Summertime Blues

We are unofficially in my least favorite season. Nearly seven decades ago a wise young man sang about it, too, so yes, hating the summer is a real thing for some. In fact, an article by Psychology Today called it Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder. Ergo, summer makes me S-A-D. And it is nice to see I am not alone. There are even Facebook groups about this condition. I have found my people.

Top reasons I hate summer:

  1. Heat.
  2. Humidity.
  3. Heat & humidity.
  4. Bugs, especially flying ones that sting or bite.
  5. Lack of decorating opportunities.

(Image by me.)

The last reason especially is quite disconcerting to me. Many years ago I would set up a patriotic display just before Memorial Day and leave it as is through Labor Day. That way it covered both those holidays along with Flag Day and July 4th in between. I do not mind showing my pride for this “land that I love”, but after over three months, it gets a little stale. But since I am not a fan of the other looks popular with this season-coastal, nautical or beachy vibes-my choices seem limited.

I cannot seem to find my summer decorating staples like flags & stars, so for now I am using what I have in variations of red, white & blue to inspire me a little. Oh, and my Charlie Brown in perfect patriotic attire celebrating America’s favorite past time is a bit of whimsy from an old dear friend until the glory that is fall arrives.

(Image by me.)

So until the unofficial end of summer, I’m singing right along with Eddie Cochran (“…there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues”).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: September 2, 2024

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

Blog image for 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

It is Labor Day here in the U.S. For all of us working for a living, I hope it is a day of rest for you. If not, I hope you have one as soon as your schedule allows because it is not just the linemen who can use a small vacation.

I know I need a small vacation
But it don’t look like rain
And if it snows that stretch down south
Won’t ever stand the strain
“.

Lineman A

A lineman circa 1940’s. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Glen Campbell: “Wichita Lineman” (1968, written by Jimmy Webb).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: September 5, 2022

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

Music Monday

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today we observe Labor Day in the United States. Whether you work the hours referenced in today’s song or any other schedule, whether you do it in a store, an office, on the road, outside or from home, whether you are considered white collar, blue collar or no collar, you are a laborer. A person that makes this country run. Every. Single. Day. We are, as John Lennon sang, working class heroes. May this day of rest-if you are able to observe it-be one of leisure, peace or whatever down time means to you.

Tumble outta bed and
I stumble to the kitchen
Pour myself a cup of ambition and
Yawn & stretch & try to come to life
“.

Labor

Dolly movie

Top: Telephone operators at the turn of the 20th century. Bottom: Dolly Parton on the phone in the 1980 movie, “9 to 5”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Dolly Parton: “9 to 5” (1980, written by Dolly Parton).

Stay safe and well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 174

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?

Bruce quote

(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.

Early in the morning factory whistle blows
Man rises from bed and puts on his clothes
Man takes his lunch, walks out in the morning light
It’s the working, the working, just the working life“.

Happy Labor Day to all of us in the working life, whatever that entails & wherever we do it.

Labor

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bruce Springsteen:  “Factory” (1978, 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.

Just The Working Life…..

“Early in the morning factory whistle blows
Man rises from bed and puts on his clothes
Man takes his lunch, walks out in the morning light
It’s the working, the working, just the working life”, Bruce Springsteen-Factory (1978).

Image result for peanuts patriotic

Happy Labor Day to all those who work-or worked-to make America what it is.

And farewell-unofficially-to the end of the summer of 2015.

Rhode Island, July 2011. Copyright 2011 by Michele Antonio

Copyright 2011.  Photo by me. (North Kingston, RI)

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy digging!!!