She's Leaving Home

The Listen To Your Mother Show is making its Evansville splash this Saturday, May 9, at 7 p.m. The national production of the Listen To Your Mother Show has been wildly successful across the country and two brilliant, progressive-minded Evansville women brought the production to the River City. Hillary Melchiors & Kate McKinney felt so strongly about the production that they applied for a local show & won the opportunity to produce the show here. The dynamic duo has worked untold hours creating a show that I dub "a masterpiece."  The audience will hear 13 original pieces read by local authors.

Kate McKinney & Hillary Melchiors

I am honored to have made the cut for the show & I'm excited to read my colorful piece on motherhood. The cast recently met for a read-through of our pieces & interestingly, women who mostly didn't know one another, began to bond & find comfort in our stories. 
That same experience awaits you at the show.
At the website you can view videos of previous productions, however, I am quite partial to the Evansville inaugural show-- it will make Mother's Day a memorable & special weekend.

Get all the info at this site -- purchase your tickets now ($15) - Proceeds from the show benefit 4C of Southern Indiana, Inc. - a community childcare program

http://listentoyourmothershow.com/Evansville/

My Music Nugget Of The Day:
"Your Mother Should Know" - a rather simple song & a rather bizarre video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xycaGZtusmo


She's Leaving Home


The past year has been a life changer for my mother. While I've tried to suppress the need to write about it, it is surfacing to a point that I must share.
While hearing The Beatles' song "She's Leaving Home," the lyrics "she's leaving home after living alone for so many years," was not written about a senior citizen who has moved from her home to "another home." It's about a young lady with promise of the future (and the heartache that her parents endure with that loss). Today I reflect on "She's Leaving Home" in relation to my mother, who left her independent home-life roughly a year ago. I brought her to live in my home for a short time & then felt she could live alone in a senior care community. That lasted 90 days. Since that time we've been in & out of the hospital, rehab & finally a nursing home.
Many days I feel like I've left my home, too, as I struggle to provide her with a decent presence on this earth.
The home where she lives is not unlike most nursing facilities in the country. There is no great possibility for her to go somewhere that will make her feel terrific 24/7. Nearly every day I make that 7 minute drive to her "home" where I am usually faced with turmoil, sadness, loneliness, anger, pain and suffering. Some days it is more than I can take. My mom and I are not alone in this world...everyday I see the health care workers who want to pull out their hair, but go into a room full of odor and sadness with a bright smile.
We've had a long, cold lonely winter & she's been out of the home only a couple of times since Christmas day. I go as often as possible and I paint her nails, read to her (currently reading She Loves You by Jude Kessler) and it takes her away. She has endured 8 different roommates (2 of which passed away, 1 was pretty mean --she called my daughter & I the "evil twins"). I can't give her nice perfume or clothes because they disappear by mistake or otherwise. She won't let me leave her photo albums there for fear they will be misplaced. She has no semblance of "home."
I see the people who slowly wheel around the hallways, knowing that my smile may cheer them for 3 seconds, but then my smile is not remembered.
There is not an answer to this problem. My mother may live another 30 years in what I must only think is Hell. She can still motor around, with limits. She has some memories. About 1 sentence out of 100 makes complete & total sense & I twinge with horrible guilt because I know she's still in there & she has good things to get out.
But she feels pain, loneliness, sadness. She still wants a life, but her physical body will not cooperate. Holding her hand, which is wrecked from arthritis, fingernails that won't stay attached and severe bruising....I try to hold on because I remember her holding mine with every scary visit at the dentist.
My husband and I have a blended family (I have 3 kids and he has 5)...and the care of my mother has been much more work than all 8 of our children combined (and that's saying a lot). Everyone has been patient with me in every way as I lumber along this path of care. My mother's demise in health is due to a medication that she took for chronic arthritis issues & it came with risks that she acknowledged & agreed to. The damage from the meds has exceeded what I feel must have been any benefit. She has a condition which causes her bones to break quite easily (7 broken vertebrae in a 6 month period). Her mental status is unnerving & unmanageable to me. And I have the best handle on it.
The days that I plan to spend time with her are my black days. It takes everything I have to manage her. I'm trying to be better.
On this Mother's Day I will say a prayer that she can be comfortable & happy for just a little while. I will pray for those who are faced with similar challenges as well.

L

Another Music Nugget Of The Day:

"She's Leaving Home" has become a favorite of mine & this video is quite enjoyable! The musician who played the gorgeous harp in the song tells her story of finding out she was playing with The Beatles! This is the only Beatles song which does not contain the Fabs playing an instrument!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOZUKhkvLMQ



Happy Mother's Day!

