The Next Three

Requests by Deirdre.

Christine, I'll get to yours tomorrow. I really need to clean.


A Picture on My Wall 


My livingroom. Pardon the mess. 


My back yard 

I'm still taking requests too...

These are the rules

Think of 3 pictures you'd like to see. Leave whatever you'd like to see in the comments. Things around my house, or whatever... something I can take a picture of easily. Once I have enough requests, I'll start posting them. If I can't, or won't, take a picture of something you've requested, I'll let you know.

The First Three

Mellow Yellow requested 3 more Moody Blues pictures from the meme I posted yesterday.

I wanted the pictures to be ones that came out of my camera, so here goes. All of these were taken on June 19th of this year at the Tropicana in Atlantic City. Feel free to right click and enjoy!

Justin's Bum during Ride My See Saw

John Lodge looking at the bras that were tossed on stage at the Tropicana

The Music Whore notes -- Black tiny bra is mine, big pink bra belongs to my sister..we may not have class, but we sure know how to have a good time and make Lodgey smile

Justin Hayward -- The Blonde God

The Music Whore also notes --- This picture is the one that resides permenantly on this blog and my favorite.

Anywhere But Here

I'm tempted to do one of my little dream sequences. You know, when you dream up a story about where you'd really like to be, mix in a little fantasty and voila, you have a spectacular post.

But I know where I want to be right now and that is Glasgow. And if you have to ask why this girl wants to be in Scotland or Scotchland as Greg Proops would call it, you don't know me very well.

So, the Moody Blues are starting their fall tour tonight. They are also doing another fan gathering for the opening of Threshold Records in a few days.

I'm going to try not to grumble. UK fans don't see them that often, which is kinda odd. Most of the time for artists that are from the UK, it's the US that gets neglected, unless they are a super group.

But I keep thinking, during their last European stint, Justin put Forever Autumn into the setlist. FOREVER AUTUMN!! And if he puts Haunted in from Strange Times (again) I think I'll cry.

When I bought the Royal Albert Hall concert on DVD, Haunted was the song I fell in love with. It's just a beautiful love song and it has these cute fingersnaps in it. Plus, who wouldn't want to hear the Hayward sing that he was Haunted by their love? Probably the same people that think Deep is an embarrassing song.

I'm digressing.

I'm just missing my moody men.

While I'm at it, I'm also missing a certain gentlemen who goes by the name Elvis Costello. Crikey, it's been 2 years since he's been to Pittsburgh. I should start tapping my foot.

No, it wouldn't be worth it. We still don't have a theater for him to play in. (And lord knows I don't want him to play Heinz Hall or the Benedum Center) Neither are good venues for concerts, though I'm expecting to see a special band there sometime in the next year.

Have I digressed again?

Yes, I have.

All because I want to be anywhere but here...and anywhere but here with these guys...

Give Me Something to Do

I found this at Christine's and I thought I'd try it.

Think of 3 pictures you'd like to see. Leave whatever you'd like to see in the comments. Things around my house, or whatever... something I can take a picture of easily. Once I have enough requests, I'll start posting them. If I can't, or won't, take a picture of something you've requested, I'll let you know.

Try not to scare me too much though, will ya?

Has Your Mind Been Humped Lately?

In just a couple of days, October 2nd to be exact, we'll be celebrating "Name Your Car Day!" Beep beep! Now we all know that the heap of nuts and bolts parked outside has probably been given many names in the past (but !^%& is very hard to pronounce)!! For this week's pre-hump tell us if your car has a name, what it is and why...or if you don't have a car, how about your computer? And if you haven't already named one or the other, now's the time!

I believe I introduced everyone to my car back in April.



But this little gray Beretta of the 89' variety is named Bernie after Moody Blues backup singer, Bernie Barlow.

Why? Cos I like Bernie and I like my cars to have names that go with their breed.

Ok fellow loonatics, time for the Hump!: an even dozen "I say ___, you think ___". Just jot down the first word that comes to mind when you read the following...ready, set, H U M P !!

01. jungle book
02. paper bag barf
03. wollop upside the head (That's where I'm usually wolloping people)
04. oops I did it again
05. block head
06. remnant s of a deeper purity - Black Tape For A Blue Girl
07. knickknack junk that clutters the house
08. utter moron
09. crevice clean every little crevice
10. lollipop lollipop oh lolly lolly lolly lollipop
11. blue world - by the Moody Blues
12. drip dry

The Boredom Threshold

Have any of you ever reached this lovely place? You know, where everything is boring, including the things you love to do the most.

Well, yesterday I had the misfortune of reaching this place. Shame it's not Threshold Music, or I'd hang out and wait for the Moody Blues to show up. But that's another rant altogether.

I had the day off work yesterday. Not by choice, of course, by the boss. So I was up from 6:30 til about 11 last night. It was rainy and miserable outside and thanks to the bossman, I'm financially challenged, therefore, going out and doing something was out of the question.

I went online and checked out jobs. Because I'm going out of my mind and I findt there's nothing that pays what I make at my current job. (Is it a job?) So that put some depression in with the boredom.

That little search put me off the computer and I wasn't in the mood for writing much yesterday, though the readers of my current project did get some short updates. By 11 last night, my computer was bored and decided the last page and a half that I wrote was crap and crashed, taking it with it.

Nothing was cooperating with me. Reading wasn't holding my attention and neither was music. Thankfully a few online friends were about yesterday, so I didn't go stark raving mad, just close to it.

Oh and have I mentioned that as much as I love Law and Order, I can't watch episode after episdoe, like my mother can? Actually I watch about 10 minutes of it and I leave. I come back towards the end to find out what happened.

All the Law & Orders were ones I'd seen.

ARGH!

Truly the world was working against me.

But I can tell you what complete and total boredom feels like, and it ain't pretty.

Music, Writing, Telly, The Computer, and Reading couldn't hold my interest. I couldn't nap.

It was awful. I don't recommend anybody getting this bored. It's not good for the sanity.

Now onto something fun. The Mid-Week Music Meme. It seems I'm always a week late on this one..maybe I'll do this week's question after work, if it's up.

What music piece from a movie stands out for you as particularly memorable and/or enjoyable?
Now we all know that I love the Edward Scissorhands score, but as far as memorable, that has to go to Elfman's Sleepy Hollow score. Beautifully done and scary as well. You just had to listen to know when the Headless Horsemen was coming to knock off a few heads.

Elfman is a true talent in his area. It's a shame he's not more recognized.

And now for something pretty...



This picture is on my fridge. Tee Hee! Happy Hump Day, everyone!

Its nothing more than survival

I'm truly thankful for the people I talk to online because my regular friends make me scream.

Let me recap. The friend I mentioned a few posts ago, had to return the tickets for the concert we were supposed to attend Sunday night. (It was canceled and oddly canceled back in August, but no one knew about it) So I get all these phone calls about how she's never buying tickets from ticketmaster.

Uh, sweetie, not to worry. I'm not going to any other concerts with you. And I'm sure they thought it weird that she was waiting almost a month after the concert was canceled to get her refund.

It was just one of those stupid things that happened, but god, she's going to bitch about it for months to come.

Oddly I was kinda happy to learn the show was canceled. I didn't really want to go, and when I saw what the tickets cost, I boggled at why she bought them in the first place. D section in Mellon Arena was 65 dollars. WTF! You can't even see anything in D section. Phil would look like a flea, bopping around on the stage!

But really, I'm glad I have my online friends. For the most part, when I've needed someone to talk to that understood what was going on in my life, the people that are mostly strangers, helped more than that friends that were supposedly here for me.

ARGH! And for the most part my online friends don't bitch and moan 24/7. That I can't stand either. I'm sure you're wondering why this person is still my friend. I'm asking myself the same question.

Even I don't bitch and moan that much. There are things in life that make me smile. Lots of them even. Just look at my bloggy. The man on the template makes me smile oodles.

A certain amount of bitching and moaning is acceptable, but not constant, incessant, make me crazy bitching and moaning. It makes me wonder if she finds joy in anything. I mean her life is no better than mine, but she's got a steady job, a car that runs, a family that cares about her; there has to be something to be happy about.

I'm glad I have the music and my writing. It takes me away from the crap I would otherwise be bitching about, and I think some people get enjoyment from my scribblings, so at least I've done something useful. After all, it's nothing more than survival...

It's my mambo and I'll cry if I want to..

It's Mambo Time again ladies and gentlemen. This week is a countdown of sorts. A Musical Countdown of favorites and memories. So do you think that you're up to it?

