I have very good news...no cancer! I saw my Dr. last Friday and I got that great news plus she said I am healing well. I am still happy it is out because, apparently, I had numerous cysts (small) on my ovaries and uterus as well as numerous fibroid tumours (also small) plus my uterus was a little inflamed..reason? Who knows, but this is all history now and I have reason to celebrate. I did put, what you see in the picture, up on Sunday but did it in stages and I could feel the pain, although not like it was, so I stopped. I make sure to stop for quite a while before continuing and I am not doing as much as I would do normally in a day.
I thank my mom for bringing Christmas to me, my brother and especially my dad, who said that many times. Her German traditions, carried through from her mom and her mom before her, etc.. just fills me with Gemutlichkeit (say that 10 times fast). I can't think of a good English word that fits because it would encompass more than just cosy, warm, family, heartfelt...all those words plus. In fact, many of my friends love coming to my home because they feel so Christmassy and that makes me happy.
That being said, I am starting Christmas music, but slowly here and hope you enjoy it.
1. I BELIEVE IN FATHER CHRISTMAS BY EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER-1975
I first heard this just a few years ago on a rock station and immediately fell in love with it. I missed who did the song and heard it again making sure to mark it down. It is not so much a warm and fuzzy one because they were just upset by the commercialism that was taking hold during the holiday season (What about now!?). I just spoke to my friend V.J. who hates Christmas....I make sure to drag him into the Christmas store in Niagara On The Lake every time we go there. When I hear him talk, it is almost always about how commercial Christmas is and I can't argue with him how horrible it is. It used to be, here in Canada, that the Christmas ads and stuff would not show up until after Remembrance Day (Nov. 11th) but now Christmas competes with Halloween which is just disgusting. We even hear about this in the film "Miracle on 34th St" (the original and best version) and "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" (at the end of the show). Christmas is a state of mind and we have to avoid the malls and the negativity and enjoy what we can bring into our hearts. By the way, V.J. even loved my decorations and said I have done it very tastefully. He has bought a poinsettia too!
2. A CHRISTMAS SONG BY JETHRO TULL-1968
Yes, I do like some of Jethro Tull's songs and this is one of them. Once again, it is about what people forget..it's not about stuff or stuffing your faces but about helping people in need and remembering that it is not in what we get but in what we give. Gosh I sound so corny and just blecchy. Even I may want to throw up in my mouth a little...no, I don't want to do that as it brings back memories of my fun days from the 80s and 90s (a little less in the 90s).
3. IN THE QUIET OF CHRISTMAS MORNING BY THE MOODY BLUES-2003
I love the Moody Blues and yet, I had no idea they came out with a Christmas album but I was going through a separation that year so I will blame it on that. I want to thank Cathy over at her blog, Curious as a Cathy to have the album on her playlist. If you want to check it out, just head on over to her blog. I really love the way the Moody Blues took Bach's famous piece and made it their own in this Christmas song. Too bad that Ray Thomas had to leave the group due to illness but they still sound great.
Here is a bonus...
4. BLUE CHRISTMAS SUNG BY PORKY PIG-1985
When I first heard this I fell over from laughing so hard. I found out it was done by Denny Baumlee who had to call this Seymour Swine and the Squeelers because of laws but we all know it is good ole Porky. It really does sound like it is done at some party. I hope you get a kick out of it.
What Christmas songs come into your head, Rock N' Roll wise?
Hi, Birgit!
ReplyDeleteEvery one of your many friends will rejoice when they read this fabulous news regarding your health status and recovery. It is indeed a time to salivate (celebrate). Ever notice how an ordinary, routine day becomes a great, wonderful, marvelous day when a tremendous worry is laid to rest? I am so happy for you, dear friend. Yessum, I love (there's that word again) your holiday decorations, and I applaud you for taking it slow and easy, resting when needed to avoid a backset. You don't want to be climbing any 50-foot ladders or using a jackhammer any time soon.
