This piece of music, “Memories of Alhambra” by Francisco Tarrega, is played here by Canadian, Manfred Harter, whom I have had the pleasure to meet and who has played many wonderful arrangements for me.   more... I knew nothing of the Alhambra, but as was the case with a previous piece of Manfred’s music, “Mystery of Tikal”, I wanted to know what it was that attracted him to this piece.
The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex in southern Spain. It sits on a hilly terrace on the southeastern border of the city of Granada. Once the residence of the Muslim kings of Granada and their court, it was designed to reflect the very beauty of Paradise itself, with its gardens, fountains, streams, palace, and a mosque, all inside a fortress wall. It is now one of Spain's major tourist attractions and on my "Bucket List" -- those special things to see or do before I die. ;)  less

Another beautiful, haunting song in the Lightfoot Series. This one stars the American Robin and the stately, majestic Oak Tree. Please stop by the YT Tribute Channel at http://ca.youtube.com/user/thomasj157   more...to see the videos not presented here.
The Way I Feel (The Way I Feel) 3:02
The way I feel is like a robin
Whose babes have flown to come no more
Like a tall oak tree alone and cryin'
When the birds have flown and the nest is bare
Now a woman lord is like a young bird
And the tall oak tree is a young man's heart
Among his boughs you will find her nesting
When the nights are cool she is warm and dry
Your coat of green it will protect her
Her wings will grow your love will too
But all too soon your mighty branches
Will cease to hold her and she'll fly from you
Now the way I feel is like a robin
Whose babes have flown to come no more
Like a tall oak tree alone and cryin’
When the birds have flown and the nest is bare
When the birds have flown and the nest is bare
Link For online discussions about Gordon Lightfoot, his music and related topics
http://www.corfid.com/
Link to Gordon Lightfoot website maintained by Wayne Francis
http://www.lightfoot.ca/
Link to buy Gordon Lightfoot CD's
http://www.bestprices.com/cgi-bin/vli...
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There could be only one subject for this wonderful Gordon Lightfoot song – a spider’s web. You must admit that there’s nothing quite as magical as a web when it’s intricacies are highlighted with the   more...sunlight and the morning dew – except, or course, the web of Love.
Spin, Spin (Sunday Concert Plus) 2:29
So fine, so fine the web you spin,
I come too close and I'm caught again!
In a web of wild design,
I do not know what fate is mine!
All the day sit and spin,
You spin your web and you draw me in.
Spin, spin, spin, spin!
Well my daddy said when I was young,
"Beware the web of love, my son,
To be in love is to be insane,
Make an old man groan, a young man pain!"
All the day, sit and spin,
You spin your web and you draw me in.
Spin, spin, spin, spin!
Then I did grow and the time did fly,
Many a true love passed me by.
And then you came like a blinding storm,
I landed in your web so warm,
All the day, sit and spin,
You spin your web and you draw me in.
Spin, spin, spin, spin!
So fine, so fine the web you spin,
I come too close and I'm caught again!
In a web of wild desire,
And I cannot control the fire!
All the day sit and spin,
You spin your web and you draw me in.
All the day sit and spin,
You spin your web and you draw me in.
Spin, spin, spin, spin!
Spin, spin, spin, spin!
Link For online discussions about Gordon Lightfoot, his music and related topics
http://www.corfid.com/
Link to Gordon Lightfoot website maintained by Wayne Francis
http://www.lightfoot.ca/
Link to buy Gordon Lightfoot CD's
http://www.bestprices.com/cgi-bin/vli...  less

"Cruise Nights" and outdoor car club shows are a great way to pass the time on a warm summer's afternoon or evening. All of these photos, with three exceptions, were taken locally over the   more...past few years. Hubby loves old cars and I love to photograph them -- it's a match made in car heaven! lol Enjoy "Rockin' down the highway"!  less

When I heard this song the very first time, Elvis came to mind. I asked a few others and once again, Elvis was the first person to pop into their heads too, so, Elvis it is!
Same Old Loverman (Songbook)   more...3:21
I'm not some long lost someone
Just dropped in to say hello
It's that same old lover man
Baby you lost so long ago
'Cause I was born to believe
I never could deceive
Believe me
I hear no children's voices
Have they gone back to school
And that same old lover man
Is still acting like a fool
I guess I was born to bring you grief
Though I never was a thief
Believe me
It's cold outside your window
Please let me in, the night is wild
It's that same old lover man
Not some lonesome winsome child
An' I was born to believe
I never could deceive
Link For online discussions about Gordon Lightfoot, his music and related topics
http://www.corfid.com/
Link to Gordon Lightfoot website maintained by Wayne Francis
http://www.lightfoot.ca/
Link to buy Gordon Lightfoot CD's
http://www.bestprices.com/cgi-bin/vli...  less

