Dive Right In And Follow My Lead

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: DUETS

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Yay!!! Duets week again. We do love a good duet. I was not sure I understood the notion of prominent performers. Prominent? That all depends on which music circle you move in surely? Well, to play it safe I have chosen some performers who are pretty well known….two versions of a song from super duper Ed Sheeran, the first a duet with Beyoncé, and the other version a duet with Andrea Bocelli.

The song is really quite beautiful. It is is no surprise to me that great singers want to sing it with Ed.

I found a love for me
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you're holding mine

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
When you said you looked a mess
I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it,
Darling, you look perfect tonight

Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a love to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own

We are still kids but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
When I saw you in that dress
Looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this
Darling, you look perfect tonight

No, no, no

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect
I don't deserve this
You look perfect tonight

Written by Ed Sheeran

Is This Burning An Eternal Flame?

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: HOT / BURNING / FIRE

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There are so many brilliant songs that seem to have been inspired by the burning flames of love. I was torn between several songs today, but in the end I was pulled by the song of my primary school memories. I remember singing with my class mates “Eternal Flame” at the top of our voices. We were only in the Infants – but we all knew this song off by heart. That is pretty amazing for a song to be so ingrained in children of such a young age.

The track “Eternal Flame” has an enduring popularity with so many of us. We listen to it, still love it, and remember how much we loved it back in our childhood. Hard to explain. But simply brilliant.

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darlin'
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Is this burning an eternal flame

I believe it's meant to be, darlin'
I watch you when you are sleeping
You belong with me
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Or is this burning an eternal flame

Say my name
Sun shines through the rain
A whole life so lonely
And then come and ease the pain
I don't want to lose this feeling, oh

Say my name
Sun shines through the rain
A whole life so lonely
And then come and ease the pain
I don't want to lose this feeling, oh

Close your eyes, give me your hand
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Or is this burning an eternal flame

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darlin'
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Is this burning an eternal flame

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darlin'
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming, ah
An eternal flame

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darlin'
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming, ah
Is this burning an eternal flame

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darlin'

Written by: Susanna Lee Hoffs, Thomas F. Kelly and William E. Steinberg

No Sugar Please – I Am Sweet Enough

Technically, I have a sweet tooth. I have never found myself disliking any cake, biscuit, sweet treat. I have my favourites. But it is pretty safe to say I like anything sweet.

However….

To keep in shape, there is no way I can indulge in sweet treats. So, I don’t anymore. I enjoy my three meals a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner – which are usually savoury (although I occasionally have a sweet breakfast – like raisin bagels or toast with jam).

On an almost daily basis, people offer me biscuits or cake. I have been saying “thank you but no” for a long time. Some people get it and don’t seem to take any offense that I am turning down their kind generosity. But others do appear to be disappointed.

I don’t like disappointing anyone. But I am at that age or stage in life where if I have a slice of cake, I need to find time for a half hour run to offset the calorie intake. I have so little time. It is just so much easier to avoid sweet treats.

Ironically, I am baking more cake than ever (for my parents). But not partaking. Well…I am sweet enough – I don’t need extra sweetening.

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Times Forever Frozen

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: COLD / FROZEN / ICY

Well, all I am going to say on this subject is that last week I took off the winter duvet and replaced it with the summer duvet. Jack is going to be away until the end of the month…so, it is not as snugly warm in bed. I am sort of regretting I swapped the duvets.

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When Jack is away…I end up staring at photographs of him for ages…just gazing at him – amazed at what a turn out our life has become. That has inspired my song choice for today. Also the words of the song that loving can heal and mend your soul – sigh – were those words written for Jack and I? Now…I have to survive month without him…counting down the days, waiting for him to come home.

Thank you Ed Sheeran…for a great track with lyrics that make me feel a bit fuzzy inside thinking of Jack.

Loving can hurt
Loving can hurt sometimes
But it's the only thing that I know
When it gets hard
You know it can get hard sometimes
It is the only thing that makes us feel alive

We keep this love in a photograph
We made these memories for ourselves
Where our eyes are never closing
Hearts are never broken
Times forever frozen still

So you can keep me
Inside the pocket
Of your ripped jeans
Holding me closer
'Til our eyes meet
You won't ever be alone
Wait for me to come home

Loving can heal
Loving can mend your soul
And it's the only thing that I know (know)
I swear it will get easier
Remember that with every piece of ya
And it's the only thing we take with us when we die

We keep this love in a photograph
We made these memories for ourselves
Where our eyes are never closing
Hearts were never broken
Times forever frozen still

