Wish You Were Here...

To help enjoy this one with me...

Not sure where I had read about this one - might have been on one of the NJ Wine Store emails...sometimes I can find them in PA and sometimes I can't. This one is available here so a month or so ago I picked up a bottle of it.

I hadn't really decided what I would be choosing for Saturday night. The closer it got to the 'time' I decided I felt like something softer this evening. When I took a look at what I had to choose from, my hand went to this one. It was around $20.00 - I would do it again. In fact, I just checked the state's on-line site and saw there are four bottles at the store where I purchased it. I still have some credit on the gift cards I got for Christmas. I think I'll pick up another of these and keep it for a bit.

I did a great transport on Saturday - here is the link to it on Khyra's Blog. Cole was a doll! The drive was great and I made some fantastic time too. I listened to some great tunes. I rarely listen to CDs in the Xterra because I love http://www.xpn.org/ soooo much (it is all I listen to at work once NPR starts its repeat loop in the am). In addition to their on-line stream, they broadcast in the region as well. I lose the signal as I head down I-81 and when I do, I switch to another station until I lose that one. Rather than hunt around for something else, I popped in one of the three CDs I had in the visor. The first one was the soundtrack album for Heartworn Highways. I'm glad I listened to it again. I guess I'm in my TVZ phase.

When that one was done, I popped in one that my friend S had burned for me of tunes he did. It was a combination of things he had written along with some by others (Phil Ochs, Bruce Springsteen, Uncle Tupelo/Jay Farrar, and Pink Floyd). It included the one he wrote for me and this one that inspired this post's title. He knew the song had special meaning to me for several reasons. He added it to his set list one night and it so touched me. I'm glad he included it on the cd he burned. That song is another one I'll never EVER tire of hearing. [I had to include it twice - I liked both videos so much...and when I saw the latter was added on S's birthday, well...things happen for reasons]

I'll admit I was never really aware of it when it was first 'out' there - I don't think I really got into it until the years I worked night shift with Lynne (who I now work for). It became a song that as soon as we heard it, we cranked the radio in the lab and stopped what we were doing. Some years later, the person that first started me thinking I should get out of the bizarre and bad life I was living closed an email he had written with the words 'two lost souls swimming in a fishbowl' and I was hooked (no pun intended). A few years later, I shared this with S and he filed it away and surprised me.

I spent some of the drive having bits and pieces of thoughts and ideas to develop into 'something' Somedays it bothers me I don't write any more...but when I look back over what I did write and realize some of the triggering events for the content of those works, I think maybe it is a good thing NOT to write.

SOOOO, other than the boring household 'things', what else have you done?

Cheers,

Phyll

Saturday...

Or is it really late Friday night?

Whatever it is, here is what is in the glass...

Another very nice selection from my wineaccess.com club.
I would drink it again but I don't feel compelled to re-order it at THAT price.

SO, music time!

I've touched on the Steve Earle - Townes Van Zandt Tribute. I had it on pre-order and got it a few days after it was released. Damn it is good! I burned copies of the two discs for my friend S that introduced to me to TVZ and REALLY made me appreciate Steve Earle for being more than Copperhead Road.


RAKE
townes van zandt
Proofread and authorized by jeanene van zandt

I used to wake and run with the moon
I lived like a rake and a young man
I covered my lovers with flowers and wounds
My laughter the devil would frighten
The sun she would come and beat me back down
But every cruel day had it’s nightfall
I’d welcome the stars with wine and guitars
Full of fire and forgetful

My body was sharp the dark air clean
And outrage my joyful companion
Whisperin’ women how sweet did they seem
Kneelin’ for me to command them
And time was like water but I was the sea
I’d have never noticed it passin’
Except for the turnin’ of night into day
And the turnin’ of day into cursin’

You look at me now, and don’t think I don’t know
What all your eyes are a sayin’
Does he want us to believe these ravings and lies
They’re just tricks that his brains been a playin’?
A lover of women he can’t hardly stand
He trembles he’s bent and he’s broken
I’ve fallen it’s true but I say unto you
Hold your tongues until after I’ve spoken

I was takin’ my pride in the pleasures
I’d known I laughed and thought I’d be forgiven
But my laughter turned ’round eyes blazing and
Said my friend, we’re holdin’ a wedding
I buried my face but it spoke once again
The night to the day we’re a bindin’
And now the dark air is like fire on my skin
And even the moonlight is blinding

S finally got a chance to REALLY listen to the cds on Thursday - in the period of 45 minutes, I think I got five emails from him about them...along with the link to RAKE on youtube.