About a month ago I mentioned to Lynn how much I liked Gordon's Spanish Moss - Lynn answered, you are entitled to a request or two you know , and so it is requested. The scenario that immediately came   more...to mind is that Gordon met a southern Belle while performing in Savannah Georgia. Their relationship might have been for lifetime, had things gone differently ... and, she had a daughter that Gordon called " Spanish Moss"....just a thought that works for me. Hope you enjoy it. Thank you for the request dear Lynn!
Spanish Moss
(G) Let go darling, (G+) I can feel the (G6) night wind call (G7)
(Am) Guess I'd better (Bm) go
I (C) like you more than (G/B) half as much
As I (Am7) love your Spanish (D7) moss

(G) Spanish moss a-(G+)hanging down
(G6) Sweeter than the (G7) southern love we've (Am) found
(D) Spanish moss, (D7/F#) keeps on following my (C/G) thoughts a(G)round (C) (D)
(G) Georgia pine and (G+) ripple wine
(G6) Memories of Sa(G7)vannah summer(Am)time
(D) Spanish moss, (D7/F#) wish you knew what I was (C/G) say(G)ing

(Am) So I'm rolling north (D) thinking
Of the (G) way things (B7/F#) might have (Em) been (Dm)
If (C) she and (G/B) I could have (Am7) changed it all some(D)how (D7)

Spanish moss a-hanging down
Lofty as the sycamore you've found
Spanish moss, keeps on following my thoughts around
Georgia pine and ripple wine
Kisses mixed with moonshine and red clay
Spanish moss, wish you knew what I was saying

So I'm rolling north thinking
Of the way things might have been
If she and I could have changed it all somehow

Let go darling, I can feel the night wind call
The devil take the cost
I like the way your kisses flow and I love your Spanish moss  less

This little slideshow is for my dear friend Bob (Brob11) and his "boyz". I thought these "smooth-coated" guys might get a kick out of seeing a video on the hairier members of the   more...species. ;) The song is "Rag Mop" by The Ames Brothers, released in January, 1950 and 14 weeks on the charts, peaking at #1. Guest appearances by family pets: Penny, Barley, Jake and Cooper. Enjoy! ~~ Lynn xoxo  less

Another incredible song in the Gordon Lightfoot Series. It's always interesting to find photos that depict the emotion and allow the viewer to experience the journey that the music and lyrics take us   more...on. I'd like to publicly thank Tj (StonewallStudios) for always pushing me to make it that little bit better. I hope he never stops. ~~ Lynn
Link to YouTube’s Thomasj157, the Lightfoot Tribute Channel
http://ca.youtube.com/user/thomasj157
The Last Time I Saw Her (Did She Mention My Name) 5:10
The last time I saw her face, her eyes were bathed in starlight and her hair hung long
The last time she spoke to me, her lips were like the scented flowers inside a rain-drenched forest
But that was so long ago that I can scarcely feel the way I felt before
And if time could heal the wounds, I would tear the threads away that I might bleed some more
The last time I walked with her
Her laughter was the steeple bells
That ring to greet the morning sun
A voice that called to everyone
To love the ground we walked upon
Those were the good days
The last time I held her hand, her touch was autumn, spring and summer, and winter too
The last time I let go of her, she walked away into the night
I lost her in the misty streets, a thousand months, a thousand years
When other lips will kiss her eyes
A million miles beyond the moon, that's where she is
But that was so long ago that I can scarcely feel the way I felt before
And if time could heal the wounds, I would tear the threads away that I might bleed some more
The last time I saw her face, her eyes were bathed in starlight and she walked alone
The last time she kissed my cheek
Her lips were like the wilted leaves
Upon the autumn covered hills
Resting on the frozen ground
The seeds of love lie cold and still
Beneath a battered marking stone
It lies forgotten
Link For online discussions about Gordon Lightfoot, his music and related topics
http://www.corfid.com/
Link to Gordon Lightfoot website maintained by Wayne Francis
http://www.lightfoot.ca/
Link to buy Gordon Lightfoot CD's
http://www.bestprices.com/cgi-bin/vli...  less

