It Strikes Me Funny: "bird scares off cat"

I saw it with my own eyes!

Photo by GH

See "watch it, buddy!"

My Mother’s Day

On Mothers’ Day I remember a wee girl who grew up during tough times and wanted more for her kids than they could likely imagine as youngsters.

[Edith J., between a very tall friend and R. Palmer, Norwich; circa 1934]

The following piece of prose was written three years ago for Edith Jane Harrison (born May 10, 1923; passed away Sunday morning, Nov. 26, 2000), the wee girl who became my mother.

thin times in a small town

where did she find

the money, that young mother

of mine, for the brand new

red CCM bicycle for

my birthday?

my brother and three sisters

never thought or felt

our family was poor.

but we knew -

if we wanted something -

we had better be prepared

to work for it.

God, what a good lesson

to learn as a young boy.

My dad had me try

one or two used bikes one day.

Tim Body’s didn’t fit me well

and it was hard to pedal.

I would have worked hard

for something better.

But, on my birthday,

after opening a few presents,

my mother told me

I wasn’t done yet

and said I should look

behind a tall bookcase

that hid the front door

from where I stood.

I did look,

and quite unexpectedly,

fell in love with

my new red bike.

***

I lovingly tip my hat to a girl whose father died young, who never had her own new red bike.

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It Strikes Me Funny: Strange ‘Key Words’ find my blog

If you ‘googled’ Birdhouse London chances are good you’d be directed to my blog.

Other key words will also do the trick. E.g., 'buy nothing day’, ‘permafrost’, and for some unknown reason, ‘naked at Port Burwell.’ (Don’t ask. I don’t know. Even if I did I wouldn't tell.)


["Nothing but a few fishermen on the dock as far as I can see": photo GH]

Today, while checking stats related to my second blog (re prose, song lyrics), I discovered that a reader had found it by typing in the following string:

verse for a friend who has not kept in touch since you left w

w? wth? What does it all mean?

My first guess is, the string went on for a few more words but was too long for the key word record.

My second guess is, the missing words are “with my brother” and the reader found my Hit Single entitled ‘Lordie Lordie.’

And about ‘naked at Port Burwell’... still nothing.

***

Please click here for the lyrics to my Hit Single 'Lordie Lordie.’

Please click here to mead more It Strikes Me Funny.

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Cartoons in Progress: “Life’s like that, eh” 19

The newest member of the class did quite well in his first-ever entrance examination.

gah

***

Please click here to view “Life’s like that, eh” 18.

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Hit Singles: Your Shadow’s at My Side

Backgrounder: “Marriages and relationships certainly go through hard times, don’t they? Hopefully, bad times are followed by good times and a couple doesn’t reach the kicking stage in verse 3.” gaharrison

Your Shadow’s at My Side

Chorus:

Late at night I think of you.
Late at night I dream of you.
Late at night I yearn for you,
Your shadow’s at my side.


["Sail through troubled waters": photo GH]

1. Hard times from the start,
Hard times broke your heart.
Hard times tore us apart.
You have left my side.

2. Good times will come again,
Good times will ease your pain,
Good times will be our last refrain.
But I need you at my side.

Verse 3 is optional: Depends on the mood around the campfire!

3. Last chance came and went,
Last chance you got to vent,
Last chance you said, “Get bent.”
You kicked me in my side.

gah

***

More Hit Singles - click here.

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Hit Singles: Get Off of My Porch

Backgrounder: “I’m very, very surprised someone has not written a song exactly like this because terrible things - like those in the song below - happen every weekend, if not every single day of the week. Not at my house, mind you, but somewhere. Use my porch if you need to brush somebody off.” gaharrison

Get Off of My Porch

1. You said that you didn’t love me,
You said you found someone new.
You said ‘cause I was your best friend
I should be happy for you.

Chorus;

Get off-a my porch, stop your knockin’,
Nobody’s home, go away.
Leave me alone, I’m hurtin’,
(Or... lights are down low for a reason.)
I’ll come outside another day.


["Hey. You. Get off-a my porch!"]

2. I said you were sadly mistaken,
‘Cause I wasn’t happy at all.
I said, “I’ll be pining away, Dear,
All summer and into the fall.”

3. You said the first kiss was pleasure,
You said the last kiss was fun.
I thought the first kiss was treasure,
The last kiss - my heart came undone.

gah

***

More hit singles and prose can be found by clicking this link.

Again, my porch is available for send-offs.

