Davy Jones

I held my first Monkee Spectacular magazine in my hand. My dad stood beside me as I sat on the floor. I recall we waited for the dentist to arrive. I also recall being mesmerized by man on the cover: Davy Jones.

I looked at my dad and asked: "Isn't he cute?" My dad asked me who the man was. I could not believe Dad didn't know! I'm sure my dad thought I was nuts. Yea, nuts in LOVE at eight years old.

This photo was taken in Des Moines, Iowa around 1987. Davy sang "I Wanna Be Free." This was the closest I was going to get Davy and the rest of the Monkees, to my own backyard.

Davy's pictures from the teenybopper magazines were the first I put up on my wall. And the first my Mom said I had TOO many pictures up and made me take them down. I hated Marcia Brady when Davy showed up at her house after she lied to everybody that she could get Davy to come their prom. She even got to kiss Davy on the cheek. Bitter. I STILL am.

The "cute" Monkee is now part of Heaven's choir. I am sure is Davy play the tambourine better than the rest. The deaths of Michael Jackson, and recently Whitey Houston, touched me. Yet, there's something about Davy.

Davy was/is such a part of my youth. Now he's gone. Davy's passing shines the light of mortality.

No matter what, Davy will always be that "Daydream Believer."

Rest Davy. Rest.

Song Silenced

Like millions of others, I watched the funeral of Whitney Houston today. I admit to not being a real big fan, yet in those early days....I was captivated with her videos (epecially her hair) and that VOICE. Even saw Whitney in concert once. I had not heard such a gift before or since, even tho during the one and only concert I attended, Whitney did not do "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and I was bummed. Nonetheless, those early days, before everything happened, is how I want to remember her--as in this photo.

Whitney's downward spiral is so well known. Sad to see such a gift wasted. I do think Whitney was a believer in God. However, God does give us free will. Some choices Whitney made gave Satan easy access.

And that is why like millions of others, I watched Whitney's Homegoing today.

Christmas Eve Part 1

and I smile.

Through life's valleys there is peace. Joy. To understand the Reason for the Season. Yes, I do so miss being with my parents on this Day Before. The hustle bustle of last minute gift wraps.Decisions of what cookies to munch on and which ones to leave out for Santa and his 8 tiny reindeer. In later years to just enjoy being with my Dad, look at the twinkling lights on our tree, and still munch on cookies.

So on this Night Before this Birthday Like No Other, I'm being a bit more selfish than usual, so please indulge me as I post my utmost favorite Christmas songs. Hallelujah for YouTube! And ALWAYS remember how blessed YOU are.
And I smile.

Whitney Houston back when it was all hers:

Luther Vandross who still touches me:

Nat King Cole doing my all time favorite: