* NOSTALGIC SUNDAY *

 

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday

 

 

 

I can't believe it's Sunday already...

 

~~~

 

 

 

I'm feeling nostalgic today about music from another era, the 1960s.

 

 

 

One song I love, in particular, is "Moon River" by Andy Williams. It's one of those songs that just does something to me whenever I hear it. I also like it as an instrumental, but only Mr. Williams can sing it for me!

 

 

1960s performance

 

https://youtu.be/flm4xcOyiCo

 

 

AND

 

 

1970s performance

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi0UUP7g-0M

 

 

 

Do you have a preference between the two??

 

 

What about you? Do you have favorite songs from the 1960s?

 

 

P.S. I forgot to welcome my three new followers! - Lee, Delores, and Jennifer.  I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see. Thank you!





* HAPPINESS IS........*

The Ronald appreciates the joy I have for the smallest of things. I'm not a woman of "fashion," who must have lots of shoes and purses, or getting my nails "done."


* When I hear a particular song I love................that is happiness.
* When I receive a phone call or letter from a friend or relative.....that is happiness.
* When The Ronald brings me a bouquet of flowers from the grocery store......that is happiness.
* When I get hugs......that is happiness.


Something quite insignificant happened the other day that brought me great joy. I actually had enough money to fill the tank of my PT Cruiser, BEFORE the price went up by 40 cents! I noticed a couple of gas stations with the lower price, and as I drove farther East, I noticed some were 40 cents higher, so I pulled in to the next one with the lower price......and if it had been back in the Good Old Days....I would've said to the attendant, "Fill 'er up with regular!"

* CONCLUSION OF "WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES"

I got a kick out of the comments left on my previous post. Only two people, Myra and Marcia, mentioned anything about my habit of leaving music on for Vern!! J

While I'm at my desk and he's lying on the daybed next to me, I always have some kind of music playing then, too. When I first started writing, I couldn't have any music on except "easy listening" instrumentals. Anything else interfered with my thoughts and writing was impossible.

~~~

 

 

Okay, remember when I said Don't start applauding, yet, though! on Tuesday's blog post? Well after losing all that weight and being so happy with myself....the horribly cold, freezing, frigid, icy, numbing, arctic, Siberian, Polar Vortex arrived and I was homebound for what seemed like months! So, what did I crave? In the beginning, it was Comfort Food. Any kind would do. Then the carbs started their invisible tug, and I was eating sweets like there was no tomorrow. For a while, my weight really didn't change. (It tricks us that way!) But after quite a while, the pounds began to show up on the bathroom scales and in how my clothes fit. I told myself I had plenty of time to lose the weight and everything would be fine.

 

But, as I gobbled everything in sight while sitting in my recliner, watching TV, wearing warm slippers, sweat suits, and covered up with a quilt, the willpower didn't return. Then I ate my way through spring, and now half the summer!! I'm really aggravated at myself, but obviously not enough to do something about it. All I can say is Thank Goodness I haven't gained ALL those 25 lbs. back. I actually got weighed at a doctor appointment today and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Whew!

 

I guess my stubborn determination can only focus on one project at a time, and during these past seven months, I've used it solely to promote and market my memoir.

