PS22 Choir Singing Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide"

Aren't these children just everything? Have a great day, y'all!

The Worst Best Friend

Let me tell you about the worst best friend. Who's that, you say? That would be me, unfortunately. How did I earn this distinction? To adequately explain, I will have to give you some background. You see, I am one of those people who is blessed/cursed with a nearly impeccable memory. I remember incidents that occurred long, long ago with remarkable recall. I can give details, dates, what current events coincided with said incident, who was wearing what, what so-and-so said, who dated who, and I was/am about 95% on point. Sometimes, I get on my own nerves with the things I remember.

My best friend, Mrs. Jovial, is quite the opposite. She looks to me to remember things, and I do. My memory bank is available to her and whoever else may need it. I don't believe my memory has ever let her down. That is, until now. You see, I have done something I have never done the entire length of our friendship.

I forgot my best friend's birthday.

**Sigh**

I remembered two days before. In fact, we were to meet for dinner the night before her birthday, but our plans got canceled. That day, she had a scheduling conflict, I had a crisis on top of being super busy and was occupied from sunrise to sunset. The next day, April 26, was her birthday. I was up early, checked the news and learned of Bea Arthur's death, wrote a post, and went on about my day, again working all the way through until it was time for me to have my tea and watch the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Later that night as I was speaking to a relative, I realized my transgression, but it was too late to call the Jovial home. Besides, who wants a birthday wish that late at night?

The next morning I apologized profusely. Mrs. Jovial was gracious, maybe because sometimes she's just sweet like that. More than likely, it's because she understands what it feels like to forget. I don't know which one it is, but I'm glad she was okay, because the Queen doesn't grovel too well for long. Queenie is however, well versed in the apology. I'll let you figure out why that is.

Without further ado, I am offering the following:

Cocktails

What's your preference, a Cosmo...

Or, a chocolatini?

A magnificent plate of seafood pasta. I'll cook it myself.

Either a lovely almond cake from the best bakery:

Or one I will make myself. Look at those peaks!

For your gift, choose a hot pair of Prada shoes,

Or Jimmy Choo?

Some Music:



Or how about I go way back:

'Member this?



I hope you enjoy this, and know we will celebrate in real life. Ummm, you do know the shoes are given in spirit only, right? Hey, it's the thought that counts.

Happy Birthday, much love, and may you have many, many more.

Dave Brubeck - Get Well Soon!

One of my all time favorite songs is "Take Five", and I admire Dave Brubeck, who strikes me as a good and decent man. If you decide to take a listen, I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

More Music for My Cousin - Corinne Bailey Rae

This is Part II

Chocolate Milk - Groove City

One of the featured artists at the Zulu Ball tonight will be New Orleans' own Chocolate Milk. Groove City is one of my personal favorites. Take a listen and tell me what you think.

E.L.O. - The Electric Light Orchestra

I read this morning of the death of ELO Bassist, Kelly Groucutt. As many of you know, I grew up to all sorts of music. ELO reminds me of my elementary school days at Immaculate Heart of Mary. They had a distinctive sound that I couldn't identify as a child, but later recognized it as the sound of synthesizers. My father had plenty to say about it, most of it not good, but to me it sounded wonderful. I found the Electric Light Orchestra had such an energetic presence, even with their slower tunes.

Even now, they still do.

Mardi Gras Music - Smoke My Peace Pipe (Smoke it Right) - The Wild Magnolias

R.I.P. Snooks Eaglin

Snooks Eaglin was a multi-talented guitarist and musician whose repertoire included several genres of music. He passed away today at the age of 73. He was scheduled to perform at this year's Jazz Festival, as he had done for the last several years. He will be missed.

Rebirth Brass Band - Casanova

Come and Get Your Love - Redbone, 1974

On Mondays, I like to listen to music that will make me smile. This one does it every time. A beautiful combo of funk, rock, soul, plus lyrics that go between subtle and straight to the point (what's that title again?) make for a song with great energy. It's the first commercial hit for a Native American band. What do you think?

Mardi Gras Mambo - The Meters

Hey Pocky Way - the Funky Meters

Enjoy!

Professor Longhair, Big Chief

This is one of my personal favorites. Enjoy some more Mardi Gras Music!

They All Asked for You - The Funky Meters

Enjoy some Mardi Gras music!

Mardi Gras Music - Al Johnson, "Carnival Time"

'Cause it's Raining in the Big Easy!

Remember this?

Rebirth Brass Band - Do Watcha Wanna

Enjoy some Mardi Gras music.

This is the Rebirth Brass Band in the French Quarter, celebrating the start of Jazz Fest, 2008:

Ruby and the Romantics - Our Day Will Come

Today is my parents' anniversary. Had they lived, they would have been married 42 years.

I believe they are together now, two overjoyed spirits not beleaguered by the cares of this earth.

My dad loved his music, and it seemed he played a little of everything. There are a few special songs that remind me of both my parents for different reasons. They played this song very often when I was a little girl. As I got older, it became part of that category of songs for me where the lyrics are simple, but intense. Like much of the music of days gone by, there's an innocence you no longer hear in today's music:

Our day will come, and we'll have everything

We'll share the joy falling in love can bring...

... Our dreams have magic because we'll always stay in love this way

Our Day Will come...

So, here's to you, Mama & Daddy. I know you didn't drink, but I will be toasting you tonight, and I'll do it up right. I imagine now you're looking at each other, shaking your heads and laughing.

I'm cool with that.

For My Cousin in Texas

Girl, don't act like you don't want a piece of this! Just Help Yourself!

Nick Gilder - Hot Child in the City - 'cause I FELT like it!