A Long December

Well today is my last day in the office until early next year. So... here's to the year, and here's to the next.

In all 2011 has been a long year, after many massive changes in 2010, this has been a year of rebuilding and stabilizing in many ways. So a big thanks to all who have played their part, no matter how big, no matter how small.

While today's song, "A Long December" is a rather melancholic tune from the Counting Crows. But I'll pick it for today because of the hope that it promises. It's amazing how quickly the time passes, day by day... and year by year. But, we hang onto hope because it's all we really have.

A long December and there's reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember the last thing that you said as you were leaving
Oh the days go by so fast

And it's one more day up in the canyons
And it's one more night in Hollywood
If you think that I could be forgiven
I wish you would
(Na na na, etc. yeah)

The smell of hospitals in winter
And the feeling that it's all a lot of oysters, but no pearls
All at once you look across a crowded room
To see the way that light attaches to a girl

And it's one more day up in the canyons
And it's one more night in Hollywood
If you think you might come to California
I think you should
(Na na na, etc. yeah)

Drove up to Hillside Manor sometime after 2 a.m.
And talked a little while about the year
I guess the winter makes you laugh a little slower
Makes you talk a little lower about the things you could not show her

And it's been a long December and there's reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember all the times I tried to tell myself
To hold on to these moments as they pass

And it's one more day up in the canyon
And it's one more night in Hollywood
It's been so long since I've seen the ocean
I guess I should
(Na na na, etc. yeah)

I'll be heading off to the coast for a few days over Christmas and simply hope that the year to come was better than the last.

Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24

I finally got round to putting up my Christmas tree and is customary I have to play some TSO.

Today's song has no words, it's simply the "Carol of the Bells" but played with a bit more soul. The story behind this one is found in both "Dead Winter Dead" and "Christmas Eve and Other Stories".

As the story goes, an old man returns to war-torn Sarajevo, the city of his birth as he feels he needs to be there as things come apart. Then on Christmas eve he climbs to a pile of rubble while the missiles are fired and begins to play.

Sadly as the story tells, in "Dead Winter Dead" the old man is killed by falling missiles, but his song managed to save a couple of young people. Perhaps that is the true meaning of Christmas, to save the world, one at a time.

This story while directly linked to "Dead Winter Dead" comes from "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" where an angel is sent to earth to find the meaning of Christmas. He hears this song as he's flying about, looking for the meaning of Christmas.

As he flew o'er Sarajevo
There were scars upon the land
There were scars upon the people
It was hard to understand

And the deepest scars of all
Which to humans are unseen
But the angel could see clearly
Were the scars upon the dreams

Like Belfast and Burundi
Rwanda, Palestine
The only decorations here
Had been awarded for their crimes

And in gardens where the children played
Now soldiers only trod
And stranger still, he heard some say
That they were killing for their god

Now the angel heard god speak many times
And he had always paid attention
But this killing of ones neighbor
Was something the Lord had never mentioned

But as he neared the earth
Of a recent battleground
From among the ruins
He once more heard the sound

It was a single cello playing
A forgotten Christmas song
And even on that battlefield
The song somehow belonged

And as he flew away
The angel did take note
That where he found this music played
One always could find hope

One can only hope that they would bring cheer and song, even in the most difficult of times.

Let It Snow

Today's tune comes directly from a little frog. While we're not likely to see snow in these parts, one can hope.

This has been done by many an artist, so today I'll credit Dean Martin because, well I can always remember my grandparents playing his stuff and they were always great fun round Christmas time.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

It doesn't show signs of stopping
And I brought some corn for popping
The lights are turned way down low
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

When we finally kiss good-night
How I'll hate going out in the storm
But if you really hold me tight
All the way home I'll be warm

The fire is slowly dying
And, my dear, we're still good-bye-ing
But as long as you love me so
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

When we finally kiss good-night
How I'll hate going out in the storm
But if you really hold me tight
All the way home I'll be warm

The fire is slowly dying
And, my dear, we're still good-bye-ing
But as long as you love me so
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Sometimes we need a reason so just stay where we are... let it snow I guess.

Christmas Time In Hell

I've been so busy of late that somehow I've managed to not put up my tree as of yet. Very poor showing, in fairness however I'm going away for Christmas, so won't make too much of a difference from my side.

