Winter Wonderland.....

I’ve been inspired by the recent weather events my dear friend Travis has been experiencing in his neck of the woods.. that and seeing Taylor Hicks (that man .. oh my.. I thudded!) perform last night as he opened the show for the Rockefeller Plaza Tree Lighting Really Big Show (that went downhill fast after his performance by the way.. and why was Bette Midler wearing an exploded Cockatoo on her head?) So.. my TT for this week… (here in balmy 12C degree weather.. )… Winter.. and what I love about it.. Look I’m Canadian, you can’t hate winter if you’re Canadian.. why it’s….. it’s …… it’s UnCanadian eh! 'The winters of my childhood were long, long sessions. We lived in three places - the school, the church and the skating rink - but our real life was on the skating rink.' - Roch Carrier Thirteen Things about why I love winter 1…. Playing in the snow with my Chicklet, making snowpeople and animals (with maybe an alien in there too) and snow angels. 2. Catching snowflakes on my tongue. 3. Lying on the snow at night, under the tree in my parents’ front yard. It always had a million coloured lights (ok well I couldn’t count that high when I was 5 and it sure looked like a million to me). And it was the most beautiful and magical thing to watch, the lights and the big puffy snowflakes that looked like Mary Poppins floating down with her umbrella as they fell on my cheeks and eyelashes.. ::hums:: these are a few of my favorite things…. Everything sparkled. This is one of my most vivid and cherished memory from childhood. 4. Hot Chocolate and Marshmallows.. YUM! 5. Watching the dogs run in the snow (ok the beagle leaps in and out and when she get to the ground all you see is the tip of her tail sticking out… too cute) as they try and catch snowballs. 6. Ok.. I actually made it to 6 before saying… yup you guessed it.. HOCKEY!!!!!!!!! The sounds of little kids on the neighborhood outdoor rink playing hockey, laughing and when the stick connects with the puck.. whap!! WOOOOOHOOOOOO! ‘He shoots, he scores!!!!’ (can you hear the theme to Hockey Night in Canada?? Can you??? Dadadadadadadadadadadadadadadada….) 7. Snowball fights. 8. SNOW DAYS!!!!!!!!! Waiting by the radio, praying your school will be closed… ‘Please God, I’ll eat my brussel sprouts, just let us have a snow day’…they go down the list… and woooohoooohoooohoooohoooo… they name your school (and now the Chicklet’s school)! You run to the closet, put on your snow gear and faster than your mom can wrap 100 yards of scarf around your head, neck and face (except for a slit that you can see through.. ), you’re out the door and you plop down in the snow! Ahhhhhhhhhh…That’s the good life.. 9. Sliding down a snow covered hill on a toboggan and squealing as you slip slide your way down. 10. The crunching sound snow makes when the air is crisp and crystal clear and the sound carries for what seems like forever 11. Walking around in the evening as a light snow falls and seeing all the beautiful Christmas lights… 12. Curling up under the blankets with the ones you love, as you watch a snowstorm out the window (right Travis?) 13. After winter passes.. spring arrives and Nature comes to life again.. time marches on… (lets not think about how it marches across your face.. ) Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Wordless Wednesday - my first

I've been visiting many new wonderful blogs out there.. lovely blogging chicks and people from all over the world. I've seen their WW... lovely pictures they have taken.. I, much like Bond our friend from The Couch, had to do something different. Last hump day I posted something no one read... but this relates to it... Enjoy.. Next week, I'll post a picture.. promise! Oh. um.. WOOOOHOOOOOOO Habs! Great game Cristobal! Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Today's post is brought to you by the number 3...

