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Guitar chord forum - chordie → Posts by mekidsmom
mekidsdad, mekids, and I are planning to be there! 
Zurf, if you can make it I promise it'll be worth the trip just to have the pleasure of meeting my littlest one - AND the bigger little one has been learning the Uke and learning how to sing along with mama! 
MAY 2016
Ode to Billy Joe - May 2016 Featured Song of the Month
Original thread can be found here: http://www.chordie.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=29644
If you missed out, it's never too late! You can share a link at the thread above, comment there, etc!
Here are quick links to member's submissions (if I missed any, please post in the original thread linked above and I'll get this post updated!):
Jandle: https://soundcloud.com/ukulelejan/ode-t … e-covermp3
Baldguitardude: https://soundcloud.com/joe-lilly/ode-to … -the-month (deleted)
mojo01: https://soundcloud.com/mojo01/billy-joe (deleted)
Roger Guppy: https://soundcloud.com/roger-guppy/ode-to-billie-joe
mekidsmom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V4PmdC … e=youtu.be
Hey hey! As you know, this section of the forums is for members who would like to work on one (or two) featured song(s) per month. A song or two is chosen, and everyone who would like to gives it a try and submits their recording to share with others.
This thread will be updated by moderators with a list of links provided in each monthly thread. This allows you to see ALL the submissions for a past month without having to read through the entire thread and replies. Those threads however will stay open, and if you'd like to comment on any recordings posted in this thread you can do so in the particular monthly thread (or in the location the recording is saved such as sound cloud or youtube).
Hope everyone finds this thread helpful!
Hmmm... don't talk about your car if you're in an airport. "I've got a bomb that can do over a ton" sounds like the type of thing that would make you miss a flight and have all your luggage rummaged through, along with a full cavity body search. LOL!
I believe that "restroom" was a phrase that Roger found odd here. I can't think now of some of the other phrases that we used that Roger thought were amusing, or confusing. Maybe he will recall some. Though, we did introduce him to Root Beer and Cream Soda (neither is alcoholic, both are sweet carbonated drinks). He did have a heck of a time getting a drink without ice in it though. Pretty much everything except for juice, milk, and beer is served with ice in the glass here. 
I did learn about the bonnet and the boot while he was here. I believe you also call a water fountain a "bubbler" - or they do in the UK.
That is quite interesting! I can't decide if I like it or not though! LOL! I do think it'd be something worth giving a try, and if I ever see one in a store I will. Hmmm... I'll have to keep my eyes open for that one.
It's been a busy week back to work - but I was smiling when I saw this one this morning! Thanks for the "Hello!" Pete! I've no clue what all your funny sayings mean, but I have no doubt we've got a bunch of them here too! In fact, I know we do! I think that was one of the most fun parts about having Roger here last year - comparing all our odd sayings! ha ha!
hmmm... gonna be only a few names in the hat this month! Hurry! Hurry! Jan is away and either Joe or I will be drawing names!
Do let us know how it went when you get time to get online CG. Good for you! Having a small audience probably feels more like an intimate gathering of friends than a performance. Sounds fun!
Doug - you're more than welcome here, should you decide on a little cross-country travel! Scott (Beamer - the metalizer) has said that he'd really like to try to make it next year. He and Jerome are out there close to you. Oh yeah, Dino and Russell too, not sure who else. There are certainly a good handful of Chordie Folks over on the west coast now. I'm surprised you guys haven't organized something over there yet to make all us East Coasters jealous! Of course though, you're all more than welcome to come to one of our events over on this side.
Ken - if you decide to put something together, we'll do everything possible to make it there! I'd give up the annual gathering here to come down there and help out! It may even be a little easier for Zurf and Jets60 (Jeff G.) to make it. It's probably close to the same travel time for UJB.
