Monday's #Music Moves Me...#Christmas Style #ChristmasSpirit

Hello, one and all! I am back to play along with my favorite musical people hosted by Xmas Dolly and the train crew of Stacy, Callie and Cathy. Shout out to Stacy for her birthday is today (Sunday)!

All month long the crew host Christmas/holiday music to enjoy the season. I have some goodies as usual so let's play in the snow while listening to some tunes.

First up: Sung by Gene Autry



Next: Also sung by Gene Autry

Finally: And yet another by Gene Autry with Rose Mary Clooney

Have a good week. Make sure you link up!  ~Michelle

National Mason Jar Day...How are you celebrating?

photo credit

Mason jars have been around for years.Originally meant for canning, they now have numerous uses. This year the National Calendar people decided that the Mason Jar needed its own celebrational day.

I am not sure how I will celebrate quite yet but, if you need some ideas, I have a ton of them.

Check them out from my Pinterest board.

Go, have fun and let me know how you are celebrating!

~Michelle

Review: Branson's Famous #Baldknobbers Show #BransonMissouri #Christmas @usfg

me in front of the show's signage

A couple of weeks ago, my Mother and I had the time to travel out to Missouri to visit my daughter and celebrate her 30th birthday. Before I left on our trek, I was able to secure tickets for all of us to see Branson's Famous Baldknobbers. None of us had ever been to the show even though I used to live in Branson, MO and my daughter currently does. All of us thought it would be fun to see a show to end the first night of Natasha turning 30.

As it happened, it was also the first week that Branson kicks off its Christmas season of holiday shows. That meant we were going to be privy to The Baldknobbers special Christmas show, a double whoo-hoo for us! It turned out, the first half of their live show is from their regular season and the second half features their Christmas special.

Not knowing exactly who the "baldknobbers" were, I, being a history buff, had to do a little research. I found out that in the history of the area, the "baldknobbers" were essentially a vigilante group who opposed the lawlessness of the area after the Civil War. 

Knowing this and the fact we were in the middle of southwestern Missouri, my Mom, daughter, and I were not quite sure what to expect. 

Country music? No doubt!  

Hillbilly humor? More than likely.

Great show? Remained to be seen.

Bob Leftridge, the pre-show entertainer

The show began with a pre-show by Bob Leftridge entertaining for approximately 45 minutes. His southern Missouri drawl and hillbilly humor left all of us in the audience tickled until our funny bones about fell off. In between his humorous tales, he was strumming a tune or even a few notes to warm us up for the main show of the night and to introduce The Baldknobbers whom we had come to see.

The Mabe family originally entertained people on Lake Taneycomo but moved to the Branson strip in the early 60's providing several generations of Mabe's keeping The Baldknobber's show alive.

The Mabe family have been entertaining for 50 plus years with humor and music. They are considered one of the first and oldest family entertainers in the area.

first half show

second half-Christmas show

"What a surprise!" my Mother exclaimed.

My Mother swooning! See that grin?

She turned to me and my daughter right after one of the Mabe's had just sung directly to her. I think my Mother would have been okay if he sat on her lap. (snickers) She said we were jealous. Maybe we were. Hey!

In truth, all of us were floored by the musical talent that was presented before us. With contemporary country music, old-time gospel and familiar Christmas tunes the show completely wowed us!

The same member of the group that made my Mother grin, sang a version of Garth Brook's, "Friends In Low Places" that was simply outstanding. Even my daughter tapped her foot and sang along. Amazing!

Mike Ito, fiddle player extraordinaire

The show also featured the band at times including Mike Ito, the meanest fiddle player I have ever heard or seen. He too sang a Christmas song in Spanish which delighted us all. However, his feature in the first half of the show of, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" was incredible.

Then there was the piano player who played a version of "Amazing Grace" so flawlessly that it made my head spin. His hands flew across the piano as if they were on fire.

If all that was not enough, in between sets, a comedy duo came out that kept us in stitches. Their sketches were well times and downright funny! Even a very old Elvis was "raised" from the grave to sing none other than "Blue Christmas."