Seems Travis has tagged me with this meme.. and since he tagged me before Mr. Smarty Yoda pants decided to tag all of TOOSP (the little green dude does not follow instruction… a Jedi … harumpfff!!) guess I have to do it… Today's Meme is brought to you by the Number 3. 3 Things that scare me: something happening to my sweet chicklet, The Exorcist (still can’t watch it by myself), being eaten by a shark 3 People who make me laugh: Monty Python, Jim Henson, and my SP friends (intentionally or not – hehehe) 3 Things I love: can it be people.. or must it be things?? Just to be safe I’ll do both. Living: Chicklet, my family and friends, my dogs; Inanimate: all my pictures and videos, my Grandmother’s engagement ring, my luggage (oh come on… you knew I was going to say that!!) 3 Things I hate: Whiners, people who say you can’t do that, toe lint (it gets in the bath and floats around.. YUCK!!) 3 Things I don't understand: Why I wash a pair of socks and only one makes it out of the dryer – WHY???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!, why I don’t always put my keys in the same place, why thta customer keeps siting at Grover's table and expects good service... 3 Things on my desk: (I’m in the living room with my laptop so on the coffee table so…) the Beatles LOVE CD (and whoa!.. yup I bought it and retract all reservations I may have uttered on my hump day post which no one read – but I’m not bitter), The U218 Singles CD case (see comment for previous item) , the remote control for the TV 3 Things I'm doing right now: Answering this Meme, listening to the U218 Singles CD REAL LOUD (the opening of Where the Streets have no name to be exact and I have goosebumps), tapping my feet 3 Things I want to do before I die: Go to Ireland and walk where my grandmother walked, see my daughter have a child of her own, meet my SP friends in person 3 Things I can do: Dance, do a silly walk, bake a mean apple pie from scratch 3 Things I can't do: touch my nose with my tongue (and why would I want to), sing.. seriously, stand on my head without the wall as a prop 3 Things I think you should listen to: your child, the birds singing, your heart 3 Things you should never listen to: hateful words, people who tell you you’ll never make it, telemarketers (why, oh why must they call me when my hands are covered in cookie dough?) 3 Things I'd like to learn: how to play guitar, how to knit, how to make stained glass 3 Favorite foods: Chocolate MOOSE, Chicken in the Basket and Fish Chowder 3 Beverages I drink regularly: Coffee, Coke, and …… you guessed it, beer (um.. Canadian of course) 3 Shows I watched as a kid: Mr. Dressup, The Muppet Show (nightlife!!), Sesame Street Ok.. so..who has yet to be tagged… oh I forgot.. no one cause Yoda had to tag everybody! Thanks man! Really! Sheesh… Guess I'd like to find out about… Bento, Amy, and Becky (Bex) I’ve said it before..I’m all into multimedia presentations.. so here are a few clips to go along with my list….3 clips to be exact... 1..2..3..bwahaha (best imitation of the count I could muster.. imagine flashing lights, thunder and flying bats) Genious… Monty Python and the Ministry of Silly Walks (from above list…) The Muppets… (from list above…) and COFFEE (also from list above)… The Swedish chef (from list above.. see fav foods and childhood TV shows) Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

The Friday Feast.. I'll poke my fork into it..

Feast One hundred and nineteen Appetizer- Have you ever changed a flat tire by yourself? Why yes.. once.. took me forever, hated it… Last time I got a flat tire this lovely gentleman walked over to my car, I had pulled into the parking lot of the municipal library as I was on my way home from Christmas shopping and helped me.. seeing that I was getting, shall we say.. testy? The trunk was chock full of presents, I am a very generous Christmas Gift-giver you see and I was struggling to get it all out and into the backseat so I could get to the bloody spare.. argh! I now am a proud card-carrying member of the CAA.. and now, I just call roadside assistance.. why take someone’s job away from them, I always say. Soup- Do you have an "innie" or an "outie" belly button? I’m an innie... My best friend growing up, her name is Guylaine, had an outie.. and she actually had me convinced that if I pulled on it enough, it would come out.. hey I was 4 years old.. give me a break! Salad- Name a new paint color and describe it. Desert sunrise… clear and crisp pale orange… just the thing to brighten your day and give you a warm glow.. the kind of color that brings everything to life. Main Course - What is your favorite holiday tradition? Watching Santa on NORAD with my chicklet.. as we see him coming closer to Canada she rushes to set out a plate of chocolate cookies and a mug of chocolate milk under the tree along with some carrots for the reindeer… looks like we’re going to have to find a new spot for this this year cause the dogs will definitely give Santa and the Reindeer a run for their snacks! Dessert- If you were a cookie, what kind of cookie would you be, and why? Ok.. so I have to pick just one? Peek Freans Nice.. A light, coconut flavoured biscuit sprinkled with sugar… definitely.. it’s one of my favorites, reminds me of being a kid and coming in from a day out in the snow.. a plate of Peek Freans Nice cookies and hot chocolate.. yum! Hope my American friends still have room after stuffing themselves yesterday! Funny isn't it.. you stuff a turkey and end up getting stuffed yourselves! Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

The day after.....

As I looked through Youtube (yes, my name is anndi and I'm addicted to youtube.. there... I said it..sheesh) I found this little ditty... and I have a question for my American friends.. Did you all do the Turkey Gobble song dance? Good Luck to all who intended to start off their Holiday shopping today.. (y'all are nuts....) Here's a few safety tips for you.. cause I care. Holiday Shopping Safety Tips Add to My Profile More Videos Top Ten Signs You've Eaten Too Much at Thanksgiving Dinner (from David Letterman's Top Ten Lists) 10. Hundreds of volunteers have started to stack sandbags around you. 9. Doctor tells you your weight would be perfect for a man 17 feet tall. 8. You are responsible for a slight but measurable shift in the earth's axis. 7. Right this minute you're laughing up pie on the carpet. 6. You decide to take a little nap and wake up in mid-July. 5. World's fattest man sends you a telegram, warning you to "back off!" 4. CBS tells you to lose weight or else. 3. Getting off your couch requires help from the fire department. 2. Every escalator you step on immediately grinds to a halt. 1. You're sweatin' gravy. Oh... and ummm.... WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! ::stops to breathe:: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! ButterBall Turkey Add to My Profile | More Videos Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes.

