Tag Archives: art

Top 10 90s Albums

Leave a reply

Album covers are becoming a lost art.  Here is what I considered ten of the most influential albums of the 90s as represented by the their album covers.  WIth the exceptions of the top two and the honorable mention, they are in no particular order.  All songs are linked to their music videos.

  1.  No Doubt – Tragic Kingdom (1995)

Notable songs:  “Don’t Speak,” “Spiderwebs,” “I’m Just a Girl”

It’s neo-retro vibes, particularly of lead singer Gwen Stefani, ushered in a new era.  We were hooked.

  1. Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill (1995)

Notable songs: The entire album on repeat, but “Ironic” and “You Oughta Know” in particular.

No one looked at Joey (Dave Coulier) the same way again.  “Ironic” remains on of my all-time favorite music videos.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

TLC – CrazySexyCool (1994)

Notable songs: “Creep,” “Waterfalls”

The video for “Waterfalls.”  Enough said.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Greatest Hits (1993)

Notable songs:  “American Girl,” “Free Fallin’,” ”I Won’t Back Down,” “Last Dance with Mary Jane”

Almost every song on this album is a gem.  “Last Dance with Mary Jane” is still one of my favorite music videos.  The Gen Xers I grew up with who introduced me to Tom Petty idolized him.  I get it.  Oh, and Ringo Starr plays drums on “I Won’t Back Down.”

The Spin Doctors – Pockets Full of Kryptonite (1991)

Notable songs:  “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” “Two Princes”

This album will always remind me of middle school.  It belongs here for that reason alone.

Sublime (1996)

Notable songs:  “Santeria,” “What I Got”

“Santeria” remains one of my favorite songs.  Both songs were everywhere.

Nirvana – Nevermind (1991)

Notable songs: “Come as You Are,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

While I was never a huge grunge fan, I could not compile a list of 90s albums without Nevermind.  It is quite possibly the most iconic album and album cover of the decade.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)

Notable songs:  “Under the Bridge,” “Give It Away”

Is any 90s collection complete without Blood Sugar Sex Magik?  I don’t think so.  “Under the Bridge” happened to be our class song.  It is one thing we got right.  It still holds up.

GIn Blossoms – New Miserable Experience (1992)

Notable songs: “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” “Allison Road”

The Gin Blossoms were one of my absolute favorite bands freshman and sophomore years of high school.  I do not understand why they seem to be lost in the current 90s nostalgia.

Christina Aguilera (1999)

Notable songs:  “Genie in a Bottle,” “What a Girl Wants”

Debuting a few months before our 19th birthday, both “Genie in a Bottle” and “What a GIrl Wants” were everywhere.  Yes, indeed.  Christina Aguilera and I not only share a birthday (December 18th), we were born on the exact same day in 1980.  While I’m not a huge fan, it was either her or Britney Spears – and we all know how that ended.

Fun fact: A friend and I “saw” Christina Aguilera perform at the Midland County Fair during the summer of 1999.  She had just hit stardom, and we decided to check it out, not even bothering to buy tickets.  We were able to hear her perform just outside the venue.  Not impressed doesn’t even begin to cut it.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Honorable Mention

Ricky Martin – Livin’ La Vida Loca (1999)

Notable songs:  “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” “Shake Your Bon-Bon”

It is almost impossible to believe today, but Ricky Martin was quite simply one of the hottest acts of 1999, along with Enrique Inglesis.  It became impossible to turn on the radio without hearing and singing “Livin’ La Vida Loca.”  His concert happened to be one of my first.  Slightly embarrassing, I know.

NOTES:  I wanted to include a SKA album from the late 90s, but they all seemed to be one and done.

Creativity Is Everything

7 Replies

I admit it; I am obsessed with creativity.  How do we access it?  How do we inspire and cultivate it in others?  I am especially concerned about this as a secondary teacher.  Over the last several years, I’ve noticed an appalling lack of creativity among students.  Many are content simply to move on to the next thing, complete the next step.  I particularly saw this during the pandemic.  It is what Robin Williams’ character in “Dead Poets Society,” Mr. Keating, discusses in one of his many monologues and develops into a theme throughout the movie, challenging the status quo, not to mention the idea of carpe diem.  Ultimately, his students pursuing their passions, against the wishes of their parents, lead to some horrific consequences.  While one would hope that such attitudes would have changed since the 1950s setting of the movie, I’m not so sure it has when it comes to education.  Unfortunately.

