Okie Sister

Me and Miranda

I'm lovin' Miranda Lambert's new single.

Of course, you know that me and Miranda are really close.

 

Guitar Chicks Rock

One of the most memorable musical performances last year occurred at the VH1 Divas Concert when Kelly Clarkson teamed up with the incomparable Melissa Etheridge on a song written by Etheridge. It was one of those moments you just don't forget.

Melissa Etheridge |MTV Music

My Sixth Sense

If I had never watched "The Sixth Sense", then I wouldn't be so freaked out every time I walk into my kitchen and see the cabinet doors ajar.

The truth of the matter is that this is not an other world visit, it's just that the kitchen is fairly old and the latches don't work so well any more. Still, it unsettles me every time.

We've been in the process of updating the kitchen. Carpet and two different linoleum floors have been replaced with brand new flooring... that I love.

(I can't take a photo in this house without getting a dog in it.
Hi Cricket. No, I'm not stealing your soul) 

Ugly blue and white checkered wallpaper has painstakingly been pried off the walls. I disliked that wallpaper since we bought the house over ten years ago. I can't believe it's taken me this long to remove it; except for the fact that it's a total pain to take down. Please people... do not glue paper on your walls.

 (Old wallpaper that made my eyes go haywire)

I'm so looking forward to picking out a new paint color. And light fixtures.

Right now there is a hideous dusty ceiling fan hanging on one side of my kitchen, a brass looking lantern light on the other, and a bare bulb above my sink. This mishmash of lighting freaks my Monk self out. Light fixtures are one of the cheapish ways to update a room, but I don't think most people ever think about doing this. Or maybe they procrastinate for over ten years, like yours truly. 

 

Another unsettling sight this morning was checking the temperature before dressing for work. Nineteen degrees with a wind chill that made it feel like two degrees. Crap! I have a tendency to hibernate in such weather.

I've been found a lot lately under a blanket watching Turner Classic Movies. The mere fact that I have time to watch a movie lets you know that television is in a sorry state of late. Normally, I have too much recorded programming to watch movies. But I've viewed "The Mortal Storm", "Casablanca", "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes", "To Catch A Thief", "A Face In The Crowd," "Until They Sail," "So Long At The Fair," and several others. I also watched a movie that was made this decade which starred John Travolta. It stank! Afterward I said, "That's why I watch old movies."
 
I guess there's just not much on regular TV these days that I enjoy. I watched How I Met Your Mother last night; the first time this season. When it was over I said to hubby, "Huh, remember when this show used to be funny?" What the hell happened to HIMYM? That episode sucked.
 
This morning I watched Jennifer Hudson's Christmas special that aired last night. That I enjoyed. When Jennifer soulfully and spiritually sang "O Holy Night", I was moved. It was everything the Carrie Underwood special was not. Sorry, but I thought Carrie's show was way too cheesy. Except I enjoyed seeing Sons of Sylvia (the band formerly known as The Clark Brothers). Can't wait till these guy put out an album.
  

Other than this, I've still been obsessively busy working on my genealogy. Hubby tells everyone, "She sees dead people."

Okie From Checotah

Carrie Underwood won the top honors at the Academy of Country Music Awards last night, being named Top Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year. I haven’t been so proud since Reba McEntire earned this honor in 1994. You Oklahoma girls Rock!

And thank you Miss Carrie for taking the opportunity to “hit on” that adorable Matthew McConaughey - hey - hey in your acceptance speech after he announced your win. Again, Oklahoma girls Rock!

If you didn’t watch the program, Matthew told a story about “getting lucky ” in 1987 after telling some girls he custom made boots for George Strait and he even had the next year’s design out in his car if they would like to see them.
Carrie in her speech told Matthew she wanted to see those boots.
It was the funniest line of the night.

The ACM show is about the only award program that I watch these days because it doesn’t contain political BS in the form of acceptance speeches. The show is filled with musical performances and only a handful of awards.
Of course, leave it to an outsider to the county music world to cross this line. Jamie Foxx, who was there to introduce George Strait, rattled on about everything other than Strait, and then he asked the audience to clap for Obama. It was weirdly out of place and uncomfortable. Jamie, know your audience dude.

This crowd was more inline with John Rich’s moving anti-bailout ballad, “Shuttin’ Detroit Down.”

Cause in the real world they're shuttin' Detroit down,
While the boss man takes his bonus paid jets on out of town.
DC's bailing out them bankers as the farmers auction ground.
Yeah while they're living up on Wall Street in that New York City town,
Here in the real world they're shuttin' Detroit down.