Sirens of song…Thursday Thirteen

Torch songs… The women who sing of LOVE… ‘Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.’ – Percy Shelley Some of the most beautiful love songs, songs of love found, longed for, lost, and of obsession that I’ve ever heard are sung by or covered by women.. Maybe it’s because I can relate… I thought, for my Thursday Thirteen that I’d share with you a few of my favorites (in no particular order) and I have limited myself to Thirteen.. Why? Well because I’m following the rules (argh!)… How Canadian of me.. LOL! I have witnessed in the past few months and weeks some wonderful pairings… My dear friend Sue is now engaged to be married, and to think she thought it would never happen for her… I am beyond thrilled for her… Everyone deserves a second (or third etc etc etc) chance at LOVE.. the big one! Congrats Sue! Frank… treat her right, she is precious. I’ve got my eye on you Frank… And my dear friend, my big bro Travis has met and fallen hard for a beautiful woman with a kind soul, Pam.. I’m sure some of these songs will resonate.. the ones about love found.. love lasting… may you dance to a few of these my dears. And when I think of solid, strong couples.. there’s Robin and Wayne.. two of the sweetest people you could ever meet.. I won’t give you all reasons why these songs are so wonderful… just a few words about them.. and I hope you’ll seek out the ones I haven’t ‘youtubed’ or ‘Bestaudiocoded’ because quite frankly.. I’d never hear the end of it.. **Sarah MacLachlan ** Etta James ** Dinah Washington **Ella Fitzgerald ** Diana Krall ** Holly Cole ** Sarah Vaughn ** Norah Jones ** Billie Holiday ** Lena Horn ** Edith Piaf ** Nina Simone **Judy Garland ** Diana Ross ** Natalie Cole ** … Such beautiful, strong voices… Here goes… Thirteen Things about Torch songs and love songs 1…. Ice Cream – I have a sweet tooth.. Sarah McLachlan is one of my favorite artists, her voice haunts me.. her lyrics find my soul…. 2. Sunday Kind of Love – longing for that special love… a lasting love… Dinah Washington, Etta James have interpreted this song with their own stylings, and who can’t relate to this one? Anyone? I think my dear Bento just might enjoy this one… know how much you love Etta… you deserve that kind of love buddy! 3. At Last (for Sue…and Pam..) – this is a song that gives be goosebumps… Oh Joy and jubilation… Miss Etta strikes again.. I’m not even listening to anyone else’s version.. no I’m not! 4. Our Love is Here to Stay – Robin and Wayne… I think of you. I love the way you interact and do things together.. you’ve both touched my heart. And this is the only exception to the all women choices.. Ella and Louis… perfect! 5. Body and Soul - Billie Holiday.. that’s all there is to say about that one..ooh and Sarah Vaughn… timeless! Pining for that special someone… 6. The Nearness of You – I heard Norah Jones sing this and .. well.. *sigh* 7. E’vry Time We Say Goodbye – Ella Fitzgerald, the clearness of her voice, que c'est beau! 8. Embraceable You – as sung by Sarah Vaughn… Take the time to listen.. it’s divine! 9. I’ve Been Loving You Too Long – Etta makes you feel the pain.. 10. La Vie en Rose – this one is for Trav.. thud away my dear.. thud away! 11. But not for me – Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn sing this beautifully.. and Judy, Judy, Judy!!! Cements my opinion that George and Ira Gershwin were brilliant! 12. Possession – another Sarah McLachlan song .. passion.. need.. urge.. an overwhelming desire.. 13. It’s Magic.. – as I was going through all the songs I was considering for this list, I came across this one.. and it was clear. This one is for Pam and Travis.. I leave you with this song.. it’s one of the most beautiful. Dance away my dear friends.. dance away. I'll be sending you that one.. just for the two of you. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants ‘When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest.’ – Henry David Thoreau So, here’s a few of those songs.. the Thursday Thirteen.. I do love a multimedia show… At Last At Last By Etta James BestAudioCodes.com Possession Possession By Sarah McLachlan BestAudioCodes.com Embraceable you Embraceable You By Sarah Vaughan BestAudioCodes.com La Mome.. there was just something about her..her eyes.. the windows to her soul.. Beautiful. - Edith Piaf - La Vie en Rose. Yeah Yeah I know.. 13.. well here’s a bonus track.. hey it’s good to bend the rules… As Time Goes By.. sung by Natalie Cole As Time Goes By By Natalie Cole BestAudioCodes.com Happy Thanksgiving to my American Friends.. you've brought me so much... I love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

U218 Singles Album is In Stores Now!

Happy Hump Day!

