Bodacious Boomer

I went to bed about 10:30 last night, watched two Frasier’s then a movie. Finally decided that I couldn’t sleep so here I am. I just went to CNN and discovered that Mary Travers has died. Patrick Swayze died a couple of days ago. I went to high school with Patrick, photographing him for the school newspaper. He was a nice guy then and apparently stayed that way his whole life, dying too young at 57. It saddened me when I  heard that he’d become ill a couple of years ago, especially with such a dreadful form of cancer. However he put up a good fight eeking out many more months than most people who are diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I’m sure he’s in a good place now. If there is anything good about this situation it’s only that he and Lisa at least had a chance to say their goodbyes.

Although I never knew Mary Travers I feel her loss more. I was a huge fan of Peter, Paul and Mary back in the day. Unlike most of the baby boomers I was never a fan of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix or Bob Dylan. If I wanted to hear screaming like Janis Joplin I could just go to my local ER.. Jimi Hendrix was all about drugs. Bob Dylan although a great songwriter has a nasally voice I just cannot abide. Mary Travers had a clear, strong voice. She sang songs that told stories that I could understand.

When I was at UT I was in the University Chorus. I was also in a trio. We did PP&M songs. Since I’m an alto, I could usually do the Mary Travers parts. I’m still a fan of her music and even have it on my IPOD. When life gets crazy I like to listen to my “old” music, loudly sing-along and try to get over whatever got me so worked up. It’s cheaper than pharmaceuticals, not fattening like booze and I’ll never have to go to detox. It’s a good thing- at least for me. Today’s trivia answer- a kayak.