(43-192) FANILOW

In yesterday's post, "A Spirit Lift;" I reminded you of #31 from "100 MORE Random Things About Me;" which was, "I make lists."  Which I suppose I probably didn't have to tell you since that was actually a part of a list; BUT, I'm sure that you understood that I meant that I make lists, beyond that of 100 Random Things or 100 MORE Random Things etc.  It's not called the Bumpy Ride, for nothing...

Anyway, one of the really great things about having made the previously mentioned lists; is that in times when I am at a loss for a blog topic, I can look back at the obscure little tidbits that I've shared; and choose one to elaborate on.  Today I'm going to go with #2 from "100 MORE Random Things About Me;"  I'm a Fanilow.  

A "Fanilow" for those of you who aren't familiar with the term, is a fan of Barry Manilow; and indeed I am.  There are quite a few reasons that I'm a Fanilow; starting with, my mom was a big, (yes) HUGE, Barry Manilow fan.  I remember how much she loved "Can't Smile Without You," and "Copacabana;" and although I enjoyed those songs; once I became more familiar with his repertoire; I became a big (yes) HUGE fan as well.  I love the fact that his songs can make you happy or sad.  I think that he really evokes emotion with his music and lyrics (so much so, that I even cried today when listening to "This One's For You;") and I don't know many other artists that I can say the same about.  I find his songs to be timeless; and I think that he is a sensational, showman (although I've only seen his performances and concerts on TV, to date.)  

I know some may scoff at Mr. Manilow; and I definitely run the risk of dating myself by professing my appreciation for him; but that's a risk I'm willing to take.  My music preferences are diverse for sure, and I think that everything has it's time and place in our lives.  With the kind of week that I've had, I feel like I could use a little Manilow; so I'm going to share some of my all time favorite Barry Manilow songs with you today.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Daybreak

Jump Shout Boogie

It's A Miracle

Mandy

This One's for You

(43-142) I KNOW My ABBA...

For the past twelve plus years; I've worked for a technology company that builds travel sales websites.  My job of course, has NOTHING to do with technology; since it is something that I have very little understanding of.  Instead, I work in the accounting department (which is something that I never would have expected to hear myself saying 20 years ago; but nonetheless, it's true;) collections to be exact.  I'm telling you this so that you'll understand that even though my company builds the websites; they are also involved in sales and they are constantly trying to find ways to increase our business.

As a great deal of our sales are derived from various group events; our company owners decided to venture out into the world of class reunion
coordination.
Now, when our CEO comes up with an idea, he totally immerses himself in it; so I suppose that I shouldn't have been surprised when a couple of weeks ago we were inundated with deliveries of DJ equipment.  My boss was very proud of his new purchases and explained that he wanted to be able to supply DJ services as a part of his class reunion coordination package.  He told me that he and a number of other employees were going to learn how to use the equipment so that they could DJ the jobs themselves.  I told him that it was Luis' dream to be a DJ, and he immediately invited him on board. 

Luis went to their first meeting, where they started checking out the equipment; and my boss said that they would each be given an opportunity to take the equipment home.  Well, the equipment continues to arrive, regularly; and last week, we received some Disco lights (for lack of a better name for it.)  I saw the little light demonstration and suggested that they purchase a bubble machine as well.

Today I went to my office and my boss asked me if I'd seen the lights.  I said "yes," but he decided that I deserved another viewing and with that, Bruce Springsteen's "Born to run" was all keyed up and the lights began to move.  My boss left the music on, and I have to say; he'd done a pretty good job.  He had a diverse mix, and each tune transitioned well to the next.  My boss left the office; and he kept the music and lights going.  I took the liberty of turning a light back on, because it was so dark in the office that my solar calculator couldn't display any numbers.   I was dancing at my desk; and MUCH to my delight, I heard the intro for "Dancing Queen."  You may remember that #8 of my "100 Random Things About Me," was "ABBA music makes me happy!!"  And the truth is, that most people who KNOW me, know this.  My other boss made sure to comment to me that it was Abba since he had banned me from playing them in the office a number of years ago.  I listened to the song, and as my boss walked by and said to me, "Now that's ABBA," and I said "No it's not."  He questioned me and I told him that the other boss had gotten the wrong version.  He didn't get Abba; he got a recording from "Mamma Mia."  My boss shrugged because he couldn't tell a difference.  I told him that I was so sure; that I would bet him money (which is something that I NEVER say.)  Of course he didn't take me up on my bet; which is too bad for me, because upon my other bosses return to the office, I informed him that he didn't have the Abba version of "Dancing Queen," but the show version etc. etc and he said "You're right."

