On a Much Lighter Note..Mama Kat’s First Slow Dance With a Boy

Thank Goodness for Mama Kat and her Thursday blog challenge. This week’s prompts:

2.) Tell us about your song.
4.) Slow dancing with boys…talk about one of your first school dance experiences.

It’s a two for one kind of deal!

Once upon a time, long long ago, say around 1959, my public school, J. F. Carmichael held a dance every second Friday in the evening. It was called Club 87 as it was only open to these two grades. Our parents took turns chaperoning the event which from time to time could be embarrassing if they tried to actually dance because not one of us could imagine people that ancient actually dancing.

Not exactly how it was but...

Now the interesting thing about our age group is that many of the girls were taller than the boys who had not yet reached their growth spurt. If you ever saw the movie Grease (and I hope all have) there is a dance scene in the gym where the girls line up on one side and the boys on the other each group getting support from their peers, girls tapping their feet and boys shuffling theirs and doing their best to appear manly in dress slacks and ties. All being very shy and all shucks about it.

I don’t even remember his name but he was dashing in his slicked dark slicked back hair. As we danced in proper form he drew me closer and his head was at the level of my mouth. Turning his head I got a mouthful of Brylcreem as I was about to speak. Brlycreem..a little dab’l do ya…so the advert went but in his desire for the ultimate cool he had used way more than that little dab.

A small matter because the song they were playing was Paul Anka‘s ‘Put Your Head on My Shoulder‘. Well at least he could put his head on mine.  And it was perfect.

It doesn’t matter where I am, if I hear that song I am immediately transported back to that gym and my first slow dance with Mr. Brylcreem…..sigh.  It was wonderful.

hmmm I was taller he was shorter

PAUL ANKA
“Put Your Head On My Shoulder”

 

Put your head on my shoulder
Hold me in your arms, baby
Squeeze me oh so tight
Show me that you love me too

Put your lips next to mine, dear
Won’t you kiss me once, baby
Just a kiss goodnight, maybe
You and I will fall in love
(You and I will fall in love)

People say that love’s a game
A game you just can’t win
If there’s a way
I’ll find it someday
And then this fool with rush in

Put your head on my shoulder
Whisper in my ear, baby
Words I want to hear
Tell me, tell me that you love me too
(Tell me that you love me too)

Put your head on my shoulder
Whisper in my ear, baby
Words I want to hear, baby
Put your head on my shoulder

 

Thank you Photobucket.

Soft Kitty Warm Kitty Little Ball of Fur

Soft Kitty Warm Kitty

This is the song sweetest song. It came out of The Big Bang Theory, a song that Sheldon’s (Played by Jim Parsons) mother sang to him when he was sick.

It has become a song of amusement for my friends when we get together and the series comes up in conversation, which probably happens way too much, but the show just tickles that old funny bone.

When the show first premiered in about 2007 I chose not to view it in spite of friends encouraging me to do so, having decided to limit my television viewing. I think it was about a year ago when for some reason it became convenient to watch it.

Well the laughs haven’t stopped due to excellent writing and central characters that while exaggerated have a certain humanness about them and guest roles by some of the best, including Christine Baranski who has long been a fav on stage, film and the small screen.

The story is about four scientists, brilliant in their own field but woefully unable to assimilate into real life (or as real as sitcoms can be.)

Johnny Galecki … (Leonard Hofstadter) caught my eye many years ago and I always hoped to see him do well.

Jim Parsons … (Sheldon Cooper) is someone I had not seen before but is an incredible talent.

Kaley Cuoco … (Penny) plays a neighbor/potential love interest whose work was new to me but she ‘is’ Penny.

Simon Helberg … (Howard Wolowitz) is hilarious as the only scientist who does not have his doctorate, just a Masters, but he does have a mother who you never see but her voice is unforgettable.

Kunal Nayyar … (Raj Koothrappali) is also excellent and is unable to speak aloud to any beautiful female unless aided by fermented fruits or vegetables.

Mayim Bialik … (Amy Farrah Fowler). Amy is always addressed by her full name and used to be the star of the ‘Blossom’ series of years ago..ER decades ago and while I did not care for her then she is absolutely brilliant.

Melissa Rauch … (Bernadette Rostenkowski) is also new to me but stands inherent own right as a scientist and has just completed her doctorate making her boyfriend,poor Howard, feel even worse.

Throw in Laurie Metcalf as Sheldon’s Mom and Christine Baranski as Leonard’s Mom and it can only be good if not best.

This was not at all what I was going to post on however for some reason here it is. My intended post? Something else…I am using the Word Press iPad app for the first time and it seemed friendly enough but as soon as I tried to add a picture I seemed to lose everything else…will publish this sans pics just to see how it works..apologies in advance of any difficulties!

Another day I guess!

