My Little Queen



Ever since she was a Little Bitty, my Annie has had an amazing memory ability as well as an extrodinary taste for music. This Baby Doll would hear a song on the radio or television and memorize the lyrics.  Then sing her little heart out.

She would make the hearth her stage, find something to be her mic, then belt out powerful songs.

At 4 years, she had an unusal passion for the band Queen.  Yeap! While her Sister was sing Mary Kate & Ashley Hits, Annie would be singing "Fat Bottom Girls".  Hubby & I would just look at each other... Where did she learn this song?  It wasn't a cassette we played. Heck, I had a couple of Queen albums but hadn't played it for years.

At 6, she was introducing us all to All for One, and TLC and LFO.

When she was 8, she fell in love with the band, No Doubt.  She knew there was something special about this Gwen Steffani's voice.  While her Sister favored Britney Spears & Mandy Moore, Annie danced to Christina Aquilera ,Pink and Avril Lavigne. 

She would sing her heart out.  And to such a wide variety of music.  I was pleased to see her appreciation of music, and grew to learn about some amazing singers.

As Annie became a teen she would find some amazingly talented artist and introduce me to their music BEFORE I would hear their popularity grow on the radio.  She was a bit of a music junkie.  And I could always count on her to have great jams playing in her room, and later in her truck.

Annie loves to see Artist perform.  She has been fortunate to see plenty of concerts.

Now at 21, she is getting to see a new venue of local bands playing in nightclubs.

But I... still see her sing... "Don't go Chasin' Waterfalls", and "Summer Girls".  And smile when Queen comes on as that was her first musical love♥

America & Poco With Two Favorite Men

Last night I had a wonderful evening with two of my favorite men.  My Darling Hubby, Sergio.  And My Dear Bestie, Richie.

We went to Anderson Indiana, Hoosier Park Casino & Racetrack to the Outdoor Stage to see Poco & America perform.  The last time I saw America in concert...May 1982.  A few years ago, and ironically, I saw them with Sergio's sister, in Daytona Beach Florida.

The weather was perfect. It was a clear day, a perfect temperature with a light breeze kissing us. We bought the cheap seats...and got invited to move up as the concert was not a sold out (love it when you get seats worth twice what you paid!)

Poco played first... remember the song "Crazy Love"?

It happens all the time
This crazy love of mine
Wrapped around my heart
Refusing to unwind
Ooh-ooh, crazy love, ah...

If you don't remember this, then you were not an American teenage girl in 1976 .

Ohh the memories of us singing this song... and with tears!

Rich & I were into singing the lyrics this evening.

We may have embarrassed Sergio a bit.

Finally, America begins...

The acoustics were perfect!

They sounded AWESOME!

How old are they now?

Dang...not a scratchy voice among them.

Daisy Jane... Sister Golden Hair... Ventura Highway... Don't Cross the River... You can do Magic... (hey, they didn't play a favorite~ Horse with No Name)

Poor Sergio...

We knew all the words to all the songs. Hubby isn't a singer. Rich & I aren't really either, but we are equally bad so we didn't care.

Rich also entertained us with his dance moves.

He rocked it. As always.

I watched instead of danced. That might have been too much for Hubby, had I danced.

I am so glad Rich talked Sergio into this.  It was a lovely fun evening.  We also ate a little, and played a few slot machines on the way out.  Win a little, lose a little.

All in all, a great night out. Well needed for Hubby & I. And always a pleasure to have my amazing friend Rich with us.

Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling - ASL Song

This is awesome! My Friend Cindy posted it on Facebook & I loved it. Hope you do too!

Music Appreciation

I love music.

I am one of those souls that music goes into me and flows like my blood. Like the air I breathe. I like to feel the music, the passion, the pain and the emotions.

I have always loved music of all types. I may be listening to Diane Krall one minute and Eminien the next. I will enjoy a great classical like Beethoven, then can go right into a Martina McBride. An old Aerosmith as well as a new favorite such as Kate Nash.

Music speaks to my soul. Can make me smile and can make me cry.

I can still hear my daughters singing songs throughout their childhoods into today. I rarely catch them now, but every now & then... I am blessed with their voices in song.