I watched the video when I got home. On Friday, I listened to the cds at the office...when Rake came on, I pulled up S's email with the words and listened...WOW!

Again, if anyone would like to hear more of this release, please let me know...I'd be glad to send some tunes your way!

I'm doing a transport later today! I can't wait to see him...his pics look so sweet!

What do you have planned?

Cheers!

Phyll

Wordy Wednesday

Facade

I'm doing okay
At least that's what I'll say
When they ask me how I am
But it is really a fib
As I curl in my crib
And try to escape from it all

I've built myself a fine facade
To hide the fears inside
Pretending to be getting on with life
Acting like I am so damned tough
But it is just not true
Since I've left the 'life' I knew before you
　
I've built on a front
And no one sees thru
And no one sees thru
But you

Can't find the words
To express how scared I am
Not knowing what to do
Fearing my life is just a sham
But I'll say I'm feeling fine
Yet I know I'm just marking time

I do what I can
To get thru each day
I do what I need to
And figure out what to say
To convince the rest
That I've passed the test

I've built up a front
And no one can see thru
And no one can see thru
But you

To say I'm kinda scared
Is so far from what I really feel
Maybe petrified is more like it
As I attempt to stay on an even keel
Each day I wonder how I'll do it
Even cry that I will make it through it

I'm hiding behind the front
The barrier no one can see thru
No one can see the pain that's there
That is, no one but you...at least I hope it's you...

01/26/2006
PadH

Another one from the past...
Still nothing new screaming to get out yet...

Bittersweet Celebration

I'm starting this post as the midnight hour approaches for I need to link to a post on Khyra's blog.

Tonight is/was a bittersweet celebration. Once tomorrow is here, it will mark a year since a special canine soul was freed and sent across The Rainbow Bridge as her parents gave her the gift of peace despite knowing the cost that peace would extract from their hearts and lives.

All day (actually all week) they have been in my thoughts. Khyra wanted to post something for Tasha but she wasn't sure what to say that would capture how the past year has transpired.

Sometimes from great loss comes a great gain. In our case, I would like to think the gain has been a special friend. Without getting too leaky here, I have to say I can't quite remember life before Tasha's (and Eva's and Bricie's) Momma. It just happened that one day she was there!

Tonight's wine is for Vic and Doug - for what was, what is, and what will be!

Here it is - another of my wineaccess.com club offerings. I will admit it taught me a new word! I had to look up GARRIGUE - one of the words used to describe traits from the wine.

I've been passing the evening by listening to what my media player had to offer. I did start the evening by listening to one of my Blaze Foley releases. I have MP on shuffle now...here are the last ten artists I've gotten to hear: Dido, Townes Van Zandt, Robin Trower, Jules Shear, Tom Petty, Shelby Lynne, David Gray, Bee Gees, Jay Farrar, and Jimi Hendrix. I think that is a fair representation of the diversity of my musical collection!

I guess I'll wrap this one up now. Given that Monday is a holiday so I don't have work (and no 5am radio on), perhaps I'll have a post. I'll have to see how it feels!

Please raise a glass of something to Tasha and her family in Minnesota (damn, it is difficult not to spell it in Khyraese).

Cheers,

Phyll

No Clue...

...as what to call the post! I'm currently watching Dogtown which is showing a repeat featuring M****** V***'s dogs. The bastard was released from prison this week. I think he should be made to live with the same fears, issues, and uncertainties as the loving canines he damaged for his own perverted gain. I wish nothing but the worst to him and those that assisted him .

NOW for some happier topics...

Here is tonight's wine:

It was the white in my recent wineaccess.com club shipment. When I brought this home from the office (I have my shipments delivered there since they need to be signed for), I popped this one in the frig so it would be cold when the urge struck me. Given it was on the warm side for May today, I felt like a chilled one.