5 -- Songs that make you happy
Moody Blues - Don't Need A Reindeer
Moody Blues - Send Me No Wine
Justin Hayward - I'm Sorry
Elvis Costello - Monkey To Man

4 -- Albums you can't live without
Moody Blues - Strange Times
Justin Hayward - The View From A Hill
Elvis Costello - Blood and Chocolate
Elvis Costello - Brutal Youth

3 -- Artists that you'd like to recommend
Elvis Costello
Moody Blues
Bernie Barlow

2 -- Songs that you and one of your parents enjoy
Edwyn Collins - North Of Heaven
Elvis Costello - St Stephen's Day Murders

1 -- Musical memory you'd like to share....
The same one I always share

Monday Madness

And onto a happy Monday Meme... Monday Madness.

Name THREE of your........

1. Pet Peeves:
Rude People
Bosses that don't inform their secretaries of what's going on.
CD stores that don't stock back catalogs and/or some new releases

2. Favorite Sounds:
Justin Hayward's Voice
John Lodge's Voice
Elvis Costello's Voice
Did you think I was going to say anything else?

3. Desk Items:
CDR spindle
pens
glasses (my extra pair)

4. Biggest Fears:
Flying
heights
unemployment

5. Biggest Challenges:
learning my photo program
staying at my current job without committing murder (my boss)
driving to Atlantic City without committing murder (on other drivers)

6. Newest 'Toys':
Digital camera (gah..that was a Christmas present)
Elvis Costello's Delivery Man CD
Oye..I've not had any toys recently.

7. Most Used Words:
Oye
Vey
Moody

8. Most Mispelled Words:
I don't typically mispell the same words. It's more a typo thing with me.

9. Favorite Disney Characters:
Sebastian from Little Mermaid
Jack from Nightmare Before Christmas
Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas

10. Bookmarks on Your Homepage:
I'm doing this as non-blogs..cos I won't play favorites with friends and family.

Bernie Barlow's site Just got an email from Bernie today actually.
Justin Hayward's site
Elvis Costello's unofficial site.

New Photos at the Photoblog

I've finally got most of the Atlantic City shots up. I'm saving some pictures of the ocean and the seagulls that I love to scatter throughout the time when I don't have anything to snap pictures of.

So go ahead and visit. You just have to click here.

Under My Feet...The Earth Shook

Still have John Lodge going on in the Winamp. Poor cutie, he's probably tired from all that singing.

It's been quite a weekend, and sadly the earth didn't shake at all at any time this weekend. Drat! That's so wrong.

Between, trying to find a skirt to fit my 97 year old grandmother, writing and getting the hell away from things that were tormenting me, my mind is really shot.

Thank goodness I got away last night for dinner. Had some steak and shrimp at Lone Star and it was quite yummy. Helped me relax and calm down. Let me tell you, shopping with or for a 97 year old that's not even 5'1 is not fun. Plus finding something suitable for a lady that age isn't easy, at least not in normal stores. And then having uninvited company show up and not want to leave for a few hours, really makes things worse.

Don't you hate that? Friends or not, I don't like people that just walk through my front door and decide to stay. I think it's incredibly rude and no amount of telling this friend will stop her.

It makes me want to scream. Or do this

There are a lot of times when I really want to be left alone. I mean, really left alone. Just me, my music and my computer, so I can write. I only got 3 pages done in my story yesterday because of frustration. I've got a concert I don't want to go to tonight, so that will limit that, plus I have to come up with the Music Mambo for BDI.

My brain is going to explode.

All I want to do is sit at home, and write and listen to the new Costello CD. Is that too much to ask for? I know the concert was planned long in advance, before the Atlantic City trip was planned even. It sucks that it had to be the weekend after the trip though. It makes me feel like my time is being dragged away from me. Did I mention the concert is Phil Collins? Try not to mock me too much for it. I like Phil but it's not the concert I really want to be attending. Jamie Cullum is coming to the Burgh in about 2 weeks and is playing the Rex Theater. 18 bucks for tickets, but things being as they are, I can't go to that show. The above mentioned friend bought the tickets for this one, so I'm stuck.

Wish me luck..and wish me patience.

Pieces of You -- Utopia

Here's an interesting meme that got me thinking today. Click here to learn more.

What is your idea of Utopia? What would your Utopia have that this world doesn't?

My Utopia is a mixture of ideals and material things. The meme gives this definition:

Utopia
~ an imaginary place considered to be perfect or ideal
~ ideally perfect state; especially in its social and political and moral aspects

My imaginary place would be full of music. Musicians would be everywhere. I'd snap my fingers and there would be a concert.

Today Elvis Costello...Tomorrow The Moody Blues...The day after that..Erasure and Duran Duran.

There would be no difficulty finding CDs. Everything would be in print and available at every store.

~sigh~

I'm in heaven thinking about it.

It would be like the summer of love all over again. Make Love Not War would be the Ideal. And that would be the thing my utopia has that this world doesn't have. NO WAR! No senseless killing over WMD that don't exist.

This would be the symbol of my utopia



Beauty would be all around. People would be happy. They would be enjoying life. It would be like a beautiful day on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, all the time. Music...the Boardwalk...Peace...Love and above all else..in my utopia, George W. Bush would not be there.

But he would



and so would he..



Along with Ray Thomas.

I wonder if in Utopia...they'd find the Lost Chord....

I could give you any dream and watch it grow..

Such a pretty title for a post that's full of randomness.

~If I told you every answer that I know. It wouldn't be much though, it wouldn't be anything you didn't know.

Why does John Lodge write songs that make him sound..erm..stupid?

Yeah, that's pretty much an out of the blue or out of the Moody Blue remark. Just noticed that from Survival, which is a very pretty song of John's from Octave.

A lot of people write lines like that.

I never had a single thought in my head. No I never had a single thought..

That one is care of Andy Bell from the Erasure tune, Waiting For The Day.

Glad those two don't do much thinking.

~Now that I'm through with that little rant, where has the week gone? I can't believe it's been a week since my Atlantic City trip.

Why do all the nice things in life pass by so quickly, but the shitty stuff drags on and on forever?

All my Moody Blues experiences are just memories to be filed away. The Costello goodness long gone. (Will this man please tour the US)

All I have right now is the excitement of work. (And we all know that's not much in the excitement department)

I still don't have half my pictures posted from last weekend posted. You would think between 2 photoblogs I'd have more up. Then again I did take about 440 pictures last weekend.

I have to figure out how to do a slide show type thing. I have about 20 pictures of the fountain display from Longwood I'd love to make something out of them, I just need the time to sit down and play. (and there are loads of other things occuping my time)

~On a totally unrelated note, Costello was fab on Conan last night. He looked smashing in a purple jacket, shiny tie and very shiny boots. Justin would be so jealous of those shiny boots.

It was kewl that they talked to him after he did Monkey to Man and that he joined in on the Future bit that Conan does. I just love to listen to Elvis talk. It's that British accent thing.

~sigh~

I also realized that though I tolerate Diana Krall, she still irks me, in the way that only the wife of a concubine of mine can. Loved the monkey cufflinks she bought for him. At least she's treating him well. (Cos damn...he's looking superspiffy!)

Was that enough randomness for you? Good, cos I'm done for now....

The Music Survey from Hell

Found this here

1. Of all the bands/artists in your cd/record collection, which one do you own the most albums by?
If you go by my guzzlefish account, it's Madonna. In all actuality it's Erasure. I have all of their studio album and 99.9% of their singles and some bootlegs etc. The number of discs totals close to 100.

2. What was the last song you listened to (voluntarily)?
Well it wasn't Send Me No Wine. YAY! It was Zepplin's Thank You from my Its a Classic Mix

3. What's on your record player right now?
On the turntable? Yeah, I still have one. The Moody Blues - To Our Children's Children's Children (TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!!!)

4. What song would you say sums you up?
Right now I'd say it's The Moody Blues - You Can Never Go Home

5. What's your favorite local band?
In Pittsburgh, the local bands really suck. The Clarks are probably the best we've got to offer.

6. What was the last show you attended?
The Moody Blues - Tropicana Hotel and Casino June 19th 2004

7. What was the greatest show you've ever been to?
The Moody Blues - Edward Powers Theater, Youngstown, OH November 16th 2003

8. What's the shittiest band you've ever seen in concert?
The Wild Orchids. They opened for Cher, lip-syncing crappy, wannabe divas. Send em back to where they came from.