I’m just grateful that I have a creative outlet that I love.  Growing up, I loved the art class I took in high school.  Sadly, I can’t draw or paint well at all.  Yet, I loved coming up with different composition projects in various materials.  I can always come up with an idea.  Some, of course, are better than others.  I also adore art history and find it fascinating.  In the end, I wish I had had more confidence in what artistic ability I did have growing up.  Who knows where it would have taken me?

Over the last few years, I’ve subbed for an art teacher whom I got to know fairly well during student teaching.  I always loved subbing for her.  I had fun watching students work on their projects, including ceramics.  It made me want a place of my own just to create.  I have everything I need, including space.  I just need to take the time to make it happen.

What’s sad is that we live in a society that greatly rewards conformity.  As adults, we get caught up in work and other obligations.  Most of us have precious little time to further develop our creativity.  Can you imagine if we did .. or at least valued creativity?

The Beatles – Now and Then (2023)

1 Reply

The Beatles – Now and Then (2023) (Official Video) (Lyrics) (Documentary)

(Written December 4, 2023)

When I started The Mixtapes project on Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde, I knew that I would eventually have to address my love of the Beatles.  Where to begin?  As a result, I let nearly a year go by.  Now, the decision has been made for me.  We will start at the end.

I never dreamed that I would get the opportunity to write about a “new” Beatles release.  Here I am, almost a month after the fact, doing just that.  As a girl born a few days after John Lennon’s untimely death, a fan who witnessed the release of the Anthology Project during her high school years, it feels a fitting conclusion to all that the Beatles have achieved over the decades.  Over the last month, I’ve watched as the reactions to “Now and Then” itself, the music video, and the mini-documentary came rolling in.  Unsurprisingly, there is no consensus.

My only criticism of the “Now and Then” project: the lackluster design for the single.
However, considering the rerelease of the “Red” and “Blue” compilation albums,
it somewhat makes sense.

Beatles fans appear to be solidly in two camps.  The first group is dismissive, stating that “Now and Then” will never rank among their greatest hits.  Of course it won’t!  How could it?  That is not the point.  Advances in technology aside, they state that it never should have been made.  I’ve also heard “fans” (I purposely use that term loosely) complain that video clips of John and George used in the official video are too “irreverent.”  I still have a hard time understanding that criticism from self-professed fans.

My response is simply this:  Did you understand the Beatles – the band and the then young men who created it – at all?  Their humor is a huge part of what made them so great.  Their humor still holds up today.  They simply would not have been the Beatles if you took humor out of the equation.  I love that I can laugh at images of two men who are long gone and dearly missed in a newly released music video.

Then there is my favorite:  “Now and Then” sounds too much like John Lennon’s solo work from the late 1970s.  Of course it does.  That is exactly what “Now and Then” represents, if only a demo.  John did record it in the 70s, and as the Beatles disbanded in 1970, he likely meant for it to be a solo effort.  However, that is only part of the story.  

“Now and Then” is also one of a handful of unfinished demos that Yoko Ono gave to Paul McCartney upon John’s death.  During the Anthology Project, Paul, George, and Ringo completed two of the other demos, “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love.”  At the time, both songs climbed the charts and introduced the Beatles to an entirely new generation of fans.  By the way, both songs, along with their music videos, still hold up – even if some fans are now calling for them to be “cleaned up” as well.

Even though I didn’t think about it at the time, it makes sense that there was supposed to be a third song released with the Anthology Project.  It was released in three parts after all.  That third song?  “Now and Then.”  It just took a few decades, Peter Jackson, and new technology lovingly called “MAL” for it to come to fruition.

Personally, I don’t think that the Beatles could have ended on a better note.  It is nostalgic, almost timeless, and with its humor, the video is even better.  It is a true love letter from Paul and Ringo to George and John – not to mention all of us, the fans.  So, to Sirs Paul and Ringo, thank you!  Once again, the Beatles will be rediscovered by an entirely new generation of music junkies.

