Day 6 - 31 -- Enjoyment

Two energizing and fun meetings occurred today. Each talked about a major research direction that provides much thought and excitement. The information will be presented to others next week in a somewhat concise format. My brain goes madly in all directions so conciseness might be problematic -- and given my tangential nature <smile>. My reading list for the research is growing as there are a number of factors that require investigation. The other part of the project was discussed with a colleague as we outline the larger project. We spend a lot of time laughing as we expand on the outline planned. I do enjoy such working relationships. So -- all in all a productive day even though nothing was written, much was discussed that moved ideas and thinking to the next level.

Spending time with a favoured topic or activity can bring smiles. Even when the impending workload may be large, the excitement of immersing oneself in the project is palpable -- work of sorts that brings a hint of fun. Who'd have thought? <smile>  I do recall entering academia to get to do the 'fun stuff' as part of my job. Sadly, that isn't the case for many people who carry full teaching loads. So, here I am in retirement doing those enjoyable tasks for no salary. An office and access to computer and library resources needed have been provided by my 'employer.' I think of it as a sabbatical without the bi-weekly deposit into my bank account <smile>.

Shared here is a song that fits the way I felt today. The selection emerged from a distinct  '60s sound. The version shared involves a combination of two bands from that era with a resultant sound that feels so right. Enjoy!

Fun, Fun, Fun -- Satus Quo ft. The Beach Boys

Day 6 - 30 -- Addressing Stigma

Bell Let's Talk Day was today. This annual day encourages ongoing discussions of mental health. This year the topic presented the stigma surrounding people who ask for help. While the conversation and understanding in society has improved over the years, the fear of repercussions from revealing a personal situation is very real. Not everyone chooses to understand this as a medical condition. Comments that show an unwillingness to accept these real medical diagnoses can be heard regularly, and in turn, these comments add to the hesitation to step forward to present symptoms to a medical professional, friend or family member. Several mental health first aid courses occur regularly to help people to find a safe space to talk about what is happening. These courses also include methods to intervene when recognized symptoms of concern are seen.

I've said many times that I would like to see the day when mental health becomes a passe term and we all speak about health. Wouldn't that day be amazing? <smile> Sometimes I've seen the term mind-body health, yet I feel that the mind is part of the body. The biochemical imbalances in the brain should be treated no differently to biochemical changes in the pancreas. To get to such ends will require improved access to care -- more counselors, broader sick leave definitions, challenging those who doubt. Days like today help the process. Current statistics suggest that 1 in 5 people will encounter this health issue in their own bodies, while 90% of people over 50 had encountered this in themselves or others. We all experience the down side of such a health issue, so why does the stigma still exist? Food for thought.

In my class this week, we continued talking about the one band that changed more than music in this world. I share two songs written and recorded by this band. Lyrics of the first selection note that open communication is necessary throughout life. This song comes from an album that introduced the concept album to the world. The second was written for a young boy after his parents divorced, yet the lyrics could be applied far beyond that, though some may be less supportive in hindsight. It was the first single on a new record label and the longest song to top the UK charts.  Enjoy!

She's Leaving Home -- The Beatles (from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album)


Hey Jude -- The Beatles   (Apple label)

Day 6 - 29 -- Slowing Down?

Catching up and getting started -- themes of the day. I began with getting the last of the laundry dealt with and then worked through the e-mails. Some solid direction for the bit research project came from a colleague -- readings that sound intriguing, but that will have to be through intra-library loan. So the search is moving but very slowly. The big outing of the day involved dealing with RSPs as the deadline approaches. Admittedly, the year end statements have been difficult to see. December was the lowest since 1930s, so things took a major dive. January saw a rebound, so a fair chunk of the loss has reappeared. I guess I'm entering that phase of life when less risk feels more comfortable. Retirement will do that, I guess <smile>. 

I've been so tired lately that I feel I could fall asleep anytime -- except at bedtime. Waking with the alarm seems to pull me from a deep sleep. I'm vaguely aware that there are many dreams occurring some anxiety dreams and some just plain weird. Perhaps that is all part of the January blues or seasonal affective disorder. It feels like I should just stay in bed all day and see what happens <smile>. When a plan for the day isn't completed, does that mean I'm lazy? Not likely, but it may be unmotivated or just too tired to think clearly. This will take further thought to tease apart what is at the core of it all. In the meantime, rethinking might help -- that doing something is not nothing and doing everything may be unrealistic. Perhaps it is an effect of me slowing down after years of going full tilt. Hmmm.

A line from a song came to mind this evening. It seems to go with the idea that I could give myself permission to do less than I seem to demand of myself  and that reading for fun isn't a waste <smile>. I love the plaintive nature of the song and vocals. enjoy!

Wasted Time -- The Eagles

Day 6 - 28 -- Working it Out

I've been thinking of a paper for some time now. last summer, I agreed to present the larger project in a seminar-style meeting. Well that meeting day 10 days from now. The project deals with a large research project. I had a single question that took time to find a partial answer. What I found were far more questions <smile>. The seminar paper should tell people how I started, where I am right now, and where I hope to go next. I know I can do this, but it feels a bit different to present something in progress rather than something completed. Part of it is together, but to really uncover a fuller understanding of why several new questions must be investigated. I shouldn't be surprised since science develops in this way -- we never find the full  answer, but we find far better focused questions. And it takes years. I've been at this one since 2012 -- in earnest, at least. Don't get me wrong here. I find the process fascinating and can get very excited to talk about it. I'm at the point now where I must delve into readings from other scholars and individuals involved in the birth of this idea. Many  areas need to be considered to develop a clearer picture. So -- I will work on the concepts of past, present and future work for the presentation, which should open discussions of the many topics yet to be tied together neatly. 

