Saturday 9 With Eydie

It has been forever since I participated in the Saturday 9 meme and since this weeks song harks back to my teen years, I thought it would be a fun Saturday to join in.

I do not have any special memories associated with this song although I did think Eydie Gorme and Steve Lawrence made the sweetest couple.

Saturday 9:

Blame It on the Bossa Nova (1963)

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

1) This week's song tells the story of a girl who found love at a dance. Share a happy memory from a party, prom or dance you attended.

As a sweet little Baptist girl and a preacher's daughter, I did not dance, nor did we have proms back in the early 60's; therefore I do not a specific dance memory to share.  This did not keep me from enjoying American Bandstand and other teen bopper dance programs on TV.

2) This record was a big hit for Eydie Gorme, which surprised her. When she first heard the song, she disliked it and had to be convinced to her record it. Tell us about a pleasant surprise you had recently.

A friend sent me a huge gorgeous bouquet of roses as a get-well-soon gift.  An hour later I received another one exactly like the first.  Come to find out, the first was supposed to be delivered the day before, and when it wasn't they delivered a second one.  Needless to say we loved having twice the beauty and the house smelled divine.

3) "Blame It on the Bossa Nova" is about love at first sight on the dance floor. Eydie's husband Steve Lawrence maintained he fell in love with her the first time he heard her sing. Have you ever felt a sudden, powerful attraction to someone? If yes, did you act on it?

Yes, in fact, my husband and I met on a blind date and had an immediate attraction to each other.  We met on Feb 6, 1965 and were married on Sept. 4 of that same year.  We acted on it pretty quickly.

4) While this was a solo success for Eydie, she was also known for recording and performing with Steve Lawrence. He was just 22 and she was 29 when they married. Eydie admitted she was self-conscious about the difference in their ages. Do you think age matters in a romantic relationship?

There is no blanket answer for this question.  I have known couples who were several years apart in age whose marriage lasted until death parted them.  One couple I know, the woman is considerably older than her husband and they are a perfect match.  For a couple months each year my husband is five years older than me and I think its great.

5) Eydie was fluent in Spanish, which enabled her to pay for her classes at City College by working as an interpreter. Tell us about one of your early jobs.

My first job was gift wrapping during the Christmas holidays at a large department store.  I actually did this for three Christmas seasons and enjoyed it.

6) In 1963, when this song was popular, The Rambler was Motor Trend's car of the year. It was a 9-passenger station wagon, perfect for families. What do you remember about your childhood family car?

We had a Studebaker that my sister and I loved to sit in and take many a pretend trip.  What adventures that car had.

7) Also in 1963, President Kennedy made a state trip to Ireland. Have you visited the land of your ancestors?

Most of my ancestors hark from England and Scotland, but no I have not visited these countries.

8) The pilot for Gilligan's Island was filmed in 1963. Were you a fan of the show?

Oh yes, I suppose most households watched that show during its run.  I eventually got tired of it but in 1963, it would have been a must see each week.

9) Random question: Crunchy, smooth or organic peanut butter?

It depends on how I'm using it.  For a PBJ sandwich, I prefer smooth.  For a favorite PB snack, I prefer crunchy and being organic is not important to me.

"As Time Goes By" Saturday 9

Saturday 9: As Time Goes By (1958)

A lot of time has gone by since I participated in the Saturday 9 blog post community.  And, can you believe how fast time is going by these days?  Geez, we are already in May!  But, to the subject at hand, this happens to be one of my favorite old songs and I love the heading of this album cover - "songs for the lovely lady."

In 1958, as an 8th grader, I so wanted to be lovely, but alas.

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

1) This song begins with, "You must remember this." Do you often write things down to help you remember?

 

I mostly put reminders in the 'Note' app on my phone.

2) The lyrics tell us that moonlight and love songs are never out of date. Tell us about something else that seems timeless.

Flowers, a firm handshake, looking into someone's eyes while speaking, hugs, smiles, saying 'I love you!'

3) Originally written in 1931, "As Time Goes By" is best known as the love theme from the 1942 film, Casablanca. According to the American Film Institute, there's only one song from a movie soundtrack that's more expressly identified with the film: "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz. What song reminds you of your favorite movie?

Actually, this same song, "As Time Goes By" but sung by Jimmy Durante in my favorite movie, "Sleepless in Seattle."

