What's for dinner?
How many times have you said that? How many times has your parent, friend, spouse or roommate said that to you? It's become such a commonplace phrase that commercials and advertising campaigns use even after it had already been absorbed in our cultural lexicon for many many years.
Last night I dreamed I had found a vacant ballroom and realized that what I really missed in my life was tap dancing. So I pulled out my tap shoes and put them on, mentally going over steps I could still remember as I tied my laces…all the while thinking how lucky I was to be able to dance again, that my shoes still fit, that I had found a space to dance in…and I noticed I was wearing black and white stripe leg warmers which made my smile broader.
Then suddenly, a group of women entered, all with tap shoes on. To my surprise there was a class about to start and I asked if I could join. The instructor obliged me, but then began a sort of rant about her dislike of our society and continued on and on about everything that was wrong with us culturally and politically, and as she continued her words became uglier and uglier. I found that my joyous mood was promptly overrun by the instructor's personal rants and issues that had nothing to do with our class, and I noticed how not only it disrupted my mood but the mood of the other women present. That was when I spoke up and countered her rant.
"What's for dinner? How often have we said that on our lives? Do we even know or acknowledge how blessed and fortunate we are to even ask this question when millions of people in the world have only one question to ask, 'will I eat today?'
" If you are blessed enough to be able to ask 'what's for dinner?' that means you are fortunate enough to be able to have the options of what you wish to consume this evening. Whether it's steak or pasta or a simple salad with the dressing on the side…these are beautiful gifts each of it's own. When was the last time you took a moment to realize how many millions of people wish and wish they could have this simple choice? The simple choices to us in our world.
" I implore you the next time you find yourself angry at the world, or having a bad day, or arguing with your best friend over politics, that you take a step back and ask yourself 'what's for dinner?' This simple phrase has also become an acknowledgement of the blessings you have in your life every day."
And there was my rant. I awoke soon after this dream and lay awake for another three hours thinking about it.
On my way to work today, I saw an old homeless man drinking beer. He was there yesterday, and had appeared again this morning. Again I thought to myself, "what's for dinner?". For even though I struggle to pay my bills every month, I still have this beautiful luxury. I know where I will sleep tonight and I can ponder over what I would like to eat today…
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Monday, January 03, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Quote of the Day
"Life has taught us that love does not consist of gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Yes.... the Washboard HAS Become Electrified... Woogie!
Wow, so glad to have this sent to me! I was hoping someone caught the washboard jam...
Saturday, December 04, 2010
We Wish You A Merry Christmas (hi def rec)
A north Mississippi style blues twist to an old Christmas Carol. Good Tidings y'all! Thanks to David S. White for making the vid... Ed Soltis for recording me... And yes I am playing and singing and I arranged the music as well. Thanks for listening!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The Statue Wins Best Louisiana Short at The N.O. Film Fest
My first indie short filmed last October, The Statue, won Best Louisiana Shot at the New Orleans Film fest last weekend! The film was directed by Andrew Bryan and starred myself and Gideon Hodge as the title character. Click on the blog title if you want to ch-ch-check it out (it's also in my "news" section of laolga.com).
Synopsis
A lonely, 'living-statue' street performer in the French Quarter of New Orleans tries to win the heart of a nearby street musician.
2010 New Orleans Film Festival Award Winner
Louisiana Short
Synopsis
A lonely, 'living-statue' street performer in the French Quarter of New Orleans tries to win the heart of a nearby street musician.
2010 New Orleans Film Festival Award Winner
Louisiana Short
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Jim Dickinson's Legacy: “I’M JUST DEAD, I’M NOT GONE.” Jim’s self-penned ...
Jim Dickinson's Legacy: “I’M JUST DEAD, I’M NOT GONE.” Jim’s self-penned ...: "James Luther Dickinson was a family man. When I told him that my wife, Angela, was pregnant with our only daughter, Emma, he said, “That's w..."
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Senatobia to Honor Two Music Stars with Music Trail Markers
Senatobia has been chosen as the site for two new Mississippi music trail markers. O. B. McClinton will be honored with the Country Music Trail marker and Jessie Mae Hemphill and the Hemphill family will receive a Mississippi Blues Trail marker. These two internationally known music artists were born in Tate County and made their homes here. The fund raising drive in support of erecting the markers is led by the Tate County Economic Development Foundation with support from the Sycamore Arts Council.