Another lowlight of the evening was Miley Cyrus and her coat tail clinging father, Billy Ray. When will this Hanna Montana fad be over? I can’t wait for these two to fade back into the woodwork.

A highlight of the evening came in the form of Trace Adkins.

When he was good, he was very good indeed.
But when he was bad, he was horrid Badonkadonk.

Trace gave a surprising performance accompanied by the West Point Glee Club. The song “Til The Last Shot’s Fired” can be downloaded on iTunes with the proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Trace won Single of the Year for “You’re Gonna Miss This,” a personal song he wrote when his oldest daughter was getting married. It was added to his greatest hits cd and was never intended to be released as a single. His response when it was, “Go ahead, ain’t nobody gonna play it.” Last night after winning he said, “Glad I’m an idiot.”

Congratulations Trace, and Taylor Swift and Jamey Johnson and Dancing With The Star’s Julianne Hough. Here’s a complete list of nominees and winners for the evening.

Now, back to our little Okie Carrie. I’ve mentioned before how incredible she always looks. She just seems to wear the right outfit for every occasion. Last night she had several different dresses. The one she wore when she sang Randy Travis’ hit “I Told You So” was well... different, to say the least. The top part is cute, but then in flows into yards and yards and yards of material. She looked like a little Barbie doll stuck down in the top of a big ol’ birthday cake. The jury’s still out on this one. What do you think of it?

 

80's Street Rock

Do you remember the good ol’ days when children’s cartoons and shows were actually entertaining? Do any of you remember these classic Sesame Street clips from the 80’s?

Last Call

When I was a teenager, I wrote a few poems. That was the last “creative” writing I did before starting this blog.
Every now and then, I hear something that pulls at me to write poetry again. Oh, if only I could create powerful and moving lyrics, like those in this song.

Last Call
Written by Erin Enderlin and Shane McAnally
Performed by Lee Ann Womack

I recognized your number, it's burned into my brain.
Felt my heart beating faster, every time it rang.
Some things never change, that's why I didn't answer.

I bet you're in a bar, listening to a country song
Glass of Johnny Walker Red, no one to take you home.
They're probably closing down, saying, "No more alcohol."
I bet you're in a bar, 'cause I'm always your last call.

I don't need to check that message, I know what it says.
"Baby, I still love you,"

Don't mean nothing when there's whiskey on your breath.
That's the only love I get, so if you're calling

I bet you're in a bar, listening to a cheatin' song
Glass of Johnny Walker Red, no one to take you home
They're probably closing down, saying, "No more alcohol."
I bet you're in bar, 'cause I'm always your last…

Call me crazy, but I think maybe
We've had our last call.

I bet you're in a bar, it's always the same old song.
That Johnny Walker Red, by now it's almost gone.
But baby, I won't be there to catch you when you fall.
I bet you're in bar, 'cause I'm always your last call.

Comic Relief

I saw the funniest video recently over at April Showers. (Now I can't hear that song without singing the new lyrics.)
I had to research further this comedian, Tim Hawkins, 'cause I had never heard of him before. Imagine Weird Al with a biblical twist.

And my personal favorite:

A.I.'s Metal Guy

Yesterday I was the crazy lady driving down Gore Boulevard laughing my head off. Why? Because I heard the following on the morning radio show. It's a parody of American Idol's Adam Lambert and his strange voice.

Wanted: One Idol Stylist

I was flipping channels on Friday and saw the last few minutes of Oprah. Did you catch it?

 

All I can say is American Idol winner #1 Kelly Clarkson should get a stylist like American Idol winner #4 Carrie Underwood.

Our little Okie Carrie is always in style.

    

 

       

Kelly, not so much.

 

   

 

    

And I get that these gals don’t wear the same size. Kelly’s got that big ol’ bum. But that doesn’t matter, there are ways to camouflage all that junk in the trunk.

Think how fabulous Queen Latifah looks when she appears at events these days.

    

 

  

 

Please Kelly, hire a stylist.

 

 

 

Update: If you hire a stylist, please pay them. Queen Latifah sued.

Sister Sightings (15)

Music: American Idol alum Taylor Hicks has a new cd out this week called The Distance. Amazon.com is offering a free download on one of his songs, Seven Mile Breakdown. That’s free, as in, no money. Download here.