I am not sure why I felt surprised when I began working on the presentation. There is a lot left to do and a lot completed. I suppose things felt a bit overwhelming, particularly with the deadline date looming large. I found it intriguing that a sense of frustration entered the equation this weekend. I'm sure others recognize my writing process as one where I ponder for a long time and then finally something comes tumbling out of my brain through my fingertips. Actually, frustration is the sign that I need to sequester myself and just write.I think that will happen in the next couple of days. I just have to start in order to determine how to tell the story. What are key elements and what could be left as embellishments in a discussion period? I love every little fact and discovery, yet I can't possibly convey years of thought in 30 minutes, right? <grin>  Even when I understand my own process, I can miss the signs. The frustration sometimes leads me to just put the files away, when it should signal me to sit down and put all the parts together. 

A song from several decades ago brought a smile today. The lyrics metaphorically explain the writing process in front of me. Vocals from a Vegas regular smoothly present the plan. Enjoy! 

Gonna Build a Mountain -- Sammy Davis, Jr. 

Day 6 - 27 -- Legacy Wish

Blue sky and some clouds filled the sky today. I gazed at it while working in the kitchen. Grayer days are expected for most of the coming week.  I managed to get part of the laundry done along with some personal correspondence today. A couple of larger fun projects still sit on the 'to do' list, so they await another day. 

In the current custom, another musical was broadcast live on television. This time it was RENT. I love this story and music. I first saw this at the Royal Alexandra theatre in Toronto. It was amazing. The woman next to me was 80ish and had received a ticket from her grandson for Christmas. She loved it, too. This was the night that that 1998 ice storm began in Toronto. I stayed at an airport hotel for a meeting the next day, so was able to fly out as planned that next evening. Several of those from Ottawa and Montreal were storm-stayed -- no flights, trains or road travel available in that directing and later in Toronto, too. Watching the production tonight, the cutting of electricity to the apartment building reminded me of what was just beginning when I flew out. That storm created long lasting effects with power being out in cities for days. 

I've chosen a song from that musical to share here. I love the plaintive but determined nature of the lyrics and music. We all want to leave something of lasting value behind, I guess. Enjoy! 

One Song Glory -- Adam Pascal (from RENT - movie version)

Day 6 - 26 -- Attacked from Behind

Bright sunshine greeted me when I entered the kitchen this morning, heralding the perfect day for running errands -- all those 'to do' list things. I began to make a late breakfast/lunch and realized I needed a loaf of bread from the freezer -- the one I just put in there yesterday. Into the basement and to the pantry room with the deep freeze. I leaned down into the freezer to pull out the bread and was hit by the freezer lid that came crashing down on me. It hit me in the right shoulder blade area pushing me forward with force. My left brow bone hit the inner edge of the freezer wall and then the lid bounced back down onto the back of my head. I went back upstairs to put a cold cloth on the eyebrow and fully expected to see blood. I didn't.  I palpated the areas carefully to see if there might be more than simple bruising expected. Assured it just hurt a bit, I finished making breakfast. But, I sat for an hour or more when I'd planned to do errands. I felt OK by then and headed out to the celebration of a a 50 year career of a local history scholar. Most of the crowd was retired, too <smile> but there were several middle-aged academics and a few younger. The turnout was great and I enjoyed hearing from a colleague with a great sense of humour. I then did the morning errands in the later afternoon.

I felt frustrated with myself this morning. I know that lid is a menace, but in 20 years hadn't been in the situation of today. I'd worried it might occur, which is why I generally hold a hand above my head as I lean into the cavernous interior of the freezer. Today, I didn't check the lid stability nor did I hold my hand above me. Go figure. A habit that was swept aside just this once. How do we forget to do something we've done forever without thinking? I'm not sure where to begin to find that answer. My initial response was to swear at the piece of equipment -- an act I immediately realized was rather silly. Anthropomorphizing a deep freeze seemed rather faulty logic. I did feel attacked in some way, though.

An odd song came to mind -- and remember I was hit on the head today <grin>. The title and a line or two of lyric seemed to fit my adventure of the day. Enjoy!

Under Attack -- ABBA

Day 6 - 25 -- Amazing Disappearing Snow

A surprise awaited me outside the windows today. The warm winds overnight took the snow away. My plow man called to check that I wasn't still hemmed in, as he'd forgotten to drive by the house on his way back home last night. Thankfully, he didn't push yesterday. I'd be grumpy if I'd called him to do this and then the stuff just disappeared <smile>.  Given the look of the day, I did a major grocery run. I forgot one thing that was on the list so will need to get it over the weekend, before more snow arrives -- if I plan to make the recipe, that is. 

With me forgetting to buy items at the store and my plow connection forgetting to stop by, I'm putting it down to being tired and dealing with several different tasks -- each very involved. Fun, but detailed. Sleep can be disrupted due to weather patterns and working deadlines. This past week had two longer days that made getting to sleep on time difficult. Less sleep the past two nights likely had a lot to do with my forgetting to pick up the main ingredient of a recipe. <smile> I'm hoping for good sleep over the weekend so I'm ready to start the next week in a better place.

The song tonight deals with the concept of disappearance similar to the snow and my sleep. Enjoy!

Disappear -- INXS

Day 6 - 24 -- Truth of the Coloured Snow

I woke to the sound  of the town crows -- hundreds of them filled the trees in my front and back yard just before sunrise -- long before alarm. I put in ear plugs and went back to bed. Once I got up, Thursday began with shoveling snow. When I got home last night, it was almost 10 PM and it was snowing. More snow was on the ground than forecasts had suggested -- expected 2-4 cm and I walked through over 5 cm and it was still falling. So, when I looked outside today, there was far more than I'd expected. I moved about 15 cm of compacted wet snow, so more than that fell before the temperatures rose. Now it might have been good that I chose not to shovel last night, since the gathering in the trees resulted in much discoloured snow. I've heard this termed 'snit' -- a combo of snow and the substance covering the snow today <smile>. I left the knee deep pile at the end of the dirveway for the plow man to push onto the front lawn. When I returned home late tonight, it was clear he hadn't been by yet. By now with the drizzle and warmer temperatures again, the knee high pile was now closer to ankle height at most. So, I pushed it all to the sides in hopes that the warming would remove the ice underneath.

