About Author
House Has Got Da Blues
For my music loving readers, let me ask you this…
Have you ever been to a live music show that simply left you speechless?
I have. It happened to me Tuesday night.
The Good Man and I took a couple extra vacation days after the Monday holiday so we could road trip up to the beautiful Napa Valley.
Our destination was the historic Uptown Theatre.
The journey took us to see one Mr. Hugh Laurie, who many might know from the American television show “House” but who The Good Man and I know better from BBC shows such as “A Bit of Fry and Laurie,” “Jeeves and Wooster” and “Black Adder.”
Turns out the venerable Mr. Laurie isn’t just an incredibly talented actor, but he’s one hell of a musician, and a consummate entertainer. Apparently the guy is good at everything he tries. I’d have to hate him if I didn’t admire him so much.
His deep love of very old New Orleans style American blues, jazz and spiritual music prompted the release of his album “Let Them Talk.
I’m a fan of blues music and was happy to give the album a listen. To be honest, it’s more jazz than blues but it’s so well arranged and so well produced that I dug the album from first cut to last note.
And then the live show. So incredibly engaging. The crowd was totally in it all along. Mr. Laurie knows how to entertain and his backing band is solid (except for the guitar player).
Whew. My arms hurt from clapping so hard.
What an amazing show. If it comes near your hometown, I can’t recommend it enough!
Here’s a couple shots I took at the show (we had amazing seats).
Photos Copyright 2012, Karen Fayeth, and subject to the Creative Commons license found in the far right column of this page. Photos taken with an iPhone4s, an iPhone telephoto lens and the Camera+ app.
Extending the Holiday by just a Skosh….
This morning I sat next to The Good Man at breakfast at a lovely little bed and breakfast in Napa. There were two other couples at the table, also guests of the B&B, and the six of us talked idly of wine tasting and things to do in California as we got to know each other a little.
At the end of the table was a couple that were a bit older than the rest. The man wore a baseball cap showing he was a military veteran and the troop he was with.
One of the guys at the table asked him, “Where were you stationed?”
He replied, “Well…I was in Korea and I was also in Viet Nam, so I was over there, and also in the US a bit. I was sort of all over.”
The first man said, “I bet you’ve seen a lot of things.”
The older man replied, “Yep. And seen a lot of things I wish I hadn’t.”
This, of course, brought a moment of thoughtful silence to the table.
The man reminded me a bit of my dad, himself a veteran of Korea.
Just a two minute conversation that to me highlighted the holiday we just finished celebrating.
Thought I’d share it.
It’s Best to Remember
Happy Day of the Memorials!
I have so many to remember, and believe me, I do.
Humbly.
Sketch by me as I’m fooling about with the Skitch app for my iPad.
Self Help Advice From a 2 year old
Too funny not to share.
And…..never stop seizing stuff.
_________________
Originally from the JasonGood365 webpage and reprinted in Huffington Post.
SELF HELP ADVICE FROM A 2 YEAR OLD.
1. Challenge yourself every day. Try climbing the stairs carrying two soccer balls while wearing your father’s shoes. Remember, failure IS an option.
2. De-clutter! Start by throwing all your dishes in the garbage. After that I suggest toothbrushes and important paper work.
3. Pee on the floor and stomp in it like a puddle. You’ll be shocked how much better you feel.
4. Whether the glass is half empty or half full is irrelevant if you dump it out on the sofa. You’re welcome.
5. If you’re feeling aggressive, or just bored, scream in a cat’s face.
6. Don’t ever be afraid to hand someone an ice cube while they’re on the toilet. That stuff is cold. You don’t have to be in pain!
7. Socks are poison. Trust me, don’t wear them! Happiness will soon follow!
8. Pound on a computer keyboard like Jerry Lee Lewis playing the piano. Feel better? I thought so. Great Balls of Fire!
9. If you fall down, stay down. Someone will pick you up eventually.
10. Quick thrills fuel the heart. Have you learned to delete things off the DVR yet? DO IT. It’s AwWwWwEsOmE.
11. Seize the day and the night and the middle of the night and the early morning. Seize everything, y’all! Never stop seizing stuff.
12. Tired of looking at yourself in the mirror? So was I until I met my friend permanent marker. FACE TATTOOS ARE RAD.
13. This might be a tough one, but you gotta trust me: Take a crap in the tub. It’s surreal.
14. Live in the moment because there is nothing else. Seriously, there isn’t. Not that I’m aware of at least.
15. If you’re gonna run, do it at top speed, man. Life is too short to walk in the mall.
16. I’ve seen God, and his name is iPad. Let us pray.
