P!nkture Perfect!

I’m exhausted. Every time I “Spring forward” it really does screw with my sleep patterns. 

How does a girl compound losing an hour of sleep at an inopportune time of year? Toss in a front row experience at a P!nk concert and voila; you’re guaranteed to be breathing through your eyelids!

♫ ♪♫   Have you ever fed a lover with just your hands? ♪♫♪
(The hair stood on my arms as she began...)
Taken: March 11th, 2013 - ACC Toronto
Photo Credit: ME

What can I say? 

It was a really amazing and well worth the lethargy. 

That said, there were a couple of things that caught me off guard. 

The waiting around and the "wannabe’s” were brutal. Seriously folks; you don't know her so shut the hell up!!

And three; the experience itself was a bigger surprise than expected. 

As bizarre as it sounds, it was kinda like I was dreaming.

My meeting another single ticket holder was definitely an added bonus. My meeting another single ticket holder, that was a seasoned concert goer (that would never for settle for anything less that a spot in a concert Pit) was a godsend. 

Just like me; Basil loves music more than expensive shoes. 

She understands the entire culture and she is anything but a “wannabe”. She was soft spoken and warned me of certain things to watch out for. Waiting indoors after checking in, she helpfully answered my questions without frustration. While others around us were whining, she took everything in stride. She just had an amazing energy.

I was intrigued that she had studied the videos online. As a result, she knew exactly where we needed to be for the optimal concert experience. Because it was a General Admission area, we worked together (for hours) to ensure that we kept 'our spot' for the show. I didn’t realize how cut throat the area was going to be until it got closer to show time. That's when people started to manoeuvre for our space. The exact space that Basil had handpicked for us.

All of that said, last night via Facebook my newest friend said something to me that makes me realize just how people can get carried away. “Not many Pit rookies would help young girls get their hands touched by P!nk, that's a veteran move.  I'm sure it was MUCH appreciated” she said.

I had helped by putting the desires of two ten year old girls (that’s didn’t have VIP tickets) ahead of myself. P!nk took the time to acknowledged all of us but those girls will remember that for the rest of their lives. I’ll remember the looks on their faces and the gratitude that was shared by all. Even now I am smiling; hard to believe others wouldn't embrace the opportunity but it's true.

As Staci and I head down for Rihanna next Monday, I was explaining (to my friend Dave) today where our seats are; 20th row on the floor. As I look forward to my next experience there is only one thing I know to be true. The pictures won’t be nearly as perfect! 

Thanks P!nk... and Basil too.

With Toes Tapping & Fingers Snapping

Heading into the city yesterday morning I had the radio blaring; as expected, as soon as I could get reception, I switched the dial to CHFI. (I regularly stream via the television satellite because it really is my favourite station on the FM dial.)

Passing Canada’s Wonderland, one of my favourite songs hit the airwaves. I cranked the radio as loud as I could stand it, and sang each and every word at the top of my lungs. I have no idea how I sounded because the radio was being drown out by the two dogs in the back howling in pain. My glass half full immediately associated my girlz as “backup accompaniment” and I am pleased to report that the three of us finished the song in its entirety as we approached the 401.

What makes music resonate? In this instance:  the instrumental track from the first section of the song was the music used as the one minute intro for my Jr. Silver Freeskate. The summer of 1983, I swear I heard the amazing bass line and horn section three times a day for the entire summer. To this day, it's still one of my very fave songs to shake my booty to.

Back to a song resonating. Maybe it's that we tend to put ourselves out there in the moment and personally envision. Seriously, tell me? What woman wouldn’t want to …♫♪♫ Save a horse… Ride a Cowboy ♫♪♫…? I take my personal commitment seriously. I am a firm believer in making sure the horse population is well taken care of forever in perpetuity! Never did before I heard that particular song. Just sayin'

All kidding aside; I don’t post many videos on here. In this instance, I want you hit play and really to turn in up. If don't tap your toes, or snap your fingers, you need to send me a note. In return, I’ll call 911 for you immediately. 

Why? Because you’ve lost your soul! As an added bonus?!  You’re probably tone deaf!

Giddy UP and ENJOY one of my very favourite songs... And the dogs like it too!

Do you remember the

21st night of September?

Love was changing the minds of pretenders

While chasing the clouds away

Our hearts were ringing

In the key that our souls were singing.

As we danced in the night,

Remember how the stars stole the night away

Ba de ya - say do you remember

Ba de ya - dancing in September

Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day

My thoughts are with you

Holding hands with your heart to see you

Only blue talk and love,

Remember how we knew love was here to stay

Now December found the love that we shared in September.

Only blue talk and love,

Remember the true love we share today

Ba de ya - say do you remember

Ba de ya - dancing in September

Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day

Ba de ya - say do you remember

Ba de ya - dancing in September

Ba de ya - golden dreams were shiny days

I'm Just Tickled P!nk

As Monday March 11th approaches; September 24th, 2012 seems like forever ago. 