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Hit Single: Lovers Stand On Every Corner

Backgrounder: “I don’t have a recollection of any incident that sparked this song. Maybe my wife didn’t pay for coffees one morning at The Little Red Roaster in Wortley Village and I got all pouty and hurt. Maybe I have an over-active imagination.” gaharrison

Lovers Stand On Every Corner

Verse 1.

Saw you walking passed my door,
went to call but then I swore,
we can’t return to where we’ve been,
and life’s too short to open up that wound again.
Saw you at our old café,
couldn’t find the words to say,
like, let’s just have an easy talk and not get close
and open up that wound again.


[Link to painting]

Chorus:

Lovers, stand on every corner,
remind me of what might have been.
Words I’ve never said
have opened up that wound again.
Alone now, my head is on your pillow,
knowing there’s no answer
to things that I’ve done wrong.
Mistakes that I have made
have opened up that wound again.

2. Walked behind you to your street,
inched along on silent feet.
I practiced words, found a few.
But can words help us open up our hearts again?
Shuffled home, went to the phone.
Could one call just bring you home,
and stir our minds to better times?
But can words help us open up our hearts again?

Saw you walking passed my door,
went to call then I swore,
we can’t return to where we’d been,
life’s too short to open up that wound again.
Saw you at our old café, couldn’t find the words to say.

gah

Please click here to read other lyrics and brilliant pieces of prose.

Brilliant? Hey, It could happen.

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Hit Singles: You Got Away

Backgrounder: “This song was written about ten years ago and was inspired only by my imagination. My wife likely wondered at the time why I would ever go to a laundromat because we had a perfectly good washer and dryer in the basement. I think it’s the kind of song Roy Orbison would have enjoyed singing.” gaharrison

You Got Away

Verse 1. I saw you first time at the laundromat,
I was a bit too nervous to start to chat.
But our eyes held while you folded sheets,
My shirt got damp from my body heat.

2. I spoke to you first at the corner store,
You’re arms were full so I held the door.
I asked if you’d like a coffee one day.
You said, it’s hard, then you walked away.


Chorus:

I was trying real hard but you got away,
I’ll try again soon some other day.
It’s so hard to act cool when my hands get hot,
You’re tougher to forget than I ever thought.

3. When I saw you next you were with a guy.
You said, it’s still hard, if I read your eye.
At the laundromat I saw you fold his shirts,
Don’t know why but that still hurts.

4. I can’t help but keep watching you,
You’re everywhere, on my mind it’s true.
I keep rehearsing romantic scenes,
And you’re the main star in my nightly dreams.

gah

Please click here to read other lyrics or see other songs that have nothing to do with laundromats.

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Hit Singles: The Buck Snort Café

Backgrounder: “While driving to a fire fighter college in Texas a number of years ago, in order to visit my oldest son, I spotted a road sign in Kentucky directing traffic to the town of Bucksnort. Shortly after telling my wife we should retire to Bucksnort and open a coffee shop, this song followed.” gaharrison

The Buck Snort Café

Chorus:

I’m going to the Bucksnort Café,
I’ll have my first cup of the day,
I’ll talk to my pals, joke with the gals,
Life is good at the Bucksnort Café.


Verse 1. I’ll get toast and thick marmalade,
The cranberry scones are homemade.
Two packets of sugar, some cream, and a stir,
Life is sweet at the Bucksnort Café.
I’ll pull out my Free Coffee card,
To get eight holes punched ain’t too hard.
First eight there’s a fee, the ninth cup is free,
Get a deal at the Bucksnort Café.

I’m going to the Bucksnort Café,
Their coffee gets me going each day,
I’ll talk to my pals, joke with the gals,
Life is good at the Bucksnort Café.

2. We’ll talk ‘bout the issues at hand,
Solve problems afflicting the land.
If politicians were smart, they’d take us to heart,
And drop in at the Bucksnort Café.
The price of eggs is too high,
But my wife will be rich when I die.
We talk ‘bout this stuff though life ain’t too rough,
Life goes on at the Bucksnort Café.

I’m going to the Bucksnort Café,
Buy me a refill – I’ll stay,
I’ll talk to my pals, joke with the gals,
Life is good at the Bucksnort Café.

gah

Please click here to read other lyrics for hit singles.

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Hit Singles: I am a Lonely Cowboy

Backgrounder: “I camped with the same circle of friends for many years and one fellow always brought a guitar and a new homemade song for the campfire. This is one of my attempts to come up with what I would call a campfire song.” gaharrison

I am a Lonely Cowboy

Verse 1.