On a sidenote, even the 5th Beatle, George Martin, was there in a sense.  In his absence, his son Giles Martin, who just happened to play a huge role in the orchestration of “Love,” helped put those finishing touches on “Now and Then.”

Author Profile: Anne-Marie Oomen

1 Reply
Michigan author Anne-Marie Oomen visited Saginaw Valley State University
and the surrounding area in April.

Anne-Marie Oomen

I am ashamed to admit it, but I have yet to fully read one of Anne-Marie Oomen’s memoirs or books of poetry, even though I own two of her books (signed) and have attended a couple of her writing sessions (one for teachers and other, this past spring, open to the general public), as well as a reading from her latest book, As Long As I Know You:  The Mom Book.  I’ve only read and heard snippets of her work … so far.

What I’ve read and heard thus far is wonderful, and knowing the topics/subjects/genre included in many of her books, I know that I will love them.  How could I not purchase a book titled Love, Sex, and 4-H?  Then there is As Long As I Know You:  The Mom Book.  I can’t wait to read it.  The passages that she read during her author event, along with the anecdotes she shared about herself, her mom, and writing the book, definitely left me hooked.

What I really want to discuss today is her capacity as a teacher.  Just over a month prior to the shutdown orders signaling the official start of the pandemic, I had the opportunity to attend a day-long writing program aimed at teachers.  Titled “Homecoming:  Coming Home,” it was sponsored by the Saginaw Bay Writing Project.  Anne-Marie Oomen happened to be one of the presenters that morning.

During her allotted time, she taught us the term ekphrasis – a method of using different works of art to create various forms of writing, whether poetry, personal essay, or short story.  Imagine studying a painting and then creating a poem from your experience.  That is ekphrasis.

After explaining the process and providing us with examples of her own work, Anne-Marie Oomen had us create our own art inspired piece.  She brought with her a large collection of postcards.  I chose one with a portrait of Annie Oakley on the front, “little sure-shot.”  I enjoyed the experience and still have a digital copy of her presentation from that day.  I left realizing that I could easily create vision boards on Pinterest to gather my thoughts and ideas for various writing projects.

Anne-Marie Oomen used the painting Nighthawks by Edward Hopper
to demonstrate the process of ekphrasis.

As wonderful as that experience was, a few months ago I learned that Anne-Marie Oomen was to be a guest scholar at Saginaw Valley State University.  During that time, she conducted a similar writing session open to the general public at the Marshall Fredericks Museum on SVSU’s campus.  I am so glad that I attended.  It made me look at one of my favorite museums in an entirely different light.  I left with a notebook full of ideas and even a rough draft.  The following evening, Anne-Marie Oomen held a reading at the Wirt Public Library in Bay City, sharing snippets from As Long As I Know You:  The Mom Book.  I’m so glad that I attended as it brought back so many memories of the short few months I had living with Grandma Reid before she needed more care than I could provide.  It is never easy watching someone you love age and decline.

I took something away from each of Anne-Marie Oomen’s events.  On top of sharing her love and knowledge of writing, she is a wonderful teacher.  Better yet … she is a Michigan author willing to help aspiring writers and teachers.

Anne-Marie Oomen’s latest book As Long as I Know You: The Mom Book details her experience dealing with her relationship with aging mother.

Of Hunting and Fishing, Reading and Writing

2 Replies
Teddy Roosevelt is easily one of my favorite Presidents.

Sometimes I question whether or not Dad realizes what an example he set for his children – or at least me, as I can’t speak for my brother or sister.  He, along with my mom, spent the last nearly 46 years owning and operating Russell Canoe Livery and Campgrounds, Inc. and are still actively involved in the business.  They purchased the canoe livery from my paternal grandmother, Judy Reid, in June 1977, a few months prior to their wedding.  Growing up in and with the business, I saw firsthand what my parents and grandparents did to grow the business, including the sacrifices they made.

As a child, whenever anyone asked what my dad did for a living, my response of “he owns a campground and canoe livery” fascinated many.  As the canoe livery developed, Dad focused on creating a business that not only worked around our family life – it complimented my mom’s teaching career and our school schedules well.  It also allowed him to pursue his hobbies of hunting and fishing in a way impossible for most people.