I returned home late again tonight after attending the Allen J. MacEachen annual Lecture in Politics. Linden MacIntyre, journalist and author gave the lecture this year. His talk centred on the nature of truth -- not just factual truth, but rational truth. While a rather heavy topic, he lent his great sense of humour to examples that lightened the mood.

The song for tonight deals with a type of truth, delivered by lyrics in a blues-rock format. Musicians on this recording have been featured here in the past. Enjoy!

Tell the Truth -- Derek and the Dominos

day 6 - 23 -- Formulaic Sound

Many files moved forward today, though software issues impede progress on two other projects. This will be cleared up by IT techs. A publication that requires logging into the journal site also created a software barrier. I left a note yesterday evening for the IT dept in Europe, and they responded today -- so that problem solved. <smile>.  Other emails and conversations   helped with the projects underway. The highlight of the day arrived with the night class. This week we covered the phase of commercialized music in response to the first wave of rock and roll. The fear of the social changes that came with the movement of racialized music to the mainstream led to the rise of fabricated music and singers.  Both of these followed formulas made to make someone money, which generally wasn't the singer or songwriters. Teen idols were promoted. They sang songs written by individuals or duos who were employed to write formulaic songs about topics that did not offend. The Brill Building housed many such songwriters. The Brill sound and song format eventually led to many songs in the genre sounding oddly similar. This opened room for the rebellious rock genre to rise again in a newer iteration. With this change in sound would come singer-songwriters.

Two songs shared fit the discussions of class tonight. Generally songwriters wrote and singers sang. The first song shared fits this rule and the second song is the exception -- crossovers did occur occasionally.  The writers were prolific and their many songs can be found recorded by numerous artists. Both writing pairs worked out of the Brill Building in New York City.  Sadly, many of the promoted singers had very short careers. Enjoy!

Might as Well Rain Until September -- Gary and Dave (written by Goffin and King)


Breaking Up is Hard to Do -- Neil Sedaka (written by Sedaka and Greenfield)

Day 6 - 22 -- Seeing from Different Angles

Today the wind returned much stronger than overnight. This led to an amazing series of sea effect snow flurries -- most times blowing horizontal snow appeared out the windows. Accumulations were small in town. Visibility in town and surrounding areas were nearly zero at times. I encountered small finger drifts starting as I walked home against the major wind gusts.

While working away in my windowless office, I was unaware of the goings on outside. When I went into the hallway to the printer or to make a cup of tea, the blowing snow danced by the windows. The angular travels and circular motion of the flakes was fascinating to watch. It almost felt relaxing. Now, I've seen this through a windshield with very different results -- major tension in neck and shoulders. Perspective brings differing results. Interesting, eh? <smile> This brought to mind a number of recent conversations where viewpoints differed. Some people were willing to try to understand viewpoints other than their own, while other people chose to expound on their singular viewpoint as the only viewpoint worth listening to. These situations arise almost daily. The snow helped me gain some perspective today.

Lyrics that echo the pondering of the day come wrapped in the music of a genre that might appear to bury the lyric message. The band comes from the California punk movement of the 1990s. I'm sharing a lyric video that might help when listening to this short high-energy song. Enjoy!

Point of View -- Blink-182

Day 6 - 21 -- A sea of green

A surprise awaited me out the window this morning -- green grass all through the yard. The wind and warmer temps along with the rain overnight took the snow and ice sheets away. By noon, temperatures were dropping close to freezing. Any standing water left is now frozen. When I ran the garbage to the curb for morning pickup, I saw some ice on the town sidewalk -- a darker spot that had run from the remainder of a larger snow bank at the end of the driveway. I stepped around it to get out to the curb. Coming back I discovered that the lighter coloured parts of the sidewalk were covered in ice that wasn't visible. I'm not sure if the sidewalk plow will get out with salt before I have to walk in tomorrow. Don't want to drive until roads have been addressed, either. At least I can walk on the grass between the sidewalk and the road <smile>.  A small bit of snow is falling right now, which will cover any ice making walking even more frustrating.

My day was all indoors working at home on research project and prepping for the guest lecture tomorrow. I took time to read a 'real' book <smile> and watched a recorded television program. Two phone calls for future appointments came today. Some days, no calls other than recorded phishing expeditions come through, so today was a exception. I liked doing some work tasks and some me things. It is taking some time to get used to this, but a sense of rhythm is trying to assert itself. 

An early R&B soul song seemed to fit my thoughts today. While I love seeing the green grass, I know it won't stay -- at least not yet. <smile>  The singer had a hit with this recording when it hit #2 on the R&B charts and #17 on the Hot 100. Many of his songs crossed over between R&B, Soul and Hot 100 charts. Enjoy!

Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You -- Wilson Pickett

Day 6 - 20 -- Howling Wind

Looking out the kitchen window this morning, the grey sky and stillness seemed almost ominous. Snow fell later in the morning, but quickly turned to a mix of rain and snow. By supper time, the precipitation fell as rain. The the wind picked up bringing a roaring with the hefty gusts. Warmer temperatures ride in on this southerly wind. Overnight temperatures will climb well above freezing, while more rain falls. To the northwest of here, there is extended periods of freezing rain and even further north more snow. The system will continue into tomorrow with less frozen particles that expected in other areas of the maritimes. This wind mixed with wet snow or freezing rain accretion would be a recipe for power outages. Trees and larger branches may still fall here, but the storm will likely be more damaging down the road from us.

I've wondered if a drop in barometric pressure can signal some fear deep in the hind brain. Even before the sky becomes dark grey and the storm is upon us, would we feel something without the 24/7 online apps and televised weather updates. Listening to wind during the night can bring anxiety and disturb sleep. People look very tired the day after such an overnight storm. Animals can become anxious when winds arrive with loud gusts, hiding under furniture during hurricane force winds -- and I'd like to fit under there to join them to be honest <smile>. In southwestern Saskatchewan, we'd get chinook winds blowing warm air to meld the snow in short order. If these arrived at night, the noise created a poor sleep. So, it isn't just that I live among a lot of trees here.