 

 

Television: NASCAR driver Jeff Burton will appear in an upcoming episode of General Hospital. Burton will take part in scenes with Dr. Patrick Drake. Drake’s character, played by Canadian actor Jason Thompson, is an avid race fan. Burton’s episode is slated to air in mid-March.
“I’m excited about going to the set of General Hospital and taking on a role with Jason,” said Burton. “I’ve been in commercials and was a guest star on a sitcom a couple of years ago, so I’m hoping those appearances prepped me for my soap-opera debut. Luckily, I get to play myself and talk racing, which will help take some of the pressure off.”

 

Fox's upcoming musical comedy, Glee, has booked Okie Kristin Chenoweth (Pushing Daisies, Wicked) and Victor Garber (Alias, Eli Stone, Sweeney Todd) in recurring roles. Matthew Morrison (Hairspray) stars as an optimistic high school teacher trying to transforms the worst glee club in America. Produced by Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tuck, Popular). The show is scheduled to premiere this May after American Idol.

 

Don’t miss the third season of My Boys airing on TBS starting March 31st.

 

In The News: Former NFL player-turned-actor Brian Bosworth has been arrested in Hollywood on suspicion of driving his Harley under the influence. Los Angeles police Sgt. Alex Ortiz says Bosworth was arrested early last Friday. The Boz was held on $5,000 bail.
Okie Bosworth garnered fame as a University of Oklahoma linebacker before retiring three years into a 10-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks due to a shoulder injury. His movie credits include "Stone Cold," "Virus," "Three Kings" and "The Longest Yard."

Drivers, this is what happens when you stop in the middle of the street to let somebody pull out in front of you. You think you are being kind, but you are really being stupid. Stop waving people into traffic before you get someone killed. Just follow the dang traffic rules. Here is what I’ve always wondered. What about the people behind you that you are holding up? You are certainly not being kind to them. End of rant.

 

 

Funny Cartoon: My oldest brother emailed me about last week’s episode of Lost. I think he summed it up accurately.

 

Summary of last Wednesday’s LOST
Three years later...
Three years earlier...
Three years later...
Three years earlier...
Three years later...
Three years earlier...
Three years later...
Three years earlier...

 

   

The Argyle Sweater by Scott Hilburn

Name That Tune

The other day I wrote about theme songs from day time television shows. Today, I’d like to know what theme song or music do you enjoy from night time television?

Or what show opening do you enjoy watching? For example, who doesn’t enjoy waiting to see what Bart Simpson will write on the chalkboard each week?

Personally, I like the Bond-ish cartoon-y Nerd Herd opening to Chuck. That running stick man dropping out of Zackary Levi’s nose gets me every time.

My vote for favorite show theme song has got to be Saving Grace, as sung by Everlast. (I wrote about it before and posted the video here. Enjoy!) So, what’s yours?

Saving Grace by Everlast

One time around the block
Two times around the clock
Three times, don't cross the little lady (lady)

So pretty and, oh, so bold
Got a heart full of gold on a lonely road
She said, "I don't even think that God can save me" (save me)

(Am I) gainin' ground
(Am I) losin' face
(Have I) lost and found my saving grace
Thankful for the gift my angels gave me

Born alone, we die alone
'n' I'm just sittin' here by the phone
Waitin' for the Lord to send my callin'

Street wise from the boulevard
Jesus only knows that she tries too hard
She's only tryin' to keep the sky from fallin'

Any man who says it's Heaven and Hell
Prob'ly got somethin' useless to sell
You ask me if I'm saved, but what's it to ya?

Blow a quarter, cop another eight
You're runnin' out of high, you're losin' your faith
Throw your hands up and scream, "Hallelujah"

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Amen

One time around the sun
Another year older and my work ain't done
It's time for me to write the final chapter (chapter)

Deal the cards and roll the dice
Sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll are my only vice
Tryin' to figure out just what's here after (here after)

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Amen

Put One Foot, Where?

I have a new theme song. Woke up singing this today.

PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER
from Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you'll be walkin' 'cross the flo-o-or
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you'll be walkin' out the door.

You never will get where you're goin'
If you never get up on your feet
Come on! There's a good tail wind blowin'
A fast walkin' man is hard to beat!

Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you'll be walkin 'cross the flo-o-or
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you'll be walkin' out the door.

If you want to change your direction
If you're time of life is at hand
Well don't be the rule -- be the exception
A good way to start is to stand.

Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you'll be walkin 'cross the flo-o-or
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you'll be walkin' out the door.

If I want to change the reflection
I see in the mirror each morn
Oh, you do!
You mean that it's just my election
Just that!
To vote for a chance to be reborn.

You put one foot in front of the other
And soon you are walkin' 'cross the flo-o-or
You put one foot in front of the other
And soon you are walkin' out the door.

Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you are walkin 'cross the flo-o-or
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you'll be walkin' out the door!

 

Soapy Music

Yesterday’s mention of The Bold & The Beautiful reminded me how much I’ve always loved their opening music. I don’t even watch this soap, but I can appreciate a snazzy, upbeat theme song. I think this is the best one on daytime television. Evidently they had Dionne Warwick on the show to sing “High Upon This Love” in person as evidenced by the following clip that features John McCook and Tracey Bregman, (who is now back on Y&R.)

Written by Jack Allocco and David Kurtz, with saxophone played by Eric Marienthal. I actually have a cd somewhere around here with this song on it. I love me some sax!

“Fly, high upon this love and touch the stars above.
That’s what dreams are made of.
Bold and beautiful are we, in love eternally.
Forever you and me.”

Speaking of The Young & The Restless, did you know that their theme song, “Nadia’s Theme,” has lyrics to it? Yep, it’s a slow and haunting little ditty that they used to play occasionally at the end of an episode... a long time ago. I haven’t heard the words in years.
Originated as a music cue called "Cotton's Dream" from the 1971 movie Bless the Beasts and the Children. The song was later retitled "Nadia's Theme" after Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci used it for her floor exercises in the 1976 Olympics. Composed by Barry DeVorzon and Perry Botkin, Jr.
(Side note: Nadia is short for the Russian name Nadyezhda, which means Hope. She is married to Bart Conner and they live in Oklahoma.)

Here’s the lyrics to Nadia’s Theme:

Come, dreams of the past
Come with a love that moves so fast
Come, those shiny days
Caught in a young and restless haze
Why did we love
Then run away
So little time
So much left to say
And now its come
Young and Restless dream
You'll never pass this way again
Treat the summer wise.
Reach for the stars while you have time
Your restless dreams
Will lead the way
So dream your dream
And live for each day

I wasn’t able to find a video that included the lyrics. Let me know if you do, okay?

And speaking of soap opera music, there is a very talented Canadian musician who writes many of the songs you hear during the day time stories. Michael Kisur is one of the most famous songwriters you’ve probably never heard of, but I bet you’ve heard one of his songs if your have ever watched a soap opera, Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210, The Sopranos, Judging Amy, or CSI.
Visit his website and listen to some of his music. My favorite is “Peace.”
Excuse the cheesy video below and just enjoy the song. (Although some of you might enjoy Okie Thad Luckinbill with his shirt off. In real life he is married to Amelia Heinle, seen here as his onscreen wife on Y&R.)

Peace, it's hard to come by
I swear I saw it once in my baby's blue green eyes
Peace, it's hard to come by
I swear I felt it once, but I brushed it all aside
I feel for you, I really do
I wanted you to stay
I feel for you, like I never do
I wanted you that way
Peace, it's hard to come by
Like a treasure in the sand, or that elusive butterfly
Peace, it's hard to come by
Like a subtle twist of fate that you just can't deny
I feel for you, I really do
I wanted you to stay
I feel for you, like I never do
I wanted you that way
I don't know anything at all
I rise and then I fall
And I don't understand
I don't know but once I could've sworn
That I was never born to run from who I am

Jennifer Hudson Pulled Me Through

I’m not a fan of awards shows, but I was interested enough in the Grammy Awards to record last night’s broadcast. As I was fast forwarding, I’m so glad I stopped and heard Jennifer Hudson’s performance. To me, it was a once in a lifetime event. What this young woman has been through this past year would devastate even the strongest of souls. Our Dreamgirl Jennifer brought down the house singing “You Pulled Me Through.” At the end of the song, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It was truly inspirational. Next time I feel life getting me down, I’m playing this video.

 

 

You Pulled Me Through
by Jennifer Hudson

I was in the darkness
I was out in the cold
Seemed nothing could heal this
This hole in my soul
You reached out your arms to me
Held out your heart to me
Pulled me back from the edge
Thought I reached the end.

 

Chorus:
When I was drowning
When I was so confused
You, you, you pulled me through
I was in the shadows
Lost, nothing left to lose.
You, you, you pulled me through.

 

You gave my faith back
Faith was so hard to find
You gave me my life back
You were my lifeline
The love that you gave me
Is love that has saved me
Your strength is what made me strong
You held me and I held on

 

[Chorus]

 

Out of the dark
Into your arms
Into the light
Your love saved my life

 

[Chorus]

 

 

 

 

 

 

On another note, The Singing Cowboy, Gene Autry was awarded a lifetime achievement award. Gene Autry is way out on a branch of my family tree. (on great grandma Pierce’s side). Did you know there is a Gene Autry, Oklahoma?