I admit it:  I know more about hunting and fishing than any non-hunter, non-fisherwoman I know.  All thanks to Dad.  I grew up feeding Beagle hunting dogs used for rabbit hunting; with various mounts in our basement; and learning what a Pope and Young record meant, once my dad killed a Canadian black bear with a bow and arrow.  That bear now infamously resides in our main office/store in Omer, a legend in his own right.

This guy gets a lot of attention during the summer months, holding down the fort in our office.
Russell Canoe Livery, Omer, Michigan

As a young child, when I asked Dad why he hunted deer, he took the time to give me the full, true explanation.  At six years old, he explained how deer hunting helps control the deer population in Michigan.  If they weren’t hunted, there would be many more car/deer accidents, and they could become over-populated, causing starvation and disease.  I have never forgotten that lesson.  Even though I am no hunter myself, I have no issue with it – as long as rules are followed and as much of the animal is used as possible.

What I admire most about my dad is how he was able to create a life for himself in which he prioritized what he wanted out of life – and it wasn’t money – it was about lifestyle.  Even though he didn’t directly use his degree in wildlife biology in his career – he didn’t become a conservation officer – that knowledge allowed him to more fully understand what was needed to become a better hunter and fisherman.  Dad’s passion for his hobbies, even today in his 70s, still inspires me.

Dad and Me – Camp Russell 1981, with his first bear.

What I’ve long realized is that I am just as passionate about reading and writing.  He may not see it or recognize the correlation, but I do.  It is the reason why I earned my writing certificate from Delta College, took additional humanities courses when possible, joined Mid Michigan Writers, attended several writing workshops, and so much more.  Everyone should be so lucky.  I am never bored.  I am eternally grateful that my dad was able to find a way to make it all work and set an example for me to follow.  Per usual, I’m just doing things the “hard” way.  I will get there … eventually.

Marshall Fredericks Museum @ Saginaw Valley State University

Leave a reply
“The Man on the Cross” mold on display at the Marshall Fredericks Museum at Saginaw Valley State University. The original sculpture resides at the Cross in the Woods in Indian River, Michigan.
Photo Credit: Lindsey Russell

The Marshall Fredericks Museum at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) is one of my favorite museums.  Considering its size, it is jam packed.  Over the years, I’ve visited the museum a handful of times, and I always leave inspired.  There is so much to see, and frankly, it is impressive to see the results of such a long and varied career in sculpture.  At one time, Grandma B. and I talked about the museum, and she said that she always wanted to visit.  Unfortunately, she never took the opportunity.  I can’t help but think of her every time I am there.

One of my favorite Marshall Fredericks sculptures is “The Man on the Cross,” which resides at the National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River, Michigan.  I’ve seen it in person (the full-size mold resides in the art gallery at SVSU, see below), and it is something that one needs to experience in person.  I plan to go back at some point.  It is gorgeous and moving.

As I left class today (I’m currently finishing my English endorsement at SVSU), I decided to head over the museum.  It did not disappoint.  Following is a quick overview of different sections of the museum.

Main Gallery

The main gallery includes the original molds for many of Marshall Fredericks’ larger works, including “The Man on the Cross” (see photo below), interspersed with smaller models in various mediums.  All are on permanent display and make up the core of the museum.

The molds for the “Sinners and Saints” sculpture. The original resides in the Sinners and Saints lounge at the nearby Midland Center for the Arts.
Photo Credit: Lindsey Russell
Marshall Fredericks also sculptured many animals throughout his career. This frog is one of my favorites.
I believe the original ended up in a children’s garden.
Photo Credit: Lindsey Russell

The Studio

The museum has taken great care to replicate parts of Marshall Fredericks’ studio.  It is impressive, and frankly, there is something about this part of the museum that fascinates me.  You get to understand how he created such large sculptures and the work involved, including tools and studies.  It actually inspired me to write a post on Scrivener and the idea of a writer’s studio, which can be found here.

Display helping to recreate Marshall Fredericks’ studio. Photo Credit: Lindsey Russell
Another view of the studio. Photo Credit: Lindsey Russell

The Sculpture Garden

It is just a beautiful outdoor space with all kinds of bronze sculptures inspired by Marshall Fredericks’ work.  You can find other images of the sculpture garden here.

