Saturday Night Serenade–Guilty Pleasures Make Me Happy

Hello, July!
In the US this week, we’ll celebrate with cookouts and fireworks, family and friends.

There’s something about summer that makes me feel nostalgic.  When I was a kid, I didn’t worry about a thing in the summer.  I ran barefoot all over the neighborhood, went on picnics, climbed trees, and played outside until well after dark.

Summer has its own soundtrack.  Those oldies that bring back the good old days.  I’ve often confessed that boy bands are my guilty pleasure.  They just make me happy.

So when this musical moment happened this week, I was thrilled.  Jimmy Fallon’s classroom instruments segments are my favorites.  Add the Backstreet Boys, and I’m in heaven.

Out in the world at large, this has been a rough couple of weeks.  It seems like everyone has lost their mother-loving minds.  So I needed this dose of happiness.  I hope you enjoy it, too.

Be sure to hugs those you love.  And recognize that everyone else just wants to do the same.

Happy Saturday night!

P.S. I couldn’t resist this bonus track.

 

Saturday Night Serenade–Summer Guilty Pleasure

It’s been a helluva week, hasn’t it?

Sometimes you need a little escape from real life.  Boy bands have always been my guilty pleasure.  I mean N’Sync and the Backstreet Boys, are you kidding me?

I love this song by One Direction.  It’s bubble gum and oh, so fun for a summer weekend.  I dare you not to still be singing it this time tomorrow.

As you enjoy this first weekend of Summer, be sure to hug your babies tightly, and pray for those who aren’t able to.

Happy Saturday night!

Saturday Night Serenade–Tell Me About It, Stud!

I’m finding it hard to believe that the movie Grease came out FORTY YEARS AGO today.  How is that even possible?

I was in junior high (remember when that was a thing?) and I went to see the movie with my cousin, who was a year older than I.  Before that, my understanding of  movie musicals was based on my parents’ collection of LPs (remember when that was a thing?)–South Pacific, The Sound of Music, The King and I.

All of those are great shows, but I was blown away by the idea that an entire musical could be based on rock and roll.  And I loved it.  I marched right out and spent my allowance on the album, and to this day, I can sing every song by heart.

Now, there’s Rock of Ages, based on 80s music (and simply rocks) and American Idiot, a punk opera from Green Day’s album of the same name (which is outstanding), among others.

Here in the context of the ‘enlightened’ 21st century, I don’t want to delve into the socio-political issues of whether a Good Girl should have to change to keep her Bad Boy boyfriend.  Or vice-versa.  Because that’s crap.

What I know is that Grease is a fun, nostalgic trip to the 50s full of songs that are just enjoyable, both to listen to and sing along with.  A couple of years ago, Fox aired a live production of the show.  At the end of this article, I’ve posted Greased Lightning from that performance.  Just because I can, LOL.  (By the way, NBC is planning a live production of Hair in 2019.  Just saying…)

If you’re curious, here’s a Time article that talks about where the stars of Grease are today.

I hope you’re having a wonderful summer weekend.  Be sure to hug those you love.

Happy Saturday night!

 

Saturday Night Serenade–Left Asking Why

It was a rough week.  We lost two creative souls to the private demons we had no idea they battled.

Kate Spade created, among other things, handbags I’ve always admired and been too poor to own.  She always seemed hip and funky and carefree.  Who knew that she suffered from bipolar disorder and depression?

I’ve been a fan of Anthony Bourdain for a long time.  In fact, one of my characters mentions him in my first novel, Luke & Bella.  In the book, they create a travel program very loosely based on Bourdain’s Travel Channel show, No Reservations.  He always seemed to be an asshole, frankly, greeting the world on his own terms.  But he always conveyed a deep respect for the people and cultures he visited.  To hear that he’s gone, and by his own hand, is simply shocking.

We’re left with the inevitable question, why?  Why did two people who seemed to have everything just quit?  The fact that they each left a young daughter behind is heartbreaking.  That’s not something you get over.

Which brings us to this point: We have to start a conversation about mental illness.  Not talking about it is toxic.  It’s not some dirty, shameful secret.  Struggling does not make you defective, it makes you human.  Talk to someone.  Tell them what’s going on.  Seek professional help.

If you had heart disease or diabetes, you’d see a doctor.  Illness is illness, physical or mental.  There are those who will criticize.  Fuck’em.  Take care of yourself.

If you or someone you love needs help, please call this number.  I’ve been through some shit in my life.  But the thing I’ve noticed is that the sun still comes up every morning.  It’s a sure sign that you are loved, you have value, and you have hope.

I needed a little Sweet Baby James tonight.  I hope you enjoy.  Be sure to hug those you love this weekend.

Happy Saturday night!