Soulmate

I’m glad to see that the Natasha Bedingfield single Soulmate has finally been released. I fell in love with this song about two years ago. I even ordered the inport cd N.B. just so I would have a copy of it. I never have understood why this great song was shelved while Love Like This, Pocketful of Sunshine, and Angel were released. To me, Soulmate is the far superior song.

 

Soulmate
by Natasha Bedingfield

Incompatible, it don't matter though
'cos someone's bound to hear my cry
Speak out if you do
You're not easy to find

Is it possible Mr. Loveable
Is already in my life?
Right in front of me
Or maybe you're in disguise

[Chorus]
Who doesn't long for someone to hold
Who knows how to love you without being told
Somebody tell me why I'm on my own
If there's a soulmate for everyone

Here we are again, circles never end
How do I find the perfect fit
There's enough for everyone
But I'm still waiting in line

Chorus

Most relationships seem so transitory
They're all good but not the permanent one

Chorus

Unchain Joe Cocker

On American Idol the other night Randy Jackson said contestant Alex Wagner-Trugman reminded him of Joe Cocker.

Which is funny since Joe Cocker has been quoted as saying , "Don't go on American Idol, I think you'll spend the rest of your life living it down and I think it's getting kinda scary, isn't it?"

I heard a song the other day being sung by the great Ray Charles, Unchain My Heart. I think this song came out about the time I was born. Joe Cocker had a hit with it in the 80’s.

Sister Sightings (13)

Television: Laura Prepon aka Donna from That 70’s Show will appear in five episodes of How I Met Your Mother. Could she be the mother?
Laurence Fishburne has been cast as Dr. Raymond Langston on the new season of CSI. Country music phenomenon Taylor Swift will appear in one upcoming episode of that show.
In April, Scott Bakula and Chevy Chase will appear as software development rivals on three episodes of Chuck. Remember Chuck promising his sister that he would find their dad in time for her wedding?
Bakula is also scheduled to appear with Andre Braugher in a new Ray Romano series, Men of a Certain Age, airing later this year on TNT.

Idol Music: First of all, who besides me can’t stop singing David Cook’s Light On?
There’s a DVD out about gold medal Olympic snowboarder Shaun White called Don’t Look Down. Evidently this was aired on ESPN and is now available via Netflix. The music from this video is coming out on a soundtrack this week. Don’t Look Down features music from American Idol contestant, Australian cutie, Michael Johns. There is a beautiful duet on it with fellow Idol singer Brooke White.
Bubbly Brook’s cd, Songs From The Attic, is already out. She’s done a remake of Aerosmith’s Dream On (why?) and Coldplay’s Yellow.
Melinda Doolittle, who also didn’t win the Idol title, has a cd coming out February 3. She has a great pop, jazz, soulful sound. Everything R&B used to be.
Kelly Clarkson’s new cd, All I Ever Wanted, debuts March 17. The first single released is My Life Would Suck Without You. With Suck being the operative word. I don’t particularly care for this song, but the poster for it is... um... interesting. 

 

In Print: Oklahoma rockers Hinder are now immortalized in a comic book based on the band’s touring experiences. I’m sure that even though the book has naked women sitting at their feet on the front cover, it’s totally PG... and PC.
The iconic Stan Lee is working with Showtime to develop a show based on Perry Moore’s novel Hero about gay superhero Thom Creed, a high-school basketball player hiding his sexuality.
Remember the last show Stan Lee brought us, Who Wants To Be A Superhero? It was a campy reality show where every day people could act on their secret desire to be super. My favorite was Fat Momma with her belt of doughnuts. She wanted to help people who were down about themselves or being teased for being different.
Stan Lee’s character Spiderman had a special edition recently with a cartoon Barack Obama. The Inauguration Issue sold out quickly and has now gone into a second printing.

Okie Sister thinks the country could really use a new superhero in DC named Foreign Policy Woman.

In The News: Edward Vaughn, President of the Alabama NAACP made an arse of himself recently when he stated his objections to the Mobile Azalea Trail Maids being the only representation of the state in the upcoming inaugural parade. He, of course, preferred an all black group represent. He said the Maids remind him of slavery days and that their appearance would make Alabama a laughingstock. Little did he know that his racist comments were the only thing being laughed at.
The Azalea Maids are fifty senior girls from Mobile County who must have a high academic record and knowledge of state history, landmarks, and current events. It should be noted that this is a racially integrated group of ladies. They represent their state at many events wearing period costumes representing the colors of the Azaleas that line Mobile’s streets. The reason they picked this particular time period is because they feel it represents Southern Hospitality.
Fiddle-dee-dee. I don't no nothin' 'bout being a maid. I'd like to be a southern belle, but only if I can portray this one.

