The weather may have been frightful this week, but boy, have we had some spectacular sunsets. This one, the night before last, took my breath away.
It’s awfully cold here. I think it went down to zero last night. The days are sunny, thank goodness. I’m still feeling not very tip top, so I’ll make this short today. There are times I just need to take a break and do a little or a lot of self-care. You understand, I know.
Apropos of nothing, I heard one of my favorite songs on the car radio the other day – My Romance by the great Rodgers and Hart. Lorenz Hart was a smart, witty, and sometimes, heartbreaking beautiful lyricist.
I was struck by the delicious series of rhymes used in this line:
My romance doesn’t need a castle rising in Spain,
Or a dance to a constantly surprising refrain.
Three words in each line rhyming with three words in the next line. Nothing too manufactured or obviously maneuvered. All of it seemingly effortless and beautiful.
And of course, the final line is:
My romance doesn’t need a thing but you.
They don’t write them like they used to.
Happy Thursday.
Morning Claudia! I was out of town for a few days visiting my Mom in Mt. Dora, FL. While there, I discovered her housekeeper has introduced her to most wonderful radio station of great music from the 40’s through the 60’s and available to all at: genemartin.com You must give it a listen. I missed some blogs while gone, so I am off to read and enjoy my Peet’s. : )
Thank you, Betsy!
Feel better soon! I’ve got to listen to that song. I remember it in, I think, a perfume commercial, but I haven’t heard it all.
It’s a wonderful song, Tana.
I love the version by Tony Bennett.
Tony Bennett could sing the phone book and it would sound great!
I hope you’re better very soon Claudia. Lots of “yuck” going around right now. And you’re right. They don’t write songs or do much else, like they used too. I miss the oldies.
Blessings,
Betsy
Me too, Betsy!
Take care of yourself! ;)
I will, Donnamae. Thank you.
That is such a lovely song. And sunset.
I showed my husband the photo of Scout sleeping on her pillow yesterday. He thought she was beautiful!
We have three wonderful rescue dogs that live with us. They are all spoiled, and keep us quite busy too!
Claudia, take care and feel better. I’ve had a bad cold that went into a sinus infection. It’s taken me weeks to get over it all…
I think all dogs should be spoiled, Lily. Good for you!
Feel better soon, kiddo. Rest is the best medicine.
I love that song and the version by Tony Bennett is my favorite. But, I do think most everything he sings is wonderful!!
Yes, indeed. I love that song sung by most anyone…it’s just perfect.
We have another three months to go, but I’m so done with winter and the accompanying bad roads, colds and messy boots. I planted some hibiscus in a pot the other day in an effort to bring some spring indoors and it is just thriving.
Sending you thoughts of spring flowers and hoping you feel better soon!
Good for you. Flowers are pretty good medicine for the winter blues, Barbara.
Sounds like you need some good rest and down time. Feel better soon.
hugs,
Linda
I will, Linda. I’m taking it easy today. Well, sort of easy.
Sorry you’re ‘under the weather’ dear – be well soon – meanwhile stay in and enjoy the scenery from your windows, snuggled with Scout, a big mug of something warming in hand, and some toast and marmalade perhaps – see my post today – always a comfort food for me!
Yes, the truth is, nothing is as it used to be and if, like me, you miss the old days, it’s sometimes hard to be living in this modern, hi-tech age.
Love, Mary x
I do miss the old days, Mary. So does Don.
You’re so right, Claudia – they don’t write ’em like this anymore. The Golden Age of Songwriting is over – or at least it is for our generation. And maybe every generation think this, I don’t know. Maybe some future generation will think the same thing about today’s music. !!! Pretty hard to imagine, isn’t it? Feel better and enjoy your day…
Hard to imagine when lyrics are not nearly as graceful, when melodies aren’t nearly as lyrical, Janet.
Please take some time for you :) Sorry you are not feeling up to par. I find this weather to be depressing . Cozy up with Don and your precious girl and stay cozy. Feel better!
I will, Sue. I plan to have some hot chocolate later on today.