Today's tune is from the South Park Christmas special. "Christmas Time In Hell" because even Adolf wants a Christmas tree!

Well I'll tell you what..
Maybe we'll have ourselves
a little Christmas, right here..
C'mon everybody, gather 'round!

String up the lights and light up the tree
We're gonna make some revelry..
Spirits are high, so I can tell
It's Christmas time in Hell!
Demons are nicer as you pass them by
There's lots of demon toys to buy
The snow is falling, and all is well
It's Christmas time in Hell!

There goes Jeffrey Dahmer
With a festive Christmas ham..
After he has sex with it
He'll eat up all he can..
And there goes John F Kennedy
Carolling with his son..
Reunited for the holidays
God bless us, everyone!
Everybody has a happy glow
Let's dance in blood, and pretend it's snow..
Even Mao Tse Tung is under the spell
It's Christmas time in Hell!

Satan: Adolf, here's a present for you!
Adolf: Oh? Ein Tannenbaum!
Satan: Yes, Ein Tannenbaum!

God cast me down from heaven's door
To rule in Hell forever-more
But now i'm kinda glad that I fell
'Cos it's Christmas time in Hell!
Here's a rack to hang the stockings on
We still have to shop for Genghis Khan
Michael Landon's hair looks swell
It's Christmas time in Hell!

There's Princess Diana
holding burning mistletoe
Over Poor Gene Siskel's head
Just watch his weenie grow!
For one day we all stop burning
and the flames are not so thick
All the screaming and the torture stops
As we wait for Old St Nick!

So, String up the lights and light up the tree
We're damned for all eternity..
But for just one day, all is well
It's Christmas time in Hell!
Get a toast together and make it quick
We've gotta make room for Andy Dick..
Wake his mother and ring the bell..
It's Christmas time.. [Christmas time x3]
Christmas time.. [Christmas time x3]
It's Christmas time in Hell!
..Merry Christmas, Movie house!

Think I'll confirm if my destination has a tree, then make a plan from there.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Well I should have a hangover this morning, but guess I'm still waiting for it. That said I'm really just working from a scene in "Waynes World". So ultimately, "How about a little Bohemian Rhapsody gentlemen?"

This has to be one of my favourites from Queen, then again, either you love it or you simply hate good music. That is what I love about Queen and their music.

This is one of those party songs. Played at the start or end of the evening... it simply just works.

Is this the real life?
Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide
No escape from reality
Open your eyes
Look up to the skies and see
I'm just a poor boy (poor boy), I need no sympathy
Because I'm easy come, easy go
little high, little low
Anyway the wind blows, doesn't really matter to me, to me

Mama, just killed a man
Put a gun against his head
Pulled my trigger, now he's dead
Mama, life had just begun
But now I've gone and thrown it all away
Mama, ooo
Didn't mean to make you cry
If I'm not back again this time tomorrow
Carry on, carry on, as if nothing really matters

It's too late, my time has come
Sends shivers down my spine
Body's aching all the time
Goodbye everybody - I've got to go
Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth
Mama, ooo - (anyway the wind blows)
I don't want to die
I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all



I see a little silhouetto of a man
Scaramouche, scaramouche, will you do the fandango?
Thunderbolts and lightning - very very frightening me
Galileo, Galileo,
Galileo, Galileo,
Galileo Figaro - magnifico-o-o-o

I'm just a poor boy nobody loves me
He's just a poor boy from a poor family
Spare him his life from this monstrosity
Easy come easy go - will you let me go
It's the LAW! No - we will not let you go - let him go
It's the LAW! We will not let you go - let him go
It's the LAW! We will not let you go - let me go
Will not let you go - let me go (never)
Never let you go - let me go
Never let me go - ooo
No, no, no, no, no, no, no -
Oh mama mia, mama mia, mama mia let me go
Beelzebub has the devil put aside for me
for me
for me
for me



So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye?
So you think you can love me and leave me to die?
Oh baby - can't do this to me baby
Just gotta get out - just gotta get right outta here



Ooh yeah, ooh yeah
Nothing really matters
Anyone can see
Nothing really matters, nothing really matters, to me

Anyway the wind blows...