The songs in my playlist currently are not for everyone.
The words may be offensive to some, but, music has a way of expression that makes it come across differently. I don't mind it. Sometimes certain words can make the point a little sharper.

These songs actually make me smile too. But remember... these are not for everyone. Click with caution!

songs in my heart

Music makes me come alive. I can change a mood, lift my spirits or mellow out in a matter of minutes with a flick of a dial, or click of the Internet.

I found Pandora.com a couple of years ago. I love this station! They are responsible for my growth in expanding outside my comfort zone. I have learned of so many wonderful Artists through Pandora. All I have to do is type in something I like and they do the rest. Matching me to other Artist that I have never heard of, as well as some I have, yet forgotten about. They create stations for me. And allow me to merge favorite stations together for a mix when I want too.

At my office, I am allowed to listen to music while working. The work we do is sometimes monotonous and tedious at times. Having the opportunity to listen while we work tends to get us, at least me, in a better mood and more efficiently and productive.

Most of my co-workers have Ipods, cd players, with earplug cords anchoring us to our music.

I can not get Pandora.com as it is a blocked site. However, I discovered another Internet music sit that I can get access to called jango.com This is good, but I favor Pandora.com. Jango.com isn't as precise about matching similar music to what you chose. I find myself often skipping songs on this station. Whereas, Pandaora.com seems to know what I will like more.

I know that I am happier lately. I seem to be singing and humming alot lately. Songs in my heart, you could say.

Time TO Change The Music

Hope I didn't drive you too crazy with the Hold Music previously. Felt it was time to change the music, so here's a little piece of me and my favorites.
Hope you enjoy!

IRS & Hold Music

Yesterday I had a couple of phone calls that were necessary to wait on hold.

First, a credit card payment, then a call to the IRS.

The credit card, payment should have been a breeze. I told Emily I would make a payment on her account, which I have done dozens of times. No sweat. Call, punch in numbers, get confirmation, hang up. Not so easy this time. I had to hold for an associate. Crap. I wanted automated. I know I called the right number. But, it was a quarter till 5:00pm and I needed this to go through before 5 so she wouldn't get hit with a late fee.

I know what you are thinking. It's not even my account! Why didn't Emily take care of it? Well, because being the control freak that I am, I told her I would handle this credit card so it would always be on time and I could monitor it. Regardless, I forgot about it, until the last day of the cycle. I know, I know! Emily would be better at this. We were just trying to help so she would get a head on the whole credit issue.

REGARDLESS! Let's get back to the story!

Erica had a little problem "allowing" me to make the payment because I am not authorized. Give me a break lady. I have the statement in my hand, daughter in transit at rush hour to get back to Muncie. Just let me make a payment like I have so many times before. It is not like I wanted any information about her account. I am just wanting to make a freakin' payment! So now, it is after 5:00pm and I am afraid if I hang up a late fee will also be charged. Erica assures me if Emily calls back this evening, tells them I am authorized to make payments, they will still waive the fee, but she will have to tell them Erica is going to waive it and why. Goshhhh! She isn't good with this kind of confrontation! But, what chose do we have.

Next stop is a call to the IRS. Just a little notation for our account that needs to be made.

I get through and wait 22 minutes for the first associate Mr. Blah Blah, associate number 1234567. I tell him what I need. Then have to go through a cluster of questions verifying I am who I am. He then puts me on hold... 7 minutes later he tells me he is sorry for the hold, thanks me for my patience, and he will be right with me... 7 minutes later he is back. Thanks me then tells me to hold on while he transfers me so the notation can be made. 41 minutes later, I get Ms. Smartypants, associate number 7654321. How may she help me? Are you kidding? You tell me, Ms Smartypants, Mr Blah Blah told me to hold for you. He was making a notation in my account and told me to hold to get connected to have the notation completed. What? You need me to go over with you what Mr Blah Blah and I discussed? Can't you look at my account and read the notation? Okay... Blah Blah Blah. Oh? you need to verify who I am again? Okay..blah blah blah. What? No, please don't put me on hold. I use to love these two songs you play for us people on hold, but I don't think my brain can handle another round. Do you have the notation? Oh. Mr Blah Blah did take care of it? Okay doky, thank you Ms Smartypants, you have a good day too. Bye Bye!