I cannot say enough about this family of talented people. I encourage you to go see and hear them as I have done. You won't be disappointed and will have as much fun as my daughter, my Mom, and I all did!  I am going again as soon as I can.

Thanks, Baldknobbers!  ~Michelle aka Naila Moon

...For my readers...

 Don't miss your chance to see "the show that started it all", Branson's Famous Baldknobbers!

Baldknobbers' Christmas Vacation Receive $3.00 OFF each ADULT TICKET or $5.00 OFF our FAMILY PASS - Receive $3.00 OFF each ADULT TICKET or $5.00 OFF our FAMILY PASS when you mention "Baldknobbers' Christmas Vacation" when making your reservation. Not valid with any other offer or discount.

http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=13148&dealid=3074 .@usfg

The Show That Started It All! Baldknobbers in #Branson #ad

Branson's Famous Baldknobbers is "the show that started it all" in Branson! 

The show is a country music and comedy variety show that features a talented cast of vocalists, musicians and comedians providing fun for the entire family. For more than 57 years, the Baldknobbers has been the show to see in Branson.

 Don't miss your chance to see "the show that started it all", Branson's Famous Baldknobbers!

Baldknobbers' Christmas Vacation Receive $3.00 OFF each ADULT TICKET or $5.00 OFF our FAMILY PASS - Receive $3.00 OFF each ADULT TICKET or $5.00 OFF our FAMILY PASS when you mention "Baldknobbers' Christmas Vacation" when making your reservation. Not valid with any other offer or discount.

http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=13148&dealid=3074 .@usfg

Baldknobbers' Commercial

Disclosure: I have provided this ad on my blog in hopes to receive free tickets for myself and family.

Monday's Music Moves Me: Autumn Songs

Find other crypt keepers

Hello everybody. As usual, at this time of year, I become the crypt keeper during October. I usually have some theme related to Halloween. You can catch me here READING AUTHORS for some spooky reviews and some giveaways too.

It has been a long time since I played some tunes for Monday's Music. Today, Marie and her musical gals, are spinning the tunes about Autumn. That works for Halloween themes.

Hmm...I wonder what I could come up with. Let's see...

First up: This song and singer are new to me. He sings about November and it turning cold. It is a somewhat haunting song.

Next up: I always love me some John Coltrane. He is not spooky but boy, I love his sound. Here he serenades us into Autumn bliss.

Finally: I love the changes that always take place during the Fall. Singer, Ella Fitzgerald sings about Autumn in NY. You may recognize the great trumpeter and singer, Louis Armstrong, who accompanies her.

Thanks for letting listening. Want to play along? Sign up HERE
~Michelle

Are you there? I am here!

HELLO!!!! Do you see my blog here? If so, please leave me a comment. I need to know if I need to do some adjustments or if folks just do not want to read my dribble anymore.

 Be back soon. Michelle

September Awareness & Memory...

In memory of Jon Jon:

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.

In memory of Dawson:

For my sister-in-law, Judith, whose mother does not remember her:

About Ants Part 2...12 Lessons

photo credit

I kept thinking about the ants that I mentioned in my last blog. They truly are fascinating if you watch them. One day I watched this ant pick up a leaf 10 times the size of his body and took it across the land to the colony. Amazing!

I came across this video that highlights 12 lessons you can learn from ants. Think about them and give me a comment.

Until next time...peace,
Michelle

About Hard Work and Working Together

photo credit

Most times when I see ants, I find them to be quite annoying. Here in Arizona, depending on where you live, they get into your house and never leave. My Mom's area has this problem. Thankfully, I do not.

However, have you ever watched ants work? I was watching a colony while I was waiting for the bus one day. I decided to give them a treat and dropped a gummy candy on the ground and waited.

It was not long before one of these tiny ants made a bee line for the candy goodness.

I watched as he tried to push the thing across the landscape to the hole that I could only assume was where the queen ant was waiting. He tried but did not get very far.

The next thing I know, like osmosis, a zillion ants made their way to where he was and ripped off tiny pieces to carry off. Then...it was gone! The work done there and moved to another area.

I simply was amazed at the working together.

