postsecret

 

PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. I like to post one that speaks to me each week.

sunday stealing

 

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4th of July Meme

1) If you could attend a 4th of July fireworks display anywhere in the United States, where would you choose? Boston--over the Charles River, listening to the Boston Pops playing the 1812 Overture

2) What book are you currently reading? Into the Blue by Emma Brodie

3) What have you been listening to? lots of different Spotify and Pandora playlists

4) What shows or movies have you been watching? we really loved The Other Bennett Sister on BritBox, I will watch it again!

saturday 9

God Bless America

Unfamiliar with Connie Francis' version of this song? Hear it here.

1) Irving Berlin's lyrics celebrate our mountains, prairies, and oceans. Which of these geographical features is nearest your home? mountains--I'm in Virginia's Blue Ridge and it's beautiful!

2) Berlin donated his royalties from "God Bless America" to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Were you ever a Scout? no

 
3) While this week's song has been recorded many times, we're concentrating on Connie Francis' 1959 version. It was never intended to be a hit, released as the B-side to her popular "Among My Souvenirs." But it took off when it was played at school rallies and patriotic events. Do you know all the lyrics to "God Bless America?" Could you sing along with Connie? yes, I think I could

4) After she wrote her autobiography, Connie said she wanted Valerie Bertinelli to play her in the movie. Even though Valerie isn't known for her singing, Connie liked that they were both Italian-American and 5'5". If we made a movie of your life, who should play you? Melissa McCarthy

 

5) Connie had a passionate romance with Bobby Darin, and their relationship is included in the Broadway show about Bobby's life, Just In Time. While Connie expressed her support for the production, she never saw the show because hip problems made flying difficult. How about you? Are you dealing with any aches or pains today? nope, no aches or pains

6) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen? yes!

7) More beer is purchased for the 4th of July than any other holiday. What beverage will be served with your July 4th meal? hmmm, I suspect there will be some beer; however, I will stick to water or lemonade

 

8) Emergency rooms expect an increase over the July 4th holiday. The most common causes are sports injuries (like jammed wrists and wrenched knees) and the unwise use of home fireworks. Have you  been to the ER or Urgent Care during 2026? no, thankfully!

9) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend? not this weekend

three on thursday on friday

 

Thing one:  in all honesty, I'm not feeling particularly patriotic for this celebration of 250 years of the United States of America.  I was 10 years old for the Bicentennial and remember how festive it was--the nation, my community, my school--it was everywhere and exciting; a genuine celebration.  This time, it's almost trepidation.  

Thing two:  having written thing one, I'm now feeling guilty.  I mean, I teach American history to high school students, a profession that I love dearly, that makes me feel patriotic daily, yet I'm not into this celebration.  Oh, the guilt.  (I'm a recovering Catholic; the guilt remains.)

Thing three:  we had hoped to visit Colonial Williamsburg and Mount Vernon while I am here in Virginia; however, my brother-in-law's father is hospitalized, so I insisted we cancel.  Those historic sites are not going anywhere; there's always next year.  This trip to Virginia has been relaxing and rejuvenating.  And has reminded me that central air conditioning is a blessing.

wordless wednesday

 

currently

 I am...

Reading:  The Queen of Wishful Thinking by Milly Johnson (in all honesty, I haven't been reading at all)

Listening to: the Hall & Oates station on Spotify

Thinking:  our side quest plans have been put on hold due to my brother-in-law's father's illness, but you know?  Family is most important, and I'd hate to be a few hours away on an overnight jaunt and have another emergency pop up

Feeling: relaxed, so relaxed 

Celebrating:  the birth of our Nation!

Grateful for:  the ability to stay in Virginia for a month

Enjoying:  we're going to play cards in a little bit--the grudge match continues! (I'm winning)

Weather:  81° and partly sunny

A quote I want to share: 

sunday stealing

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Meme Schmeme

Complete the thought:

I LOVE TO laugh! 

I SOMETIMES shop when I don't need anything. 

I FEAR the unknown. 

I MISS a steady routine, although I am LOVING vacation.  

I CRAVE ice cream. We perfected the formula for homemade mint-chip ice cream!

I CHERISH  all the time I'm spending with my sister, her husband, daughters, and their boyfriends.  

I AM IMPATIENT WHEN  I am in a meeting that could have been an email.  

postsecret

 

PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. I like to post one that speaks to me each week.

saturday 9

Cadillac Ranch

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Bruce Springsteen sings about taking his father and his aunt to see The Cadillac Ranch. Have you recently taken a road trip? If yes, where did you go? yesterday, we went to Mountain Lake, which is where the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed--we didn't realize there's a massive 40th anniversary party going on.  We were able to snag a table and have dinner.

2) The Cadillac Ranch is real. It's an outdoor art installation in Amarillo, TX. Tell us about a statue, mural, or other piece of outdoor art in your community.  driving in downtown Blacksburg, I noticed a few murals on the sides of buildings that are colorful and cool

3) Not only is Bruce singing about a real place, he mentions three real people. The first is "James Dean in his Mercury 49." That refers to the 1949 Mercury driven by James Dean in his first starring role, Rebel Without a Cause. Though he remains a legendary star, Dean made only three movies before his death at age 24. Have you seen any of his films? yes, all three

4) The second is "Junior Johnson runnin' through the woods of Caroline." Junior Johnson was a folk hero, famous as a NASCAR driver and notorious for running moonshine through North Carolina. He was the inspiration for "Midnite Moon," an animated old Ford in the 2017 Disney movie Cars 3. What Disney movie did you enjoy when you were growing up? Mary Poppins is my favorite

5) The third man Bruce sings about is "Burt Reynolds and his black Trans Am." This is a reference to Burt's biggest hit, 1977's Smokey and the Bandit. Burt also had success as a restaurateur. He co-owned Burt and Jack's, a popular steakhouse at Port Everglades, right on the water. Tell us about a restaurant that offered both good food and a memorable view.  I'll go with Mountain Lake, since that was so recent--it's really a beautiful compound.  It's been built up since the first time I visited it.

6) For decades, Cadillac was the gold standard of luxury. For example, an eatery referred to as "the Cadillac of restaurants" would be best or most prestigious. Think about your neighborhood. Tell us about a restaurant, hotel or business that is "the Cadillac" of your community.   hmmm, I really can't think of one in my hometown

7) Since he's been singing about America and cars for decades, it should come as no surprise that Bruce Springsteen has a collection of classic American cars. For the cover of his autobiography he chose a photo of himself leaning on his favorite, a 1960 Corvette convertible. Think about your favorite photo of yourself. What are you doing? I am getting ready for my 40th class reunion and took a selfie to check my hair

8) In 1981, when Bruce released this recording, Dolly Parton had a hit with "9 to 5." What's your favorite Dolly Parton song? I'm partial to Jolene, Two Doors Down, and Here You Come Again

9) Random question: When did you last DIY and fix something around your home or yard? I need to DIY a fix for my suitcase which was broken on my last flight--the double zippers somehow got ripped off the front pocket making it gape open and it's driving me mad!