Good Living 123

Mama said there would be days like this. You know, the sort where it seems nothing goes right. Sometimes they come all too fast, furiously, and frequently. I try to just breathe and count my blessings.

One of them is Nature’s abundant beauty. For the last few weeks here in western North Carolina, the crepe myrtles have started blooming. (This is not the groundcover sort, but the trees that remind me of the lilacs & mountain laurel back in New Hampshire… but on thousands of steroids.)

They start to bloom in late June, and their blossoms will obliterate all views of their leaves within a week or so, leaving gorgeous, blossoming trees for the end of July through September. I love it.

Our backyard will be awash in what I call Strawberries & Whipped Cream Pink. (I will try to post some pics then.)

For now, enjoy some trees from our yard…

…plus one pic of our neighbor’s lovely purple and red ones.

Okay, the cute baby bunnies help, too.

And… just breathe.

The huge annual carnival happened for the kiddos…

…plus a long, walking street of vendors.

Of course, Sir Ronald and I chose the annual July 4^th band line-up, which included 3 of our local favorites.

Whenever Reddog and friends are performing, we know we’re gonna love their rockin’ blues.

And the Blues Underground features a fantabulous female lead singer, Stacey Brooks.

She could literally sing anything in several genres!

Then, of course, is one of Sir Ronald’s fave lead guitarists, Doug Hooper, in upstate South Carolina’s funky band, Misdemeanor.

Great music for the 63^rd annual downtown Columbus, NC event!

In 1976, for the nation’s Bicentennial, I was traveling with the “I Like the US of A” National Touring Company.

Michael Davids directed, choreographed, and performed.

I joined in the song and dance, and did PR.

Karl Weber performed and added his photography skills.

Plus, our tour bus featured the stars… the 14 children, ages 8 up through teens. Making audiences smile, we sang and danced to uplifting songs. “Fifty Nifty United States from 13 original colonies!” What fun we all had!

50 years later, I still love the U.S.A., despite our many imperfections. I am proud that we still shine as a beacon of liberty for the rest of the world, especially those who need hope so desperately. Even more strongly, I feel deep gratitude. We are mightily blessed to be citizens of this great country.

Many of us have had relatives escape foreign horrors and make it to this remarkable land… not a nation where streets are paved with gold, but one overflowing with opportunity and freedoms. They thrived on appreciation, dreams, and hard work to build a better life for future generations.  (You may recall my family’s story in my “Destiny” trilogy that starts with “Destiny of Dreams… Time Is Dear.“)

The crowds visiting from all over the globe for the FIFA games have reminded us of how stunningly fortunate we are. Our freedoms and basic lifestyles boggle their minds. Freedom has been sacrificed or compromised in far too many corners of the world. Their fresh perspectives clearly relate to Americans exactly how fragile and precious freedom is.

I am eternally grateful to everyone who has sacrificed and served to keep our freedom intact. Especially on this 250^th Independence Day anniversary, I pray that any anger and hatred in people’s hearts be healed and replaced with awareness, compassion, gratitude, and love.

Are we imperfect? Of course. Are we fortunate? Indeed. Do we take the wonders of America for granted? All too often. We are still a tremendous land of opportunity… the American dream. We live in a beautiful, healthy, loving, and free nation… a thriving nation… a young nation. God bless and Happy 250^th Birthday!

Check out the Blues Underground…

… an entertaining and highly talented band based in Rutherfordton, NC.

We caught them last weekend on the deck at Green River Eddy’s Tavern at the Saluda Outfitters.

Ahhhh… music in the North Carolina mountains.

Sweeeeet!

Get more info and follow them on their https://www.facebook.com/bluesundergroundband site.

We go to Las Vegas for the shows, not the casinos.

And Cirque du Soleil repeatedly outdoes itself.

We’ve seen “O” previously, but the newest rendition is even more mind-boggling.

The “O” stage at Bellagio rises and falls constantly in various shapes with water surfaces sometimes shallow and other times deep enough for multiple, very high dives.

As always, audience involvement is riotous, and we share lots of laughter…

…as when one of the comic characters snagged my camera.

He literally made it part of the show… snapping dozens of photos.

The stage is enormous, and the proscenium is dramatically higher than most.

But it’s the aerials, the diving, the acrobatics, the musical talent, and the tremendously well-timed technology that combine for unforgettably legendary performances.  As audience members, we found ourselves gasping “O” rather frequently!

Cirque du Soleil creates the most amazing productions.

“Michael Jackson ONE” at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas is no exception.

This truly immersive tribute to the King of Pop rocks with non-stop choreography, creative acrobatics, and state-of-the-art surround sound.

At various times, we in the audience got treated to snow falling on us. At another, drones flew overhead.

And, in true 4-D fashion, the cast even danced with Michael Jackson.

“ONE” is a super sensory spectacle not to be missed.

My hubby, Sir Ronald, scored fantabulous front seats to catch Sir Rod Stewart in concert at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

A bad sinus infection forced the cancellation of his two May dates, but we were blessed to see his Vegas residency opening night on June 2nd.

He wore a full array of his usual wacky garb and, as always, was surrounded by an extraordinary cast.

While most are fellow Brits, Becca Kotte from North Dakota remains a steadfast part of his female singing-dancing trio… She’s on the far left in the clip with their leopard look.

One of the longest-running favorites is Jimmy “Saxman” Roberts… an amazing talent.

Stewart’s “The Encore Shows” tour has more dates at The Colosseum in Vegas in the second half of August.  Worthy! Now in his 80s, Sir Rod Stewart remains… “Forever Young.”

On Saturday night, we caught a super foursome at Sully’s Place in Columbus, NC.

“Rewind” plays classic, Southern, and British rock music… mostly from the 1969 – 1979 era.

https://www.facebook.com/TheRewindBandNC/ Hailing from the Forest City, NC area, Below are some upcoming June dates when you could catch them.

Friday, June 12   6:30 at the Main Street Market (Rutherfordton)
Saturday, June 13  2pm  Baker Farm & Winery (Lawndale)
Friday, June 19  6:30 – 8:30 Three on Main (Spindale)
Saturday, June 20 12-3pm Lured Market & Grill (Lake Lure)