Chris, I Said

Chris, I Said
 
That is what I call myself in my more private conversations and if I am in the mood for self scolding it is Christine Elaine. This however was just a serious conversation so I took it easy on me.
 
On Sunday past I was honored by a message from someone dear, Sana Johnson-Quijada MD who writes from friendtoyourself.com. 
 

Sana was passing on The LiebsterBlog Award. The rules of the Liebster Blog award are that if you receive the award, not only do you have less than 200 followers, but is designed because someone believes that you should have more. That, and, you should link back to the blogger that nominated you (yours truly) and nominate five more blogs. Let the nominees know of course that you nominated them.
 
This comes at a particularly nice time for me as I have been counting my blessings of late more than usual and my blogging friends are part of those blessings. Sana’s posts have a 360 degree perspective as she is able to write from a personal and professional POV. Her sensitivity to the mind and heart keep me reading every post.
 
It isn’t possible to know how many followers each person has unless it is posted on the home site. Some I follow are hugely successful in followers but since the idea is to tell someone how much you appreciate them and that you (I) believe they should have more – here goes and it is difficult to stay at five since there are more that make my day but:
 
For your viewing pleasure:
 
Colleen Brown at bikecolleenbrown.wordpress.com
Katherine Gordy Levine at emotionalfitnesstraining.com
Jackie Paulson at postadaychallenge2011.com
Joss Burnel at crowingcrone.wordpress.com
Cecilia G at thekitchensgarden.wordpress.com

Naps are for Smart People

Naps are for Smart People

Raw bundles of energy learning to assimilate into life give all in laughter, running and the work of the day which may include miles of trucks on knees, bionicals that soar to mighty heights and giggling with delight when this little piggy goes to market find restful recharging in the afternoon nap.

The simplicity of giving it your all should be a more obvious lesson to those of us who transitioned from toddler to adult.  How did we miss it?  At least for most of the grown up persuasion it seems daily toils are an effort and concentration seems to be on getting through it. We utter words, axioms, as though verbalizing acknowledges the wisdom but feel forbidden to actually do it full time.  Stop and smell the roses.  Love what you do.  

The back end of that last one is do what you love and is something I could never quite figure out.  For one thing not everyone could say what they love and so wander through live gritting their teeth doing something they think they do not love.

I probably could not have named one thing I loved to do in my youth.  Sure, I was a nurse to the core of me and loved it.  It was my calling.  But as a high schooler I worked every weekend and holiday and whether it was a laundry or grocery store or factory I loved it all.  For me I guess the pleasure was in the doing.

What if….we woke up tomorrow and decide to love everything we do?  Love that alarm and morning stretch, love that shower and first sip of coffee, love the action of getting dressed, love that drive or walk, love that work?  

There are all kinds of songs that say be glad for what we are given.  You know it may not change the world but I bet it will change us and who knows energy may abound.

Some have a dream and belief and will reach it but for most of us ordinary folk the true pleasure of life is all around us in the most mundane things.  And yes when we earn our rest at day’s end it will be one of regeneration although I believe the whole world could use the benefits of an afternoon nap. After all some of the most brilliant people in the world grabbed a little midday shut eye, probably because in their waking hours they  gave it their all.

New TV Season Anxiety

New TV Season Anxiety

I have always been rather pleased with myself that I do not watch much television (generally this is knitting time so I can claim to be creative whilst sitting and basically doing nothing) but somehow I have become attached to a few shows and found last season end with some pretty extreme cliff hangers.

I remember the days of Dynasty and the efforts made at the end of each season to outdo the last.  Then the big tussle was between Alexis and Krystle and the best year was when they ended up in a chick fight in the fountain.

I resist new shows because frankly I don’t want to have to decide on getting rid of one show to make room for another.  But there are a few I am looking forward to and hope they will not disappoint.

Two and a Half Men: * This doesn’t really count as I have NEVER watched this show in its entirety and include it only because of a lapse in judgment.  Didn’t like the premise when it was Charlie Sheen and was always baffled by its appeal, but I found myself watching the season premiere tonight perhaps because of all the hype and Ashton Kutcher (even though I do not understand Demi’s attraction to him). Anyway I gave it a go but yuch!

Big Bang Theory:   For years friends recommended The BBT and I went out of my way to avoid it and then last year I got hooked.  I find it witty and entertaining although I must confess Leonard’s whining gets to be a bit much but come Thursday I will perched ready to chuckle and chortle at the naiveté and brilliance of it all.

NCIS: Los Angeles:  I love the story lines and the characters in this series but I have to say that if Hetty in fact dies then I will dump the show as she was the primary reason for watching.

NCIS:  It took a few years to get into watching this show but Mark Harmon has lastability.

