Robin Thicke Made My Day, as well as my Mom’s

Moments with my mom are very special, especially since she has Alzheimer's.

I know that as her memories begin to slip away, I am frantically trying to create new ones that I can hold on to in the years ahead.

This week, I had a perfect moment with my mom, one I will cherish forever. In our house, growing up we always had music. My first ever album was the Jackson 5 ABC. (Still have it!) But my parents would play music all the time, everyone from the Temptations, to Mahalia Jackson, to Tom Jones. A bit eclectic, but we liked it.

And I always remember my mother and father dancing together, even though my father didn’t have much rhythm! Believe me, I danced with him a few times myself and he was dancing to his own beat sometimes! But I wouldn’t give up those moments for anything.

Anyway, back to my mom. So, the other day I picked her up and was going to take her out with me to run a few errands. Anything to get her out of the house and get her some stimulation. What I didn’t realize is the stimulation for her brain would begin right as we jumped in the car and turned on the radio. All of a sudden Robin Thicke’s megahit, Blurred Lines started pouring into the car.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but bob my head when I hear this song. The next thing I know, mom is bobbing right next to me! I start singing, she starts smiling, bobbing a little harder and says ”This reminds me of the old days!” She was able to pull back one of her old memories that had disappeared into that alzheimer’s cloud! I almost started crying, instead I started singing louder!

So on this day, Robin Thicke made my mom smile, and he made me smile, giving me a memory I won’t soon forget! Thank you!

Sue
Phoenix, AZ

If I called my mom half as often as I think about calling her...

... she'd be so happy.

I would too. I called my mom last night at the end of a busy day. We chit-chatted and then ended up searching for Jazz Greats on YouTube. She was on her computer in Colorado. I was on mine in Arizona.

We found Duke Ellington's Satin Doll. Mom was surprised that this recording has had 1,139,617 views. And then, just like anyone else on the web, she moved from one thing to another, Oscar Peterson's Satin Doll, Ella Fitzgerald and then she stumbled on a Lady Gaga song. Yeah, made no sense to me either.

So, we listened to music. There is a lot of classic jazz on YouTube. Mom shared some of what she knows. I shared some of my tricks. We planned a visit. It was a Perfect Friday evening. .. Robin, Tempe

It slipped my mind or my mind slipped me: Conversations with my mom

It's really bad when my mom and I both lose our memory in the same conversation.

This is how it went this morning:

Joyce: One time when I was working at Frontier Airlines, I saw a group of girls dressing up in the ladies room, getting ready to go to Vegas to see a singer ... oh, you know, a man...

Me: Tom Jones?



Joyce: No, younger. And he was kind of country.

Me: Oh, um.. that Achy Breaky Heart guy?

Joyce: No. He married a younger woman ... welll, they all do. That's not a good story.

Me: Um... Kenny Chesney?

Joyce: No. He was really popular. Country Western and his wife and daughter have a house and people go there for his birthday.

Me: Umm... Garth Brooks?


Joyce: Oh wait, this was 1967 not '77. And he wiggled.

Me: Elvis!

Joyce: Yes, that's him!

... pathetic.

What's it gonna be like in 10 years?

I've told Sue she has to keep her mind. I'll keep my legs. Together we'll be OK.

Robin, Tempe

A couple of fast friends

You ever just meet one of those people where you feel like you have known them forever? Well, that's what happened to me this week in p-town. I was introduced to Suede, an amazing jazz singer and felt we were like long lost sisters. She has a big laugh, a big personality and a big smile. You can't help but want to spend time around her.

And don't even get me started on her music. Last night I heard her sing for the first time, and was blown away. She has been described as a cross between Ella Fitzgerald and Bette Midler, with a little Rosie Clooney and a dash of Louis Armstrong! Damn! I have to agree after hearing her belt out Sisters!

She is an amazing talent, and now I am also proud to say an amazing friend!

Sue, Tempe

New York's Empire State of Mind

From the school's YouTube page:
The PS22 Chorus delivers big time on this New York anthem by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys! Props to Dominique & Messale for amazing jobs on the lead vocals & rap (respectively). And of course to Ethan for a well-deserved happy dance at the song's conclusion.

We based our version more on the Alicia Keys "Empire State of Mind Part II," but as a tribute to Jay-Z version, the kids and I created our own little rap that obviously was a bit more age appropriate.

I've been singing this song all morning... at least the Alicia Keys part... and up pops Dwayne Rodgers, @DiggsWayne on Twitter, spreading the word about these kids at PS22 (that's New York City, folks) singing their version of the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys anthem.

The original (not for small children):



The lyrics that drive this song:
In New York,
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do,
Now you’re in New York,
these streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
lets here it for New York, New York, New York


Robin, Tempe, Arizona

Not so perfect pairing

This has to be on of the most bizarre videos ever. Lou Reed, punk rocker before there was Punk, best known as guitarist with The Velvet Underground singing his iconic 'Perfect Day' with Luciano Pavarotti. And Pavarotti seems to be dressed like the Burger King king.



I am definitely having a perfect day. And this video gave me some chuckles at the end of it. And sent me looking for a recording of Lou Reed's 'Walk on the Wild Side'.

Robin, Tempe