Rock Your Mom's Socks Off!
My buddy, Susan Masino, has a great follow up edition!
http://susanmasino.com/books/

AC/DC FAQ: All That’s Left to Know About the World’s True Rock ’n’ Roll Band (Backbeat Books), by Susan Masino

"Madison-based writer Susan Masino is on the money with the “all that’s left to know” end of her subtitle. Under the section “The Women Who Influenced AC/DC,” she name checks every female mentioned in their lyrics—and why presumably they were so honored. The Australian hard rockers are not usually classed with the early punk scene, but Masino recounts the story of their little-known 1977 gig at CBGB."
Review by David Luhrssen of the Shepard Express in Milwaukee, WI

Don't forget -- for a short time - Mother's Day Specials at:

www.johnlennonseries.com
and
www.reciperecordscookbook.com


Peace,

Lanea Stagg
www.reciperecordscookbook.com
blog:  www.rockblocks3.blogspot.com
radio:  www.blogtalkradio.com/reciperecords
facebook:   send request:  RecipeRecords Cookbook
twitter:  @reciperecords
lanea@reciperecordscookbook.com

Marqx Ruffin Makes His Own Way

Growing up in the Ruffin family could be a little daunting. 
Motown legend David Ruffin, the lead singer for The Temptations ("My Girl") who went on to record successfully in the soul and R&B markets, was the grandfather of emerging R&B artist, Marquise Ruffin (aka Marqx). David's oldest brother, Jimmy Ruffin, had soul/R&B hits in the 60's & 70's as well ("What Becomes of the Brokenhearted"). Though Jimmy & David grew up singing gospel songs in their Mississippi home, Marquise Ruffin did not find his voice until the age of 17. Marqx was a toddler when his grandfather passed, and he grew up hearing all the stories/legends about his grandfather. Considerable talent has been passed on to Marquise Ruffin.
Marqx has learned to channel love, conflicts, pain, happiness & achievements into his songs. Marqx told me that his music is an opportunity to connect with people of all ages & backgrounds.
Often we see pressure on younger generations to live up to the mystique of their forefathers. Marqx seems to be headed in a promising direction & he's producing music in a progressive market, making it easy to share his music with listeners. He taught himself to play the piano, produced a variety of pop, R&B and jazz songs and continues to write and record.
It will be interesting to chat with Marqx this Saturday & inquire about the influences of his grandfather & great-uncle. I invite you to hear Marqx' story & enjoy his latest recordings. 


Check out Marqx this Saturday:
May 2 at 1:00 p.m. CST 
You are invited to call in & talk to Marqx (number is on the show page)

Here's the show link:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/recipe-records-cookbook/2015/05/02/marquise-ruffin--new-generation-of-pop-and-rb




Where can you find Marquise Ruffin?
Marqx on Facebook:   Marquise Ruffin
Twitter:   @marquiseruffin

This is the important link to hear his music (Hurt So Bad is beautiful!)

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/marquise-ruffin




My Music Nuggets of the Day:

This is one of my favorite songs by The Temptations
Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MXoO9phS8A


Jimmy Ruffin, David's brother, sings this marvelous song (this song honestly came on the radio while I was posting this blog!) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFLdc8dBRhs


MOTHER'S DAY SPECIALS!

The John Lennon Series -  

http://www.johnlennonseries.com/

Purchase either "Shoulda Been There" or "She Loves You" (my personal favorite!) - and receive the "Doors of Liverpool" poster which displays the most famous doors in the city! (a $12 gift-shipped to you free) - A terrific gift for Mom (or Sis) !

Little Dog in the Sun - $5 (plus s/h)
Recipe Records Cookbooks - $10 ea (plus s/h)

Go to:    http://www.reciperecordscookbook.com/



Upcoming Gig:

Listen To Your Mother Show - this national production is debuting in Evansville May 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Lanea will be reading her motherhood speech along with 12 other women. The show is going to be an incredible journey & everyone will enjoy it! Get your tickets now!

http://listentoyourmothershow.com/evansville/


Peace!

Lanea Stagg
www.reciperecordscookbook.com 
lanea@reciperecordscookbook.com
Facebook: send friend request-RecipeRecords Cookbook
Twitter:  @RecipeRecords
radio:  www.blogtalkradio.com/reciperecords
blog:  www.rockblocks3.blogspot.com

Gimme A Chance

I recently took a long car ride with my daughter & was able to unwind & perform a "Brain Drain." However, it didn't stop me from being inspired...
This week's lesson comes from my eclectic daughter, Abby. During the long ride, she proceeded to educate me on the curious popularity of Chicago musician, "Chance The Rapper."

Chance The Rapper - photos courtesy Abby

It is always exciting to introduce readers to something new and I encourage you to "open your mind"  & learn about something outside of your box.
Well, "Buckle Up Buttercup," because you have some pretty bumpy territory ahead.
While personally hip-hop & rap is not my gig (I have been known to say "rap is crap" on many occasions), I noticed that the musician is appealing to a LOT of ears. He has received critical acclaim throughout the music industry & while I do not understand downloading statistics, I've read that he's achieved overwhelming success therein. I've seen his name on lists of the acts to see in 2015 as well. Personally, I find him to be a unique storyteller with a jazzy, trippy sound.

