When Words Fail # 2 - Kris Kristofferson - Why Me Lord

Kris Kristofferson - One of the most powerful songs I have ever heard.

When Words Fail - #1 John Denver - I Want to Live

Here is the first in my list of songs that have motivated me and comforted me.  I list them in no particular order.

Today, John Denver - I Want to Live

 

PBS - The Great American Read

The Great American Read - PBS

PBS has a list of what they consider America’s 100 most-loved books.  I am attempting to read these books by the end of the year.

First is my all time favorite story:  Anne of Green Gables.

 

 

 

Stay tuned for the next one!

Moina Michael's First Poppy

Moina Michael, the Poppy Lady is the originator of the idea of using the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for our fallen servicemen in World War II.  In November 1918 Ms. Michael was inspired by John McCrae's poem, In Flanders Field to her poem, We Shall Keep the Faith. She also went to Wanamaker's Department store and purchases several poppies. She vowed to wear a poppy in remembrance. She campaigned not only to have the poppy adopted as the symbol of remembrance but also for the sale of poppies to support returning disabled veterans. as a result of Ms. Moina's efforts the American Legion adopted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance in 1921.

This is one of the original poppies. It is now on exhibit at the University of Georgia Special Collections Library in Athens, Georgia.  

To learn more about Moina Michael check out the Moina Michael Poppy Project. 

We Shall Keep the Faith

Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,

Sleep sweet - to rise anew!

We caught the torch you threw

And holding high, we keep the Faith

With All who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led;

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies,

But lends a lustre to the red

Of the flower that blooms above the dead

In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy Red

We wear in honor of our dead.

Fear not that ye have died for naught;

We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought

In Flanders Fields

 

                                                                                                                      

Wings - First Film to Win an Academy Award

Starring Clara Bow, Jobyna Ralston, Richard Arlen and Charles "Buddy" Rogers

I highly recommend this film to anyone who is interested in early cinema, WWI, and airplanes.  This long film (2 hrs. 21 min.) tells the story of two friends who are in love with the same woman. The men become fighter pilots in World War I. While some may be disappointed in the story line remember this film was made in 1927 and copied many times over.  The dogfight sequences are spectacular even by today's computer generated standards.

 

 

Buddy Rogers, Clara Bow, and Richard Arlen

Friday Finds - Jerry Reed

While visiting the University of Georgia Special Collections Library I saw Jerry Reed's guitar.  Jerry Reed was an amazing singer, songwriter, actor, and one of the best entertainers ever.

  

Current Read and Drink: Ty Cobb and sweet tea

This week's combo is the ultimate southern American coupling:  Baseball's greatest player and the most refreshing drink every created.  Ty Cobb was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. He had a lifetime batting average of .366 and 4189 hits.  Over the years many stories have been written about Ty Cobb, some of them true and some of them outright lies.  For some reason in the early 1960's a disreputable writer published a now discredited "biography" which became the basis of a bad movie bearing Ty Cobb's name.

The book, Ty Cobb: A Terrible Beauty by Charles Leerhsen sets out to tell the story of Ty Cobb, the man.  It is a great read.  Well researched, Leerhsen presents an interesting look at Ty Cobb, baseball in the early 20th century, and our nation during this time.  I highly recommend this book.

 If interested here's a link to order the book from my favorite independent bookstore: Avid Bookshop in Athens, GA.  In the spirit of full disclosure I do not receive any compensation on any sales of this boo.  I just support independent booksellers and authors.

http://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9781451645798

Now the drink.  Traditionally southerns love their sweet tea.  Everyone has their own recipe.  Until recently I always drank my tea unsweetened.  Most days I still do.  I prefer unsweetened tea with my meals.  However, a truly relaxing afternoon for me is to sit on my balcony with a nice cold glass of sweet tea and a good book.  Type in "best southern tea ever" and you will find a multitude of recipes. Experiment until you find your perfect tea.  I prefer Luzianne brand tea.  Again, I receive no compensation for this endorsement.  It is just my taste preference.  What is universal is that you must add the sugar while the tea is still hot or it will not dissolve correctly.

What is your current read and drink?