Every so often...

   Every so often, every once and a while, a book, television show, movie or song will grab my attention, taking me beyond just the entertainment value and causing me to stop and listen, I mean really listen, and think about the message. Why this particular song or story? Why now? Why should I pay attention. What's going on?

   While traveling to see family and friends recently and very tired of listening to Christmas carol after Christmas carol on the local radio stations, I changed the station to find something different and more entertaining on my recently acquired Sirius XM radio (3 month introductory free trial) and after listening to a few relatively unknown artists and almost ready to change the station again, 7 Years, a song sung by Lukas Graham caught my attention. Its tune and words were somewhat haunting to me. By far it was not from a Top 20 list nor have the world recognition of something sung by Adele. But the words and melody have  remained in my thoughts and after listening to the song several time I often find myself reflecting back to being 7 years old... if I can remember back that far.

   Like all good 70 year olds, I did a Google search of Lukas Graham and I am still not sure who he is. But I do like the song.
   I am sure there are many obscure writers and musicians out there who write and create some wonderful and meaningful songs and stories each day. For whatever reason, not everyone can be or do they need to be a James Taylor or some other famous writer and composer. They just need insight. Sometimes the best  comes from someone relative unknown  and when we least expect it.

   Below are the lyric to 7 Years. I hope you will take the time to read them. And it you would like to hear the words with the music, I have attempted to include a link to the  song too. Just copy and paste (I think). Hope you enjoy...

7 Years

sung by Lukas Graham

   "Once I was seven years old, my mamma told me... go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely. Once I was seven years old.

   It was a big big world, but we thought we were bigger. Pushing each other to the limits, we won't learn them quicker. 

   By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor. Never rich. So we were out to make that steady figure.

   Once I was eleven years old, my daddy told me... go get yourself a wife or you'll be lonely.

   Once I was eleven years old. I always had that dream like my daddy before me. So I started writing songs, I started writing stories, something about the glory, just always seemed to bore me cause only those I really love will ever really know me.

   Once I was twenty years old, my story got told before the morning sun, when life was lonely.

   Once I was twenty years old. I only see my goals, I don't believe in failure cause I know the smallest voices, they can make it major. I got my boys with me at least those in favor. And if we don't lead before I leave, I hope I'll see you later.

   Once I was 20 years old, my story got told. I was writing about everything I saw before me. Once I was 20 years old.

   Soon we'll be 30 years old, and our songs have been sold. We've traveled around the world and we're still roaming. Soon we'll be 30 years old.

   I'm still learning about life. My woman brought children for me so I can sing them all my songs and I can tell them stories. Most of my boys are with me. Some are still out seeking glory. And some I had to leave behind. My brother... I'm still sorry

   Soon I'll be 60 years old, my daddy got 61. Remember life and then your life becomes a better one. I made the man so happy when I wrote a letter once

   I hope my children come and visit, once or twice a month. Soon I'll be 60 years old. Will I think the world is cold or will I have a lot of children who can bore me. Soon I'll be 60 years old. Soon I'll be 60 years old. Will I think the world is cold or will I have a lot of children who can bore me. Soon I'll be 60 years old.

   Once I was seven years old, my mama told me... Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely. Once I was seven years old.

   Once I was seven years old....”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jErJimwom94

http://genius.com/Lukas-graham-7-years-lyrics

'Tis the season, as they say...

   It has been several weeks since I put up a post. It's not that there has been nothing to talk about. Quite the contrary. There has been lots to talk about; Paris, San Bernardino, air planes blown out of the skies, numerous terror threats. Truthfully for me, the list is somewhat frightening.

   And we surely can not ignore those 'insightful' political debates, where we learn how, if elected, each candidate would solve the world's problems and bring order back to a planet that currently seems to be spinning out of control. Can these people really be serious?

   Of course, not to be outdone by the national and international news, events and the latest happenings coming out of Augusta don't paint a very constructive and hopeful picture for the upcoming legislative session. Impeachment! Really? I am not a big fan of the current Governor - I suspect he might be on Santa's naughty list. but don't we have more pressing issues at hand?

   It is, however, the holiday season and regardless of one's faith and beliefs, for me it still serves as a time to take a step back and reflect, not on the issues that I cannot control, but those that I can.

   Now...it's at this point that I might put together my Christmas wish list.

   I don't need new underwear, as may be suggested on some television commercials. So anyone thinking about that as a gift for me, take the 20% Kohl's discount card and buy something for yourself, or better yet, buy a sweater or winter coat and donate it to the Salvation Army or local shelter. The last thing I need is new underwear, a tie, or one of those $89 dress shirts. And, I recently upgraded my cell phone and bought a new sweatshirt, so I'm all set there too. Now, if I could just learn to text! :) 

   So what does someone who will be turning 70 years old this coming year really have on his Christmas list?

   A few holiday cookies would be nice, but not too many. I really don't need the sugar.

    I think my list looks very different today when compared to lists of years past. It's not about wanting 'things' anymore. New golf clubs? No. But having the energy and taking the time to get out and walk more, even if it's just around the block with Lucky, our dog, is a gift I can give to myself.

   I worry about the future, not for me, but for future generations, my children and grandchildren and their families. Will they be living in a world where, based upon decisions made today and tomorrow, decisions based upon today's fears and anger, it will limit their ability to have the hopes and dreams we once had for our world?

   So on my Christmas list, I want to have an open door so they can at least  come home and enjoy the safety and comfort of 'family' and friends, both today and in the future.

   On my list, I want a another list, a list of the lessons I have learned about life. Now, I am old and with age comes perspective, the ability to look back at all the dumb and stupid things I did and the lessons learned from those. If I can share some of those lessons with others, helping them to avoid mistakes similar to the ones I made....OK. I am not talking about buying a Ford instead of a Chevy. I am talking about the really important stuff in life!

   My list is not going to include the age old platitude of 'peace on earth and goodwill to men (and women)'. But for just one day, it would really be nice to turn on the television or radio and not hear the reports of the number of people killed in a shootout, the carpet bombing to see if the sand glows in the desert or the insults and name calling being shared on the political stage. Unfortunately, the reports will continue as long as we listen.

   But here is a solution, at least for me.  I find that I have a much better day it I don't turn on the television first in the morning, in fact, maybe not at all that day and instead retreat to my workshop, mow the lawn or fire up the outdoor pizza oven, cook up a few brick oven pizzas and share with friends. (Is the bread dough ready yet?)

   Now, I know there are some out there who will criticize me, claiming that by avoiding the news and all the 'talking' heads I am putting my head in the sand. But for just one day, is that a bad thing? And by the way, the pizza is really good.

   Growing up in the 1950's, my Christmas list of toys and clothes was long and probably expensive. Did I get everything I hoped for? Of course not. And the response from my parents? “Well, there is always next year”!

   My list is very different today and I know I will not get everything that I hope for. If not, as my parents often said...at least  I do hope there will be a next year.

Oh, just  one more thing....Can I have just a bit more Eggnog..... please?

                                        Happy Holidays