I wonder, why we cannot do that all the time...that is, work together to get things done without fuss or fight. Hmm...

Peace out...

Michelle

In Memory of Jerry Lewis and the Labor Day Telethon

photo credit

Here it is almost the end of Labor Day in the states. For years this meant me being semi-attached to a TV watching the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon hosted by Jerry Lewis. I simply could not help myself. I loved his movies and I loved him.

I was such a fan that I even once wrote him hoping some day to meet him in person. Yeah, I was that enthralled!

He was just as much a part of Labor Day for me than any bbq I actually attended. He was a hero to me and a hero to so many children and adults with MD. Even when 911 happened, he was amazing and still raised the funds BUT helped promote raising funds for another charity that was helping with that awful event. He knew too that the USA needed him to say something and he did. It was classy and the country responded.

I cannot even fathom now the millions of dollars he helped MDA raise over the years that he was the host.
And then...

He wasn't. After he left as host, I left too and my donations with it. Maybe that is something I should not admit, but I did. (For the record, I donate to others) I know what has been said and I know he was not in good health and all of that BUT he was the face of MDA and my childhood.

I think the world lost another great this year and that truly makes me sad.

Peace out...
Michelle

Sunday Electronics Day Off

This is a prepost.
Last Sunday I began a month peace long experiment to turn off electronics on Sundays. The purpose mostly to escape the negativity that has been happening. I do need a little peace in my life.
Since this is my day off from the electronics, I will see you on Monday.

Peace out...
Michelle

Someone Listens!

Today, I came across a song that spoke to me so loudly that I want share it with you.
The song was written by a performer who suffers fro depression and suicidal thoughts.
This is a subject that is too close for comfort but has to be heard over and over.
Be aware that there are many people,  good people who suffer from depression and just need help or at best, someone to listen.

Peace,
Michelle

30 Days Hath September...Coming To A Blog Near You. Renewal!

Thirty days hath September,

April, June, and November;

February has twenty-eight alone,

All the rest have thirty-one,

Excepting leap year, that's the time

When February's days are twenty-nine.

A few years ago, I wrote about my friend Stephanie and a guy by the name of Morgan Spurlock who had written about this poem. In essence, he took September's 30 days to improve his life. She did the same on his prompting and I did mine. That was in 2011. Eons ago or so it seems.

I am not sure if I ever finished the whole month of September. Maybe I did and maybe, I didn't. One thing I know is that being inspired (after having come across that blog again) I thought I might as well give it a go again. 

So, I have decided:

The first thing is I am going to do is blog everyday. I generally used to blog about 2-3 days a week and have been way out of the habit. So, why not. I warn you, it may or may not be dribble but I am going to do it! So, for obvious reasons, this is day one. :)

I am returning to art-ing. I cannot full time do to work but I will carve out time. Hey, you may get to see it in a blog. *grins*

I am returning to writing. I have a book to write ya all. Carving out more time.

I will meditate or something. I have been too stressed in recent months. This will be daily but I may or may not write about it.

If you would like to join me in my 30 Days Hath September by all means do so. I ask is you come back and let me know what you are doing so I can go and encourage you. 

Peace out,
Michelle

9/11 Film Opening Sept. 8th... #Remember 911 #Giveaway

Here we are again, in the remembrance, and at the cusp of one of the most horrific things that have happened in my life time, September 11th. Those of us old enough to remember the even have our own stories of where we were and what happened from our own perspective.

I know I was at my office and talking on the phone with my Dad right after the first plane...then I saw the second plane. My world was turned upside down that day, like so many others. I will never forget!

What is your story?