Lyrics from a song that addresses wind and the fear that comes in the night seemed to fit the thoughts of today. It is from a recent musical. Many singers have performed this song. I've chosen a female voice for this beautiful melody. Enjoy!

Whistle Down the Wind -- Tina Arena (from Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down the Wind musical)

Day 6 - 19 -- By the Pricking of my Thumbs . . .

Gorgeous sunshine greeted the day. The kitchen floor filled with warm bright light. I walked to the convenience store for milk. Apparently, I wasn't the only one with the idea. All four registers had long lines. I realized my earlier decision to avoid the grocery store was a good one. You see, there is something wicked headed this way. It left Colorado a couple of days ago and will visit its nastiness on us beginning tomorrow. This storm is huge and carries severe winds, snow, freezing rain, and rain. The snow fall predictions range wildly as one travels from south to north. In this part of the country, 50-70 cm of snow is expected in the northern regions of New Brunswick with lesser amounts in Nova Scotia. Here they forecast 5-10 cm snow and ice pellets with 25-40 mm rain. It will be messy. I've  charged the electronics and have ideas for food and warmth should power be interrupted. It will continue into Monday so will move more slowly than we might wish.

The anticipation is palpable and the meteorologist are positively vibrating with excitement. That can increase the anxiety in the general populace, though. The brightness of the day made it easy to push the idea of a huge storm to the back of one's mind -- almost a denial. How could anything ugly be on its way when the day is so lovely and calm? I find denial allows me to ignore things -- at least during waking hours. Dreams bring it all back in an odd form of un-reality -- though the anxiety is real. The storm is but one of the items that feed that anxiety dream machine. I guess all I can do comes down to the Girl Guide motto -- be prepared. I've done my best. The 'go bag' may have to wait until tomorrow. For now, I'm going to have a cup of chai and get some rest.

Many songs came to mind that dealt with the topic in one way or another. I settled on one with lyrics that definitely deal with living in denial. It is from a Broadway musical and the version is by the singer-actor who won a Tony for the performance (1969). The music and tempo clearly mimic the fervor in the lyrics. Enjoy!

I Don't Want to Know -- Angela Lansbury (from Dear World)

Day 6 - 18 -- Looking through a Different Lens

Temperatures fell overnight to -18C or less. The walk in was manageable without much breeze. By afternoon when I walked across campus to a seminar, it had warmed a bit to be in the minus single digits. The seminar brought great insights into explaining some of my research thoughts through Aristotle of all people <smile>. The seminar opens space for feminist researchers to present completed projects or works in progress. Mine will be one of the latter and occurs next month. I'd never gotten to a full seminar since they began in October. I was away once, got to the wrong room the next time (two rooms with same number at opposite ends of the building) and to what should have been the middle of a presentation but was one that ended early. Today everything went according to my plan <smile>. Being able to participate today helped me to understand the format and group norms. That was my main goal so I understood how to focus my paper. Today, I found interesting bits from both presentations -- unexpected learnings.

Learning from scholars in other disciplines informs one's knowledge and ability to communicate findings in different ways. One of the best pieces of advice I received when undertaking a doctoral program was to pull methods or frameworks from other fields of study when developing research questions and methods. It worked very well then and ever since. Enriching traditional ideas and methods in this manner adds depth and not only breadth to understanding research findings. Sharing in such a forum as the seminar today enhances discussion of findings from various perspectives.

A song that flew through my mind today comes from an older musical. The title and much of the lyric deals with my main goal for attending the seminar today. Many covers exist. I've chosen one by an amazing voice. Enjoy!

Getting to Know You -- Julie Andrews

Day 6 - 17 -- Pattern is Full

Today filled with the overflow from yesterday piled onto the plan for today. Well, maybe that is a bit harsher than reality. There was an extra meeting added after the two planned for today were completed. Each required me to be on top of very different topics. All went well and the meetings were even fun. Fun meetings may seem like an oxymoron, but the do exist -- I've discovered them recently when doing things I love. <smile>  Walking home in the cold, the absence of the wind strength of the morning made the colder air less menacing. I felt very weary when I arrived home. It is days like today that make the dinners I've frozen a major asset.

Discussing the direction, planning and writing for research projects takes much concentration and effort. Doing the two major projects on the same day was challenging. I got through. Next week will involve the usual routine of updates on separate days. Being flexible when necessary changes appear surprised me yesterday and today. While, tired by the final meeting, my mood remained elevated and didn't descend into crankiness. Similarly, the multiple changes yesterday left me feeling fine. That is unusual as I often feel some frustration with changes. Perhaps this means that the reduction in stresses of the academic term of teaching and admin can or has made a difference. I'll have to test that hypothesis <grin>.

A song lyric that fit the very full schedule of the day seemed apropos today. The guitar and drums bring a frenetic feel to the song, while the lyrics are sung in a rapid fire manner. That is part  of what I felt that led to weariness, but not anger or irritation today. Enjoy!

Got the Time -- Joe Jackson

Day 6 - 16 -- Shattered Schedule

Changes to plans filled the day. I mistook a meeting time to be in my time zone when it was in a different zone. Put things off by an hour. A second meeting needed to be moved earlier, so I had it at a point that would cut the first meeting short. Luckily, the person at the other end of the first meeting had to cancel. It left me with less time for lunch than I'd planned, so I ate after the second meeting at 2:30 PM -- late. Supper had been set for 5 PM so I could get to the evening class at 6. Needless to say I was not hungry by then. I packed some fruit to eat during the break and headed off. The class ended later than we did last week, but still within the allotted time. I got home at 9:45 PM, at which point I made a light supper and went to bed. Missed the blog so this one is a day late. 