 

~~~



 

One of my relatives said something to me the other night that kind of surprised me. In a round about way, I took her words to mean that I've worked so hard for so long, that maybe it was time to slow down, or maybe even quit. But I know she just doesn't understand. If I wasn't receiving great reviews on Amazon, or praise from other authors, then it would certainly be time to take a hard look at myself and my writing. But that's not how it is. I still believe in my memoir. I believe it will become very well known the way most books do, by word of mouth. I still have so much to do and so many places to go. Quitting has never entered my mind. I gotta keep on keepin' on! 

 

 

 

 P.S. Please notice my Goodreads Book Giveaway at the top of the right hand column. Almost anyone can enter to win one free print copy of my memoir. I'm offering it not only to US residents, but also to readers in Canada, the UK, and Australia!    

JULY 4th * I thought my giveaway would've been approved overnight, but as of early this morning it hasn't, so I removed the gadget for now. My apologies! I'll put it back on as soon as I get the okay. * AND, I guess the good folks at Goodreads had the day off today, which makes sense, so hopefully, my giveaway will be up and going tomorrow?? Saturday?? OR, maybe not until Monday. Whatever happens, I'll be sure to post it on my blog! Thanks for being patient.

 

Happy Independence Day, America! 

 

 

*Monday, July 7th: I received approval overnight from Goodreads, so I will be posting about my giveaway now. *

 

 

 

"No one succeeds without effort. Those who succeed owe their success to perseverance." -- Ramana Maharshi

 

 

* WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES - PART ONE *

I love the song, "What a Difference a Day Makes." The lyrics are powerful and when sung by Dinah Washington, pure gold. It popped into my mind the other day when I was thinking about my life last year at this time and how different it is now.

 

 

 

 

The Ronald and I moved last spring which was a huge change and yet thinking back on it, went rather smoothly. I didn't write much of anything for quite a while except blog posts. (Do they count as "writing?!") My mind was a jumbled mess, but hey....that's nothin' new for me, is it?

 

As we unpacked and I began to get settled in, I mentally searched for answers concerning my memoir. At the time, I still wasn't finished with it! The chapters were complete, but not in any kind of order. I hadn't written a forward or acknowledgments, either. And I was still trying to decide how to publish it.

 

Another thing that was happening was I'd made up my mind to lose weight. I don't think I blogged about it because usually when I make "the big announcement" about being on a diet, I immediately lose all will power. The day we moved, I made up my mind then and there, to begin the following day. And I did. And I stuck to it. And over the summer I lost 25 lbs. (Don't start applauding, yet, though!) I walked a lot, did a few simple floor exercises, and practically went Cold Turkey as far as eating was concerned. I ate tiny servings of food, no matter what it was. I didn't give up anything, but I also lived on less than 1000 calories a day. I did not suffer. I loved it and it felt so good to fit into smaller sizes of clothing. (It was easy! It reminded me of when I quit smoking, Cold Turkey, about 30 years ago. It was just the Right Time for each accomplishment, I guess, since I began and quit smoking and dieting zillions of times.)

 

I made my publication decisions. I completed my memoir. And I self-published it with Createspace in November. All in all, it was quite a year.

 

Stay tuned for the next installment of "What a difference a year makes." Hope to see you there! (I changed the color on five important words above!.....)

 

~~~

 

P.S. Sometimes when I leave to go on errands, I turn the TV to a music channel for Vern to listen to while I'm gone! Yes, I really do! He likes Golden Oldies and Classic Country the best, so yesterday it was Classic Country. You won't believe what song was playing when I walked in the door..... Charlie Rich's "Rollin' With the Flow." True! (see blog post from June 27th.) Ahhh, another one of my Twilight Zoney, Cosmic moments.

 

 

"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." ~Alan W. Watts 





* HELP - BLOGGER NOT UPDATING MY POSTS *

If you happen upon this particular blog post, please leave a comment if you have any suggestions about my Blogger Roll List problem.

Yesterday while visiting other bloggers, I noticed that the ones who list mine on their Blog Roll, all showed my latest blog post as "A Plethora of Writing Contests" from March 13th. BUT, since that time, I've posted four more new posts: March 14th, 15th, 17th, and 19th.

I haven't made any changes to anything, other than my profile photo. I even put the previous one back on, just in case it had anything to do with it, which it did not.

Obviously this is not really a problem, in the big scheme of things, but it sure is annoying. When readers see that a blog hasn't had a new post in quite a while and/or since they last visited it, they're most likely to skip right past it.

One other thought. If you presently have my blog listed on your Blog Roll and it still shows March 13th as the most recent post, please remove it from your list and then put it back on. Maybe that will update it. Please let me know the outcome!

* NOTE: March 21, 11:00pm  I deleted that blog post from March 13, hoping it might make blog rolls show the current post....but that didn't work as far as I can tell. Oh well...I'm going to quit thinking about it. 

Anyone have any ideas?

Also, I decided it was time to change my template and background! It's been a long time...and I kind of like my new look! *


In the meantime, I'll be listening to some great music, or half-watching, half-listening to Andy Griffith reruns, as I continue to sort and pack household items.....getting ready for our move.

