Superstitions, also called, or related to: Urban Legends, Old Wives Tales, Folklore, Bizarre Beliefs, Myths, Taboos, Omens, and finally Good Luck or Bad Luck. Created in so many ways, beliefs, cultures, fears, the unknown. Some are so old, yet still active today. Most of the time we have know idea why or how they were formed, but we still believe. Pretty powerful stuff if you think about it.
There are so many I recall hearing from my grandparents,"Find a Penny pick it up, the Rest of the day you'll have Good Luck," "Don't Walk under that Ladder its Bad Luck," "Beginners Luck," That one has never worked for me,yet others totally believe. Although the itchy hand thing I swear by! How about "A Cat has Nine Lives," Sometimes they sure seem like they do, lucky suckers. And of course, since I was a child I've been looking for the end of the rainbow.
Friday the 13th is one of the most powerful superstitions, I think, around. I've read over 80% of high rises lack a 13th floor. Many airports skip the 13th gate, and airplanes have no 13th aisle. Hospitals and hotels often have no room 13. Many cities have no 13th street. Then you have Friday many believe Jesus was crucified on this day. Friday was the conventional day for public hangings in Brittan. It was also said to be the day of the flood in the bible, and Adam and Eve twas said to be the tempting of the apple, and so to the day they were cast from the garden. (sounds like this particular myth was spread by people with the same religious beliefs) Some people think that Friday is just considered an unlucky day, and 13 is unlucky as well. So when you put the two together, its about unlucky as you can get. Personally, I've never had a problem with the day or the number, but its quite intense when you think of the impact its had on our culture.
So watch out for that black cat, and hang on to that rabbits foot! Ya never know.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Saturday, May 12, 2007
LET THERE BE MUSIC
My list of enjoyable music feels endless. The history of music goes back farther then we can imagine; I feel as though I'm forever hearing something new. Just to name a few types of music: Rock, R & B, Blues, Hip Hop, ( some ) Rap, old Folk songs are cool, and so is old country. Appalachian music; also, intrigues me. It seems to have been an important part of their culture,performed in family gatherings, or with whole communities involved. Along with other cultures music; certainly, has been an important custom in their history.
Music can be delivered, received, and interpreted, in so many ways. We enjoy the metaphors, poetry, story telling, and words in their simplest form can be, so profound. There are so many poetic artists past and present. With some though, Its just the sound of their voice, or the music they produce that just makes you want to listen.
If I may, I'd like to speak of just a few artists to whom are dear to me. I'll start with the musician Maria Maldaur. Her first album, yes I used the "A" word, had some really cool folk songs on it. It also had the song that hit the charts, in 70 sumpin, sumpin, " Midnight at the Oasis." She somewhat reminds me of Norah Jones who's one of those artists that it really doesn't matter what they sing, I'd listen. Another great one is Van Morrison with his son "Moondance," it just seems to flow " Marvelous Night for a Moondance with the Stars up above in your Eyes, Fantabulous Night to make Romance." That song just never gets old to me. Cat Stevens has many songs I enjoy; in fact, I named my dog after one of them,"Moonshadow." And one of Annie Lennox's songs she sings, "Dying is easy its Living that Scares me to Death," sometimes I think I'm the only one that feels that way until she sings that to me and reminds me, I'm not alone. One of my favorites, and she hasn't been around very long, would be Alanis Morrisette's CD "Jagged Little Pill." When I first heard her I thought, what is this woman screaming about!? Until I really listened to her lyrics. Then I was absolutely hooked! The next thing I know I was screaming the words to her songs, In my car, at my house. People must have thought I was nuts. Her simple little words touched me so. I just love the song " Hand in my pocket," it says things like: " I'm Broke but I'm Happy," " I'm Lost but I'm Hopeful," " I'm Sane but I'm Overwhelmed," " I'm Hard but I'm Friendly." How simple, yet to me, so true. Another song that tickles my fancy is,"Isn't it Ironic," she states: " A Death Row Pardon two Minutes too Late," Good Advice that ya Just Didn't Take," " Ten Thousand Spoons when all you need is a Knife," "Life has a Funny way of Sneaken up on you," "Life has a Funny, Funny way of Helpen you Out." (love her, love her!) Other artist such as: Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Gnarles Barkley, and even Eminem ; however, alittle harsh and crude. I can still appreciate his artistry.As for the others, I'm just naming a few out of hundreds of performers that are so very talented.
Back in my youth, It was hard rock for me. AC/DC was profound and poetic to my ears. Along with Arrowsmith, Led Zepplin, and all the hard rock I could get at the time. It went right along with drinken, partying, and my rebellious ways, music seemed to help me vent my youthful anger. Of course, I'm still aroused by this music because of all the youthful memories they hold.
There are many artists and types of music I could talk about. And hundreds more I've , yet to discover. The bottom line is " Music is Great!" It's a gift, and still brings people together. Although not like it used to, music is still the source of: gatherings, topics of conversation, It sooths you, gives you energy, makes you happy,and sad. Music is even said to be healing. Heal away!