In class tonight we covered the early changes that led to rock and roll. As the swing and jazz eras began to fade, an altered form of the blues arrived. This up tempo style of blues was termed Jump Blues by Jerry Wexler, when he was writing for Billboard Magazine (he later moved to Atlantic Records). The style was characterized by smaller bands from the larger ones of the 'big' band sound. The reduced number of band members included a singer, an electric base (after Fender invented this), a solid body guitar (again when it was developed), drums (louder due to the guitar volume), keyboard, and several saxaphones. This was the precursor of what would become the early R&B sound (much different from today). Many artists found success with this style including Ray Charles, Louis Jordan, Cab Calloway, Chuck Berry and others. Elvis Presley rose rapidly when this style of music was still popular. His sound changed the way music headed. 

A song that came to me when looking over some of the artists and songs of this genre is shared here.It is one I heard years ago and the chorus and title line stayed with me. Lyrics do cover change and being late -- both central to my day. The song was recorded by Louis Jordan. I've chosen a cover of that song by a Canadian. She does a wonderful job with an even smaller band size.  Enjoy! 

Is You is or is You ain't my Baby? -- Diana Krall

Day 6 - 15 -- Getting Further Afield

Today I got groceries - just a few items needed. It has been nine days since I've driven anywhere. The roads were dry and the large parking areas were, too. At the eye doctor, where I picked up new contacts, the lot was thick ice. They had spread gravel on it, but many of the stones were the size of my fist -- doesn't give a lot of traction <smile>. The sun shone but the clouds were dark and moving swiftly on the east wind. The forecast notes a few flurries late evening and then nothing until the weekend when something frozen will fall with a pile of rain. Can you say more ice? <sigh>

Driving felt nice today. Living in a small town, most places are accessible by walking and I live in the downtown core area close to much. Getting groceries can challenge a walker -- things can weigh a lot making the return trip tiring. Taxis use a flat fee in town, so it makes budgeting easier. The stores are at the edges of town, so walking distance is further. One is in town so has sidewalks and the other is just into the county so is by a major highway with no walkways. At home, I worked on e-mail and reading items for the research meetings and writing this week. I didn't get as far with that as Ii'd hoped. The first listening list is up for my class, so that will fill relaxing moments between tasks.

While driving I heard a song run through my head. It made me smile. It was the songwriter and original recording that I heard, but I chose to go with a different singer doing a decent cover. The tempo is a bit faster than the original, but the sound pays tribute to that original guitar sound. Enjoy!

Riding along in my Automobile (No Particular Place to Go) -- George Thorogood and the Destroyers

Day 6 - 14 -- Taking Chances

Another delightful sunny day. My one trip outside involved spreading sand and ice melter on the big ice rinks in the front yard to help break them up and provide some traction. I spread this combination until it ran out. Next time I'm out to the store, more will need to be procured.

As I worked around the house today, I pondered a past conversation -- one from many years ago. As a grad student, I discussed a job opportunity with a faculty member. I recall being surprised by her response. She told me that I was a risk taker, so the job would suit me well. I'd never seen myself in that light before. When I thought through the term, I learned that she saw what I hadn't. I had a goal and took a circuitous route to get to there -- taking many turns along the way. Today, this flitted across my mind. Even years later, I value that insight into my character. I've continued trying new things -- a form of risk taking. I see life as an adventure and understand there is no single route to take me where I'm headed. As I've said before, life is a journey and not a destination. Without exploring along the route, one risks getting to the end with less experience than was possible. Just non-conformist little me in deep thought <smile>.

A song lyric that includes similar thoughts on life is shared here tonight. From the title, it links with my using all the sand today, as well. <smile>  Enjoy!

When the Sand Runs Out -- Rascal Flatts

Day 6 - 13 -- Treacherous Walkways

The air felt cold when I woke this morning. Outside temperatures had dropped overnight and will be even colder tonight. Running back and forth to the basement to do laundry and bring things up from the pantry -- one at a time since coordinated trips did not happen -- led me to feel colder. The baseboard heaters there are not all operational so there are colder areas and warmer areas. My shower tonight was longer than usual just to help me feel warmer. The kitchen felt comfortable when I had the oven on for fruit crisp and a large pot of stew simmering on the stovetop. After looking at the ice in the driveway and walkway yesterday, I rummaged around and found the ice melter with traction. That will go out on the vast stretches of skating quality ice that lies in wait for the unsuspecting traveler.

Ice occurs every winter here -- great swaths of it and often several centimeters thick. It takes much work to minimize adverse effects the nastiness could create. It is frozen water, which sounds innocuous, but isn't. Different types of winter ice occur. Some from frozen slush provides a very uneven surface that can't be easily traversed since there is not spot to carefully set each step. The thin ice that covers smaller puddles doesn't impede progress much and can be rather fun to crack. When water ponds with rain and melting snow and  then freezes, treacherous ice surfaces abound. That is what is in the yard now. Breaking this up by hand become an impossible task. It is just too thick and dense. That is when a chemical process becomes necessary. The major ice melter I have is environmentally friendly and does a great job of breaking up the larger sheets of ice. So, tomorrow I'll begin that process. The sun is expected to visit again tomorrow, which will make being outdoors a bit more bearable. <smile>

The song that came to mind today is by an artist who grew up a couple of hours down the highway. This was one of her early hits. The song title fit my thoughts of escaping this mess for a while. The fashion choice is interesting, too. <grin> Enjoy!

Snowbird -- Anne Murray

Day 6 - 12 -- Stellar Story Telling

A strange thing greeted me when I woke today -- sun shining brightly through the kitchen window. The clouds thickened up a bit more by afternoon, but there were still bits of blue sky. On my walk this evening, I even saw the crescent moon. So, two celestial bodies spotted on one day -- clearer skies just don't happen often, it seems. My walk was to the local theatre to see a stage presentation that I first saw last July. I loved it so much that when it came through for two more nights, I had to go back. This was the story of two people (Laura Teasdale and Ralph Steiner) who played Patsy Cline and Hank Williams, Sr. in separate tribute shows. The woman, who grew up in town, wrote a play called Honky Tonk Blue that told a fictional story of the two artists meeting and singing together. The two were a couple for many years before they separated. Happily for all concerned, they love to sing the songs together. Their respect for each other as singers and actors is clear. Even on the second viewing, the presentation of this story affected me deeply. Judging by the reactions of the sold out theatre, I was not alone. Just stellar.