 

4) This version is from The George Sanders Touch, an LP recorded by an Oscar-winning character actor. There is scant evidence that it sold well. Tell us about something you thought was a good idea at the time, but looking back, would have done differently.

 

Spending the summer of 2020 walking over 5 miles every morning.

5) This album was really something of a consolation prize for George. He worked with a vocal coach, hoping to win the romantic lead in the film version of South Pacific, but alas, the role went to a younger man. He had fun making this record instead. Have you recently taken lemons and made lemonade? 

Thankfully there haven't been many lemons in my life lately, but I do try to learn from things that weren't necessarily pleasant at the time and not repeat them.  This doesn't always work so maybe that is my lemon.

6) He usually played suave but unsympathetic characters. That's why he gave his autobiography the self-aware title, Memoirs of a Professional Cad. What would you call your life story?

 

One saved by God's grace!

7) The night he won his Oscar, George Sanders accepted the statuette, bowed deeply and then, safely behind the curtain and away from cameras, surprised onlookers by crying. Have you ever cried tears of joy?

I do think I may have shed a joyful tear or two when we first saw and held our great grandson, Landon three weeks ago.

 

8) George Sanders wed perennial talk show guest and occasional actress Zsa Zsa Gabor in 1949. Sixteen years after their divorce, he married Zsa Zsa's less famous but also glamorous sister, Magda. After a month, George and Magda thought better of it and had the union annulled. Sam thinks this is one of the oddest romantic tales she's ever stumbled upon while researching Saturday 9. Have you ever known anyone who divorced one sibling and then married another? (Hallmark movies don't count.)

No, I can't say that I have, but that doesn't mean there weren't some from whom my parents protected me.

9) Random question: You're in a line of 25 people at the post office. How many of those other 24 are more patient at waiting than you are?

24

Saturday 9 Questions & Answers

So Emotional

Saturday 9: So Emotional (1987)

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


1) Whitney sings that she keeps her lover's photo beside her bed. What's on your bedside table?

Lamp, candle stand, a wedding picture and a recent one of my husband and me, a jewelry box and devotional book

2) She's getting frustrated, waiting for the phone to ring. If your phone were to ring right now, who would you expect to be on the other end?

Probably my sister.

3) The video was filmed at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, PA. It seats 6,200. As the nation reopens from Covid19, would you feel comfortable sitting knee-to-knee with a stranger in an arena like this?

Yes I would.

4) This week's featured artist, Whitney Houston, appeared on the daytime drama As The World Turns. She played herself, performing with Jermaine Jackson at the Miss Cinderella contest in the fictional town of Oakdale. Have you ever been hooked on a soap opera?

Never hooked although I did watch some many years ago.  I can't even remember the names of them.

5) Whitney had a sweet tooth, and her favorite breakfast cereal was Fruity Pebbles. Do you often eat cereal for lunch or dinner?

I may occasionally have a bowl at night but not often.  Never for lunch.

6) At Whitney's wedding to Bobby Brown, her bridesmaids all wore lavender dresses and the groomsmen had custom made alligator shoes. Have you ever "stood up" for a friend or relative? If so, do you remember what you wore?

Interesting but I have never been a bridesmaid.  I have sung for several weddings but have never been an attendant.

7) In 1987, the year this song was popular, Cher won the Oscar for Moonstruck. Her most famous line was, "Snap out of it!" When you think of Cher, do you first think of her movies, her TV show, or her music?

To be really honest, Cher never crosses my mind unless I happen to see a picture of her or have to answer a question about her; therefore, none of the above.

8) Michael Douglas won the Oscar that year for Wall Street. His most famous line was, "Greed is good." His character goes on to say that, "Greed in all its forms -- greed for life, for money, for love, for knowledge -- has marked the upward surge of all mankind." Do you agree?

Greed?  If this word were to be used as a hunger or desire for all these things, then yes I would agree.  On the other hand, there is and has always been so much greed in our society and it could very well be that this has been the most motivating factor.  I still prefer to think of it as humanity's desire and hunger for something better that has pushed mankind to accomplish so much.

9) Random question: When you woke up this morning, were you ready to get out of bed? Or do you wish you could have snoozed for a bit longer?

I was ready to get up although it would have been nice if I could have slept later.  I try to do my 4 plus miles before daylight while it's quiet and the streets aren't busy.

This is the linear path in my neighborhood that is part of my walk in the dark every morning.