"Tough times don't last. Tough people do." - Gregory Peck 

Walking on the Sunny Side of Life

Finding the Music in Life

Today’s post is in participation with Women On Writing’s mass-blogging event, "Everybody is Talking About Finding the Music in Life."

We are celebrating the release of Sonia’s Song by Sonia Korn-Grimani. To read about the blogging event and follow the symphony of participating bloggers visit Wow - The Muffin. 
To read the Q&A with Sonia, visit Wow - The Muffin - Interview

Share your comments on any participating blog for a chance to win a copy of Sonia’s Song!
* I forgot to post the deadline to leave a comment here or at other participants, for a chance to win the book...print or e-book...winner's choice! Deadline: Thursday Oct 18, 11:59pm (Mountain Time)

Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in our daily struggles or traumatic events from our past that we feel like "poor, poor, pitiful me." But, instead, I think it's so important to not dwell on those things, and to start looking for the positives....to find the "music in our lives." 

As a participant in this Mass Blogging Event, I've been asked to share what helps me stay positive in this crazy world we live in. 

I love to listen to many styles of music!

(Below is taken from my blog post of October 4, 2011)

"There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is." ~William P. Merrill

When most people think of the The Beatles, I doubt if "prayerful music" comes to mind. We all have our favorite songs of theirs, ranging from the very first pop/rock tunes until the final more contemplative recordings. 

Somewhere in my past....maybe 15 or 20 years ago....two of those songs became prayer-like to me. The music and lyrics would pop into my mind, just when I needed them. I'd either sing out loud or only "in my head," depending on whether I was alone or not!

Those two songs are: 

The Long and Winding Road

Let it Be

I've read various so-called explanations about the lyrics of these songs, and it doesn't matter to me what the "real" meaning is or isn't. I know what they mean to me and that's all that counts.

Wind chimes make me happy.

I see beauty everywhere I look.

I'm crazy about Vern, especially when he smiles at me!

And I love my family.....every last one of them...

I believe in laughter, and kindness, and joy, and wonder, and forgiveness, and I think most of all HOPE.

Having hope has always gotten me through the saddest, most difficult days of my life. I always know that things will be better, and that I have the strength to get there. 

* If you're a regular reader of my blog, you know that I always end with a relevant quote.

"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death." -- Robert Fulghum All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

* And The Winner Is...*

Good Morning! Happy Thursday! (Hey, I know what day it is today.) This post will be short and sweet, just like my review of Lois' memoir >> see yesterday's post.

Since being back from our little get-away at The Lake, I haven't gotten much accomplished, so today I'm kicking into high gear. Recently I read something about setting a timer for 30 minute intervals, in which to get various tasks done. (AND to keep from wasting time!) So, that's my plan of action for today!

And now, without further ado........THE WINNER of Caring Lessons: A Nursing Professor's Journey of Faith and Self, .........is............scroll down.........keep going......

VAL!

Since  many left TWO comments, I thought the most trustworthy way of choosing a winner, would be the old-fashioned way. Write names on tiny pieces of paper, fold, throw into a bowl, and pick one randomly.

It was kind of difficult, squatting down so I wouldn't see any names, getting my camera in position to snap the picture, AND grasp a piece of paper....but I did it, and didn't even lose my balance and fall over! (which wouldn't be uncommon for me)

Congratulations, Val! And many thanks to everyone who was kind enough to stop by and leave a comment or two.

As I'm cleaning house today, I'll have some of my favorite music blasting! (remember to check out my Play List) And when I'm writing, I'll either have no music, or soft instrumentals. Whatever you do today, make it magnificent!

"Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living." -- Anais Nin

* A Prayer or Two *

When most people think of the The Beatles, I doubt if "prayerful music" comes to mind. We all have our favorite songs of theirs, ranging from the very first pop/rock tunes until the final more contemplative recordings.

Somewhere in my past....maybe 15 or 20 years ago....two of those songs became prayer-like to me. The music and lyrics would pop into my mind, just when I needed them. I'd either sing out loud or only "in my head," depending on whether I was alone or not.

