As I have previously stated in my earlier writing, I was introduced to rock music at a young age because my brother was heavy into it in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I was too young to understand the lyrics of the songs like Purple Haze or the lifestyle of the rock legend followers back then, but I dug the beats.

I remember the discussion of Woodstock. I have a recollection of seeing images of a sea of young people, some dressed in what I considered cool clothes, some with no shirts, dancing around seemingly in a trance from the bands playing on stage. They traveled from faraway places in beat-up vans, trucks and cars. Some even hitchhiked to the festival. It was a time of chaos for our country with many young people vociferously expressing their anti-war sentiments on city streets everywhere. Woodstock attendees were part of the counter-culture movement that was sweeping the U.S. They were drawn to the vibes of love, peace and communal unity. There was an abundance of drug use. It was the age of psychedelic music, and the participating bands did not disappoint the massive crowds estimated to be up to a half million people. Jimi Hendrix played his guitar-infused rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner and Janis Joplin belted out the iconic Piece of My Heart. Those performances, I must admit, I have only seen on video. One of the bands featured on the fest’s stage was the Grateful Dead, which I didn’t know much about until a few weeks ago.

Yes, that’s right. Outside of enjoying a couple scoops of Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia, that was the closest I got to the Grateful Dead. Please don’t judge. I don’t recall the Grateful Dead being played in my household nor on Top 40 radio, so forgive me.

Last month, one of our neighbor-friends, Christine, texted to say she and her hubby Chris had two extra tickets to a Grateful Dead tribute band show and asked if we’d like to join them. I figured “It’s music so it’s got to be good”, so I replied, “Sure!” But I let her know that I couldn’t name one recording they made. She admitted she only had limited knowledge of their songs. I posted a Substack note explaining my plight to the masses and asked for help regarding their music. Welp, I received crickets in response, so I decided I’d take a “wait and see” approach as to what was in store for me.

The four of us rode together to the concert. When we arrived to the parking lot some people were hanging out by their vehicles. Others were walking toward the venue, attired in tie dye and Grateful Dead T-shirts that looked like they were from the ‘70’s. Judging by the age of most of the crowd, I thought these must be the people who really followed the band. I knew the true followers were called Dead Heads. Side Note: Chris told me on the drive, Dead followers who didn’t do drugs were called Wharf Rats.

We took our very comfy, rocker-almost-recliner seats. The “Box of Rain” tribute band walked onstage saying very few words in their introduction but started rocking out as if it were a garage jam session. I really was vibing with it! Their sound was eclectic—I couldn’t pinpoint just a single genre in the repertoire. I heard rock, country, blues, salsa, and there were a couple of songs they played that were indicative that someone spent time in a gospel-singing church. I was patting my feet and clapping, feeling the spiritual sounds. There were people out of their seats dancing for the entire concert. Most of them were in the aisles dancing like I recall seeing people from Woodstock films groove. There was one man close by who was doing this kind of wavy shimmy dance with his arms. I had to laugh when my hubby said he reminded him of one of these:

But man! That dude was having a fantastic time, I could tell and I loved it!

At a few points during the show, the band brought out a young lady with hair past her waist to sing along. She looked the part of a 60’s band singer. I discovered later in my research, a woman by the name of Donna Jean Godchaux was the band’s only full-time vocalist. Donna was married to keyboardist Keith Godchaux in the 70’s. The young woman singer onstage looked very much like Donna Godchaux, pictured below. Side Note: It was rumored but never confirmed that Donna and Bob Weir, guitarist-songwriter of the band, were romantically involved. Donna passed away in 2025 and Bob this past January. So, we can put the rumors to rest.

At the conclusion of the show, I had a newfound appreciation for the Grateful Dead. I recognized I had missed out on some awesome music in my life. I thanked Chris and Christine for inviting us. The music of the Grateful Dead holds space on my Spotify playlists now. I’m showcasing some of my favorites from the concert. Take a listen.

This one has a Marvin Gaye-esque vibe:

Hear the gospel sound in this one:

If you love harmonica, check these out:

If blues is your thing:

If you want to slow it down:

Just good rock:

This is for Chris. His favorite:

More Food for the Soul

Just as I’m open to listening to new “old” music like the Grateful Dead, I’m open to new music also. My son knows that I love the infusion of jazz instruments into any song or musicians with genre-blending sounds. He sent me this the other day. I really dig it. This is the extended version, so stay ‘till the end for the vocals. Thanks, son.

My niece has an old soul and always says she was born in the wrong decade. She sent this new music over to me. I love Sunshine. Jungle’s sound reminds me of Swing Out Sister. I like the soulful and sultry Reflection. Thanks, E!

Sharing link with you:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/sunshine/1886730527

What’s your favorite Dead song? What about the other music? Let’s talk about it.

Thanks for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

As promised in my previous post, I am following up with my personal stories of gratitude. Before I launch into those, I’d like to provide the setting for readers who don’t know me personally. I was born and raised in the city of Chicago and currently reside in the Chicagoland area. Over the last three years, we have spent time away intermittently at a cozy retreat on the Atlantic coast. There it is quiet, relaxing, and as you can imagine, much warmer than the Midwest. Every trip allows us to escape from the day-to-day grind, absorb the benefits of the sunshine, and experience a sense of mental refreshment. I don’t know what it is, but my writing is more effortless when I am near the water. But no matter the physical distance we place ourselves, there is always the possibility that unforeseen events can occur at our homebase over which we have no control.

Gratitude Story #1

At the end of July, we were away at our retreat; I named the Blue Hut. Our baby sister Tee (my sister-in-law) and her hubby Truck flew down to join us. They’d never been to our second-home state and were excited to visit. We laughed up a storm and agreed to go wherever Tee insisted Tik Tok had the most likes and said we should go (she’s Gen X). They were only in town for three full days, so we followed her lead in restaurant choices and foods that were recommended by her fellow TikTokers. We wanted to ensure Tee and Truck had a wonderful stay and checked off every touristy thing they desired to see and do. We have told them over and again, they are 5-star guests and are welcome to return whenever they decide.

Tee wanted to do something special for us, she said, as a gesture of gratitude for hosting. We told her it was not necessary and we were happy to have them, but she insisted. She and Truck had already treated us to breakfast on their first morning in town. We thought that was more than a sufficient thank you. The peach cobbler pictured above was made by the loving hands of Tee. I am grateful for the delicious homemade treat she baked for us. I think I gained at least two pounds because I could not resist eating it every night! Tee has my mother-in-law’s recipe down pat, and I compare every peach cobbler I taste against the gold standard. This song’s for Tee.

Gratitude Story #2

The day after our family left, July 27^th, we were still hanging out at the Blue Hut and I was chatting over the phone with my hometown friend Vayda. We were catching up on our weeks, and she mentioned the sky had turned extremely dark. I was mid-sentence when Vayda abruptly said, “Wait a minute, Gayle, the tornado sirens are going off. I gotta’ go.” I texted my next-door neighbor/friend-like-family Merc to see where he was. He informed me he was staying put in his basement as the winds were extremely high and the city had issued a tornado warning.

Side Note: A tornado watch means conditions are suitable for a storm, so it’s possible. A warning means a funnel cloud has been spotted in the area, and you need to take shelter.

Two of my nieces were texting me, one stating she was sheltering in place in the basement of her office building in downtown Chicago. She said the power went out and they were in almost complete darkness, but safe from the severe winds. The other said her office hadn’t informed them of any weather alerts, and she hoped she wasn’t in the path of a storm as her workplace carried on as usual.

We checked our phones and noticed our thermostat was offline which meant we had a power outage. Then I received a text message from the electric company saying the power was out and there was no estimated date or time for restoration. I convinced myself that after the storm on July 3^rd which flooded our entire basement (see my July 8^th post), we could bear the brunt if the rain caused another flood. The floors were ruined and we threw out things that were not salvageable, but we had moved some of our most treasured items including our vinyls and stereo equipment up higher that night.

The next morning, we read the news that a confirmed EF-1 hit our area at home. Our friend Merc called to let me know a limb from our backyard tree had broken from the storm, but gratefully it had fallen away from the house. He said neighbors up and down the block had sustained the same fate, as our neighborhood is full of beautiful, mature, flourishing trees. My neighbor Elena texted to check on us. She sent me pictures of the damage caused by the storm to her deck. Our other neighbors Stephanie and Eric suffered damage to their roof and the power line behind their house was knocked down by a tree. Most citizens in the city had power restored within three to five days. Stephanie and Eric endured a power outage for close to seven days.

I can’t say enough about good neighbor-friends. Merc and his wife help us in so many ways, but after the storm, he flagged down a guy in the neighborhood who was cleaning up tree debris and brought him to our backyard. The guy cut the limb and hauled the wood ruins to the front of our house. He paid the guy for the work on the spot.

I am so grateful for Merc. We love him. I am grateful he and his wife were kept from harm’s way. He was placed in our lives for more reasons than I can explain here and we appreciate all he has done and all he is.

For the following I am also grateful: My friend Vayda and her husband remained safe during the storm, Elena and her family were spared when the tree hit their deck, Stephanie and Eric were protected when the tree hit their home, my niece was led safely away from the storm while she was at work, my other niece’s workplace was passed over by the storm.

Our backyard

Gratitude Story #3

I shut my phone down when I turn in for the night. It’s not something I’ve always done. When my mother was living, I never shut my phone off. I always wanted to be available in case of emergency. And when it was evident she was near the end, I constantly checked my phone for middle-of-the-night messages when I wasn’t at her house. Now, shutting my phone off at night helps me sleep better. I detest alarms, they remind me of when I was working. I’m retired now, so no alarms unless I’m catching an early morning flight. I’m into doing small things that make my life less stressful.

When I first wake up, I love to open the blinds, look outside especially if the sun is shining, and do my laughing yoga. My husband laughs at me doing my laughing yoga, so I consider it morning exercise we do together. I am grateful for the laughter. It is good for the soul.

Then I turn my phone on. And I read my text messages from my friends and family who are night owls and then the ones from the early risers. Sometimes the late-night messages are from one of my nieces commenting on one of our favorite reality TV shows. On my second morning at our retreat home in July, I read a text from my sister Lu asking me to call her. Whenever I read those words from a family member, I know it’s important. So, I called her.

Lu told me she had been in a car accident the previous day and spent hours in the emergency room before being released about 8:00 p.m. I immediately asked her if she was alright. She informed me that she had broken her wrist. The ER physician had stabilized her wrist, but she needed to follow-up with an orthopedic to have a hard cast placed on it. I felt awful because she said she was in a lot of pain. They had given her pain meds in the ER but she was at home with not even a Tylenol to take. Lu recapped what she thought had happened regarding the accident, but she doesn’t know exactly what went wrong. Keep in mind she had just had a serious unrelated surgical procedure two weeks prior and was driving from her follow-up appointment at the surgeon’s office to another doctor’s office when the accident occurred.

We talked some more and she told me about the damage to her car and the ticket she received for not having her insurance card on her. That sucks, I thought, but was pleased to hear that the officer told her they’d throw the ticket out once she appeared in court with her card.

I asked her if there was anything she needed. I was miles away but wanted to help in some way. Lu, my ever-independent sister, said no, she would door dash whatever she needed, including Tylenol. After hanging up, I group-texted my boys. I let them know they were to reach out to their Auntie and see what she needed done. I told them she is fiercely independent, but I wanted them to avail themselves to her should she need help. They both said they would.

The following days were filled with doctor’s appointments for my sister. My sister Pax was Lu’s personal Uber for each visit. There were some appointments that were back-to-back days. Pax picked Lu up from her house and sat in the waiting room for all of them then dropped off at her home. I was grateful that Pax was able to drive Lu. I was out of town and there was no one else nearby nor available to do it.

