I chose the title of this blog to go with a Beatles song from 1969. The title made sense in October of 2009 because fighting cancer might be a drawn out challenge. I take inspiration where I can, and hope to motivate with my musings about music, my status and anything else related to life. Anyone can post comments; no sign in or account is needed, just click on the comments section towards the bottom of the post and write me a note. A splendid time is guaranteed for all. Live Happy- Greg
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." Mark Twain
This past post Christmas weekend we made it to Cannon Beach Oregon where my family put us up in a nice Hotel (Ocean Lodge.) The weather was cold but clear, and we were treated to a nice low tide to be able to get up close and personal with Haystack Rock. The best surprise was the More Cowbell T-shirts, my very own cowbell, and matching watch caps for all. Mary and Alice did the thinking, if we had a karaoke machine I would've done the singing. Here's to the real Blue Oyster Cult and a live version of Don't Fear the Reaper:
I hope Christmas was peaceful and reflective for everyone. I was finally able to get my blood levels up to mostly normal and spent some quality time in Cannon Beach with my extended family. We had a great time, including More Cowbell T Shirts and personalized watch caps for all. Mary from Nebraska and Alice from Utah accomplished a surprise unveiling the shirts and caps. We had Washington, Oregon, Utah and Nebraska represented at the Ocean Lodge. I will post some pics when I get them... I go in to the Doctors today to find out if I start chemo this week for session #5. Off to work early for now, I have a lot of catching up to do for another short week. "Ticket To Ride" was one of many hits released in early 1965 from the Help album. John wrote most of it and used to comment it was the first heavy metal song due to it's heavy bass line. Paul played the lead guitar part...Here's an rare live "Ticket to Ride" version:
Merry Christmas! My family hopes your Christmas is peaceful and quiet. I am feeling much better and taking a break from blood tests for a day. After tomorrow's test I know I will be better and able to do some visiting on the Oregon Coast. This version of the standard Silent Night is done by Sixpence None the Richer, a Christian/soft rock duo (you may have heard Kiss Me or There She Goes.) I am a big fan of singer Leigh Nash's vocals.
It is Christmas Eve, and therefore my best wishes go out to everyone for a stress free peaceful day. "Yes it is" was a b side of the Ticket to Ride single from 1965, it was included on an American album Beatles VI and later best of albums. I am also hoping that today is the day I get a good blood test. I have been struggling with inordinately low white, red, and platelets numbers for about a week now. I ended up spending all day in the hospital this past Tuesday for transfusions of blood and platelets. Now I am trying to get better to be able to visit family at the Oregon Coast this weekend. Today's test will be the deciding one...MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Anytime any of us feels we have it tough and things aren't going as we'd like, we know deep down inside that there are others less fortunate than us. Please take a look at Tony Melendez. He is a Nicaraguan born without arms who started to play guitar at age 16, eventually playing for Pope John Paul, and many other dignitaries. He of course is known in the inspirational community as a very important figure who has won awards and continues to tour and minister to many. He has a lot of videos on youtube and other sites, his Let It Be version might be short, but it's quite good. Cathy, thanks for sharing his talent with me. Living Happy, it's almost Christmas!
*Please check out the changed comments section, I made a change allowing anonymous posting of comments, you just have to use a pull down "anonymous profile" if you don't have a computer profile.
Happy and healthy good morning to everyone! These pictures come from an event where Rain, a Beatles tribute band re-created the Beatles arriving in America event from 1964. This also coincided with the Seattle Museum of Flight receiving the mothballed Concorde (2004.) Note the likenesses... There are hundreds if not more Beatles tribute bands out there, new groups spring up all the time. On a side note, if you ever get a chance to see Rain live, I highly recommend the show. "Good Morning, Good Morning" was a rocker from the 1967 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Album, a John composition with all sorts of animal sounds and as John said, "gobbledygook" running through it. I received word from Fred Hutch and my insurers that I am good to go for local treatment and will be covered, a national search will begin Monday. Not having to leave the state will be very nice, although part of me was looking forward to going to warmer climes. It takes a few months to complete a national bone marrow search through the registry, I'm staying positive and praying for the best. Thanks for the support and inspiration (and stories of snow, deer, mountain lions, and other not-so-Enumclaw experiences that I love reading about in the comments section!) Happy Christmas week- off to work I go.
Happy Friday, it's almost Christmas week. I hope everyone is ready for a new year and better times. I am still waiting on final decisions from the insurance co. and doctors, but am feeling pretty good. I just completed loading some Beatles songs on the itunes and almost forgot about this 1968 George Harrison gem in the rough. The group actually recorded part of The Inner Light in India during one of their Indian journeys. It was the "B" side to the Lady Madonna single from 1968 and the first time a George song had been put on a single. If you've seen the Concert for George (held just after his death in 2001) you might have seen Jeff Lynne of ELO complete a haunting performance of The Inner Light. Other than that, the song was included in the obscure Beatles Rarities, and later on the Past Master Volume 2 album. Here are some of the simple lyrics: "With out going out of my door I can know all things of earth, with out looking out of my window I can know things of heaven." What's it mean to you? (George got it from a Sanskrit translation of the Tao Te Ching.)