Those two songs are:

The Long and Winding Road

Let it Be

I've read various so-called explanations about the lyrics of these songs, and it doesn't matter to me what the "real" meaning is or isn't. I know what they mean to me and that's all that counts.

What about you? Do you have certain "prayerful" songs that aren't considered hymns?


"There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is." ~William P. Merrill

* I WONDER *

I've mentioned before that I love to listen to music, especially when I'm cleaning....usually '70s Rock, Oldies, Country...doesn't matter, as long as it's not Easy Listening. Oh, I like that kind of music, too, Just not when I need to do physical work! I gotta be Movin' & Groovin'!

I turned on the kitchen radio this morning while I made coffee and unloaded the dishwasher. (Yes, we finally got a cheapie one quite a long time ago!) I tuned in to one of our local independent radio stations. They play a wide mix of music genres, depending on what day it is and the time of day. As I listened to some really great music and vocals, it occurred to me that musicians and writers are so much alike. The Big Name Record companies only want to stay with the tried and true singers....just like the Big Name Publishers want to stay with their best selling authors. And this is understandable.....BUT....every now and then, that singer with the fabulous voice appears out of nowhere and is the new sensation. The same goes for writers. It can happen. It's possible. We've seen it happen to others.

I Wonder: What will the future bring for us Unknown Writers?

(The Unknown Comic from The Gong Show)

I Wonder: Will we emerge from obscurity after our self-publishing or small press publishing? If we're talented enough, if we write a book worth reading (to at least thousands) then I say a resounding, "Yes!"

(I found so many great quotes for today's post...I chose to post three of them!)


“Your chances of success in any undertaking can always be measured by your belief in yourself.” -- Robert Collier


“Laugh at yourself, but don't ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don't leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory.” -- Alan Alda


Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.” -- Malcolm S. Forbes

A Blissfully "Normal" 24 Hours!

If you read my post of Friday, May 20th, you'll understand the "normal" I'm referring to. And yes, I'll write about it later. I just wanted to mention the joy I experienced yesterday....enjoying the beautiful sunny, summery day....sometimes out on my deck, but mostly looking out through the windows as I did the cleaning, organizing, rearranging...listening to music or the St. Louis Cardinals baseball game. I know that many of you will think I've truly lost my mind this time, but don't you ever take delight in those kinds of days? Believe me, it probably won't last very long, but my mood has already continued on today!

OK...the other thing is this: Please don't forget about my "200th Follower Contest." You have until midnight  (CDT) tomorrow night the 23rd of May. I'll announce the winner sometime on May 24th. ALSO, if you think you already commented on the link to enter, please go back and check. I know of at least one of those comments that got Lost in Outer Blogger Space. Fortunately, Lisa went back and checked!

Until later....Please remember:



"I got the blues thinking of the future, so I left off and made some marmalade. It's amazing how it cheers one up to shred oranges and scrub the floor." -- D.H. Lawrence

* This 'n That on a Saturday Night *

I posted a gadget on the top right side bar, to remind everyone of my contest celebrating 200 Followers! Don't forget to enter and tell all your blog buddies, because there are No Rules! Just leave a comment on the May 9th post. That's it. Contest ends at midnight on May 23rd.

Someone left a comment the other day that one of the things she likes about my blog is the music in my Play List. That made me so happy, because I really love all kinds of music! I've had a lot of fun putting together my play lists, too. Since it doesn't automatically start anymore, I'd like to point out how diverse the songs are. When you're in the mood to listen, just click on a song. It's set on Shuffle, so you could experience many genres in just a few short minutes. Here are just a few: Perry Como, Cold Play, Ray Charles, Led Zeppelin, Jackie Wilson, Super Tramp, Glenn Miller, Patsy Cline, and The Temptations!

Have you ever cleaned out an old purse and found a few loose coins in the bottom? Well...I cleaned out one the other day and found a Five Dollar Bill. It was inside an old beat up envelope and was almost tossed in the trash! Just a reminder....look really well before you throw things away! ☺

"Wonderful friends, all kinds of music, and a few dollars in my purse.....what more could I possibly want?" --  Becky Povich 
P.S. Doh! After posting my newest post on May 16, I realized I forgot to add BOOKS!! I also need and want books!!