Lu has her hard cast on now. She is having surgery this week. I know this will require a healing process, and I pray she recovers as speedily as possible. I figure she will require physical therapy post-surgery, and I pray that goes smoothly as well. I want Lu to heal. I want her to resume her independent lifestyle, driving herself wherever she wants without fear.

Now, please allow me a gratitude-expression moment. I am grateful Pax was available to pick Lu from the hospital after her accident and take her to her appointments. I am grateful for my sons; one checked in with Lu quite often, the other handled the logistics with my nephew on picking her car up from the accident scene. I know having a broken wrist is no picnic, but I am so grateful my sister didn’t suffer any worse injuries. I am grateful we were raised in a loving household, so even when we don’t say it, we know what love feels and looks like. Since our parents and our brother are gone, there’s only Lu, Pax and me left in our immediate family’s generation. I have my sisters and I’m grateful we are family.

Side Notes: The sirens sounded and another tornado came through our area yesterday (August 10th) and we had to shelter in our basement. It passed quickly, but fiercely. We lost power once again, but gratefully that was all we dealt with. Our neighbor Merc allowed us to use his portable power station to charge our phones. Today he hooked his generator to our sump pump which allowed us to pump the rainwater out until the rain stopped. He is a God-send, I tell you.

I intended to finish up the music portion of this piece and schedule my post for early morning today. That was before the storm. The good news is, our power is back on and this piece will hit tomorrow morning. The better news is my sister Lu had a successful surgery and for that, I am grateful.

Thanks for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

What is it?

It is being aware of everything around you and not taking anything for granted. It requires you to stop and smell the roses. It is recognizing all the good aspects of your life and acknowledging that you alone are not responsible for every achievement or gift you have been given. It is realizing that you depend on a Higher Power, other people, or nature for the good things in your life.

Key Concepts

Of course, gratitude is the basic impulse to say thanks to someone for doing something that elicits a positive outcome for you. Small gestures such as holding the door for someone or motioning someone who’s trying to merge into traffic to get in front of you, deserve a simple “thank you” or a friendly wave of the hand. A thank you may feel inadequate for acts of kindness on a larger scale; like picking someone’s child up from daycare when they are stuck at work later than expected or cooking a homemade meal for a friend who has spent all day visiting a sick family member in the hospital.

Expressing appreciation is also a part of gratitude. Letting others know that whatever they did didn’t go unnoticed and their act is of value to you. For example: “Thank you, Priscilla, for picking Charlie up from daycare. If you hadn’t been there, it would have cost me a late fee for sure, and money is tight right now.” An act of kindness that goes beyond a simple deed deserves a smidgen more than the two words “thank you.”

I’ve read that gratitude is a mindset. Now this concept is top-tier gratitude. It requires intentionally changing the way that you think about everyday occurrences, sights, smells, or sounds that you may encounter. It is training your brain to look at life in a positive light. I must admit, staying positive all the time can be difficult, if not impossible. This is where a gratitude journal could facilitate your mindset shift.

Oprah has spoken in the past and still speaks of the importance of keeping a gratitude journal. When she talked about it back in the day, I chalked it up to wealthy celebrity hocus-pocus. Nobody had time for any of that. But as I mature, ahem, not age, I am convinced of the benefits of journaling. Some of the gains that have been declared by journal writers are improved sleep, mood, and lowered stress levels. Now, who could reject any of these perks?

Keeping a personal record of three to five things that you are thankful for daily is a tangible reminder to be grateful. Even for the small things--“Nicole bought me a coffee this morning and placed it on my desk while I was on a conference call.” Write it down. Answer why the act mattered. Was it because one of the conference participants was being long-winded, you didn’t have time to stop for coffee, and the call was first thing in the morning? Write it down. It is important to jot down sensory details. The coffee--was it piping hot? Was it flavored with vanilla? Could you smell it before you removed the lid? Did you see Nicole when she entered your workspace or was your back turned? Did you mouth out “thank you” to her after she delivered your cup of joe? Write it down.

After writing your journal entries for the day, read them. Focus on the feeling you have when you reflect on each thing, no matter how small it may seem. Of course, like any other sort of change in your life, it takes time to achieve growth. Be patient. Give yourself grace if you are hard-pressed to think of something positive on one of your super-crappy days. But even if the most positive thing you can think of is that you put on matching socks this morning or the usually packed-to-the-gills train on your ride home had an empty seat or your Amazon package was delivered to your front door, write it down. The crucial component to manifesting a mindset shift utilizing a gratitude journal is to is to keep at it. Be consistent. Remember, keep it short, include the why it mattered, and don’t forget the sensory elements. Reflect before turning in for the night. It’s that simple. Try it for 30 days and let me know if it makes a difference in your life.

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

—Charles Dickens

I can’t sign off without infusing a bit of music to accompany my writing, so take a listen. I will continue today’s topic with my own story of gratitude in my next post. Here is my inspiration for today:

Thanks for reading and listening!

Love and Peace,

Gayle B. Williams

I’d like to take you on a transformative journey filled with music and highlights in the lives of two women with whom you may or may not be familiar. You will hear it, see it, and feel it. Buckle up, sit back and take the time to soak it all in.

Imagine: Four children; two out of the house and on their own, one away at college, and one rebellious teenager under your roof. This is the life of Carlotta Hamilton. Divorced after twenty-one years of marriage, Carli has spent much of the last six years of life focused on her job as property manager of a large residential apartment complex and she constantly juggles the tumultuous relationship with her teenaged daughter.

Carli’s love life has flatlined in the time after the dissolution of her marriage. One reason she declares is that she has yet to meet anyone who sparks her interest. The other, not so minor issue, is that unbeknownst to others, she is repeatedly hooking up with her ex-husband on the weekends. The familiarity of John, her ex-husband, and the absence of the day-to-day household grind between them keeps Carli yearning and returning for that physical connection.

Carli’s playlist on her drive to John’s place for a rendezvous:

Abode Run Amok

Any and everyone in Carli’s orbit knows her home life is a chaotic mess. Jaelyn experiences chronic emotional meltdowns, has problems handling conflict and respecting authority at school, and hangs out with Rashaun, her boyfriend who doesn’t always treat her well.

Can you hear the doors slamming, the feet stamping, objects being hurled, and the raucous screaming?

Take a listen.

Boss

Contrary to her life at home, Carli handles her business at Lipton Homes. With an office staff of three and a maintenance staff of five, Carli takes command of the day-to-day issues involving tenants, repairs and daily operations. She is a boss.

Once Upon a Time…

There was this charming guy who entered Carli’s life in a place where she least expected. Ernie was the widower’s name. Over early conversations they discovered their interests and philosophies on life aligned. Carli was falling, but she was reluctant to show her cards. She had her guard up, having survived a toxic marriage for so long and living without a romantic relationship for six years. Is Ernie too good to be true?

This part of Carli’s story may resonate with many women who have endured dreadful relationships. I, myself, experienced a three-year relationship with someone when I was in my early twenties who was wrong for me in all ways. I ignored the expiration date on the situation which was written in bold letters on the wall. That was, until the shit hit the fan.

By the time a totally awesome stand-up guy came along and was very interested in dating me, my emotional walls stood high and I gave him the hardest time in the beginning. It was difficult for me to let go of the hurt feelings of the past and move on. I had no intention of getting serious with anyone, because I wasn’t sure I could trust anyone with my heart. On our first date, we talked for hours about every imaginable topic under the sun. His smile was captivating and he made me laugh. Was this new guy who I was supposed to be with?

Three’s a Crowd

When Ernie’s longtime friend Liz pops up unexpectedly at his house, Carli leaps into action gathering her belongings ready to exit Ernie’s home. Ernie begs Carli to stay once he is successful in getting Liz to depart from his front door. Carli is not having any of it. She regrets trusting Ernie so early on and not questioning him deeper regarding his dating life. Carli doesn’t know who this woman is demanding to be allowed in Ernie’s home. But after bolting from the scene and heading home, Carli doesn’t want to hear anything Ernie has to say.

So, I must admit I didn’t handle my own situation during my early twenties as composed as did Carli. She was more seasoned than I. But I also did not want any explanation from him about the woman in his apartment. I knew who she was and I was furious. He was not only a cheater, but also the world’s biggest liar. I didn’t quite do the worst thing you could imagine, but it was pretty bad. I can laugh about it now. But before you call the police, just know the statute of limitations is up and he deserved every bit of it and then some.

Here’s my song from my playlist:

Hard Times

A tenant goes missing from the apartment complex that Carli manages and it sends the media all abuzz. Carli is directed by one of the investigative officers on the case to stand by in case the press has questions for her. This seemingly innocuous act creates a domino effect which leads to Carli being called into corporate headquarters for a hearing. She is appalled that her actions are being questioned after twelve years of being an exemplary employee. She has a tough decision to make regarding a job she loves.

Discovery and Reconnection

I can safely say there are family themes running through IMPERFECT HARMONY: Carli’s Groove, but I will not give all the sub-plots completely away. There is a character who is determined to find their family and who goes the distance. This person turns out to be a blessing to others. This song says it all.

There are two characters who through trial, tribulation, and a powerful driving force of love are able to recover from years of disagreements, hurtful words and turmoil. This song on Carli’s playlist has a jazzy vibe with a serious message.

The Accident

Carli had never experienced fear and anxiety as she did after a horrific accident. Hanging on the brink of a precipice, Carli doesn’t know to whom or which way to turn.

Since meeting Ernie’s daughter Demetria, she has never altered her behavior toward Carli. Rudeness had become her modus operandi, even when Carli tried to engage in civil conversation with Demetria. There comes a point when there’s only one answer to repeatedly being snubbed. Carli finally resolves the issue.

Love’s Second Chance

Carli has an ex-husband; Ernie had a wife whom he loved dearly until a terminal disease took her life. How compatible is a divorcee and a widower likely to be?

Carli has two children she still must financially provide for and one of them causes constant strife in the home. Ernie, the ever-nonchalant drummer, has the freedom to do as he pleases with two adult children, but his daughter seems determined to drive a wedge in his love life.

Is it possible for these two to experience a full-blown second chance love affair? Carli lets you know exactly how she feels about her new life in this song.

Summer Sale Now!

My Love Story

So, back to the stand-up guy from years ago with the captivating smile who made me laugh on our first date. After about a year, I learned to trust again. He held a safe space for my emotions. He accepted every part of me, even my kookiest quirks. I fell in love with him and we married four years after that first date.

He will tell anyone willing to listen, he chased me for a year prior to me agreeing to see him. I am ever so grateful for his patience and determination in waiting until I was ready. The timing was perfect. I couldn’t imagine things being any different than how they turned out. Our imperfect selves have built a perfect life together and I will love him until the end of my days. Here’s my song from my playlist for my hubby.

I hope you enjoyed the ride!

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

I grabbed my umbrella and headed into the store to grab a few items as my youngest grandson was coming to stay overnight with us while his parents planned to celebrate their anniversary that night. It is my duty to make sure we have his favorite chips, cookies, and a variety of fruit when he visits.

I could hear the rain on the roof as I walked the aisles. Keep in mind, this is a massive store with a high ceiling. Then the thunder roared. Suddenly boom! The power went out. I froze in the frozen foods aisle. The lights in the freezer cases flickered, then a backup generator must have kicked in because everything powered up again, but the lighting was very dim. I took a few steps. Snap! Again, the power went off. I said a quiet prayer that whatever was going on outside, I asked that we’d all be safe. The lights came on a second time. I began making my way to the front to the self-checkout lines. The employees that guided the customers in line were steering us to a limited number of check-out lanes. Once I was at an open lane, I began scanning and bagging my items quickly. As soon as it was time to pay—pop! No power. The man at the next station was at the same point I was, holding his card to pay. We both stood watching the payment terminal. I was waiting for any sign of life. As soon as I saw the lights on the screen blinking, I was positioned to pounce on it. I tapped my card and gleefully exited the store. There was no rain, and it was noticeably not as dark as it had been before I entered the store.