I just wanted to get out some some news about my Aetna/Fred Hutch struggles. There might be a fix in the works as of a phone call yesterday. They tell they they are working on a solution that would allow me to pursue a bone marrow transplant in Seattle since I began my pursuit prior to the contractual problem. Happy Thursday- Phil, the title is for you. Greg
I said earlier that I would try to include other music besides The Beatles that made impact on our culture and the times. Well, in 1962 The Rolling Stones began to do just that. The five lads from England started releasing singles and albums just after or about the same time as The Beatles, but in many ways were polar opposites. Instead of Pop Rock and Roll, the "Stones" were Blues, Rock and Soul. The Stones toured the US in 1964 in part to visit Chess Studios in Chicago where many Blues greats had recorded. The Stones first single was a cover of Chuck Berry's "Come On" which didn't do too well. *Their second single was penned by none other than Lennon and McCartney; "I Wanna Be Your Man." Man went to #12 in the U.K., and led to other hits like Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away." There will be more Stones history in future posts, but I can't avoid calling out the impact that they had on early rock music and culture. Stick around, we might learn something new... I am out of the hospital and officially done with half of my 8 session chemo protocol. So far so tasteless! (You lose your ability to taste while on chemo quite a lot.) I am looking forward to getting over the hump and on my way to remission. Thank you so much for all of the comments and inspiration family and friends! Live Happy- Greg
At about the same time as the release of "No Reply" Petula Clark recorded and released "Downtown" (October 1964.) It went to number 1 in the U.S. in early 1965 at about the same time as Beatlemania was cresting. Today I look out onto a medium size downtown Tacoma though this fourth session of chemo, I watched the snowflakes fluttering with little to no potential of causing me damage yesterday. Today, I see the drifting odor of Tacoma move across the sky towards the north as the city wakes. Tonight should be my last night in Tacoma this session as the city lights will help me drift off to sleep. "Downtown" brings back memories of my Mother singing in the house as a youngster and the upbeat lights of the city thing remains as a positive memory even if I turned out to be a bit of a country boy. I am just starting my second of four Ara-C chemo 2-3 hour infusions and dealing with the nausea that comes with it. So far, so good. Give Petula a listen for that good old nostalgia feeling.
For you fans of earlier rock and roll, there was a song called "Silhouettes" by the Rays recorded in 1957. According to many Beatles critics, John Lennon tried to write a song similar to Silhouettes and came up with "No Reply" as the first track on the follow up to A Hard Day's Night album recorded in the fall of 1964. The album was packaged differently in the U.S. and origianlly came over to us as Beatles '65. No Reply tells the story of a guy seeing his girl with someone else. The Beatles were under pressure to release an album before Christmas and abandoned their all original format to make the cut. Beatles For Sale had eight originals and six covers. The originals also went into darker territory telling stories about realistic situations as opposed to the happy go lucky love stories of earlier songs. Heck, they aren't even smiling on the original album cover...Listen to John, he changes his voice a bit and sounds more cutting edge than earlier John vocals.
I made it through my 25 hour methotrexate chemo infusion just fine, am starting to get metal mouth taste but other than that feel fine. I start a series of chemo infusions ending with ara-c hopefully by Tuesday. Happy Football Sunday!
In mid 1964 the Beatles moved from albums comprised of originals and covers, to an album where all of the songs were originals. A Hard Day's Night was the third complete studio album by the Beatles, it also happened to support a new Beatles movie. In the early years John Lennon was definitly writing the majority of songs and usually singing those songs. A Hard Day's Night was no different. The first song on the first side of the album, and also the first single released, A Hard Day's Night is a standard rock and roll romp. When the group decided to write a soundtrack for a Beatles movie, John reportedly hurried to write the title track and did so in one day. The group recorded the song in less than a day, which is pretty quick as well. My connection to the song is multi-faceted. As I sit here in St. Joseph's Hospital knowing that I have methotrexate flowing into me from 2:00PM today until 2:00 PM (or later) tomorrow tells me that it will be one of those hard day's nights. Additionally, I love the opening chords of the song. It sends chills up my spine kind of like this morning when the doctor wasn't too careful with his big needle sticking into my spine. He hit the spinal cord at the wrong angle which was an eye opener. They were checking my spinal fluid and injecting my spine with some chemo. So far so good though with session 4, hopefully when I am half way done soon it will be downhill to the finish. Have a great weekend and thanks for the words of wisdom and support!
