Pretty Dress. Pretty Songs.

Lately, when I drive my big fat Pacifica, I've been listening to a CD by Rosie Thomas--If Songs Could Be Held--which was a birthday gift from Daughter #1. It gets set aside from time to time when I need to focus on a symphony for a few weeks or when I'm trying to embed Mozart horn concertos directly into my brain cells. But since I'm between orchestra concerts and I've become frustrated with my inability to play Mozart as well as I should, it's all Rosie.

Rosie has this ethereal and clear voice that seems to do just what she tells it to do, gliding from word to word and from phrase to phrase with what comes across as pure ease. I have found, though, that as much as I enjoy her, prolonged exposure makes me sad, and I have to switch to something perky to keep from slipping into a real funk. Her songs tend to have a melancholy timbre that, over time, makes me want to slump over the steering wheel and contemplate the passing clouds with lots of sighing.

There are so many lyrical and fluid songs on Rosie's CD that I don't know if I could choose an overall favorite, but by far my favorite to belt out while I'm driving is Pretty Dress. It's the kind of song that I can push Repeat for over and over until I finally pull into my garage and have to turn off the car--and I never tire of it.

I have noticed something unique on her site, at least I think it's unique. Rosie and her band were robbed of their equipment after a concert in Philadelphia, and since nothing was insured apparently, she has arranged for her fans to contribute to a special fund using Paypal. All the contributions will go toward replacing the equipment. I think that takes guts, and I think that takes a belief that your fans will trust you with their cash.

What if my horn were to be stolen, and I set up an account for friends to buy a new one for me? (Let's assume I didn't have home owner's insurance to cover lost property). I doubt I'd receive more than a nickel, and I doubt that I would contribute to an account like that myself. But I do love this Rosie Thomas girl, and I do hope she and her band can buy all the guitars and amps they need. I do a lot of driving and need quality soundtracks for my frequent jaunts.

By the way, does this girl on the CD cover remind you of anyone? Anyone?

Classic Green Bean Bake

In anticipation of Thanksgiving, I feel I must post a recipe with plenty of good old American tradition. The classic Green Bean Bake was invented in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist who worked for the Campbell's Soup Company. A study was done determining that 50% of all Americans have eaten the classic Green Bean Bake, and 38% of those believe it is best served during the holidays, mainly Thanksgiving. So, for the other 50% and for those in other countries where this dish may be unfamiliar--my treat: The Classic Green Bean Bake serves 6 to 8 1 can Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup 1/2 cup milk 1 teaspoon soy sauce Dash of fresh pepper 1 20-oz. bag frozen cut green beans, thawed* 1 2.8 oz can French-fried onions -Preheat the oven to 350 F -In a casserole dish, combine the soup, milk, soy sauce and pepper. Stir in the green beans and half of the onions. -Bake until bubbling, about 25 minutes. Top with the remaining onions and bake for 5 more minutes. Serve hot. *Or cook 1 ...

Bring On the Bombs

In today's edition : I generally try to keep on top of cultural trends even if I don’t adopt them, but there is a growing movement that I have only just discovered. Not long ago, I was walking along in Berkeley, California while visiting my daughter, and I saw a signpost that had been covered with yarn, like someone had sewn a knitted scarf to it. It was colorful and randomly striped, and I pointed it out as if it were the most unusual thing in the world. That’s when my daughter explained the nature of what is known as yarn bombing. It’s when knitters attach something they’ve created to a public object, most often doing their deed stealthily and anonymously. They leave a “bomb,” so to speak, for no other purpose than to brighten up the place and to bring a little cheer to those passing by. Their work has been equated with graffiti, except that the woven yarn is not permanently installed and does no damage to the object it covers. And instead of signifying the territory of a street ...

Cindy Loo Who In October

What is it with people and Cindy Loo Who? Of my last one hundred blog hits, forty have been direct visits from regular readers, and fifteen have been as a result of people searching for "Cindy Loo Who," the little pixie from Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas . A couple of years ago, I posted an image of the original Seuss illustration as compared to the TV cartoon image, and for some reason, that post is bringing in the crowds, relatively. Maybe it's the weather. It isn't even November yet, and already we've had frost and have had to dust off our winter coats. When it gets cold like this, I start to think about Christmasy things like listening to Nat King Cole and decorating the tree. It's ironic because I am offended when retailers start pushing holiday stuff early, but I don't mind my own private celebrations. When my sister and I were much younger and still living with our parents, we would pick a day in July, close the curtains to darken the ...

dive said…

Oooh. Pretty Dress is nice. You know I like girl singer/songwriters.
I've just checked Amazon and she has lots to choose from, so I've ordered "If Songs Could Be Held" as that's the album you've been listening to.

Great haircut on the cover, too. Just like a young Robyn/Scout.

7:21 AM

Sassy Sundry said…

The poor woman. Last winter I saw a band in Boston who had just had their equipment stolen in NYC the night before. They were playing borrowed instruments, and the singer looked so sad.

This chick sounds cool. I'll check her out. And, yes, Robyn, she looks like you. :)

8:11 AM

Scout said…

Dive and Sassy, She does have more than one album, but I haven't gotten around to getting the others.

When I was given this CD I was making a collage of To Kill A Mockingbird (a long story), and I was struck by the resemblance. :)

8:21 AM

peahen said…

Hurray for artists who make their music available online. I recently got turned on to Regina Spektor and was delighted to discover that you can hear loads of her tracks on her site. (I don't think I look at all like RS but so wish I did!!!)
We're going through a real revolution (pun intended) at the moment, and I find it so exciting. The days of buying a vinyl disc after hearing one track on the radio, and being sorely disappointed with the rest of the album are behind us now!! That can only be a good thing for quality music.

8:27 AM

Neponset River Bridge Dig said…

I like her... she's good .. she does however remind me so much of a young JONI MITCHELL.

9:09 AM

here I go talking drum corps again... back in the 90's a corps had all their percussion equipment stolen in Boston..

oh by the way if your horn was stolen i would contribute to your fun.. but NOT if you lost your house or "big fat pacifica" ;)

9:14 AM

Peahen, I am so grateful to technology for allowing us to buy just one song--especially for those of use who tend to obsess about just one at a time. Very helpful.

Rich, thanks for being willing to contribute to a hypothetical horn fund! I'll have to practice more to be worthy.

9:43 AM

Anonymous said…

mother... i bought another album of hers last week: "only with laughter can you win." bring your ipod this weekend and you can steal it. :)

1:13 PM

Hi Daughter. I thought I had responded to this, but I guess it got kicked out. Anyway, I will bring my iPod and chocolate candy for 150 racers, as instructed.

8:20 PM

by the way, i think that picture of rosie with her guitar looks exactly like the senior picture of you that's hanging in grandma's hallway.

11:29 AM

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