Carole King and James Taylor

On Wednesday night I was at the Verizon Center in Washington DC, attending a concert of a lifetime.

Carole King is my all time favorite female vocalist and song writer. My "Tapestry" album is warped from over play (yes, album). I am on my second CD of the same recording. I know every word to every song. And I was still blown away at being in her presence - even from my section O, seat 8 position. Carole is not known so much as a vocalist, but renowned as a song writer. Her songs have been recorded by everyone from Blood, Sweat and Tears to the Sherill's, and of course, James Taylor. She looked great, rocked with the best of them - jumping up and down on stage and thoroughly entertaining us all. I cried during "So Far Away," remembering how as a 16 year old, I yearned to be anywhere but where I was. There is a part of me that still feels that way. I cried during "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," recalling lost loves of my life. I laughed to see the photos on the Jumbo Tron of Carole in the 70's and JT as the young strapping buck we all fell in love with. Then I cried again knowing my youth has long passed, too.

James Taylor was superb. I will admit that Carole was the reason I went to the concert and JT was an added bonus. I had no idea how much he would move me with his songs and his still strong smooth as silk voice. What a consummate performer. I have old recordings of JT and I swear his voice is getting batter with age. He may have lost his hair, but that takes nothing away from his good looks.

Watching the original band members from the 70's playing together was like watching a well oiled machine at work. They knew the signs of each other, the overlaps of leads, the changes and nuances of each other. It brought back memories from my days as a "band groupie" with an old lover of mine. I cried at the loss of those wonderful moments and the pleasure of having experienced them.

And like my youth, I wish I could hold on to that moment, stay in that moment a little bit longer. Oh, those were some special times, the 70's. Thanks Carole King and James Taylor for bringing the memories to life once more. Even for just a few hours. I was young and full of life and ideas and energy. I walked out of that concert sure I looked like I did in 1972. I've been avoiding mirrors ever since. I'd like to hold on to this feeling a little longer.

I strongly recommend seeing the concert live, on PBS or buy the CD/DVD combo. It's like a dip in the Fountain of Youth.

Peace!

Susan

Summer, summer, summer

The beach is a hoppin'!

I have extended family vacationing here in Ocean City, MD. They were enjoying the sun and surf yesterday. After selling my jewelry poolside at the Holiday Inn of 67th street, I joined them for the last rays of the evening. My cousin, Kevin is an avid fisherman. He has entertained us for years with his rod and reel, not to mention his positive attitude and wit. His son, Kev, Jr. is also into fishing. He caught a shark the other day and it was quite tasty.

It's fun to be around the family and hear all the stories from earlier gathering and the new ones, too. I mention this often, but that's because it's important to me. Respect and enjoy your family. It's really all we have. No one loves us quite like the family.

I'm tending bar tonight at the Skip Jack Grill on 14th and Boardwalk. I'm hoping for heavy traffic and good tips. If you are out and about, join me! Mention my blog and the first drink is on me!

Peace!

Susan

Back to reality . . .

The last week has been spent enjoying my son Evan's company. He flew in from Portland, OR for a family reunion. We had a blast soaking up the beach, the sun, a few cocktails and the love we share with one another. That's my excuse for not writing lately.

Spending time with Evan, his girlfriend and my nephews and their girlfriends was good fun. It also made me painfully aware of my age. The six of them are so beautiful, full of life, and energy! It was hard to keep up with them! Seems like I was always the first one in bed! I was glad when my sister arrived - I needed support of my generation. My Mom tagged along once in awhile. It was great fun gathering around the dining room table to play cards and eat steamed blue crab - not at the same time, mind you.

Enjoying family time is important. Vital even. A time to gauge the important things and let petty arguments and disagreements go by the way side. Every family has them. Someone doesn't do things your way or they have the audacity to tell you that you are WRONG! So what! Get over it. Grab a hold of your loved ones, give them a big squeeze, smooch them and tell them you love them. In the end - family is all we really have. No one will love you like your family.

I am very lucky. I love you all: Evan, Hallie, Minique, Corey, Matt, Alley, Heath, Elizabeth, Catherine, Samantha, Jack, Mom, Aunt Dot, Cousins, Sean, Kevin, and Shannon (and all your spouses and kids too!) and others left out unintentionally. A big old hug to all of you!

Peace~

Susan

Unexpected Events

These are my babies, Evan and Hallie. I love them very much.

Early this morning, around 1 a.m., I had an allergic reaction to something. I have been plagued by this most of my life. I take a deep breath outside and suck in some unknown particle and WHAM! My face swells up and I look a bit like Shrek. Or I eat a hamburger, with a soy filler, and I get the giant fat lip. Last nights reaction was just as fast and seemingly unwarranted.

I was awakened by a nauseating feeling in my throat and neck. I got up and was trying to look at my throat, in the blinding glare of the bathroom light. Squinting hard, I couldn't tell what the heck was going on. Then, my neck, chest, arms, and trunk of my body started breaking out in hives. I turned brilliant red. My throat began closing, tongue swelling blocking air and making it difficult to speak. I tried to take a Benedryl to calm the symptoms, but my body violently rejected this.

I live with my Mom, and I felt terrible waking her up to take me to the emergency room. On retrospect, I'll opt for an ambulance if this occurs again. Anyway, Mom gets up and drives me to the hospital. My care was very good. After a couple of shots and a few hours resting, I was released and sent home to sleep off the drugs. This morning, I am clear of rashes and swelling.

As traumatic as this experience sounds, it was nothing compared to what I heard while in the hospital.

This is Senior Week (more like month) in Ocean City. High School seniors swarm to the beaches for a week of sun and fun, celebrating the completion of their high school education. They come in droves! There are always sad stories associated with this visitation by young adults. This year will prove no different.