9. What band do you love musically but hate the members of?
Ok. Don't get me wrong. I love Duran Duran..I also think that all members of the band are extemely hot, but I think Simon Le Bon is a jerk (being nice here) I hate finding out about the personal lives of my bands. I like to keep my honeys up on their respective pedestals

10. What is the most musically involved you have ever been?
I played french horn for a few months. My musical involvement is helping the economy grow by buying as many cds as possible.

11. What show are you looking forward to?
The next Moody Blues show....whenever that might be.

12. What is your favorite band shirt?


13. What musician would you like to hang out with for a day?
One musician? One? ONE!!!!

Brain cramp?

As if I haven't read the next question...

Meanies!

Elvis Costello...there...now the next question is doubly hard.


14. What musician would you like to hump for a day?
Musicians! I'm kinky.


Justin Hayward..and when he gets tired...John "Lodgey" Lodge

15. Metal question-Jeans and Leather vs. Cracker
Neither! Yuck!

16. Sabbath or solo Ozzy?
Solo Ozzy...if I have to listen to him at all.

17. Commodores or solo Lionel Ritchie?
Oh god, neither. And if I hear that Hello song...I might just hurt someone. That was awful and so was the video.

18. Blackjack or solo Michael Bolton?
Anything with Michael Bolton is just wrong. So neither again. Why wasn't this man stopped sooner?

19. Doesn't Primus suck?
Yup..but they did some interesting videos

20. Name 3 flawless albums:
Elvis Costello & the Attractions - Blood & Chocolate
The Beatles - Revolver
The Moody Blues - Long Distance Voyager

21. Did you know that filling out this survey makes you a music geek?
Music Whore, dammit. And when you say it, say it with respect!

22. What was the greatest decade for music?
The 1960's. There was such a great diversity and innocence to the music. So many changes in such a small amount of time. So many great bands.

23. How many music-related videos/DVDs do you own?
20 + I'd say. You'd have to check out my guzzlefish account on the side to get a better number.

24. Do you like Journey?
I like a few of their songs. I had a boyfriend in high school that loved them, which is why I don't.

25. Don't try to pretend you don't.
I promise I won't.

26. What is your favorite movie soundtrack?
With actual songs? or scores?

Scores? Edward Scissorhands
otherwise it's With Honors (at the moment)

27. What was your last musical "phase" before you wisened up?
I went through a metal head period in high school. Didn't last very long, though I still like Def Leppard and a few other hair bands of the 80's.

28. What's the crappiest CD/record/etc you've ever bought?
Depeche Mode - Songs of Faith and Devotion. I love the Mode, I hate this album. It's very bad considering it's from one of the finest synth bands of the 80's.

29. Do you prefer vinyl or CDs?
I like CDS, because I can cart them around. I like vinyl cos they have such nifty stuff hidden inside them. (posters, pictures..etc)

30. All totaled, how much do you spend on music a month?
50 - 100 a month probably. Sometimes more when I have the cash or when there's a new release out. Music is my passion in life.

Don't let Graeme Edge Take This Quiz

He does the funky chicken enough..



Lord knows what the Bad Ass Duck dance would look like. I don't think Justin could handle it. He doesn't seem too fond of Graeme's dancing abilities!

One just has to look at this picture to know.



And this is Graeme, getting funky...



Scary isn't it? Now let's not teach him any duck dances...for Justin's sake.

Send me no wine....

Will someone get this song out of my head? Please? It's a little 2.21 minute ditty that John Lodge composed to torture me. It's one of his early attempts at "Western Cowboy" music. (Not a very good one really...but one that sneaks into your brain and makes camp)

I thought it would help if I turned the song on my winamp and let it play for awhile on repeat. I thought that might wear the song out. Did it? Nope! The damn thing is still spinning around in my head.

The problem is the song is so cheesy. I don't want to be singing this at work...in the car..EVERYWHERE!

I used to blame Justin Hayward for writing all those songs that loop in my head. I mean Justin has Vintage Wine, Don't Need A Reindeer and Lovely to See You, to name a few.

John on the other hand is more subtle in getting those songs into your head. Send Me No Wine is a song that should really make you groan and run screaming from the stereo. Instead, I'm attempting to do a bad square dance and I'm singing along.

Out. Damn. Song.

I've tried listening to other songs too. Songs other than the Moody Blues. Hell, Monkey To Man didn't lodge itself as deeply as Send Me No Wine...and Monkey To Man is a far better song. That's so wrong.

I guess this is going to be my torture for the day. (In a good way, of course) Perhaps Sunday night will bring a change, since I'm going to see Phil Collins at Mellon Arena. Don't ask. I didn't pay for the ticket, though I do admit to liking Phil Collins. (But I wouldn't have bought the ticket this year...too many other bands to see)

~sings...Send Me No Wine~

I wonder if this song can be exorcised?

Theater Thursday -- Week 18 - The big screen.

I do this meme sporatically. Bad me! This week has some interesting movie questions, so I'll hop on board.

1. Do you remember the very first time you watched a movie on the big screen? Describe it.
I think the first movie I really remember seeing was one of the Star Wars films. I'm pretty sure it was Star Wars and it was at the State Theater in Charleroi. (back when small towns had movie theaters) No wait I lie...I was just informed it was "The Empire Strikes Back."

2. What was the last movie you saw on the big screen?
The last movie I saw was Vanity Fair. I highly recommend it to anyone that likes historical films. The acting was good, the scenery and costumes beautiful and the script adapted well from Thackery's novel.

3. Did you ever like a movie so much that you paid to watch it more than once? If so, what movie?
I've seen several movies more than once.
Pirates of the Carribean 2 times
The Secret Window 2 times
Planet of the Apes 3 times
Van Helsing 5 times
Chicago 2 times

Mind you some of these films were at the Maxi-Saver, but hey...I paid to see em!

BONUS) How much does a movie ticket cost in your neck of the woods?
Depending on the theater, $7.00 - 7.50 with matinees at $5.00 or 5.50

Costello filled nights

Saw my honey on Lettermen last night. Monkey to Man is officially stuck in my head. He was looking smashing in a very loud, probably borrowed it from Graeme Edge kinda shirt. (and his specs matched the shirts loudness...go Elvis)

Sadly my vcr is not working as it should, so seeing him on Regis and Kelly is not to be. Ah well. Kelly makes me want to ram bamboo shoots up my fingernails anyway. She's cute...even funny sometimes but just a jot to happy. OK...she's way too friggin happy. That kind of happy I can't comprehend. I mean really, who keeps that kind of smile plastered on their face all the time. People like that scare me.

But back to Elvis... He's on Conan Friday night. Yay. Which will just solidify Monkey to Man's position inside my head. It's a good thing I love this song.

Now if only the man would tour the US. So far all of his shows are in Austrailia and Japan. Have I griped about this before? Yes, I think I have. Now I can only hope he waits until next year to come to the US, because I know he won't play Pittsburgh. I don't even know if I want him too. I'd rather travel at this point. Too many bad concert experiences in this town, I'd rather go elsewhere. But for now I'm going to have to keep myself content with a few tv appearances, but that will make me happy, cos I'm easily amused and Monkey To Man is stuck in my head.

My Mind Has Been Humped

And a sad sorry hump it was. The world didn't shake for me. Maybe next time.

It's time for some pre-humping action so let's warm up! Everyone needs or wants something. Tell us, what could you use a double scoop of today? What would you give your bestfriend a double scoop of? It doesn't have to be ice cream -- it can be anything: kindness, hugs, time ...

I could use a double scoop of cash. My bills need paid and I haven't been working nearly enough hours.

My best friend?

Uh? A day off. I'm sure that will make Lady Starlight happy.

This week some getting to know you humping with a bit of an insane twist.

01. A scented candle has been created that represents your daily life -- what smells might that candle emit?
What does desperation smell like? With the financial situation that I'm constantly griping over...desperation would definitely be the scent.


02. If all of a sudden all money became useless and whatever you had the most of made you wealthy, what are you rich with?
Ok, I'm not sure which I have more of, but I think it would be CDs. I have well over 3000 and next up would be clothes. I love music and clothes, I can't help it! At least I look cute when I shake my groove thang!


03. You've won a "Everything You Can Grab In Three Minutes" shopping spree at your favorite store. What store is it and what would be the first thing you'd grab?
Dots I'd be grabbing all the sexy dresses as quick as I could. I love dots. My second choice would be Borders, but I couldn't get through Books and Music in 3 minutes, I'd just be let down that I missed out. Dots is a small clothing store and I'd be able to grab lots and lots of pretty things.