 

NASCAR: Only 20 more days until the Budweiser Shootout in Daytona, the official start of the 2009 racing season. Four extra cars will be in this year’s race, all wildcard picks. No doubt one will be Tony Stewart in the new Stewart-Haas Office Depot - Old Spice car.

The Windmill of My Mind

So, confession time again. When you are out Christmas shopping, do you always buy a little something for yourself? If so, what did you get?

If you are like me, you don’t do this on purpose. Something shiny just catches your eye. Personally, I could not resist this adorable Old World Christmas Windmill Ornament. It makes me want to design a whole theme around it for a tree next year. I don’t know if the theme would be rustic, or Oklahoma, or something else. I’ve got a few days to think about it, now don’t I?

Another confession, I didn’t even put up a tree this year. So, that’s pretty funny that I’m out buying myself an ornament. Plus, I received two more ornaments as presents. I take that as a sign.

 

 

Have I ever told you how much I love Jose Feliciano?

Samba For You

Do you ever look at the searches that bring people to your blog?

Some are really strange and have nothing to do with what’s written here. Those searching for inappropriate things to do with your sister, yuck! If it’s Demi Moore, Laura San Giacomo, Anne Heche and Drew Barrymore topless you seek, this is also not the site for you.

Other searches I understand completely: hand washing, bug killing, Elmer Thomas, Carrie Underwood, Charlton Heston in Naked Jungle, Trace Adkins’ Muddy Water, Lawton La Sill ice cream, Annie Leibovitz photos, boil chicken for dogs, best gravy recipe, leg braces, dog cyst, “had that song in my head all day”, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and hot Okie Sister.

But seriously, one recent search really got to me. I wish I could answer their question in person. They wanted to know if it was appropriate to play Santana’s Samba Pa Ti at a funeral. If you are not familiar with this song, it is a beautiful instrumental piece by Carlos Santana from his 1970 Abraxas album. One of my favorite songs in all the world.

Jose Feliciano loved this song so much, that in 1982 when he did a cover of it, he added the following lyrics. So beautiful. Listen here.

Soy la sombra de una pena,
Soy el eco de un dolor.
Triste soledad, que me queda hoy.
El recuerdo de que te amé
Y una extraña desolación, eyy, eyyy.
Soy la sombra de una pena,
Soy el eco de un dolor.
Quiero olvidar, quiero encontrar perdón.
Ten piedad de mi corazón
Yo te imploro mi Señor.
Borraré las tinieblas y esconderé mi llanto
El recuerdo que sufro se volverá un canto.
Volveré a la vida, volveré a cantar, ya verá,
Volveré a la vida, volveré a cantar, ya verá.

Very, very loosely translated means:
I am the shadow of grief, I am the echo of pain. Sad loneliness that I have left today. The memory of loving you. A strange desolation. I am the shadow of grief, I am the echo of pain. I want to forget, I want to find forgiveness. Have mercy on my heart I implore you my Lord. Erase the darkness and hide my tears. The memory of what I suffer will become a song. I will return to life, I will sing again, you will see, I will return to life, I will sing again, you will see.

(if someone wants to email me the correct translation, that would be great)

“I’m sorry you suffered a loss. I hope that you played the music you wanted at the funeral. Whatever brought you some peace and comfort. I can’t even begin to list all the times that listening to Santana lifted my spirits and filled my heart with joy. I think this song is absolutely appropriate. I consider it okay to play joyous music and celebrate the fact that you were blessed by knowing and loving the person. Peace to you today.”

This week I visited one of the blogs I follow regularly, Alamo North, because I just learned that Nola had lost her Dad and I wanted to leave a message. Guess what song started playing?

X Days

Let me say for a third time this year how much I’m diggin’ me some Trace Adkins? There’s a special running for the next couple of weeks on GAC (Great American Country) called Trace Adkins X Days.
"Adkins dedicated ten days to performing for 10,000 United States military personnel in partnership with the USO; traveling to remote forward operating bases (FOB's) in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Trace narrates the special and tells about the moments from the September trip that touched him the most. What moved Okie Sister was Trace standing in front of our troops in Bagram, Afghanistan singing "Arlington." That was extremely emotional.
Trace earned the 2007 USO Merit Award for his support of the military. (For a picture slideshow of the tour, go here.)

