I'm participating in something called the Saturday 9.  You can learn more about that weekly meme by heading over to Samantha's blog.

Saturday 9: At Last (1960)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Etta James sings that "life is like a song." What song reflects how you feel about life these days?  hm....probably this one: 

2) She is delighted to have found the love she has always dreamed of. Have you found true love to be the way you imagined it would be? Or has it surprised you? As little girls growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, we were taught we could have it all and do it all and I was raised to be fiercely independent, all while gender specific toys (think Barbie and Disney princesses) were the rage plus the added burden of certain physical and mental expectations. that said, I learned to live for an audience of One as I've matured in Christ and I've learned what love is...and what it isn't....mainly from being in a toxic boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. Fast forward to the late 1980s when I met my now husband...a mature man spiritually even though he's physically  younger than me...and let's just say YES, I found what true love is. Despite the cultural norms I was raised in. 

 

3) Etta's mother encouraged her to not just sing but perform a song, telling her daughter, "Even if a song has been done a thousand times, you can still bring something of your own to it." Is there a singer whose performances often touch your heart? yes.....in the general pop culture of music, Taylor Swift's music touches my heart...she's a natural born talent with amazing vocal range and her lyrics....many of her songs that don't center around guys are quite deep.  her song Epiphany brings chills to my body. (based on the pandemic).  Another singer who has always touched my heart, spiritually speaking, is Annie Herring from 2nd Chapter of Acts and Keith Green. Nowadays it tends to be anything done by Rend Collective or Casting Crowns.  

 

4) As a teen, she was considered a gospel prodigy and churches all around Los Angeles requested she "guest" at their services. Do you have a favorite religious song? Hands down it would probably be the classic hymn How Great Thou Art and the more contemporary one found here: 

5) "At Last" is one of the most often requested songs for the newlywed's first dance at the reception. What song reminds you of a sweetheart? That's easy.  This one.....it's "our" song: 

This is the last Saturday 9 before Valentine's Day and so this morning we shall focus on the upcoming holiday.

 

6) It's been reported that millions of roses are grown specifically for Valentine's Day each year. What's your favorite flower? Tulips. 

 

7) The earliest recorded celebration of Valentine's Day was in Paris in the year 1400. Obviously you weren't around for that one. What do you remember from one of your earliest, childhood Valentine's Day celebrations? Every year from about kindergarten until we graduated from high school, our daddy would give us a novel/books for Valentine's day along with a heart of candy. The one year I remember most clearly was getting Little Women when I was in about 5th grade. How I loved  that book!!  I still own it! I carried on that tradition for my own daughters and gave them a book each Valentine's day until they graduated from high school. 

 

8) About 20% of pet owners say they give their dogs, cats, birds or bunnies a Valentine. Is your pet getting something special on February 14? Well if I had a pet, which I have no interest in owning, because we tend to travel alot,  there is no way I'd celebrate Valentine's day by giving an animal a gift. That's so very odd to me! hahahah

9) Of all the professions, teachers are #1 when it comes to receiving Valentine cards. Did you ever have a crush on a teacher? I am a recently retired teacher and yes I received SO many cards from students over the years of 1987-2023. Did I have a crush on a teacher? absolutely.  I had a crush on Mr Reardon my high school vocal music teacher and music theory/jazz comp instrustor. I loved taking my weekly vocal lesson with him too.  He was tall, single, ruggedly handsome and in shape because he was a jogger and biker. How I loved that man!  From what I understand he is approaching his mid-90s and is still alive and well! 

Well that wraps up this fun little meme!  This is my first time participating in this particular blog meme.