Have you ever held for the IRS? I have. More than once.

The hold music is always the same.

These two songs I am playing for you now if you have the playlist enabled.

Tchaikovsky's Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
and
Beethoven's Fur Elyse

I think that it's a plot to drive you crazy. What use to be beautiful has slightly been ruined for me. At least for now.
Any suggestions how to get a song or melody out of your head? I have been listening all day to the radio, but to no avail. I'm still humming these two classics.

Ohh! And by the way, Emily took care of her business in like two minutes flat. I spent an hour and a half, mostly on hold!

More Songs

A couple more songs for the week.

This one titled "Just Breathe", from Telepopmusic was recommended music from AJ, my new Little Buddy from work. When he heard what my title for the Blog was, he pulled this song out of his ipod for me to listen to.

I liked it. Very different. European sound. Loved the words. Worthy of adding to the playlist this week.

"August Rhapsody", is from the movie "August Rush". I recently saw it (again), and wanted to share this magnificent piece. I enjoyed the music and loved how it protrays seeing music through this characters eyes and how he pulls a different sound from the instruments.

So, I hope you enjoy. If not, hit the stop button.

The Climb

My new song. I really love the words to this. I was surprised it was Miley Cyrus. Never really a Hannah Montana fan, but, the girl has a great voice. Reminds me of a younger Dolly Parton (voice wise!). I hope you like it.

The Climb
I can almost see it
That dream I am dreamin'
But there's a voice inside my head sayin'
You'll never reach it

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shakin'

But I,
I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

Chorus:
There is always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna want to make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Aint about how fast I get there
Aint about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb


The struggles I am facin'
The chances I am takin'
Sometimes might knock me down but
No I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember the most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I
I gotta be strong
Just keep pushing on

Chorus:
Cuz, There is always another mountain
I'm always gonna want to make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Aint about how fast I get there
Aint about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

Yeah

Chorus:
There is always another mountain
I'm always gonna want to make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Aint about how fast I get there
Aint about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

Yeah,

Keep on movin'
Keep climbing
Keep the faith
Baby

I'ts all about
It's all about
the climb

Keep the faith
Keep your faith

Woah-oh

Remember These?

Okay, enough of Queen! That got old. So, I changed the playlist to four oldies but goodies.

Mary D~ be sure you listen to Uncle Albert!

Enjoy!

Magic Music

I love music! I always have. I love everything from Classical to Rock. I love the in between stuff. The Bluegrass, the Jazz, Gospel, even Rap and New Wave.

Wishfully I had always wanted to sing. I never made choir (my lisp kept me from even trying out). I secretly wanted to join "Up With People" a Christian Traveling Band from the 70's, but obviously never did.

When I was in High School, Rich & I went to Young Life. every week. We loved it. It is a Christian youth group. We sang, played games and had a lesson in it. We even became Leaders when we grew up for a brief time. When the group would sing, Derek (our Leader) made it silly and fun. Rich and I would sing along but never belted them out very loud... Until we got in the car for the ride home. There we sang our poor little hearts out! Loud, Proud and badly! Although, truth be known Rich had a great voice and was better than he realized.

Today, I sing loud, proud and badly whenever I am alone. Especially, in the car.

Some songs do it better than others. The ones that are deep in you, and when you hear them, you sing along LOUDLY. How is it I can remember the words to some strange song from years ago, but important stuff I forget daily?

Last night, I think I scared the person next to me on the interstate as I sang "Aerosmiths, Janie's Got A Gun". Then at midnight on my way home they played, "Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody", of course who can not sing along with this?

Anytime I hear Journey, Queen, Aerosmith, Meatloaf, or REO Speedwagon, I am singing along at the top of my lungs.

I have even been known to sing some of Emienem and Usher stuff.

What is it with these songs? Hope you enjoy!

Ring Tones

Isn't it interesting to hear peoples choice of ring tones?

People choose to show their personalities. They choose to show their likes in music. They choose according to the person the tune is associated with.