If not, we'll certainly visit at some point and take you up on the offer. We really do need to get out of NY more. I think KK is finally at the point where she can handle longer car rides, and she certainly does LOVE seeing new places and visiting. I read your description of Penny's ears perking up and the smile went from ear to ear as you may expect. What I'd really like to do personally is just pull both girls out of school and live like the Gornickes in the Robin Williams movie RV - travel the country - although with our luck, we'd end up more like his family in the rental RV with everything going wrong that possibly can! ha ha ha!
Last day of vacation for myself too JJJ. I'm not looking forward to sitting in front of the computer for hours on end dealing with people whining about their mobile apps. Sitting out back or on the porch with my guitar whenever the mood strikes - rather than having to make time for it - has been quite a treat.
Dino, thank you very much for the compliment. As my Dad was saying in the video, he had me singing that one with him since I was able to. I hope my kids have fond memories like that with the guitar and mom when they grow up as well. No one took video of it - but they sang along with me a few times. The best of the kids singing along was when the older of my girls joined in and belted out some Bobby McGee with me! It surprised ME! ha ha!
You're absolutely spot on Zurf. I do love the encouragement of members here, but I still never really know if my songs are any good when I put them up. I think - personally - if the songwriting section had more constructive critique going on in it - it'd encourage me to write more (or maybe stop writing at all, who knows! ha ha).
On that note - Easybeat - it's hard for me to understand the lyrics in this one - but I think I get the idea of the song. One more verse I think is needed to push home the idea being portrayed in the chorus. Put it up over in the songwriting section with the lyrics for us, could you? I really like your chord progression and strumming style though! There's a nice bridge in there too. Those are the hardest parts for me!
There is a movie 0ut there that was made someware in the fifties or sixties.
I looked it up, it is in fact named "The Legend of Tom Dooley" from 1959. It is based on the Kingston Trio's version of the legend, but not on the actual historical records of the event. Michael Landon (you know, the dad from Little House on the Prairie) stars in it.
Bill - I think I know what you were trying to get at. Like BlueJeep said, just to try to challenge yourself. That's an interesting way to spend some time. Makes me think of vocal warm ups, going through the "do re me fa..." and then kicking it up a half step until it's just too high to sing.
Happy Birthday to UJB! I hope you have a GREAT DAY!
We were all a bit busy outside here over the weekend. Since then, we've turned the TV on in the evening - just over the air, no cable here. It seems every night it's just gymnastics and swimming. That's alright with me though, I enjoy watching those two sports. Of course, the USA has some amazing gymnasts and swimmers too - Seriously, Phelps has 20 gold medals - so I have no doubt the free channels are only playing the best of the best that they think most Americans want to see. You know - just show the winners. :eyeroll: At least it's positive. That's a whole lot better than the usual media coverage of doping allegations, and a nice break from the political mudslinging and ridiculousness.
I'm glad to hear everyone made it home safe and sound! Whew! 12 hours for a few of you. I hope Jen and Penny weren't too uncomfortable on the trip home with all the delays you had, Ken. JJJ - did you find a guitar with all those stops? Katie cried Monday night. 
She told me it was due to the fact that she would just miss Penny so much, but I KNOW it was more than that. I am positive that she would have happily gone home with Ken and Jen if she could have. She has said about 10 times that she wants to go visit "A-Hi-A". She's corrected my pronunciation when I've said Ohio, because she wants to visit the portion of Ohio where Ken and Jen and Penny live and they don't say "Ohio" there! She caught that one. But then, she doesn't miss much even if she is talking a mile a minute. She cried again Tuesday night after saying goodbye to JJJ & Chris. She won't eat anything but your pizza, because it's special, because it's from you. LOL! She also wants to visit Mass. Oh, and if we are going to the PA get together, she's made it quite clear that she IS going with us this year. There's no other option.