I am so very fortunate to have been able to work with this beautiful love song! I hope you enjoy my interpretation.
Your Love's Return (Song for Stephen Foster) (If You Could Read My Mind) 3:55
Come to   more...the door my pretty one
Put on your rings and precious things
Hide all your tears as best you can
Try to recall what used to be
Roses are waiting for dewdrops to fall
Climbing your windows and walls
Bells in the steeple are ringing, singing
Listen to them talk about your love's return
Let me come in my pretty one
Try to undo what I have done
For I must be forgiven now
I cannot leave your love alone
Roses are waiting for dewdrops to fall
Climbing your windows and walls
Leaves in the garden are falling, calling
Listen to them talk about your love's return
Let me come in my precious one
Wake from your sleep and take me home
Open your eyes and look my way
I will not lose what I have won
Roses are waiting for dewdrops to fall
Climbing your windows and walls
Bells in the steeple are ringing, singing
Listen to them talk about your love's return
Link to YouTube’s Thomasj157, the Lightfoot Tribute Channel
http://ca.youtube.com/user/thomasj157
Link For online discussions about Gordon Lightfoot, his music and related topics
http://www.corfid.com/
Link to Gordon Lightfoot website maintained by Wayne Francis
http://www.lightfoot.ca/
Link to buy Gordon Lightfoot CD's
http://www.bestprices.com/cgi-bin/vli...  less

"Old Dan's Records" reminds me of those wonderful times when family and friends come together for some toe-tapping, song-singing, and impromptu dancing the night away!
Link to YouTube’s Thomasj157,   more...the Lightfoot Tribute Channel
http://ca.youtube.com/user/thomasj157
Link For online discussions about Gordon Lightfoot , his music and related topics
http://www.corfid.com/
Link to Gordon Lightfoot website maintained by Wayne Francis
http://www.lightfoot.ca/
Old Dan's Records (Old Dan's Records) 3:03
Get out old Dan's records
Get out old Dan's records
We will dance the whole night long
It's fun to play the old time songs
If old Dan could see us now
I know he'd be so proud
Bring out old Dan's records
Bring out old Dan's records
I remember my Aunt Bea
She'd dance with Dan till two or three
If old Dan could see her now
I know he'd shout out loud
Dig out old Dan's records
Bring out old Dan's records
We're all here, we've all got dates
We'll dance all night to the seventy-eights
If old Dan could see us now
I know he'd be so proud
If old Dan were with us still
I know he'd come around
Get out old Dan's records
Dig out old Dan's records
Back to nineteen thirty-five
The foxtrot, jitterbug 'n jive
If old Dan could see us now
I know he'd be so proud
Get out old Dan's records
Bring out old Dan's records
High above the fireplace
There's a smile on old Dan's face
If old Dan could see us now
I know he'd be so proud
If old Dan were with us still
I know he'd come around
Link to buy Gordon Lightfoot CD's
http://www.bestprices.com/cgi-bin/vli...
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In these times of trouble around this world of ours, this song speaks to me of hope. We can all make a difference in our own way. No attempt is too small. Do something to make a difference in someone's   more...life today.
Hands
by Jewel.
If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we're all ok.
And not to worry because worry is wasteful
and useless in times like these.
I will not be made useless.
I won't be idled with despair.
I will gather myself around my faith
for light does the darkness most fear.
My hands are small, I know,
but they're not yours they are my own,
but they're not yours they are my own
and I am never broken.
Poverty stole your golden shoes
but it didn't steal your laughter.
And heartache came to visit me
but i knew it wasn't ever after.
We will fight, not out of spite
for someone must stand up for what's right
cause where there's a man who has no voice
there ours shall go singing.
In the end only kindness matters.
In the end only kindness matters.
I will get down on my knees and I will pray.
I will get down on my knees and I will pray.
I will get down on my knees and I will pray.
My hands are small, I know,
but they're not yours they are my own
but they're not yours they are my own
and I am never broken.
My hands are small, i know,
but they're not yours they are my own
but they're not yours they are my own
and I am never broken.
We are never broken.
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's mind.
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's heart.
We are God's eyes
God's hands.
God's eyes
God's hands.
We are God's hands
God's hands.
We are God's hands.
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I'm not in the habit of taking requests for videos, as I'm not sure how well I'd do working "under pressure", but I received such a nice message from Dave, and the song is just as the title   more...says "Beautiful", so here is my interpretation of this wonderful song by Gordon Lightfoot.
Link to YouTube’s Thomasj157, the Lightfoot Tribute Channel
http://ca.youtube.com/user/thomasj157
Link For online discussions about Gordon Lightfoot , his music and related topics
http://www.corfid.com/
Beautiful (Gord's Gold) 3:32
At times I just don't know
How you could be anything but beautiful
I think that I was made for you
And you were made for me
And I know that I will never change
Cause we've been friends through rain or shine
For such a long, long time
Laughing eyes and smiling face
It's seems so lucky just to have the right
Of telling you with all my might
You're beautiful tonight
And I know that you will never stray
Cause ya been that way from day to day
For such a long, long time
And when ya hold me tight
How could life be anything but beautiful
I think that I was made for you
And you were made for me
And I know that I will never change
Cause we've been friends through rain or shine
For such a long, long time
And I must say that it means so much to me
Just to be the one who's telling you
I'm telling you
That you're beautiful
Link to buy Gordon Lightfoot CD's
http://www.bestprices.com/cgi-bin/vli...
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“May I” caught my attention the very first time I heard it. I initially thought vintage toys and games would be a perfect accompaniment, but this one is all about the children and for the “kid” in each   more...of us. ~~ Lynn
Link to YouTube’s Thomasj157, the Lightfoot Tribute Channel
http://ca.youtube.com/user/thomasj157
Link For online discussions about Gordon Lightfoot , his music and related topics
http://www.corfid.com/
Link to Gordon Lightfoot website maintained by Wayne Francis
http://www.lightfoot.ca/
May I (Did She Mention My Name) 2:19
Finders, keepers, losers, weepers
Ring around the rosy and I'll catch you if I can
But if you don't say “May I”, then you'll have to start again
But first you must indulge me and count from one to ten
Let the game begin
I adore you when you touch me
Pin the tail upon the donkey, you will surely win
But if you don't say “May I”, then I'll pass the cake around
And I won't give you any, but you won't make a sound
You don't eat soap, anyhow
Red light, green light, blue light, yellow light
You can take three giant steps or a baby step will do
But if you don't say “May I”, then I'll march you out the door
Where you'll be contemplating the numbers one to four
I hope you're keeping score
‘Cause if you don't say “May I”, then I'll get you with the hose
And spoil your Sunday clothes
Will it please you if I tease you
While you're at the spin-dry, I'll pass the pie around
But you won't make a sound
You don't eat blackbird anyhow
There's four and twenty reasons why it can't be wrong
How long have you been gone
Finders, keepers, losers, weepers
Peter, Peter, pumpkin eater
Wear your sneakers around sound sleepers.
Link to buy Gordon Lightfoot CD's
http://www.bestprices.com/cgi-bin/vli...  less

