1888, composed by Erik Satie).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

 

Let’s Take A Moment Day 5

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

This Broadway’s got
It’s got a lot of songs to sing
If I knew the tunes I might join in
I’ll go my way alone
Grow my own, my own seeds shall be sown, in New York City.

Sending some extra love to New York today. The state, the city, the island, the heart. You got this.

Elton John

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Day 5:  Elton John: “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” (1972, written by Elton John & Bernie Taupin).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 4

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

I have been pulled over for speeding three times in my life.  The first time I tried crying but still got a ticket.  The second time I tried flirting and got a look of disgust to go along with the ticket.  The third time I was struggling to think of what I was going to tell the officer when he asked me if I knew how fast I was going.  A yes was an admission of guilt and no was a lie.  But the officer surprised me by asking why I was speeding and I panicked.  All I could think to do was turn up the radio and tell him the truth.

“Officer, every time I hear this song when I’m driving I think I am in a high speed car chase in a Martin Scorsese film.”

The cop stared at me for about 20 seconds then said, “Well you’re not, so slow down.  Have a nice day.”   Then he walked away.

Moral of the story:  The Rolling Stones, with a powerful assist from Merry Clayton, will get you out of a ticket.  Oh, and honesty doesn’t hurt either.

Rolling Stones

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Day 4: The Rolling Stones: “Gimme Shelter” (1969, written by Mick Jagger & Keith Richards).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 3

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today’s song brings me hope when I feel like there isn’t any, and it has been that way since the first time I heard it when I was 12 years old. But it is not about looking for a solution where there isn’t one. It’s about doing something even when there is nothing you can do. Because when everything around us is falling apart, “what else can we do now except roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hair”.

BTR

 “Born To Run” Album photo by Eric Meola.  

Day 3: Bruce Springsteen: “Thunder Road” (1975, written by Bruce Springsteen).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 2

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Spring is in a few days.  So are better days.  We are going to be OK.

Abbey Road
 The Beatles “Abbey Road” album  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Day 2:  The Beatles:  “Here Comes The Sun” (1969, written by George Harrison).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 1

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

music heart(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better. In honor of Italy, I am starting with one of the greatest gifts from that country.

Dean Martin

Dean Martin (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Day 1: Dean Martin: “That’s Amore” (1953, written by Harry Warren & Jack Brooks).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.