Rumors by FLEETWOOD MAC was first released in Febrary 1977. Where were you then? I was 9 years old and in the 4th grade. How ironic, as that is exactly where Ethan is. Here is a photo of me with my Dad when I was in 4th grade. So this is where I was when this album was released. Sure, the songs were on the radio, sure I knew them all. But it wasn't until 3 or 4 years later that I went out and purchsed the album myself and really fell in love with the song, Dreams.

What a great time in life though. The only stress we had was getting homework done (which at the time seemed huge!) and whether or not Mom was going to let my best friend sleep over on Friday. Life was full of joy. I was making plans to get my ears pierced on my upcoming 10th birthday and reading books like Ramona the Brave. Billy was 5 and not yet in school, Tommy was 18 months old and the darn cutest thing. Dad was working at the steam station and Mom baked while we were off to school. Check out those plaid uniform pants and the cross necklace!

So here is another one of those freaky math things. My Dad, in this photo, is where I am NOW in my life. He was 39 years old with a daughter in 4th grade. I am 39 years old with a son in 4th grade. Hm. Never thought about that.

So now I am thinking that I either need to:
1. Fix my turn table so that I can listen to this album once again
2. Buy it on CD

I better do it THIS YEAR and get a photo of me with Ethan in front of a door like this to put in a time capsule!

Isn't she pretty? Home again for ANOTHER day with sick kids, I found myself on Yahoo just screwing around and wouldn't you know it, she was ranked #1 on some Custom Autos list. But OF COURSE! Classy AND tough, fast, rare, a great symbol of open road rebellion, THAT'S my Mustang!
You know, I have been thinking a lot about my car these days, anyways, as I spend a seemingly inordinate amount of time in it. Where I live it is 10 minutes to ANYWHERE, 20 to SOMEWHERE, and and HOUR to a small city. You get used to driving, a lot, and I have come to love it in so many ways. It has certainly become my therapy.

In my car, I can be ALONE. Now this can happen in a number of ways. Sometimes I literally AM alone. I resisted getting a cell phone for a long time for that exact reason, wanting to be, at times, UNREACHABLE. I guess I am the type of person that just needs alone time, and my car has always been a place to get that. There is nothing more peaceful for me than driving down a winding road, preferably on a warm fall day, a panorama of autumnal hues, the AC on AND the windows open (Impractical Cheryl - Air Conditioning the WORLD again, as my dad would chide ) and, naturally, fitting tunes on the radio. That is the way I relax, that is the way I return to the rat race that is my life with a somewhat clearer head, that is my therapy. It is a good therapy too, practical, as I can drive for a bit and run errands, drive for a bit and get the groceries, drop off prescriptions...Purposeful and peaceful, who could ask for more?

I feel fortunate, even, to have kids that are GOOD in the car. They have obviously inherited their mom, and grandpa's, car loving gene as we have FEW toys in the car, snacks only on long trips, and, at my insistence, no integrated DVD system. We don't even listen to many kids CD's in the car. I can be "alone" in my car, even with my kids there, as I tell them "Let mommy concentrate, she needs to drive." With that, little eyes look at the passing scenery, little ears take in the classic rock tunes, and, as adorable as can be, little voices start to sing..."Keep on rockin' me baby..."

And so, with all that my car does for me, don't I deserve a good one? Now mind you, I have a wonderfully "tripped out" MOM VAN, with automatic doors, hatchback, the works. And I DO love it. Vans are a fun, smooth ride, with SUCH versatility. I probably will own one for a long, long time. BUT, since my car provides me SO much, don't I deserve a play car? Since I call it my therapy, and yet don't GO to a therapist OR take any antidepressants and such, couldn't I use said cash for a FUN car? Could I claim it on my insurance - or at least use pretax dollars? Come on! It IS a thought...we do need some change in the health care system in this country. Well, I am READY, and WILLING to do my part!
-Cheryl

The Music Gal's Musings - aka Obscure Song YOU Should Know...

In an attempt to emulate my heroine The Sport's Gal, I have finally begun the weekly blog on that thing I know so well, MUSIC. Now, Scott, relax, we're not talking about me entering your realm - ie. Stodgy musicologist - oh no, this is just me, waxing poetic about my favorite pop and rock tunes...don't lump me in with the "Famous Musicologists" set. I don't have THAT much unruly grey hair, yet.

This week's offering "Under the Skin," ethereally recorded on Lindsey Buckingham's newest solo offering of the same name. I have always been a Fleetwood Mac fan, and always loved Lindsey's writing, so harmonic, and guitar style, so complex. In my opinion, no better does it show itself than on this album,and even more specifically on this song. I read a bit about the production of the album overall and found that much of it was crudely recorded, in hotel rooms and such, as Lindsey was on tour with the reunited Fleetwood Mac. It is a simple recording on one level, kind of guitar singer/songwriter music, but such at its best, rich, complex and layered...like a fine wine that has found its time.

It is so interesting to me to hear what musicians put out there as they age. Sting, another perennial favorite of mine, just released a recording of ANCIENT music - literally - these are songs that were part of a traveling oral music history from the 1600's. Now, not really my cup of tea melodically, but interesting for sure, and inspiring, as it always is when someone does a project for the LOVE of the project. Eric Clapton as well has just recorded an album with a reclusive R&B songwriter with whom he has had a long standing relationship. Worried less about the commercial success and more about the art, the passion shows through.

"Under the Skin" not only satisfies melodically, but lyrically, with such haunting lines as "I hear your heart as you pass through" and "I know it's hard being so hard to find, your passion swallows you whole; deaf, dumb and blind...under the skin, everything shows, under the skin." Lindsey allows us all to feed our soul searching selves like all of the good introspective songwriters do. He allows us not only our breathing room, but our brooding room.

So, give it a listen...download off iTunes...also recommended off the album, "To Try for the Sun," a rich rerecording of an old Donovan tune. Also, great Lindsey tunes, "Bleed to Love Her" off of FM's "Say You Will," and of course, the 80's pop classic "Go Insane." I am sure that on many levels Lindsey wonders WHY about that song, but it is pure pop candy to me.
- Cheryl

It has been so long, dear Blogger, but I am back with a weekend entry. It is truly uncanny how DOWNHILL my writing went AS SOON AS I took the time to commit to the process IN PRINT. Well, I guess there will be no more of that!

So, enough whining, and back to the music! My habit continues and, again, I have made the weekend trip to MY dollar store, and downloaded a few more songs from iTunes. I DARE anyone to name the artists in my newest obscure collection, 70's to present...and more genre than I care to notate...
1. Goodbye Girl
2. Go Insane
3. Radioactive
4. Love is Like Oxygen
5. I Alone
6. Magic
7. Deja Vu
8. (a little embarrassed about this one) Toxic
9. No Way Out
10. Chasing Cars
11. Ready or Not
12. I Just Wanna Stop
13. Promiscuous
14. 1 Thing
15. So Into You
What I wouldn't give to be my own KTel record mixer...but you know, that is the TRUE JOY of downloading music - I AM! I will never forget my KTels, "Wings of Love," which I HAD to have for like my 8th birthday because I LOVED Michael Jackson and "Rock With You." Then there was "Reflections," which secured my life long obsession with sentimental love songs, and I also believe may have contributed to my problems crying at Hallmark commercials and such...just SO sappy. I had a couple of others that I can't recall the titles of, but OH the love of a mixed album, and later a mixed tape, made on my own with the 'ol dual tape deck...the JOY is back.
So, game on, name that artist! I know there are some of you out there with the skills and wherewithal to succeed...
Prizes will be awarded, but you MUST ACT NOW!
- Cheryl

HAD to upload this picture, just to prove that Sue and I ARE alive! Granted we haven't had time to BREATHE as of late, with our teacher's union officially at "Work to Rule" in regards to contract negotiaions, but as you see, we have still had time to party and drink!

Truth be told, though, we have had quite a month at the old workplace, with more and different crap everyday. We could've even uploaded a picture of ourselves on the picket line, but it was blurry and depressing, and Sue looks SO cute in her pink hair...

SO, to this weekend. May I have some time at HOME! May I have some time to cook, clean, organize and BREATHE, and may I also, please, have some time to blog something INTERESTING?!

Time will tell,
Cheryl