I felt like talking about Harmony today, hence the Eagles classic "Seven Bridges Road." The photo was taken on the extreme northeast corner of Maui in 2007 of myself and another tourist communicating with the feral donkey's who reside in the countryside there. There might be more than seven bridges on that road... The attached video shows the Eagles circa 1977 (not 2005 like it says) when their five part harmonies were in fine form. At times it seems to me we could all use a bit of harmony to move us forward. It's too bad that people can't come together more often like this video shows is possible. On the cancer front, I am hoping to get a bed this morning to get this fourth chemo session goingand over with by Monday or Tuesday. Talk soon- Greg
Good morning, we set a new low temp record in Seattle last night, it's a toasty 15 here at our house. Paul McCartney wrote "Fool" in 1967 reportedly about his experience with the Maharishi in India. It was included on the Magical Mystery Tour EP. I use it today because I was a good example of being a fool on the hill Monday. I took Natalie and Sam up to the the mountains in search of Christmas trees with forest permits. We were the only people on the road, and as it turned out we did not have cell coverage or anything else really to help us survive getting stuck in snow and ditches four times. We all got to dig out using implements like tree branches, and the two saws I brought along for the ride. The event turned into a bonding experience, and when it started to get dark the bonding became a bit more like survival. I learned to carry chains even when I didn't think I'd need them, Natalie learned to leave her purse at home, and Sam learned I take too many chances. *My chemo session slated for today has been pushed back at least a day, hopefully I start tomorrow. Have a good hump-day!
The Beatles second album released in the U.K. was With The Beatles, and featured a mixture of standards and new originals from the boys. The album was recorded in September and released in November of 1963, just before the Beatlemania explosion to the U.S. Just after Beatlemania hit the U.S. English Entrepreneurs developed The Beatles, a new Saturday morning cartoon. It aired on ABC television from 1965 to 1969 (moved around a bit and there were many re-runs.) Each episode was based on a song or songs and featured the lads (voiced by other-than Beatles) as they moved through zany fun-filled experiences. The attached is one such episode. This cartoon series was the first Saturday morning cartoon to model after real people. It might be worth a laugh today... The song is an example of early an Beatles love-relationship song.
Tiger is not the only celebrity to have ever had issues surrounding fidelity. John wrote a song in 1965 that he described later as a ditty about an affair he had had, or it being about affairs in general. "Norwegian Wood" (This Bird Has Flown) broke a lot of new ground for the Beatles and music in general at the time. It transformed the Beatles from songs like "She Loves You" to a darker (and more realistic for them and celebrities) side. The song also was different in that George played a sitar for the first time on a Beatles record. The morals of the 1960's... a connection to today? I am doing well right now since I am post chemo almost two weeks. I do start my fourth chemo session next Wednesday. My lovely daughter Natalie and Son-in-law Sam arrive tonight from Hawaii, we are excited about the visit! We plan to cut some Christmas trees down this weekend and visit with my sister and her husband from Oregon as well. Have a great weekend, live happy.
For us late baby boomers Bruce Springsteen and his breakthrough 1975 album Born To Run had to have been listened to or remembered. The opening track was the power ballad "Thunder Road" - I just happened to start my workout up with this morning. Some lyrics resonated once again, let's just say I'm not the the only one who's had some trying times of late, and I took a lot of inspiration from the song, particularly the last lines of the song... "And in the lonely cool before dawn
You hear their engines roaring on
But when you get to the porch they're gone
On the wind, so Mary climb in
It's a town full of losers
And I'm pulling out of here to win."
First of all, I am thankful that the Seattle Police Officer who confronted wanted killer Maurice Clemmons this morning is OK. I hope the ending of Clemmons' life will help the Lakewood Officers families and loved ones to start healing.
In 1963 the Beatles produced their first album in the U.K., Please Please Me. In the early days the Beatles didn't write all of their songs and actually covered several songs on the album, including two performed by the Shirelles. "Boys" was one of the standards that they had been performing live before recording albums, and turned out to be the first Ringo song on any Beatles album. The Beatles version is a bit of a rocker as they tried to showcase Ringo's vocal talents. I found this live Spanish version of probably an old European T.V. show to share today.
News: I discovered last night that as I move forward with treatment, Fred Hutchison Cancer Center will not be an option for a bone marrow transplant (There is a contract dispute between U.W. and the insurance company.The "Hutch" would make me pay out of contract fees which would be tremendously expensive as they say Aetna doesn't pay enough to them...) My Brother Alan is not a suitable donor for me either. I am grateful for his willingness to get tested, it just wasn't a match. If I get to remission I will have to go out of state with a national registry donor for a bone marrow transplant if I want to go further than chemo. Keep rocking!
My heart goes out to the Lakewood Police Department, the families, loved ones and all in the Law Enforcement community this morning. This unbelievable senseless violence has to stop! The only Beatles song that I cold think of to pay tribute today was released on November 28 1968. While My Guitar Gently Weeps is famous of course because George Harrison who wrote it, brought in Eric Clapton to add the guitar solo. The result was another hit and a song that goes down in history as one of the top 100 rock and roll songs of all time. I look at you all and see there there might be love there that is sleeping, I hope it is there for the families and friends of the Lakewood Officers.