----------

This year, another movie is coming out from yet another perspective. I want to share it with you. Visit the official 911 website

ABOUT THE MOVIE: 9/11 opens in theaters on September 8 and features an all star cast including Luis Guzman(The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3), Gina Gershon (Showgirls), Wood Harris (Justified), Jacqueline Bisset (Dancing on the Edge (BBC), Welcome to New York), Olga Fonda (The Vampire Diaries) and Bruce Davison (X-Men). In the World Trade Center, a billionaire sits in his attorney’s office awaiting a divorce hearing against his wife. In a west side apartment, a bike messenger kisses his 5-year old daughter and sings her “Happy Birthday” before leaving for work. A maintenance man gets dispatched to help a tenant with his lock. In an upper east side apartment, a young model musters the courage to break up with her sugar daddy. As random as random can be, these individuals step into a crowded World Trade Center elevator. Wrapped up in their own world, they all ride silently hearing only the sound of the elevator giving notice of each floor. When the elevator stops on the 34th floor, it empties leaving only these five behind. Moments later ... their world changes as the collision of a jet into the North Tower incapacitates the elevator. With no understanding of what has happened and is happening around them, these fives are forced to band together and fight against all odds to escape from the impending horrific collapse. During these critical minutes, a story of courage, faith, and the will to live unfolds. ReTweet @9_11Movie and use the hashtag #Remember911 to pay tribute to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. FACTS ABOUT 911: ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY & RULES: The prize will be sent via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please. Please note that the assets included within this message were delivered to you to promote 9/11 Movie. Any actions (including contest and competitions) that you complete with the provided assets are your liability, and should comply with both local and international laws. 9/11 Movie supplied these materials to me in order to facilitate this giveaway. I am not responsible for prize shipment. The giveaway will end on September 23rd at Midnight, AZ time. All participants must be 18+ to enter and U.S. only. Enter below. The Prize Pack Contains: 1 - 9/11 poster Hand Signed Autographed by star Charlie Sheen 1 - “Hope” Pendant with necklace 1 - Guide to Talking To Your Children About 9/11 thanks to Tuesday’s Children

Entry-Form

Hey! Miss Me?

gif credit

Well, hello there! Remember me?
Yeah, yeah, I know, I have not been around since June...JUNE! Wow!

I could give you a whole bunch of reasons but it wouldn't amount to a hill a beans to you and a waste of breath for me. So, I won't bother. Hee...

Anyway, I am pseudo back...well, sort of, it depends on internet and all that but. I found out I can work in the work out facilities here at my apartment complex for free. Yay!
I suppose that is not what they mean by working out but I am working my brain...so, there!

Anyway, coming this September, I will be renewing my blogging outlet. I am returning to the way my blog used to be, an outlet for my thoughts, yearnings, desires. Originally, when I first blogged, this was what it was for me. This was back in the days of Yahoo 360 and then, Mutiply. Eventually, many of us came to Blogger...some on to Wordpress. In any case, that is when it died!

What I mean is, we were family and Facebook and other social media took over. This is not a bad thing per se but for me, it also morphed into a simple giveaway site. That was not necessarily bad either and still is not, but, it took away my need to express myself.

I will have a review or a giveaway from time to time but I hope you will stick around...or come back and see what I have to say. Better yet, let's form those friendships almost long forgotten now. It is good for my soul and I am sure for yours too.

Drop me a line in comments. I want to hear, how are you?

Peace out,
Michelle

PS>Check out tomorrow or next day what will be happening in September on this blog!

Summer 2017 Biannual Blogathon Bash! I Am A Go? #blogathon2

It has been awhile since I participated in the Blogathon Bash. I love this time though, as I get a ton done. This time around, I am late signing up and getting even started. 

However, the beauty of the bash is it can work with your schedule and thank goodness for that because I am one big mess this weekend. 

So, here are a few goals for the rest of the bash:

1. Get a couple of blogs pre-posted for this blog and definitely my reading blog, Reading Authors

(I have little net time during the week now.)

2. Fix my other blog as something went wacky over there.

3. Follow up with commenting for Kid Lit Hop

4. Clean up and out my email/install an undescribed

5. Catch Sunday's Twitter party.

6. Clean up and catch up with my Facebook pages

7. If time, do a mini-challenge or two

I will be lucky if I can finish all of that but I will do my best!

Want to know more? Check out the information below.  ~Michelle aka Naila Moon

------------------------------------

About The Summer 2017 Biannual Blogathon Bash! 

(via Create With Joy)

Are you a new blogger who would love to get connected with a thriving community of bloggers and learn some nifty tips that will help your blog thrive?

