Daniel Ash (photo swiped from Google)
Today is the birthday of Daniel Ash and I’m a great fan of his work. In 2002 when he debuted a solo record, not his first, but the first for Psycho Baby Records, I gave him a stellar review for the column “On that Note” in the Montclair Times.
Here are a bunch of songs from his vast collection of work:
Bauhaus
Tones on Tail
Love & Rockets
Solo
The Bronx Warriors
Last night was another gorgeous New Jersey night (we’re having a ton of them, all in a row!) so Dennis and I head out with our good friends Mike and Diane to see another outdoor concert, The Bronx Warriors, who did a ton of cover tunes from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, featuring a medley of Frankie Vali hits. As I mentioned before when reviewing other oldies shows, it is always disappointing to hear medleys because I like to hear the entire song, especially since they did my favorite “Opus 17.” I’d rather hear less songs, and more quality of the song.
However, my favorite part of the show was their surf segment with these hits, “Walk Don’t Run” and “Theme from Hawaii-Five-O.” What a treat – perfect songs for summer!
I also loved their version of Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl.”
At the end of the show, Diane and I did a little dancing. And the best part of the shows are always hanging out with Mike and Diane!
Me and Dennis enjoying the show!
Me and Diane enjoying the show!
Last night I had two of the cutest dreams.
First I saw Rudolph and Zero from “Nightmare Before Christmas” flying through the air together.
Then I was outside with my Billy cat and he was making friends with wild animals.
Life was definitely good in la-la land; but stuff like this goes through my mind even when I’m awake!
Because that’s what life should be — surreal and cute animals.
Billy!
We’re having the most gorgeous weather in New Jersey. True summer; warm days, cooler nights, no humidity.
Last night my husband and I took our walk and decided to go through the town rather than to a park or through the woods as we usually do.
We saw the cutest little girl with a lemonade stand, so my husband bought two cups (and drank mine because I avoid sugary/artificial treats).
We always love seeing kids doing old fashioned things and being outside in the fresh air — not inside on their computers or eyeballs glued to the phones, texting.
It truly lifts your spirits and puts you into another realm of time, perhaps when the world was a better place to live; or perhaps just what some want to remember. Regardless, we certainly captured something special in that short time frame.
Life is good.
My husband captured the beautiful sunset
Such a gorgeous evening!
Charlotte’s Web!
There’s always a bunny I wanna snuggle!
So relaxed and happy!
This was truly a hustle and bustle week!
I had meetings with three potential clients. Two were hits! One is an author and has several books she wants me to edit — juicy ones, I might add, full of adventure and drama. Another is a musician to add to my repertoire of artist representation. Both ladies are super sweet and inspiring.
The third, which didn’t work out, was technical writer for a website. The guy was super duper nice and great to work with, but the work was not for me, as I’m just not a technical writer. I have to stick to the more creative stuff.
By the time last night rolled around, my husband and I were thrilled to take some time to ourselves and get out for a nice walk, taking in the scenery.
Afterwards I had my wine and we watched some of the videos my husband recorded at the Mike Nesmith show we saw back in the winter. It was fantastic viewing one of my favorite concerts we’ve been to of late.
Yesterday I had lunch with a client, turned friend, author Paulette Szalay.
A few nights ago I met fellow blogger, Marie Friddle, on the telephone. We had a fantastic conversation and it’s always so awesome to put the voice with the blogger’s voice!
And yesterday afternoon, I had a great phone conversation with a friend I haven’t seen since the 1990s. We reconnected on Face Book.
I’m so happy with all the wonderful people in my life, and the fact that I work with so many amazing people. And of course, my fantastic husband too.
Every day life is just a joy and a half!
When I met with my client Stefanie last week, we had such a wonderful conversation about “doing it all” in life and how we both have multi-talents and like to utilize all of them in our careers — which is why we are both self-employed.
If you have a regular job, often your talents are pushed to the back burner. I always remember being in between jobs and going to temp agencies or head hunters (not sure if this is still the correct term to use) and the evil lady behind the desk told me I’d never get a job I wanted.
Yeah, BINGO, so I created my own “job” and became my own boss. While writing is my first love, I love that I am not committed to one magazine, one newspaper or one type of writing. When you work for yourself, I believe there’s more growth than if you work for others because you create more opportunities.
Even if you have a full time job, you can still manifest multi-talent magic by setting up a spot in your home to be used solely for your creative endeavors. Try as many different things over the years and see what resonates with you — and others, as you need others to be interested in your work in order to make money at it.
Other than writing, here’s a short list of all the things I’ve done over the years and have made money at: modeling, DJ, art, accounts receivable/payable/collections, waitress, poetry, data entry, typesetting, typing, office manager, personal assistance, marketing … and so on.
And there are many things I’d still love to try in the future.
There is no rule in life that says you have to excel at one thing. Being a jack of all trades, master of some, is the way to go. It keeps me busy and I love the diversity.
For the past two years I was anti-Face Book because I had a few bad experiences, but now I’m back on to help promote my upcoming book, as well as my business (which I tried to do with a regular business page, but I’m getting more positive feedback with a regular account — I think just like old school businesses, people prefer the personal touch).
So, in just two days, I reconnected with some old friends, made some new ones and generated some interest for my upcoming book, “On the Guest List.”
Being on Face Book again reminded me of why I loved it to begin with. It really brings you closer to some people, then the next time you see them it’s extra awesome. I love that I can help promote my friends and their talents along the way. It’s just a great trip to be on.
