Photos and Music: Memba' When?

Once in a while, I file through the video productions I’ve created as a form of reminiscent comfort.  Hot, pomegranate tea, my comfy office and early morning…work flow… allows me to wallow in my fascination with the wonderful folks who’ve shared their time by allowing me to write or to take photos of events. Photos and music each mark time, don’t they?

I’m still sorting through BOXES OF BLESSINGS, filled with images of faces and places of both my parents’ 80-plus year, life journey and my wondrous, whimsical trek. I found vinyl, record albums embedded with scratchy, musical renditions by the classic artists: Gilbert and Sullivan; George Gershwin, Benny Goodman; Cab Calloway; Doris Day and Lena Horne – to name a few.

Then there’s the round, tin, cookie can filled with 45 rpm (remember those?) records that I received as gifts when I was a kid: Glen Campbell, Tanya Tucker, The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, Bad Company, The Monkees, The Partridge Family, The Beatles, Carole King, Bobby Sherman. Who?  Julie, Julie, Julie, do you love me? Julie, Julie, Julie, do you care?

STOP!  I’d bet that when an old song comes alive, YOU remember your timeline: who you were with and WHY the music is evocative – good, bad, life-changing, or FUN!  For example, I ALWAYS listen to CLASSIC rock n’ roll or snappy, disco music when I’m working out. Lynyrd Skynyrd, Van Halen, Donna Summer and dare I say, The Village People, keep me in a physical groove.

I listen to smooth jazz when I’m writing or driving near the beach; I listen to Christian rock, the Top 40 and classical music at my discretion. For a few years, I’ve been enjoying line-dancing lessons at The Stampede in Temecula. Country music is one of my fave playlists. I'd never have thought Miranda Lambert, Trace Atkins, Brad Paisley, Johnny Cash and Taylor Swift could positively flavor my musical taste -- never, ever, ever.

When I’m creating a storyboard, I check out some of the Hip-Hop, rap jingles: The TUNES can be snappy, but the lyrics are usually rife with a FOUL, arcane language.  Humming such a song wouldn’t be so bad until choice profanity comes out of MY MOUTH, costumed as music. Then it’s ENTIRELY BOGUS to apologize for using words that AREN’T FRENCH! Thus, I steer clear, else Mackelmore (Thrift Store Feat) profanely emphasizes and ingrains the word, ‘awesome’ in my head.

I’ve made a decision to steer clear of the television, too. I happily returned the subscription cable box last week. I joyously gave away my last, antiquated, TV set. It didn’t make sense to own a TV in my intrepid youth because I was either working quite a bit, traveling, playing outdoors, or visiting family members with whom I could watch movies. 

When I married and had my son, television had its place. Up until my dad passed away last summer, he watched certain programs, like clockwork. When my son is with me, he channels into sports (but he’s staying with his dad, for a while). When Duck Dynasty became MY show of preference (I love Uncle Si), I KNEW I had to get a life; that’s a fact, Jack!

So, this morning, I’m adding and deleting some of the video footage and stories in my archives. I came across one of my favorites: The Murrieta Fire Department BBQ (2012). The music in the video montage certainly brings back memories. As a retired firefighter / paramedic with the City of Stockton, the footage evokes an unparalleled, professional era when I SEE the boundless youth and enthusiasm of the Explorers. Last year, I tasted the scrumptious BBQ prepared (for days) by the illustrious members of the MFD, which brought to mind the reason for ANY fire department’s existence: To serve the community. MFD's gracious hospitality is exceeded only by the venue and the food fare.

The Annual Fireman’s BBQ is slated for Sunday, April 14: 11:30 am to 4:30 pm. at the Murrieta Community Center, directly across from headquarters: Fire Station 1. 41825 Juniper St.

Tickets are $9 for adults; $6 for children under 12. Yes! Tix can be purchased on line: www.facebook.com/mfa3540

If you have any questions, call: 951.304.3473

The MFD collective ensures that there’s enough going on to keep guests entertained with music, with equipment demos, with fire station tours and THE EXPLORERS’ COMPETITIVE MUSTER. Bring your family, friends, dancing shoes, appetite and your camera. I take pride in showcasing the footage from last year, seasoned with MUSIC from Motown. Memba when?