As I drove down the street, there were police cars blocking streets and snapped trees in the road. I drove a little further and a fire truck was blocking half the street, because a tree had fallen. The closer I got to my home, the worse the scene was. I saw two women in the street two blocks from my house standing near a fallen tree. I slowed to talk to them. They said a power line was down behind the house in which they stood in front. I cautiously turned the corner to see an entire tree blocking the street and some of my neighbors standing outside. I reversed and drove up my block where I soon discovered we had no power at our house. A power line was pulled down by a tree across the street from our house.

We had no power for Friday until Saturday, July 4^th. Combined with the power outage, the rain came down so heavy Friday night, our basement began flooding in a way we hadn’t seen in decades. We were able to retrieve our beloved vinyl albums, speakers, and subwoofers and place them higher up hoping the rainwater wouldn’t reach their height. Thankfully, at some point the rain stopped and receded ever so slightly. Our HVAC system and hot water heater both shut down. We were relieved the temperature never exceeded 80 degrees.

For days we’ve been running the wet-vac and dehumidifier, and cleaning and tossing out anything that was water-logged and unsalvageable. Our whole house smells like an open bottle of Pine-Sol, which would be pleasant if it wasn’t so strong.

Today was sunny and sort of steamy (high 80s). We were promised by our heating and cooling company someone would come Monday to check our system. They never showed. A technician came to restart the HVAC today, so we now have AC, for which we are very appreciative. We had been taking cool and then they became downright cold showers. Some very dear friends offered their hot showers to us, but we had someone come out also today and get that started for us. Things could have been worse, and some people fared far worse than us. So, we are extremely grateful.

I snapped the pics below, on my drive around the neighborhood yesterday. The last one is a tree in someone’s front yard, completely uprooted.

Here’s my playlist sparked by this week’s weather : Let me know if you have one you’d add.

Thanks for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

Give the Drummer Some

He is tall. He is slim. He is oh, so cool. Ernie Miller is his name. Ernest Hemingway Miller to be specific. Born in New York and a proud native of Brooklyn, Ernie drove his teachers insane rhythmically pounding on his desk, on his books, or any firm surface within reach of his long, slender arms. Spending countless hours in after-school detention and having his parents called for what was referred to as a “disruption to learning,” Ernie’s father purchased him his first drum set at the age of ten. The agreement was such; if Ernie practiced his drums at home and refrained from causing problems at school, Papa Miller would allow young Ernie to accompany him to rehearsals with his band. Papa Miller played the keyboard, but Ernie was completely mesmerized by the sounds of Sam Moreau, the drummer in his father’s band. Sam mentored Ernie, but often remarked, “The kid is a natural. No need for lessons with this one.”

Ernie honed his skills as a percussionist with every new drum kit that was purchased for or by him. As a young man, Ernie began his career working the rails of Amtrak. He squeezed in time to play with a funk band that infused reggae into their performance. Being of Jamaican descent, Ernie grew up immersed in the sound of reggae music, so understandably he was the driving force behind his band’s cross-genre repertoire.

It wasn’t until Ernie was married to Rosie, his first true love and mother of his two children, that he joined a co-worker’s jazz band. The Doug Whitaker Quintet features Doug on keyboards. L.J. on sax, Patrick on trumpet, Kenny on bass, and Ernie on percussion.

When widower Ernie meets Carli Hamilton and they discover their mutual love of jazz, a spark is ignited. Carli and her Angels, as Ernie affectionately calls Carli’s close friends, attend one of the quintet’s performances. The squad breaks out roaring with approval after the finale, Lady in Red. Ernie taps his drums fading out at the end of the song before pointing his sticks in the direction of Carli, the lady wearing red. What a smooth, player move!

The Inspo Zone

Adjacent to Ernie’s sound-proof music studio, there is a massive vinyl collection taking up nearly half the length of his basement wall. Every album is stored alphabetically, which one can attribute to Ernie’s orderly lifestyle. Any and every genre imaginable is evident as Carli combs through each section that has been meticulously labelled by Ernie. She suffers choice overload when deciding which song she wants Ernie to play.

Ernie’s Groove

Ernie has given me permission to share some of his choice tracks from his various playlists. He tends to lean toward percussion-heavy songs, but sometimes switches the vibe with soft percussive sounds. Listen to all, or pick out one that maybe you’re not familiar with. If you don’t fall into a choice overload coma, let me know which is your favorite in the comments.

Feels Like Home

Being the son of Jamaican parents, growing up reggae was played in his household. Ernie loved all genres of music, but reggae is deeply rooted in his soul.

Short Sample of Classic

Every drummer probably thinks he/she is a funky drummer. Ernie could play this with his eyes closed.

Spa Soundtrack

As Ernie sips his wine in the post-treatment room, his eyes are cast on Carli who reclines on a chaise in her spa robe. The gears in his head are turning as he thinks of a way to prolong their conversation.

Mood Music

For the intimate moments between Ernie and Carli. The first time… And then the night of the thunderstorm.

Reflective Rhythms

In which direction are Ernie and Carli headed?

Classics

Ernie listens to these as he plants his vegetable garden in his backyard.

Jazz and Fusion Drumming

Ernie’s cooking a Jamaican meal of cod and ackee with a side of plantains. This is playing from the basement into his whole house speaker system.

On the drive to his favorite fishing spot, this is playing.

When Ernie seeks inspiration in his home music studio, he turns to this.

Jazz Funk

Newer School Artists—Because Ernie is so cool.

Perfect for the Yankees fan and Native New Yorker.

Trap Soul

After the whole “Liz pop-up” Ernie had some ‘splainin’ to do, for sure.

Drum and Bass influenced R & B

And she’s Jamaican, mon.

Percussion intro pulls you in.

Side Note: If you want to read more about Ernie, the percussionist with the penchant for poetic one-liners, pick up a copy of my second novel, Imperfect Harmony: Carli’s Groove. Special summer sale price now through August!

Buy

Thanks for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

The “man with the golden ear” maintained close collaborative connections with Black female singers for ages. He was responsible for the enduring success of the three songbirds I’m featuring today. So no, I don’t mean Clive Davis had romantic affairs, but authentic long-lasting friendships and business relationships that catapulted the careers of these Black divas of music.

Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin was originally signed with Columbia Records at the age of eighteen. After singing gospel all her young life, her professional career at the record company was stagnant.

Jumping ship to Atlantic Records in 1966, Franklin found success with the soulful Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You and A Natural Woman.

Franklin had become an accomplished artist with hits like Chain of Fools, Ain’t No Way, and Think. She toured Europe, appeared on Time magazine’s cover, cut a movie soundtrack, and had earned a Grammy by the time she left Atlantic. She attained notable achievements for her early albums, but she lost that sizzle in her later releases.

Entering Franklin’s life in 1980 was the masterful Clive Davis of Arista Records. According to Rolling Stone, “If anyone could rejuvenate her puzzling stuck career it was Davis.” And that he did. Franklin appeared in the movie The Blues Brothers as a soul food restaurateur. I remember the scene where she soulfully belted out her song Think as three of the female customers sang and danced behind her in the middle of the restaurant.

Her first Arista album Aretha produced three top R&B singles. Davis hired the incomparable Luther Vandross to produce Aretha’s second album Jump to It. After a not-so-successful second album, Davis hired Narada Michael Walden to produce Who’s Zoomin’ Who. The album moved Franklin from R&B to a new urban pop and dance sound which gave her music crossover appeal. Hits like Freeway of Love drove her album to platinum status. Davis was behind the collaborative effort of Franklin’s duet with the new wave band Eurythmics. He also arranged for Franklin to join singer George Michael for the duet I Knew You were Waiting for Me. That track topped the Billboard Top 100 and earned Ms. Franklin Grammy wins (yes, with an “s”).

Franklin’s final top 40 was this song. It has a funky beat but has a serious message to young women to recognize their self-worth despite personal hurt. Take a listen.

In 2014, Aretha Franklin was signed under RCA Records, controller of the Arista catalog and guess who Franklin worked with? Mr. Clive Davis, of course. They shared a close bond for over forty years. Franklin referred to Davis as “the greatest record man of all time.”

The Voice

Whitney Houston was a cultural icon and one of the most awarded performers of all time. Clive Davis was encouraged by an A & R rep for Arista Records to attend a performance at Sweetwaters Nightclub in Manhattan. Davis heard the powerful vocals of young Houston and was so impressed, he convinced her to sign on with Arista. A string of hit singles followed—You Give Good Love, Saving All My Love for You, How Will I Know and Greatest Love of All are some of the early ones. Whitney’s first album reached diamond status with the Guiness Book of World Records listing her as the best-selling R&B album by a female artist in history.

When Houston was denied nomination for Best New Artist Grammy in 1986, Clive Davis was not happy. The organizers said her previously recorded guest vocals with other male artists deemed her disqualified. Davis wrote a letter of protest to voice his opinion of the decision. Houston wrapped up the night winning her first Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for Saving All My Love for You.

Clive Davis hired Narada Michael Walden to produce Houston’s second album where I Wanna Dance with Somebody emerged. The single peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the charts in seventeen countries. Houston won her second Grammy for Best Female Pop Performance, the Whitney album earned four American Music Awards, six Billboard awards and a Soul Train Music Award.

Houston and Davis shared a close personal and professional relationship. Davis once listed Houston alongside the musical legends Aretha Franklin and Barbra Streisand. He often used the nickname “The Voice” when speaking about Whitney Houston. Houston referred to Davis as her “musical father.” Davis was one of a few in Houston’s close circle to confront her about her drug abuse. He penned a letter begging her to seek professional help.

The night of Houston’s death coincided with Davis’s annual pre-Grammy party. He dedicated the evening to Houston saying, “the music would go on in her honor.”

This is a favorite of mine with a profound message.

Tough Cookie

At a very young age, Alicia Keys had begun writing songs. She honed her skills as a musician and singer. She wanted to do things her way, which meant she sought control of her writing and her image. Columbia Records wanted to use their songwriters and present a visual version of Keys she was not feeling at all. She dreaded going into the studio. Alicia was determined not to allow the record company to diminish her talents and crush her dreams of being a singer-songwriter. She refused to be put in a box. I admire her tenacity in standing up for what she wanted, especially at such a young age. She signed with Columbia at age fifteen.

Entering Keys’ world was the indisputable genius Clive Davis. He helped negotiate the termination of Keys’ contract with Columbia and she was able to leave with the music she created while employed there. Clive Davis gave Keys creative freedom and encouraged her to do her thing. This was what Keys had been seeking all along.

After he was ousted from Arista, Clive Davis formed J Records. He signed Keys to the label. In the beginning, Davis promoted Keys as a live performer because he believed she was her own ambassador. Keys was booked on The Tonight Show to promote her debut album. Then Mr. Davis pulled out his pen once again, this time to Oprah Winfrey asking her to have Keys, Jill Scott and India.Arie on her show. Oprah booked Keys the day she heard her debut single.

Here it is. Alicia Keys showcases her talent as a sultry, soulful singer and musician.

Clive Davis once said this about the accomplished nine-album producing, Grammy winning, songwriter-singer-producer Alicia Keys; “She has set out to her own vision. That’s the way it is for artists of her ilk…They don’t try to fit in.”

Final Thoughts

Thank you, Mr. Davis, for your discerning ear, your musical vision, your broad-mindedness in offering endless opportunities when others didn’t. You were unmatched in your ability to spot raw, musical talent. You took them in, mentored them, molded them, and launched them to superstar status. Thank you, Clive Davis, for your affairs with some of the most amazing and talented Black women. Well done, take your bow, and rest well.