Tuesdays are drop days for new music. So what was unleashed into the world yesterday and has managed to attract my attention? Enough that I might want to go out this weekend and purchase it? The Beatles – Love When I heard of this undertaking, I was leery.. .what do you mean they’re going to fiddle with classics and mash up the songs???.Don’t you think that if these songs were meant to be arranged differently John, Paul, George and Ringo would have arranged them differently ... um ... wait.. never mind, Ringo wouldn’t have done things differently. Let’s face it people, Ringo Starr is the luckiest drummer on the face of the earth. Anywho… So on my way home from helping verify the plant maintenance shop’s inventory, I listened to the classic rock station on the car radio. I normally would have just listened to a cd, but I tuned in and what I heard peeked my curiosity enough that I’ll break down and buy this album. Ok.. I admit it, George Martin really knows what he’s doing. And kudos to the Cirque du Soleil… I should have had more faith.. mea culpa. U218 Singles- U2 U2 released a singles Cd.. it’s been done before.. I looked at the titles on there.. if you are a novice and want to get a good representation of what the U2 sound is, and their path through time.. go for it.. but die-hard fans just don’t need this one. However.. the two new tracks just may convince me otherwise.. great.. I just found a reason to consider buying it. Hey and what do you know.. they were produced at Abbet Road Studios.. well well… seems I can't make up my mind..The CD-DVD... yup.. it's up here.. look up..WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY up... and you can watch.. Orphans – Tom Waits I’m not sure how I feel about this release.. He has a very particular voice.. shades of Leonard Cohen but rougher.. (if that’s possible..). It’s poetry set to music.. provocative.. but it can also make you want to slit your wrists. I don't see myself buying this one... Oh, I almost forgot… A contestant on American Idol released a CD.. that’s all I have to say about that. Now.. to touch on something that came bubbling up in my little Beatles blurb.. Drummers.. Yes it’s official, the Chicklet has decided after a stint on my cousin’s son’s drum kit that percussions are it for her. Looks like somebody might be getting drums from Santa.. and somebody else is getting ear plugs! So it got me thinking about drummers.. and I sat her down on my bed Sunday night and she and I gazed in awe into the laptop’s screen as we watched an absolutely wicked drum solo by none other than the amazing Neil Peart.. the man is a genius! Now I know not many people really know Rush, one of the best bands to ever come out of Canada… And when I started the car this morning, this is the song that I heard.. with instant recognition from the Chicklet.. Here's how the conversation went... Chicklet: ‘Mommy, isn’t that the best drummer on the planet? The one who has the big drums?’ Me: ‘Yes sweetheart, it’s Neal Peart.. and if you practice and work hard..you just might be better than him!’ She makes her Momma proud! My girl knows her Rock and Roll.. yes sir she does! Spirit of Radio Words by Neil Peart, music by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Spirit Of Radio By Rush BestAudioCodes.com Begin the day With a friendly voice A companion, unobtrusive Plays that song thats so elusive And the magic music makes your morning mood Off on your way Hit the open road There is magic at your fingers For the spirit ever lingers Undemanding contact In your happy solitude Invisible airwaves Crackle with life Bright antennae bristle With the energy Emotional feedback On a timeless wavelength Bearing a gift beyond price --- Almost free... All this machinery Making modern music Can still be open-hearted Not so coldly charted Its really just a question Of your honesty One likes to believe In the freedom of music But glittering prizes And endless compromises Shatter the illusion Of integrity For the words of the profits Are written on the studio wall, Concert hall --- Echoes with the sounds... Of salesmen. If only more artists headed those words… we might avoid some of the noise pollution out there on the airwaves ::coughs:: K-Fed ::coughs:: Rock on! Eh! Neil Peart Add to My Profile More Videos Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Happy Tuestay Soul Patrol!

Have you heard the news? There’s Good Rockin Tonight!!! Good Rockin' Tonight By Stray Cats BestAudioCodes.com I'll catch all my Soul Patrol family on the AI boards tonight.. we’re gonna have a rockin good time! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok.. so Sunday was my ‘rocker chick’ day, and my ‘let me introduce you to someone amazing’ day.. thanks to those who took the time to listen and watch, I strongly encourage those who haven’t yet, to check my Jonas – Living the ‘Suite Life’ post. Jonas truly has ‘IT’. Yesterday, I was feeling mellow and ended up listen to songs of love. This by the way carried on into the evening and will generate a ‘part Deux’.. which just might very well be my ‘Thursday Thirteen’. (Sue.. your most excellent news is also partly responsible for what I’ll be posting Thursday.. don’t miss it…) This morning, as I sat in my car and wondered what to listen to.. I grabbed some music that always puts me in a good mood… I’m also a ‘Rockabilly chick’… yup! Music that is guaranteed to have me shakin what my momma gave me.. So I loaded the CD player with Brian Setzer.. the Stray Cats... WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! 18 Miles To Memphis By Stray Cats BestAudioCodes.com Enjoy the tunes ladies and gents… and don’t forget to come shake rattle and roll on the boards tonight! Crank it up (like Travis always says…) All Shook Up By Elvis Presley BestAudioCodes.com Great Balls of Fire By Jerry Lee Lewis BestAudioCodes.com Johnny B. Goode (Live Edit (1972 Lanchester Arts Festival)) By Chuck Berry BestAudioCodes.com P.S. All letters of discontent at the tremendous amount of bestaudiocodes on this blog, and the YouTube for that matter, should be directed to Vinny.. it’s all his fault! I blame Bond.. wait.. I mean the duck.. no.. I blame Bond! Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