“We are excited to be the location for two music trail markers in the state’s heritage tourism program,” said Janie Mortimer, executive director of the Tate County Economic Development Foundation. “These markers will literally put Senatobia and Tate County on the map for people who visit the state because of our musical heritage.”
While the Mississippi Development Authority/ Tourism Division oversees the creation of the trails, the research and naming of artists and communities, it is the local town and county that are responsible for purchasing each marker.
“MDA provides the opportunity for local communities to be a part of the music trail program, but it is up to us to fund the markers,” Mortimer said. “Our fund raising efforts have generated a gratifying and wide-ranging level of community interest and support. We hope that everyone interested in supporting this project will do so. Every dollar is important.”
A fund raising drive has been started to raise the monies needed to bring these markers to Senatobia. Any amount may be contributed, but sponsorship categories are $100 for Individual Sponsors and $250 for Corporate Sponsors. Persons or businesses wishing to make a donation may do so by sending a check to the Tate County Economic Development Foundation at 135 N. Front St., Senatobia, MS 38668. For more information about your donation, call The Foundation at 662-562-8715.
O. B. McClinton began listening to country music as a child and bought his first guitar in Memphis on Beale Street. O. B. attended Rust College in Holly Springs on a choir scholarship and graduated in 1966. He served in the Air Force where he won service talent shows, which spurred him on to write songs. A friend introduced him to a Charlie Pride album and he turned his attention to country music. In 1971, O. B. became the first Country Music artist on Stax Records country label. He also recorded for Mercury and Epic Records. He considered his first country music chart single “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” his best work. But he is best known locally for his hit “Obie from Senatobie”. He charted 15 singles on the Billboard magazine Top 100 Country Chart during a career that lasted from 1973- 1987. His last recorded performance, just weeks before he died, was on the Ralph Emery Show in Nashville where he performed a song about returning to his hometown of Senatobia. O.B. died on September 23, 1987 after a year-long battle with abdominal cancer.
Jessie Mae Hemphill was born into a multi-instrumental musical family in 1923. She followed in the footsteps of her renowned grandfather, blues player Sid Hemphill. She had several family members who were artists in their own right- her great grandfather, grandfather, two aunts and her mother were all musicians. She began playing guitar at the age of 8 and later played in her grandfather’s band. Throughout the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s she stayed close to her musical roots and played on Beale Street. Jessie Mae’s solo career began in the early 80’s with the release of her first album, “She Wolf”. Hemphill won the W.C. handy Award for Best Traditional Female Blues Artist two years in a row- 1987 and 1988. Her album, “Feelin’ Good” brought her the Handy Award for Best Acoustic Album in 1991. In 1993, Jessie Mae suffered stroke that left her left side paralyzed. Although she could no longer play guitar, she still sang, but retired from touring and returned to Senatobia. She was coaxed out of retirement in 2003 to record one last CD and DVD, “Dare You To Do It Again”. Jessie Mae passed away July 22, 2006 and is buried in Senatobia Memorial Cemetery.
The Mississippi Country Music Trail was unveiled in 2010, following the success of the Mississippi Blues Trail, which now boasts over 100 markers across the state and other locations. The markers are tourist attractions bring thousands of music fans to the state every year.
For more information on how to help with this project, contact the Tate County Economic Development Foundation at 662-562-8715 or jemortimer@cityofsenatobia.com
Submitted by Sharon Rone Self, Sept. 15, 2010
“We are excited to be the location for two music trail markers in the state’s heritage tourism program,” said Janie Mortimer, executive director of the Tate County Economic Development Foundation. “These markers will literally put Senatobia and Tate County on the map for people who visit the state because of our musical heritage.”
While the Mississippi Development Authority/ Tourism Division oversees the creation of the trails, the research and naming of artists and communities, it is the local town and county that are responsible for purchasing each marker.
“MDA provides the opportunity for local communities to be a part of the music trail program, but it is up to us to fund the markers,” Mortimer said. “Our fund raising efforts have generated a gratifying and wide-ranging level of community interest and support. We hope that everyone interested in supporting this project will do so. Every dollar is important.”
A fund raising drive has been started to raise the monies needed to bring these markers to Senatobia. Any amount may be contributed, but sponsorship categories are $100 for Individual Sponsors and $250 for Corporate Sponsors. Persons or businesses wishing to make a donation may do so by sending a check to the Tate County Economic Development Foundation at 135 N. Front St., Senatobia, MS 38668. For more information about your donation, call The Foundation at 662-562-8715.