Happy post Thanksgiving! I have to sneak in one more cute photo from about 1993 or so and Yvonne's first triathlon. Her swim went well but after trying to start on the bike and two or three flat tires she had to give it up. Look at the kids' though!
I hope the food and family ventures went well for everyone. I got some good news Wednesday (bone marrow is clean) and then discovered if I go forward with bone marrow or stem cell transplant that UW Physicians (Part of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center) are in a dispute with my insurance company and probably wont be available to me after Jan 10 2010. Sometimes it is two step forward one step back.
Today's song is from a newer singer-songwriter from Scotland thanks again to free i-tunes from Starbucks. Amy MacDonald will be a name you will eventually hear if you haven't already. "Run" is a broken love I am not giving up on love song. I liked the throaty almost peaty voice and pure talent, please give it a listen. It's meaningful and explosive, with some tenderness at the same time.
*Once more I want to give thanks to Bryan Howard and the ARFF crew for a tremendous Buzz night last week. I am pledging to donate to each of his Big Climb members as they prepare to climb the Columbia Tower this spring, and I hope others will help out the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society in this fund raising/team - building event.
I hope everyone has someone and something to thankful for today, on Thanksgiving Eve. I am thankful for so much, most importantly my Wife Yvonne. I picked "She Loves You" as my blog song today because of how it relates to my life. The song was the largest hit in England ever for the Beatles and eventually broke through into the USA. It was released in the summer of 1963 before the Beatles came to America. It was considered unconventional at the time due to a jazzy ending and the story being told in third person. I always thought the third person was telling a bloke to "pick it up" since he was lucky his girl still loved him after making some mistakes.
The Yeah Yeah Yeah portion of the song was panned by the critics of the day, now of course the Yeah Yeah's almost define the Beatles. Give it a listen again, I hope it stirs some emotion for the simplicity of 1963.
This video is LIVE, I am guessing somewhere from Scandinavia in 1963-1964.
PS: I am off to the Doctor for a chemo booster and to find out my most recent blood and bone marrow results. I will update later. Have a great Thanksgiving, Mikhael is coming home to join us for our intimate family Thanksgiving this morning.
It was early 1965 and the Beatles, especially John Lennon were influenced by Bob Dylan. Just as Bob was going electric from acoustic, the Beatles were tending to go acoustic from electric in songs like this. Originally released on the Help album and soundtrack to the film, "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" has been debated over the years as to the true meaning of the song. The title itself might suggest a hidden meaning. John never commented specifically about this song other than a reference to Dylan (after he wrote it.) Others mentioned references to affairs, Brian Epstein and his homosexuality (which was illegal at the time in England.) The bottom line is the attached video is of great quality and the song has always been known as an acoustic masterpiece. The opening lyric sets the tone: "Here I stand head in hand; Turn my face to the wall; If she's gone I can't go on; Feeling two foot small."
In 1970 the Supergroup Crosby Stills Nash and Young released Deja Vu. One of the lesser know cuts was "Almost Cut My Hair" written by David Crosby. The interesting lyric to some of us might be: "Oh, I tell you baby this increases my paranoia
Yeah, like looking in my mirror and seeing a police car."
Today's song actually goes out to Chief Bryan Howard and the ARFF for setting up a great fund raiser yesterday entitled Greg Dymerski Buzz night. I came buzzed, my brother from Nebraska sent his buzz photo, the Soup Ladies provided a great spread and many people gave financial support to the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society. Some photos attached...More will be on the way.
In the swinging 60's there were many acts competing for the adult contemporary market. Petula Clark burst on the scene in 1964 with the release of Downtown. Her follow up hit was I know a place. There are a couple of catchy lyrics including a reference to Brian Epstein the Beatles Manager that make this a timely tune for today for me. I know a place where Bryan Howard is collecting folks to show support for the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society naming it Greg Dymerski Buzz night. It is being held at the ARFF office, 8190 East Marginal Way South Seattle, WA 98108 Phone: 206-296-7392 from 3PM to 7PM today, November 19th. Session 3 of chemo started well, by the time I make it to Tukwila I will go through another chemo and a hip biopsy for bone marrow disease levels.
There might not be swinging girls and boys or a cellar full of noise, but there will be an atmoshere of its own... Cut happy! See you there around 4PM, Greg
PS: I am in room 10A3 the direct phone is 253-426-6857 ext 127-1013
The year- 1968. The 60's were in full bloom. The Vietnam War and the Tet offensive occurred in January of '68, Robert Kennedy was assassinated in June of '68, the musical world was on fire with psychedelic and protest songs. The energy erupted into riots, racial and political. I was just 9 but remember most of the trauma.
The Beatles came back from India and produced the white album and a couple of singles that went on to be very big indeed. The "B" side to Hey Jude was "Revolution." Some critics believe it to be a prelude to what turned out to be heavy metal. The guitars were pounding, electrified to create a buzz sound. While the title might suggest this is a normal protest song, it actually advocates for a more peaceful (read the lyrics) revolution than was popular at the time.
