Tag Archives: concerts

Sep21

Hahahahahahaha!

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Hahahahahahaha!

Laughter is the best medicine. This quote actually has its roots in the Bible. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22, King James Version.

Laughing can affect our mental health as it improves mood. Laughing lowers the stress hormones in the body. Remarkably, children laugh fifteen times as much as adults do every single day.

As adults, how do we make ourselves laugh more? Look for opportunities to laugh. Engage in enjoyable activities. Interact more with children.

This was my laughter therapy yesterday. It began with Saturday morning cartoons. Yes, I’m in my seventies and I still watch those. My favorite is Beep Beep The Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote. I also enjoy the antics of Sylvester and Tweety, Tom and Jerry, Woody The Woodpecker and so many more cartoon characters.

Then it was off to the cinema to see Freakier Friday where we laughed even more.

Next I capped the day off with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. I recall seeing this movie back in the 80s. I also remember watching it with my kids. And decades later it still makes me laugh.

I haven’t watched any cartoons or funny movies today, but enjoyable activities is at the top of my list. Church this morning and brunch with a friend after. Also looking forward to going to a concert tonight.

What has made you laugh this weekend?

Jun18

Music Triggers Memories

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Music Triggers Memories

We all grew up listening to music. Swing, jazz and big band dominated the 30s and 40s. Rock n roll evolved from various genres of music back in the 50s. My teenage years were the 60s. There will never be another decade like this again and no other decade need even dare to compare.

The 60s began with the British invasion. I attended concerts featuring The Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits, The Who, The Kinks, The Hollies, The Animals, Peter and Gordon as well as Chad and Jeremy. Sadly The Beatles never made it to Winnipeg back then.

I also attended concerts featuring American artists such as Paul Revere and The Raiders, Simon and Garfunkel, Sonny and Cher, Blues Magoos and The Monkees. But by far my favorite group was The Beach Boys.

The first time I saw them in person was at the old Winnipeg Auditorium, a popular venue for concerts back in the day. The promotor was leery about the size of the crowd they might attract so this smaller facility was chosen rather than the larger Winnipeg Stadium. The group I saw back then had all the original members…Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love and Al Jardine.

While Brian Wilson wrote several songs about the beach, (such as Surfin’ USA and Surfin’ Safari), in reality he was afraid of the water and spent little time by the ocean. Instead he surfed a different wave in the dangerous waters of drugs.

In the mid-80s, the Beach Boys returned to Winnipeg and I took my six-year-old son Kyle to the concert. People sitting near us marveled that Kyle knew all the words and happily sang along throughout the evening. Kyle was a big fan of this group. He grew up listening to their music as his mom constantly played their cassettes. (By then I had replaced the albums with the then new modern cassettes).

But the group we saw in the 80s was very different from the one in the 60s. Brian Wilson, co-founder and leader of the group, was not on stage. Plagued by mental health issues resulting from constant substance abuse, his ability to go on tour had been severely restricted.

This talented musician passed away on June 11th of this year at the age of 82. He is gone; but his music is sure to live on in our hearts forever.

May25

Here Comes Seventy-Four

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Here Comes Seventy-Four

I had another one of those special days on Friday. It was my birthday. While it was nice celebrating with my friends, I long for even just one more minute of my birthday last year when I was in Winnipeg celebrating with my son. It was the first time in several years since we had done that and I have no idea when we’ll ever do it again.

I’ve celebrated my birthday in several places with many different people — Culiacan, Mazatlan, Guadalajara and Aguascalientes in Mexico. Leavenworth, Cashmere, Wenatchee and East Wenatchee in Washington. Winnipeg, Toronto and London in Canada. And every year I wonder where I’ll be and who I will be with on that day in the following year.

A few minutes ago I caught up on What’s App messages and am drooling at the pics Ricardo posted of the food he cooked the other day. Very different from what I eat here in Washington. But I couldn’t bring Ricardo home in my suitcase. Today is one of those rare Sundays where I didn’t go out to eat after church. Instead I made myself an omelet.

Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning. That is one movie you absolutely have to see on the big screen. The stunts and special effects are amazing. I was riveted from the start.