Do I know my ABBA or what?  With the popularity of the film and show versions of "Mamma Mia," ABBA music is still alive and well; and although I enjoy all versions (well, except maybe Meryl Streep's,) the real deal is my favorite.  So tonight, I'm going to share my top 5 ABBA tunes, because I think that we all need to bring out our inner dancing Queen from time to time.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Waterloo
Fernando
I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do
Mamma Mia
Dancing Queen

(43-89) A Lil Pick Me Up

Throughout the course of "The Bumpy Ride," I've stated MANY times; that I want to become a professional writer.  And when I wrote "The Rules," I said that I didn't want to write a book at this point in time; because it seemed like such an arduous task.  So I ask you; what the heck was I thinking when I committed to writing a daily blog?  Like THAT wasn't going to be rigorous?  Don't get me wrong, I totally remember the reasons that I wanted to challenge myself to write daily.  I imagined that it would be monumental to record my daily thoughts, since it could possibly be the last year of my life.  I presumed that it might be compelling reading and at the very least; a keepsake for my children.  But the truth of the matter is, that extraordinary things don't happen to me on a daily basis and I don't always have the most fascinating thoughts and opinions to share.  Which leads me to fear that I am occasionally boring my readers; and that the people who previously liked reading my blog when I only posted a couple of times a week or less; will tire of me; and stop reading at all.  Whew!!

At 89 days in; I'm questioning my ability to go on with this challenge.  I feel like I'm floundering, and I second guess myself on a regular basis.  (OK, not much new there.)  I know that I can't please all of the people all of the time; but that's never stopped me from trying before. Certainly the positive feedback helps; but sometimes I just wonder if I'm wasting me time.  OK, I'll admit it; I  have PMS (yes, I know TMI; but the facts are the facts baby.) 

Because I'm not a quitter; I'm going to try and keep on truckin.  I'm going to endeavor to find new and interesting things to write about; and keep plugging away; because even if no one reads it; I know that it's important for me to do so.  In the 89 days that I've been writing daily; I think I've made some terrific discoveries about myself; and I've tried as always to provide recommendations for the (say it with me;) "Greater Good;"  and that's exactly what I set out to do.  I suppose that all I can say is; on days when my post doesn't float your boat; PLEASE don't give up on me.  Give me another chance; and let me know you're out there; because this really is a big (say it with me,) "HUGE;" undertaking.  It was one thing for me to try and write a witty anecdote once a week; but trying to entertain, inform and inspire you on a daily basis; now that's a completely different animal. 

Although they may not all have been the best posts that I've ever written, I'm proud of the work that I've done thus far; and I know that I shouldn't be so hard on myself; but hey, that's what I do.  You know, it's kind of funny.  I had originally planned to write only a blurb, and then post some links for some of my fave pick me up tunes; since I was feelin a lil down in the dumps; about "TBR."  But now, after venting and writing as much as I have; I actually feel better.  The tunes don't even feel necessary anymore; but I don't want to be a tease.  SO, let's listen to a few;  I'll brush myself off, and start all over again tomorrow.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
 
Don't Bring Me Down - Electric Light Orchestra
Don't Do Me Like That - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Heartbreak Beat - The Psychedelic Furs
Modern Love - David Bowie
Love Train - The O'Jays

(43-72) The Piano Man

My kid's had early out from school today and I went on campus to pick them up; because I had to drop some soccer paperwork in the office.  While I was waiting to round up my crew, I was talking to my friend Shannon about my "Santa and The Fairies" post and we discussed the "Glee" episode that started the whole conversation off.  We agreed that it wasn't our favorite episode, but we both loved Puck's rendition of Billy Joel's "Only The Good Die Young."

While I was driving Nicky and his friend Wyatt home from soccer practice, I was trying to think of a blog topic for tonight.   I replayed my day in my head; and recalled my conversation with Shannon, and immediately I knew, that tonight I would share my Top 5 Billy Joel songs.