Are you a seasoned blogger with a long list of to do items that could use a little time, encouragement, and mojo to help get them done?

Well set aside a few hours this weekend and join us for the Summer 2017 Biannual Blogathon Bash – a free blogging event hosted by Kathleen Garber!

It’s easy to join – just Sign Up, then make a list of the items you’d like to accomplish. Be sure to check out the Mini-Challenges and the Prizes too!

Be sure to leave a comment and let us know if you’re participating in the Blogathon!

TWITTER PARTIES!

Friday, June 23 at 2 pm EST: Pinterest
Friday, June 23 at 9 pm EST– Instagram
Saturday, June 24 at 2 pm EST – Affiliates
Saturday, June 24 at 9 pm EST – Email Marketing
Sunday, June 25 at 2 pm EST – Content
Sunday, June 26 at 9 pm EST – SEO

Visit the Official Twitter Party Page to sign up and to learn more about participation!

ICAD 2017...Who is in?

I can be considered a "Guru" in the land of "Icadia" because I have completed this at least once. I have participated several times and looking forward to this again.

I will update my cards on the blog once a week but if you want to see daily, follow me on Instagram.
@MMHudson1968

Who is with me?

#MemorialDay Think about it...

credit to the cartoonist, Steve Sack, Cagle Cartoons, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

When I was growing up, my Grandpa would sometimes say that today was "Decoration Day", a day to go out and decorate all of the cemetery plots. He grew up in southern Missouri, in the country. Most all of the cemeteries there is family related in one fashion or another.

He often told me they would decorate each grave of fallen soldiers with flowers. Yes, they had picnics nearby but it was due to the length of time it took...it was an all day affair.

Writing this forces me to remember what Memorial Day really is all about. It is a time to remember our fallen soldiers, both men and women, who served our country and died in doing so.

Think about it.

~Michelle

SHOW OFF TUESDAYS #Giveaways and #Review Link Up

IT IS TIME FOR SHOW OFF TUESDAYS! GIVEAWAYS and REVIEWS! 

NOW, Introducing the BIGGEST, the BEST, the COLOSSAL “GiveAways & Reviews ever”!
Do you want to show them off? Do you need to have comments on those REVIEWS, do you have GIVEAWAYS? Well, this is the place! Just strut your stuff here.
🙂 Sign our Linky below so we all can see. The title and ending date please & maybe you could leave a comment below while you’re at it. We all like those.

Monday's Music Moves Me...The Whatever Version

Credit

Hello, my favorite musical people. Today is Monday's Music Moves Me and I am playing along to the beat of my own drummer. I am a bit confused as to whether this is a freebie week or a theme week so, I will just do the "whatever version." I kind of like that anyway.

Hmm....So, let's see what I have for you this week. Since next Sunday is Mother's Day and my Mom will be gone. I thought I would ask her what she would like to hear. This is her picks!

Her first pick: I love this movie too. It is not necessarily her favorite movie but it is the first song off the top of her head.

Next: This song she was thinking of my Dad. She said, " We used to dance to this song all of the time."

Finally: I asked her what was the last song she would like to hear and it was...Silent Night. I cannot be certain why except I know she loves the season of Christmas.

So, there you have it. My Mom's picks for the week. Make sure you link up and have a great week.
~Michelle

Coffee Chat: If I Could Go Anywhere Today... #CoffeeChat

It is coffee chat time...for me, that would be Pepsi...it is time to talk about a not-so-random topic with Rory. This week she wants to talk about if I could go anywhere today, where I would go? Hmm...?

Well, since she did ask about just today and not long term, that makes a difference as to where I would go. Since I do not have a car...sigh...I would probably walk up to the nearest bus stop, hand-in-hand with the hubby, and head to Sedona. There I can catch up with my Mom.

I would ask her to drive us to the mountains toward Flagstaff. Have you ever been that way? Oh, my gosh, it is gorgeous with winding roads, loads of trees, and the river running along. I think this time I would ask her to first stop at Dairy Queen. Yeah! We would all get some ice cream and check out the Native American wares. Oh, my, their stuff is gorgeous!

photo credit link

Then, after all of that, I would ask her to take me somewhere close by the river. I have been wanting to go down there and take some photos. Maybe we could dip our toes in the river, skip rocks, or make the river move in a different direction by moving big boulders. We would certainly have a picnic.