The “Night and Day” fountain that is the center piece of the sculpture garden.
Photo Credit: Lindsey Russell
Mowgli and Baloo in the sculpture garden.
Photo Credit: Lindsey Russell

A visit to the museum is certainly worth it.  In addition to the sections described above, there are also a couple of smaller galleries in the museum that hold rotating exhibitions.  You can find more information on the museum’s website.

Photo Credit: Lindsey Russell
Henry Ford
Photo Credit: Lindsey Russell
Photo Credit: Lindsey Russell
Another view of the studio.
Photo Credit: Lindsey Russell
Photo Credit: Lindsey Russell

Across the Universe (2007)

Leave a reply
Liverpool Docks
“Liverpool Docks” by wwarby is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

I’ve wanted to write about Across the Universe (2007) ever since I first watched it several months ago.  It is one of those movies that grabs you, not letting you go.  Just when you think you have it figured out, you start back at the beginning.  I’m afraid I won’t do it justice.

Let’s start with the facts.  First, it was a given that I would enjoy Across the Universe (2007) for the music and subject matter alone.  A musical using new renditions of Beatles’ songs that encompasses many of the major themes of the 1960s?  What isn’t there to like?  Never mind the actual film.  It was either going to be wonderful or something never to speak of again.

Next, the music itself is exceptional.  When it comes to Beatles’ music, I am normally skeptical when it comes to covers (with the exception of Joe Cocker, of course).  In this case, Evan Rachel Wood (Lucy), Jim Sturgess (Jude), and Dana Fuchs (Sadie) forced me to look at some of the Beatles catalog in a new way.  Not an easy feat.  There are several examples of this, but some of the ones that come to mind immediately are “It Won’t Be Long” (Evan Rachel Wood), “I’ve Just Seen A Face” (Jim Sturgess), and “Why Don’t We Do It in the Road?” (Dana Fuchs).  That is just for starters. The use of “Let It Be” (Carol Woods & Timothy T. Mitchum) as a hymn fits the scene(s) perfectly.

My feelings on the song “Across the Universe” have evolved as result.  While I’ve always liked “Across the Universe,” I would be hard pressed to even rank it among my top 25 or possibly 50 Beatles’ songs.  No joke.  The movie made me reevaluate.  While I enjoy the movie version of “Across the Universe,” the cover by the band Evanescence is now one of favorite songs.  It is haunting in the best possible way, not easily replicated.

Fortunately for us, the music is only the beginning.  All the principals not only can act and sing, but dance as well.  The choreography in Across the Universe (2007) is second to none and, along with superb costume and set design, make the movie.  It enhances the music in a way that is unforgettable.  The bowling scene that takes place during “I’ve Just Seen A Face” is so much fun and over the top.  While the first part of the movie is just that – fun and over the top – the choreography and music work together to tell a much darker story as the movie progresses.

While I won’t give away the plot, it is the plot itself that keeps me guessing, keeps me coming back to the movie.  When I finished watching Across the Universe (2007) for the first time, my first thought was:

What the heck just happened?  What did I just watch?

Frankly, its plot, or lack thereof, is both its strength and weakness.  While it isn’t as though it doesn’t have a plot at all, there are large swaths of the movie that leave you asking so many questions.  Much can explained away by implied drug use.  Now might be a good time to mention that Across the Universe (2007) earned every bit of its PG-13 rating.  Personally, I believe it should be more in the R category considering the violence, implied drug use, and sexual references/implications.

Implied drug use can explain away much of the plot issues in the movie, but it doesn’t explain everything.  For example, there are certain characters (namely Prudence, Sadie, and Jo-Jo) that I want to know more about.  They are that interesting, considering what we know of them.  However, I have yet to figure out the purpose of Prudence’s character.  She seems to just show up.