Some just try to find the least annoying selection on their phones. And some have no clue how to change the settings!

I have a favorite Areosmith tune for when my husband calls me.

For my daughters I have a silly little bit from Family Guy's Stewie, an almost annoying little, "Mama, Mama, MAMA!" It makes my friends laugh more than me.

The Besties have a favorite song from our childhood. A song we sang all the time. A REO Speedwagon tid bit.

I picked some other fun tunes for my sister and parents.

I have an annoying warning for my employment is calling.

And Trans~Siberian Orchestra for all else.

Sergio use to have the theme from Law & Order. He needs Annie to put it on his new phone.


Technology has come such a long way. I remember Sergio was one of the first to have a "cellular" phone. It was huge and attached to his car. Later he got a huge portable. Do you remember how ugly and big they were? At least he never lost it back then! Today they are so small we are constantly calling ourselves to find the tiny little devices.

I wish I wasn't so attached to my phone. I think that with the girls, husband, family & Besties, I feel I must have it with me 24/7. For them anyway. Just in case, someone needs me.

Black Vinyl Gold!

OH MY GOSH!
Look what I found! A box full of my old 45's! Oh how I wish I could play them. The memories of sitting around the record player singing my heart out!

Oh, the heartbreaks, the lonely me, the jam sessions with my little friends!

The records I found crack me up. Do you remember:

Cher: Loving in a House Divided
Three Dog Night: Black & White
Alice Cooper: No More Mr Nice Guy
Johnny Rivers: Rockin' Pneumonia~Boogie Woogie Flu
Elton John: Daniel
Carly Simon & James Taylor: Mockingbird
The Osmonds: Yo-Yo
The Grass Roots: Two Divided By Love
America: A Horse with No Name
Bread: Diary
Gilbert Sullivan: Get Down

sigh... that is just to name a few!

Seriously, don't today's kids have it easy? They just pick songs and download, then take with them where ever they go! They don't have to play scratchy skipping 45's and albums. But, I wouldn't trade those days with my little friends & our old record players.

Are you old enough to remember gathering your favorites, making sure your name was on them before heading to slumber parties? Remember buying them as gifts for those slumber parties?

I have always loved music. Even my goofy old 45's!

One More Try With Playlist

I couldn't stand having no music! So I have compromised. Instead of 190 songs, there are only seven! That makes my computer happier anyway. (Mean music hating computer! I can't wait to replace it!)

So, hit play if you want to hear what is in my mind lately. They should shuffle randomly.

I hope you enjoy!

My Music Wasteland

I "wasted" four hours creating a new playlist for my blog today.

I picked 190 songs. Everything from Aerosmith to Petula Clark. Diane Krall to ZZ Top. I pulled songs, picked the best recordings and loaded them. Then I set the playlist on Random so you can hear one extreme to another. I even changed the settings so now when Rich or Sheri come visit my blog, they are not distracted. Instead, if someone wants to listen, they can click it on.

I can not believe how quickly I filled it up. (Okay, I don't mean as in time, I know, it took 4 hours, but I mean, I ran out of space before music). There is so many Artist that didn't make the list.

BUT...

I think I have screwed up my computer. It is taking freakin' forever! I may have to remove the playlist!

My computer is trashed. I use a laptop that has a monitor hooked up because something happened to the screen on the laptop, and it was one of those things that would cost more to fix than replace. So, it isn't much of a laptop.

My Emily has a wonderful Mac. I love it. Heck, I would even love some cheap NEW computer more than this DELL I have. DELL is not my friend. I will go back to Hewitt Packard next time.

ANYWAY..

I don't know if this silly playlist will work or not for your entertainment. If it does, keep in mind, just hit the play button then hit next if you don't want to hear Ella first. She is always first, she earned it.

February Love Songs & Rich

First, I want to apologize to my dear Rich. I know you hate the play list. That the music distracts you. But, you can mute your computer, hit the volume or like you said, stop the song each time.
I am sorry. I wish I could take it off your viewing and anyone else that hates it, but I do love it. It is a part of my Blog and I like to change it with the seasons. I love mixing up favorites and introducing music that someone may not have heard. Also, believe it or not I get more compliments on it. Some do like it.