** Wednesday's Words **

I had a really great day today! And surprisingly, practically none of it had anything to do with writing....but had a lot to do with house cleaning! Yeah, crazy, huh?! I didn't even know that's how my day would go, either. It certainly wasn't planned. I think it had a lot to do with the fact that my back is finally in really good shape, and that my house was a pit! (The Ronald isn't very helpful when it comes to vacuuming or dusting or laundry....but he does help with the dishes.)

So, anyway, I was Miss Becky-Homecky today and thoroughly enjoyed myself! I get that way sometimes. Turn on some great music and just have a good old time! I also put out a few of my fall decorations on the mantle.  Photos still to come later!

Oh, I have an "Oops" to confess. When I wrote about the 6 new hardcover books yesterday, I was mistaken. When I opened the bag, there were 5 books, and only 3 of them were hardcover! Oh Horrors!! I'm so sorry! More about the books later, too!

Tonight I want to be sure and mention Clara Gillow Clark's blog. She highlighted author/illustrator Lindsay Barrett George. Please go to Clara's blog and read all about Lindsay and the contest Clara is having. Do it quickly, though, because the drawing is in one week!! Her newest book is about an adorable dog named Maggie. I certainly left a comment or two, so I can be in the drawing. The winner(s) doesn't just get a book, there's way more to win....so run on over to Clara's and check it out!

That's it for tonight! It's midnight already and I still want to do some reading!

"Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?" -- Henry Ward Beecher

** This 'n That Thursday **

Good Morning Everyone! In spite of the fact that:

I slept most of the night on the (saggy) couch...again, because of my beloved dog, Tiger....and my back hurts off and on....sometimes not so much, sometimes very much....ouch!....I am happy today! Why? You may ask? I have no solid answer.....I just AM!

Okay....here's the little bit of This 'n That:

1)  Did you notice I changed my Play List to just one song for today? It's a mix of two songs, really. The first part, I'm Yours, was a huge hit for Jason Mraz a few years ago. The second part, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, is the whimsical tune Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole, a Hawaiian singer/songwriter, sang a few years ago. (I just love the way it's done....not as "sad" as the original Judy Garland version.) AND, it all comes together beautifully when sung by the fabulous a cappella group: Straight No Chaser. I hope you enjoy it!   (If you don't know any of the history of Iz or the guys in Straight No Chaser, just click on the links I've provided.)

2)  Last Sunday on CBS Sunday Morning, I watched a fascinating segment about a man who has invented and engineered numerous stunning water fountain displays. I couldn't get the video thing to work here, but I do have the link to You Tube, for you to visit. This is the Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas, just one of many others. Be sure and have your volume turned on because it is water choreography at its best! (Oh, and you'll have to click on the little mute button on the Play List part of my blog, in order to not have "dueling music"!)

3)  I've been a litte busy and/or preoccupied since receiving my 100th Follower, Nancy!
     Thank you, Nancy! Because of this, I'll be mailing a little prize to her sometime in the next few days.

I've come to the conclusion as to why I'm happy today, or at least a partial conclusion.......
Just being able to see and hear the beauty that I witnessed while searching out songs and videos....How could I not be happy? I'm continually amazed as I follow by bliss........

“It's good to be just plain happy, it's a little better to know that you're happy; but to understand that you're happy and to know why and how and still be happy, be happy in the being and the knowing, well that is beyond happiness, that is bliss.” --  Henry Miller

** Love My Play List **

I just love the music I've chosen for this blog! I was surprised at how quickly, too, I was able to think of songs I liked and try to find them. Also, I'd hear an old song on the radio, jot it down in one of my many trusty notepads.....this would usually happen while I was driving my car, so it would most likely be scribbled and quite hard to read!...and then when I'd get back home, I'd add it to my play list. I also added songs that I have on CD's or albums. The best part, I think, is the "shuffle" option. I just listened to Celine Dion sing Ave Maria then it went straight to The London Beat singing I've Been Thinking About You, and then to Dion singing The Wanderer.


Right now, you're listening to my newest play list: Beautiful Music. All soft and lovely songs.....

What a great way to start my morning!......Hello Music!.. Coffee...Sunshine...Writing in my blog!