Thanks for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

Birds are melodically chirping, bees are incessantly buzzing, children in pools are gleefully shrieking, flowers are vibrantly blooming, and the sun casts a golden blanket over the city. Ahh, these are the well-orchestrated sights and sounds of Summer.

Summer also grants an opportunity for love to blossom, sometimes in unexpected spaces. The options are abundant. There are summer festivals, outdoor music events, rooftop night and day parties, boat bashes, movies in the park, sunrise yoga, beach gatherings, dance lessons, and outdoor patio dining get-togethers. The change of season, at least in the Midwest, presents a highly anticipated, albeit short period to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. The chance to make a romantic connection during this time is highly probable. Consider the possibility of meeting new people while immersed in novel activities or visiting venues one may have never experienced.

The Casual Mention

When a young(er) person drops hints that they’re in a relationship maybe by posting a picture on social media at a trendy restaurant at a cozy table for two saying, “The food is fire”, or let’s say the person is at an in-demand concert saying, “We outside”, but you don’t see who the person is with, that’s called a soft launch.

For those a bit more mature, it’s more like a “by-the-way” remark in mid-conversation to a friend or family member. In my novel Imperfect Harmony: Carli’s Groove, Carli is chatting on the phone with her friend Sabrina when she nonchalantly discloses she has met someone interesting but she’s not sure just yet where things are headed. This tea is met with pleasant surprise from Sabrina. After all, Carli has not seriously dated anyone since her split from her husband of 20+ years, six years ago.

It is springtime and while she is still testing the waters with Ernie Miller, Carli eases the news of her intriguing possible connection during a salon visit with her oldest daughter. Jessica, Carli’s hair stylist, is thrilled that her mother has met someone who has captured her attention.

Whatchamacallit

I’m not sure of how it’s labeled when you bring the person you’ve been dating nearly a month around your closest friends, but Carli springs Ernie on her crew at Sabrina’s lively Fifty Shade of Gray-themed birthday celebration. Midway launch? Intermediate????

Anyhow, Carli’s squad is immediately drawn to Carli’s guy, who exudes an approachable laid-back charm. What if all, some or even one of Carli’s friends were not onboard with Carli’s new interest? You ever introduce someone new to your friends or have been introduced to a friend’s new connection and things just didn’t vibe? If so, I’d like to hear about it.

Here is one of the songs played at Sabrina’s party to which she and others performed a sizzling dance routine. Diane Warren, G-Eazy and Carlos Santana. Check it out.

Hard Launch

In marketing, the meaning of the term is widely known to be when a product or service is fully available to the public, or a business is fully open to the public. In romantic situations, hard launch is when someone posts a picture of their current connection or changes their status on social media. In other words, you are making it publicly known you are in a relationship.

The unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend, begins with Carli’s hard launch of Ernie. She invites him to her parents’ annual Memorial Day cookout where her friends, all of her children, her grandson, and of course her parents have gathered to kick off the season. Ernie receives a warm reception from most; however, the jury is out regarding the feelings of daughters Jaelyn and Jonna.

A Salute to Summer

Imperfect Harmony: Carli’s Groove is a music infused novel featuring Carli Hamilton, a self-described jazz enthusiast and Ernie Miller a self-taught percussionist who captivates Carli’s heart and reels her in with his syncopated rhythms of passion.

Let’s dive into part of a playlist I created especially for Imperfect Harmony. These songs or artists play a significant role in the romantic journey of Carli and Ernie. Each is the perfect soundtrack for a beautiful, summer day.

Ghalib Ghallab

I’ll start with keyboardist Ghalib Ghallab who is a product of Chicago’s south side, just like this author. Ghallab’s early influences were Ramsey Lewis. He studied piano from pianist Willie Pickens at Chicago’s American Conservatory of music.

The intro to this track doesn’t even shed a hint that this is the same song that was co-written and sung by Bill Withers.

How does the lyrical portion compare to Withers’ version to you?

I like to listen to the sax and piano vibing out.

Spyro Gyra

This band was formed in Buffalo, New York by saxophonist/composer Jay Beckenstein and keyboardist/composer Jeremy Wall. Since the beginning, band members have come and gone, but Beckenstein still remains. He learned piano at age five and took up the sax at age seven. Charlie Parker’s music flowed throughout his home starting when he was an infant. Spyro Gyra’s genre is jazz fusion which is Jazz mixed with a bit of R & B, Funk and Pop.

SIDE NOTE: In the early days when performing at a bar, the owner asked for the band’s name. Beckenstein quickly replied “Spirogyra”,” which is a species of algae that he had just learned about. The bar owner wrote down “Spyro Gyra” and that is the origin of their unique name.

How can you not be in a sunny mood with this song? It makes me yearn for a summer road trip or at least a drive down DuSable-Lake Shore Drive along Lake Michigan with the sunroof back. Who’s riding with me?

John Coltrane

This last one was originally sung by Abbie Mitchel in 1935 for George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess. John Coltrane was a master saxophonist. Some argue he is playing too fast and furious on this track; he plays too many notes and fast runs. You decide. Drop your comments below.

Summer Book Sale

Looking for a spicy summertime read instilled with themes of music, drama, family ties, and second-chance love? My novel, Imperfect Harmony: Carli’s Groove is on sale today and throughout the summer. Available in Paperback or Kindle.

Check it Out

Thanks for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

Somewhere between elementary and high school their was an evolution of my musical taste. I had begun listening to Top 40 AM station WLS Chicago which was called “Music Radio”. Competitor WCFL Chicago was an alternative when commercial spots popped on, which were frequent.

Super Jock

Back in the day, AM radio had some of the most popular and talented DJs—one of my favorites was Larry Lujack. Lujack was affectionately referred to as Uncle Lar’. He bounced between the two stations WLS and WCFL for twenty years. With his super sarcastic sense of humor and his dark “Animal Stories”, Larry spun the hits that I came to love. As an avid AM listener, I reveled in the sound of Jim Croce.

I remember when I used my allowance to purchase the You Don’t Mess Around with Jim 8-track. Yes, an old school 8-track! Those clunky cassettes that were a pain when they got caught in the reel. You had to delicately untangle and wind the tape ever so gently to prevent it breaking.

Regarding the meaning of Time in a Bottle, it was at a much later age I learned that Croce’s masterpiece was a bittersweet reminder that time is precious and fleeting. I truly appreciate Croce’s lyrics even more today.

“Records truly is my middle name.”

John Records Landecker was another of my favorite DJs. And yes, Records is his real middle name as he reminded listeners with his trademark saying from the quote above. Landecker began his career in Michigan which is his home state but later went to WIBG in Philly. He sprung between Chicago and Toronto with a four-year stint in Cleveland in the middle and finally settled in Chicago.

On WLS, Landecker used to do something called “Boogie Check” during the last two minutes of his show where people would call in and just spew the most random crap and he would respond in rapid-fire fashion as only he could. Take a listen.

The Finale

WCFL wrapped up its Top 40 show and switched to a beautiful music format in the 90’s. WLS concluded its MusicRadio format in 1989 by playing the song Just You ‘N’ Me by the band Chicago. WLS became and remains a full-time Talk Radio station. As with all good things, there is an inevitable end. But my fond recollections of the music and laughter from both stations with their larger-than-life personalities are etched into my memory bank for a lifetime.

SIDE NOTE: WLS was founded by Sears, Roebuck and Company. The call letters stood for “World’s Largest Store.” The Chicago Federation of Labor was the original owner of the competing station—thus the call letters WCFL.

Thanks for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

Knowing you can always count on me, for sure

After some time away, I’d like to circle back to the formation of my tight friend-group of four. I began the series speaking about the symbolism and power of the number four and reflected on why I chose the main character of my second novel to be part of a quad squad.

The Novel

In Imperfect Harmony: Carli’s Groove, main character Carli had a sister-friend group of four. Carli is the divorced single mom who strives to give each of her four children what they individually need. She is serious about her career, cautious regarding her romantic life, and loyal to the end to her friends and family. Tabitha, Carli’s best friend from the age of twelve, is the fun-loving friend who is always up for a night on the town. Tabitha raised two successful children who are living on their own and is married to a successful surgeon who graciously allows her a no-budget lifestyle. She is generous, hilarious, and loving. Sabrina is the single, free-spirited flight attendant. She has no problem snagging a romantic partner but doesn’t linger with any one person for too long. Sabrina has a huge heart and is the most outgoing of the crew. Nadine rounds out the group as the most serious member of the posse. Married to Kevin and the mother of twin teenaged girls, her family and her job as HR director at a downtown hotel are her focus. But when it’s least expected, Nadine’s the one to throw out a dry, but witty one-liner in a heartbeat.

Four Years

Chantal, Gia, Fiona, and Roxy have spent four years walking the halls of the same high school, yet Roxy had not crossed paths with Chantal or Gia in an official capacity. But I’ll get to that.

I left off with Gia and Fiona bonding over their shared love of cycling. By their junior year, Fiona has started a part-time job that Gia finds fascinating during one of their discussions. Fiona gives Gia the green light to list her name as a reference, when she goes to the job’s headquarters to fill out an application. Gia is given an interview and hired on the spot. Gia joined ranks with Fiona as an Andy Frain usher. She is provided with a navy-blue skirt and matching double-breasted jacket. The ladies had to wear gold turtlenecks under their jackets and white gloves adorned their hands. They looked like 1950’s flight attendants, for sure. Andy Frain had huge contracts all over Chicago to provide ushers for Cubs’ and Sox’ games, The Chicago Bears, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the best part—drumroll, please—all the concert venues all over the City. Fiona was only allowed to work weekends during the school year. Gia’s parents allowed her to work one weekday if the closure of her shift was reasonably early.

Gia was a huge music lover so seeing all of the big names in concert was a perk she embraced wholeheartedly. The most important part of the job was greeting and seating patrons when they arrived with ticket in hand. Directing people to the restrooms, concessions and opening the doors at intermission were also the duties of the ushers. But once the doors were closed and the performance started, ushers stood at the back of whatever level they were assigned to and enjoyed the show.

Seeing George Clinton and Parliament live was everything to Gia. When there was a breach at the entry doors because the crowd for the second show grew impatient when the first show didn’t end in a timely manner (Clinton’s M.O.), the chaos that ensued sent all the ushers heading to their dressing rooms for shelter. Gia still wouldn’t have quit that job for the world! As a matter of fact, she continued to work for Andy Frain through her last year of high school. Gia grew to love classical music from standing dutifully outside the doors listening to the Chicago Symphony at the hushed Orchestra Hall. She was engrossed in watching the Nutcracker Ballet, even though she saw it week after week during the month of December, sometimes two performances in a day. She even met the actor Billy Dee Williams when he performed in a play at one of the theaters that happened to be the venue where Gia, Chantal, Fiona, and Roxy would all receive their high school diplomas in June their Senior year.

The music that shaped our high school years is indelible. I’ll try to narrow it down to three. This first one was always played at our pep rallies when the football team walked onstage on game day. We’d scream like we were cheering on a professional team when the players appeared.

The next song was a favorite that blasted across the cafeteria speakers in the morning before school started or at lunchtime from the radio. Loved Chicago Public Schools--we were exposed to popular music throughout our school day.

This track was played at the parties where Chicago Steppin’ was happening. IYKYK. If you don’t know, you have to witness the smooth, partner dance that is unique to the City.

Divergent Paths

Fiona, Gia, and Chantal made their post-high school plans and here is where they parted. Chantal applied for a university located in Chicago and would be commuting from home. Gia applied and was accepted at a state university where she would be going away. Fiona wanted to go away to school, but she was the oldest girl in her family, and her father wanted her at home, so she stayed to attend a university downtown while working part-time. Gia and Chantal still hadn’t crossed paths with Roxy. They had never had so much as a conversation.