I lost my wife early in life raising kids high on this mountain.
Long hours every day I thought life was okay,
But my heart now feels like it’s aching.
My heart it feels like it’s breaking.

Chorus:

I am a lonely cowboy riding my old gray horse.
I am a lonely cowboy riding my old gray horse.


["I thought life was okay": photo link]

2. I lost my girls, they entered your world, moved away from this mountain.
They both used to write, but they live out of sight,
And my heart now feels like it’s aching.
My heart it feels like it’s breaking.

3. I lost my sons to jobs needing done, they rode down off this mountain.
They said, “See you again.” So I look down the lane,
And my heart now feels like it’s aching.
My heart it feels like it’s breaking.

4. I lost my friend, came to his end caught in a storm on this mountain.
Lost in the snow he had no place to go,
And my heart now feels like it’s aching.
My heart it feels like it’s breaking.

5. I lost it all, there’s no one to call, I’m living alone on this mountain.
This farm is all mine, but we’re both lost in time,
And my heart now feels like it’s aching.
My heart it feels like it’s breaking.

gah.

Please click here to find more hit singles and pieces of brilliant prose.

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Hit Singles: How Are You Still in Love with Me?

Backgrounder: “After listing two songs in a row that were pretty darn sad (click here and pass the tissues), I thought I’d better dust off an old love song from my ‘singing around the campfire’ days. I hope you feel better now.” gaharrison

How Are You Still in Love with Me?

Verse 1. I know some about the rivers, how they flow out to the sea.
Because I’ve seen them rushing by in the morning.
I kinda get to wondering, what I’d see from way out there.
There’s mysteries that are deeper than the sea, than the sea.

I wonder, yes I wonder,
About some mysteries of life,
But I wonder more how you’re still in love with me.


2. I know some about the prairies, how they stretch out to the sky.
Because I’ve seen them reaching out in the morning.
I kinda get to wondering, what I’d see from way out there.
There’s mysteries that are wider than a mile, than a mile.

I wonder, yes I wonder,
About some mysteries of life,
But I wonder more how you’re still in love with me.

3. I know some about the eagle, how they fly up in the sky.
Because I’ve seen them circling round in the morning.
I kinda get to wondering, what I’d see from way up there.
There’s mysteries that are higher than the sky.

I wonder, yes I wonder,
About some mysteries of life,
But I wonder more how you’re still in love with me.

4. I know some about the mountains, how they’re too bright for my eye.
When I seen them flashing white in the morning.
I kinda get to wondering, could I see from way up there?
There’s mysteries that will blind you for awhile.

I wonder, yes I wonder,
About some sweet mysteries of life,
But I wonder more how you’re still in love with me.

gah

***

Please click here to read more hit singles and a bit of brilliant prose.

Brilliant?

Hey, it could happen.

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Hit Single: Since You Left Me

Backgrounder: “I’ve been married for almost 40 years and can only imagine what it would be like living alone after a breakup. I think it would be pretty tough, even for a day. And that’s all the time considered in this song - one day - from sun up to sundown, from the time coffee was turned on until a pair of dirty boots were kicked off.” gaharrison

Since You Left Me

Verse 1. There’s no one around as the sun’s coming up,
Nobody stirs when I drink my first cup,
Nobody joins me as I’m washing up, since you left me.
There’s no one around since you left me.
There’s no one who asks, is that a smile or a frown?
Nobody asks, can’t you put that job down?
Nobody says, hey, let’s head into town, since you left me.
Not much goes on since you left me.

Chorus:

I’m ready to listen and hear what you say,
Since you headed straight out the door.
And I’m ready to stop having all my own way
since you left me.
It’s one empty house since you left me.


2. There’s no one around while I throw in some hay,
Nobody cooks when I stop at noonday
Nobody hollers, cold drink’s on the way, since you left me.
There’s no one around since you left me.
There’s no one who says, you’ve been working real hard,
Nobody says, I put gas in the car.
Nobody says, you should call your Pa, since you left me.
Not much goes on since you left me.

3. There’s no one around as the sun’s going down,
Nobody turns when I throw my boots down,
Nobody laughs when I act like a clown, since you left me.
There’s no one around since you left me.
There’s no one who asks, how’s it going out there?
Nobody reminds me, put a comb through your hair.
Nobody sighs, don’t you love that fresh air, since you left me.
Not much goes on since you left me.

gah

Click here for more hit singles and prose.