This is my response to the "Fear Tag" from Surfcottage. I, in turn, tag anyone who watches this who hasn't been tagged yet! Let's make some videos!!

The 1000 Islands archipelago is shared by Canada and the USA. Located in the St Lawrence River between the Province of Ontario and New York State, its islands officially number 1,793. To be considered   more...one of the "1000 Islands", an island had to be at least one square foot in size, be above water level all year round, and support at least one living tree. As you'll see, some of the islands are just big enough to hold a one-room cottage, while others, like Heart Island, are large enough to accommodate a castle and all its trimmings! Boldt Castle, on Heart Island, has a history worth exploring. Enjoy!  less

I love a small town agricultural fair! From the smell of the hay and its varied inhabitants, the chatter of exhibitors getting their prized livestock ready for the ring, the noise of the midway rides   more...and games, to the wasps vying for my cotton candy, I can’t think of anything not to like! Unfortunately the expansion of our cities has engulfed many of these communities and country fairs are diminishing. Enjoy my view of one of southern Ontario’s community fairs.

For the record, the Heavy Horse Pull was won by “Charlie and Ike”. With a combined weight somewhere under 3400 pounds, they successfully pulled the sled 15 feet. The sled and its concrete contents weighed 9000 pounds! – more than double the weight of these well-trained athletes. Check out their cleats!  less

A vacation day trip to Montreal, Quebec with stops at the Biodome, Botanical Gardens, and Old Montreal.

This Canadian National Historic Site is not really a “castle” at all. Dundurn Castle was built by Sir Allan Napier MacNab, and completed in 1835 at a cost of $175,000.00. Seventy-two rooms made up its   more...18,000-square-footage (1,700 square metres) and 42 of them are now open to the public after being restored to what they would have been in 1855. Sir John A. MacDonald, first Prime Minister of Canada, and England’s King George VII were among those entertained there.