I remember I arrived at work that morning and reminded everyone in our start up meeting that I was not to be disturbed until at least 10:10 am. It wasn't because I had a scheduled appointment or a conference call, it was far bigger than that. Concert tickets were going on sale for P!nk's Truth About Love Tour at precisely 10:00 am and I was gearing up. Needless to say, I logged on and hit the MOTHERLOAD!

I'm not in the 2nd row.
I am in seat 38 in the Pit directly able to touch the heart shaped Stage!
WOOT!!!
Taken the day my ticket arrived via Canada Post: October 4, 2012

Finding it odd that it's a single ticket? I generally go alone. Goob joined me for Prince and Staccs is heading to see Rihanna with me, but I truly enjoy going alone. Believe it or not, when you pay this kind of money for a ticket, everyone around you always has the same passion and enthusiasm. It's absolutely contagious. Plus, a really kick ass single ticket is far easier to land than multiples are. 

Closest I have been to an artist I admire? I could have touched Sheryl Crow on stage - she actually made eye contact. Worst seats I have paid money for? Farthest point possible from the stage at the CNE for The WHO. Best show I've ever seen?  Second row for Don Henley's solo tour.  Biggest ticket purchase surprise? Bryan Adams last year. I liked his show so much I wanted to jump a plane to Winnipeg two weeks later just to take that ride again.

On every single level, music is a passion for me. It's definitely part of who I am as a person. I know it's probably hard to fathom my spending this kind of money for an overnight adventure for myself. (It isn't for the faint of heart that's for sure.) I don't over think it; I love how it makes me feel, and I love that I am disciplined enough to save my money. By budgeting, I can take in three or four experiences a year. What can I say, some women like shoes.

True story; I was having lunch with our installers a week or so ago. I mentioned my travel plans for the next couple of months. They were genuinely excited for me. (They do tease me about my age but they know I like to have fun.)

In mentioning that I was heading into the city to see Rihanna exactly one week after P!nk, Lance jokingly chimed in... "You're going to see Rihanna? HECK, you'll be the oldest person there!" Without missing a beat Brad added; "No she won't... I'm sure someone will bring their grandmother!!" 

Oh, to be in my twenties again. Who am I kidding. I am loving this stage of my 40's just fine!

Sitting separately Staci's Gate ticket is probably better than my Floor ticket.
Have to wait and see...
Taken: October 2012

Walking Singing Bopping Thinking

When I left work tonight I was exhausted. A pretty good day all around but by the end I just wanted to head home and crawl into bed. Knowing that wasn’t an option I rallied. Thank goodness I had my walk home to look forward to; fresh air, brisk pace, and great tunes.

Walking tonight I was definitely in the zone. Not because a certain rhythm called my name but because it was cold outside and I am afraid of the dark. Seriously, the gully by the golf course totally freaks me out. The quicker the beat the faster I walk.   

Motivated I plugged in and fled. Peaceful Easy Feeling (Eagles), Save The Last Dance For Me (Michael Buble), Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (Monty Python), ending with Tears of a Clown (Smokey Robinson). My specific song lineup had me home about four minutes faster than normal. Impressive considering I was wearing heels and zero caffeine was involved.

Point of my post is that the last song unusually caught my attention. Tear of A Clown has been stuck in my head since I attended my very first Panda Game Weekend in Ottawa back in the fall of 1984. That said, tonight the lyrics resonated “the tears of a clown… when there’s no one around…”. As I arrived home and headed down the driveway I wondered; was it the beat of the song or the serious message that has had me obsessed for decades?  Without hesitation I knew my answer. Who cares?

The words in the song may describe how I've been feeling BUT I am pleased to report that I have another 573 song downloaded that I can listen to. Once again proving my glass is half full. 

Just the same, I found this interesting rendition of my song on YouTube. Still love the original the best. Sorry Smokey just keepin' it real...

CHEERS!

The Classic Sean Kelly... I Really Miss Him.

Backstage after performing the Pirates of Penzance

I woke up in the middle of the night last night. I’d been dreaming. I wasn’t scared nor startled; in fact, right before I awoke I know I heard music and laughter.  I'd been dreaming of Sean.

I was blessed to have known Sean Kelly the better part of my life. I think I was 16 the first time I babysat for him and Mary Ann.  They had a young family and lived in a beautiful century home; which has since been torn down and is currently the local fire department parking lot.

Like any small town, it was tightly knit. Growing up, my next door neighbour Joyce worked for Sean. Then, when we bought the house next to Rob and Connie, he'd always chat with me (both before and after then Men of Song rehearsed) over my chain link fence. We`d been acquaintances forever but it was our mutual love of music and theater that sealed our friendship.

From the very first time I stepped on stage he was right there with me. For six months a year, for almost a decade, we were inseparable. He`d always greet me with a hug and never be too shy to offer a new joke. Matter a fact, it was his encouragement that eventually led me to choreography. To this day, I remember how much fun I had teaching the boys to dance staging Guys and Dolls.

Yes, we had a blast. My phone would ring at the office and with not so much as a hello, I`d hear “do you know how cold it is outside today Rhondi?” To which my standard response was “...soooo cold you saw a lawyer walking down the street with his hands in his own pockets?!”

Roaring laughter was how we rolled, that was classic Sean.