Upon her arrival day at her dorm Gia met Gloria, the bubbly girl who lived down the hall, whose roommate hadn’t shown up yet. Gia and Gloria talked the night away, as they didn’t know a soul on their floor. On the Sunday before classes started, Roxy Nichols was unpacking her suitcase when Gia entered Gloria’s room. “Hi Roxy”, Gia spoke. “Hi Gia”, Roxy said. From that day forward Roxy and Gia were fast friends. Outside of attending the same high school, they discovered they had the same birthday. Certainly, being born on the same day and the same year, there was some alignment that was undeniable between the two young women. The square was formed--Gia, Chantal, Fiona, and Roxy.

Roxy and Gia moved into single rooms in their second year of college, choosing rooms next door to one another. The third year, the women convinced their parents that they were ready for apartment living. Gia’s mother was comfortable with the dorm situation, but Gia persuaded her mother the cost would be nearly the same. Roxy and Gia had worked all summer to buy furniture, dishes, and pots and pans for their apartment. Once the place was set up, they had a blast hosting parties in their spacious quarters, inviting friends like Chantal, Fiona, and others up for the weekend, trying their hand at cooking meals that tasted like crap, and hanging out with the other students who lived in the apartments. They never had an argument over buying groceries, phone usage, cleaning duties, or the common roommate disagreements. In Gia’s last year, they went their separate ways, Gia wanting an apartment of her own. Roxy graduated the following year, her accounting major taking a bit longer than Gia’s journalism program.

While Roxy and Gia were away at college, Chantal and Fiona were both employed by the same bank in Chicago and had moved out of their parents’ homes to share an apartment. When Roxy and Gia came home for weekends or school breaks, the foursome found a club (they were abundant back in the day) or a party somewhere in the City to socialize and dance the night away. The Shenanigans were aplenty!

Fast Forward

Let’s skip all the fanfare and relationships that occurred before real life took effect. I don’t want to name names at this point. Out of the four ladies in my sister-friend group, three of us are married, two of us are on our second marriage. All of the ladies were bridesmaids in one person’s wedding, and all of the ladies were present at the other wedding ceremonies which were smaller events. All of us except our single sister-friend have had children.

The bittersweet part of our bond is that each of us has faced heartbreak throughout the illnesses and eventual deaths of our parents. Only one of us has one parent left. We have all stood shoulder-to-shoulder with each other at the funerals of our beloved parents. One of us has experienced a miscarriage. Another of us has suffered the most devastating loss imaginable—the loss of a child. No one has missed a beat in supporting the one who bears the ultimate grief that will last a lifetime.

Now to the best part. I promised in Part I, I would reveal our group name. Years ago, we called our outings G.N.O., for Girls’ Night Out. It was the kind of stuff that we loved to get together for when we were young(er), our kids were young(er), and our husbands were young(er). Adult beverages were definitely a component of our nights out and figuring out who was the DD usually fell to the person who limited herself to one drink. (Much like in my novel, Imperfect Harmony.) We have had beach weekends together, celebrated one of our milestone birthdays away in a vacation rental, had matching GNO t-shirts made, seen movies as a group, attended plays, hung out at concerts together, and always we top off our outing with a meal and drinks.

As the years passed, we still refer to ourselves as the GNOs, but it’s more likely that we will be out during the day. Some of us can’t see as well in the dark, and well, we are kind of over hanging out late at night. But the camaraderie is always the same. Gut-rolling laughter is part of our time together. Fiona (much like Nadine in my novel) can be counted on to tell some outrageously funny story, Gia will tell everyone about her writing ventures, travels, and what shows they need to catch on Netflix, Chantal will update the group on her creative projects that we all think are so professionally crafted that she should sell. And we can always depend on Roxy to give an account of who she’s seen from our high school, and we will all scratch our heads saying “Who?” because it’s been that long and we CRS! (Can’t remember…)

This song is from a play that the GNOs attended last year. It sums up our friendship. A Side Note: Look at the number of artists on the video.

Thanks for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

Imagine being a music loving Boomer and having the question posed to you, “Have you ever attended a very loud concert?” When I turned toward the audiologist, I’m sure my expression said, “What planet are you from?” She could clearly see my birth date on the referral. Loud concerts? -they were the norm. I grew up dancing to James Brown, the ultimate screamer. My mother took us to his concert when I was about eleven years old. And when the Jackson 5 emerged, there was not one concert in Chicago that I missed.

I was drawn to recorded music, so logically live music became a part of my existence. As a teen I basked in the performances of the Ohio Players, George Clinton & Parliament, Earth, Wind, & Fire, the Isley Brothers, and more. As I matured, the sounds of music changed and so did my taste—I really started loving bands like War, Tower of Power, Sly and the Family Stone, and Prince. Yes, that Prince concert I attended was loud. I mean REALLY LOUD.

So let me backtrack to why I’ve been off the grid, so to speak. Mid-April, I flew home after being away for about ten days. Spring reared its head while I was away and those lovely little yellow flowers, uh rather weeds, had sporadically blossomed in the lawn. I went to work two days in a row, popping dandelions, tossing them, and sprinkling weed killer in the holes. I took one day of rest before I delved back into my war against the weeds. When I was done, our lawn looked beautifully full, green, and weedless. Aah! Every time we pulled in or out of the driveway we beamed at the sight of our front yard.

Two days later, I began to sneeze. The next day there was a cough. By the third day, my right ear was ringing and throbbing and I felt absolutely awful. I’m sure I had a full-on, allergy-induced, sinus infection. It finally cleared up by the next week. I was relieved because we had a weekend trip planned to visit friends in New York.

An Empire State of Mind

I was feeling great on our flight to New York on Thursday. I relaxed on the plane listening to my music which made time fly. That night we took in August Wilson’s play Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, starring Taraji Henson, Cedric the Entertainer, and Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Topped off with a slice of New York-style pizza, our first night ended on a fabulous note.

The next night, our friend had arranged for us to take in a bit of live music. Brownstone Jazz is a very intimate music venue in a historical Brooklyn brownstone. The vibe was totally chill. The musicians performed about a two-hour set right in the living room of the venue and talked to the audience, which totaled about twenty of us, like we were friends visiting their home. The performers included historical tidbits about each musician and piece they showcased. Many of the songs they played were created by musicians who once lived in Brooklyn. It was a spectacular night. If you are a jazz lover, I would highly recommend Brownstone Jazz on your next trip to NYC.

For Saturday morning, our friend made reservations at a brunch spot, File’, in the Tribeca area of the city. We were also going to the 911 Memorial, so she explained these places were in close walking distance. I woke up that morning, and I noticed my left ear was plugged. It was a minor nuisance, that I chalked up to the flight.

File’ was a Cajun/Creole restaurant that featured a live band. We were entertained by zydeco and New Orleans style jazz during our delicious meal. Collectively we indulged in mimosas with pimento and cracklins. Individually we dined on shrimp ‘n’ grits, lump crabmeat omelette, chicken atop blueberry french toast, and chicken and sausage gumbo .

Baby, Don’t you Wanna Go?

Our flight home was Sunday morning. We headed to the airport having enjoyed our short but fulfilling visit. My ear was still blocked, so I decided to stash the ear buds and abstain from listening to music on the flight home. We attended a graduation party for my niece on Sunday afternoon, where it was very evident that I could not hear out of my left ear. Conversations over the music were challenging. I found myself turning my head so that my right ear would be closer to whoever was speaking to me. When I went to bed that night, I told myself the ear issue would eventually resolve itself. That was May 3^rd.

The clogged left ear continued along with a horrible cough, especially when I laid down. Day after day, my ear was blocked and the cough increasingly got worse. I felt terrible on Mother’s Day and spent the day in bed with a fever. My kids wanted to visit, but I told them I didn’t feel up to it. I called immediate care and made an appointment the following Wednesday. After testing for Covid, flu, and RSV with negative results, the doctor took one look in my ear and said you have an infection with a lot of fluid. She prescribed a 7-day regimen of antibiotics, Flonase, and a cough suppressant. I took the antibiotics. The coughing stopped, but I still could not hear in my left ear.

I spent the entire morning of May 18^th calling around to find an otolaryngologist, the fancy name for an Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) doctor in my area. Let me just say specialists’ schedules are insane! I heard, “His first available is in July.” Or “I can get you in in two weeks maybe.” I kept calling until the very pleasant woman said, “I can get you in tomorrow at 2:00. Will that work?” “Of course!” I said even though this doctor would be a bit of a drive. She added, “Someone must have cancelled, because their schedules are usually way out.” A win for me, finally.

I saw the ENT the next afternoon who probed my ears and nose with all kinds of instruments as he remarked, “Well, I see the fluid, so you definitely have an infection.” Then he asked, “Have you had any ringing in your ears?” I told him about the whirring that sounded like a ceiling fan when my right ear was giving me problems, then I mentioned I could hear my heart beating when I laid on my left side, and it sounded like I was underwater when I spoke. He looked like he was pondering what to say next, then spoke. “You know you could just have a really stubborn ear infection, which should clear up when the fluid drains, or you could have what is called Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL). WHAT? Then the doctor continues to lament SSHL occurs with no warning, is of unknown origin, and is usually permanent. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? He chalks it up simply—“It’s just a matter of pure luck.” WHAT DOES HE MEAN IT’S JUST PURE LUCK WHETHER I WILL HEAR ON MY LEFT SIDE OR NOT?

He starts explaining he’s going to treat me with an aggressive regimen of steroids that he wants me to start immediately. Also, he has his assistant set up an appointment with an audiologist the following morning. In my mind I questioned why I was going for a hearing test, when my left ear was blocked, but later it became clearer why he took the steps he did.

The audiologist was relatively young, noticeably tall, had a scowl across her face, and looked as if she hated her job, the world, and the people in it. Holding the door open she called my name dryly, “Williams.” I tried to kill her with kindness—“Hi, how are you?” I do that sometimes when I encounter people who don’t have a customer service-type personality, but they happen to be working with the public. She said nothing but, “Follow me. Sit here. Put these on. Click this. Now put these on. Repeat what you hear.” I started off well with my right ear repeating the words from the robotic sounding man I’m sure was recorded in the 1960’s. When she put the static in my right ear and had me repeat the words I heard in my left ear, I wasn’t sure if haze was hate, big was pick, and the final word was “BLAH”. That’s exactly what it sounded like to me. I wanted to wave the white flag, but thankfully she ended the test when I shrugged.

She said she would send the report to the doctor immediately. She made the comment that I definitely had some hearing loss in my left ear. DUH! My ear had been blocked for weeks now. Thus, the reason I questioned the timing of the hearing test. She asked if I ever worked in an industrial or noisy environment. I joked, does a fifth-grade classroom count? She didn’t crack a smile.

Then she asked the question I opened this post with-“Have you ever attended a really loud concert?” My memory had to flash back to every concert I attended in my lifetime. There were a lot. And they were ALL loud. Concerts in Chicago were always in huge arenas so that as many people as possible could be packed into the venues where the concerts were held. But THE loudest concert I ever attended was a Prince concert, and I mentioned that to her. I told her how my ears were ringing on the walk to the car after the concert and the entire night. After a pause, she turned to me and asked, “When you saw him was he with the Revolution or the New Power Generation?” I think I made a breakthrough with the scowling audiologist. I even detected a slight smile at the mention of The Purple One.

I’m playing this track today. She told me this was her favorite Prince song.

>

Thanks for reading and listening! I’ll get back on track with the conclusion of The Fab Four in my next writing.

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

The Steve Miller Band is traditionally played at each of our high school reunions because we are proudly the Eagles (our mascot). Steve Miller wrote this song with the purpose of a call for positive action to bring about change in our humanely deficient society. The words are simple “feed the babies,” “shoe the children,” “house the people living in the streets.” Written in 1976, a solution to addressing basic human needs is still essential today. We should all aspire to fly like an eagle. Thank you, Steve Miller, your song is part of the music of my life.