Music can be delivered, received, and interpreted, in so many ways. We enjoy the metaphors, poetry, story telling, and words in their simplest form can be, so profound. There are so many poetic artists past and present. With some though, Its just the sound of their voice, or the music they produce that just makes you want to listen.
If I may, I'd like to speak of just a few artists to whom are dear to me. I'll start with the musician Maria Maldaur. Her first album, yes I used the "A" word, had some really cool folk songs on it. It also had the song that hit the charts, in 70 sumpin, sumpin, " Midnight at the Oasis." She somewhat reminds me of Norah Jones who's one of those artists that it really doesn't matter what they sing, I'd listen. Another great one is Van Morrison with his son "Moondance," it just seems to flow " Marvelous Night for a Moondance with the Stars up above in your Eyes, Fantabulous Night to make Romance." That song just never gets old to me. Cat Stevens has many songs I enjoy; in fact, I named my dog after one of them,"Moonshadow." And one of Annie Lennox's songs she sings, "Dying is easy its Living that Scares me to Death," sometimes I think I'm the only one that feels that way until she sings that to me and reminds me, I'm not alone. One of my favorites, and she hasn't been around very long, would be Alanis Morrisette's CD "Jagged Little Pill." When I first heard her I thought, what is this woman screaming about!? Until I really listened to her lyrics. Then I was absolutely hooked! The next thing I know I was screaming the words to her songs, In my car, at my house. People must have thought I was nuts. Her simple little words touched me so. I just love the song " Hand in my pocket," it says things like: " I'm Broke but I'm Happy," " I'm Lost but I'm Hopeful," " I'm Sane but I'm Overwhelmed," " I'm Hard but I'm Friendly." How simple, yet to me, so true. Another song that tickles my fancy is,"Isn't it Ironic," she states: " A Death Row Pardon two Minutes too Late," Good Advice that ya Just Didn't Take," " Ten Thousand Spoons when all you need is a Knife," "Life has a Funny way of Sneaken up on you," "Life has a Funny, Funny way of Helpen you Out." (love her, love her!) Other artist such as: Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Gnarles Barkley, and even Eminem ; however, alittle harsh and crude. I can still appreciate his artistry.As for the others, I'm just naming a few out of hundreds of performers that are so very talented.
Back in my youth, It was hard rock for me. AC/DC was profound and poetic to my ears. Along with Arrowsmith, Led Zepplin, and all the hard rock I could get at the time. It went right along with drinken, partying, and my rebellious ways, music seemed to help me vent my youthful anger. Of course, I'm still aroused by this music because of all the youthful memories they hold.
There are many artists and types of music I could talk about. And hundreds more I've , yet to discover. The bottom line is " Music is Great!" It's a gift, and still brings people together. Although not like it used to, music is still the source of: gatherings, topics of conversation, It sooths you, gives you energy, makes you happy,and sad. Music is even said to be healing. Heal away!
Sunday, May 6, 2007
DESERTED ISLAND
What three things would I "take" on a deserted island. To start, I would like a large pocket knife with a striker on it. So that I may start fires, cut wood, and make spears for fishing. I could consider taking one of those contraptions that turn salt water into fresh. But since its my story, I'm going to say there is plenty of fresh water already on the island. Secondly, I might consider some sort of tarp or tent to shield myself from the elements. Although sleeping under the stars, with sounds of the ocean all around me, would be nice. I would sun bathe, catch fish, and pick from all the bountiful variety's of island fruit.
On my island, "mine" because there's no one around to argue with me about it, there are plenty of animals that I can pleasantly observe and enjoy. Of coarse none that wish to eat me, nor I them. Hopefully I can keep my menu to the sea and to natures gifts of fruit. I don't consider my self much of a hunter; I guess if I had to hunt I would . I'd really prefer to make friends with the local wild life, then prey upon them.
The more I think about it, I might just give up my tarp or tent for a really good book. I can almost feel my self laying in the sun, cuddled in the warm sand, reading the day away. Heck, cause if I needed shelter, I'd just hop in my fifty foot Sea Cruiser. Now wouldn't I!!!!!!!!
On my island, "mine" because there's no one around to argue with me about it, there are plenty of animals that I can pleasantly observe and enjoy. Of coarse none that wish to eat me, nor I them. Hopefully I can keep my menu to the sea and to natures gifts of fruit. I don't consider my self much of a hunter; I guess if I had to hunt I would . I'd really prefer to make friends with the local wild life, then prey upon them.
The more I think about it, I might just give up my tarp or tent for a really good book. I can almost feel my self laying in the sun, cuddled in the warm sand, reading the day away. Heck, cause if I needed shelter, I'd just hop in my fifty foot Sea Cruiser. Now wouldn't I!!!!!!!!
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