I was struck again by the authenticity and vulnerability of telling one's own story on stage in front of strangers -- no small feat. Yet, doing this in front of a home town crowd requires a different level of bravery. The process does allow them to tell the story, instead of gossip and media, as is so often the case now. The one short scene that showed an argument was brief so not all dirty laundry was aired in public. They also described one gig where they sang old bluegrass tunes and even played countrified rock songs. Believe me, hearing AC/DC sung this way brought a laugh. The main story line of this biographical play showed that it is possible to learn and grow from adversity and to move forward without regret or animosity.

Two songs that were sung on stage tonight are shared here. The first is a Hank Williams song that was included near the end of the play. Imagine this song with harmony. Now, imagine that harmony coming from Patsy Cline. Just wow. The second song requires power to pull off. Patsy Cline did that as did the woman who channels Patsy's spirit so well. Enjoy!

Hey, Good Lookin' -- Hank Williams, Sr. 


Sweet Dreams -- Patsy Cline

Day 6 - 11 -- Greyness of Clouds

The light out the window looked like there would be sun visible in the sky. It wasn't. Instead it was a cloud-filled sky, yet it seemed less dark grey than earlier in the week. So clouds, but  lighter grey clouds. Parsing the degree of greyness in a sky felt a bit odd. It truly suits a maritime climate, though. I mentioned this to a friend who instantly understood the 'lighter grey' phrasing. I suppose it is not much different that describing various blues of the sky in a prairie climate with far more sunny days than cloudy days. I suppose the reason I noted this subtle colour difference, was the day seemed brighter to me -- maybe literally as well as figuratively. <smile> 

Sky gazing has been a pastime of mine since early childhood. I grew up where there was more sky than ground -- land of living skies. Now, living in the middle of a forest among the hills, I feel semi-claustrophobic -- and I've been here for 20 years! Rainy days can go on for weeks here and not be the sharp showers of climates not as close to an ocean. I've learned to enjoy the sound and feel of rain, though I miss the huge skies terribly.

A song ran through my mind when discussing the sky today. The title fit my thinking, though the lyrics take the topic into a different metaphorical place. I've loved this one for many moons. Enjoy!

Shades of Gray -- The Monkees

Day 6 - 10 -- Friends and Work

Meetings headlined my day. I met with two students -- one about their research project and another for student society business. It is fun to converse with the students -- something I do miss when no longer teachings. The other two were with colleagues -- one about a research project that I am so excited about and the other about professional undertakings. While a full day, it brought much satisfaction and enjoyment.

I've been lucky in all my work settings to have co-workers who become lifelong friends. The two meetings with colleagues were with people I am happy to call friends. These aren't just superficial friends in the work setting, but are personal friendships beyond work -- we can chatter on about many things and often do <smile>. Many other friends that I met on the job live across the country and we are in contact often. Each time we can pick up an chat about anything and nothing just like we'd seen each other just yesterday. Friendship of any sort is a gift, but those closer friendships are extra-special gifts.

A song for today discusses friendship that will stand by you whatever may occur in life. Such support is wonderful. The singer hasn't been featured on the blog for over a week <smile> but this song seemed the best choice for today. Enjoy!

A Friend for Life -- Rod Stewart

Day 6 - 9 -- Back to School

Snow greeted the morning. I walked to the office as much snow was forecast to be followed by rain. I had no desire to drive in a mess like that. I had a great research meeting that covered several projects. Lots of good direction for work over the next week or so. My afternoon appointment off campus canceled due to weather, so I chose to stay on campus rather than head home to eat and return for class. Yes --- class! Today was my first day as a student on this campus. I am taking a 100-level course in Music, called History of Popular Music. It will be a weekly 3-hour night class. It is a large class, but the auditorium should allow reasonable discussions. This week we covered the roots of rock and roll -- jazz, blues, gospel -- and several of the key artists of those pre-rock and roll days. From looking around the class and at the professor, I am likely the only one that will have lived through the majority of the course content. I look forward to the listening lists that the professor uses to describe the various artists and genres.

I can't begin to explain how excited I was to be a student in this class. Anyone who reads hear will know my love of music. I look forward to learning how the social changes led to alterations in music. We only touched the surface of that in the first lecture. I have completed MOOC courses on topics of interest n the past few years, but sitting in a classroom feels different. A set class time differs from 'at your own pace' type of course. Seeing the other class members in person may improve discussion more than online conversations. Though I did note that sitting in a larger classroom that the constant chatter from some corners of the room was just irritating. I hated it when I was at the front of the class and it isn't any better when in the midst of the seats <smile>. We'll see how things go -- but so far so good and still excited for next week.

When I approached the doors to the large classroom I thought I heard a familiar song -- just the opening riffs. Well, it is a class on popular music <grin>. As I opened the door, I smiled -- a big smile -- as I had recognized the song. The title was fitting for the first class. There were four songs played, of which I knew three by title and artist and enough to sing along. Gee -- will I become one of THOSE students <giggle>. The song shared here tonight is the first one I heard. Love this video, too. Enjoy!

Come Together -- The Beatles

Day 6 - 8 -- Small Successes

A long 'to do' list started the day. By late evening, the list was finished. Imagine -- finishing one of those 'to do' lists! Most of this involved writing projects. I managed to get most bits for the next two research meetings reviewed and written. Two other projects moved solidly forward -- one nearing the final draft and the other in a solid mid-draft position. Leaving the door to the office almost closed helped me to concentrate on the paper pile in front of me and not on the goings on in the hallway. More days such of this would really help me move the next parts of major projects forward. I'm not certain that the stars will align regularly, though. At the end of the day, I stopped to pick up a few items with a 20% off coupon for most items. That felt good <smile>.