‘like a sea around a shore…’

As I was going through some cds to find music that would soothe and calm as I attempted to go through some files and integrate my new office at work.. I grabbed a Cat Stevens CD and stuck it in my computer… Thought I’d share these songs that particularly grabbed my attention today… I’ve always loved Cat Stevens lyricism and imagery… listening to his music and lyrics is like having a conversation with his soul…. It’s almost subliminal, subconscious… Ladies, imagine a man so inspired by you that he would write these lyrics.. sigh… being the elusive unattainable… ANGELSEA Angelsea By Cat Stevens BestAudioCodes.com She moves like an angel And seven evening stars Dance through the window Of her universal house Her voice a crystal echo Lies humming in your soul So patiently awaiting For your ears to behold She ripples on the water Leaves diamonds on the shore And fish from every distance Watch her ocean cellar door Her breath a warm fire In every lovers heart A mistress to magicians And a dancer to the gods And a dancer to the gods Her clothes are made of rainbows And twenty thousand tears Shine through the spaces Of her golden ochre hair Ooh my babe I want you and on my life I swear My conscience will I follow you forever If you meet me everywhere Yes if you if you meet me everywhere This next song... when a man searches for what to say.. this may very well be it... HOW CAN I TELL YOU How Can I Tell You By Cat Stevens BestAudioCodes.com How can I tell you that I love you, I love you but I can't think of right words to say I long to tell you that I'm always thinking of you I'm always thinking of you, but my words just blow away, just blow away It always ends up to one thing, honey and I can't think of right words to say Wherever I am girl, I'm always walking with you I'm always walking with you, but I look and you're not there Whoever I'm with, I'm always, always talking to you I'm always talking to you, and I'm sad that you can't hear, sad that you can't hear It always ends up to one thing, honey, when I look and you're not there I need to know you, need to feel my arms around you feel my arms around you, like a sea around a shore and -- each night and day I pray, in hope that I might find you, in hope that I might find you, because heart's can do no more It always ends up to one thing honey, still I kneel upon the floor How can I tell you that I love you, I love you but I can't think of right words to say I long to tell you that I'm always thinking of you I'm always thinking of you.... It always ends up to one thing honey and I can't think of right words to say I then loaded a playlist made up of songs I love, that are soft and sweet… This voice is one of my favorites.. Gordon Lightfoot, one of Canada’s finest sons… This song has always made me smile.. I hope you enjoy it.. yes.. it’s sappy.. but there are days when sappy is the most precious of things… and it does NOT make me a softie… BEAUTIFUL Beautiful By Gordon Lightfoot BestAudioCodes.com At times I just don't know How you could be anything but beautiful I think that I was made for you And you were made for me And I know that I will never change Cause we've been friends through rain or shine For such a long, long time Laughing eyes and smiling face It's seems so lucky just to have the right Of telling you with all my might You're beautiful tonight And I know that you will never stray Cause ya been that way from day to day For such a long, long time And when ya hold me tight How could life be anything but beautiful I think that I was made for you And you were made for me And I know that I will never change Cause we've been friends through rain or shine For such a long, long time And I must say that it means so much to me Just to be the one who's telling you I'm telling you That you're beautiful Ok.. enough daydreaming… but it was nice while it lasted.. isn’t it wonderful what music can do?… I love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Jonas – Living the « Suite Life »

