mar's Desk

marcoujor: Musical Intermission - "V"

3/20/2019

"Do your little bit of good where you are; it is those little bits of good put all together that overwhelm the world."-- Desmond Tutu

This quote seemed especially healing to me in the wake of the murders of fifty Muslim worshippers at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand last Friday.

At times like this, I focus on what I personally have control over - me. I strive to be more understanding and compassionate in daily life. I continue to pray that the ripple effect of individual acts of kindness will swallow up the evil and hatred of senseless disregard for human life.

This week I share some wonderful "V"-songs as we continue this journey of musical exploration through the dark days and the burgeoning of our long overdue Spring.

Something Old

This iconic song was introduced SIXTY years ago (1959) - when I was "negative two years old". Venus was one of my "crib anthems" - so listen if you will ... :)

Something New

Kacey Musgraves racked up an impressive number of Grammies in 2019 winning: Best Country Song -Best Country Solo Performance - Best Country Album - and Album of the Year.

Velvet Elvis was not the winning song yet it fit the bill nicely for this "V"-song installment.

Kacey dedicated her wins to her "sweet husband, Ruston Kelly". You may remember him from my "M"-installment, with his song Mockingbird. Talent clearly runs in this couple's blood.

Something Borrowed:

I recently watched a musical documentary on the tragic life of Amy Winehouse - who died from alcohol poisoning in July, 2011 at 27-years of age.

Amy will forever live on in some of the most soulful and 'real' music in my mind's library. I believe she barely tapped her potential yet am ever grateful for the songs she has graced us with- including Valerie:

Something Blue

Described as "the second coming of the blues" by the Rock and Roll hall of Fame, Stevie Ray Vaughan also died way too soon in a helicopter crash at the age of 35 in August, 1990.

No offense to Jimi Hendrix's 1968 original song, but Vaughan's rendition of Voodoo Child is my pick for this series. Prepare yourself for 8-minutes of guitar heaven.

ShoutOuts

☙ Death of the Bumble Bees via WarnerWords

Happy Spring - finally! I recently heard a reference to Spring as "the music of open windows...

Until next week, wishing you peace and a song in your heart "with open windows", mar

22 Comments

Verlie Burroughs

3/20/2019 08:25:46 am

Very nice work on the 'V' selection Mar. I don't know why I feel an affinity for the V songs...Amy Winehouse, such a soulful singer, such a loss. It is the season of the open windows here, what a relief.
The New Zealand massacre, how does one process this kind of madness? Thank you for reminding me of "the power of individual acts of kindness". V

Maria link

3/21/2019 05:14:36 am

Hi V,
I had a feeling you'd be drawn to these "V"-songs.
Thank you for being such a beacon of kindness and decency to me and everyone you encounter.
Love and hugs, Maria

Henry

3/20/2019 08:41:18 am

I actually saw Frankie Avalon a few years ago eating lunch at a small restaurant in Las Vegas. I said hi to him and he was a nice guy.

Maria link

3/21/2019 05:15:53 am

What a cool memory - nice to hear that about Frankie Avalon.

Thanks for stopping by, Bro!

Peg

3/20/2019 09:42:07 am

Another fine selection of "V" songs for today's enjoyment. Seems like everything reminds me of a movie line these days or a song. Thanks for the memories of Frankie (Relax) and the insight into Amy Winehouse and her beautiful voice. Too many seem to be taking the carriage ride early these days. Smiles and hugs to you.

Maria link

3/21/2019 05:25:56 am

Dear Peg,
I now have "Frankie Goes To Hollywood" in my mind... I'd better "Relax"...LOL!
I'm sure Mike has a TCD volume ready for the collection of musical icons we have lost, maybe several?
I'm looking forward to catching up with your book ... I feel the excitement of your upcoming adventure.
Love and hugs to you, Maria

Pamela` Oglesby

3/20/2019 11:39:00 am

Happy 1st day of Spring Maria, Do a little bit of good whenever you can is a good way to live each day. I hope you are having a good week.

As for the music, I agree that the quitar in Voodoo Child was great. I enjoyed all the music. It is nice to hear a selection of many types of music across the years.. Love, Pam

Maria link

3/21/2019 05:28:21 am

Thanks for your uplifting and supportive comments, dear Pam.

I'm thrilled that you enjoy Stevie's guitar as much as me.

Wishing you a lovely day on this balmy and rainy Spring morn.

Love, Maria

Mike

3/20/2019 11:55:05 am

Hello mar - Frankie Avalon, what nostalgic memories that name conjures up. And Stevie Ray Vaughan has me hunting for the air guitar; once the song ended the silence was heavier.

Also, if I am not mistaken, I have made it into the lexicon, among our friends. I refer to Peg's comment regarding an early 'carriage ride.'

Lots of good music to lift the spirit here this morning.

Maria link

3/21/2019 05:31:33 am

Stop by for some music (your pick) to lift your spirits anytime, dear Mike.