Easy come, easy go... nothing really matters. Well guess that's horribly wrong, thankfully.

Fly To Your Heart

I've not been that well of late. Think it's a combination of less that ideal lifestyle, too much work and way too little sleep. In any event this last weekend was really a "take time out" thing. Curled up on my couch with my kitties and puppy next to it I flicked through a few movies. With Christmas fast approaching I couldn't help but go through "It's a Wonderful Life" yet again (I love that movie and just can't wait for my "Wizard of Oz" to get here).

The next one to catch my attention was Tinkerbell. Must confess that there something magical about something so small that can help fix things and point you in the right direction. Besides, every Peter Pan needs a Tink'.

Today's song "Fly To Your Heart" surprised me by being by Selena Gomez. She sure does seem to have gotten about. Ultimately I just loved the movie. So horribly predictable, but yet another example of finding what you truly are and where it is that you belong.

Watch all the flowers
Dance with the wind
Listen to snowflakes
Whisper your name
Feel all the wonder
Lifting your dreams
You can fly

Fly to who you are
Climb upon your star
If you believe you'll find
Your wings
Fly
To your heart

Touch every rainbow
Painting the sky
Look at the magic
Glide through your life
A sprinkle of pixie dust
Circles the night you can fly

Fly to who you are
Climb upon your star
If you believe you'll find
Your wings
Fly

Everywhere you go
Your soul will find a home
You'll be free to spread
Your wings
Fly

You can fly
To your heart
(Fly, fly)

Rise to the heights of all
You can be
(Fly, fly)

Soar on the hope of
Marvelous things

Fly to who you are
Climb upon your star
If you believe you'll find
Your wings
Fly

Everywhere you go
Your soul will find a home
You'll be free to spread
Your wings
Fly

You can Flyyyyy
To your heart

I'll keep scanning the skies, but who knows perhaps someday I might just hear a jingle at the window.

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

I've not posted for a few days as it's been rather busy. But with Christmas just around the corner, it's time to add in some truly Christmas songs.

Some have dubbed me "Mr Christmas" and not without fair cause, I regularly play Santa at the parties, count down the sleeps, and even have a Robbie Reindeer that I made at the Build-a-Bear factory. Then again, it could be because I sign all my things of with a "Reindeer".

Today's version of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" has a little more added by Jack Johnson. Never assume that because someone can help you that they should. After the abuse why would Rudolph want to help them?

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose
and if you ever saw it
you would even say it glows
all of the other reindeer
used to laugh and call him names
they never let poor Rudolph
join in any reindeer games

then one foggy Christmas eve
Santa came to say:
"Rudolph with your nose so bright
won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
then how the reindeer loved him
as they shouted out with glee (yippee)
"Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
you'll go down in history."

Well Rudolph he didn't go for that
he said "I see through your silly games"
How could you look me in the face
when only yesterday you called me names?
Well all of the other reindeers man,
well they sure did feel ashamed,
"Rudolph you know we're sorry,
we're truly gonna try to change"

Ultimately he does as we know... because everyone once in a while someone has to save Christmas, no matter how difficult that may be.

Promises To Keep

Yeah, adding a few I've added before, but that's the beauty of any play list, you can simply hit replay.

Yesterday was a very long day... longer than I can remember. But somehow no matter how dark the night, morning always comes and our journey begins anew. There are many things I have to do, but for now they can wait.

Today's tune, "Promises to Keep" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra remains as a reminder that while we all have a promise to keep, that once in a while others have theirs too.

Somehow I'll remember that no matter the situation that Christmas remains a day where anything can be redeemed.