I would definitely drink this one again. I can so pick up the pear it mentions.

As was the case with last Saturday's red, I would even order more of this one BUT I already have a case of white in the works. I did notice when I went to the site to pull up the info on this one that the one I mentioned last weekend sold out in two days.

As for music on tap for later or heard earlier today...

David Gray - Please Forgive Me - quite the thoughts in the song- I'm sure we all know the feelings expressed.

Iris Dement - Our Town - this song always makes me feel so longing for our things used to be- when things were not complicated. I had proof of THAT when I read this blog earlier this evening. Somehow it doesn't seem right a teenager is shot and killed in Great Falls Montana.

Lucinda Williams - Drunken Angel - written for Blaze Foley who just couldn't handle it all. I might have to dust off some of my Blaze tunes.

Ah yes - it was nice to be solo in the office today for I could crank the tunes and sing along.

I hope you enjoy your weekend!

Cheers!

Phyll

Wordy Wednesday

The Wait
October 2004

Trying to find the way
To take what I want to say

Put all the words right in the row
To convey what I need to show

How a spot somewhere in my soul
Where hurt had burned a hole

Has now begun to heal
For you've made me feel

It's okay to grow--even though I thought I was too old
It's okay to know-even though I thought I knew enough
It's okay to try--even if it looks too hard
Because for you...it's been worth the wait

My life had become too hard
Always seemed to be holding the losing card

The pain had become intense
Always on the wrong side of the fence

The hurt I kept inside
And felt compelled to hide

For I couldn't find the one to care
Someone to always be there
No matter how my heart tried
It always came up broken inside

No one could see the hurt
For I build an edge of curt

To keep them away from me
And prevent any more misery

But you've seen the me
Buried behind the front of 'I'm just fine'

But you've touched the me
That didn't think could touch back

But you've cracked the tough shell of me
And for that I'm so thankful

Because of you-it's all been worth the wait
Because of you-I hope it's not too late
And I'll get to find it has been worth the wait

But now the wait is a different kind
And I'm afraid I'll lose my mind
Until we can get together
And join as one

For you've made me feel

It's okay to grow--even though I thought I was too old
It's okay to know-even though I thought I knew enough
It's okay to try--even if it looks too hard

It's all been worth the wait
And for us, it won't be too late

Call it Kismet
Call it Fate
I have found one true Soulmate
Ah yes, it's been worth the wait

WOW...that is probably the oldest one I've written/saved since my life changed in many ways. Some have asked if these writings are based upon true life. Hmmmm, yes. Some are embellished a touch and some might have been written when I was emotionally overcharged.

As for writing new stuff, I don't feel 'it' right now - and I guess that is a good thing for most of my stuff was born out less than happy times. My happy stuff is communicated via Khyra. She seems pretty in tune with being able to paw what her mom feels.

Until next week's Wordy Wednesday,

Phyll

Redemption

For last evening's non-plus'able beverage! This is Saturday's glass filler. I might have to seriously consider purchasing more of this. I would do so in a heartbeat BUT I recently committed to a case of this one . I've had another vintage of this one - in fact, I bought a half case of it.

This red is a great everyday wine and all the write up says it is!

I've not started listening to anything tonight but when I do, I think it will be Slaid Cleaves's new one again. My friend turned me onto Slaid just after we met. He's a 'Maine born now living in Austin' musician. I actually got his new one before it was released since I'm on his mailing list. I used the American Express gift card my brother Steve gave me for Christmas.

If anyone ever wants to hear more of what I write about, please let me know. I would be glad to burn and/or send you some tracks.

I'm excited about the dog transports I'm doing on Sunday. I've mentioned them on Khyra's blog and will add some pics/videos for Monday.

I guess this will do it until Wordy Wednesday...I think I've selected this week's post from my archive. I kind of wish I would write again but for now, sharing the oldies but goodies works for me!

Cheers!

Phyll

P.S. Or maybe I'll listen to my friend's 'Redemption' CD...

