Welcome! I hope I bring a spot of calm and happiness into these uncertain times. I blog about my photography adventures, flowers, gardening, the importance of chocolate in a well lived life, or anything else on my mind.
Today is two memes for the price of one. I hope you stay for both of them.
First, held every 15th of the month, is Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, where flower gardeners from all over the world post what is blooming in their homes and/or gardens. This is hosted by Carol at May Dreams Gardens.
It's a winter storm day in my zone 6a Southern Tier of New York garden.
The other day, I was pleased to discover that the recent warming spell melted almost all of our snow, revealing my white early blooming Lenten Rose. I took this picture yesterday, before more snow came.
Flower buds count, right?
As for my indoor flowers, call it January sparse:
Phalaenopsis, purchased several weeks ago in a membership warehouse. I've killed several orchids over the years but the one that did the best for me, lasting several years (purchased one Black Friday), finally died late last year.
Chocolate solder, one of my small succulent plants in my home office. It has a flower stalk (see middle of photo). Sorry for the blurriness. I tried retaking this three times and best I can seem to do.
Finally, (cheating, perhaps but it's January), dried flowers on one of my two African violets. Now, today is also #SkywatchFriday, hosted by Yogi.
Last Sunday, during our relatively warm spell, I took some puddle pictures.
Looks like black and white, but this is in color.
Nice to have puddles, which mean it's above freezing. No puddles today, though.
We are a group of music loving bloggers whoblog about music eachSunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post link may be labeled "No Music" or even removed.) We
have occasional theme weeks, but you are welcome to ignore the theme
and use music of your choice. Why not join us? You don't have to sing,
or play an instrument. All music lovers are welcome.
Today's theme is: You Pick! Sadly, I must begin with two inductions into Rock and Roll Heaven.
I just couldn't think of music I wanted to feature so I decided to let You Tube decide for me. You Tube, I found, has something called My Mix, which they base on music videos you have listened to. Even though some of the music picked is not from genres I prefer, I found an interesting mix to cure (no pun intended) my blogging block.
Interestingly, the first song was by the Cure. I had forgotten I was going to write up the induction into Rock and Roll Heaven of guitarist and keyboardist Perry Bamonte, who died on December 24 at age 65 after a short illness. So, let's start with what You Tube picked as my tribute.
You Tube's pick for me was 1987's Just Like Heaven.
As I was writing this post, the news came about the death of Bob Weir, co-founder of the Grateful Dead, at age 78 from lung issues possibly related to his battle with cancer.
This is his final performance of the Dead's classic Touch of Grey.
Now, back to You Tube's picks for me. From 1986, Higher Love - Steve Winwood
1982's Mad World - Tears for Fears was chosen for me, although I must say that I slightly prefer Gary Jules' 2001/2003 cover.
Finally, from 1985, Something About You - Level 42
I am closing on a somber note today. One of our former Music Moves Me members, Mary, of the music blog JingleJangleJungle, is declining after several years of battling cancer. If you are so inclined, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Mary was always so upfront about her health battles on a different blog devoted to same, and had a great sense of humor. I am reminded of this post from another Music Moves Me member from several years ago.
And that's a wrap!
Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me.
The sky has been so dreary this week where I live in the Southern Tier of New York State. The norm is white skies with little sun or blue showing. So I was surprised when I looked out on January 5 and saw a beautiful sunrise already in progress.
I apologize for the blurry pictures.
It was a treat seeing this, although we ended up with still another dreary day.
But then again, it's January, and we also have a break from our colder than normal weather.
At least yesterday we finally got some sun. I even took a puddle picture yesterday, which I hope I remember to post later this month.
I've always admired quilters. My mother was an excellent sewer until Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) took that skill from her many many years ago (before there were really effective treatments), but I'm not sure she ever worked on a quilt. It wasn't part of our heritage. But she could do beautiful hand sewing work before the RA took that from her, and I got a glimpse of how much skill it takes.
I did not inherit her sewing talents, although I have crocheted for over 50 years.
The quilting guild who made the following quilts is known for its charity work. They display some of their works each year at an event called Home for the Holidays, held at a local museum.
Enjoy!
What lovely work. Are any of my blog readers quilters?
Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday.
We are a group of music loving bloggers whoblog about music eachSunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please! Otherwise, your post link may be labeled "No Music" or even removed.) We
have occasional theme weeks, but you are welcome to ignore the theme
and use music of your choice. Why not join us? You don't have to sing,
or play an instrument. All music lovers are welcome.
Today's optional theme is: "It’s a new
month, new year. Share a once new song from any era that you immediately
loved or share a more recent new release that tickles your fancy or
share music by an artist that’s new-to-you. The point is it’s a new
year! "
Yes, a new year, and I want to share with you several songs that have not previously appeared on my blog. A couple of these are songs from genres I normally don't listen much to, but have appealed to me.
Taylor Swift and The Fate of Ophelia, which I heard for the first time on another blog.
Not a new song, but I just love this Cher cover, which I heard on a recent Saturday Night Live TV show.
Chappell Roan and Pink Pony Club (I chose a live performance).
Finally, 50 years ago this week, this song was #1 on the Cash Box Top 100. Here's Barry Manilow and I Write the Songs. Manilow underwent surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung last week related to his recent diagnosis of lung cancer. We wish him the best.
And that's a wrap!
Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me.