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Hit Single: I Won’t Be Drinking Whisky Anymore

Backgrounder: “Boozers ran in my family. Most are now dry or passed away, but I am filled with sadness when I recall my mother’s story about the day she lost her father due to his years of hard drinking. I lost a few school and work days as a young man due to terrible hangovers - and that was enough for me. ‘Everything in moderation,’ as my mother used to say.” gaharrison

I Won’t Be Drinking Whisky Anymore

Verse 1. I won’t be drinking whisky anymore.
I won’t be drinking whisky anymore.
I’ll put my glass down and head into town and try to find a job.
I won’t be drinking hard whisky anymore.


2. I won’t be singing songs all through the night (repeat).
I’ll put my glass down and head into town and try to find a job.
I won’t be singing my sad songs all through the night.

3. I won’t be yelling words that cuss your name (repeat).
I’ll put my glass down and head into town and try to find a job.
I won’t be yelling loud words that cuss your name.

4. I’ll try to bring you home a steady pay (repeat).
I’ll put my glass down and head into town and try to find a job.
I’ll try to bring you home some steady pay.

5. I’ll save up hard, buy you a summer dress (repeat).
I’ll put my glass down and head into town and try to find a job.
I’ll save up hard, buy you a new summer dress.

6. I won’t be drinking whisky anymore (repeat).
I’ll put my glass down and head into town and try to find a job.
I won’t be drinking hard whisky anymore.

gah

***

Click here for more Hit Singles and Prose

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Hit Singles: Down I Lay Me Down

Backgrounder: “This song was written several years ago in the months before my father passed away. When he learned his cancer had returned he decided against any further operations and treatment. I admired his bravery, his clarity of mind and wrote this in his voice as if he was looking back over his lifetime.” gaharrison

Down I Lay Me Down

Verse 1:

I’m getting old, my hair is gray,
I may not have too many days.
My mind can’t help but turn around
to see my footsteps on the ground.
I’m looking back over all my years,
reaching for what I hold dear,
My arms are full, my family’s near.
Down I lay me down.

Chorus:

‘Down I lay me down to sleep,
pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
take me home, (take me home).
If I should die before I wake,
bless my soul for Jesus’ sake.
Take me home, (take me home).
Down I lay me down.


[G.D. Harrison, circa 1941, Scotland]

2. Storms of life, my wife faced a few,
we had doubts at time, but then we grew
To understand love’s our goal
to work for over time I’m told.
I guess with age we wiser get,
pay our way, leave no debt.
Try to live with no regret.
Down I lay me down.

3. I always felt most at rest
down country roads, they seemed the best
place to watch birds catch the breeze.
They always put my mind at ease.
I traveled down many roads,
from wander-lust, a thirst to roam.
All those roads led back to home.
Down I lay me down.

4. Made a home, my wife and me,
kids a-plenty on each knee.
Lives to share, hands to hold,
they were my help as I grew old.
No worries now, no doom and gloom,
I know I will see you soon,
I’ll just be in the other room.
Down I lay me down.

gah

More Hit Singles - click here.

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Anne Murray, now retired, needs a hobby

I have two ideas for Anne Murray (I’ll get to that letter I promised her asap) that could keep her singing and happy as a lark - or some other song bird - until she’s 85.

I understand she just can’t keep heading out on the road for lengthy shows with a big crew of 20 or more and maintain the quality of performance she expects or get the rest she needs. I mean, how could she take days off while travelling with 20 other mouths to feed?

So, here’s my proposal.

Anne should build herself a wee performance hall, on or near her property, with enough room for 500 - 1,000 guests and a concession stand. (There’s good money in selling beer and popcorn and a few CDs! And vinyl is making a comeback.) Or, she could move closer to a small community with its own wee music hall and strike up a deal.

Then, she could perform every other day or twice on weekends, using a small, local backup crew.


Why, she could probably hand pick really good opening acts and give them a bit of exposure (with a beer and box of popcorn thrown in).

Then, on her days off, she should head out to her workshop (quite a bit like mine; small, cozy, good acoustics) and pop together a few birdhouses made from rescued lumber. (I’ll happily send her a few instructions).

Anne could sell them at the shows. (“Buy a large popcorn, get 20% off the birdhouse”). Who wouldn’t want an authentic Anne Murray birdhouse?

Anne Murray could go on with her singing and relaxing for another 25 years. Maybe more.

And so she should!

I’ll get that letter off soon.

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Link and Learn: Justin Sandercoe can play guitar

During Ollie’s 3rd birthday party (before Thomas the Train cake was served) I talked with his other grandfather, a man who plays guitar a bit, like I do.