I enjoyed your set of seasonal songs. Like you, I discovered Greg Lake's "Father Christmas" several years ago and it has stuck with me. It is an important commentary on how Christmas has become all about the material rather than the spiritual. I think I remember telling you years ago how the Home Shopping Channel based down here in Central Florida starts peddling Christmas decorations and gift items around May every year, urging viewers to shop early to avoid shortages and the last minute crunch. With that in mind, I want to be the first to wish you a happy Easter 2022! Time for you to strategically place a few bunny rabbits around the room along with those wreaths and garlands.
I'm sure your prog rock loving brother will appreciate your choice of Jethro Tull's "Christmas Song." It's new to my ears this morning. "Quiet Of Christmas Morning" by the Moodys is simply enchanting, both the song and the video. I also enjoyed listening to the album over at CAAC.
You had me fooled, dear friend. When I listened to your final song offering, "Blue Christmas," I could have sworn it was Elvis the Pelvis. Sounds exactly like him! :) I predict that someday Seymour Swine and the Squeelers will be equally well known. The best part of the recording was the woman cackling in the background.
The only Christmas song that comes to my noggin is "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, the Plastic Ono Band, a single released in the U.S. during the Christmas season in 1971.
Thanks for engendering Gemütlichkeit this morning, dear friend BB. Have a happy day, rest, binge watch gory slasher films and I'll be seeing you tamale in the balcony "At the Movies!"
fabulous news Birgit..I can see you doing a happy dance!...now I am going to have to check my collection of moody blues albums...dint remember that one...take care and take it easy...xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Birgit - so pleased for you - now to relax while you heal slowly - the decorations look delightful. Great selection as too Porky Pig ... all the best and here's to happy 2022 - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the good news. That is really good news. And I am going to check out a couple these songs I don't know. Happy new month Birgit. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteGreat news on the health front!!! So glad to hear it.
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Birgit,
ReplyDeleteHallelujah no cancer! I'm so happy for you, my friend. Your home looks pretty decked for the holidays. Continue to take it easy and listen to your body. It's a good thing to get things done in stages. Thanks for the mention. Porky Pig's "Blue Christmas" absolutely breaks me up. That's so hilarious and I always look forward to someone sharing it. Have a joyous holiday season, my dear!
That's just brilliant news Birgit, I am delighted for you, you must be so relieved.
ReplyDeleteYour festive decorations look so lovely, take care, Kate x
No cancer is a great Christmas tiding. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteNot much Christmas spirit in our house, rather business as usual. I don't even think we'll put up any tree this year. And I'm pretty sure I won't be going to any malls. As long as California insists on their stupid mask mandates then I'll be staying home much of the time as I've done for the past couple years now. I'm so done with all this COVID nonsense. Now if only the rest of the world would let this foolishness go.
Still, have a wonderful Christmas. I think my wife and I will have a nice December for the most part even though there won't be much in the way of family and friends around. At least we have each other.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Birgit, it's wonderful that you have received such great news! 💖 And, being German myself, I completely understand and feel exactly what you mean by Gemütlichkeit. Yes, please pace yourself with the decorating and anything else strenuous. It looks beautiful, already. Love your Christmas song selections - especially Greg Lakes's.💗 Frohe Festtage!🎄
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome news! And perfect timing.
ReplyDeleteGreat news, Birgit! Here’s to a full recovery.
ReplyDeleteWhat absolutely amazing and wonderful news. So glad for you, dear.
ReplyDeleteI also have never heard of that Moody Blues song, but I will blame it on the fact I was in grad school at the time this was recorded.
I loved the Emerson, Lake, and Palmer song. SO 70s. Yes, I was born a decade or two too late! This is my favorite era of music, that's for sure.
Love your decorations and great holiday look again this year, too.
So glad to hear that you're cancer free. That's good news. As for Christmas music, I'd best not comment.
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