Arlington
by Dave Turnbull and Jeremy Spillman

I never thought that this is where I'd settle down.
I thought I'd die an old man back in my hometown.
They gave me this plot of land,
Me and some other men, for a job well done.
There's a big white house sits on a hill just up the road.
The man inside he cried the day they brought me home.
They folded up a flag and told my mom and dad,
"We're proud of your son."

(Chorus)
And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property,
I'm on sacred ground and I'm in the best of company.
I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've done.
I can rest in peace, I'm one of the chosen ones, I made it to Arlington.

I remember daddy brought me here when I was eight.
We searched all day to find out where my granddad lay,
And when we finally found that cross,
He said, "Son this is what it cost to keep us free."

Now here I am a thousand stones away from him,
He recognized me on the first day I came in,
And it gave me a chill, when he clicked his heels, and saluted me.

(Repeat Chorus)

And every time I hear twenty-one guns,
I know they brought another hero home to us

We're thankful for those thankful for the things we've done.
We can rest in peace, 'cause we are the chosen ones.
We made it to Arlington, yea dust to dust,
Don't cry for us, we made it to Arlington.

More Monkey Business

Yesterday when I was playing with my grandson, I had another senior moment. I couldn't for the life of me remember the words to a particular song.
So a sat there stammering, "you know the monkey song." "Something, something, something, the monkey and the something."
Geez, I hate when that happens...
I bet somebody here knows this song.

Aba Daba Honeymoon was written in 1914 by Arthur Fields and Walter Donovon. For the original, click here. The most popular version of the song was recorded in 1950 by Debbie Reynolds and Carleton Carpenter.

Ear Candy

You know how sometimes you’re shopping at the grocery store and you realize that you’re humming along to the store’s muzak... and it’s some awful song by Miley Cyrus or Katy Perry... and hours later when you’re at home, you find yourself humming it again and you want to wash your mouth out with soap? No! Oh me either, I was just asking.

Here’s this week's catchy little ditty. Listen and see if you can resist humming it later in the day. And somebody please tell me what this song means, cause I don't get it.

Oh Joyous Day Off!

I sat down on the floor this morning while I reheated a cup of coffee in the microwave. Suddenly I burst into song.
“Rockin’ Robin” by the Jackson 5.

He rocks in the tree tops all day long
Hoppin’ and a-boppin’ and singing his song
All the little birdies on Jaybird Street
Love to hear the robin go tweet tweet tweet
Rockin’ robin, tweet tweet tweet
Rockin’ robin, tweet tweet tweet
Blow Rockin’ robin 'cause we’re really gonna rock tonight

(only I was singing on Bluebird Street, 'cause I haven’t heard this song since American Bandstand was still on the air)

The dogs all gathered 'round to see what the crazy lady was doing, and to see if this kitchen activity would eventually lead them to a scrumptious treat.

I repeated the first verse and chorus of this cheery song several times until I had two dogs, Trixie the Basenji and Jackie the Jack Russell, singing along with me. At least I think they were singing; Jackie might have been sobbing.

I guess they all deserve a treat for putting up with that little outburst.

Cricket even showed me which one she wanted.

John Rich leads the Glamorous Life

From CMT website: "A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, a former teen idol and an American Idol runner-up are among the cast members for the third season of Gone Country, the CMT series hosted by singer, songwriter and producer John Rich. Seven celebrities will be working with Rich in the challenge to become a country music artist.

This year's cast, in alphabetical order, includes George Clinton (a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member who is a founder of the bands Parliament and Funkadelic), Tara Conner (a television personality who was named Miss USA 2006), Taylor Dayne (an actress and pop vocalist known for the hits "Tell It to My Heart," "I'll Always Love You" and "Love Will Lead You Back"), Micky Dolenz (an actor and musician who was drummer and lead vocalist of the Monkees), Sheila E. (a philanthropist, entertainer and musician who has worked extensively with Prince and Ringo Starr), Richard Grieco (an actor and musician whose TV and film credits include 21 Jump Street and A Night at the Roxbury) and Justin Guarini (singer, songwriter, actor and television host who was a runner-up in the first season of American Idol). Production is currently underway in Nashville for the season that premieres in January."

My first reaction to this news was, "Shut Up!" There are a lot of really good singers in this line up. John Rich is some kind of mad genius.
You all remember Tara Conner, don't you? She is the beauty queen who almost lost her crown for her bad behavior. Trump sent her to rehab instead. Does she sing?
I've been a fan of Shelia E since the first time I saw her kick a cymbal with her high heel. Taylor Dayne is simply incredible. However this show is about singing country music. So, maybe this is a contest Guarini can win.