There were two vocal concerts I wrote about in my blog post last week. This week the concerts were ukulele. My friend Joyce is in a group and they performed at the Senior Center and at Avamere on Thursday. Two events in one day again.

I was excited to return to my writers group again. I didn’t read this week but I enjoyed listening to the contributions of others. There is always such a variety of genres. We are all from different backgrounds and have amazing stories to tell.

It’s taken two weeks but I’m finally completely unpacked. I’ve organized my closet and my drawers. I’ve sifted through documents and dusted knick-knacks. I’ve even gone through my craft supplies. So today I can finally get into that book I’ve been eager to read.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day here in the USA. I hope you have a relaxing day. Safe travels if you’re on the road.

May20

Really? All That In One Weekend?

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Really? All That In One Weekend?

My suitcase finally did make it back into the closet. And it’s unpacked and all my laundry is done. But I want to clarify something first.

People have asked me what an essentials bank is. An essentials table or bank differs from a food bank. We do not give out food. We give out other necessities including shampoo, household cleaners, toilet paper, diapers and the like. Most of the cliental are Hispanic, so my knowledge of Spanish comes in handy.

Now I’ll move on to the weekend.

Friday night my church held an event called The Table. This is a time to celebrate community. We gather together to share a meal, listen to testimony and spend some quiet time with God in the form of praise and prayer. A beautiful way to begin the weekend.

Saturday afternoon we went to a concert in Wenatchee featuring the Apollo Club and the Eastmont High School choirs. Donations from this event go towards the Apollo club’s annual scholarship program for young aspiring musicians. Then we headed to Cashmere for a delicious dinner at the new Wild Huck. Final destination was an amazing bluegrass concert featuring Runaway Train.

Sunday morning was church. It’s so nice to attend in person rather than merely watching online. Fellowship is so important. Lunch was at Peking and then we took in a couple of garage sales.

It was a busy weekend.

Apr30

Challengers and Bluegrass

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Challengers and Bluegrass

It was a busy weekend. I should have been thinking about doing laundry and packing but there were too many other distractions. I decided to take advantage of those instead.

We went to see the movie “Challengers.” Although I’m not a huge tennis fan, I was drawn in by the twists and turns in this movie. It was well done and delivered more than one strong message. I highly recommend that you go and see it.

The Bluegrass concert in Cashmere was most enjoyable. Thunder Ridge is a band from Portland. But Saturday night they were more of a hodge-podge of musicians as a couple of the regulars weren’t able to make it. However they put on an amazing performance although they had only rehearsed for a short time earlier in the day.

Do you remember the movie “The Graduate?” Back in the 60s we all thought it was pretty awesome. But it’s 2024 now and when I watched it the other night on TV, I had a very different opinion. Boring and predictable. Lame acting. Corny. Hmmm. Do we even use the word “corny” today? My age is showing.

We’ve had rain and it’s been cold. And the weather doesn’t look too promising in Canada either. Wonder if I need to pack my Columbia ski jacket and my Sorels. But it’s May. It isn’t supposed to be winter. Maybe I’ll throw in some warmer clothes just in case. Days like this I really miss Mexico.

On that note it’s time to get out the packing cubes. My next post will be coming to you from Canada.

Have a great week!

Apr20

Mindful Musing

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Mindful Musing

It’s been a relaxing couple of weeks since I’ve been back. I’ve made an effort to be more mindful and I’m actually feeling the rewards. I’m not nearly as stressed as I thought I’d be seeing as I’m still settling in and will be traveling again in less than two weeks.

For one thing, I haven’t dived back into teaching yet. I have gone to a training session and I did do a CPR refresher. But I haven’t gone back to Tai Chi classes as I’m still waiting for this sciatica to let up. And it probably will just before I have to board that next four hour flight to Minneapolis. But the long flights take a toll on my back although I make a point of getting up every now and then and walking a little. At least I’ll have a layover and will be able to walk around a little before my connecting flight to Winnipeg.

The highlight of this week was going to writers group on Wednesday. It was great to see everyone again and meet new members. The stories and poems we shared were especially amazing. I have missed the support and encouragement of my writing friends. Unfortunately it was a bit of a tease as I won’t be back now until June.