I went to my first Billy Joel concert in 1984 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  There was such a demand for these concert tickets that they actually held a lottery, and my friend Melissa won 5th row seats.  Billy Joel put on such an amazing concert that I went back to see him at least 2 more times.  (Uggh; there's that memory thing again.)   Not only did I have the pleasure of attending Mr. Joel's concerts; but I also met him twice.  The first time, I met him briefly, when he gave a speech at my college, and the second time I didn't exactly MEET him; but he and Christie Brinkley sat behind me and my girlfriends at the Southampton movie theater for a showing of "Earth Girls Are Easy."  YES, I said "Earth Girls Are Easy;"  staring Academy Award winner - Geena Davis, Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carrey and Damon Wayans; to name a few.  Sorry Mr. Joel; I didn't mean to out you as a B rate movie goer - but I digress.
What I LOVE about Billy Joel's music, is that it is just that; MUSIC!  Although he is undeniably, The Piano Man; I think that it's fair to say that he truly is The Music Man!!
The songs that I've chosen showcase prodigious, piano stylings, scintillating, saxophone solos and unparalleled lyrics.  Billy Joel is a poet, a composer and a showman and I wholeheartedly believe that his transcendental, talent is beyond compare.
I hope you enjoy my top 5 Billy Joel songs.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Only The Good Die Young
Vienna
Scenes from An Italian Restaurant
Sometimes A Fantasy
Miami 2017 (I've seen the lights go down on Broadway)

(43-40) Songs Of Summer

For as long as I can remember, Labor day weekend always included pop music countdowns on the radio.  I suppose I never really understood why in September, the radio would count down the greatest hits of the year; but now that I'm older I'm going to guess that it's because it's something that they can pre-record so that the DJ's can take the holiday off too.
Well, I'm DJ of this blog, and  I can assure you that this post hasn't been pre-recorded; but in honor of this Labor day weekend tradition, I've decided to share some of my all time fave songs that remind me of summer.  This is a VERY random list. Some of the songs have a summer theme, some may be tunes that were summer hits (to the best of MY recollection,) and others may not have been hits at all (big surprise - right;) but they remind me of summer memories.
As always I know it's self indulgent to share music that I like; but I do so, to provide you with a glimpse into what makes me happy, what inspires me AND to record my memories.  I hope you enjoy them.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
Beach Baby - The first Class
Jive Talkin - Bee Gees
Summer Nights - Grease
I Want You To Want Me - Cheap Trick
Take Your Time- S.O.S. Band
Vacation - The Go-Go's
Let's Go Crazy - Prince
We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off - Jermaine Stewart
Heart And Soul - T'pau
All Summer Long - Kid Rock

(43-5) A Happy Tune

My guestroom / office / craft room was in need of a major overhaul as it had become the depository of ALL things that had no other place to go.  The eyesore of a room had been on our To-Do list for several weeks, but we finally tackled it this weekend; since my beloved friend Susie and her daughter Becky will be coming in from New York on Wednesday, to stay with us for a few days.
My entire family started cleaning and re-organizing on Friday and suffice it to say that we still have FAR to go; (which should come as no surprise for those of you who have actually had the displeasure of catching a glimpse of the room.  The rest of you will just have to picture the WORST.)  Once we're eventually done, my scrapbooking and bead supplies will be much more organized and everything that we're keeping should have its place; so I'm sincerely happy about this venture.  While we were toiling away I took the opportunity to pull up songs on YouTube and got to listen to a lot of great blasts from my past.  Since the computer is in the g/o/c room  I wasn't watching the videos; just listening to the tunes; and OK, dancing a bit; but my song selections made my day so much more enjoyable that I decided to blog about it.
Today I'm going to share 5 links for songs that made me smile.  I should remind you that my taste in music is EXTREMELY varied and although I make no apologies for my choices, I do understand that what I'm sharing may not be your cup of tea; but if even ONE of these songs puts a grin on your face, brings back a good memory or entices you to listen to something new; then I'll be truly gratified.
I made a list of ALL of the music that I listened to today and I may add this as a regular feature of  the blog, so that other points in time I can share more links with you; so let me know what you think.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Xanadu - Olivia Newton-John & ELO
Move This - Technotronic
Love to Hate You - Erasure
Como te Deso - Mana
American Girl - Goo Goo Dolls