Year: 2014

Eve’s Favorite Book

On By scottpetersenIn Mary Cassatt, Taj Books International1 Comment
My granddaughter Eve just turned two!   As I mentioned in my Christmas email, the days seem long (sometimes ever-so-long) but the years go fast.  I can’t believe that Eve is now two years old. 
One of her favorite activities is books.  Books books and more books.  Books before bed.  Books with breakfast.  Books any time.  For the last year – or more – when having her diaper changed, she would call out “Book!”  And a book would be delivered into her hands.  And she would look at it (sometimes upside down) intently.  Flipping pages.  Then tossing it aside and calling out “Book!”   
One of her favorite books is a book with few words.  It is a $5.00 art book that we bought at the Art Institute of Chicago.  It is titled Mary Cassatt published by Taj Books International of Cary, NC.  The book features Mary Cassatt’s (1844-1926) paintings of mothers – and babies.  Eve stares intently at the pictures — turning pages.  Looking.  Pondering.  And then moving on.  “Baby” she’ll say – and point.  Or “A mommy.”  
If you are looking for a very special gift for a very special little person, you probably could not spend your $5.00 bill any better.  Amazon features only the Kindle edition (from what I could see) but I’m sure that book stores may have the real McCoy.  If you really can’t find a copy, and really want one, let me know and I’ll walk over the Art Institute and pick one up for you (if it’s still in stock).  It will make a little someone very happy.   🙂          

Music Videos

On By scottpetersenIn Corydon Trio, Music videos, Scott & the Bookends1 Comment

I play guitar. Fairly well. And I love to play the Blues (see post of April 20, 2012). I play some drums learned from my old friend Paul S. of the “Shadows of Knight” (I went to high school with the Shadows).  I sometimes sit at the computer and play along with music videos or downloads.  And sing.   Do you ever log on to music videos? Some of the best I’ve seen are the following – some of which have literally millions of “listens.”  Oh come ON.  Check it out.  At least, check out Little Richard:
Spencer Davis – “Gimme some Lovin'” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxA3atHD2QM  (1966 – really good stuff)

“Rock Me Baby” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4OXrmxDp44 (the original was taken down – now see BB King) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK_AwCjK0Ak  

Little Richard  – “Good Golly Miss Molly” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ6h0kyqSRk  (you have got to watch this!  Please!  You will not regret it.  I promise you will smile)

Jerry Lee Lewis – “Great Balls of Fire” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IjgZGhHrYY  (for a 3 piece group – an amazing presentation)

Billy Lee Riley – “My Gal is Red Hot” –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KylmByeB6bg      

Kenny Chesney – “She Thinks my Tractor’s Sexy” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWu4aynBK7E (there are several iterations of the video.  This is a good one.  Great for boot scootin’)

Michael Jackson – “Thriller” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG6oy46qKE4 (best music video of the ’80’s.  I miss MJ’s creativity)

Lady Gaga (Yeah – Lady Gaga) – “Poker Face” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bESGLojNYSo  (her best. . . nearly 200 million hits!)

I continue to tell Donna I should get my old group back together (I played in college with “Scott and the Bookends” – two girls and me – and the “Corydon Trio’).  But Donna keeps saying “Don’t quit the day job, Elvis.”  (Sigh)  Wait a minute. . . . maybe Lady Gaga needs a backup guitarist. . . . .

Swedes and Danes

On By scottpetersenIn Swedes and Danes1 Comment

My mother’s heritage is Swedish. My father’s was Danish. When my parents announced their engagement in 1942, their respective families said “you are marrying a Swede?” “A Dane?” “You are no longer my son.” “My daughter.” It was bad.  When I was born, my mother’s parents refused to see me for several weeks (“that little Dane“). Then my mother’s father came to see me and I guess I put on a show because everything got a little better.     

I have always had a slight inward “harrumph” when people spell my name wrong. “PetersOn” is a Swedish spelling. “PetersEn” is the Danish spelling. And all too often I see scrawled on cards from people we know well – “PetersOn.” Mercy – my father’s family would have a hissy fit.  So do I.  Inwardly. . . .

Today, most people look upon Swedes and Danes (and – save me – Norwegians) as all the same. But they are different culturally.  Trust me.  There is an old story about a dozen Swedes, a dozen Danes and a dozen Norwegians who all suddenly find themselves grouped together in a room. In a half hour, the Danes are off having a party. The Norwegians are off skiing. And the Swedes are still standing around waiting to be introduced.  That’s probably not a bad characterization.  Me?  I’m probably the quintessential half and half.  Let’s have a party. . . . after we’re introduced. . . . .