Sorry you’re feeling sick friend. The old songs seem best to me too. I spent the morning out. Went for blood work and then a Dr’s appt. Took the 2 yr old girl I keep and she charmed the Dr and his staff. She was so good we stopped for lunch on the way home to celebrate. Its pretty cool here again today. I can’t imagine living where the winter temps get down below 0. Hope you feel better real soon!
Thanks, Janie. My sister said it’s been cool down in Florida.
Hope you feel better right away Claudia. We got the dastardly bug right before Thanksgiving and it lingered and lingered for us both but David’s went into the sinus infection from hell. Three trips to the doctor, two different antibiotics, 2 different steroids and he only just stopped coughing last week. Bah humbug.
Love My Romance, such great lyrics!
Hey, I’m so excited — we get to go see Frances McDormand in “Early Shaker Spirituals” this weekend – a woman from the Roche’s is also in it. YIPPIE
Take good care of yourself xo
Have fun. Love the Roches and, of course, love, love Frances McDormand.
I’m in the coughing stage now, unfortunately.
Soothing music and hot tea….no Peets while you feel ill….
Already had my Peets this morning. Have to have coffee. But I never drink coffee in the afternoon so perhaps hot chocolate?
I do understand. How lucky we are to have internet and youtube. I immediately listened to Tony Bennett’s version of My Romance which led on to other Tony Bennett numbers. A nice way to start my day. Thank you.
You are welcome, Sally. Hope you enjoyed it!
Claudia, that IS such a beautiful song. It’s all over youtube, of course, by various artists. I chose the version by Doris Day for you because she has been a committed dog rescuer for years, and I thought you would like that. Besides, it’s a gorgeous rendition. Hope you feel better soon. Thanks for reminding us of one of the classics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6X3j8VAK2A
Doris Day sings it in the movie Jumbo. I grew up watching that movie. In fact, that may be where I first heard it.
Well, that clip is on youtube, as well.
Something to watch while you sip your hot chocolate:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRaHbIN62zM
Thanks, I’m headed on over there, hot chocolate in hand!
You’re right they don’t write them like that any more. That put me in mind of Jerome Kern’s I’m Old Fashioned.
Another favorite, one I used to sing sort of professionally, back in the days I did that sort of thing. Also, another favorite? Kern’s All the Things You Are.
What do you mean, “back in the days I did that sort of thing.” ???? Did I miss something? Did you perform in musical comedy?
You told us about being rigged up to fly onstage for a play, but this is news to me!
Maybe you could write about that sometime.
I started out acting in musical comedy, Nancy. Did it for years. And I sang at scores of weddings.
Claudia, On the today show….there was something being said about copy writing a song’s phrase..as in Taylor Swift’s “Sick Beat” WTH. If that should happen …would we ever be able to use even a smidge of a phrase for more songs? Just beyond stupid. You are right, They do not write like that . Blessings, xoxo, Susie
p.s. I love your sunset photo !!
I know you can’t copyright titles, Don told me that. You shouldn’t be able to copyright a phrase, either! All the lyrics to a song, yes. But there’s really nothing new under the sun, when you get down to it. xo
I’m sitting here is shorts with the door open to allow a little wind to blow in. One of the blessings of the South if you prefer sauna to winter, spring and fall.
Seriously though, the refrain is amazing. Three rhyming words in two lines. I do good to make two lines rhyme and not sound corny. That’s why they were the best.
Right now, that sounds pretty darned heavenly, Barbara.
I know – that rhyme is amazing!
Indeed they don’t my friend..feel better..
Thanks, Nancy. I’m working on it.
Sadly, they don’t do much like they used to..A lot of the old masters, crafters and skills have died with no one caring to continue their legacy..It’s all electronics now…Too bad..Hope you are feeling better..
Hi Claudia,
I hope you start feeling better very soon!
I also love “My Romance”, and, just in case you haven’t heard it, Michael Feinstein’s rendition is beautiful, too.
I guess I’m on the music post but replying to the movies one…High Society, Rear Window, Amadeus, Chicago, and Breakfast a t Tiffany s come to mind…As for music..I wouldn’t know where to begin!! Feel Better..