Baptism

Day one of walking through the massive halls of high school was intimidating to the say the least. Gia and Chantal were dropped off at the front door of the high school by a parent and that is where they parted.

The freshman students stood out like sore thumbs, each carrying an obvious maroon and gold colored folder, eagle mascot and crest prominently displayed on the front. On the back of the folder was a handy dandy map. The kind of floor plan a realtor uses to familiarize their clients with the layout of a home. Only thing is, this map had four immense floors with room numbers in each little box to represent a classroom.

Gia had been assigned a locker on the first floor with a partner from her homeroom she had just met. Chantal was assigned a locker on the second floor with someone in her homeroom to whom she had just been introduced.

Not only was this map mind-boggling, but the students also had a total of four (there’s that number again) minutes to get from class to class. At the locker it was vital to look at your schedule to determine what subject was first, next, so on, gather your textbooks and notebooks for that class, and figure out where the hell you needed to be in four freakin’ minutes. Looking at that map required that you first understand where you were standing. There was nothing that said, “You are here.” Was your locker in front of room 206 or room 226? Now, do you turn left or right to get to room 327? All this thinking and deciding was crucial before making a move. Now throw in the cacophony of lockers slamming, students talking and yelling everywhere, bells ringing, and the push of the human masses. There were an estimated 775 students in the freshman class alone. Multiply that by four (there it is again), and you have the population of a small town. There was no one directing the sea of students moving north and south, up, and down the staircases. Getting lost was inevitable. Getting lost and being late for class would be an embarrassment.

Seeking out that friendly, helpful older student was difficult. With all day being asked if you wanted to buy an elevator pass or a pair of drafting shoes, the old tricks of the sneaky upperclassmen were soon worn out. Gia only asked for help if she absolutely could not find her classroom—like that obscure study hall around the corner, at the top of the staircase, which didn’t follow the logical pattern of the other classrooms’ numbers.

In elementary school, afternoon phone conversations had been Chantal and Gia’s routine. High school was no different. Chantal told Gia about losing her way to P.E., Gia recounted her story of meandering the school looking for her study hall. Chantal didn’t have study hall on her schedule, so her day ended after 8^th period. Gia felt like she should have taken up residence at the school with her day ending at nearly 4:00. She rode home on public transportation alongside the other students with late schedules; however, she felt so alone.

Water and Air

While Chantal and Gia were weaving their way around their new school, two other girls were doing the same. Roxy and Fiona sat in the same homeroom where they were assigned as locker partners. Roxy was the oldest (of four) in her family, so she was the first to experience high school. She was a smart and outgoing girl who was an easy conversationalist. Fiona was the middle child (of five), who was the only one in her family to attend the technical school. She was also smart and athletic. She was friendly but appeared a bit quieter than Roxy.

Roxy is water; she is empathetic, intuitive, and embodies adaptability. Fiona is air; she is intellectual, communicative, and has a keen sense of curiosity.

Year One Done

All four of the girls survived their freshman year, some faring better than others. Gia thrust into honors classes her first year, found the workload to be overwhelming and the classes difficult. The reality of there being other students who breezed through the work, especially in math, knocked Gia down more than a few pegs. Her lack of confidence made her feel awful. Her parents suggested she ask the teacher for help. Gia would not do such a thing. Instead, she would complain to her parents that the teacher had a strong foreign accent and was hard to understand. She was lost and there was no improvement as the year progressed. Gia failed freshman algebra and had to retake the course in summer school. Sitting in a hot classroom every day for weeks with no air conditioning was torture, but it was what Gia needed. Repeating the course with a different teacher, something clicked in Gia’s brain. The understanding of the abstract concepts of algebra totally made sense the second time around.

In her mind Gia was doing a happy dance when she was able to shed the honors for regular classes her second year. It wasn’t like she had a choice. She had only earned mediocre grades in science and social studies. Her beloved English class was the single honors class she remained in and there she felt like she belonged.

Air Meets Fire

Each year all students were assigned to a new locker. The location had no rhyme or reason. Students were assigned lockers on the first, second, or third floors. After freshman year, the students discovered that no one checked to ensure that you were sharing a locker with the person a teacher assigned you. This opened the door for people to share with anyone you wanted. Gia and Chantal chose to partner up their sophomore year. They had prime real estate on the second floor at the end of the hallway near the stairwell. They could move quickly from floor to floor from their end. The middle stairwells were like a crush in a concert. People pushed up and people pushed down. You didn’t have to move yourself; you pretty much were transported by the crowd.

A girl stood talking to David, a boy whose locker was next to Chantal and Gia’s. The girl was Fiona. Gia knew David and his locker partner Charles. David and Fiona spent a few minutes chatting daily at the lockers. Fiona and Gia slowly became friends through their mutual friendship with David. The girls discovered they lived only blocks away from each other and they both enjoyed cycling. Fiona and Gia began bike riding across the city on weekends and the following summer. They’d ride effortlessly for miles, sometimes stopping by classmates’ houses for short visits or riding to Lake Michigan and back. They lived nowhere near the lake, but their shared passion for cycling formed their bond.

Coming up next: The Fab Four Conclusion

I’ll close with another hit by The Steve Miller Band—The Joker was released in 1973. I understand Steve Miller really was called the space cowboy as the song goes. Who or what is the pompatus of love??? Love the playful lyrics. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

Part III Fab Four

By way of an extremely enthusiastic elementary school music teacher, this song became part of the music of my life. Of course I had heard of the Carpenters, but their style wasn’t really my vibe. During my younger years, I was into R&B, and my brother listened to Rock, so those were the genres to which I was most exposed. I remember the Carpenters’ soft pop sound, mainly from their appearances on popular nighttime television shows. I must say now I can genuinely appreciate their remarkable talents and their invaluable contributions to the world of music.

Karen and Richard Carpenter began their musical journey as a duo, then went on to form the Richard Carpenter Trio with Wesley Jacobs. I was surprised to discover they drifted into the world of jazz. The pop hits would follow soon after they signed with A&M Records. Close to You, a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David had been recorded by two different artists prior to the Carpenters release of a version that had been reworked by Richard.

A commercial jingle for a California bank is what caught Richard Carpenter’s attention to record We’ve Only Just Begun. Within three months of Close to You reaching #1, We’ve Only Just Begun hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Both songs became RIAA certified gold singles.

Earth and Fire-The Conclusion

You may wonder why I have referred to Gia and Chantal as Earth and Fire. In Post #11, Part I, I spoke about the Power of 4. I mentioned the four seasons, the four winds, the four directions, the number four, and the four elements of the world. In my sister-friend group there are four members, just like the squad in Imperfect Harmony: Carli’s Groove, my second novel. I consider Chantal earth; she represents solidity, endurance, practicality, and nurturing. Gia is fire; she embodies energy, creativity, passion, and transformation. Earth and Fire are the foundation of our foursome.

In Post #12, Part II left off with Gia and Chantal being forced (okay, being selected) to represent their class at the school science fair. The pair survived the day long probing questions from the admiring adults that stopped at their exhibit and the curiosity of the students who wanted to hear the music from their “phonograph.” At the conclusion of the fair, they were awarded an honorable mention for their project, which left the typical eye-rolling teens unimpressed. They were more thrilled their work earned them an excellent science grade for the third quarter.

While the eighth-grade class was preparing for commencement and learning the words to sappy songs like “We’ve Only Just Begun” by the Carpenters, Mrs. Avery began encouraging the students in Track C to take the entrance exam to the technical high school on their side of the city. Technical school meant full college prep courses of science (ugh!), math (yuck!), drafting (what?), foreign language (why?), social studies (okay), and English (piece of cake!). Gia and Chantal’s names were on the list of recommended students. Chicago Public Schools were and always have been a system of where you live, who you know, what your grades and test scores show, and sometimes just plain old luck.

The Saturday morning of the exam, Chantal and Gia were dropped off at the high school by Gia’s dad. Being more interested in scouting out the cute boys from neighborhoods outside of their own, the duo somehow managed to complete the three to four-hour test. The test-takers were informed their results would be forwarded to their respective elementary schools before summer break began.

Finally, the end of the official school year arrived for the eighth-grade students. Parent-teacher conferences were approaching. This was it. After nine years, it was unimaginable that Gia and Chantal would no longer walk the halls of the school that would be etched into their memories forever. They would no longer stroll home to eat lunch at noon and scurry back to school at 1:00 for the afternoon session. The classmates that they had grown up with were making plans to attend high schools that were scattered all over the city. It was a bittersweet time for the two girls.

Chantal and her mother attended the last parent-teacher conference together where they received the news that Chantal passed the test for the technical high school. Over the phone to Gia, Chantal later conveyed the entire scenario. Mrs. Avery was busy trying to convince Chantal’s mother of the too-good-to-refuse opportunity Chantal was being given to attend one of Chicago’s top performing high schools. Chantal interjected, “But did Gia pass the test?” Mrs. Avery continued, “Chantal, I think you should seriously consider attending whether Gia passed or not.” Mrs. Avery was not Gia’s homeroom teacher, and it was probably unethical to divulge information regarding another student. Insistent, Chantal re-asked the question, “But did Gia pass?” Sighing in resignation, Mrs. Avery spoke. “Yes, Gia passed the test.”

“Yippee!” Gia shouted over the phone. Earth and Fire would be attending high school together and they would be the foundation of the square.

On a hot June morning on the south side of Chicago, the ninety-eight students of Chantal and Gia’s graduating class assembled onstage as their parents sat attentively in the auditorium watching. The students beamed with a profound sense of accomplishment as they belted out their finale song “We’ve Only Just Begun” accompanied by none other than Mrs. Avery on piano.

At home that afternoon, Gia’s mom told her, “You guys sang the saddest songs. I was in tears.” Yep, that’s what those Carpenters’ songs do.

Here’re the contrasting tracks. I love them all. Are you open to various genres of music? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

Earth and Fire

As I left off in my last writing, the foundation of the Fab Four pretty much had been created and stood solidly. Gia and Chantal had been classmates for eight years and as best friends were beginning to navigate their last year of elementary school in separate classrooms.

Then boom! The big switch-up occurred. Two weeks into the school year, Gia’s homeroom teacher Mrs. Pope, announced they would begin departmentalized classes to prepare them for high school. All the students were familiar with this, as they changed classes in the sixth and seventh grades, so what was the big deal? Mrs. Pope explained that the entire class would not be moving together from classroom to classroom as they had in previous years. The teachers had divided the students in the three classrooms into three tracks. Tracks? The students had never heard of the term, but Mrs. Pope went on to elaborate: There’d be Track A, Track B, and Track C; Each track had a schedule to rotate to the other classrooms across the hall for Language Arts, Science, and Math; Mrs. Pope was the Social Studies teacher, so her class would remain for that subject.

After Social Studies class, Mrs. Pope instructed, “Track A line up for Science.” Gia was assigned to Track A. This was the signal to stand by the back door until the teacher directed the students in line to pass to Mrs. Avery’s classroom across the hall. Lo and behold! Gia entered and there sat a smiling Chantal with an empty seat next to her which Gia quickly slid into. The girls could hear a Hallelujah Chorus being sung. The two besties were reunited again for not only science but all subjects outside of social studies and homeroom. Life was good.

Lab Brats

Mrs. Avery was quite the enthusiastic science teacher. She had somehow secured funds through Chicago Public Schools to purchase a plethora of supplies and a robust curriculum to offer one class a physical science course. Track A students would be the privileged participants of this newly designed course. There were microscopes, slides, droppers, petri dishes, magnifying glasses, scales, weights, watery substances, and lab manuals with room to record your work.

