Everyday Living

Yesterday Once More

~ Everyday Living, Family, Music

Whether young or old, there are moments when we find ourselves needing to spend time in the past. So many things can trigger what we call a “yearning for returning”, but perhaps nothing can take us there quite like music. Of course we cannot re-live the past but a few minutes (or an hour or two) in la la land with certain memories is wonderful…and it’s as close as we can get without jumping into a time machine. We’ve not seen one of those lately! 

We had a unique opportunity to enjoy some of these memory moments last week as we attended a concert which was a tribute to The Carpenters, Richard and Karen. Their music helped define the 1970’s, with their first hit coming in ’70, the year we met. As much as we loved the music of The Carpenters, we were never able to hear them in person. But thankfully, there are super talented singers and musicians who recognize the legacy of Richard and Karen’s music and perform it in such a way that makes us feel that it is “yesterday once more”.

The Oxford Performing Arts Center is a remarkable venue in Oxford Alabama. We recently heard Home Free there, and what an evening of fun that was. Last week, we were thrilled to once again attend a concert at the Center to hear We’ve Only Just Begun, The Carpenters Remembered. Michelle Berting Brett and band do a fabulous job and delivered a stunning tribute to the Carpenters both musically and otherwise, relating songs and stories. 

Shows like this are special for wonderful entertainment, stirring up fond memories, and just a good ole time, but for us a bit more. Music was so instrumental (no pun intended) in our first meeting, our first date, getting to know each other, and yes…falling in love. That love, and our love of music remains strong, 52 years later.    

With lyrics like “We’ve only just begun to live, white lace and promises, a kiss for luck and we’re on our way”, it’s no wonder this was one of the most popular songs to be sung at weddings in the 70’s. Pam remembers singing it at many weddings. “We’ve Only Just Begun” was The Carpenters’ second hit behind “Close To You” which was their first release in March, 1970, rising to number one on the charts by July.READ MORE

Simple + Southern Sunday No. 388 – Palm Sunday

~ Everyday Living, Faith, Family, Simple + Southern Sunday, Spring

“… the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord…”
John‬ ‭12:12-13‬ ‭

We finally had to purchase a new flag last week and the timing was good for coinciding with the snowball viburnum’s bloom breakout. Since we were expecting a frost and possible freeze last night, I thought maybe it good to enjoy the viburnum today!READ MORE

Simple + Southern Sunday No. 387

~ Everyday Living, Faith, Family, Spring, Sunshine Cottage

“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭96:11-12‬ ‭

A major clearing last year, mainly removing a thicket of privet, opened up our view of a wooded area east of the house. This gave us a much better view of this large tree that I have since named the “Tree of Reconciliation”. Many years ago this tree experienced a separation and a division occurred. At some point, probably after quite some time had passed, there was reconciliation and a coming together once again. It’s never too late!READ MORE