The Mentalist:  Now this one has me puzzled.  Patrick Jane successfully kills Red John, but the show started because Jane was on a search for RJ who brutally murdered his wife and daughter.  Now where could they possibly go?  Does it matter if Jane spends the rest of his life in jail as long as he is satisfied that justice was obtained?  He obtained his goal.  I am not sure if I will continue with this series even though the lead character is a cutie that just makes you feel good looking at him.

House:  This is another series I refused to watch in the beginning.  A Doc who is rude, mean, and arrogant and a junkie – no thanks – as a nurse I saw enough of that, but well into the series I began to watch intrigued by the thought of his coming clean.  Even though this completely upended the initial premise it was handled well with excellent scripts and dead solid characters – well the characters weren’t dead just the weekly guests sometimes.  I almost deserted the House Island last year with the messing around with Cuddy (no chemistry between the two of them at all) and may well chuck it this year as it could be all played out.  Apparently they are going to have him spend a year in jail which is pretty screwy since that is what happened to 13 when she had to leave the show to do some movies for a year.

Hawaii Five-0:  This was probably the biggest cliff hanger of all.  The whole Five 0 was disbanded at the end of last season.  Take about upending initial premises! This one along with BBT may be the only two shows I continue to watch this year.  The governor is dead – she was bad…Steve McGarrett is in jail for her murder.  Obviously they have to get Five-0 back and how they do it should be interesting.

The Good Wife:  I resisted this for the first season, got hooked the last season and may ditch it this season.  I mean it appears Alicia has sincerely left Peter and will pick up with Will…blah blah blah.  I watch for Christine Baranski who I think is brilliant.

Well considering the shows that I will probably drop I may have time in my schedule to at least take a peek at one or two others.

Offenheim Family and Google Searches

Offenheim Family and Google Searches

I love Google!  On Friday I posted about a talented musical family we met decades ago in the Haliburton Highlands.  Yesterday I was thrilled to receive an email from Sandy.  I removed personal family information but am posting the rest here so, as Paul Harvey says you will know, ‘the rest of the story’!

Hello Chris:
I received a Google alert this morning which had your very complimentary memories of Kia Ora and our young children at the lake.  Of course, you mentioned Sandy Offenheim and Family and our music, which you still remember.
 
Yes, it’s been 36 years since our first album of kids’ songs came out.  So hard to believe.  The wonderful thing is that now we have email, websites and the like and so people can locate me and order our 25th anniversary compliation CD, Let’s Play a Statue Game…Again..  and they do.  The orders always come with beautiful comments and happy memories, which makes me very happy.
 
You said you didn’t know what we were doing now, so I’ll fill you in.  After my music began slowing down, I went back to school and became an ESL: teacher for almost 20 years.  I retired from it 5 years ago and am now completing a 2 book series of chants, rhymes and activities for ESL.  I’ve been working closely with the publisher and we hope to have the first book out this fall.  Harold retired too and he is helping me with the book on all the computer stuff.
 
I’ve also been busy for 6 years working on a project with another woman for the ageing population.  We’re hoping to get that out….we have some pokers in the fire and are hoping…..
 
I must say that I was very impressed with your writing.  You express yourself beautifully.  Do you write professionally? I loved the way you described Haliburton.  Those simple, lazy days are amongst my most favourite memories of quiet, family times….before all the technology that so fills up children’s hours these days.  We were lucky to have that time up north.  I believe that Kia Ora was sold to a corporation some time ago.
 
I wrote a song “Dream by the Water,” which is on my 4th album Nicknames, while sitting by the lake.  It’s a haunting, simple song about the effect of that place on me.
 
Anyway, I just wanted to comment on what you had written.  Thank you for making my Saturday morning.  I really appreciate your thoughts.
 
Sandy

To view Sandy’s web site click below.
 
http://www.sandyoffenheim.com/

 
To see Sandy’s interview  Click below
 
http://www.blip.tv/file/4016441?filename=ThatChannel-ThatChannelcomInterviewWithSpecialGuestSandyOffenheim208.wmv
 
To View Sandy on youtube click below

If Snowflakes Fell in Flavours

If Snowflakes Fell in Flavours
 
One or two years ago, thirty odd to be almost exact, I took my children to the Haliburton Highlands each summer to a cottage. It was a delightful little rustic dwelling with a wood stove and screened in porch right on Lake Haliburton with a shallow beach ideal for wee ones and a diving platform further out. When the odd storm came up we would wrap ourselves in blankets and sit on the porch and enjoy nature’s fury as the wind blew horizontal rain and thunder clapped and lightning provided a better show than man could ever construe.

 
Most times the weather was ideal with sun and gentle breezes rustling the leaves of mighty oaks, elms and maples that sheltered us in a world far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. No TV or Internet just games, running, laughing and splashing ourselves into deep untroubled sleeps at night. The only goal was relaxation and community with other cottagers.
 