"You say you want a revolution
Well, you know We all want to change the world. You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know We all want to change the world. But when you talk about destruction Don't you know that you can count me out"
"But when you want money for people with minds that hate. All I can tell is brother you have to wait. Don't you know it's gonna be all right"
This is Rock and Roll in a very pure form. This video was released as part of the Hey Jude television show, the instruments are pre-recorded and the vocals are live.
I start Chemo session #3 today, looking forward to being almost half done!
It's 1966, the Beach Boys (Brian Wilson) are competing almost album for album with the Beatles. Brian Wilson hears Rubber Soul and is inspired to write an album to compete with or even surpass Rubber Soul in terms of technology, harmonies, new directions, etc. The Beach Boys had actually released more albums than the Beatles by 1966; Pet Sounds being their 12th. "God Only Knows" was the opening track on side two of the album and the first single- it's a simple love song with all sorts of new changes and harmonies that until 1966 were unheard of. After Pet Sounds Paul McCartney was so impressed that he and the fabs went to work on Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band... Listen for the changes in tempo, a french horn, and distinct harmonies. Carl Wilson sings lead and Brian harmonizes so well. Beautiful Song.
Today's post is a departure of sorts, Blue Oyster Cult? The only thing in common with the Beatles is that the groups both start with B. BOC started playing in 1967 as the American answer to Black Sabbath. Through some growth the band finally hit pay dirt in 1976 with the release of the album "Agents of Fortune" which included Don't Fear the Reaper. The song saw a major reemergence in 2000 when Saturday Night Live parodied the group with this Will Ferrel/Christopher Walken video (not the best quality) I have attached. The attached picture is of me and some friends doing the same parody in Karaoke. So, I do like some BOC songs, but more importantly- I want to inject some comedy to those who have never seen the video. Time to loosen up a bit... Greg
I had a request from a very wise follower of the blog, and after listening to the song I am glad he made it. I had only heard one song from this artist "One of those days" and as a free download it was a good listen. Joshua Radin and "Brand New Day" makes a lot of sense for how I feel today. I am home after six unscheduled days in the hospital for what turned out to be a bad mouth infection, feel much better, and I will be O.K. I hope you give it a listen as it might help inspire you as well. Check out his songs via the website just click on "music" and listen. I think "one of those days" is also very catchy. You can hear Brand New Day at the bottom... Photos: Me and Peter, while we were at the FBI Academy.(He's a police commander from Denmark.) Sedona view.
I am going off the grid a bit today to help remind myself about what is important in life. So, a song I remember from the 1970's post Beatles and recommended by my brother Alan at the time (that fits in well with now) is the Who's "Getting in Tune." At the time in the mid 70's I just thought a couple of lyrics were really cool, I went on later to discover that the Who completed Who's Next in 1971 after missing on an ambitious Lifehouse Project. The album has some great rock standards like Baba O'Riley, Won't Get Fooled Again, and Behind Blue Eyes. here are a couple of lyrics I remember:
"I get a little tired of having to say "Do you come here often?" But when I look in your eyes and see the harmonies And the heartaches soften"
"I've got it all here in my head There's nothing more needs to be said I'm just bangin' on my old piano I'm getting in tune with the straight and narrow"
I'm getting in tune because I need to as I am leaving the hospital after a long 6 day unscheduled stay, hopefully before lunch time today. Live Happy- Greg
"Getting Better" came out on the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. It was a song known for it's positive message, but with a minor undercurrent. Mainly written by Paul, John threw in a few of the negative lyrics like "it cant get no worse", and "I used to be cruel to my woman." I will take Paul's positive overall tone for myself. I have been breaking fevers again, again this morning down to 98 flat. I am still in hospital until some white blood counts and other less important counts come up. And I am scheduled to start chemo session number three next Wednesday...
My reason for picking this song today is to give me a positive jumpstart into going home at least for a few days. I got here Sunday...
To quote one good lyric; "I have to admit it's getting better, it's getting better, Since you've been mine." To my wife and family- that quote was for you. To everyone else sending all of the positive energy and prayers, oh heck you too.
Since I am on such a see-saw hospital stay this time I will try to give you an up to the minute update knowing that it will clearly change in the next hour! I slept pretty good last night with an average temp of 101.8 to 102.5. Woke up, got outta bed and dragged a washcloth across my head. I proceeded to sweat away most of the fever over the morning hours until finaly at about 1030- my temp was 98.6 (Almost normal for me.) I waited a bit for good measure to report on the news... Sure enough at about 1:00 PM the fever came back to the 101 area. So here I go again I think. I will try to post further updates as the day goes on... Don't feel sorry for me-Live Happy!
* I have been moved from 10B1 to 10C3. My new extension is 127-1033. Paul wrote Let It Be in 1969 whe the Beatles were working on a film, at first the title was to be "Get Back." After a lot of ups and downs the Beatles abandoned most of the project and renamed the project "Let it Be." Paul lost his mother Mary to cancer when he was just 14, and the references to Mary are directly tied to that memory. I lost my mother fairly early too- and find that the I receive wisdom in many of the same ways that Paul wrote about.