Yes, you have made Griffin and Nuelle a household name around these parts. Your groupies cannot get enough...hint, hint!

Between the hairbrush microphone and the air guitar we have quite a band forming ... :)

Ruby Richert link

3/20/2019 07:03:21 pm

Hi Mar. " The music of open windows " Hit me as a beautiful poem. The music you've shared takes me back to happy days at a time when we loved music and I danced the night away. The world is so cruel in parts. I shutter at what's coming next. I like the quote from FDR, " The only thing to fear is fear itself. " Thanks for the memories...Hugs

Maria link

3/21/2019 05:37:49 am

SOOO good to see you here, Ruby. You are another beacon of love and kindness.

I love the image of you dancing the night away - love you and your big heart, mar

paula

3/20/2019 09:16:24 pm

Hey there Maria, Maria, Maria.....Your theme is a very excellent one for many quotes...some I'm familiar with. Not 100% sure but I think it was Edward Everett Holmes (?) who coined, "I cannot do everything but I can do something."...and then there's "drop by drop, day by day, collectively we can change the tide." No idea who first gave us that one. Desmund Tutu's quote you shared is another inspiring concept.
As individuals we have a tendency to feel so helpless, but the reality is, so often, it only takes one person, or idea or sacrifice.....The key to all of it is that we have the heart to TRY.
Frankie Avalon? Oh My.....another of my teen idols...LOL..."Venus" was a good song for the Cha Cha, if I recall
Love, LOVE Stevie Ray and Amy...(So sad she's gone......too young, too soon.) Thanks for the intro to "Kacey"... I swear, girlfriend, you've introduced to more music celebs than I ever thought existed!
Spring is official as of today. So, I guess all we need to do is let Miss Mother Nature in on this little tidbit of information.....around here, anyway! I'm watching for the first crocus to pop up and Red, red Robin to come bop bop boppin along......OMG, I'm so friggan weird!! Love you..Hugs, Paula

Maria link

3/21/2019 05:41:49 am

Great to see you, dear Paula. Thanks for adding these beautiful quotes to the comment stream.

If you think you're WEIRD, just WAIT until we get to the "W"-songs!

I join you in waiting for Lady Spring ... I hear she likes to make an entrance! Love and hugs to you, Maria

Cynthia link

3/20/2019 10:07:55 pm

Happy Wednesday, my sweet friend. I love your musical selections here. No "V" collection would be complete without a tribute to ol' Stevie Ray Vaughn. And you picked the best one! Ha! And Frankie Avalon's Venus - YES! I also love Amy Winehouse.
I hope you've had a wonderful week so far, sweet friend! It's be so fun to see what you come up with for "W" and "X" hehe. Sending you big hugs! xo

Maria link

3/21/2019 05:35:23 am

Once again we share the love of the same musicians, dear Cynthia - very cool!

I have some WAY XCELLENT tunes picked out for the next few weeks ... I look forward to sharing with you!

Have a peaceful week. Love you, Maria

Kimmie

3/22/2019 08:46:32 am

Happy Spring my friend Wonderful selections’ Loving thoughts and compassion always flows through your posts. It does seem we do not have much control when we hear of catastrophic events but I do believe we can show compassion and kindness within our neighborhoods and circles, letting others know hate is not a universal way way of thinking and standing up when we can.
Hugs and love
Kimmie

Maria link

3/27/2019 07:47:09 am

Dear Kimmie,
Your wise and compassionate insights are most appreciated.
Hope you are enjoying the Spring as well.
Love and hugs, Maria

Martie link

3/22/2019 02:59:17 pm

Dearest Mar

Believe me, the ripples made by kind individuals in South Africa have absolutely NO effect on evil humans. We are battling with a plague of evil for the past 25 years, and the end of it is not even in sight.

'Venus' reminded me of the time when I became aware of Pop and Rock music... when I turned 13.

Like terrorism and crime in general, the death of a young artist is a knock-out punch against my head. It takes days and sometimes weeks to get on top of it.... and then comes another enormous wave of terror.

Enjoy the weekend, Mar. Rest productively!

Hugs,

Martie

Maria link

3/27/2019 07:50:09 am

Dear Martie,

I worry so about the safety of you and your beloved family. There are no words for the conditions you endure yet you remain resilient and ever inspirational to me.

I hope your visits to my 'musical desk lounge' are a good escape in the company of our friends.

Love you and big hugs, mar

Vicki link

3/22/2019 10:19:29 pm

Dear Mareer,

Enjoyed your selection, and I also love your attitude, a lot like mine. But it is worthwhile remembering those such as Martie, who don’t see any reward for goodness. I totally understand, and feel thankful and grateful every day for where we live.
Love and hugs to you both,
V.

Maria link

3/27/2019 07:52:49 am

Thanks, Vickster.

I am also grateful that you have peaceful surrounds. With your perspective I know you never take that for granted.

Hope all is going splendidly for you this week.

Love you, mareer

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marcoujor: Musical Intermission - "V"

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