California Dreaming

Etta James R.I.P.

Ms. James, you have been singing in my ear and bringing joy to my life, thank you.

May you rest in peace.

 

 

Flashback Friday-Elvis Costello, "I Can't Stand up for Falling Down."

Talk about time travel, that's what this song does for me. This brings up memories of my youth and the unbridle confidence I once had. Yes, my confidence now is more conservative and reserved. Could that be my age? Or is it more the saying, "Ignorance is Bliss".

This video also shows a VERY young Elvis Costello and some interesting fashion choices.

Has anyone else notice today's youth embracing the 80's skinny jean look? Thank goodness, maybe that baggy pant look will start to dissappear. I don't want to see some young wanna be stud's underwear. Oh don't get me started with the bra strap thing either.

Oh NO! Have I become one of those of another generation that would "tsk, tsk, tsk" me & my friends????

Oh well........TGIF.

 

Walking to New Orleans-Fats Domino

What happened to the month of December???

Did you all have a good Christmas? Well, I had one of the best, in fact I would say it's in the top 5 of great Christmas's.

Now I am approaching a little old milestone of birthday and in true Robinson style, it will be celebrated in the most intimate way and in a very wonderful city. A city that is on my top 5 list of favorite cities, by the way.

Side note: Hhhmmmm, I see a trend of the number 5 here. Could this be an omen?

No, I am not going to lament about how many birthdays have been celebrated before this BIG one or of my progressing age. Nope, it's not my way.

I am going to celebrate this moment and I will be taking more pictures this time, I promise.

So without further ado, I leave you with the legendary Fats Domino.

I will see you next year!

 

Flashback Friday-The Williams & Osmond Brothers, Happy Holidays.

Sorry that I have been on the dark side of moon with this little ole blog. Between work being absolutely bonkers and a side trip back to New England, I barely had enough energy to bath, feed and clothe myself. But here I am!

Believe it or not, even with all of this stress and hectic scheduling, I am still eking out a bit of Christmas Cheer. I am feeling the spirit of the holiday by llistening to the three holiday channels on Sirius  radio during my commute, watching the cheesy Christmas movies on TV while wrapping my gifts and sending out Christmas cards.

Today is the official start to my Christmas week. I can't think of a better way to kick off the week than a Flashback video from one of Andy William's Christmas specials, circa late 1960's. This song  includes the Osmond Brothers, with a VERY young Donny. Oh, how I remember the huge crush I had on Donny, talk about "Puppy Love". Sorry I couldn't help myself!

Back to Christmas.

This music reminds me so much of the Christmas's of my childhood and this song always makes me smile, especially when Andy is singing it.

Do you have a particular Christmas song or artist that instantly transports you to your childhood?

 

 

 

C'mon People (We're Making It Now)

Do you ever have moments that you are so overwhelmed that you can't move?

There are times when I can't seem to see two feet in front of me, because of all the deadlines, expectations, housework and basic life situations. The simplest task becomes a gargantuan feat that needs Herculean energy, like finding my shoes!

As I start to acknowledge my predictment, a song will play and "Wham"! I start to bop my head and a large smile appears on my face. I stop squinting like Clint Eastwood because I can see the road ahead. Weird.

This is what happened today. In the midst of the morning chaos, this song started to play through my earbuds. First, the shoulders started to relax, then the head started the head roll/bop and my lips formed the happy smile. At that moment, I knew today would be ok.

Yes, music is my medicine.

 

 

Flashback Friday-Heart-Chicks Who Rock

My timing has been off for weeks.

Could it be the stress from work?

Maybe.

Could it be the smell of Plumeria & the seductive feel of the Pacific Trade-winds are calling my name?

Maybe.

Could it be the last remnants of Summer marching off into the horizon?

Maybe.

Could it be I miss my mother.

Maybe.

Whatever the reasons are, I am late in my Friday posting.

Chicks who rock, Heart. This flashback isn't as far back as others, but the two songs are great.

Enjoy.

 

Flashback Friday-Blondie-Dreaming

Do dreams come true??? That's my question for the day.

This song was another teenage anthem for my high school years. I know, I know. How many anthems, can one person have? Obviously, I need a song for every situation, don't you?

Don't know how many times my pals & I listened to Blondie, especially this song. It was a lot. Those years marked many days of dreaming of what our lives would be or hold.  The unknown was all I had in my head, at that time. 

Would I go back to those days? No.

But I sure do enjoy the music and I still dream.

 

 

Flashback Friday-The Police-So Lonely

Maybe it's listening to "The 80's on 8" channel on Sirius Radio.

Maybe it's because the days are getting shorter.

Maybe because I have been cooking for one, lately.

Maybe because I'm approaching the mid-century mark.

Maybe because I had a great, great weekend with my best friend of 37 years (involving wine, shopping, river swimming and not in that order).

Whatever the reason, I picked this video.

 

 

Flashback Friday - Split Enz - I Got You

I know, Friday is almost over. But I couldn't come up with a Flashback song.

But while I was trying to figure out how many more boxes I needed to order. BAM, this song came on the radio.

WOW! Talk about a song bringing back memories. This one is a doozy for me.

I don't remember the video, especially all of the makeup. Doesn't the guitar player look a little like Eddie Munster??

Speaking of videos; MTV were the hell are the videos?????

Enjoy and have a safe holiday weekend.

 

 

California WorldFest

I have been trying to get a post up regarding the great time I had for two days at the California WorldFest.  But I kept saying to myself, " It was in July and it's August so, I have plenty of time."

Ah................it's now September!!! Better late than never, right?

This music festival is held over 4 days at the beautiful Nevada County Fairgrounds. There's 7 stages, both indoor and outdoor, with the main two stages are used for evening performances only. Over the 4 days, there are at least 30 acts of different genres of music.

It's a family oriented event that has a special area for kid  events. People bring their beach chairs, coolers and picnic on the grounds.

There's merchandise vendors that provide everything from musical instruments to tie dye clothing.

Yes, I said Tie Dye. It's still alive and kicking at WorldFest.

One of the vendors was Jendala; which provides inspirational metal work. This was a tree in front of their booth, which was used aS a merchanidizing stand.

Here's a close up of the tree.

 

The festival draws a differse crowd of people. This lovely couple danced until there wasn't any daylight left.

There was this mother and child. It was in the mid 80's but sometimes a hat is neccessary.

 

 

Here's another couple, who were selling hair thingie wingies (a technical term).

 

Great people watching.

But everyone comes for the music. Does anyone recoginize this iconic horn blower?

What about this angle?

Yep, it's Doc Severnsen of the Johnny Carson Tonight show fame. Very few men could pull of that color combination but Doc. He still has the chops with trumpet.

I highly recommend this music festival. Great music, food from around the world, vendors and great people watching. I hope to see you, next July