04. One million dollars to pose for Playboy or Playgirl ... do you do it? If yes, what month would you be the perfect centerfold for? If no, what magazine would you be a good centerfold for?
Hell ya I'd do it. It's not my eyes that would be getting poked out with melon ballers when the magazine is opened up. And I'd be Miss July, my birth month. The palest summer centerfold ever!


05. You have an alarm clock that does whatever is necessary to wake you up and get you out of bed -- describe what process the alarm clock would perform.
My alarm clock's name is John Lodge...The process is like a scene out of a porn film...but I'm not sure if I ever do get out of bed.

After all, this



is my alarm clock.

Mid-Week Music Meme!

Found this meme by accident. Click here to play along

What memory do you have that involves a birthday and music, but not the old standard song "Happy Birthday to You?"

Which b-day memory should I start with? This year I saw the musical 1776 for my birthday and met 2 cast members after the show. A wonderful memory involving music. My other musical b-day memory was my present from my sister. Most of you know that involved going to my favorite place on earth and seeing my favorite band on earth that has the two handsomest men on earth in it. (well imo the 2 handsomest men) I'm eternally grateful for that present. Seeing the Moodies in Atlantic City was the greatest thing.

Most of my birthday's involve music. In 1986 one of my presents were tickets to see the Monkees. That was my first concert ever as well. My b-day was July 2nd the concert was July 7th. (If I remember correctly)

And as always...the song I enjoyed playing on my b-day...The Beatles - Birthday..

Now I'll leave you with images of the happy events..

July 2nd 2004




June 19th 2004


Sexy Moody Men 


July 7th 1986



OK, they didn't look like that..but oh well.

The summer sun is fading as the year grows old

And darker days are drawing near....

Just a reminder that today is the first day of autumn. I love this time of year. The changing of the leaves, the briskness in the air makes the days so wonderful and colorful. It also makes me start to look back on the year for a pre thanksgiving sort of thing.

For all my complaints, this has been a very good year, not money wise, but just in general. I've gotten to go places I haven't been in years and I got to go to some new places. I've discovered new things and new music. I've also rediscovered some places that I used to love.

This year has been full of firsts.

First trip to the Atlantic Ocean.
First trip to New Jersey.
First time working in Pittsburgh...even though it was a brief stint I did for my boss.
First vacation on my own (kinda sorta)

And to celebrate the beauty of the new season, I bring you the lyrics to Forever Autumn from War Of The Worlds...

The summer sun is fading as the year grows old
And darker days are drawing near...
The winter winds will be much colder
Now you're not here.
I watch the birds fly south across the autumn sky
And one by one they disappear.
I wish that I was flying with them
Now you're not here

Like a song through the trees you came to love me
Like a leaf on a breeze you blew away...

Through autumn's golden gown we used to kick our way
You always loved this time of year.
Those fallen leaves lie undisturbed now
'Cause you're not here

Like a song throught the trees you came to love me
Like a leaf on a breeze you blew away...

A gentle rain falls softly on my weary eyes
As if to hide a lonely tear...
My life will be forever autumn
'Cause you're not here!

And a picture of the handsome man that sings it...

The Delivery Man Cometh

Yup, today is the release day of the fantabulous new Elvis Costello CD. This girl will be heading down to Best Buy to purchase her copy of the CD as soon as work is finished today.

~does a little dance~

I've already heard the album, with the exception of the bonus tracks (grumble grumble grumble) and it's awesome. There's only one song that I'm not fond of, which out of 13 is pretty damn good.

The reasons to buy this album...

1. Monkey to Man -- Just a great fun track that will make you bounce and sing.
2. Heart Shaped Bruise -- Sung with Emmylou Harris and a beautiful track that he was doing on tour yonks ago. Glad it was recorded, though the live version is better.
3. The Judgement -- Mmmmm just wonderful.
4. It's nothing like North.
5. No guest appearances by the missus. (Not that I don't like the missus, cos she's grown on me like a bad fungus)

Lastly..this is why you should by the album...



It will make him sad if you don't! Oh and if you like orchestral music..pick up Il Sogno as well. Just because that picture is on the cover.

Monday's screaming memes

Starting off with the Music Mambo.

1. What music makes you think of autumn? (Songs, genres etc...)
Well songwise, one particular song sticks in my mind, Justin Hayward's lovely Forever Autumn. Anyone that has a gmail account or enough email space that would like to hear this gem, leave a message and I'll email it to you. It's worth listening to. Very pretty.

2. What new releases are you looking forward to this fall/winter?
Elvis Costello - The Delivery Man (9/21)
Lara Fabian - A Wonderful Life (9/28)
Duran Duran - Astronaut (10/12 I think)
U2 - How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb

3. If you're making a road trip over a weekend, what music do you take with you if any?
I toss most of my mixes in the car if it's a spur of the moment thing. If it's a planned roadtrip, I burn a bunch of discs. I can assure you that The Moody Blues, Elvis Costello and Erasure are in the Bag O' CDs!

4. Does your musical mood shift in autumn? (Meaning do you listen to different types of music from season to season?)
Actually it does. I tend to go towards more laid back music in the autumn months, acoustic, celtic, very melodic stuff. In the summer I like bouncy happy music.

5. If you could see one band in the fall concert season, who would it be and why? (The band has to be currently touring)
Ok, where are my tickets to one of the Moody Blues shows in the UK? C'mon, I know someone wants to take me there!! Hmmm better go get that passport!

Bonus:

Make a perfect driving mix. Pick 15 songs that you love to hear while driving.

01. Elvis Costello - Monkey to Man
02. The Beatles - Drive My Car
03. The Moody Blues - Magic
04. Nick Lowe - The Rose Of England
05. Wilco w/Billy Bragg - California Stars
06. Diana Krall - I'm Coming Through
07. George Harrison - Any Road
08. Bernie Barlow - Good To Go
09. Jamie Cullum - All At Sea
10. The Moody Blues - Never Comes The Day
11. Tom Petty - The Waiting
12. Duran Duran - (Reach Up For The) Sunrise
13. Erasure - Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me
14. Lara Fabian - Unbreakable
15. The Moody Blues - Send Me No Wine

Next up Monday Madness.

1. My computer chair is the most used piece of furniture in my house.
2. The one electronic 'gadget' that I use most often is my computer. (that is a gadget...)
3. My favorite appliance, and the one I absolutely cannot live without is the microwave.
4. One thing that I thought I just HAD to have at one time, and I now barely ever use, is my stereo. (I use my computer more)
5. I find it easiest to keep in touch with family and friends via email.
6. I own more cd's (or other music media) than I do shoes. (I own more cds than I do most anything, actually)
7. All my important addresses are stored in/on my computer. (are you noticing a pattern here?)
8. If I had to live without TWO keys on my keyboard, I would choose caps lock and control. (It's not as if control alt delete actually works)
9. I probably own about 4 pieces of software that I haven't used in years. (most of my software is used and erm...own as in buy? Ha!)
10. There are a few food items that I try NEVER to run out of, and those would be potato chips and coca-cola.

Top 10 Things I Missed While On My Mini Vacation

10. My bed. (hotel rooms and me just don't get along)

09. My stereo. (none of my friends have the same taste in music as me and when I'm not the one driving, I have no control over the music, allow me to cry)

08. My car/driving. (being in the passenger seat is harder on the butt!)

07. My bathroom. (for much the same reasons as 10 along with the fact that rest area bathrooms are creepy)

06. Freedom to do what I want to do.

05. Privacy.

04. My sanity. (I lost that somewhere on the PA turnpike in the rain)

03. My money. (gave some of that away to the casinos..but not much, only about 10 bucks)

02. My pets. (I love my Itchy, Buddah, Mutchka, Misty and Purrbee)

01. My mom (it was hard being at Longwood knowing how much she loves it there and not have her with me) and my family

Trip Highlights

Well I've made it home from "My Favorite Place On Earth." No one is dead or maimed, so all is well on that front.

Longwood was beautiful and tomorrow I'll have a photo update. I took over 400 pictures in the past two days. Not bad considering that on Friday and Saturday the weather was not so great. The night pictures of the casinos and the Miss America Parade turned out well. Hell, there's even a picture or two of me in the bunch. Be afraid, be very afraid!

I did a bit of shopping. I got two cute Atlantic City t-shirts a tank top, cos I got one in June and loved it to death (almost) and had to get another, a bunch of post card type things, a book of pictures of Longwood Gardens, yummy taffy and some cookbooks for my mommy.