A few years ago, I heard a voice. I had a moment like the one I had when I heard Taylor Hicks for the first time. There are artists who reach out and grab you, there are artists who grow on you slowly. For many of us (I’d wager to say that pretty much all of my Soul Patrol friends), Taylor Hicks was an artist that grabbed us.. and he has yet to let go, we have not been let down. Well, as I said, a few years ago, I heard a voice. A singer named Jonas. A hometown boy… Montreal talent! And he grabbed me instantly. I feel it’s time to introduce you all to his talent. Oddly, from the very moment I figured out how to add a link to my American Idol profile, I added a link to Jonas’s website. I have a very strong “rocker chick” side to me.. and he certainly appeals to those sensibilities. His voice will give you chills, his songwriting partner and guitar player, another local boy from the Kahnawake Mohawk reservation, Corey Diabo knows how to make a guitar sing. Old school rock ladies and gents.. “Crank up the volume” songs that leave you smiling! The south has Taylor Hicks.. Montreal has Jonas Tomalty…. Blues rock… Great guitar riffs and a voice that hits you like a sledge-hammer.. Powerful but controlled.. The true test of his talent comes in the live performances in which he does not disappoint and has a presence that only an artist who has been working at his craft for a long time possesses… He started his lead singer career back in the 90s, when he was 14 years old, fronting a band called Rubberman, an alternative rock band. And even then, he had great stage presence and a firm grasp on his vocal talent and style. The band won a contest put on by the local Rock station CHOM 97.7 FM, L’esprit contest. And Montreal’s love affair with Jonas began. Rubberman released their one and only album in 2001. His love of blues lead him to Jonas and the Blues Blooded.. this love of blues he inherited from his father and his father was with him in this band.. listen to this folks… Shake your moneymaker. Tell me his guitarist isn’t talented… I dare you! And from that journey, he emerges as a Phoenix with a band that complements him wonderfully. He writes beautifully, and when he does do a cover, he makes it his own. His version of “Edge of Seventeen” rocks. And when he sings “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl” a Van Morrison song.. well he makes my heart skip a beat! You don’t get people like Desmond Child, or Steven Tyler and Joe Perry (uh huh.. of Aerosmith fame) to contribute to your debut album (even writing a song.. “When the rain stops”) if you’re not talented. Seeing him perform, I am taken back and imagine artists like Robert Plant and Jim Morrison. And I have a MAJOR thing for Robert Plant, oh yes I do! And Led Zeppelin (easily one of my all-time favorite bands) is an inspiration for him and his bandmates… and it shows. He has just recently released his second CD.. “Suite Life” and oh boy! I wish I could share that music with you.. Do yourselves a favor… give him a listen… you can hear a snippet of “Supersexme” on his myspace.. the first single on his second CD or on his website.. links to a jukebox and videos… Thank the angels in heaven he didn’t go for Rock Star like Mark Burnett (yes.. that sorry INXS lead singer search… ugh!) wanted him to… Jonas’s own words… BURN THE HOUSE DOWN I met a sketchy little woman and she walked a crooked line She took a page from the bible turning water into wine She talked about a spirit said she had a crystal ball Even spoke with the devil made a telephone call With her Hocus Pocus, oils and brews Everything she did was front page news The people all came on a Saturday night, We’ll run her outta town and if she puts up a fight Then we’ll burn the house down, Burn the house down, burn the house down and throw away the key So the Bishop takes his Queen across a checkerboard square Took a rose from her garden and a lock from her hair He talked some mumbo jumbo ‘bout the moon and the stars Said he’s walkin' on water when he’s drivin' his car Another Saturday night and the newspapers read The holyman died he was smoking in bed Burn the house down, burn the house down And throw away the key Burn the house down, burn it to the ground And throw away the key So when you’re sleepin' all alone and there’s a knock on your door And you’re on your knees and prayin' ‘cause your life is a war Say a Hail Mary as running out of town And Thank the Lord you’re living as they burn your house down Burn the house down, burn the house down, down,down And throw away the key Burn the house down, burn it to the ground And throw away the key Like Travis always says.. ok with my own twist.. crank it up folks… and rock on! Like a River – live in concert in Victoriaville Quebec back in 2004 Daddy – video for the first single on his debut album Posted By:Jonas Get this video and more at MySpace.com Burn the House Down!!! – Live Edge of Seventeen – Live at Radio Énergie – a promo event held around Christmas I believe in 2005… Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Oops.. did I just use a song title for this post??? hehehe... So as I sit here.. waiting for my friend Travis to post the little missive I sent him as requested on the Bunny Blog (link in my favorites…) so that I may post it here cause I promised I would let him post it first.. I decided to send him some inspiration.. I’ve been spending a bit of time giggling at a few things I found on You Tube… and so I’ll share a few things I was watching this morning… Oh, and the entire flight crew is pleased to say our friend Coco is feeling better and has managed to avoid the dreaded “drill”.. and for that.. we are thankful! Feel better soon Coco! We have the Lobster and Jazz festivals to prepare for and that road trip too! I know you wanted this Coco.. so here it is… Change Is Gonna Come Add to My Profile | More Videos Travis loves The Lord of the Rings (as do I) and I must say.. I had a very big giggle fit when I watched this.. it’s a catchy tune it is! They’re taking the Hobbits to Isengard!!!! Oh My! He also loves Star Wars.. (as do I.. Trav.. if you weren’t older than me I might think we were separated at birth).. and I love a smartass… so this clip is PERFECT!!! Oooooh!!! And watch for the surprise ending on this one!! (teehee) I think this is Yoda’s version of Trav’s knee thingy… This one’s for my Soul Patrol extended family…Love you guys… Vinny..it really is a great song! And one of my all-time favorite Taylor moments... still makes me cry and feel warm and fuzzy.. oh my that look.. Taylor Hicks-You Are So Beautiful Add to My Profile | More Videos So Dana can thud and Vinny can thump (a manly thump of course.. I believe the closest thing to a thud eh pal?) Taylor Hicks 050206 Add to My Profile | More Videos And as I was searching.. I decided to post this.. I danced to it at my wedding (let's not talk about that though) with my Dad... For Diana.. and Luis.. I'll tell you about Jonas next... stay tuned! I love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Do good.... (Dudley Do-Right...)