O. B. McClinton began listening to country music as a child and bought his first guitar in Memphis on Beale Street. O. B. attended Rust College in Holly Springs on a choir scholarship and graduated in 1966. He served in the Air Force where he won service talent shows, which spurred him on to write songs. A friend introduced him to a Charlie Pride album and he turned his attention to country music. In 1971, O. B. became the first Country Music artist on Stax Records country label. He also recorded for Mercury and Epic Records. He considered his first country music chart single “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” his best work. But he is best known locally for his hit “Obie from Senatobie”. He charted 15 singles on the Billboard magazine Top 100 Country Chart during a career that lasted from 1973- 1987. His last recorded performance, just weeks before he died, was on the Ralph Emery Show in Nashville where he performed a song about returning to his hometown of Senatobia. O.B. died on September 23, 1987 after a year-long battle with abdominal cancer.
Jessie Mae Hemphill was born into a multi-instrumental musical family in 1923. She followed in the footsteps of her renowned grandfather, blues player Sid Hemphill. She had several family members who were artists in their own right- her great grandfather, grandfather, two aunts and her mother were all musicians. She began playing guitar at the age of 8 and later played in her grandfather’s band. Throughout the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s she stayed close to her musical roots and played on Beale Street. Jessie Mae’s solo career began in the early 80’s with the release of her first album, “She Wolf”. Hemphill won the W.C. handy Award for Best Traditional Female Blues Artist two years in a row- 1987 and 1988. Her album, “Feelin’ Good” brought her the Handy Award for Best Acoustic Album in 1991. In 1993, Jessie Mae suffered stroke that left her left side paralyzed. Although she could no longer play guitar, she still sang, but retired from touring and returned to Senatobia. She was coaxed out of retirement in 2003 to record one last CD and DVD, “Dare You To Do It Again”. Jessie Mae passed away July 22, 2006 and is buried in Senatobia Memorial Cemetery.
The Mississippi Country Music Trail was unveiled in 2010, following the success of the Mississippi Blues Trail, which now boasts over 100 markers across the state and other locations. The markers are tourist attractions bring thousands of music fans to the state every year.
For more information on how to help with this project, contact the Tate County Economic Development Foundation at 662-562-8715 or jemortimer@cityofsenatobia.com
Submitted by Sharon Rone Self, Sept. 15, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Blues Trail Marker for Jessie Mae Hemphill
Hey Jessie Mae Hemphill friends and fans! We are looking to get a Blues Trail Marker for Jessie Mae which would be installed near her headstone (Senatobia Memorial Cemetary). We need to raise $4000 to do this. Please help us commemorate Jessie Mae and her legacy by making a donation to this very honorable project.
Update- additional info below:
The local info to include is that the funds ($6000) are being raised for by the Tate County Economic Development Foundation for two (2) music markers- one for Jessie Mae (Blues Trail) and one for
O. B. McClinton for the Country Music Trail. We will accept any amount of donation, payable to TCEDF, but there are two levels of sponsor patronage:
$100 for individuals
$250 for businesses
Patrons will be recognized with a party, mention in future press materials and other ways to be determined.
The mailing address for TCEDF is:
135 N. Front St.
Senatobia, MS 38668
(662) 562-8715
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Backstage on the Bayou: Olga and the Road to the Blues
Backstage on the Bayou: Olga and the Road to the Blues: "Photo by Kaylin Idora On St Claude Avenue in the Marigny neighborhood, cars pass by as recording artist Olga talks about her road to the blu..."
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Gallup Poll Feature
Howdy all!
I woke up this morning to find my feature on Gallup in my email box. Maybe I mentioned this, or maybe not, but I was invited to become a Gallup Poll member about 2 years ago. They send polls to me mostly via email, sometimes by phone. Not sure how I was selected to be invited to become a member, I think they just called me out of the blue. Well, I love polls and giving my opinions so I thought it would be fine to participate. Every month or so, they feature a panel member and this month it's me, bbs! Enclosed is the link (above title), though I will also type it here as you may have to sign in in order to read through their site...
Olga Munding
Louisiana blues from a worldly soul
Click the "music" section of Olga Munding's Web site and listen to any of her songs, and it is easy to recognize her talents. Munding is a singer, songwriter, and actress in New Orleans, by way of San Francisco. Trained in the north Mississippi blues by "an old blues woman, Jessie Mae Hemphill," Munding uses music to tell her unique life story.