We met many people over the years but one family in particular remains a frequent memory. When we first met they were just ordinary folk on holiday and then they told us about their lives. Family singers and musicians were very popular then and this whole family sang and produced records.
 
I don’t remember if we bought the most recent LP (long playing record) or if they just gave it to us but ‘If Snowflakes Fell in Flavours’ quickly became a favourite often played once we returned home. Shortly after that holiday I flew out west to Vancouver Island to visit friends with two young children and took a copy to them.
 
The family of singers have no idea how much pleasure they brought to us and I have no idea what happened to them but for one summer the very thought of flavoured snowflakes brought smiles and happiness to a few of us across the country.

**Thanks to Google again.  A search shows the song  was by Sandy Offenheim and all my favs are there including Let’s Play a Statue Game.  The bio says that Sandy Offenheim is a Canadian teacher, children’s song writer and performer, who recorded four albums of her original kids’ songs with her husband Harold and their children, Nadine and Stephen while they were growing up.

Well I am glad I had that memory today and want to thank Sandy and her family for providing such wonderful entertainment.

Tucking in the Corners of Your Life

Tucking in the Corners of Your Life

 day is done, gone the sun,…oh wait that’s a camp song meandering through my sleepy thoughts as I argue gently with myself  about doing a post on corners.  I have already posted for today but am behind on the dailies and the corner thing is annoying my sandman who is poised to pop a little sand but now must wait because..yes the corners win.

It all started as I drew back the bed covers, a somewhat ridiculously delicious action that signals that day in fact is done and a reward awaits for the toils of the day.  At this point I snuggle in propped by pillows and feeling rather royal to read a few blogs.  This night I paused as an askew corner of the fitted sheet caught my eye.  

Well that won’t do, I tell myself making no move to fix it..at first.

It makes no difference and will not affect your slumbers I tell myself firmly.

But it’s not right, I sigh.

It won’t affect your sleep, I say again with more emphasis.

Aw heck, I give in and tighten the corner.

Now comes the really annoying me thinking that I must check the other corner.

Don’t be ridiculous, the Other corner is fine and you are not obsessive.

Accepting my observation on OCD I then proceed to check and tighten the other corner, which in no way had to be altered.

Throughout this activity and consideration it dawned on me that we really do need to tuck in the corners of our lives.  When something is a little askew that is the time to stop and make an adjustment so we can continue onward and before it becomes a big wrinkle.

Now this could have been more simply said…

A stitch in time saves nine (I know it but never do it as picking up a needle seems outside my skills.  But the idea is there.)

maybe just maybe….day is done..now

I’m a Bear, Barely There

I’m a Bear Barely There
 
If you were an animal which would you be?
Would you be big as a horse or small as a flea?
 
Would you bark like a dog, meow like a cat?
Would you be skinny or very very fat?
 
Would you slither and hiss much like a snake,
Or swim like a fish across a great lake?
 
Would you hop like a bunny or fly like a dove?
Would you be grumpy or growl with love?
 
In the summer I’d be a bird with a flare
But in the winter I’d be a big old bear
 
Cause then I could grow fat and furry
Sleep all winter and never scurry
 
Til spring beckoned with a flowery day
I’d shed all that fat then run and play.

 
If you were an animal – which would you be?

(Hmmm perhaps my three year old daily contact is influencing my style?)  As the days grow cooler I find myself wanting to hibernate.

Do You Ask Why?

Do You Ask Why?

Susan  posted on ‘Why’ today and when I first began reading it my mind was just rousing after a short nap (Yes when G2 has his quiet time so do I, he because of youth, I because of non youth) and at first her wisdom seemed simplistic,  then the magnitude of what she was saying hit.

It was an ‘of course’ eureka kind of moment.  As an adult the initial thought was…the story of my life.  How many times throughout my career and life had I experienced misadventures instead of adventures because I had failed to ask that very question?  I  immediately thought of the countless times a day that sleeping little boy in the next room asks the same question and we all chuckle at the innocence and repetitiveness, perhaps giving a light hearted or limited response never taking it too seriously.

Then I considered G2 who at eight might ask the question but first considers possibilities and puts forth options of either or.  There is such an amazing difference between the minds of eight and three but both are trying to learn, to make sense of their world with that very question.

I conclude that the worst thing we can ever do is to stop asking.  My world has changed physically somewhat but more importantly there now exists an astronomical change in perspective.  If I had read Susan’s post a couple of months ago I doubt it would have had the impact of today for now I see the world around us from a myriad of angles.

I also conclude the worst thing we can ever do is not to seek the answers to the question when we hear it and to help others around us in their quest.

Do you ask why?
You can find Susan at susanthecoach.wordpress.com