Thursday Thirteen #2… Yesterday, my daughter went to visit a retirement home for a school project. They are visiting community organizations and businesses in the effort to raise money and donations of all types to help a family of 5.. a single mom with 4 kids of ages ranging from 2 to 12, for Christmas… She got a twinkle in her eye when she told me about visiting the elderly grandmas whose hands didn’t work well enough to knit things for that family, so these lovely ladies raised some money and donated it.. 112 dollars and change.. she was so proud! Got me to thinking about a list for this ‘Thursday Thirteen thingy’ Bond turned me on to… so here’s my Thursday Thirteen. Volunteering.. doing good.. a few ideas and suggestions.. Thirteen Things about Anndi 1- Sacrifice that change you would normally use to get a coffee or a soda.. do this everyday for a month.. and give it to a local charity that helps the needy. It’s not a big sacrifice (okay, the people around you will suffer because you’re in caffeine withdrawal.. but tell them it’s for a good cause… and if that doesn’t work.. taunt them, fart in their general direction and then run away!) and if everyone did this.. that would generate a LOT of money! 2- Ask your child’s teacher if she needs help.. if you can work it into your schedule go in class.. if not, I’m sure she needs help with something.. preparing craft supplies for the upcoming Christmas crafts.. searching for craft ideas on the net.. it’ll mean the world to your child! Or help out at a school dance.. 3- Take your family to visit a nursing home and listen to our elders.. and maybe learn a thing or two. 4- Use your blog or any other means at your disposal to promote a cause near to your heart.. see how easy! 5- Volunteer (like my friend Lynn) at the local animal shelter or volunteer to take an elderly person’s pet on a walk for them. 6- Help out at the local soup kitchen or homeless shelter (Coco and Julie, you are wonderful people.. thank you for being my friends..). They always need an extra pair of hands. 7- Offer to baby-sit for someone who can’t afford to pay for it so they can get some time to themselves, spending time with a child is your reward… 8- Cook a little extra food and bring it to someone who is caring for a sick family member… 9- Check out the website linked in my favorite Links and get some ideas for Family Volunteering on Family Volunteer Day… which by the way is held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving… (ok.. well maybe that in and of itself isn’t eally an activity.. btu I had to promote it.. see point number four!) 10- Bake some goodies and take them to your local Fire Departement... show you care.. thank them for all they do.. learn a few things! 11- Organize a Clean-Up the Park or Schoolyard Day with the neighborhood kids and their parents, get to know your neighbors better and provide the kids with a clean place to play… 12- Volunteer at the local ice rink (remember I’m Canadian!) and help out with whatever needs to be done, and get some exercise in at the same time! 13- Give blood... you can save a life. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) 1. Twyla - http://lostinthebattle.blogspot.com/ 2. Bond - http://bondsbigleathercouch.blogspot.com/ 3. Busy - http://busy91.livejournal.com/ 4. Sonny - http://sweetlikekitty.blogspot.com 5. Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants I love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

For my friend Diana…

There is nothing so difficult as to watch someone you love go through loss and suffering. I have been witness to your struggles. And have felt helpless.. All I have are words, even those don’t seem to be enough. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, as I know your dear father is now an angel, reunited with his true love. Diana, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.. although I never met your father I feel as if I know him from all you have written about him. All I can offer is my thoughts, prayers and my willingness to listen if you should feel the need to talk. No matter how old we are, no matter what our role becomes.. we are and will always be.. our parent’s child. I found this poem when a friend’s grandmother passed away… may it, in some time, bring you comfort. In Memory of You I find an old photograph and see your smile. As I feel your presence anew, I am filled with warmth and my heart remembers love. I read an old card sent many years ago during a time of turmoil and confusion. The soothing words written then still caress my spirit and bring me peace. I remember who you used to be the laughter we shared and wonder what you have become. Where are you now, Where did you go, When the body is left behind and the spirit is released to fly? Perhaps you are the morning bird singing joyfully at sunrise, or the butterfly that dances so carelessly on the breeze or the rainbow of colors that brightens a stormy sky or the fingers of afternoon mist delicately reaching over the mountains or the final few rays of the setting sun lighting up the skies edging the clouds with a magical glow. I miss your being but I feel your presence, In whatever form you choose to take, however you now choose to be. Your spirit has become for me a guardian angel on high guiding, advising, and watching over me. I remember you. You are with me and I am not afraid. I love you so much little sister. Hugs and kisses and a shoulder to lean on.

A pittance of time...

