Tag Archives: Memorial Day

Summertime Blues

Posted in Decorating by

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: May 26, 2025

Posted in Holidays, Music Monday by

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

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Before we get into the spirit of today’s holiday, I want to acknowledge that this month marks the 15th anniversary since one of my favorite shows ended. “Lost”, which premiered in September 2004, concluded its six season run with its final episode on May 23, 2010. It was a beautiful ending to a remarkable series.

There are a handful of TV shows that moved me in indescribable ways and this one is probably at the top of that short list. I have watched hundreds of series in my life and in so many of them, I wanted to be like many of the characters. “Lost” touched me because I was one of them. A person searching for a place to be a part of, to contribute to, in spite of my flaws. A place to heal. A place where we find our constant, as in the person who grounds us. “Lost” was the home we all search for. And it was spectacular.

The cast of “Lost” circa 2004. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Memorial Day 2025 is upon us. And for me it furthers a divide in our country which has existed long before current events. The real split between us is how this day of remembrance gets lost by so many who treat it solely as the unofficial start of summer celebrated with backyard BBQs, beach days & taking advantage of numerous retail sales.

But there is not a person in this country who does not owe a tremendous debt to those who made the ultimate sacrifice which protect & keep those very traditions safe. So in between the hot dogs, potato salad, apple pie & so on, I truly hope everyone pauses a moment to remember those who died and the ones they left behind. It is what this day is actually about.

“Home of the free because of the brave” – Unknown.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Fortunate Son” (1969, written by John Fogerty).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: May 27, 2024

Posted in Music Monday by

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

Memorial Day

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Forty years ago Bruce Springsteen’s phenomenal seventh studio album broke through to the mainstream and turned him into megastar. Born in the U.S.A., which was released on June 4, 1984 by Columbia Records, spent four consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart a month later. It reclaimed the top spot again in January 1985 for 3 straight weeks.  

Seven of the 12 songs-“Dancing In The Dark”, “I’m On Fire”, “Cover Me”, “Glory Days”, “My Hometown”, “I’m Going Down” & the title track-became Top Ten hits. But all 45 minutes of the album solidified Springsteen’s place in music and pop culture history as it took on a life of its own, thanks in large part to five performance videos that were in heavy rotation on MTV.

To celebrate the record’s 40th anniversary and in honor of those who gave their lives in service to our country, below is my post from Memorial Day 2022.

Mem Day 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today we pause to honor those who made the greatest sacrifice for our country, our privilege & our way of life. But let us not forget their family, friends and those they fought beside who were left behind as well. They live with that loss every day, not just on Memorial Day. It makes the phrase, “we don’t know them all, but we owe them all” resonate with even more meaning. Thank you to all the heroes & those who will carry them in their hearts and minds always.

When Bruce Springsteen released his 1984 career changing album, I remember reading a review that said in one verse from the title track, The Boss probably gave us the best definition of war ever put into words. And it is not defined by location, generation or ideology. It is defined by duty, sacrifice, bravery, honor and loss. And giving everything you have in the name of freedom.

“I had a brother at Khe Sanh
Fighting off the Viet Cong
They’re still there
He’s all gone“.

BruceBorn1984
USA back

The front & back covers of Bruce Springsteen’s iconic 1984 album. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Bruce Springsteen: “Born In The U.S.A.” (1984, written by Bruce Springsteen).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: May 29, 2023

Posted in Music, Music Monday by

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

Courtesy of Huffpost.com: Christian Jacobs, 4, of Hertford, North Carolina, at the grave of his father, Christian James Jacob, during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on May 25, 2015. JOSHUA ROBERTS/REUTERS

Freedom is not free. May we never forget what it costs or those who have paid the price.

“Home of the free because of the brave”. On befalf of a grateful nation, thank you.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

“Far between my finished sundown and midnight’s broken toll
We ducked inside the doorways thunder went crashing
As majestic bells of bolts struck shadows in the sounds
Seeming to be the chimes of freedom flashin’

Flashin’ for the warriors whose strength is not to fight
Flashin’ for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight
And for each an’ every underdog soldier in the night
And we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashin'”.

Bob Dylan: “Chimes Of Freedom” (1964, written by Bob Dylan).

Stay safe and well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 440

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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?

May 30 image

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life 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 a reminder that freedom is for us all, no matter how different we are. From the lucky to the forsaken, from the broken to the beautiful, from the pacifist to the fighter. But what we share in common is our debt to those who sacrificed it all for the lives we are free to live.

“Far between sundown’s finish and midnight’s broken toll
We ducked inside the doorway thunder crashing
As majestic bells of bolts struck shadows in the sounds
Seeming to be the chimes of freedom flashing


Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight
Flashing for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight
And for each and every underdog soldier in the night
And we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.”

Bruce_Springsteen_1988

Bruce Springsteen circa 1988. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Bruce Springsteen: “Chimes Of Freedom” (1988, written by Bob Dylan).

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 70

Posted in Music by

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?

Memorial-day

(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.

For all those who lost their lives to keep us free, thank you for your service, your bravery and your sacrifice.  And to the families and loved ones left behind, prayers of love, peace and gratitude to you all.

“If I leave you it doesn’t mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for a while,”

Warren_Zevon_-_The_Wind

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Warren Zevon:  “Keep Me In Your Heart” (2003, written by Jorge Calderón and Warren Zevon).

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

Stay well.