The Holidays are upon us and as many of you know from my last contribution here, I “shopped for others,” both literally and figuratively speaking. Our daughter came home from college for the holidays, (she began her freshman year a few months ago) and I appreciate her presence, smile and laughter more than ever. This past year I lost a few more relatives and friends and their presence will be missed this Christmas, as well as on a daily basis. This being my 24th Sober Christmas, I have done more reflecting than a mirrored disco ball with a strobe light, as my hard shell melts away to reveal the soft and tender inside of me.
We have had both a minimal snowfall as well as a significant one these past few weeks and I ventured out to shoot photos of a few of my favorite locations (including ‘legal entry’ to historical Duncan Manor in Towanda, IL, a few of which are included here). It amazes me how the look and feel of some of the same subject matter changes drastically with snow added to it.
Before we get to the “photo scroll fest” here, I wanted to share a few of my favorite Christmas songs with you. (after all, I am the “Secret Weapon” on woodyradio.com) Please share a few of yours if you like. My top three are as follows…
1. Darlene Love - "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)." This is her appearance on the “Late Show with David Letterman” last Christmas 2012. Her rendition always causes my “vision to blur” and she gets better every year. I recall watching her do the 2008 version with my Mom and Dad, and what turned out to be my Dad’s last Christmas with us. Her appearances with Letterman over the past two decades always touch my heart and soul. She truly owns this song and no one does it better. By the time you read this, she will have already belted it out this year, as she was on Letterman last night.
2. Material Issue - “Merry Christmas Will Do.” A favorite for very personal and sentimental reasons. Singer/Songwriter Jim Ellison left us all too soon. Peace Within.
3. The Pretenders - “2000 Miles.” Always reminds me of Christmas Eve’s spent with my Grandparents (my Mom’s parents) and this always reninds me of those final visits with them as well. Chrissie Hynde pulls out all the stops on this song.
There are so many more, but I would be hard pressed to do a “Top 10” after these three, but certainly “Father Christmas” by The Kinks, Joan Jett’s version of “The Little Drummer Boy” and The Waitresses “Christmas Wrapping” would certainly be included.
I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, Seasons Greetings or Happy Holidays for whatever your ethnic or personal beliefs are. Regardless, I wish you the very best, and I thank both Marty and all of you for letting me share bits and pieces of myself here with you on a semi-regular basis.
Peace Within. May we all find in in whatever way we choose.
Related Posts: Do Undo Others, A Father’s Hands and Sink Or Swim.
The “Secret Weapon”
Don’t forget to check out, the "Secret Weapon,” “Boris’” radio show on Woody Radio where “Boris” plays some great tunes that you’ve probably never heard. Listen to it right here: "Secret Weapon" on Woody Radio.
Bonus Photo Of Lex and Spike!
My friend Lex is visiting New York and here’s a photo she sent in of her and MBIP pal and commenter, Spike! Happy Holidays to both of you and to Spike’s wife, Sacha, who I assume took the photo!