Everything was beautiful. Today couldn't have been more perfect at Longwood. I got to hear the carillon of bells in the chime tower and saw some lovely artwork at the Brandywine River Museum.

The Hilton Garden Hotel in Kennett Square is simply beautiful. I did some swimming! Woot! The Music Whore put on a bathing suit. (again I mention being afraid) The complimentary breakfast buffet was yummy. I won't go into it, because I'll put on another 5 pounds thinking of all the goodies that we had this morning.

I'm going to work at getting some of the photos up at the photoblog, so check the sidebar of the blog. I'm going to start with some of the Atlantic City shots and then go from there. There's just so many! I hope you enjoy them!

Oh and can I just say this...I had a wonderful time, but I'm really glad to be home. I haven't listened to the Moody Blues since Friday and I'm going through with drawls.

Blogging on the road

Well I never thought I'd be doing this. I'm at the lovely Hilton Garden Hotel in Kennett Square today. I've dodged raindrops most of the time, but all in all, the weekend has been great! When I get home I have some fantastic pictures to share from Atlantic City, which will now be named, my favorite place in the world.

Just to let you know what we've done so far.

1. Gambled at the Tropicana, Caesars, Ballys and the Trump Tower. Woot. Uh, well not really, cos we didn't win, but we saw loads of pretty lights and I stared at them for quite a long time in wonderment. (Yeah, I'm easily amused)

2. Walked up and down the Boardwalk about 4 times. Leggies hurt lots, but who really cares. It's so beautiful.

3. Saw most of the Miss America Parade. (Uh...don't ask. I do have some pictures of that as well)

4. Ate the most fabulous Baja Chicken Pizza ever at the Seaside Restaurant at the Tropicana. It was muchos yummyous.

5. Drove through Philly rush hour and didn't kill anyone or get killed.

So really, everything has been wonderful. Driving there wasn't fun, thanks to the rain, but it wasn't raining last night or most of the morning and early afternoon. Which brings me to the last thing...

6. Went dancing at Bally's Bikini Bar on the beach. Great band and great amaretto sours.

A good time is being had by all. Tomorrow's agenda? Longwood Gardens and possibly the Brandywine River Museum.

Ta Ta for now.

I'm leaving on a jet plane

Ok, I'm leaving in an aqua Ford Escort, but who is really keeping track and who really cares, right?

In just a few short hours, I'll be driving through the rain to the lovely lovely lovely gambling capital of the east coast for a day of fun, gambling (just a tad bit...cos I don't have much extra cash) and FUN!

In June I fell in love with the hotel we're staying it, the Tropicana. It's quite lovely and shiny and full of nice things. The restaurants there are fabulous. I'm looking forward to the corned beef and swiss omelet tonight around midnight. Mmmm.

I'm taking all the camera memory cards today. So I'll have close to 700 pictures if I feel so disposed to use them. Trust me....I'll use them. The last time I was at Phipps conservatory I took close to 200 pictures of the flowers. Longwood Gardens is so much larger. So lord only knows how many I'll need.

But for now I have a few quick things to finish before I leave at noon...So if you stop by over the weekend...This is where I'll be



Having the time of my life.



The sun may not be shining on me this trip, but I'll still have fun and I'm sure I'll have loads to post about late on Sunday and Monday. Don't miss me too much!

A Special Message

One more day...yipee!

Ok, I have mixes made, my bags mostly packed. I just have to get the incidental stuff together tonight, make up and that sort of thing. Squee! Squee! and Squee!

The camera is here and waiting. I've been updating my photoblog with old photos that some of you may have seen before.

Hopefully next week it will be full of lovely shots of flowers and Atlantic City madness. (If I'm not dodging too many raindrops)

I'm working on a difficult mix right now. It's of Western Cowboy songs done by British Boys. The western cowboy thing is a Lodgey-ism. Sometimes Lodgey says the silliest things.

But onto the task at hand. I've noticed that britboys and gentlemen like to do the country think at least once in their careers. Elvis Costello's done several albums with a country flavor, and Nick Lowe has as well. The most funny foray into the country world by a brit is George Harrison's Miss O'Dell. It's a b-side from the Bangladesh period, I think. Oh it's a hoot. George is the Texan from Liverpool.

Heck, even the Moody Blues have fallen pray to this. For instance, there's Send Me No Wine, a song that can get the whole house line dancing, but that's not all. There's the Hayward.

J'tin, J'tin, J'tin....the song is called I'm Sorry. If it weren't so cute I imagine he'd be sorry he recorded it.

"Lopsided lovin' got me in the end."

Brilliant lyrics...but don't blame J'tin, that tune's written by Hall and Oates.

Oh and it seems I'm the authority on Doremi Hayward again. Uh...erm. I love what people come here from via search engines. Some of them truly make me laugh. But well, back to Doremi.

I'm going to post a picture of her with her daddy. (the not so creepy one, picture that is, not her daddy.)

But first...everyone sing...in the key of Fountains of Wayne...

Doremi's Dad has got it going on....



But enough pointless rambling for now. I promise a more structured (HA!) post before I leave tomorrow.

The countdown begins

We leave in just two more days for Atlantic City. My traveling companion tells me they'll only hold the room til 10:30 p.m. and that the Miss America pageant is there this weekend.

Yay! And I mean that yay in the snarkiest, beauty pageants make me sick to my stomach kinda way. The good thing is the pageant is there the whole week, so most likely by 9 or 10 p.m. on Friday some of the madness will have faded. The parade is Friday afternoon, so most of the people going will probably already be there.

Why couldn't they put this stuff on the calender when you make reservations?

Ah, I shall persevere and all will be well, I'm sure. It will just be a little more crowded than we had expected for mid-Sept. Hey we're only going to be there for a day anyway, and then we're going to head towards Philadelphia.

I made the Moon Mix. Go ahead, click the link, you know you want to. I'm going to do a few more mixes tonight and then start packing the incidentals for Friday.

The next mix I make will have the new Costello track. OK...maybe I won't make a mix just to put one song on it. I have the whole CD already, but Monkey To Man does lend well to driving.

But back to Elvis for a moment.To all of you out there pondering Costello's latest, which is due out next Tuesday here in the US, BUY IT! There's only one song of the 13 that I'm not to fond of and that's There's A Story In Your Voice. The only reason I don't care for it is that I don't really care for Lucinda Williams' voice and dear lord is that present on that song.

I'll give a run down on the CD next week, but I will say this, it's nice to see the Elvis I know and love back.

Oh and did I mention...TWO MORE DAYS TIL MY TRIP!

Fly Me To The Moon

I'm preparing for my trip. Believe it or not I packed yesterday. Which means the weather is likely to go crazy by the weekend. Which I'm sure it will courtesy of the hurricane from hell, Ivan. I'm figuring the drive to New Jersey is going to be a soaker. Which is a shame, because I wanted some picture of the turnpike this time round. Who knows maybe Sunday will be OK.

The forecast for Saturday says showers, but who knows.

~sigh~

And while I'm on the subject of weather, these chilly mornings have got to go. I never know how to dress. If I dress warm in the morning, by afternoon I'm roasting and vice versa.

But now on to a subject near and dear to my heart, music and mix making. I'm going to do about a mix or two a day for my trip. The first one is another Driving Mix. Only this one has a theme of driving. Click here to see the tracks. I'm not doing artwork for any of these (unless someone wants one) until after the trip, because I'm probably just going to put them in a cd carry case for my trip.

Today's mix will be songs with the word "Moon" in the title. I'll have that one done tonight. I'll link it in tomorrow's post. BTW, the title of this entry is one of the songs I'm using in the mix.

One last thing, before I head out today. I'm working on a story right now and I'd like to pick up some new readers. Currently it's about 15 pages long. I'd like to have some new people reading it, but you have to promise to give feedback. I'll warn ya, its a bit of a romance, so there's sex scenes etc and fairly early on, but you'll understand why as you read the prologue. So any of you that would like to be a part of my work in progress, leave a comment and I'll send you the first 3 updates and put you on my list for the rest. I try to get 5 pages out every day, but it's more like every other day at this point.

Here's a little background on the story in case you're wondering...and yes, it was inspired by a certain blueish band..

It's the story of one woman who came of age in the 60's. She worked the club circuit in Philly and met an up and coming band from England...The Lion Hearts.

Cast of Characters

The Lion Hearts

Jamie Henton - guitar/vocals
Jonathan Lawton - bass/vocals
Reginald (Reggie) Thomas - percussion and other assorted instruments
Gordon Sedgewick - Drums
Nigel Evans - Keyboards (dare I say Mellotron?)

