FF - Feeling Pretty Good!

I feel good...na na na na na na na...
Like I knew that I would...na na na na na na na!
So good...so good...that I got you!

Oh James, your music is ageless and classic!  My grand kids will be lip syncing to your songs at their school variety shows! Thank you for your talents and gifts!

I am amazed at how music can affect my moods, especially when I having trouble finding my happy place.  Music always brings me to that place.  How about you?  I love how some songs will bring out some of my best memories, and then others just make me want to throw up.  I only play the feel good songs while I'm driving in my car!

My place of work has several tracts of background music playing at all times.  Sometimes the songs are country or patriotic, but lately most of the music has been 60's, 70's and 80's. I find that  my work is a happy place when the music reminds me of my misguided youth!  All of those crazy "fall-in-love" songs, or dance party music...the parties where some of us played those kissing games!  Oh, to be 14 again!

In addition to music, I'm always looking for inspiration and motivation.  One of my (and I have several) addictions is the "face" book thing!  It is so bad, that I have to put the kitchen timer on to let me know when my "time" is up for this session.  But I must say that this particular media site has brought me back in touch with many childhood friends, as well as, a form of communication (okay, okay...a peek at who is doing what) with my kids who are 300 miles away.

I came across a site that has been around for a few years, but new to me.  It's called "Queen of Your Own Life" and is my favorite "go to and feel good" site.  It was started a few years ago by two very gifted women who wanted to help women learn to become empowered.  Kathy Kinney and Cindy Ratzlaff have written books about being Queen of your life.  In addition, their blog is filled with all sorts of fun information!

They frequently post on the face place with vintage pictures of women and a sentence or two about finding the courage, strength and desire to have a more fulfilling life. I can't say enough about how their posts have influenced and encouraged me to get out there and find joy in my day...every day!  Stop by and see for yourself!

This post is offered as part of Friday Fragments, a delightful weekly place where I love to visit!  Just click on the logo below and see what other friends of this site are doing!

Have a glorious and royal weekend...and thanks for stopping by!

R is for Rap, Rapping and Rap Battles!

Welcome to this week's "R" assignment from Alphabe-Thursday, a weekly writing challenge from Jenny Matlock of Off On My Tangent.  I've chosen to expound my views on Rap!  Enjoy!

Let's face it...I'm old! That's okay, we're all going to be here one day; it might as well be now, for me!  Being this age does have a benefit!  I've been blessed to experience many years of music. I love music, and always have.  Although I'm not a huge fan of every genre, if it's got a good dance beat, I'm in!

There's a large piece of today's music that is somewhat foreign to me...Rap.  I respect it, the artists and the opportunity for artists to make a living doing what they love.  What makes me feel so old...is that I don't get it!  Maybe it's the presentation, and the words that are used to express the artist's message.  Maybe it's the speed at which the words are sung or spoken. I'm not moving, thinking or speaking as fast these days!  (Personally, I like moving a little slower...I get to enjoy the great moments a little longer!)  What is incredible about Rap is that it has no barriers.  Anyone with the desire to participate, make a statement and be entertaining is welcomed, regardless of socio-economic, religious and life experience backgrounds. 

Here's what I found online (and you know you can believe it if it came from the net): Rap is a primary ingredient in hip hop, reggae and alternative rock music, and can be delivered in the form of speech, prose, poetry and song (among other forms of communication). I like Rap that is accompanied by music...it gives it more depth (for me), and sometimes, I can dance to it!

Some of today's artists got their start doing stand-up Rap Battles.  These are improve-type performances where two rappers compete with each other for the best wit, biggest laughs, or dirtiest slams!  They each present themselves first, projecting grandiose self-descriptions and move on with generic insults about their competitor.  Then, the improve part explodes and their art is verbally hurled towards each other and anyone standing within 10 feet. At the end of the performance, the audience decides the winner by the loudest whoops! Sounds like fun, doesn't it? 