"When I find myself in times of trouble Mother Mary comes to me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be. And in my hour of darkness She is standing right in front of me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be. Let it be, let it be."
I am still in the hospital trying to raise some blood levels and beat some infections including strep and staff. I will learn about wearing a mask in public!
Sorry for the lack of posts lately, as you ight imagine I ended up at St. Joe's Sunday, and am still here due to infections and fevers that won't go away. I will try to post something tomorrow morning. My room number is 10B1, the phone number inside is 253-426-4100 extension 127-1021. :) Have a great evening! Greg
For those outside of the Seattle area, suspects in the Officer Brenton murder have been arrested and one was shot (in critical condition) just after the end of the memorial yesterday. It looks like the family will see some justice and in a very timely fashion.
In 1967, the Beatles were looking for projects and singles and John came up with "AYNIL." John wanted to help change the world through his art and this is probably the first easily understood example of that. The message is simple, Love. How one gets to love more, or grow, or treat others better is laid out in the refrain quite often. My favorite lyric is this:
"There's nothing you can do that can't be done;
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung;
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game; It's easy"
Congratulations to the Seattle Police Department and everyone who helped in ending the terror caused by a few people bent on the opposite of love. Greg
After the strike against liberty and all that is good at Fort Hood yesterday I looked for an appropriate song to describe loss and spirit. Today is Officer Timothy Brenton's memorial and while many of us are there to show support, life continues and sometimes we just don't have the answer.
Five For Fighting (John Ondrasik) released "Superman" just before the 9-11 attacks and it went on to become a song of healing for the nation. John has organized many a memorial including albums to support the troops. I hope you listen to other Five For Fighting tunes like "Two Lights" and more, as there are many more similarly healing songs in the collection. Fight Hard, Live Happy- Greg
It might be hard to believe, my first song on shuffle for my bicycle ride this morning was "Across The Universe." The song was originally written just after the trip to India in 1968, and placed on the Let It Be album in 1969. John wrote the song, and considered it is best lyrical composition as a Beatle. There are haunting lyrics, a Sanskrit mantra, but in the end a message of joy and love. In 2003 the Beatles remastered the Let It Be album without all of the Phil Spector over-production and made Let It Be, Naked. The attached video is of that watered down production.
*On another note, I highly recommend the Movie Across the Universe as an escapist way to learn more about the turbulent 60's in modern day England. It's a love-musical story well worth a rental.
Lyrics of note: "Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,
They slither while they pass, they slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open mind,
Possessing and caressing me. Limitless undying love which shines
around me like a Million suns, it calls me on and on Across the universe Jai guru de va om Nothing's gonna change my world, Nothing's gonna change my world."
Today's Beatles song and video come courtesy of an inspired bicycle ride this morning. The three part harmonies were streaming through my room and I couldn't help but notice that the three Beatles John, Paul, and George) singing this song sound a lot like the Beach Boys and other better known harmonizers. The lyrics are simple and very pretty as well. This was one of the last songs written by John as a Beatle, found on the Abbey Road Album circa 1969. The attached video is from the "Anthology" T.V. show highlighting just the vocals. Please give it a listen, kind of eerie. Lyrics:
Ah, because the world is round
it turns me on
Because the world is round
Ah, because the wind is high
it blows my mind
Because the wind is high
Ah, love is old, love is new
Love is all, love is you
Because the sky is blue
it makes me cry
Because the sky is blue
Yes, I turn the big Five Oh today! Tony, you can now call me 5-0. In 1968 I was a mere 8 when The Beatles had just returned from visits to India in and other far flung locales to write the album known by many as the White Album, actually entitled "The Beatles." It was supposed to be a return to their rock and roll roots. Birthday starts side A of the second LP in the set and of course has been re-recorded and used by many an artist and in many implications. Paul and John sing dueling lead vocals and actually co-wrote the song while at the recording session, unusual at the time.
This is me in hairier times at approximately age 6 months, kids of today don't always show off the cowlick!
I made it through session two of chemo and am looking forward to continued success in my battle thanks to all of the inspiration and well wishes. I hope to see you through my travels these next couple of weeks. Greg
I couldn't help but snap a photo this morning when I saw the sunrise on Mt. Rainier. Of course the song that came to mind was "Good Morning, Good Morning." This is another John song from Sgt. Peppers LHCB from 1967 with Paul playing the lead guitar part. It's not a deep meaning song, just sort of a filler with a good beat and added animal sounds thrown in for good measure. I just had to get this photo out, the photo and song name just worked out! I am waiting to finish one last spinal chemo treatment this morning to be driven home by my son Andrew visiting from Colorado. Have a great morning, and please keep the Seattle Police Dept. family in your thoughts and prayers. Greg
A Seattle Police Officer was killed in the line of duty last night. I dedicate this post to the Officer, his loved ones, partner and co-workers. Please keep the officer and all of the Seattle Police Department family in your hearts and prayers.