It was such a pleasure to be able to host this get together. Once UJB arrived on Friday, all concerns about it being "work" went out the window. I didn't feel like there was any "work" to it. It was honestly just so nice to have everyone here. I have to agree with Jen, it felt like saying goodbye to family when each person left. I feel like my children have an extra set of Grandparents, a new Aunt, and two new Uncles. "Family style" gathering has become a new meaning. It wasn't family "style" it was FAMILY. This gathering has become so much more than just a guitar player get together.
BUT - the guitar playing was a good time! I played too many "growly" songs too early, and am still working on getting a portion of my voice back. My father and I don't get together often enough to just sit and play guitar. It was fun to hear some of his songs the way I remember them from my youth. There was a round where everyone played a goofy song. Another round of silly songs. I think there was a round of sappy songs too. My friend Michele kept making comments that we needed to play some songs she knew because she wanted to sing along. She still needs to get digging though, poor girl was far to sheltered as a child. LOL! My friend EJ usually just shows up for the food - girl can EAT - but she even played us a couple songs on her Uke. My daughter, Steph, had one Uke lesson last year and hadn't picked one up since then. However, between EJ showing her a few chords, and her desire to learn, she put together a couple songs ON THE SPOT well enough to bang them out on EJ's Uke and sing in front of everyone!
Even those that were just here to listen and eat had a fantastic time and thanked me for the invite. I have a feeling I'll need to send out more invites next year - as there seems to be more groupies interested in attending! Ken's originals never fail to bring on laughs when appropriate, or the imagery of being right there in the moment of the story. He's a true story teller with and without music and I could listen all day! The bread machine showed it's ability to do more than just look pretty. It held beer as well as doubled as a music stand without complaint. JJJ was clearly a bit nervous, being his first Chordie event, but he fit right in after "pahking the cah". 
He's got a good sense of humor and can take the ribbing! Despite the nerves, he kept going and brought some unique songs to the mix! JJJ is a gentle quiet guy that opens up once he's comfortable, and is very kind. Chris compliments him well, and they interact as if they've been close friends for many many years - it's a nice relationship to see in action - friends first and foremost. Chris and Jen are simply sweethearts and we could chat all day and night (and we did). UJB notices the little things, and knows how to give compliments where they are due. I feel such a strong friendship there, and wish we lived closer as he and Jim would be helping one another with their construction projects, vehicle repairs, and I know we'd both learn how to play guitar better just by being around him (osmosis perhaps). Plus, I'd never run out of eggs! UJB is humble, but a very perceptive, smart, funny, kind person.
I feel like joining along with Kate in the crying - while I will miss visiting with each of you, it's more than that - I feel so honored to be able to know each of you and appreciate each of you allowing us to host this event. THANK YOU!
I'll be chatting with a few folks to try to schedule something further in advance for next year to try to allow more Chordie peeps to make it to the next FAMILY gathering! In the meantime... I need to go out and buy Steph a ukulele, and get myself some new strings for my classical guitar that finally made it home. Not because the strings were dead, but because Steph took the low E and A off and stole my capo to turn it into a uke temporarily!
Knockin On Heaven's Door - Backyard Gathering Style: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUeskIX … mp;index=7
Featuring: Mekidsmom, Uncle Joe's Band, JJJ, Mekidsdad, MekidsGramps and MekidsFamilyFriend (last two are not chordie members).
I got a little goofy toward the end...
I'm currently editing and uploading! If anyone else uploads any videos from the gathering, please be sure to post a link here so I can add them to the playlist. This will keep all the videos organized together for easier viewing of just the get together! Thanks!!
In the meantime, the playlist can be found at the link below, and I'll keep updating it with the new videos I add - and anyone else adds - as I continue on - so if you check on it early today, be sure to check again later in the day or tomorrow because there WILL be MORE!
BYG 2016 Play List: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P … 3VnVFuh5el
Here is something to hold you over until Amy gets time to upload a few of the 30+ videos I shot. I'm on the right and Dirty Ed is on the left. The other voice coming from off the screen is Mike(Amy's dad). I can't upload to Amy's page so it had to go on mine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CW8RS8 … e=youtu.be
BTW Amy, tell your dad it was 1959. He was guessing 1965.