Please allow me to introduce you to my number one son, formerly known as "Hero", and currently known as "Bone Man." He raps, he produces, he films, he edits, he organizes, he supports, and, he gives back.  More of him will come when we get to Miss Jenny's Letter "B".  He's really handsome underneath the mask, but it's the mask that makes him do what he does best! 

In order to be my best and remain in the game, I need to stay open, whether it be with music, or personal experience. I need to appreciate all of the efforts and gestures from those around me. Staying open also helps me find opportunities to share with others. One never knows how the smallest act of kindness may just be the thing that pulls someone back from the edge.


Thanks for stopping by today and reading my assignment.  Please take the bus over to Miss Jenny's classroom by clicking on the logo below where you will be enlightened and entertained by my fellow classmates!

Wednesday Wickedness, The Boss Style

I recently came upon this great meme sponsored by Wednesday Wickedness. Each week, quotes from a celebrity are posted, with questions to the reader following the quotes. This week's meme is about quotes from Bruce Springstein! Yum! Please pop over to Wicked and say hello! Just click on the logo for Wednesday Wickedness below!







Here are this week's quotes:



1. "When it comes to luck, you make your own." Do you believe you have that type of control over your luck?

If I had any type of control over my luck, I would be living the dream somewhere on a warm beach with drop-dead gorgeous guys making a fuss over me! Actually, I believe that luck is just that...there's only one who has control over it...the guy who programs the machines!

2. "You've got to learn to live with what you can't rise above." What is something you have had difficulty rising above?

The fact that Sandra Bullock is getting all the good movie roles! Actually, I have difficulty rising above the need to let go of my kids.

3. "Poor men wanna be rich, rich men wanna be kings, and a king ain't satisfied til he rules everything." Would you want to be rich?

Duh...let's see! I certainly would like to try it for a while. Then, I could make an informed decisions based on the data.

4. "The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with." Tell us about a song that helps you "face the world."

The "Rocky" theme song, "Gonna Fly," and Cyndi Lauper, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun."
5. "In America everything's about who's number one today." Have you ever been a fan of someone you thought would last but turned out to be a flash in the pan?

Yes, Andrew from this year's "American Idol." He started out great, and I thought he would get so much better as time went on. Also, I could name a few politicians who fit this role, too.

6. "Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?" Has any dream of yours come true?

If you mean literal dreams that happen while you sleep...I would be in deep doo-doo if any of those dreams came true. Otherwise, many of my "dreams" have come true. I married, I had children, I attended college, I was lucky enough to be in a TV commercial, I met a professional football player (I used to be obsessed with this one), and I once reached a weight goal. I still have a list as long as my arm.

7. "Our American government has strayed too far from American values. It is time to move forward. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting." What would you change if you became the president?

Well, Bruce, I guess you know about "straying" don't you? If I became president, I would instruct the Federal Government to perform their duties, and only their duties, outlined in the Constitution. Then, I would give back to the people everything that has been taken away from them in the last year and one-half.

8. "Yeah, I had gay friends. The first thing I realized was that everybody's different, and it becomes obvious that all of the gay stereotypes are ridiculous." How do you feel about gay rights?

Gay rights, minority rights, gender rights, religious rights, rights of children... people are people. There are "ridiculous" people who come from all walks of life, even the music industry. I think that if a person is honest, hardworking and has a good heart, it shouldn't matter.

9. "It's a sad man my friend who's living in his own skin and can't stand the company." How have you ever been disappointed in yourself?

I am disappointed in myself at least three or four times a day. But having hope that I might be able to make changes is all I need to get by. Having support from good friends doesn't hurt, either!

10. "The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with." What is your favorite band?

I like music I can dance to... upbeat, loud and full of rich sounds. Music like this takes me away to a happy place where I can escape, regroup and come back stronger. I've heard that certain wines can have the same effect.

Well, there you have it! Please come play with us at Wednesday Wickedness!