Late entry today because I had to make my rounds in costume. It was fun as Yvonne joined me on a magical mystery tour of the hospital! We were well received and spread a lot of peace signs and love around. The Beatles (John again) wrote "I am the Walrus" in 1967 and it was the first recording made after the untimely death of the Beatles manager Brian Epstein. John discovered that people were studying and analyzing Beatles song lyrics and threw in some purposeful bizarre lyrics to cause those studying to be a bit confused. I happen to enjoy the police reference even if it was confusing: "Mister city policeman sitting pretty little policemen in a row. See how they fly like Lucy in the Sky, see how they run." And of course, we northwesterners can understand the English rain quote: "Sitting in an English garden waiting for the sun. If the sun don't come, you get a tan from standing in the English rain."
*I also received a C. T. scan report from this morning just now. I have a 90% reduction in my upper chest mass, the report says it was a dramatic reduction and my nurses say they can't remember seeing such a postive radiology report in a long time! I start some more chemo today sometime, and hope to leave the hospital by Monday night. Happy Halloween!
"Woke up, got out of bed, dragged a comb through my head." My dream fininshed with the act of scratching my head and I knew I was having a dream as there was only a few stubby little stubborn hairs left to scratch. I might have been thinking of a Day in the Life due to being moved to a new room last night as my world was changed ever so slightly. So up to shave and try out part of my costume.
John wrote most of this song and Paul contributed the "got out of bed" part for what turned out to be one of the most critically acclaimed Beatles compositions from Sgt. Peppers and the middle era. It is a song telling the story about a famous person being killed in an accident.
Some good friends came through with two major components for my halloween costume and now its either finding a Nehru Jacket or come up with a wild vintage jacket to complete the ensenble. My doctor showed up in a real costume blowing all the patients away this morning as Jane Fonda workout queen. I hope everyone has a scary halloween that is full of treats and not tricks!
My 26 hour straight chemo just finished and I await some news about blood levels prior to starting the next cleansing flush, then another round of chemo called cytarabine (ara-c).
*My new room is 10-C-2 and the phone changed to (253) 426-4100 ext. 127-1032
PS: Look for another big announcement soon, its a good chance to help the Leukemia Lymphoma Society...
I am embarking on my own Magical Mystery Tour this morning as I start session "B" of my chemo trip with some methotrexate for two hours, followed closely by a 24 hour infusion of the next chemo agent (that I don't know the name of just yet.) Since I don't have good photos to share from the hospital I will be old school blogging for now. I have to say a big thank you for all of the phone calls, e mails, and otherwise positive vibes sent my way to date! I feel very strong from the support.
The Beatles released an extended play album in the U.K. and a full length U.S. version of Magical Mystery Tour in 1967 as the follow up to the Sgt. Peppers album. They also made what some would call an art film to accompany the album. The U.S. version included singles like Strawberry Fields Forever and Penny Lane to go with the soundtrack songs from the U.K. The movie was originally only released in England to less than favorable reviews. I remember seeing the film in an arthouse theater in Portland Oregon in the mid 1970's as it finally made its way to the states. I'd give it two stars and use terms like goofy and whimsical to describe the tone. But... the music made it worth the price of admission. Definitely for the true fanatic. All you need is love- Yeah. Greg
1966 was the year where experimentation in music and the arts exploded, just prior to summers of love to come. the Beatles recorded the Revolver album in 1966 which included many of the groundbreaking loops, tapes, backwards tricks, and complex instruments like the sitar. During this session Paul wrote and recorded a song about his positive views. "Good Day Sunshine" has been used as an anthem by many. For example when they open the sliding roof up at Safeco Field in Seattle. It's hard to argue with these easy going lyrics:
"I need to laugh and when the sun is out I've got something I can laugh about I feel good in a special way I'm in love and it's a sunny day
The rains has slowed or stopped, this is my last day of freedom for awhile as I work, see the Dentist, finish some projects then head into the hospital tomorrow morning for a four day (two a day) chemo session in Tacoma. I am still working on what I will wear for Halloween and am still looking for suggestions since I refuse to be the cancer patient. Please help! Peace, Love, and Happy Tuesday...
Pics: Natalie's wedding day at the house we rented in Mokuleia North Shore Oahu. Sunset from the back along the water.
Believe it or not, we are experiencing rain in the greater Seattle area! So much drippy soggy stuff that I couldn't sleep well listening to it last night. The Beatles (John) wrote about rain in 1966. The song was released as a b-side of the "Paperback Writer" single and did not get a lot of radio play at the time. John was pining about the rain that the group experienced while they were touring Australia in 1966, and how people reacted to it. "Rain" was one of the first songs to include some trickery from the studio including backwards vocals on tape. The ending lyrics are my favorite being a northwest native: "Can you hear me- that when it rains and shines it's just a state of mind - Can you hear me - Can you hear me..."