Apparently the artist allows his music to be downloaded for free & that is how he has been able to measure his fame. 
I found the following quote on his website, with a link to donate to his cause, http://chanceraps.com/

"As an independent artist, Chance The Rapper has released two projects, Acid Rap and 10 Day, completely for free to make sure everyone has access to the music. If you feel inclined to provide further support, donations are accepted and truly appreciated."
 While Chance's music may not be my cup of tea, he has definitely hooked young people from all walks of life. The rapper is accumulating heightened respect for being true to his musical creativity and not "selling out" to the record companies, while continuing to be loyal to his fellow musicians.
I discovered the rapper is pursuing a more organic career that protects his creativity as opposed to bowing to record companies who promise to line his pockets, while steering his career like a three year-old on a big wheel. The philosophy seems more in line with John Lennon's deep-seeded wishes to pursue creating rather than conquering the world in a somewhat "puppet-like" musical career. 
Chance makes the music he wants to make & it appears to have depth and meaning, however hard it may be for mature ears. My respect goes out to this 21-year old who is focused on making his music and being true to his friends (band members "Social Experiment").
This song is a creative piece that I admit to enjoying -- it is a remake of a PBS theme song for "Arthur," which my children watched for years. The performance is pretty cool I must say: 

https://soundcloud.com/chancetherapper/everyday-wonderful-arthur

OK--the following song is NOT for everyone & I don't need a mailbox full of complaints...so listen in the vein of curiosity if you are brave (and don't listen to this at work ;)

https://soundcloud.com/chancetherapper/chance-the-rapper-the-social-experiment-know-betta-blues

My message is this:  This musician connects with young people. You and I may not like it. But I'm pretty sure a lot of adults did not approve of The Beatles or KISS...but their presence in society has sustained. It's likely that musicians/rappers such as Chance will be relevant for many years. So educate yourself and embrace the message. The messenger may be a little hard to embrace...but suspicious looking & sounding messengers have been appearing in the world for thousands of years...eh?

I challenge you to impress the youngster that mows your lawn with his ear buds & raggedy clothes...tell him you think Chance the Rapper has a great message. 
You may get props for being hip. (or is that hops for being hip ...)

Want to learn more? Here's an article from his website:
http://www.thefader.com/2015/01/29/chance-the-rapper-donnie-trumpet-the-social-experiment-cover-story


Lanea's Short Movie Review:
While chillin' last week, I watched what I would describe as a "music movie," the 2014 film "Whiplash." An ambitious college student strives for acceptance as a drummer into a university's highly regarded jazz studio band. The jazz band instructor, Terence Fletcher, is played by J. K. Simmons (the Farmers Insurance guy) & he is exceptional as the abusive instructor. The intensity & strong undercurrent of the film made it difficult for me to relax afterward (much like the UK-Wisconsin game). 
Simmons deserved the Oscar he won for the role. The instructor's abusive method mirrored that of hot-tempered sport coaches (think Bobby Knight) wherein he relied on abuse to raise perfection from his players. The story was terrific & the acting impeccable.  I give it 5 drumsticks.


FROM JUDE SOUTHERLAND KESSLER,
author of The John Lennon Series:

Hi My Friends,

April 1, 2015, was a sad day. The death of Cynthia Lennon has really knocked the wind out of me. I'm usually the "family rock," but this one has been extremely difficult. I've studied Cynthia's life constantly for 30 years...learning something new about her each day. I feel as if I've lost a best friend. 

Jude's tribute to Cynthia is here:
 http://www.thefest.com/cynthia-lennon-shine-on/

But if anyone can cheer us up, Dennis Ferrante can. He is, without a doubt, my favorite guest on The John Lennon Hour. If you don't know Dennis, I can only say he is pure joy...pure happiness. He was John's sound engineer at the Record Factory, and if you've never heard him tell the story of meeting John and Yoko for the first time, YOU MUST! It is hilarious!!!!!!  Dennis has worked with Cher, Hall and Oates, Alice Cooper, and so many others...and he won a Grammy for his faithful restoration of Duke Ellington's works. I promise you'll enjoy every second of this show. Dennis is one of life's great people. I feel so blessed to have him on the program for the 3rd time.

 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thejohnlennonhour/2015/04/03/johns-sound-engineer-dennis-ferrante-makes-you-smile




UPCOMING:

THIS SUNDAY - Lanea will be at Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (April 12)  - 1:30 p.m. - here's a link to the event:
http://evpl.org/events/search/event.aspx?id=41556 



Thank you for this great review, Sara Schmidt, of the "Meet The Beatles For Real" blog !
http://www.meetthebeatlesforreal.com/2015/04/book-review-recipe-records-culinary.html 

Hippity Hop,

Lanea Stagg
www.reciperecordscookbook.com
blog:  www.rockblocks3.blogspot.com
Facebook:  RecipeRecords Cookbook (send request)
Twitter:  @Recipe Records
Radio:  www.blogtalkradio.com/recipe records