Friday Into Saturday

Well, I'm being lazy tonight - no flashie beast to capture the bottle and label. I can't find a website for the winery but I did find this about the Wess Cellars Riesling Terrassen 2006 I'm drinking. It is on page four of the pdf. The wine is okay - I'm letting the latter part of the bottle come to room temperature in hopes it makes me find more to like and/or say about the wine. There isn't anything wrong or offputting about it - I'm just not finding anything worth the $20.99 it would be to purchase again. It was part of my April PA Wine Club Selection.



Here is what I've just started listening to The Heart of the Matter - basically because a recent friend addition on myspace read one of my last blog entries on my profile there

Whilst pulling up the video for The Heart of the Matter, I found another song that I've belted out many many many times...Wasted Time

I've switched over to listening to my new Steve Earle CDs - he release a tribute to Townes Van Zandt this past Tuesday. Here is the link to that Steve's website. It is a very very good release. I burned a copy for a friend and gave it to him on Thursday. When we had a chance to talk about it on Friday he echoed my opinion. He added it was too bad that Steve doesn't have Townes's voice. I was also touched by the last line on the liner notes: I LOVE ALLISON MOORER EARLE

Prior to Khyra, THE BLOG, and THE BLOGS, I spent many weekend nights chatting with myspace pals via a few wine and food groups. BUT that ran its course with me...it is rare I even get to myspace. When I do, it is usually to add a friend , find an artist, or check on my 'friend's' page. I've actually pondered ridding myself of the non-musical friends I've collected but I've decided just to let them be.

It has been a pretty good week here - hope the same holds true for those of you reading this!

Cheers,
Phyll
P.S. Since today was the 15th, here's to 55 months of new found sanity!

Wordy Wednesday

Another one from the collection. It has been quite interesting looking back at them. This one did get a small edit as I added the word 'just' and it made me smile.

Salvaging Our Souls

Monday morning and the call didn't come
I began to cry as I feared we were done
I waited a bit and tried to call
Hoping to find the sense in it all
Something was wrong that much I knew
As I thought how to make it through
You wouldn't talk as I heard your voice
Suddenly I had no choice

I began to get my heart ready
Trying to keep the beating steady
It might be time to put it back
Cover it over with some shellac

Knowing you would have to talk
Even if you started to balk
You thought I knew what had gone down
I suddenly felt like a clown
Terminal you said
Which made the pain shoot through my head
Let me gather together my words
Yet finished seemed to be all I heard

We met to talk about it all
And how she had heard my call
You couldn't keep us going on
Despite our love that was so strong
We were done you had to say
It just blew my world away
I fought for you with all my might
Longing to hold you tight

I said I think you are wrong
Together someday is where we belong
We had touched each other so much
Memories in my mind I began to clutch
I said I think we can salvage our soul
The fragments we had made into a whole
The us that we had become
Was not yet ready to be done

We can do it I have no doubt
Too much love to just pitch out
Love like this is meant to be
We can't fight our destiny
Let's give it time and let it play out
We'll survive I have no doubt
Too much has passed for us to just
Toss it out with just one thrust

Days passed and we began to see
We were still not just a you or a me
It hasn't been easy on me or you
But it seems we've made it through
From the heap of fears and pain
Our efforts won't be in vain
What we have will survive
Our love is meant to stay alive

We've salvaged our soul from the heap
And kept us from making a leap
Off a cliff to a hole below
Where lost love is doomed to go
Trust me love you won't regret
The day it was that we first met
When we knew from the start
That our two broken souls would eventually become one heart

April 23, 2005
padh

Cheers!
Phyll
　

Another Saturday Night...

Here is what is in the glass tonight...Cavalchina Bardolino It is the last one on the page.

It was the red in last month's PA Wine Club shipment. At $16.99 'here', I would drink this one again.

Each month's shipment comes with a copy of 'The Wine Connection' newsletter. It includes a write up of the theme/etc along with some notes about the winery, the region, the grapes, etc. It also includes some recipe cards for the wines chosen for the month.

It explains this winery's Bandolino is a blend of three local Veneto grapes: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara.

I'm very happy PA chose this one so I had the opportunity to add it to my wine memories!

I just finished listening to the Christene LeDoux CD again.