He recommended I go to Justin Sandercoe’s website to view his guitar lessons and UTube offerings, and this morning I did.

The boy can play guitar.


["Ma, I wanna be a rock star": GAH circa 1965]

And he offers guitar lessons, from beginners to advanced, that are quite easy to follow and advice that is quite worthwhile.

Like, I already know 6 chords so I’m well on my way.

I just thought, if you are like me, i.e., a bit shy about playing in public but still like to sing or write a few songs, you might find it worthwhile to link to Justin’s site and learn more than you already know.


["Like this song?": GAH 2008]

One day you too might be a star and play one of your own songs at a local music club.

And a one and a two...

***

With lessons I might be able to make my latest hit single sound more bluesy.

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Poor Boy with The Poor Boy Blues

The following song came to me while watching the local news last Tuesday night. I must have been suffering a fever because while nursing verses together my wife heard me cry out, where's Kate Young? Where's Kate Young?

Poor Boy with The Poor Boy Blues

I’m tired of buying groceries
from the ninety-nine cent aisle.
I’m tired of buying canned goods
that been dented for awhile.
I’d like to buy some new shoes
that seem to fit my feet.
I’d like the cashier to smile at me
like I’m on Easy Street...

...But I’m a poor boy,
But I’m a poor boy,
But I’m a poor boy,
And I’ve got the poor boy blues.


["The depression has hit my neighbour's roof": photo by GAH]

I’m tired of buying wieners
without a shred of beef.
I’m tired of buying cabbages
with holes in every leaf.
I’d like to buy a cauliflower
that doesn’t smell like cheese.
And I’d like some two-ply tissue
for my nose next time I sneeze...

I’m tired of being first in line
for each recession sale.
Sometimes I feel as useless
as a mop without a pail.
I’d like to drop my low-wage job
get a good one that’s full time.
And then I’d buy a piece of steak
an’ not the Salisbury kind...

I’m tired of drinking cheap sodee pop
to help me quench my thirst.
I’m tired of buying packages
someone else has opened first.
I’d like to buy some brand new jeans
with an expensive label on,
And I’d like to have an extra ten
and a girl to spend it on...

gah

***

More songs with affordable price tags can be found at Hit Singles.

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Fred Eaglesmith

Fred hit a lot of the right notes this afternoon at the London Music Club.

He sang about the following:

Hank Williams, Elvis, Janis Joplin and their last days... on alcohol and pills.

Meeting and loving a significant other on Oxford County Line (not far from my hometown)

Dudley George, from Ipperwash


["Stolen from LMC website"]

His wish to be a freight train, or a long locomotive

Wanting to buy a truck

And he played several hot guitar licks and bickered with a guy who’d had too many beers.

No, not me. I’m a very peaceful, appreciative sort of guy. And when he comes to town again, I’ll be there.

***

Are you a Fredhead? Ever lived near Highway 19 or Oxford County Line?

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From the Workshop: Prose by a rank amateur

she and me

the whine of the bandsaw
the smell of fresh-cut cedar
and fine sawdust in his hair,
I notice them all
when I step into my
old husband’s workshop.
check under your hood, lady?
he says after he looks my way.


he always says that
he always says that
he always says that and
means the same thing
as when he first said it
forty years ago.
he smiles and trips
a familiar switch
inside my chest -
he and me.

***

she always knocks
on the screen door of my shop
before she steps inside.
she always knocks and
sometimes I jump - startled -
lost in thought.


check under your hood
seems the right thing to say
before she smiles and asks
if I’d like to stop for tea.
my throat is dusty,
tea would be fine,
I nod.

***

later, we spend time together.
we sit in comfortable chairs
inside my workshop,
we talk almost a perfect shorthand
and with rhyming tones.
we almost breathe as one
we almost breathe as one
she and me.

gah

***

Click here for more prose and brilliant hit singles.

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Yet Another Hit Single: My Restless Heart

Background: “After I learned a fourth chord on my guitar I branched out, got all fancy., and wrote a few songs a travelling man might sing. With my voice it’s important to know the way outta town.” gaharrison

My Restless Heart

1. I took a job in Kansas City,
I swept some floors and motel halls.
I soon moved on to better times,
I cleaned some basements, painted walls.

Chorus:

But when I earn a million dollars,
My restless heart will take some rest.
Might get it in my mind to come back home,
If I could settle down with you.

2. I took a job in Colorado,
I packed some bags and cut some hair.
I soon moved on to better times,
I sold some brooms and cooking ware.

Click here for more verses, hit singles and prose.

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