Saturday 9: A Grand Old Flag

You're a Grand, Old Flag

You're a Grand, Old Flag

Unfamiliar with James Cagney's 1942 version of this song? Hear it here.


1) The flag we currently fly, with 50 stars and 13 stripes, was designed by a high school student. When Alaska and Hawaii were added, President Eisenhower invited Americans to submit designs for how best to incorporate the two new states. Ike chose 17-year-old Robert G. Heft's submission from more than 1500 entries. Tell us about a contest you entered and won. (Or really hoped to win.) 

Recently while working on ancestry.com, I discovered this newspaper article from 1964 when I won the title of Miss Rapids Parish.

2) The government also has another of Mr. Heft's designs waiting: one that incorporates a 51st star if another state is added. When you were in school, did you memorize the states and their capitals?

Yes, of course.  That was required learning back in the day, but don't ask me to recall all of them today.
3) Six American flags have been planted on the surface of the moon. Those are undoubtedly the flags farthest from you this morning. Where is an American flag flying near you today?

The side entry of our home

4) This version of the song was performed by James Cagney in the 1942 classic, Yankee Doodle Dandy. Have you ever seen it?

Yes, but it was years ago.  This weekend may be a good time to try to find it again.  We need some patriotism!

5) In that film, Cagney portrayed George M. Cohan, the composer of this week's song. In 1940, Cohan was honored by with a Congressional Gold Medal. In presenting him with the award, President Roosevelt specifically thanked Cohan for "You're a Grand Old Flag," "Yankee Doodle Dandy," and "Over There." What's your favorite patriotic song?

My favorite is our National Anthem, "My Country Tis' of Thee," and think it should never be changed; however, my emotional favorite is "God Bless America."  I never tire of this rendition by Kate Smith from 1943.

6) Though a performer his entire life, Cohan disliked listening to recordings of his own voice. How about you? Do you like your singing and/or speaking voice?

I enjoy listening to what few recordings we have of some of my old solos and ensembles, simply because I can no longer sing.  My speaking voice is another matter.  We southerners have a very distinct and not always pretty twang. 

7) James Cagney won the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance as George M. Cohan. Also nominated that year was Gary Cooper, who portrayed Lou Gehrig in Pride of the Yankees. Tell us about another movie about a great American.

Spielberg's "Lincoln"

8) As a teen, Cagney juggled high school with a variety of jobs, including bell hop and delivery boy, and gave all his earnings to his family. Looking back, Cagney was grateful that he had to begin work early, saying, "I feel sorry for the kid who has too cushy a time of it. Suddenly he has to come face-to-face with the realities of life without his mama and papa to do his thinking for him." Do you agree? 

I certainly do!  I could expound, but the scenes on the daily news each night speak to this truth better than I ever could.

9) Cagney had a rebellious streak. His boss, studio head Jack Warner, nicknamed Cagney, "The Professional Againster." Cagney joked that he enjoyed earning the title. What about you? Are you rebellious?

I did have a rebellious spirit as a young person, much to my parent's chagrin and displeasure, and probably still do to some extent.  The Lord in my life has quelled that rebellious spirit, thankfully.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: The Cowsills

Welcome to Saturday 9.  We post 9 questions every Saturday. Usually they follow a theme based on a song from the past.

The Rain, the Park and Other Things

Saturday 9: The Rain, The Park, and Other Things (1967)

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

1) The Cowsills were a family band who had three hit singles. Can you name another group of popular singing siblings?

The Carpenters and more recently the Jonas Brothers

2) This was their first hit, and it reached #2 on the Billboard charts. It was kept out of the #1 slot by the Monkees and "Daydream Believer." What's your favorite Monkees song?

Would it be rude to say I don't have one?

3) After seeing the Cowsill brothers perform with their mother and sister, TV producers were inspired to create the sitcom, The Partridge Family. Did you ever watch it?

Yes, we did watch it some but it was never a family favorite.

4) In the song, the narrator takes a flower from a girl in the park. Are there flowers in your home right now?

Yes, there are fresh flowers on my dining table.

5) He isn't sure if the girl was real, or if he dreamed her. Tell us about a recent dream you had.

I had a nightmare that something had happened to my son.  Thankfully, it was only a dream.

6) At the height of the Cowsills' popularity, they were hired by the American Dairy Association to promote drinking milk. If we were to peek into your refrigerator right now, would we find any milk?