So you can keep me
Inside the pocket
Of your ripped jeans
Holding me closer
'Til our eyes meet
You won't ever be alone

And if you hurt me
That's OK, baby, only words bleed
Inside these pages you just hold me
And I won't ever let you go

Wait for me to come home
Wait for me to come home
Wait for me to come home
Wait for me to come home

Oh you can fit me
Inside the necklace you got when you were sixteen
Next to your heartbeat
Where I should be
Keep it deep within your soul

And if you hurt me
Well, that's OK, baby, only words bleed
Inside these pages you just hold me
And I won't ever let you go

When I'm away
I will remember how you kissed me
Under the lamppost
Back on 6th street
Hearing you whisper through the phone
"Wait for me to come home"

Written by: Martin Harrington, Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, and Thomas E. Leonard

Now I’m Tracing Shadows On Your Back

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: SONGS WRITTEN FOR FILMS

Jack seemed in disbelief when I told him I have not chosen a song from The Sound Of Music for today’s theme. I would very happily have done so…only, I wanted to feature something a little different.

You see I have been listening to a lot of songs from Birdy over recent months. One of them, which I adore, I learnt was written for the Netflix production of my favourite Jane Austen book “Persuasion”. I love the story of Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth. It tugs on my heartstrings – and the story – crossing paths again after years of estrangement – excruciating awkwardness.

I have not seen the Netflix version. I don’t need to. I know the story off by heart and have envisioned it in my mind many times. I love the lyrics in Birdy’s song “Quietly Yours”. But I also came across a beautiful cello cover – too gorgeous not to add at the end of this post.

White sails and off shore lights
We were passing ships in the night
Now I'm tracing shadows on your back
Like I dreamt so many times

Oh for so long I've been waiting
For so long, for a love like this
And I was so sure baby
I'd lost you for a minute but

There's the sweetest
Spring at my door
Can you feel it?
Just the same as before
Many years have gone by
But I knew you'd come

Quietly keeping
This hope in my heart
Prayed the night bring
Back what I lost
Many years have gone by
But I never forgot

I've always been yours
Only yours

There was a time when I let you go
Allowed myself to be swayed and pulled
But for all my days I make a vow
No words could ever shake me now

'Cause for so long I've been waiting
So long, for a love like this
And I was so sure baby
I'd lost you for a minute but

There's the sweetest
Spring at my door
Can you feel it?
Just the same as before
Many years have gone by
But I knew you'd come

Quietly keeping
This hope in my heart
Prayed the night bring
Back what I lost
Many years have gone by
But I never forgot

I've always been yours
Only yours

Quietly yours
Only yours

I've always been yours
Only yours

Quietly yours
Only yours

Written by: Jasmine Van Den Bogaerde

Distracted By Distracting Thoughts

I do realize that I am still experiencing a state of discombobulation – not really settled – despite all the advantages of being here. It will take time to feel more settled.

My routine is going well – my career (unpaid), work (paid), housework, helping out with my parents and Jack’s Dad. We do a lot of work – but then again – we always have. That has not changed. We are workers (not shirkers). We also enjoy life – walks in nearby countryside especially, and catching up with friends and family.

I often find my mind wandering though. There is always the possibility that it could be due to some sort of early on-set peri-menopausal brain-fog. But to be honest, I think it is more to do with this unsettled sensation that is lingering.

Distracted…hard to focus on here, when my mind is there.

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There is always a little of that. Thoughts of Goldfinch have lingered (and I am happy they have – he is part of me – woven into my core). Thoughts of London – such a dynamic vibrant cosmos – it will linger with me always.

Jack…Jack is going away next week. He will be away for a month. A whole month.

Annoying.com

He will be away for important work – important to him, important to me, important to lots of other people. I am proud of him for what he does. I just wish I was going with him. I really do. But I have commitments here. It just does not feel right to be apart for so long.

Can you blame me for being distracted by these distracting thoughts? I am tying to relax and not let it overwhelm me. Birdy helps. Beautiful voice – helps it all wash over me.

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Wild About Daddy Cool

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: FAMILY

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Of all the beautiful songs I could have chosen, why did I end up picking one of the more bizarre performers – Boney M? Partly tiredness. Partly because my Dadda is so cool. I love being nearer to my parents and being able to hang out with them. It is such a blessing!!!!