While it is easy to see all of these things as “flaws” with the plot, I have to wonder if it wasn’t intentional.  I’m not quite sure how the movie could have captured as much of the history of the ‘60s as it did without leaving so much to the viewer’s imagination.
As a Beatles fan, that is what is so fun about this movie.  There are so many references for fans.  My personal favorite is the Brigitte Bardot poster.  Supposedly all the Beatles had a huge crush on her.  Then, there are the characters themselves.  Jude, played by Jim Sturgess, looks an awful lot like a young Paul McCartney.  His character is even from Liverpool.  With some characters, it is obvious:  Jo-Jo is somehow a stand-in for Jimi Hendrix.  Others, it isn’t so clear.  For example, I want to peg Sadie as Janis Joplin, and yet, it doesn’t feel quite right.  In the end, the music, the choreography, the confusing plot, and the Easter eggs geared towards Beatles fans will keep me coming back.  If you like the Beatles at all, it is a must-see.  If I ever have the opportunity to see it on the big screen, I am there.  I’m not sure how I missed Across the Universe (2007) when it was first released.

Why I Write

1 Reply

Writing 1

Why do I write? I write because I must write. I have a story within me that must be told. There may be other ways to tell that story, but writing fits me – and more importantly, it fits the story I need to tell. I’ve dabbled in many forms of writing over the years, everything from daily throw away articles to blogging to academic papers. I view it all as preparation for writing a larger story.

More than anything, writing allows me to organize all the seemingly random thoughts rambling around my head. I love reading what I wrote years ago as it normally takes me back to a certain time and place. It is a way for me to see just how much I’ve grown over the years, both personally and as a writer.

As a teacher, it saddens me when students tell me they hate to read and write. In my mind, my love of writing grew out of my love of reading. I loved to read as a child – and I still love to read. Reading and writing are so intertwined in my life that it is difficult for me to tell where one begins and the other ends. For example, something I plan to write will inspire me to read a certain book. Other times, a book I pick up because it looks good will inspire me to write. One of my all-time favorite books, Reading Like A Writer by Francine Prose, sums up the symbiotic relationship perfectly. In fact, it changed how I read as a writer in every sense of those words. As long as I have books, paper, and pen, I will never be bored.

Writing, to me, also means a sense of community. I’ve taken writing classes at the local community college, spent years as a member of Mid-Michigan Writers, Inc., and attended workshops and seminars for writers. I have yet to meet one writer who didn’t have something to offer others, whether it be a new critique technique, a new source of writing prompts, or information on various programs for writers. As with teachers, writers are happy to share. We can all learn from one another.

The wonderful thing about writing is that it can be personal or shared, solitary or social, and organized or spontaneous. There is room for all types, and there is no one set of rules that apply to everyone. I love that young and old have access to reading and writing. Unlike many sports, there is no expiration date. There is no real barrier to entry other than basic literacy. I like to think that my writing will just get better with age, like a fine wine. It inspires me that many writers did not find their way until late in life. Above all, there is no stopping a great story.

Let’s face it: Good storytelling isn’t going anywhere, whether that means books, movies, television, or something else entirely. As long as there is hunger for a good story, there will be writers. I am proud to be a part of that tradition.

Writing 2

Writing On …

2 Replies

goddess-185457_1920

I admit that I have a love/hate relationship with writing.  I love writing and it brings me a lot of joy.  At the same time, I hate it when I get so busy with other things in my life that I let writing go by the wayside.  It isn’t that I don’t have time.  I don’t make the necessary time.  That must change.  Not a month from now, not a week from now, but today.  As I now have nothing but time, maybe I need to work it into my schedule in a way that is sustainable when the world rights itself again.

It’s strange.  Growing up, I always wanted to live through historic events.  I loved history and wanted to be a part of it.  What I didn’t realize when I was younger is that we all live through history.  The reasons I love genealogy and history so much are the countless stories of ordinaries peoples’ lives during extraordinary circumstances.  If that doesn’t describe these times, nothing will.  If nothing else, I hope those of us who love to write, whether for an audience or just ourselves, take this opportunity to detail our lives in this moment.

I can’t wait for the day when I argue with my mom whether the corona virus epidemic hit in 2020 or 2021.  We will get through this, and I can’t wait for the party when we do!  I do hope it brings us together and closer to God.  I also hope that our society somehow learns patience.  We need to slow down and appreciate what we do have.  Every one of us.

You can find my podcast here …

darkness