The students were directed to pair up with a classmate of their own choosing. Naturally, Chantal and Gia just glanced at each other, and they were locked in as lab partners, day one. There was one problem. Gia hated science--she was more of a language arts and social studies kind of girl. Chantal wasn’t a huge fan of the subject either, but since she was being allowed to work alongside her best friend, it was more tolerable. Week after week, the two girls giggled incessantly as they performed their experiments making a complete mess of their shared desk, which led to a predictable clean-up before class was dismissed. The duo frequently turned on their charm to convince the two brainiac male classmates that worked at the station in front of them to share their notes. Chantal and Gia copied whatever results they recorded because somewhere along the line, the girls always made some major error during their experimentation, which skewed the data.

In the blink of an eye, Autumn disappeared, then the snow melted, and finally the grass returned to its bright green hue. The students donned lightweight windbreakers on their trek to and from school. Yes, Spring had sprung and three major events were unfolding for the eighth graders: the annual class science fair; the entrance exam to the technical high school; and preparation for graduation.

Keep in mind that Mrs. Avery was an extraordinary science teacher, but she was also one of her pupils’ biggest cheerleaders. She frequently reminded the students in Track A, “You’re the cream of the crop. Not everyone has this opportunity.” Words like that can do a number on a young impressionable teenager. Gia and Chantal by no means felt they were scientists by any stretch of the imagination. Gia routinely suffered from imposter syndrome thinking somehow, someone had made a mistake placing her in this science class in the first place.

The day arrived when Mrs. Avery informed the class that each set of lab partners was expected to create a science project. Mrs. Avery’s use of the word “expected” should have been replaced with “mandated.” There was no chance a student would pass science if they didn’t complete a project. Gia and Chantal couldn’t rely on the two smart boys who sat in front of them on this one. What kind of project could they do that would earn them a good grade?

Both Chantal and Gia were daughters of teachers. At their respective homes, they combed their parents’ resources after school searching for the just-right project. Eureka! Gia found an old book of projects and stumbled upon something that piqued her interest— “How to build a phonograph.” It was the perfect project for Gia, the music lover! She called Chantal to relay the thrilling news of her discovery. Remember there were no cell phones back then to take a picture and send, so Gia read the lengthy directions and the extensive list of materials that would be needed for the project. They decided to split the list in half. There were items they had never heard of like pica. But there were also common items like plastic, wood, felt, an empty thread spool, and a large paper fast-food cup. Gia immediately volunteered for the smaller items because she knew by the end of the week her dad would agree to take her to the hardware store making a pitstop at McDonald’s on the route home. Chantal chose the larger materials like the wood, felt, and spool. Her mother was a skilled seamstress and hatmaker with tons of sewing materials. Chantal’s brother was adept in working with his hands and tools as he was a welder by trade, so he would cut and shape the wood for them.

The two young creators were finally becoming eager regarding their project. Alas, the day arrived for class presentations. Chantal and Gia had named their project “What is Sound?” Chantal was flabbergasted and expressed her annoyance with Gia who left remnants of her chocolate shake in what was to be the “speaker” of their record player. Gia shrugged and told Chantal to go rinse it out.

Gia and Chantal started with their prepared speech about how sound travels. Then they explained they were going to produce music from the needle to the record cranking their wooden turntable contraption with a glued thread spool and out of the speaker (the McDonald’s cup). A hush fell over the crowd. Chantal started cranking and when everyone was really quiet, you could hear the music playing. Mrs. Avery was over the moon! She was so impressed she asked Chantal and Gia to present the project to her homeroom. Mrs. Avery’s homeroom students were mesmerized as they listened closely as Gia cranked the turntable. Then Marcus (the mirrored shoe culprit from post #11) shouted, “Turn up the bass!” The whole class cracked up including Chantal and Gia. They hadn’t perfected a full-sound stereo, but their music gizmo worked, and that’s what counted.

After their second presentation of the day, Mrs. Avery pulled Gia and Chantal aside and shared that she wanted them to take their project to the school science fair. The girls were stunned. They weren’t trying to be Newton, Curie, or Carver. They simply wanted to get a good grade on the assignment and to have fun while they created something that captivated their interest.

Hang tight for Part III of Fab Four: Earth and Fire’s Conclusion

As I was writing, this fun track from the 80’s came to mind. Take a listen.

Thanks for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

Since I’ve been recently reflecting upon my novel, Imperfect Harmony: Carli’s Groove and its characters, I asked myself if I had subconsciously written my main character Carli as part of a tight-knit group of four for any significant reason. The relationship between Carli, Tabby, Sabrina, and Nadine was explored in my last post and two previous posts before that.

A Side Note: Notice, I am numbering my posts starting today.

My reflections led me to perform a bit of research, and I discovered some intriguing information regarding the numeral four. There are four winds which are the four cardinal directions north, east, south, and west. In the Biblical sense, four winds symbolize the full earth and the divine power of God. There are four seasons. In numerology, four represents stability, discipline, and practicality. There are four sides to a square, which signifies a perfect balance between four points. The most fascinating finding is that the four elements of the world, earth, air, fire, and water together are thought to harmonize and create a balance in nature and within human experience.

Any or all these factors could explain why I created a foursome, rather than, say, a group of two or three. After all, if I were to craft well-developed characters, I would have to ensure each had specific personality traits, appearances, lifestyles, relationship statuses, jobs, and patterns of speech.

But I thought about my near-and-dear crew that formed long ago and the realization that they and the sister-kinship we share may have been the driving force behind my decision to make Carli’s posse a group of four.

PART I

Fab Four

No, this is not about The Beatles, nor is it our group’s name. I’ll get to our official collective name later but first let me introduce our members. There’s Chantal, Fiona, Gia, and Roxy. I’ve chosen not to use anyone’s real names, but it will soon be easy for readers to guess which one I am.

Over tacos and margaritas last Saturday, I warned my squad they were the planned subject of my next post. I explained the whole reflective thing about Carli’s friends, yada, yada. I received responses of “I don’t care,” “Whatever,” and “I didn’t know your book had a friend group of four. Maybe I’ll read it.” Gotta’ love the friend who buys the book, tells others about her author friend, then prominently displays the novel in their home for all to marvel. I consider her a marketer of sorts.

Earth and Fire

The foundation for our group was formed way back when Chantal and Gia were in the first grade. Year-after-year, there were three classrooms of every grade, and Chantal and Gia were in the same class until they reached the eighth grade. They were in what was considered the “top” of the three groups of students, and like clockwork, two days after Labor Day, both girls were assigned to the classroom of the next grade’s best teacher. It was woefully unfair to students and teachers, alike. Back in the day, keeping students in homogenous groups was the norm. That was, until other students’ parents became vocal and complained.

Once they reached the eighth grade, for the first time, Gia and her now best friend Chantal were separated into different classrooms, presumably due to the parents who objected to the status quo. The girls were not happy with the new situation that had them sitting in a space apart from the other.

Chantal and Gia had just spent their entire summer having frivolous fun in their Chicago neighborhood buying records, comparing nail polish colors, discussing the latest Right On magazine, hanging out on friend’s porches, listening to music, dancing on the sidewalk, and watching the boys on the block play. They had grown accustomed to hanging out regularly and once school started, seeing each other during the school day was no different. Gia diligently worked on her fictional writing nightly, crafting characters with wild storylines. How could Chantal be her beta reader if they were unable to pass the huge, orange, spiral notebook across the aisle in class? Why, oh, why, was this happening in the last year of attending their elementary school? (Cue the overly dramatic music suited for overly dramatic young teens.)

The duo resorted to talking on the phone daily to recount what happened in each of their respective classrooms. Gia provided a detailed account to Chantal about Spencer, the boy who sat across from Gia, who Chantal had a mad crush on. Chantal howled with laughter as Gia imitated her homeroom teacher, Mrs. Pope, spewing angry threats between her teeth at Sylvester, the tall, disruptive boy who was a grade behind and sat in the back of the room isolated from the other students.

Likewise, Chantal reported the latest news regarding the dynamic duo Charles and Marcus. Charles had adhered a mirror to his shoe with a plan to look up girls’ dresses. Chantal’s homeroom teacher, Mrs. Avery, caught on to their scheme after Marcus circulated the room asking classmates for tape. When no one had any tape to offer, Marcus resorted to asking Mrs. Avery for her supply. That’s when someone blurted out, “Mrs. Avery, Marcus and Charles are looking under girls’ dresses with a mirror!” Chantal said Mrs. Avery grabbed Marcus and Charles each by one ear and dragged them both to the principal’s office.

Chantal and Gia realized what they had missed for many of the previous years. They had been sheltered with the same classmates for much of their school lives. There was a whole cast of characters outside of their bubble. People who provided comic-relief for the students, but certainly not for the teachers. At recess, there were friends who asked them to jump double-dutch, but with whom they had never shared a class. Chantal and Gia talked to students who lived around the corner as they lined up for lunch. They played dodge ball in gym class with others who lived down the street. After dismissal, they laughed while walking home alongside classmates who lived over three blocks away from their houses and they were okay. Chantal and Gia were beginning to learn one lesson: We don’t always get what we want.

Chantal and Gia had no idea they were the foundation of the quad squad not yet formed. They were still best friends, just best friends making the best of the hand they’d been dealt--until the day the cards were reshuffled.

Listen to these four (so fitting) indelible songs from the music of my early life. Do any of these evoke a memory for you?

1. Scorpio by Dennis Coffey & The Detroit Guitar Band—Listen to that bass and percussion.

2. Groove Me by King Floyd—We weren’t allow to sing the lyrics in the presence of adults. Imagine that!

3. Joy to the World by Three Dog Night—My friends and I loved to sing about Jeremiah, but we had no clue what the song was about.

4. What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye—Always loved his sound, but this was different. This song of social consciousness stands the test of time.

Thank you for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony, Gayle B. Williams

Spill the Tea

Carli and her friends Tabby, Sabrina and Nadine, continue to bask in the exuberant vibe following Sabrina’s dynamic Fifty Shades of Grey-themed birthday bash. The story picks up with the tight posse looking forward to gathering in the near-future for intimate girl-talk. After all, at the party, Carli sat cozily shoulder-to-shoulder with Ernie, an unexpected guest and obvious love interest. Not once had she made a peep about her tall, genial plus-one, prior to the gala. Questions had to be answered. And firecracker Sabrina strutted around the party ballroom locked in arms with muscle-bound Tony, her dance partner who appeared to be half her age. Yes, discussions were needed.

Dissonant Duo

Away from the hoopla of the celebration, Carli faces the stark reality of her home life. Rebellious daughter, Jaelyn, is still living at her dad’s house after skipping school. John calls Carli and is actively doing Jaelyn’s bidding for the return of her phone. Carli nixes his request since Jaelyn is not willing to reveal her whereabouts on the day she was truant. Days after their conversation, Carli discovers John made an autocratic decision in purchasing Jaelyn a new phone. If only she and John could be on one accord when it came to matters concerning Jaelyn. The disharmony between Carli and John is profoundly evident and their parenting styles could not be more divergent.

Whispered Revelation

Introverted and private, Carli’s middle daughter Jonna pops over for a visit. Sitting across from her mother, Jonna undeniably struggles to initiate a conversation. Something is weighing heavily on her mind. After several starts and hesitations, her confession of dating a woman finally becomes another family note. Carli takes a beat to absorb the information and lovingly responds to her daughter with unwavering support.

Cacophonous Complex

A baleful tune plays as the halls of the Lipton Homes have developed into an ominous scene. Tenant Roberta James has been missing, and signs are pointing to foul play. Property manager Carli is directed by law enforcement to meet any inquiries with a succinct, “It’s a police matter.” She, in turn, briefs her office staff to follow suit when communicating with complex residents or the media.