Rich use to be a music person. I remember a day he could recite any Styx, Molly Hachett, REO Speedwagon, Lynryd Skynyrd, or John Denver song. We sang together, rather loudly, and out of key, in his little Corvair following Young Life meetings. There are some songs that will come on and I will immediately think of him. "You've Got a Friend", will always make me think of us singing that to each other.

Learn to love it again my dear friend.

Second, as for the songs I picked for this month, these are a mix of my Sergio Songs. I think of him always with these. I am goofy about them. Although Sergio is not a music person, he thinks of me when these are played too.

I hope you enjoy. Not often you can hear Ella Fitzgerald and then Steven Tyler in the same mix!

Pick Yourself Up

One of the songs that play on my play list (if you have sound and don't mute it)is called "Pick Yourself Up". I believe Ella Fitzgerald originally sang it. I am a fan of Diana Krall and love her version.

It is very fitting for me today. This song has ran through my head much lately and I pray that I remember it.

Listen to the words. Maybe they will help you in a time of need as well.

"Pick Yourself Up"
(Very Best of Diana Krall by Diana Krall)

Nothings impossible I have found
For when my chin is on the ground
I pick myself up, dust myself off, start all over again.

Don't lose your confidence if you slip
Be grateful for a pleasant trip
And pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again

Work like a soul inspired till the battle of the day is won
You may be sick and tired but you'll be a man my son
Don't you remember the famous man who had to fall to rise again?
They picked themselves up, dust themselves off and started all over again.

Have a blessed day.

Make It Stop!

I have started the New Year full of happy thoughts, ambitions, and strength. However, my brain has decided to not participate today.

I am anxious, jumpy and extremely tearful. I don't understand how one day I am feeling so good, then crash the next.

I had trouble sleeping, then came the nightmares. I woke up wanting to just pull the sheets over my head and stay there all day. I know that doesn't help. I understand that I can't let it pull me in.

I have both girls around today. The last thing I want is for them to worry about Mom. Sergio has been wonderful and I truly do not know what I would do without him.

I am going to crank up my Pandora Internet Radio. Find some cool stuff like Coles Whalen, Chris Botti, Norah Jones,Cat Stevens and Diana Krall. Heck maybe I will even get some Areosmith and Lynryd Skynrd to cheer me up. Better yet I will pull a little of all my favorites together and get into a cleaning binge.

Then if I can get it all done before dark fall, I owe Riley a walk.

Wish me luck. It is another Xanax kind of day!

Christmas Music!

I am sooo excited! I just learned how to add this play list with some of my favorite Christmas songs! I realize it will drive some of you crazy, just turn it down or mute it. But for people like Kim P & me...YEA! Busier the Better!

It makes me in a great mood to hear this music. My girls will tell you, "Mom listens to it all year!" So enjoy!

Concerts

Are you old enough to remember paying under $10.00 for great seats to a rock concert? This was one of my favorite bands. Grant it I paid more on occasion, I think REO Speedwagon and Rod Stewart got more from me and I am sure that my Rolling Stones concert tickets cost me more. But, I know that I went to plenty of concerts and paid roughly $10.00-$20.00 for most seats. Maybe these Van Halen tickets were cheaper because they were in Texas, I don't remember. I do remember that they were great seats and I was so excited to see them with my San Antonio friends.

Today my daughters pay outrageous prices for seats. Many times they don't even get a seat, they are on "the grounds". Meaning bring your blanket to sit on. Recently Emily had tickets to Kenny Chesney that she paid $235 for two tickets! She ended up having to sell them and got slightly less than what she paid for. Annie goes to many concerts and generally pays for her own tickets too. She prefers the group concerts where you see several artist at one concert.

The last concert Sergio & I went to was John Mellencamp at Horizon (or what ever they are calling it now). We had pavilion seats, I think they cost us $75.00 each. I thought that was ridiculous, and I love John Mellencamp. That was a couple of years ago.

I miss the days were you could go to a concert, buy a t-shirt, and go to Taco Bell or Steak N Shake afterwards all for about $25.00. Ahh, those were the days!