I know many of my friends are expecting a simple Thursday Thirteen and it shall come.. but today I have more important things to say. So here’s my first but most personal Thursday Thirteen… I am a proud Canadian... And I shall never forget. November 11th is, and has been for a very long time, a very sad day for me.. THEY SHALL GROW NOT OLD AS WE THAT ARE LEFT GROW OLD; AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEM NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN. AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. So here is my Thursday Thirteen… I cry… 1- For the men and women who died, fighting for our Nation, for my freedom and the freedom of others… 2- For the mothers and fathers who have lost their sons and daughters in the fight for Peace… 3- For the men and women who have lost their soulmate… 4- For the children, those who are left behind… and those who shall never come to be… 5- For the friends who are left with only memories… 6- For those who have no PEACE… 7- For those who forget what makes the sacrifice so meaningful... 8- For those who miss so many important moments of everyday life because they are fighting for justice... the first step, the first tooth, the first goal, the first school play… 9- For my country, for we have lost so many fine Canadians… 10- For those who died alone... and for those who are buried so far from home... 11- For those who confuse their opinions on war and the respect and appreciation owed for the sacrifice of our soldiers... 12- For those who have lost their brothers and sisters in arms and parts of themselves... 13- For those who will not take the time to remember… I will be taking my daughter to our Nation’s capital this weekend for the Remembrance day ceremonies. I have taught my daughter to appreciate the freedoms she enjoys and the sacrifices made on our behalf. I always extend a hand of thanks to the veterans who are out selling poppies at this time of year, and I have been know to hug a few. I proudly wear my poppy and remember, it’s so little for so much. All gave some... some gave all... To our troops in Afghanistan.. come home safe... Lest we forget In Flanders fields Poem by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. Lieutenant-Colonel McCrae was a Canadian Medical Officer who fought in the war of 1914-1918. He wrote this poem following the death of his friend… distraught at the thought that the dead might be forgotten… and from it the poppy became the symbol for soldiers who died in battle. A few minutes of your time... Please take a moment... On the 11th hour Of the 11th day Of the 11th month Remember those who died, in war and peacekeeping efforts... They serve for you. A Pittance of Time - written and performed by Terry Kelly Terry Kelly wrote this song and you can find his biography on his website... To those who have fought and continue to fight for FREEDOM and PEACE... Thank you... I love you all...

Germies... et la trilogie continue...

Day 3... I've been lying here in between sprints upstairs to take her temperature, bring her jell-o and orange juice (chicken soup has lost all appeal at this point) but at least she's hydrated. Feel like I'm in that movie Groudhog Day where I wake up and it never progresses... ugh! I started to go stir crazy...and turned to YouTube... What I found there was one of the cutest things I've seen all week, it made me laugh, and I thought I'd share it with my friends. I know many of you are going through major rough patches.. maybe this will bring a smile to your lips.. I've done this many times over the past 9 months with my buddies..I'm still lookin for a clip of one of Trav's gigglefits! Every contractor has somebody like this working for them... But dude!!! An evening at FBB... Wow... fuzzybunnybellies make a lot of people laugh!!! This has to be one of the funniest practical jokes ever.. Tell me, will you ever want to use a port-a-potty again? Love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!

Germies - Day 2

I'm still fighting the bug, whatever kind of funky thing it is.. The chicklet, poor thing, had a rough night last night (so by default, so did I). Her fever spiked to 102.5 and she had aches and pains all over, but thank God the fever came down a bit... Thank you to my dear friends who have sent her get well wishes, she loves all of her SP aunties and uncles and cousins (like Bethany and Kaitlin) and sends germ-free smooches! I've been dragging my sorry butt around quite a bit today, and am getting nothing done. And in between trips upstairs to the Fairy Princess's quarters, I've been watching TV and surfing the net (um..You Tube Dana... hehehe). And low and behold.. what is on TV??? *Sings* "Doodoodoodoodoodoodoodooooooooo!" Strange Brew! The Mackenzie Brothers.. oh boy! What hosers! Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis certainly know how to caricature the Canadian Hoser! So you know what I started to look for don't ya? Yup.. clips of Strange Brew and Kanadian Korner (aka The Great White North)! Here's the tag from the beginning of the movie.. Back in the good old days of stubbies (short neck beer bottles for you hosers, er,.. nice people who weren't around back then or who don't know much about beer...) and of course, toques! This clip of the original movie trailer brought back memories... beer, hockey and doughnuts... Oh My! How to get a case (or a 2-4) of beer for free... yup! I don't know nuttin bout this.. I swear! And finally, here's a couple of commercials for Molson Canadian Beer..priceless... I AM CANADIAN... eh! This one's for you Lynn... ROTFLMOO Oh..By the way.. tonight, my beloved Habs host the New Jersey Devils... and they're shooting for their third straight win! Good Luck to my friends Jo and Andrea and their Leafs as they take on the Buffalo Sabres. Saturday night's all right!!! It's HOCKEY night in Canada! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! GO HABS GO!!! I love you all more than my luggage! Hugs, smooches and gropes!