I regularly recommend that we celebrate the small victories along the way and wait only for the end of a project. So -- that is where my head went with a song for the day.I'm heading out to the kitchen for a bedtime snack --chai and a muffin. I hope you all have something to celebrate with me today. Enjoy! 

Celebration -- Kool and the Gang

Day 6- 7 -- Piling on the Negatives

I checked the calendar just to be sure. It definitely is Monday on many levels beyond the date on the laptop screen. For the past 4 days, a telemarketer has called between 6:15 and 6:25 AM. I don't answer, but hate waking before the alarm especially when I'm in a deep sleep. The north wind blew heavily all day making even indoors feel cold. On an up side, the snow from overnight was minimal and light to move, though the wind continued to move it back into the pathways. I waited on hold for 50 minutes and finally gave up and asked for a call back -- this with a gift card management company NOT the company for which the card was purcahsed. I left a call back request two weeks ago and never had anyone call. Today, they returned the call within 30 minutes. I expect that no one ever answers the on hold line. We managed to get things straightened out. I then got an e-mail from someone else and a second call several hours later. So it seems multiple copies of the card were resent by multiple people not recognizing that others had already done this. There are four toll free numbers that I was given, none of which actually got a person who could do anything about situation.They need to streamline that process, which I wrote on their FB page today. It just shouldn't be so difficult to find someone with a solution. Other bits of weirdness involved e-mail messages that seemed to bring my mood to a place I'd rather not be.

I find it interesting that negative events seem to come in clusters and positive ones are more solitary. Humans do focus on negative events but when I count them, there really are more of them. If there were to come one at a time, would the impact be as profound? Might it be easier to handle the frustrations and move on if there were only one negative event at a time? Maybe. It likely would depend on the event. To be honest, there have been several events in the past week that showed that 'customer service' is an oxymoron. That may be my problem -- just too much of the unpleasant with disrupted sleep, so coping mechanisms need rebooting. Note of these are end of the world type issues, just irritations that highlight my perception of a change in the service industry -- and not for the better.  <sigh> In mid-afternoon, I went out to shovel snow. That physical activity helped me clear my head and move out of the cranky rut. After supper, I had a soak in a hot bath to warm up and to relax. I did feel better after that, too. I'm off to bed now with some chai and a recorded program. Like Scarlet O'Hara said, "Tomorrow's another day."  (in a deep southern drawl) <smile>

A song came to mind that I'd heard on one of the New Year's Eve programs. The chorus lyrics fit what I aimed for today. I love this blues-rock style and the band is from Saskatoon -- my old stomping grounds. <smile> Love the chicken wire <giggle>.  Enjoy!

Nobody -- The Sheepdogs

Day 6 - 6 -- Running Afternoon

This afternoon brought a lot of running around. Temperatures were just above freezing, but the north wind made it feel quite cold when out walking. I headed out to pick up a receipt that had been omitted from a purchase yesterday. I stopped at the bank machine between that stop and the one to buy batteries so the smoke detector in the basement will stop chirping at me <smile>. When I got back to the house, I realized that the shelf tag for the batteries was different from what they charged me. I got redressed and headed back to return the things. It seems that the shelf tag was incorrect. This was on the very bottom of the display at floor level. There were four hooks each filled with batteries from a national brand. It seems that these were to be for the house label. <sigh> I looked and there were no hooks marked $11.49, which is what I was charged, so I have no idea what was up. The supervisor agreed to give it to me for the $8.49 shelf label price. I was told they don't know if someone changed the place of the batteries or what. It was difficult to not hear that as an accusation <shaking head>. My response was that laying on the floor trying to read the 8 point font was too challenging and if all four hooks were filled with national brand and no hooks existed for them, how was a customer to know what the price is. I did it with a smile, even though I didn't really feel like smiling <shaking head>. So -- I returned home, installed batteries and began running up and down stairs with laundry.

A song title and lyric came to mind that did make me smile. It is an older song. The lyrics mean something other than how I heard them today -- as something fitting my feeling of heading back and forth with vendors who can't get things together for customers and what they've turned me into today <smile>. Enjoy!

Runaround Sue -- Dion

Day 6 - 5 -- Assistance from Friends

The temperature rose higher than expected so that precipitation will fall mostly as rain overnight and tomorrow. The icy bits on the ground melted a bit leaving pools of water on walkways. Housework kept me busy through the day, readying things for an evening dinner party. The friends who help take care of my boy when I'm away joined me for a Chinese takeout dinner. One brought an amazing rum cake -- much like a Caribbean black cake -- for dessert. It was truly amazing. The cake and the rum it is aged in are made at the Fortress of Louisbourg  on Cape Breton. We had a fun evening with lots of laughter and good conversations.

Friends who  are willing to be there when you need assistance are amazing. Help doesn't come from everyone, but those few who show up are real friends. I've been lucky in all my various locations to have people who offer assistance sometime even before being asked. Animal and house care when traveling for work or vacation brings anxiety. Yet, there are many others in need of similar help when they are away. So, here a small group from campus came together to exchange house and animal sitting as needed. We often go out for lunch or supper after someone returns home, but I chose to try something a bit more relaxed and it seemed to have worked well. All seemed to enjoy the time together.

Song lyrics that highlight the special aspects of friendship seemed appropriate for today. This version is sung by a trio of performers, which suits the lyrics well. Enjoy!

Find out Who Your Friends Are -- Tracy Lawrence, Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw

Day 6 - 4 -- Shopping Day Thoughts

A telemarketer call at 6:12 AM woke me before I'd planned to greet the day. They called again about 7:30 AM. Neither time did I answer. Once I was adequately awake, the day began with moving snow off the car and running a number of errands. That meant visits to two grocery stores, a hardware store, bakery and clothing store. I managed to get most items on the list. The grocery load was not huge this time, but the tally at the till was surprising. Most of what I needed was not on sale this week. This is when plastic becomes most useful. With rising prices for basics, I'd hate to be caught short with cash. I also had to fill the car with gasoline since the little icon was shining and binging at me <smile>. So, I think I spent more than expected.