She's crazy like a fool
Wild about Daddy Cool

She's crazy like a fool
Wild about Daddy Cool
I'm crazy like a fool
Wild about Daddy Cool

Daddy, Daddy Cool
Daddy, Daddy Cool
Daddy, Daddy Cool
Daddy, Daddy Cool

She's crazy like a fool
Wild about Daddy Cool
I'm crazy like a fool
Wild about Daddy Cool

Daddy, Daddy Cool
Daddy, Daddy Cool
Daddy, Daddy Cool
Daddy, Daddy Cool

"She's crazy 'bout her daddy
Oh, she believes in him
She loves her daddy"

She's crazy like a fool
Wild about Daddy Cool
I'm crazy like a fool
Wild about Daddy Cool

Daddy, Daddy Cool
Daddy, Daddy Cool
Daddy, Daddy Cool
Daddy, Daddy Cool

I Burnt The Sausages

Shame on me!!! Just as I was sitting down to eat my dinner, I realized there were two vegan sausages in the fridge and I decided I would make a sort of couscous lunch (for work tomorrow) with bits and bobs from the fridge – red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs…along with these vegan sausages.

I put the sausages in a frying pan on a low-medium heat while I ate my dinner. I was reading the news on the BBC website. I also put my headphones in so I could listen to some music. Anyway…around 45 minutes later…the smell of smokey burnt sausages distracted me.

Aaaaaagh!!!

Seconds later the smoke alarm started blaring – I threw the kitchen window open…..and almost threw the frying pan out of it.

So…lunch is going to be sausage-less!

When I’m Cleaning Windows

We have been searching for a local window cleaner since we moved here. (Ironic since there are so many window cleaners in the family.) So far, our search has been unfruitful. Over the past seven months, I have been cleaning 90% of the windows – all of the insides and most of the outsides. However, there are some windows which I have not been able to tackle properly.

Don’t think I have not tried – I have tried. Jack has filled out several health and safety reports and emailed them to me to complain about my gravity defying stunts. I do not think he understands the inherited acrobatic skills I have as the daughter of a window-cleaner.

Despite my best efforts there are three outer panes that I just have not been able to maintain to the sparkling gleaming degree you would expect from window-cleaning royalty.

…until now!!!

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One of our neighbours has been watching (Jack is just thrilled at the knowledge we are under observation) my attempts to keep windows sparkly. They invited me into their upper floor apartment (similar layout to ours) and to show me a trick. There are some clips in the window frame which allow you to turn the window pane right around so that you can clean it and buff it properly.

Happiness!

Our windows look downright incredible since I have been able to clean 100% of them. Although…Jack has pointed out that we have enable the neighbours to see even more clearly into our nest.

Is Peace An Impossible Dream?

Jim Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: WAR AND PEACE

When I first saw the theme that Jim has given us, I thought to myself “yikes!” However, it turned out to be actually quite an inspirational prompt. Peace….let’s say it again PEACE….it has so much meaning. If you have been overcome with anxiety or guilt or regret…peace of mind is something that takes on greater value.

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But peace in the context of war – there is another scale of meaning here. In my lifetime, I have known what it is for there to be a disturbance in peace – my first ever shopping trip as a teenager ended with the city I was shopping in being ripped apart by a bomb. I walked past the vehicle that was packed with explosives twice that morning.

Jack and I, and many of our relatives have been to lands in which tensions were high – deep political divisions, acts of violence and destruction, brutal massacres, inhumane cruelty, violent sexual assault, torture – these horrors were occurring just a short distance from where we were working and sleeping. (Generally, we were escorted by local authorities to the nearest airport as soon as the reality of the situation was apparent.)

Will human warfare – so often due to deep political divisions, racial hatred or mercenary greed – ever end? Is it an impossible dream to imagine living in peace – with nobody to make you tremble in fear?

With my own eyes, I have seen incredible things that convince me this is not an impossible dream. Peace will flourish. Not by the hand of political governments – who have no interest other than in preserving their own dominion – and not by the hand of man made organizations who claim to be enlightened and benevolent. But peace will come…and it will last longer than the stars last.

Never give up!

I have chosen for today the Man of La Mancha classic “Impossible Dream” – and though there are many outstanding recordings of this epic song – I have chosen the fabulous Josh Groban.

To dream the impossible dream,
To fight the unbeatable foe,
To bear with unbearable sorrow,
To run where the brave dare not go.

To right the unrightable wrong,
To love pure and chaste from afar,
To try when your arms are too weary,
To reach the unreachable star.

This is my quest,
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless,
No matter how far.

To fight for the right
Without question or pause,
To be willing to march
Into hell for a heavenly cause.

And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will be peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest.

And the world will be better for this,
That one man scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage.
To fight the unbeatable foe.
To reach the unreachable star.

Written by: Mitch Leigh and Joseph Darion