     

     

 

I'm Gonna Let It Go

Let It Go by Tim McGraw

I’ve been caught sideways out here on the crossroads
Trying to buy back the pieces I lost of my soul
It’s hard when the devil won’t get off your back
It’s like carrying around the past in a hundred pound sack

Chorus:
Today I’m gonna keep on walking
I’m gonna hold my head up high
I’m gonna leave it all behind
Today I’m gonna stand out in the rain
Let it wash it all away Yeah wash it all away
I’m gonna let it go Oh yeah
I’m gonna let it go Oh yeah

Skeletons and Ghosts are hiding in the shadows
Threatening me with all the things that they know
Choices and mistakes, they all know my name
But I’m through holding in and holding onto all that pain

(Chorus)

And I know I know I know I know I’ve been forgiven
I know I know I know I’m gonna start living

(Chorus)

Swift Leppard in the Country

Honey, this blog's for you!

The first look at Taylor Swift's Crossroads special with Def Leppard. The show will air on CMT on November 7th.

Funny thing is, Taylor was not even born when Def Leppard came out with the song "Photograph" in 1983.

Click here to watch video.

I Feel It

Trace Adkins, you’ve done it again! You’ve completely blown me away with your latest release.

I now officially forgive you for that stupid Badonkadonk song. 

First there was I Wanna Feel Something, then You’re Gonna Miss This, and now Muddy Water, your best work yet.

By returning to his gospel roots, Trace has captured something very moving and special in this song.

Trace says, “I’m still a bad boy, but I look back and I remember where I came from and haven’t forgotten that.”

 

Muddy Water
Eighteen wheeler dropped me off at that city limits sign
Sunday morning sunlight hurt my eyes
It’s a long way from where I been back to my home town
But there’s a man in me I need to drown

Baptize me in that muddy water
Wash me clean in amazing grace
I ain’t been living like I ‘oughta
Baptize me in that muddy water

Made my way to the church at the end of the dirt road
Dragging what was left of my soul
I could see the saints out back on the river bank
And I could hear forgiveness calling out my name

Baptize me in that muddy water
Wash me clean in amazing grace
I ain’t been living like I ‘oughta, no
So baptize me in that muddy water

Baptize me in that muddy water
Wash me clean in amazing grace
I ain’t been living like I ‘oughta, no
Baptize me in that muddy water

Baptize me in that muddy water
Yeah, wash me clean in that muddy water,
In that muddy water
Baptize me

 

Side note: If you’ve not seen the Crossroads episode on CMT with Trace and .38 Special, you need to try and catch a repeat of it because it was especially good. They sang hits Caught Up In You, Rockin’ Into The Night, and Hold On Loosely.

The Bird Man

Someone asked me about the artist that my husband took photos of recently. Arvel Bird is a classically trained violinist. His music reflects his Native American culture; many songs are about animal totems. He also plays Celtic fiddle to honor the Scottish side of his family.
We are getting some really interesting entertainment in our town these days. Support your local festivals and events. (I took the photo of him above.)

Here’s a video bio about him.

Can You Believe It?

So, I’ve had this country tune stuck in my head for the past two weeks or so. It’s one of those songs that you catch yourself humming all day, "Do You Believe Me Now" by Jimmy Wayne.
Jimmy Wayne Baker’s life reads like a sad country song. His dad left, his mom was in prison, he lived on the streets, and then he turned it all around.

 

Another song I’m enjoying is "Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It." I had no idea that the person singing it was Darius Rucker, former lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish. Here’s another Pop\Rock musician who’s Gone Country.
Could it have been that Burger King Singing Cowboy gig that set him on this new country path?

 

Dedication

The feel good song of the week (and the one that I can't stop singing) is "In This Life" by Australian singer and cancer survivor Delta Goodrem.

 

In This Life
written by Delta Goodrum and Brian McFadden

I was nurtured I was sheltered
I was curious and young
I was searching for that something
Trying to find it on the run
Oh and just when I stopped looking
I saw just how far I'd come
In this life
In this life

Chorus:
You give me love
You give me light
Show me everything's been happening
You've opened up my eyes 
Following
Three steps fight an honest fight
Two hearts that can start a fire
One love is all I need
In this life

I have faltered I have stumbled
I have found my feet again
I've been angry I've been shaken
Found a new place to begin
My persistence to make a difference
Has led me safe into your hands
In this life
In this life

(Chorus)

I was put here for a reason
I was born into this world
And I'm living and I'm believing
I was meant to be your girl
In this life

(Chorus)