Budgeting becomes difficult when prices fluctuate dramatically. One item I purchased was $5.99 last week and is $7.99 this week. The frustration in thinking one knows the regular price only to find a higher price at the store can add to the stresses of living within a financial plan. Sometimes the price is less than expected, but this seems rarer or a much smaller amount is involved. For example, An item that is often $18.50 was $17.89 today. So not something that would offset the first item when shopping today. There are days when I refuse to pay what they are asking for something -- often produce. Lettuce today was 46 cents a head -- far less than I've seen it for a long time. So, that was my leafy greens for the week -- and it helped with the overall increase of the first product with the $2 increase this week. Maybe it all works out in the end and I should just breathe <smile>. At least gas was down this week.

A chorus line from a lyric reflected what I'd felt today -- money leaving while I then ran to the next store on the list. The story told by the lyrics is very different, though I do feel the concept of robbery did run through my head -- me as the victim not the perpetrator <smile>. Enjoy!

Take the Money and Run -- The Steve Miller Band

Day 6 - 3 -- Celebration, routine and loss

The highlight of the day was a successful master's thesis defense by a young woman who has come a long way from the early research proposal to this final point. As a member of the thesis committee, this was a great day to celebrate her success. This major event was bookended by less exciting activities -- planning for project writing and review to do over the next few days. Walking into campus today was pleasant. It was very cold, but without wind it felt better than the walks yesterday in the gusty winds. I called the plow man to push out the end of the driveway -- not too deep, just frozen solid <smile>. When I arrived home this evening, he'd been by, so I worked on clearing up the bits right behind the car. All is set for me to head out to get gas and groceries now.

My difficulty getting back into a routine, once more highlighted that I really do have a new routine -- even though it feels as if I'm struggling to get the hang of it. Again, being kind to myself and developing some patience should lead me in the right direction. It won't be an instant change and four months  isn't likely long enough to develop a whole new way of life. Many writers and retirees note that finding a new normal takes a year or so. Note to self -- just breathe. It will all work out. <smile>

Yesterday Daryl Dragon passed away. Most people would recognize him as the Captain of Captain and Tennille. Prior to this duo, he had played keyboards for the Beach Boys -- the role he continued with Tennille. Dragon and Tennille were married until 2014. They divorced after 39 years of marriage but remained good friends. Reports note that Toni Tennille was at his side when he died of kidney failure. I chose one song that fit the situation today. It is one they co-wrote. Enjoy!

We Never Really Say Goodbye -- The Captain and Tennille 

Day 6 - 2 -- Re-establishing Routines

The overcast sky and flurries continued throughout the day. accumulations were minor, but visibility would have been challenging outside of town as the hills were obscured out my window. I walked into work since the need for a plow to open up the driveway -- that was the snow from yesterday and the street and sidewalk plows. The office was quiet with about half of the offices occupied. Tomorrow will see most people back. The faces I saw today showed signs of weariness -- lots of yawns and tired-looking eyes. Getting back in the swing of work after a week away takes effort. I worked on a few project files and had one regular project meeting. A chunk of the day was spent preparing for a major research meeting tomorrow. The walk back home after work was especially cold. Much of the walk involves walking north. We tried to zig zag as best we could. At least by then the winds had died down from the stronger gusts of the morning. Tomorrow promises to be the coldest of the season to date -- -18C (~0F) -- again with wind to drop the feel like temperature even colder. I will need to pull out some extra warm items of clothing for that.

Returning to a routine whether at work or home creates challenges. After a vacation or being away for health or family reasons, we recognize how our usual days have morphed into something new. Getting things back on track takes time -- time that isn't always available. So, much like after a time change, sleep patterns are disrupted and stress increases as the change back is forced. I recall having to return to work after almost three weeks in Asia. The 16 hour time difference made settling back into a regular routine very jarring. I would wake at 3 AM because my body told me it was lunch time <smile>. As much as I wanted to eat then, I didn't but it still took over a week to begin to sleep at the right end of the day for my home time zone. In some ways, being away from the routine for even a week can upset the rhythms of the day -- it may be relaxing to do this, but it creates stress on the other side <smile>.  The good news -- this change after the holidays will take less time than a journey to the other side of the world. <smile>

On the way to work today, I smiled as a song played in my ears. It described how I felt -- and what I saw in others at the office. Love this voice for the chosen cover of the song. The artist had been at the Abbey Road Studios when the original was being recorded by the fab four, too. <smile>  Enjoy!

Good Morning, Good Morning -- Micky Dolenz

Day 6 - 1 -- A New Doorway

The first day of 2019 brought viewing part of the Rose Parade and a Doctor Who marathon (usually done on Christmas day, but its on New Years day this year), a yummy supper of red bean, rice and greens (for luck and prosperity), and the inevitable shoveling of snow. I noted to a passing neighbour that the snow moving process was oddly relaxing and allowed me time to think <smile>.

The New Year is like opening a new door after closing a door behind me. This doesn't mean that I ignore the past but the new door will bring new experiences and new ways to see the days -- to learn new things. In our dichotomized world we tend to see life experiences as good or bad -- yet there are things to learn from all experiences. Tough or challenging experiences can help us see the world differently, just like the 'good' experiences -- the trick is to let all experience show us the nugget of truth we need in order to come to terms with life events. Living in the moment helps us to manage these learnings. If we choose to be stuck in the past negatives or positives -- we won't have managed change well. The past should teach us how to address the future not how to remain mired in what 'was' -- or at least how we polish the past to perceive it as better than current time. <smile>

Today marks the first day of the sixth year of this blog. Imagine? A challenge from a friend led to this <grin>. The song that began this journey still fits the blog goal -- a song with a somewhat spiritual feeling. I share that here again today. The lyrics highlight the need to examine truth, doubt, fear and faith for personal change. They also note the importance of dreams -- and like LL Cool J has said, "Dreams don't have deadlines."  <smile> Enjoy!

River of Dreams -- Billy Joel