There are drug busts, the underaged attempting to get into bars with false ID's, jaywalking, jumping off of beach house balconies, usual childish pranks. And there are deaths.

There were 4 young adults in emergency care when I arrived at the hospital. At least one did not live. I know this because I could see and hear the arrival of parents and family. And the horrifying muffled sounds of a doctors voice, followed by skin crawling, hair raising, "nooooo," accompanied by heart wrenching sobs.

What a sad end to a young life.

Parents let your children read this and remind them that accidents happen. Don't tempt fate. Be conservative and stay alive. That Mothers cry remains with me now. She was devastated. The Father was stoically silent, eyes reddened, willing himself to remain strong for the family. Hearts broken.

So while I re-cooperate from this allergic reaction today I give thanks for all I have. For the fact that my children, ages 25 and 27, made it through the teen years. For the home I have with my Mom. For my family and their support. And for the ability to breathe.

Breathe deeply. Give thanks and praises. Play smart. Life is a gift. Don't toss it away lightly for a moments thrill.

Excellent Summer Entertainment

Working in Ocean City, MD, right on the Atlantic Ocean, I have a fantastic view as I work. The waves crashing in, the families and friends gathering on the beach, the sun, the sky. Tending bar at the Skip Jack Grille is great summer employment.

Not only do I work at the Skip Jack, I also work at Phillips by the Sea - again on the boardwalk - same great view - as a bar tender and I sell my jewelry 3 days a week at the Holiday Inn Pool Bar, on 67th St. So I am busy. I don't go out much or get to take in much of the summer entertainment. This past weekend, I was able to work at the Skip Jack and get in on some of the greatest entertainment I have seen in a long time.

Ocean City hosts an Air Show. Based on what my bar patrons were telling me this weekend, these air shows are all over the US. We had the Blue Angels, Air Force Thunderbirds, Navy Paratroopers, the Navy Seals, a dozen different dare devil flyers and a few other groups who's names I don't recall. Don't that lower the entertainment value!

I'm telling you, it was so cool to see those jets flying at 500+ MPH, zooming down the beaches, meeting right in front of my bar, barely missing each other, rolling away, turning upside down - the crowd was full of oohs, and aahs as well as cheers and applause. The show started with a Navy Seal, jumping out of a plane, unfurling a huge American Flag behind him, all the while the National Anthem is being sung. The beach and boardwalk crowds stopping to take off their caps and stand, then busting out in a cheer when the Seal landed safely!

There were other patriotic moments. Jets flying in formation in honor of veterans and in honor of v-day, making a vapor trail in the shape of a heart. Or when the Angels came on with their vapor trails puffing out to form "God Bless USA". Lots of good music to go with the moments. Plenty of positive crowd response. Even a tear or two.

Speed and loud engine noises were thrilling as well. My favorite: the big Angel jet flew real slow in front of the bar. Slow and low, big plume of vapor, nose high, tail low (very difficult to keep a plane that heavy in the air at that speed and angle), all to the rock song "Low Rider". Very Cool.

So, I have still worked every Air Show since moving to OC. But this year, I got to really see some of the action. It is sooo worth the effort. You have to get in to your spot by 10:30 am. Show started at noon. Traffic is terrible leaving the event. But, next year: Make the effort. Think about coming to 14th St and the boardwalk. The Skip Jack Grille will be serving up some great cold beer, those fruity slushy drinks and a great burger.

I know I will be there - with any luck I'll be working the Skip Jack. If not - I'll be watching from there. Excellent Summer Entertainment!

Working for a living

Work, Work! Just like the old Huey Lewis song.

I feel a bit stretched out these days. In order to avoid winter weather, I travel to Florida in the winter and spend my summers in Ocean City, MD. Each season, I reinvent myself, changing bar tending jobs, homes and social groups. This is my re-adjusting time period here in Ocean City. The tourist season is not in full swing yet, so one bar job doesn't cut it - I have two. Plus selling my jewelry at the beach 3 days a week. Whew, even writing about is exhausting.

I have several cool projects in the making. Clam shells from Assateague Beach, a wedding pendant, and a 40th birthday gift. All these starts are sitting in my bead room awaiting my return. Maybe in a week or so. After I settle into a routine with work. And my home remodeling job is done. And my company leaves. Yeah, that's when I can return to my projects!

I will not hurry away the next week, though. My son will be here to visit next Tuesday, from Portland Oregon. Now that is something to look forward too!

For today, I must run and get ready for bar job #1! If I'm real clever, I can bead a bit later tonight!

Have a great day!

Peace!

Susan

After the Holiday

It was a jamming weekend here in Ocean City! The Holiday visitors at the beach were happy to soak up the sun, beach and surf! We had speed boat races near my place of employment, the Skip Jack Bar and Grill, so I was one busy bar tender! Later that evening, my Mom and I watched a PBS telecast from Washing DC that was very moving. It really focused on the veterans and their sacrifices for us. There were all kinds of local celebrations at memorial sites and VFW's.

In my youth, while living in Kansas, I experienced the tradition of "decorating the graves" of family members. I thought my husband's family was weird, as my family had never done that. At 19, you think a lot of stuff. I grew to respect the tradition and understand the importance of remembering your loved ones.

I am grateful all my family is safe and sound after traveling to and from celebrations. I am grateful to live in a country where we can enjoy that freedom of travel. I am very grateful for all the veterans of war who fought for all our rights and freedoms of the US. Saying "Thanks" is small potatoes for the sacrifices made by soldiers. Saying prayers for these men and women is a nightly responsibility for all Americans.

So, Thanks. And Amen!