The pattering sound of employees tiptoeing and almost silently whispering around the perceived crime site is anything but melodious. Over the phone, Carli’s family all speak with an uneasy tone. Worst of all, the panicked voices of Roberta James’s loved ones can be heard shrieking over the crime news updates.

Each of these moments in this work of fiction illustrate how communal experiences knit threads of understanding and reliance on others through life and its conflicts. In every smile, every dance, every disagreement, every shared secret, and every teardrop, these acts underscore the novel’s message: individual melodies may vary but played together they create a perfectly imperfect harmony.

Want to read?

Maestro, Please

As a shout-out to my hometown, Imperfect Harmony: Carli’s Groove is set in the Chicagoland area. In chapter eight of the novel, you’ll catch Carli grooving to the track below following an intense workday.

I am proud to proclaim the song Spank-A-Lee was written by Chicago-born, grammy-winning composer and musician Herbie Hancock along with Paul Jackson and Mike Clark. Performers: Herbie (keyboards), Paul (bass), Mike (drums), Bennie Maupin (sax/clarinet), and Bill Summers (percussion).

If you enjoyed, drop me a comment below. Thanks for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony,

Gayle B. Williams

These ten songs are guaranteed to boost my spirit or stir my soul. It was hard to narrow my list to just ten, but here it is. If you look at the chronology of my playlist you may notice my number one spot, is I Love the Afternoon by Raul Midon, pictured above. The order is no accident. This song spurred me to curate this playlist.

Take a listen, and let me know which is your favorite track or what song you would add, in the comments below.

Following the music, I highlight the talented musician Raul Midon.

A No Limit Brother: Raul Midon

While creating my playlist for today, I was inspired by the backstory of Raul Midon. Born to parents of Argentinian and African American descent, Raul was one of a set of premature twins. Sorrowfully, in a rural New Mexico hospital, he and his brother Marco were blinded after being placed in an incubator without protective eye gear.

Raul’s household was one teeming with music. His father routinely spun the skittering bebop melodies of Charlie Parker and other greats. As a young boy, Raul was particularly captivated by the cool jazz sounds of Miles Davis.

At the age of four, Raul’s father introduced him to the drum. He attended a boarding school for the blind where he picked up the guitar. Once Raul reached high school age, he enrolled in private guitar lessons. This was a turning point in his life, as he transferred from the school for the blind to Santa Fe Preparatory. He would record all his classes, then type his notes into a machine that converted the notes into Braille. Following high school, Raul went across the country to attend the University of Miami where he was drawn to its jazz curriculum.

Raul considers his music genre-bending; a combination of Pop jazz, Jazz, and Latin Pop. In a New York Times article, his sound was described this way-- “His music suggests a three-way fusion of Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, and Jose Feliciano.” Before reading the article, I made the Bobby McFerrin analogy, right away.

Raul counts himself as an admirer of Gil Scott-Heron, Grandmaster Flash, and Kendrick Lamar. As a fan of The Manhattan Transfer, Raul was thrilled to have vocalist Janis Siegel from the group join him on my Feel-Good Friday song, I Love the Afternoon.

Gracias a La Vida (1999) was his debut song, but State of Mind (2005) was his breakout album. That was the year Raul made his first national TV appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. Since then, his musical career has skyrocketed. There are far too many musicians to name here, but some notables he has played with are Richard Hammond, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Queen Latifah, and Snoop Dogg.

With fourteen albums under his belt, Raul Midon has toured the world and even performed at Carnegie Hall. When asked about his appearance at the esteemed venue, Raul points to his transition from New Mexico’s School for the Blind to Santa Fe Prep. He felt nothing else could be more difficult compared to that part of his life. He seems to have adopted the mantra that anything is possible. Raul proclaims that he is always striving to grow, do better, and is not content just being good. NBC writer Grant Yanney summed it up perfectly saying, “Raul Midon may have lost his sight, but even a blind man can recognize his vision.”

I salute guitarist-composer-vocalist-producer Raul Midon. Badass he is.

A Side Note: Marco Ridon attended New Mexico’s School for the Blind and Santa Fe Prep High School where he experienced the same challenges alongside his twin brother Raul. Marco is now a NASA engineer. A Badass brother as well!

Thank you for listening and reading today!

Peace and Harmony, Gayle B. Williams

It couldn’t be a worse week for Carli as property manager of the Lipton Homes Complex. In chapter five of Imperfect Harmony: Carli’s Groove, tenant Roberta James is reported missing by her two adult children. When officers arrive to investigate, they discover alarming evidence inside Ms. James’ apartment that suggests something nefarious may have occurred.

While at work, that very day, Carli receives a phone call from her daughter’s school. Although she left the house early that morning, Jaelyn was a no-show at school. Carli attempts but is unable to contact Jaelyn by phone all afternoon. Growing anxious, Carli enlists the help of lackadaisical ex-husband, John, who is successful in reaching their daughter. Jaelyn asks if she can move in with him but offers no explanation of what exactly precipitated her question.

Back home, Carli is relieved that Jaelyn is fine but is furious that she skipped school. John sits impatiently in Carli’s kitchen waiting for Jaelyn to appear. Entering the house, a defiant Jaelyn refuses to divulge where she was all day and who she was with, leading Carli to confiscate her phone as collateral. After another emotional meltdown by Jaelyn, Carli decides it is John’s turn to deal with the disobedience and drama. Carli departs for a scheduled appointment, and while she is away, Jaelyn packs up and moves out to live with her dad. Carli reminds herself that enforcing boundaries could be an act of love, even when it leads to tears.

She’s Fierce!

In the skilled hands of hairstylist daughter Jessica, Carli sits for hours getting a new braided ‘do for her friend Sabrina’s upcoming birthday bash. Carli makes the contemplative decision to invite Ernie as her plus-one to the Fifty Shades of Grey themed party. She dons a short, slinky, one-shouldered gray dress and slips on a sexy pair of four-inch silver ankle-straps for the occasion.

None of her loyal squad members, not Tabitha, Nadine, or even Sabrina, know that Carli is awaiting an invited guest. The cool musician, Ernie, arrives sporting a Panama hat and places his steady hands upon Carli’s sleek shoulders. Once the introductions are made, Ernie takes a seat in the empty chair next to his ravishing date Carli, and he slides into a smooth rhythm with the group.

It’s On and Poppin’!

The firecracker of the group, Sabrina, has a medley of activities on rotation for her fabulous fiftieth celebration. All the guests are decked out in various shades of gray attire. The expansive hotel ballroom is trimmed in gray décor—the tables are accessorized with props of mini-whips, handcuffs, neckties, and ropes. Champagne salutes are proposed by Carli and her crew, and they surprise all the guests in attendance with a choreographed dance and lip-synch routine committed to memory by the cohesive foursome.

During interludes, Sabrina executes three wardrobe changes, each outfit more tantalizing than the previous. An assembly of shirtless, buff men and scantily clad women perform dance numbers with the birthday girl taking center stage. Each production is a fascinating sight to behold!

Amid the party, Carli and Ernie take to the floor sharing a slow, flirtatious dance, ending with a gentle kiss. The exhilarating night wraps up with Ernie walking Carli to her car. He slips into the passenger seat as she removes her shoes from the driver’s side and swings her legs over the console. Ernie provides a gentle foot massage for Carli. She closes her eyes in response to the soothing caresses of the smooth percussionist. The finale concludes with the duo immersed in passionate kisses, resulting in steamy windows and lingering vibes for what is to come.

Seductive Selections

Here are two sultry songs that accompanied the dance arrangements at Sabrina’s gala. In G-Eazy’s She’s Fire, listen to the undeniable sound of Carlos Santana on guitar.

Emerging in her red, metallic catsuit Sabrina and her ensemble, danced to Tank’s When We. Side Note: I’m presenting the clean version. I’ll let you explore the explicit edition on your own. I’m sure you can envision the provocative dance performed to this track.

Want to read Imperfect Harmony: Carli’s Groove in its entirety? Click the button below.

Check it out

Thanks for reading and listening!

Gayle B. Williams

Side Notes

If you checked out my last post entitled First Notes: The Connection, I left off with divorced mom Carli Hamilton anticipating a call or text from Ernie Miller, the laid-back drummer with a penchant for poetry and fishing. Waiting by Brian Simpson was the soundtrack for this emotive scene. But on the “B” side of Carli’s existence, there is a contrasting vibe simultaneously reverberating.

Rebellion in the Residence

In the wake of a possible soulful connection with Ernie, Carli has the uncanny ability to perform a delicate balancing act. On the homefront, life is anything but harmonious. Seventeen-year-old daughter Jaelyn is determined to consistently test the limits with her mother. Carli sets a curfew—Jaelyn pushes the envelope. Jaelyn routinely asks for the car keys—Carli forks them over, but not before issuing stern warnings regarding no smoking and prohibiting others to drive. Carli has an uncompromising position when it comes to her daughter speaking in a respectful manner. But Jaelyn often challenges the boundaries.

The house rules are simple: beds are to be made in the morning; rooms are to be tidied; the kitchen is to be left spotless. But Jaelyn doesn’t follow the lead of the conductor, Carli. She is offbeat at every turn.

The perpetual wrangling between Carli and Jaelyn rhythmically hits the reader’s senses like crashing cymbals in Imperfect Harmony: Carli’s Groove. You feel the pulsing stress in Carli’s neck as she counts silently to ten to control her reactions. You hear the bang of Jaelyn’s door slamming during one of her emotional meltdowns. You catch a whiff of the unpleasant odor emitting from the dirty laundry Jaelyn haphazardly crams into her closet. You see Carli instinctively yanking the hood of her daughter’s sweatshirt in response to her disrespectful language.

As the mother-daughter interactions take center stage, I imagine Wayne Shorter’s Chaos playing in synchrony. Pay particular attention to the ending. What emotions do you detect in the sound? Take a listen, then drop a comment below.

Juggling Harmony and Discord

The juxtaposition of family tension and hopeful romance gives Imperfect Harmony: Carli’s Groove its beat. It reminds readers that life’s messiest moments can coexist with the most uplifting melodies.

Buy Now

Thanks for reading and listening!

Peace and Harmony, Gayle B. Williams

There is no grand fanfare when Carli and Ernie engage in their first conversation in the dimly lit, post-relaxation spa lounge in Imperfect Harmony: Carli’s Groove by Gayle B. Williams. The easy exchanges between the two strangers over sips of red wine and decadent chocolate bites set the stage for an upcoming production that is still in its formative phase.

Hot on the heels of their initial chat, smooth-talking Ernie Miller invites Carli to lunch at a nearby café. Feeling blissfully rejuvenated from her spa-treatment, Carli readily accepts. Over an unpretentious midday meal, the spark is lit. Carli is instantly captivated by the widowed, former New Yorker with the dangly earring. Once Ernie reveals his side-gig as a drummer in a jazz quintet, Carli shares her intense love of jazz music, a genre that manifested in her youth via her father’s musical appetite and vast vinyl collection.

Seated at a window table in the cozy café, the duo continues their playful banter beyond the completion of their meal. Carli’s quick wit matches Ermie’s gentle teasing, and numbers are exchanged before parting their separate ways. The scene is gentle but charged: two people, each at a different stage in life, finding common ground and laughter. These are the first notes to a song yet to be written.

And then Carli waits. Patiently, at the outset, but she grows increasingly anxious as the days pass. Carli yearns for more moments with the eccentric percussionist. Do their tempos align? Or is Ernie playing to a different beat? I imagine this jazzy tune by Brian Simpson playing in the background as Carli anticipates a coveted call or the ping of a text from Ernie.

Tell me what you hear in the sounds of the piano keys. Thanks for reading and listening!

Gayle B. Williams

https://open.spotify.com/track/2v9hQceHtGZdE4WbTFdhWM?si=uhZUghkjTqiVxzJqed1yQQ