I hope everyone has a sunny day during our typical northwest rain, it is a state of mind!
PS: I am feeling great just a few days away from inpatient chemo again, the best I have felt since my diagnosis.
February 9, 1964. The Beatles landed in America for the first time and introduced themselves to the USA with "All My Loving" on the Ed Sullivan Show. The rest, as they say- is history. They performed five numbers that first night and eventually toured the east coast to much acclaim. Some of us remember 1964 and to those who don't you have to know that our country had just lost President Kennedy to assassination in November of 1963, our country was searching for positive news in any way we could get it. The Beatles coming to America was just a few months after the tragedy in Dallas.
I was able to go on a road trip yesterday with Sadie, Mikhael (21 yr old son) and Yvonne. We visitied with my sister and her husband Les in Portland, OR. They took us out to lunch and we had a great time. All my loving goes out to Cathy and Les Today!
Photos:
1. Natalie D (Suiter) and her family wedding day. L-R (Alan D, Yvonne D, Greg D, Natalie D, Mikhael D, Cathy Curths, Alicia Curhts, Andrew D, John Dymerski, Ryan Curths)
2. Yvonne with Mikhael and Andrew Mexican Cruise 2004.
Photos- Me sans hair, Natalie + Mikhael home on Rainier 2006) The Beatles actually took quite awhile to make it to the topppermost of the poppermost. Different iterations of groups with future Beatles started in 1957 (Quarry Men). In 1960 the Quarry Men changed to the Silver Beatles. Through this journey the lads added and subtracted members, honed their act, and eventually in 1960 they shortened the name to the Beatles. Paul was 18 in 1960. 1960 and 1961 saw local live performances that began to take northern England by storm. They played rough and rumble Hamburg Germany, and back to the docks of England. In 1962 Brian Epstein met and eventually became their manager- completing the ensemble. The only next step was to make a record deal. Their first single "Love Me Do," was recorded in Sept. of 1962. Love me do was actually a very simple song with an easy beat that created Beatlemania in England. Follow up songs like P. S. I love you, Please Please Me, Ask Me Why, etc, were placed on the first Beatles Album released in England, "Please Please Me."
To me "Love Me Do" isn't a great song, but it does equate to a starting point for me in a journey that so far has been nothing but up towards crescendo! I am so enthused and strong after hearing from so many good people that I can't begin to tell you you how positive I am. I am committed to riding my bike, walking, living, laughing, and loving towards my personal goal, and at the same time I want to help us all towards whatever goals we might all have. My hair continues to fall out (you can't really tell!) I have scheduled my first interview with SCCA for my stem cell bone marrow transplant for 11-02. I am readying my Halloween costume for my stay in St. Joe's coming up, ideas are welcome by the way... As I ride this morning I am thinking positive thoughts propelled by all who are helping! Have a great weekend! Greg
10-23-09 I've decided to use a Neil Young 1979 tune titled "Sail Away" to accompany some photos of what is really important in my life. Sail Away is a simple song. My favorite quote is: "See the losers in the best bars Meet the winners in the dives Where the people are the real stars All the rest of their lives." It goes on- As long as we can sail away- As long as we can sail away- There'll be wind in the canyon Moon on the rise, As long as we can sail away.
This is a photo of my beautiful daughter Natalie and her handsome husband Sam Suiter from the July 2009 rehearsal dinner for their Aug 1 wedding. The other photos are from Waimea Bay North Shore Oahu where my family was swimming with wild spinner dolphins close to the sailing ship. July 2009.
My only updates today are: I am losing my hair, so I shaved it off. I am back to work looking for a nice hat, and am looking forward to seeing as many KCSO staff as possible before I go back to inpatient Chemo on 10-28.
In 1967 the Beatles (at least Paul) thought about writing what might have been the first "concept" album to date in rock and roll. In the end of that summer of '67 out came what many consider to be the best album of all time- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The Beatles only got a few of the tunes down for that concept, "With a Little Help" being one of them. Paul and John wrote the song for Ringo to sing as an alter ego- Billy Shears.
We all get by with a little or a lot of help from our friends. Today for me- this had to be the song... You see, while I was away from home yesterday getting signed up for some transitional duty, Sgt. Cindi West and a strong friend delivered a fantastic surprise to my home. About three or four months ago while looking for bargains I happened across Cindi and the fact that she was selling an almost new super high quality upright bicycle trainer. She offered me a screaming deal, but alas I declined at the time due to other financial commitments (my daughter's wedding) and we parted ways. After my cancer, Cindi corresponded with me and through some back and forth I happened to inquire about the bike's availability again. I will be riding later this AM! Cindi- you are an inspiration and a hero! Many others have asked to help and I appreciate all of the visits, calls, gifts, smiles, and more from too many people to list here right now. I hope I can remember all of the kindness as I blog from here until I get through the entire Beatles catalog!