Oh, I know, we could go down to the trout fishery. The water there runs swiftly and it would be cool to see the fish flitting about. Oh yes, I can see it and feel the cool water wafting over my feet.

After we spent several hours, then we would head back to Sedona and go up to Airport Road. This is on top of one of the mountains, although, I am not sure which. Anyway, we would join others who have come up there to see the breathtaking view over Sedona and watch the sun set over the mountains.

photo credit

 I am sure we would hear a group of women singing their songs to the sun or hear a young violinist making beautiful music while people drop coins in her case.

Yes! This is what I would do if I could go anywhere. But...

Unfortunately, I have to go to work.

~Michelle aka Naila Moon

SHOW OFF TUESDAY! #GIVEAWAYS & #REVIEWS Link UP!

SHOW OFF TUESDAYS! GIVEAWAYS and REVIEWS! 

NOW, Introducing the BIGGEST, the BEST, the COLOSSAL “GiveAways & Reviews ever”!
Do you want to show them off? Do you need to have comments on those REVIEWS, do you have GIVEAWAYS? Well, this is the place! Just strut your stuff here.
🙂 Sign our Linky below so we all can see. The title and ending date please & maybe you could leave a comment below while you’re at it.

Monday's Music Moves Me...Late (of course)

As it has been lately, I am late to hit the dance floor with the fine folks at Monday's Music Moves Me. This weekly meme is hosted by Xmas Dolly with the music train co-hosts of: Stacy, Callie, and Cathy.

This week is a freebie, and that is a good thing because I can "hit you with my best shot." See what I did there? No? Ok, then. Moving on.

First up: It is May 1st so, I just had to do this one first. HA!

Next up: Nothing like a little Micheal Buble singing about May.

Finally, there is this guy who isn't singing about the month of May but certainly about the girl, Maggie May. ;)

That's it folks for this week. Make sure you link up your music too.
~Michelle

Coffee Chat: Perfect Spring Day #CoffeeChat #Arizona

I am so incredibly late for Coffee Chat today. I had two doctor appointments today and had to take my Mom places, pick up meds, and jump hoops in general. Ah....
Oh yeah, and the net here at the house keeps going out so if you lose me...
HA, you won't even know!

So, what was I saying? Oh yeah, Coffe Chat with Rory!

                                         Topic: Describe your perfect Spring day. 

Here in Arizona, we have beautiful days although, often hot. Spring is absolutely no exception. Take for example the two-part mini road trip I had to take today. Since my Mom lives in one town and I live in another, we are about 15-20 minutes apart.

The road in between is nothing but high desert. Going toward my house I can see the gorgeous land with mountains in the foreground. Cactus growing among the bushes and Joshua trees spotting the land. The mini mountains along the way are dotted with those trees along with dry reeds and brush. If I am lucky, I might see an antelope or deer. Sometimes those mini mountains look like they go up and down depending on the day. Is that a desert illusion? Perhaps.

the photo was taken by my husband, Mark

Coming to my Mom's house, the Red Rock Mountains rise up to meet me. The red is enhanced by the bright sun that beams off of them. The clouds are fluffy and the sky is bluer than blue. The wildflowers that dot along the highway spread their fragrance in the colors of oranges and yellows. The wind whips the tall grasses in a natural dance.  All is lovely and...

I have no allergies.

M.M. Hudson aka Naila Moon

Show Off Tuesday! #Giveaways & #Reviews

Show Off Tuesdays!  GiveAways & Reviews!

NOW, Introducing the BIGGEST, the BEST, the COLOSSAL

 “GiveAways & Reviews ever”!

 Do you want to show them off? Would like to have comments on those REVIEWS, do you have GIVEAWAYS?  Well, this is the place!  Just strut your stuff here.  

Sign our Linky below so we all can see. The title and ending date please & maybe you could leave a comment below while you’re at it.