And no matter how professional you try to be, there’s always a funny story to tell — past and present.
STORY #1
When I first signed on, the name of this guy I never met before in my life (and lives halfway around the world) showed up as suggested people I know. I didn’t know the guy AT ALL.
Turned out, he put that he worked at my home-based business, Pear Tree Enterprises.
I was like, “WHOA!” He never worked here, this is just a one-man show — ME!
Only once in my life did I have to hire help for a huge website project and it wasn’t him.
And mind you, this dude gave himself a pretty big title too. At first I was annoyed. But my second thought was, okay, actually this makes me look pretty darn good. I wish I could hire someone and pay them enough for a prestigious title but if he wants to be a liar, it only makes me look better until people become the wiser. It’s a win/win for now.
STORY #2
A few years ago I had an idea for a start-up online magazine. I had quite a few people interested in working with me: artists, web designers, etc. that were willing to work for free until we got advertising.
Then I got insanely busy and put the project on the back-burner.
A few months later, out of the blue, a girl contacted me and asked if she could write for the magazine. I told her it wasn’t happening. She bitched me out in an email, calling me every name in the book because she was ready to write.
My husband said, “How can she write for a magazine that doesn’t exist?”
Yeah, BINGO … but I couldn’t tell her that, she was wishing me death! Scary, but funny at the same time. (She’s one of the reasons I gave up on Face Book first time around).
STORY #3
My friend Margo is the salt of the earth and I love her to death.
I used to have this Face Book page called “Maryanne’s Jukebox” and had quite a following. I allowed everyone to post songs. Margo loves Alice Cooper and I posted “Go to Hell” by Alice Cooper for her and wrote, “This one’s for Margo.”
All of a sudden, I got all these emails from friends saying, “What happened with Margo?!”
They thought I was mad at her and telling her to “go to hell.” – And that was the FURTHEST from the truth!
***
So let’s see what other funny adventures happen in cyber land as I re-build my network.
Tommy James and The Shondells
My husband Dennis treated me to a most wonderful evening, seeing Tommy James and The Shondells, at Ocean Grove Auditorium, which is actually a huge church!
This was our third time seeing Tommy James. It was amazing, as always! He opened up with “Draggin the Line,” followed by my favorite “Crystal Blue Persuasion.” Also did “Ball of Fire,” “I Think We’re Alone Now,” “Crimson and Clover” (which was electrifying when they put the special effects on his vocal!) “Hanky Panky” … during “Mony Mony” he jumped into the audience and shook hands and met fans. He was out there about 15 minutes while the band played, trying to meet as many people as possible. He was so awesome for doing that. He ended the show with “Sweet Cherry Wine” and told the audience that “Jesus is Coming!” (as he’s done before, it’s no secret that Tommy James is a Christian!)
Jefferson Starship was the warm-up act. Original founder Paul Kantner is still in the group and Cathy Richardson takes on the role of Grace Slick. Richardson’s voice was powerful and she was a true rock ‘n’ roller. This was my second time seeing Jefferson Starship. (The first time was around 2002, I think). My favorites were “White Rabbit,” “Somebody to Love,” and “Runaway.”
It was another super hot night in New Jersey. I danced so much and really worked up a sweat!
During intermission we ran into Tommy James’ manager Carol and chatted with her. Also ran into our friends Glen and Gina. After the show we caught up with them again, all walked the boardwalk together and then had a beer.
The Specials also played at Stone Pony last night. The four of us were considering that show, but Gina found out it was over already. We had so much fun though regardless. Lots of laughs and music chats.
It was a fantastic, five-star evening! I am so high!
This morning I was in a Hallmark store waiting for a gift to be wrapped, so I just stood to the side and let other customers go to the next register.
There was a man with a cane standing next to me, probably in his 60s or 70s. I had my left arm resting over my bag at the counter and he said, “That’s nice,” as he pointed to my left arm.
“Oh, thank you!” I said, assuming he was talking about my wedding band.
“How many do you have?” he asked.
“Husbands?!” I asked, with a smile on my face.
He looked baffled as I was, as he was referring to the tattoo on my wrist — not my wedding band.
We’re having a massive heatwave in New Jersey — like 101 degrees for several days now.
Yesterday I went to church and to the health food store. As I got back to my car my battery died.
Since I’m my own boss, no worries under normal circumstances, I could have just called roadside assistance, but who wants to wait in 101 degrees? If it was a gorgeous spring day, I would have went for a walk or gone shopping.
Well, luckily a Good Samaritan from the local hardware store decided to help me out.
While he was getting his car situated, idiots were blowing their horns, being impatient. I even yelled at them, “He’s trying to help me — SHUT UP!”
Finally the car got started! I offered him $10.
He declined my offer.
So I went into the hardware store and gave the money to his wife.
She declined too.
I said, “I insist!” and left the money on the counter and ran out of the store.
When I came home, I contacted several newspapers to let them know how kind this business owner was — that he stopped everything just to help me! And in this HOT WEATHER!
One of the newspapers published my letter and I’m so happy because CRANFORD PAINT & HARDWARE, Cranford, New Jersey, deserves much recognition. In this day and age you rarely hear stories like this. So if anyone from New Jersey, in the Cranford area, is reading this, please go out of your way to give this man and his wife business — they deserve it!
Here is my letter to the editor: http://www.nj.com/cranford/index.ssf/2013/07/letter_to_the_editor_thank_you_1.html
And coincidentally, the message of church yesterday was about strangers helping each other!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta 