Turning Back the Pages

It's my birthday.

Not long ago I saw a wonderful piece of wisdom online somewhere, and we all know the internet is the true source of all wisdom, don't we?

It was a quote something to the effect of "Never complain about growing old because so many people never have the chance." Deep, profound, or far out, as my generation once said. And I agree, except not today, Sorry, today is my day to piss and moan and bitch to high heaven because this isn't just any birthday, Nope, this one really bites because I've turned another decade. Trust me, the last one was a walk in the park compared to this one. It's not pretty and there's nothing good about it as far as I can tell, except that I'm still actually here.

Today I am 60. Sixty. 6-fucking-0. Two years away from Social Security eligibility. A whole bunch of years away from middle-age.

I had a conversation with the Drum Mama a week or so ago about whether to actually mention how old I was in my birthday post. This is important to both of us because as I have mentioned before, she is three months younger than I am, so her time is soon gonna come. In the end we both agreed, fuck it. If you don't own it now, you never will.

So here's what I think about turning sixty. Are they any great things about it? Hell no.

But being alive for this long means I have seen and experienced some wild and crazy stuff. Not all good and not all bad. I'm still having a blast and doing things I never thought would be possible. I also see friends and family leave the table at an alarming rate. And this is why we drink.

Technology has been astounding. Music has definitely gone downhill.

The music. Yes. I was seventeen when I saw my first live show. So for the musical portion of this post let's go back to that first show. February 5, 1972 at The Capitol Theatre in Passaic NJ. Brewer and Shipley of "One Toke Over The Line" fame, opened up for The Byrds. Cost of the ticket: $5.50. Experience: Priceless.

I'll thank Mr. Dylan for the song and remember that "I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now."

Here's to a new decade.

"Crimson flames tied through my ears

Throwin' high and mighty traps

Countless fire and flaming road

Using ideas as my maps

"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I

Proud 'neath heated brow.

Ah, but I was so much older then,

I'm younger than that now"

How Are You Feeling Today? I'm Feeling Hot Hot Hot

Finally, the first day of Spring. Wonderful as March 20 is for that reason, this date also gives me another reason to be happy. Today is the Drum-Mama's birthday. Besides celebrating the anniversary of her popping  into the world, it is also the date she and I are back to being the same age.

Yes, I am twelve, it still bothers me that she is 3 months younger than I. But today, it's time to put on the dancin' boots and laugh like we have for the past 30-something years, give or take a decade.

Besides the family connection we once shared, it was always the music that connected us. Bruce of course, we are Jersey girls remember. And from there, other concerts too numerous to list and even harder to recall. Road trips, tail-gating, and a whole lot of dancing in the living room.

Then there's the humor, the attitude and the deep, dark secrets. The serious ones and the silly ones. The crush of single moments which define your friendship and your love for each other. Besides having each other's back, there's knowing that you have someone to pick you up off the floor, then laugh her ass off about you falling.

Soul-Sistas. Yeah that.

Today's musical selection is a song we've danced very animated to, sung very out of key to, laughed to and re-connected with.

Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole...hey Busta!

Shake up that martini baby, you're still hot, hot, hot.

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12-12-12 A Date To Remember, Especially in NJ

Big day in the music world. The 12-12-12 concert will take place later on tonight. Today is also an important day in the state of New Jersey for two reasons. On this day, one music giant was born, and so was one giant music fan.

I can't even believe so many years have passed since a baby girl was born in a hospital in New York City. A tiny human being who has brought nothing but joy and pride to her family. A child who so quickly grew into a  teenager and now a woman. Someone who has always treasured every one of her crazy relatives...though some more than others, but I won't name names. As she has loved us, we have cherished her. Through movies and dog shows, from carrying on family traditions to creating new ones together, it has been a joy to share them with her. Two of my greatest delights have been taking her to her first rock concert and then to her first Springsteen concert...a mandatory education for a Jersey girl. To you, my beautiful niece, I wish that every bit of happiness you give to others, comes right back to you. Love you MC.

But I digress.

Also born on this day, Francis Albert Sinatra...Frank.
No introduction needed.

A song from Frank for Maria Christina.

"I'm Getting Sentimental Over You"


xoxoxox

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