Deirdre Lang is the woman who weds Jonathan Lawton during the Lion Hearts heyday...After the band splits and her marriage crumples...she finds herself confronted with Jamie who she's always loved. They soon wed.

This is the tale of the 60's....friends...the music...and a love that grew out of all of those things...

Could these guys be Jamie and Jonathan?



I'll let you decide.

Music Mambo Time

Ok...lets start off with the warm up.

A little "I Say...You Think..." (Music style of course)

Heart: Shaped Bruise - Elvis Costello
Sting: - If I Ever Lose My Faith In You
Safe:r Hands - Olive
Man: Of The World - Justin Hayward
Fly: Me High - The Moody Blues
Real: Love - The Beatles
Hard: Habit To Break - Chicago
English: Sunset - The Moody Blues

Now that we've warmed up it's time for the Mambo!

"The Last...."


Song you heard Justin Hayward - Troubadour

CD you bought Loreena McKennitt - To Drive The Cold Winter Away

Video you watched Monkey To Man - Elvis Costello (too many bimbos in the video for my enjoyment...the song however is good.)

Concert you attended The Moody Blues in Atlantic City 6/19/04, though the next show I'm going to is Phil Collins on the 26th

Song that made you get up and dance (Reach Up For The) Sunrise - Duran Duran

Song that really moved you emotionally Billy - Justin Hayward (lyrics can be found here)

Song that made you feel good Simply Complicated - Jimmy Buffett (This song is so hysterical)

Lyric you found profound....

The song...One More Time To Live -- The Moody Blues (album Every Good Boy Deserves Favour)

Look out of my window
See the world passing by
See the look in her eye

One more time to live and I have made it mine
Leave the wise to write for they write worldy rhymes

and he who wants to fight begins the end of time
For I have riches more than these
For I have riches more than these

Desolation
Creation (Tell me someone why there's only confusion)
Evolution (Tell me someone that this is all an illusion)
Pollution (Tell me someone)
Saturation (Tell me someone)
Population
Annihilation
Revolution (Tell me someone why this talk of revolution)
confusion (Tell me someone when we're changing evolution)
Illusion (Tell me someone)
Conclusion (Tell me someone)
Starvation
Degredation
Humiliation
Contemplation (Changes in my life)
Inspiration
Elation (Changes in my life)
Salvation (Changes in my life)
Communication
Compassion
Solution

Look out on the hedgerow
As the world rushes by
Hear the birds sing such

One more tree will fall how strong the growing vine
Turn the earth to sand and still commit no crime
How one thought will live provide the others die
For I have riches more than these
For I have riches more than these

Lyrics by..Lodgey!

Monday Madness

My favorite Meme of the week. No week would be complete without it...and I'm not just saying that to suck up!

1. You are given 1 million dollars. You must give it all away before the donor gives you $1 million. Who would you give it to?
I'll give it to my mother so that all her debts would be paid off and that she'd have no worries over medical or living expenses.

2. If you had $1 million what would you do with it FIRST?
Pay off all my bills and then spend a great deal of it on frivolous things...cars that run..clothes (designer, of course)..music ....concerts...vacations...I'd visit some of my friends that don't live in the area and I'd go to all the spots in the world I want to see. ~sigh~ Where's my million?

3. Do you participate in lotteries?
No, not often. Though if it's for a good cause I'd buy a ticket. To me, it seems like throwing money away and I can't afford that.

4. Name 3 of your best physical features.
Are you joking? I don't have any....
You're going to make me answer this aren't you?
Well, if I must...
a. eyes
b. smile
c. hands

5. ..... 3 of your biggest virtues.
These questions are painful...

a. generosity
b. helpfulness
c. loving

6. ......3 or you biggest vices.

a. Music
b. Writing
c. Clothes

7. ...... 3 of your favorite pleasures in life.

See answers to question 6...Nah..swap clothes for chocolate!!

8 If you were a member of the opposite sex, what would you choose to do for your occupation?

Just a singer in a rock and roll band.....

9. If you were to come back after death as another animal, what animal would you choose to be?
A well loved house cat. After all, what do house cats do, besides eat, sleep, pooh and ignore us?

10. What kind of 'baby' are you... water, clouds, beach, garden?
Clouds...

People say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one...I hope someday you'll join us...and the world will live as one ---- John Lennon, Imagine

Deep Thoughts

No, not really, but I fooled ya didn't I? It's a very humdrum weekend here. I took the nephew to the church picnic yesterday. We fed animals at the petting zoo, he took a ride on the pony and we gorged ourselves on hot dogs and hamburgers.

Next weekend will be different I hope. Friday after work I'll leave with my friend Mary for Atlantic City. We'll spend the better part of Saturday there before heading off to Kennett Square to Longwood Gardens, where we'll be most of Sunday before we start the drive home.

I'm already prepping for the trip. I have my weekend skin care pack bought, all my nifty little trial sizes. Now I just need to make several mix tapes and cds for the trip. Why both? The car we are jaunting off in only has a tape deck and I can't find my adapter which would prevent me from overusing batteries on the portable cd player. So I'm doing a bit of both.

I just have to figure out what clothes to take. This is more of a pleasure jaunt and there's no concert to attend this time round, so I don't need as many dresses, plus there's the iffy weather situation with that hurricane that should be dousing the northeast by the time we're preparing to leave. Yay! Rain. Thrillsville!

It will be interesting to see if Atlantic City is just as magical without the Moody Blues. Is it possible? I think so. Ok, I hope so.

Speaking of the Moody Blues...and when don't I? I had an odd dream about them and Elvis Costello last night. Weird, I know. I dreamt they were don't a concert together. Fun. Fun. Must have been all that hunting I was doing for the new Costello song. Still haven't heard the new single, yet I've heard almost all the tracks on the new CD live on one bootleg or another over the years. There aren't many "NEW" songs on this CD. Damn and Blast! That doesn't mean that the first thing I do after work on 9/21 isn't run out to Best Buy to grap that CD. (Because I'll be there) Just as I will be in October when the Duran Duran CD comes out!

And now for something pretty

Remember...

We're living in strange times...Take a moment to remember those that have fallen. Those that gave their lives in protection of our country and those that died without reason.

Remember that it's not the fault of one race or religion. Terrorism can be done by anyone...including our own.


What do we need
What do we hunger for
Who holds the secrets, who will know

Temples of greed
In ruins on the river bed
Wastelands that lived before the snow

Time stands still
As we race through the universe
On our way to the sun
And as we arrive at the house of the water sign
We're living in strange times


~ Taken from the song Strange Times --- The Moody Blues


The times may be strange, but we can still love one another and we can always remember.

Summer Madness

A challenge was issued at BDI today. Ok, maybe not a quite a challenge... Anyway, the idea was to post the highlights of the Summer of 2004 at your blog or photoblog.

Anyone can do it! So why don't you?

My highlights are posted at my photoblog.

It didn't have to be in photos, but I had so many lovely pictures from some of the places I've been that I had to share. So go ahead, click on over to the photoblog and enjoy.

Oh and feel free to play along...when your done, just click the BDI link and comment at the site, so everyone can come enjoy your summer highlights too.

The Harem Tour Comes To Pittsburgh

I hate when I have no notice about things like this. I love love love Sarah Brightman, but the tickets go on sale on Monday, and there's no way I can conjure up the money for the show.

I guess it's one of the pitfalls of seeing the band that I love twice this year. A little piece of Music Whore trivia for you. The only band that I saw twice in the same year was the Monkees in 1986.

No band has ever had that distinction, until now.

Hmmm The Moodies and The Monkees, maybe it's a "M" thing.

But back to Ms. Sarah. I just checked ticketmaster, and I've sufficiently recovered from heart failure. Bad seats are 35. (oye...6th row at Chevrolet Amp for the Moodies cost that much) Good seats? Try 100 big ones.

It's a good thing I wasn't planning to buy tickets.

Ah, but I have to share a picture of the lovely Sarah, because she's one of my favorite female vocalists.



Her voice is capable of so many wonderful things. If you go through her recent recordings you'll find pop, new age, classical and dance. And to think in 1986 she was Christine Daae in Phantom of the Opera.

I wish the money fairy would visit so I could see her, but alas..I had the Moodies this year, so I can't ask for much more.

Where is the eden that you dreamed of?

I'm going to immerse myself in music over the next few days. I had a horrible thing happen with a document last night. (a story document) I've decided that the result of that horribleness was a sign that this story truly wasn't meant to be.