I know it's been years; but to this day I miss the ability to pull up his lap. I'd hand him a quarter (he always made me pay to ensure attorney/client privilege) and I'd tell him what I had going on. I could tell him anything. He believed in me. I mean really believed in me and for that I am eternally grateful.

If I close my eyes I can take myself back. Thirty of us crammed into the guys dressing room at the Opera House and Ken would start; Sean, Liam, Paul, Tutti et all would join. The harmonies were crisp and sounded amazing. To this day, The Lion Sleeps Tonight is still one of my very favourite songs. The bass line in particular.

Thanks for the memories Sean. I miss you everyday and will love you always.

Eight Days of Knowing I LOVE The Fall...

I am pleased to report that this morning was the eighth morning in a row I jumped out of bed and told myself that I was “going to have a great day.” I must admit, I was right on the money.

With a skip in my step I had a great walk to work. My toes were a tad bit nippy walking in my sandals but nothing I couldn’t handle. After all, it's approaching fall in Muskoka, which triggers my annual sock dilemma. To wear socks, or not to wear socks: that is the question.

Fall is absolutely my favourite time of year. Gets kicked off every year with my asking myself the sock question, along with enjoying my favourite annual event, Canada's Walk of Fame Festival.

I love what this upcoming weekend represents. I have enjoyed each and every ceremony since it's inception but this time last year I took the leap. I headed into the city to enjoy the festival first hand. I had dinner with Bill (Downtown Toronto Sheraton), then Colleen and I headed to Massey Hall for Burton Cummings. We were there to celebrate Burton being inducted onto Canada's Walk of Fame.

This week, I have butterflies knowing that I'll dine then enjoy Sarah McLachlan bring down the house at Massey Hall. That's right, one of my favourite artists has accepted the honour of being one of the 2012 inductees. She’s sold over 40 million recordings worldwide and five of her albums have reached the Billboard Top 15. I love her music, I love all of her music.

I have only been to Massey Hall once and there’s not a bad seat in the house. I fully expect that when the house lights dim the hair on my arms and the back of my neck will stand on end. The anticipation of hearing her live and not on YouTube has me downright emotional. How silly is it that I am so amped that I’m literally giddy.

As the  season’s change and so do I (sorry that was last year’s inductee) I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the start of what is going to be the perfect fall season.

FAN-freaking-tastic!

Check out the other inductees:     http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/

The Ubiquitous Rhondi Who? What the Hell is A Rhondi?

I think we are all in agreement that people come in and out of our lives every single day. The God’s honest truth? I meet so many people in a day, that some days it’s hard to grasp the volume. Yes-sir-ree-Bob-a Roonie, I AM the Wal-Mart greeter. Problem is I'm not 75yrs old. Trickier move is that I don’t work at Wal-Mart.

Why this particular mindset you ask? 

I had a builder call me today. He called to tell me his clients literally “raved" about me. He continued to say that no matter what, "he was to work very closely with me, because I knew exactly what they (his customers) wanted.” Without a word of a lie, I am embarrassed to admit, I've no recollection of ever meeting these people. Better yet, these folks called asking me to dine with them and I have no clue what they even look like. (You`ll be pleased to know I declined the dinner invitation.)

Let me side step a little and head back to Orillia Lake. I'm told it's "cute" but in the scheme of Muskoka grandeur, realistically it is glorified camping. For the last decade, people have said to me “Rhondi, I have no idea where your cottage is…” and there is a truly reason for that. Because of what I do for a living, very few have ever been invited to enjoy this little haven. It’s not because I don’t want to entertain, I do. It's just that it has slowly become a place to decompress and replenish from day to day life. In a nutshell, my life consist of so many people, all of the time, that reading a book alone has become my very best friend. 

All of that gibberish said, a day like today makes me take a step back and wonder. When it comes to people, how the heck do I decide who I let into the party, and who gets left at the door? I want to let everyone in but we all know that's impossible.

Suffice is to say that 90% of the peeps get left at the door. Good news is, for all of those that are left, I play music. I'll quote Smartie and unconditionally  “CRANK THE CLASH BABY” Seriously, Brian always knows best, you can never ever go wrong with The Clash! 

The Voices in My Head Keep Singing Off Key

For those of you that know me, you know I love to sing. Because my blog is read by millions, for all of those that don’t know me, I am going to go on record with the fact that I love to sing.

I’m no pro and truth be told, as a kid my dad use to joke “Rhondi, sing solo…. So low we can’t hear you” (still makes me smile). Wondering why with such unconditional support I still sing?

It’s simple... Music as a whole is a really big part of who I am as a person. In the car, cleaning the house, reading a book, not to mention the fact that I can’t work without background music, speaks to my passion. 

No matter why, at the end of the day, I know I have only four good notes. Yep only four! I am an alto and a struggling one at that. I have to learn the harmony as the melody before the song to makes sense to me.

Loving to sing and being able to sing are two totally different lanes. Trust me. What’s the first and last rule of song? Know your limits! Guess that’s why since Sean has passed (and I have given up performing) my daily audience consists of the same 16 peeps.

Myself and the party of fifteen that I have going on in my head!