Some interesting facts from the tour:
-- Dundurn Castle was the first home in the province to have gas lighting and running water. The water was pumped through the house by a young boy who earned $2.00 per month for his service.
-- The “Scullery Maid” was a young girl of 9 or 10. She washed the dishes from the entire household’s seven meals each day. Her wage -- $1.30 per month.
-- Refined sugar was delivered in a solid, paper-wrapped “cone”. It was shaved or chipped off when needed. The cost of a cone of sugar - $75.00. The cost of a new home - $100.00.
-- Sir Allan MacNab was often accused of treating his servants too well. :)

The Victorian Kitchen Garden was a project undertaken by the City of Hamilton as part of the restoration. This formal garden is walled in Scottish fashion, and has a series of walkways and beds full of fruit, flowers, herbs and vegetables that would have been grown during Sir Allan NacNab’s lifetime at Dundurn. The garden is maintained the “old fashioned way” – by hand, and all natural.  less

An amazing young man asked me if I knew this song. I most certainly did, though it wasn't one that I had ever thought of working with. This was a tough one.
Tracy Chapman's unmistakeable voice and incredible   more...lyrics take us on a somewhat familiar journey -- the struggle to break away from a way of life that often is repeated, generation after generaton. This character's hope never fades, and I like to think that there is a happy ending.
Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
You got a fast car
I want a ticket to anywhere
Maybe we can make a deal
Maybe together we can get somewhere
Any place is better
Starting from zero got nothing to lose
Maybe we'll make something
Me myself I got nothing to prove
You got a fast car
I got a plan to get us out of here
I been working at the convenience store
Managed to save just a little bit of money
Won't have to drive too far
Just cross the border and into the city
You and I can both get jobs
And finally see what it means to be living
You see my old man's got a problem
Live with the bottle that's the way it is
He says his body's too old for working
His body's too young to look like his
My mama went off and left him
She wanted more from life than he could give
I said somebody's got to take care of him
I quit school and that's what I did
You got a fast car
But is it fast enough so we can fly away
We gotta make a decision
We leave tonight or live and die this way
I remember we were driving driving in your car
The speed so fast I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone
You got a fast car
And we go cruising, entertain ourselves
You still ain't got a job
And I work in the market as a checkout girl
I know things will get better
You'll find work and I'll get promoted
We'll move out of the shelter
Buy a big house and live in the suburbs
I remember we were driving driving in your car
The speed so fast I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone
You got a fast car
I got a job that pays all our bills
You stay out drinking late at the bar
See more of your friends than you do of your kids
I'd always hoped for better
Thought maybe together you and me would find it
I got no plans I ain't going nowhere
So take your fast car and keep on driving
I remember we were driving driving in your car
The speed so fast I felt like I was drunk
City lights lay out before us
And your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder
And I had a feeling that I belonged
I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone
You got a fast car
But is it fast enough so you can fly away
You gotta make a decision
Leave tonight or live and die this way  less

I've always wanted one of those big, round, multi-coloured candy treats, but I can never decide which one to take!! You'll find the more mature, lollipop-toting member of the Lollipop Guild at the end   more...of this video too. Enjoy this no-calorie treat. :)  less

This is just a little video that I took of Canadian country music artist, George Canyon and a young fan playing "What's the next line" with what was supposedly her favourite George Canyon song.   more... I'd say she was a little bit "star-struck", and may have also had a bit of stage fright. :) This concert was one of many stops on his "The Sky Is Not The Limit" tour in support of Jeuvenile Diabetes. Sorry for the shaking -- it's hard to hold a camera over people's heads! LOL  less

Just a little bit of fun -- especially for lovers of "Bacon"! lol

War separates loved ones -- spouses from each other, parents from their children, and turns couples into singles. Luckily for most, this is just temporary. This one's all about the reunions and the   more...re-affirmation of love that's been waiting "A Long, Long Time". Support your Troops, AND their Families. ~~ Lynn  less

This vid is from last November! For some reason, I neglected to upload it here until now. Better late than never!! Enjoy!

We have a saying here, "Don't poke the bear!" When people are anticipating   more...how they'll weather the first snow storm of the season, it's not always wise to tease from the warm and sunnier west coast of Canada. This lesson was learned by a co-worker when her office was decorated with aluminum foil, and love. She did apologize, but it was too little, and definitely too late! lol ;-)  less