It's time to search my mind for new ideas.

Music has always been the best way for me to develop a plot for a story. I have some ideas, but I'm not sure if I want to use them just yet. I may just rework some old stories until the urge hits me to do something new. I like to freshen stories up, after they've been finished for awhile. It gives me a chance to let the story sit and I can look at it as a first time reader. (If you hear that I'm reworking Broken Dreams, please come and hit me with something hard)

I'm really just living for next weekend, where I get to return to the eden that I've been dreaming of since June, Atlantic City. It's only a day trip, but I just want to be there. I don't care if it rains, I'll walk the boardwalk in a downpour!

We're also going to a place near Philly, called Longwood Gardens. Oh and in case you're wondering where we're staying...click here.

When I was planning this trip a few months ago, I found this site. It has some of the most beautiful photos of Longwood that I've seen in ages. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to be going back there. And if you don't believe that Longwood is eden, click here for more pictures.

My favorite spot at Longwood.

The Chimes Tower



with the Eye of Water coming in a close second



I can't wait to go back!! I haven't been to Longwood in over 10 years and I know my mom is waiting to live vicariously through my photos.

Forced to Hump

I've noticed this, people that create Wednesday memes often smoke crack. They also don't share their crack, so that the rest of us can be blissfully unaware of the questions that are really off the wall.

Anyway, because of one question, I'm doing the Mind Hump this week.

Let's warm up! Using the letters W-I-E-N-E-R-S tell us seven things someone would absolutely HAVE to know if they were considering sharing a room with you. (I'm using this as a hotel room, cos I'm not sharing a room with anyone any other way)

Well, they should probably go get another room, cos I don't like company.
I'm very solitary, so make room.
Every time I do one of these things I wonder at how many vowels can be in one word.
No, rap music please, some country is allowed, but not much.
Eeeep another "E" Expect to turn your cell phone off. I hate people that these things seem to grow from. It is not part of your body. Pay attention to the world around you!!!
Really should be ready on time if we have to go somewhere.
Seriously, leave me alone!

Now that I'm done with the part of the hump that was definitely created under the influence of some mind-altering chemical...on to the questions.

01. Can you remember where you were in life ten years ago? If you could travel back in time and whisper something to yourself ten years ago, what would it be?
I try to forget these things. Ten years ago, I was 20 and still in college, therefore I wouldn't have listened to a thing an older though probably not much wiser me had to say.

02. You inherit a large piece of land and decide to build a theme park a la "Disneyland, Sea World, etc.) What would you name your theme park and what would your mascot be?
First of all, this question is the reason I'm doing the mind hump.

Welcome to Moodyland. A land of music, mayhem and beautiful moody men.
Come have the thrill of your life on the Nights In White Satin Coaster..
Have some fun on the Question - Go - Round.
Take a ride on the Legend of the Mind Astral Plane. Bernie Barlow will make a few appearances on this one.
Enjoy the scare of your life on the Marie Hayward creepfest.
But most of all, come meet the Moody Mascots..

Justin Hayward



and

John "Lodgey" Lodge



Who will be performing nightly. (not telling you how they are perfoming though)

Oh and no visit to Moodyland would be complete without a ride on THE SEE SAW!!

Come and enjoy some Strange Times at Moodyland!

03. Okay, let's have it! What's the craziest, most impulsive thing you've ever done. Remember, we have insane youngsters amongst us so if it's risque, clean it up.. *wink*
I was talking to Dennis DeYoung, from Styx and I told him I had to stand next to one good looking man a year and he was it. It made him blush something awful. I think I was 18 or 19 at the time. I'd have to find the tour program to be absolutely sure though.

04. We all have them ... bad days. If you were having a bad day what or whom would you turn to for comfort?
Ask a silly question...



05. According to the song White Rabbit, "one pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small". If you were offered these pills today, which pill would you take and why?
I'm 5'3, do you honestly think I'm going to take the small pill. Recall the scene from Help, when Paul McCartney got shrunk. No thank you! His clothes didn't even shrink with him! Not that that is a bad thing, but what good is a 3 inch tall nekkid Paul McCartney? So, I'll take my chances with one pill that makes me larger. I'll just hope it's not to large. GAH!

Tuesday Twosome

Summer Lovin'....

1. What two things are you going to miss the most about summer:

a. concerts
b. weekend trips

2. What two things annoyed you the most about summer:

a. Not having enough cash to do what I wanted to do.
b. My job.

3. Name two memorable moments from this past summer:

a. Tossing bras at the Moody Blues

John's looking at our bras! 

b.
Meeting Malcolm Gets 


4. Did you go on vacation this summer and if so, where?
Atlantic City for a weekend to see the Moody Blues. It was a lovely trip!

5. Who has more fun during summer: A child or an adult? And why?
That all depends on the cash flow situation of the child's family or the adult. I had some great fun as a child during the summer, but nothing was as wonderful as this past June. (OK...Nov 16th was better...but I'm not complaining)

Long weekends can sure be tiring

Yesterday I wrapped up the holiday weekend by seeing Vanity Fair. A 2 1/2 hour historical film based on the novel by William Makepeace Thackery. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised at the film. I'm not a huge fan of Reese Witherspoon, but there was so much eye candy in the film that I could put that aside.

Now I'm attempting to tackle the original novel which is about 900 pages long. It's quite a good thing I like to read. But after watching Van Helsing and Bram Stoker's Dracula earlier this year I learned something. Literature is damn hard to read. It took me over a week to get through Dracula, a novel that should have been finished in a few days. God knows how long it's going to take to read this one.

After the movie yesterday we went to Cold Stone Creamery. I managed not to get Nights In White Chocolate Ice Cream. Woot! But we did ponder, if Justin were to walk into one, would he get his for free? I think he should. After all, it's his song and he does look like he could use a few pounds these days.

On some other weekend notes. I bought 2 pairs of jeans Saturday night! Yes, you read that right, 2 pairs of jeans. And miraculously enough, they fit without me having to try a zillion and one pairs on. Yee Ha! Bigger plus they are a nice normal size, meaning the size didn't go up. Rejoice and be glad. (especially considering we went to Olive Garden for the never ending pasta bowl on Friday night)

Oh and I finally got Glenn Tilbrook's (from Squeeze) new CD, Transatlantic Ping Ping. There's a song on this one that is just a hoot. He was on a radio show in the UK that I listen to on occasion, Jammin', and he performed the song Genitalia of a Fool. Great song title and the lyrics are an absolute hoot. Finding that CD, made my Friday. (I've been looking for it for quite a while)

Now I'm just really really tired. I need a long weekend to recover from my long weekend.

Doin the Mambo

Ok, the power went out just as I was about to post this. Let's see if I can remember some of my answers.

Freedom: A cute song by Paul McCartney written after 9/11
Anthem:

No man, no madness,
Though their sad power may prevail,
Can possess, conquer, my country's heart
They rise to fail

She is eternal
Long before nations' lines were drawn
When no flags flew, and no armies stood
My land was born Anthem - Chess

Stars: Lost In The Stars - a lovely tuned penned by Kurt Weill
Sea: All At Sea -- Jamie Cullum
Country: Girl - An awful song from Justin Hayward's Songwriter CD
Save:d by the Music - Justin Hayward and John "Lodgey" Lodge
War:is over if you want it (isn't that Yoko's screeching part?)
Glory: glory hallelujah

Have you warmed up now? Ok then, let's get our Mambo going on.

1. Do you like you're country's National Anthem? If not, what song do you think it should be?
There's nothing wrong with the song, just the people that sing it. Sure it's difficult to sing and sure most of us would be happier if we had to sing or listen to America the Beautiful of America (aka My Country Tis of Thee) but how would they torture us before sporting events then? What would we do without Whitney Houston screeching out those wonderful lyrics penned by Francis Scott Key so many years ago? Oh gee, I've been overcome by snark.

2. Are there any patriotic pop songs that you enjoy? What are they?
They may not be patriotic, but I enjoy Paul McCartney's Freedom and John Cougar Mellencamp or is it John Mellencamp...or John Cougar..or whoever that guy is these days...R.O.C.K. in the USA. And I'd be a fibber if I said I didn't like Springstein's Born In the USA for at least 5 minutes.

3. Holiday weekends are a time for picnics...what kind of music do you like at your picnics?
Good old fashioned rock and pop. But if you want to throw in a few songs by these guys:



Well, I'm not going to complain.

4. A lot of music has a message about how the world should be, what song best expresses your world views?
My world views...hmmmm

Justin Hayward's The Way Of The World is quite nice. It's found on the CD, The View From A Hill.

