Shilo

Humor me please! Bellevue 197Something

Neil Diamond began his career writing songs in 1962.   He went to NYU having grown up in Brooklyn with his Polish and Russian Jewish parents whose families immigrated here.   Before becoming a songwriter Neil was an accomplished Fencing athlete, even a member of the 1960 NCAA Men's champions.   He didn't find success in is early songwriting career.   He kept at it-   eventually finding huge success when Jay And The Americans recorded "Sunday and Me."  The Monkees recorded "I'm A Believer" and "A little Bit Me, A little Bit You" in 1966 and Neil hit the big time.   He continued writing and several big name groups covered his songs.   Neil wrote his first introspective song; "Shilo" in 1967.   The song was a turning point for Neil  which caused him to change recording contracts since his management wanted more "I'm A Believer" types of songs.    Neil persisted and eventually prevailed as Sweet Caroline, Cherry, Cherry, and countless other hits came out after his freedom was gained.   Amy MacDonald, a Scottish singer-songwriter does an interesting interpretation on Neil's classic "Shilo."   The story of Neil Diamond is one of persistence, self realization, and stick-to-it tenacity.   We could all learn from his success.    By the way, he was not contracted by The Monkees, their management found "I'm A Believer" and the group covered the song just as others have always covered songwriters compositions.    Since we lost Davy Jones this past week, I'd also like to include that the degree of separation issue continues...   The Beatles liked The Monkees, especially the humor and the fact that the Monkees learned to play the instruments so many thought that they couldn't.   The lads hosted the Monkees when the Monkees first toured the U.K.   Individual members of both groups became friends and had several contacts during the late 60's and into recent times.   I love The Monkees,  the members of the Monkees did in fact have some musical talent.   Of course Hollywood had to screw with the lineup-   Davy Jones could play drums (Micky played rums on the show) Peter Tork could play guitar (bass on the show) and Mike Nesmith was actually better on Bass (Guitar on the show.)  Micky was the singer for most of the hits, his musical talent had to be developed bu the producers like to show Davy Jones singing with tambourine.   They did play live, at times with a backing band.   Here's to Davy, at 67 he was taken way too early.

Without getting too technical, I do have good news on the cancer front.   I received my results on the PET scan this past Thursday.   I have three distinct lesions growing in my mid section (one I can see and feel) but no other cancer growth.   I feared that there would be much more new growth since I have been out of treatment for over a month and am still technically in relapse.   As an aside, my level of disease is so low that if I were to be able to get a spot in the clinical trials from Houston I would not qualify because of my close proximity to remission.   What a roller coaster.   I am also of course feeling better and although knocking on wood whenever possible- I even started swimming again this past week.   Of course with every up we seem to have I find a way to find a down.   Last night- falling down the stairs and ripping open skin on my right arm.   Now I will have to heal that for a few weeks before I can swim again...  I am not quite done with the good news!   My bone marrow donor is coming to Seattle during the weekend of the Big Climb.   Edie, her husband Kevin, sister Christine, and probably my Cousin Arlene will be here in two weeks.   We were planning a trip to Beantown after the Climb- so I called Edie yesterday, asking about good dates.   I blew the surprise and she had to let me know they had already bought airfare for Seattle.   I can't wait to finally meet my savior and some of her family.   We won't have a lot of time, but Saturday and hopefully most of Sunday we will show some Seattle sights and Northwest hospitality to the ECC!    I am having people tell me I look good, I feel good, heck maybe I need to go back to work?   (That would take a lot of pushing.)