Munding's parents came to the United States from Innsbruck, Austria, in the late 1960s. What was supposed to be a short stay in America became a permanent relocation, and Munding was born and raised in San Francisco. She now considers New Orleans her home, after moving from the Bay Area more than a decade ago.
"I had the most profound feeling the first time I ever visited," Munding said of New Orleans, "that this was where I was supposed to be." That's a telling sentiment, considering how much of the world Munding saw as she grew up. "I have been fortunate enough to be able to visit my relatives in Austria and to travel around Europe many times since I was a child," she said. "I am American, but also Austrian. It's a special balance of two worlds, I think."
Munding brings that balance to her music. She writes music, sings songs, and plays shows locally and overseas. She recently finished a new album she hopes to release later in 2010. Listen to the sample recordings on her site and you will understand the comparisons she said she receives to blues legend Bonnie Raitt.
In addition to playing shows in and around New Orleans, Munding is involved in other programs throughout her community. "I belong to an all-woman Mardi Gras Krewe, called Krewe of Muses," she said. "I've been lucky to meet a wonderful array of strong, creative women through the Krewe." This group parades the Thursday night before Fat Tuesday and is known for throwing hand-decorated shoes to the crowd. "They are a hot commodity in this town!" Munding said.
Despite her travels and her time spent composing and performing music, Munding always makes time to participate in the Gallup Panel. "I am very outspoken with my thoughts and opinions, and have always been a voice especially for those who are unable to stand up for themselves," she said. "I have had this trait since I was a kid. Sometimes it has been good, sometimes bad, but I can't imagine being any other way."
Munding said participating in the Panel allows her to connect with others independent of the filtered media. "I don't believe we are getting the real news from the mainstream media," she said. "The Panel is real people connecting and sharing their thoughts."
I woke up this morning to find my feature on Gallup in my email box. Maybe I mentioned this, or maybe not, but I was invited to become a Gallup Poll member about 2 years ago. They send polls to me mostly via email, sometimes by phone. Not sure how I was selected to be invited to become a member, I think they just called me out of the blue. Well, I love polls and giving my opinions so I thought it would be fine to participate. Every month or so, they feature a panel member and this month it's me, bbs! Enclosed is the link (above title), though I will also type it here as you may have to sign in in order to read through their site...
Olga Munding
Louisiana blues from a worldly soul
Click the "music" section of Olga Munding's Web site and listen to any of her songs, and it is easy to recognize her talents. Munding is a singer, songwriter, and actress in New Orleans, by way of San Francisco. Trained in the north Mississippi blues by "an old blues woman, Jessie Mae Hemphill," Munding uses music to tell her unique life story.
Munding's parents came to the United States from Innsbruck, Austria, in the late 1960s. What was supposed to be a short stay in America became a permanent relocation, and Munding was born and raised in San Francisco. She now considers New Orleans her home, after moving from the Bay Area more than a decade ago.
"I had the most profound feeling the first time I ever visited," Munding said of New Orleans, "that this was where I was supposed to be." That's a telling sentiment, considering how much of the world Munding saw as she grew up. "I have been fortunate enough to be able to visit my relatives in Austria and to travel around Europe many times since I was a child," she said. "I am American, but also Austrian. It's a special balance of two worlds, I think."
Munding brings that balance to her music. She writes music, sings songs, and plays shows locally and overseas. She recently finished a new album she hopes to release later in 2010. Listen to the sample recordings on her site and you will understand the comparisons she said she receives to blues legend Bonnie Raitt.
In addition to playing shows in and around New Orleans, Munding is involved in other programs throughout her community. "I belong to an all-woman Mardi Gras Krewe, called Krewe of Muses," she said. "I've been lucky to meet a wonderful array of strong, creative women through the Krewe." This group parades the Thursday night before Fat Tuesday and is known for throwing hand-decorated shoes to the crowd. "They are a hot commodity in this town!" Munding said.
Despite her travels and her time spent composing and performing music, Munding always makes time to participate in the Gallup Panel. "I am very outspoken with my thoughts and opinions, and have always been a voice especially for those who are unable to stand up for themselves," she said. "I have had this trait since I was a kid. Sometimes it has been good, sometimes bad, but I can't imagine being any other way."
Munding said participating in the Panel allows her to connect with others independent of the filtered media. "I don't believe we are getting the real news from the mainstream media," she said. "The Panel is real people connecting and sharing their thoughts."
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