You would find both Chocolate and White Almond Milk

7) After the band stopped performing together, John Cowsill went on to become a back up musician for the Beach Boys. His job has kept him on the road much of the time. When you travel, do you enjoy staying in hotels, or would you rather stay with friends/family?

Is this a trick question?

When we travel to see family/friends, then that is where we want to stay.

When we travel for traveling's sake, then we want to stay in a hotel.

8)  In 1967, the year this song was popular, Elvis married Priscilla in Las Vegas. Have you attended any weddings yet this year? Are there any weddings in your future?

There haven't been many publicly attended weddings so far this year due to the quarantine, so I have not been to one.  We do have a big wedding to look forward to in October when our grandson gets married.  We can hardly wait.

9) Random question: Are the bottoms of your feet ticklish?

Now this is indeed a random question.  No, they really aren't ticklish and certainly not to the extreme that they can't be touched.

Saturday 9: Memorial Day

I am again joining in on the

To join other bloggers who are answering these questions, go HERE.

Saturday 9: Battle Hymn of the Republic (1963)

Unfamiliar with Judy Garland's rendition of this week's tune? Hear it here.

Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle.

1) On May 30, 1868, President Grant presided over the Memorial Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery. Have you ever visited Arlington Cemetery?

Yes, only once.

2) On Memorial Day, it is customary to fly the flag at half-staff until noon and then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset. Will you be flying the flag at your home this weekend?

Yes, I have kept my outside flag flying on the side entrance to our house since mid March.  It will remain there.

3) Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, because flowers and ribbons were left on graves of soldiers.  Do you find solace in visiting cemeteries?

No not really.  The only cemetery I normally visit is the one where my parents are buried and that is only a couple times a year.  I did however, visit the two cemeteries where my grandparents are buried a few months ago, but I wouldn't say I find solace there.  I know they are not really there, but are now in heaven with our Lord.  I also enjoy visiting old cemeteries once in a while.

4) The lyrics to this week's song were written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861. Her inspiration was a White House visit with Abraham Lincoln. In 2020, public tours of the White House are available but you must request your ticket in advance from your Member of Congress (House or Senate). When you travel, do you plan your trip weeks before you go? Or do you decide how your days will unfold once you reach your destination?

We do take spontaneous short road trips but always had a destination in mind.  What we do once we get there is not always planned.  But to take an actual trip, we do normally plan the destination weeks in advance.  We will have an idea of what we would like to do once there, but may not always stick to that plan.  We enjoy some flexibility.

5) Judy Garland performed this week's song before a live audience as a tribute to President Kennedy, who had been assassinated just weeks before. She knew Kennedy personally and considered this a farewell to a friend. While the performance was difficult for her -- at one point she flubs the lyrics -- she believed it was important, and could perhaps help the country heal. Tell us about a song that reminds you of someone you loved who is no longer with us.

The one song my dad asked be sung at his funeral was "Jesus Paid it All."  This was his life's mission, to spread the word that Jesus had indeed paid the price for the forgiveness of sins.  Jesus paid that price by giving His all, His life for you and for me that we may have eternal life. 

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believed on Him, might be saved and have eternal life."  John 3:16

6) John F. Kennedy served in WWII and was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps medal and a Purple Heart. His brother Joe also served and was awarded the Navy Cross, but he received his citation posthumously, having died during a flying mission over East Suffolk, England. Here at Saturday 9, we consider everyone who serves a hero and want to hear about the veterans and active military members in your life.

Through my Ancestry.com study of my lineage, I know that many of my ancestors served our country in the Civil War, WWI, and WWII.  Two dear classmates fought together in Vietnam and one lost his leg there.

Both are shown in this class reunion picture from 2019.  Their's is an amazing story of brotherhood.  I have a brother-in-law and a nephew who served in the Navy.  We do not have any active members at this time.

7) Memorial Day is considered the beginning of the summer season. Will you be enjoying warm weather this weekend?

Right now, it appears the weather where I live will be in the upper 80's and lower 90's with a good chance of rain on Sunday and all next week.

8) Berries are especially popular in summer. Which is your favorite: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries?

All of them?  We probably eat more blueberries than the other three, but I like all of them.  There is nothing quite like a blackberry cobbler.

9) If you could attend a Memorial Day picnic with any fictional character, which would you choose?

Reacher from Lee Child's books.  He would probably not be very good company, but I just like the character and find him extremely fascinating.  And he wouldn't be Tom Crews either.  In my mind Ray Stevenson personifies Reacher the best.