I’m looking forward to doing some volunteer work on Monday with my friend in Cashmere. Joanne is a professional volunteer in her retirement years and always has interesting things I can help her with. This time I’m helping her prepare for a kids event.

After church tomorrow, Joyce and I are going to a concert in Wenatchee. It’s a benefit for the Ukraine. One of the women in my life group will be singing and I’m sure I’ll recognize a few others in the different choral ensembles who will be performing.

I’ve started coloring again. It has been relaxing and I must admit I sleep better since I’ve cut back on the videogames and turn to my gel pens and markers instead. When I get back in June I intend to pull out my paints and pastels that are currently hidden away in my closet.

The course I’m taking online has now switched topics from nutrition and reading food labels to mindfulness. And I’m making a serious attempt to have mindfulness become my middle name.

The other day I was sitting outside waiting for a friend to pick me up when a cat sauntered by. He eyed me suspiciously through the fence. Yes. He. I’ve decided that Marmalade is a male. I gave him that name because of his coloring. And his tail has these magnificent ring-like stripes. I watched him as he nonchalantly made his way down the street.

On another day I was treated to a small procession of quail strolling across the street. Mama in front and the babies trailing behind. They were all oblivious to the traffic that had stopped for them so that they could safely proceed to their intended destination.

It’s common to see cats in the neighborhood as well as quail. But I know I looked at them differently this time. Mindful musing.

Jun12

Apple Loop and Gladsong

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Apple Loop and Gladsong

I am not a hiker. I do not own a pair of hiking boots or poles. I prefer to do my walking on paved surfaces rather than on trails of unstable terrain. I was absolutely delighted to discover the Apple Loop right here in East Wenatchee where the surface is paved. Of course there are still other creatures to watch out for, such as rattlesnakes, but this is a 10 mile trail that is on both sides of the Columbia River near Wenatchee.

The day was partially cloudy and a cooler one as Joyce and I arrived on Saturday. Truthfully we hoped it wasn’t going to rain. The trail is well marked, including caution advisories about getting stranded on the gravel bars should the water suddenly surge. No. We did not do the full ten miles. But we are determined to return and explore more of this trail.

Last night the venue was Christ Center in Cashmere. My friend Charlene invited me to a concert by Gladsong. The name chosen for this choir is most appropriate. All members were definitely glad to be up there singing. And could they ever sing! I had expected to hear mainly Christian hymns and was quite surprised to hear their renditions of other tunes popularized by Queen and Chicago.

This is only the second year that Gladsong have been performing and they are spectacular. The funds they raise at their concert go towards charitable organizations. They recently performed in support of Ukrainian refugees and their next upcoming concert is at Ohme gardens. Last night the proceeds went to ministries at the church.

Those were two of the highlights of my weekend. How was yours?

Jul21

Musical Memories

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My housemate Clairesse is a very talented violinist and vocalist. She also comes from a very musical family where jam sessions were common.

Tonight she was playing a variety of music that triggered some memories. I’ll begin with the ones pertaining to the violin.

I had an uncle who played in The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra back when I was really young. Then there was the other extreme. I had an older brother who attempted to play but I used to run outside to play when he practiced because I couldn’t stand the screeching sound. And I put my foot down when it was suggested that I learn to play the violin. No way!

Clairesse played everything from Home On The Range to The Battle Hymn Of The Republic to the Wabash Cannonball. She plays jigs, waltzes and hymns.

Home On The Range reminded me of a high school boyfriend who played guitar. We used to hang out with friends at a park and this song was always a favorite.

Battle Hymn reminds me of attending 9/11 memorial services. And then a swarm of other songs such as The Marine’s Hymn and God Bless America filled my head.

It’s interesting how I seem to associate music with the events in my life. My teenage years in the 60s were filled with the British Invasion. I attended tons of concerts back then. Some of the most memorable were The Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits, The Who, The Hollies, Peter and Gordon, Chad and Jeremy and The Dave Clark Five. Unfortunately The Beatles never came to Winnipeg.

Lots of American talent came to Winnipeg too. Other memorable concerts I attended included The Beach Boys, Paul Revere And The Raiders, Sonny and Cher, Carly Simon, Neil Diamond, and The Monkees.

Yes, the 60s was one of my favorite decades. Was it one of yours?