I wonder if the Fool On The Hill sees the view the same way J'tin does... Hmmmm

Labor Day Monday Madness

1. Please tell us a little bit about your job (or your classes).
My job is insane. I'm a secretary for a nearly bankrupt construction company. I work now, semi-part time out of my boss' home. The hours are awful, but even at part time the pay is better than what I could get elsewhere and it's close to home. ~sigh~

2. Do you enjoy your job?
It's the most entertaining job I've ever had. My boss is a very unique man. That's all I can say, as it is I've said too much.

3. What would make your job more satisfying for you?
Oh the little things like hours...I'd like 40 of them. Health care and vacation time would be nice too.

4. Name one thing you don't like about your job.
Only one? I'll go with my lack of hours, thank you very much.

5. Do you feel you are compensated adequately for what you do?
I'm adequately compensated...most definitely.

6. Any thoughts on social security and health benefits?
Health benefits? What are those? I worked for a company before my current job where the health care cost 2 days pay and the coverage was crap and so was the prescription plan. Something has to be done.

7. What are your thoughts on the current minimum wage?
What is it now? 5.50? 5.25? I pity anyone that is working for such a pittance, unless it's a part time job to pick up extra cash. No one can live off that.

8. What kind of advice do you (or would you) give your children regarding their future and their career choices?
College is not for everyone, but education is. There are many other institutions that will get you moving in the right direction. Make wise choices and try to have an idea of what you want to do before selecting a school.

9. What is your 'dream job?'
I want to be the "Free Sample Lady" at Walmart. No one hates the "Free Sample Lady."
I want to be a writer actually...but that's truly just a "dream."

10. At what age will you be (or were you) able to retire?
With my luck, I'll be working until I drop dead.
~sigh~

Never Piss Off A Penguin

I knew you were going to ask why...so here's your answer.

And in the morning of my life...and in the evening of my day

I spent most of last night working on the mix for the Harvest CD swap that I organized. I've got just about all the tracks ready, 16 so far, so I know I need a few more to fill the disc. (I like to have mixes that are at least 70 minutes long)

For Harvest of Song, all the tracks on the mix should get you into an autumn kinda mood or be "New to You" songs. I'm doing mine in the autumn mode, using songs with a heavily acoustic feel to them.

This is what I have so far...

Justin Hayward - Lay It On Me (and you thought I was going to use Forever Autumn)
Erasure - Love Me All Night Long
George Harrison - Lay His Head
Elvis Costello - Brilliant Disguise (an interesting Springsteen cover)
Bernie Barlow - Golden
Fleetwood Mac - Say Goodbye
Midge Ure - Fields of Fire
Diana Krall - Stop The World
Eric Clapton - My Father's Eyes
Robert Plant - Ship of Fools
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - Learning to Fly
Glenn Tilbrook - Genitalia Of A Fool (this song is hilarious)
Terri Clark - Girls Lie Too
Crowded House - Mean To Me
Tabitha's Secret - 3 a.m. (the original version pre-matchbox twenty)
The Graces - Out In The Fields

Now I have to get all the tracks in my Roxio program to see how much time I have left. Then I have a few cds to burn for some other friends as well. Looks like my weekend is going to be spent burn baby burning. I do hope to see Vanity Fair either tomorrow or Monday, just not sure if I'll get the chance. Must keep the fingers crossed for that one.

Now I'm off to find artwork for the mix. BTW, I got my ink cartridges yesterday. Yay!

Chapter one: You didn't care at all...

I've been reading a lot lately. More than usual, and I'm a voracious reader. Sure its only romance novels, but its my escape, so I'll take it the way I like it.

I get lost so easily in the world of romance. Mostly because I know in real life these things just don't happen. Love isn't like it is in the books and neither is the sex. Lord knows, it would be nice if it was.

The scenarios are almost always the same, even for the best writers..

Poor young woman (or middle-aged woman..depending on the book) meets a wealthy, extremely handsome man.

The extremely handsome, wealthy man falls head over heels in love with her.

His social status etc don't seem to matter to him. I mean seriously, how many people with millions, etc want to fratrenize with us people down below?

(Why does the Blue Meanie come to mind as an example of one of those hoity toity people?)

But in fantasyland this can happen and love grows and brilliant magical sex ensues...

They overcome all hurdles, such as mothers, ex-girlfriends and other evildoers that obviously want the two not to be together. (and sometimes they even want one of them dead!)

Ah...if only life were so interesting. (Though I don't fancy someone wanting me dead)

But alas, it isn't interesting, so I have to live with knowing that my excitement has to come from finding stuff like this...



Out on October 12th with all 5 original members!

When Walls Come Tumbling Down, I'll Be Forever Calm

I'm burning the last two mixes from my bloggerversary giveaway. Yay! Doing good, considering my artwork isn't much. My printer is almost out of black ink, and funds for ink are not forthcoming.

I didn't do much otherwise today, besides make the weekly trek to Wal-mart to pay the bill and pick up necessary stuff. You know, like batteries for the walkman, so I can resume taking my walks tomorrow. I cannot walk without music and birds chirping don't count.

I really thought to accomplish more. I think that's how I feel on a daily basis. I used to think that making lists would help. Ha! It makes it worse, because when all is said and done, I see a list with very little checked off.

But wait, I did give two of the animals a bath. Yup, bathed a cat! Be proud! I'm still in one piece and the cat is unharmed. Actually, I think the cat likes the baths. Go figure. The dog on the other hand is not to fond of them. But then again, he's a big wus!

I really need to work on my autumn - Harvest of Song Mix. I also need to finish Otto's Decade of Song -- The 80's. It's burned, but my printer is having issues with the artwork. (as I mentioned earlier.)

I haven't decided if the holiday weekend has anything exciting in store for me, or if it's going to be three days at home, burning CDs. Lord knows, I should burn some for the upcoming trip. I think Mary would kill me if I only brought along the Moody Blues and Elvis Costello.

And now for something totally off the beaten track...Theater Thursday

1) What is your favorite movie about some type of 'animal gone wrong'?
Does Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes count? Again, I know I'm the only one that really enjoyed that film, but I did and Danny Elfman's score was fantastic. I've seen it about 5 times. Oddly, I don't find Marc Walhberg attractive in the least, I went to see it for the Apes!

2) Do you end up feeling sorry for the animal, or just scared to death?
It depends on the movie. It goes boths ways and sometimes I've felt both ways during a film. Ever see that awful movie, Pet Cemetary or is that with an "S?" Damn, Stephen King! Anyway, in that movie I was sorry for all the dead pets...but I was also scared shitless of them. Cos I'm a wus and I'm proud!

3) Do you think there is a movie about a 'killer animal' that went way too far or was just a ridiculous movie?
I just mentioned it in the last question. Pet Cemetary was the worst movie I ever saw in my life. No, I lie, that was Flowers In the Attic! But it was close to it.

BONUS) What kind of killer animal movie would you like to see made? Scary squirrels anyone?

What about a full length cartoon feature of my favorite squirrelly squirrel, Foamy? He's not killer, but he's sure snarky!

The summer sun is fading as the year grows old

The subject line today is the first line of the song "Forever Autumn." I know that it's not quite autumn yet, but it seems that way.

In my little part of the world, the weather seems to know when the kids start back to school. It becomes chillier in the mornings. Those hot, humid days are few and far between. My sleeves start getting longer.

How does it know?

I looked out my window last night at 8 o'clock and it was dark.

Where did the summer go?

~sigh~

I know I've ranted about it before, but I still feel like I could have done more this summer, even though I know I couldn't have. Perhaps I could have made it to a beach or an amusement park, but a real vacation would be out of the question.

You have no idea how envious I am of those people that get to go places. I'm really looking forward to my weekend away this month.

Did I mention that I'm going back to Atlantic City for a day trip? And then I'm stopping at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square on the Sunday that we are coming home.

Neither Mary or myself have much money for this trip, but we're going anyway. The following weekend is the Phil Collins concert in Pittsburgh, and we're in peanut heaven there, but we're still going. Cheesy, adult contemporary music, but I've heard good things about this tour, so I'm looking forward to it. It will probably be the last concert I see for a long while. Unless the Moodies come back to the east coast...and I can't see that happening until next year...but there is Elvis Costello.

I should stop with the concert dreams. I've had a wonderful summer of concerts. I've had a really nice summer too, even though I've done a lot of bitching about it.

And I'm thankful, these guys were a part of it.


Sexy Moody Men