Now it is time for Jonatha Brooke's The Works. It is a wonderful collection of Woodie Guthrie songs and/or writings. The first song that was released from this was 'There's More True Lovers Than One" It is one of THOSE songs that I'll never tire of no matter how many times I hear it. When I do hear it (and if I'm alone in my office), the speakers get cranked and I sing-a-long. I am one of THOSE kinds!

I suggest you give her a listen as well as read about the significance of 'The Works"

Happy Mother's and Mum's Day To All!

Cheers!

Phyll

Friends and Surprises

Here is tonight's beverage selection!

I went to The Kapp Pack's Little Bi-Ped's FOURTH birthday party this past Sunday. Michelle surprised me with a bottle of this Margarita Wine from Island Winery in Hilton Head!

This is another wonderful summer wine! I'm drinking it chilled and straight but the bottle says you can mix it and/or serve over ice. It is a great combo of flavours!

Looking over the list on wines on the website, I'm glad they aren't close by...I would probably get in trouble!

I'm waiting for Dogtown to start...

I'm watching the Phillies game and listening to the latest CD I got. I have her 'little lighthouse' release - what a great voice! I was letting my media player surprise me last Saturday and heard one of her songs...made me go check out her website...and I found Christene's new one!

And wishing this morning had gone as we had hoped it might...trying to figure out when some of that precious quality time can be snagged...

Thanks again for the surprise!

Cheers!

Phyll

Wordy Wednesday

Another installment of Wordy Wednesday...

Pulling on my heartstrings

A little too late
You realized what you had
Only when our life
Had gone bad

A little after the fact
You tried to change
And to explain
Why you were so strange

A little after the fall
You knew what you had lost
And what to recover
At whatever the cost

You tried pulling on my heartstrings
But it was too late
You tried pulling on my heartstrings
The noise you heard was the gate

You said you cared
Yet had lost sight
Of how much I meant
That you weren't too bright

You knew it was tough
But you had hope
That I would realize
You had been a dope

You wanted me back
To have and to hold
But I couldn't handle it
After all I had been told

You tried pulling on my heartstrings
By discretely shaming
You tried pulling on my heartstrings
Yet saying you weren't blaming

You tried pulling on my heartstrings
But I ain't gonna stay
You're done pulling on my heartstrings
My new life continues each day
April 25, 2005
PADH

Cheers -

Phyll

Vive La France!

Here is tonight's glass filler!

It was from my most recent wineaccessmonthly.com shipment. Please click here to read about it! I agree very much with the description listed on the writeup. A friend of mine I first met through myspace turned me onto Gigondas. Deb has a very good culinary blog of her own. She spent several weeks in France last year (or was it the year before?) including a week in Provence learning some cooking techniques.

I wasn't really into anything on television tonight so I'm just letting my media player surprise me. It is doing a great job! John Gorka right now...Richard Thompson a bit ago...some Christene LeDoux...Nat King Cole...and the concert continues! I did start out the night with Slaid Cleaves new CD 'Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away. Excellent release - more like his earlier works. Since I'm on his mailing list, I actually got to purchase it before it was released.

Cheers!

Phyll

P.S. Now it is time for some Grace Potter and The Nocturnals

Friday Here|Saturday There

Tonight's bottle is a very special one for many many reasons!

My friend Shelly gave me this because she's among the names on the label! She made it even more special by 'autographing' it for me!

The wine comes from Madison County Winery . It is a semi-sweet rose that would make a fantastic picnic wine.

Various factors went into my choosing it for tonight:

1) Earlier this week marked NINE years that Shelly battled the 'c' monster and won!

2) Earlier this week, Shelly helped coordinate/contribute to various aspects of a visit to Des Moines by Martin Buser - FOUR TIME I-rod champion.

3) The three song selector set on the womens' music hour on http://www.xpn.org/ included THIS song from Melissa Etheridge.

4) Today was the first anniversary of a very special friend's father's death. H was an inspiration to S and S has been an inspiration to me. I'm fairly sure I've inspired him too.

Here's to all of you that inspire in some way every day!

Cheers!

Phyll

P.S. I'd been thrilled if others would do the Wordy Wednesday with me!