Christmas time
On a cold December morning
All is calm
And the world is still asleep
Christmas lights
That have been caught without warning
Gently glitter on
Stars to wish upon
All the world is at peace

Christmas time and the year will soon be leaving
Cloaked in time till it's just a memory
Christmas stays if we don't forget its meaning
Days go quickly by
Years they multiply
And we go searching for thee

And the dream is still alive
From that first December morning
And it always will survive
As long as we can see
That the dreams we find in life
Are the dreams we tend to seek
And Christmas has its promises to keep

Christmas time
And the moments just beginning
From last night
When we'd wished upon a star

If our kindness
This day is just pretending
If we pretend long enough
Never giving up
It just might be who we are

AND SO IT'S GOOD THAT WE REMEMBER
JUST AS SOON AS WE'VE DISCOVERED
THAT THE THINGS WE DO IN LIFE
WILL ALWAYS END UP TOUCHING OTHERS

SO FROM A FADING NEON STAR
SOMEWHERE SHINING IN THE NIGHT
WE FIND A FATHER FAR AWAY
NOW REFLECTING IN ITS LIGHT

JCB Song

It's been 5 years since dad left us... The world seems so very different now. But rather than be sad for what is gone, I choose to be happy for what was. As Yoda would say, "Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those who transform into the Force". Oddly enough, it's something my dad used to say, but not in Yoda's voice mind you. :)

Today's song, "JCB Song" by Nizlopi puts a lot of nonsense together but rather explains a lot of my childhood. Actually much for both of my brothers and I. This was the song that we played at dads funeral along with Queen's "You're My Best Friend".

This makes me smile, it makes me sad... But it reminds me of the good times.

Well i'm rumbling in this JCB,
I'm 5 years old and my dad's a giant,
Sitting beside me,
And the engine rattles my bum like bazzerk,
While we're singing,
Don't forget your shovel if you want to go to work.
And my dad's probably had a bloody hard day,
But he's been good fun and bubblin and joking away,
And the procession of cars stuck behind,
Are getting all impatient and angry but we don't mind.

And we're holding up the bypass,
Oh-oh,
We and my dad havin' a top laugh
Oh-oh-oh,
And i'm sitting on the tool box,
Oh-oh,
And i'm so glad i'm not in school boss,
So glad i'm not in school,
Oh no-oo.

And we pull over to let cars past,
And pull off again speeding by this summer green grass,
And we're like giants up here in our big yellow digger,
Like zoids or transformers or maybe even bigger,
I wanna transform into a Tyrannosaurus Rex,
And eat up all the bullies and the teachers and their pets,
And i'll tell all my mates,
My dad's B.A.Baracus,
Only with a JCB, and Bruce Lee's numchuckers...

And we're holding up the bypass,
Oh-oh,
me and my dad having a top laugh,
Oh-oh-oh,
And i'm sitting on the tool box,
Oh-oh,
And i'm so glad i'm not in school boss,
So glad i'm not in school,
Oh no.

And we're holding up the bypass,
Oh-oh,
me and my dad having a top laugh,
Oh-oh-oh,
And i'm sitting on the tool box,
Oh-oh,
And i'm so glad i'm not in school boss,
So glad i'm not in school,
Oh no.

Said i'm Luke i'm 5 and my dad's Bruce Lee,
Drives me around in his JCB,
I'm Luke i'm 5 and my dad's Bruce Lee,
Drives me around in his JCB,
i'm Luke i'm 5 and my dad's Bruce Lee,
Drives me around in his JCB,
i'm Luke i'm 5 and my dad's Bruce Lee,
Drives me around-

And we're holding up the bypass,
Oh-oh,
Me and my dad having a top laugh,
Oh-oh-oh,
And i'm sitting on the toolbox,
Oh-oh,
And i'm so glad i'm not in school boss,
So glad i'm not in school,
Oh no.

Said i'm Luke i'm 5 and my dad's Bruce Lee,
Drives me around in his JCB,
I'm Luke i'm 5 and my dad's Bruce Lee,
Drives me around in his JCB,
i'm Luke i'm 5 and my dad's Bruce Lee,
Drives me around in his JCB,
i'm Luke i'm 5 and my dad's Bruce Lee,
Drives me around in his JCB.

As with this blog, all of life's moments should have a backing track.

To Where You Are

I've been thinking a lot about my dad lately. On Monday he will have been gone for five years already, I can't believe how quickly the time has past, I can't believe that it's been that long.

I've added this one before, but going to include it once again. "To Where You Are" by Josh Groban simply wonders, where are you now. How near, how far... but never gone.

Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memory, so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be (?)
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
'Cause you are my
Forever love
Watching me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away not far
To where you are

I know you're there
A breath away not far
To where you are

In the dark I still see the stars and know that someone is looking down on me.