I got a video of that one too! Joe did you know, if you have Mixcraft Pro (I remember your brother gave a version to you for Xmas a bit ago), you can import the video and edit the sound clip in it just like any other sound file? I'll let him know about the year!
Here's a different vantage point of that song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUISCqImwX8
Glad you're all enjoying what's up there so far! Joe took a bunch of videos - I'll work on getting those up next. I have a couple, but they may just be repeats of some of the songs I recorded the sound files with. It was such a great time! When the neighbors stopped by and I tried explaining who people were, that was an interesting moment. We had a couple from Mass, a couple from Ohio, one guy from PA, a NY City/Buffalo gal that I met in California, and of course the family and friends that stopped in on Saturday.
When you think about how that may look to strangers - they must either think we're totally nuts or something! I think the look on their faces was a bit of shock, surprise and awe. I know personally I'm humbled and awed by you all! Thank YOU AGAIN, those that came. Ken, Jen, Joey, Chris, Joe, and EJ ... it was honestly OUR PLEASURE to have you at our home and allow us to host this and feed you a little.
UJB - Intergalactic Laxative was good! Yes, the song needs a bit of polishing, but it's a good solid version of the song you've got going! Plus, you didn't do the Amy "razz" when you screwed up, or the Jim/JJJ curse, so I think you're doing really well! ha ha ha! My friend Michele said her favorite was the round of funny songs! This one made the cut (even though she didn't know it).
Anymore takers for these songs? Amy? Unclejoesband? ................ i will attempt them myself, just got to get a bit of spare time to do them
Actually, there IS a recording that will be going up soon!
Nah CG - I don't think you offended anyone at all! Dino probably just has nylon strings on the guitar. I know you can do that - but NEVER put steel on a classical because the guitar can't handle the higher tension of the steel strings. Makes sense. Yeah, I think the OP was looking specifically for information on guitars made as classical guitars. It is good to know though, that you can put nylons on a steel string guitar... if you're just looking for the sound.
I FINALLY got my classical guitar back from my brother. I was looking forward to playing it, however my daughter recently decided she needs a Uke. So she took the low E and A strings off and stole my capo to make the classical sound and play like a Uke. 
Guess I need to now buy a Uke if I want my Classical back again! LOL! I only had it back for 2 days!
To be able to do things like that, he must have been Mozart or Beethoven in a former life! Far to complex for the average strummer like myself. LOL! Very cool though.
You're singing! I think in all the years I've been around this place, it's the first time I've heard a recording from you with vocals! LOVELY! Your voice is as calm and relaxing as your music always is. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all!
My gramps was in a pretty heavy depression before he passed away. No doubt, this was the cause. I wish we had been closer, because I loved listening to his stories. It's always been a "thing" of mine that I'd want to see pictures of my parents and grandparents from their younger days and listen to their stories - from the time I was little. To know loving cuddly grandma was one thing, but to really KNOW WHO SHE WAS was - even just from listening to stories ... AMAZING! I have a photo of one of my Grandmothers in a leotard and ballet slippers from when she was a teenager. It's one of my favorite photos of family, of her. She was so beautiful! When she started going downhill, a little dementia kicked in. She didn't realize it, and I thoroughly enjoyed a few of the conversations we had. She thought I was my mom. Talking with her as if I was her daughter rather than her granddaughter was... a really special moment for me that I cherish in an odd way. I don't know if that makes any sense.
Anyhow... sorry I didn't see this until now, Graham! Thank you so much for the thought provoking lyrics, song, and article. I'm very proud to say that my son is currently working in an assisted living facility (that specializes in caring for patients diagnosed with dementia), and he loves working there and listening to their stories and chatting them up about their youth. He's let me know a few times how it doesn't feel at all like "work".
Guitar chord forum - chordie → Posts by mekidsmom
