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5/2/14

May 2nd, 2014 - You Remind Me…. © Mary J. Blige


“Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love.” – Stevie Wonder


Today marks what would have been my Mama’s 77th birthday.

I’ve have been dealing with a really bad case of writer’s block…almost to the point where I think all my creativity has gone somewhere. Hopefully, I’ll find it soon!

Not one day has gone by where I don’t think of her or miss her and I didn’t want a birthday to pass without paying tribute to her. I thought I’d do something a bit different this year and post songs that remind me of her…in no particular order, here I go:

(Friendly Reminder: Don't forget to pause on the mp3 player on the bottom left before pressing play!) - See more at: http://the-lv-lair.blogspot.ca/2013/12/musical-weekend-part-one-mayer.html#sthash.WMMR7qr7.dpuf
(Friendly Reminder: Don't forget to pause on the mp3 player on the bottom left before pressing play!)

Oh Me, Oh My - Garnett Silk

Mama loved reggae music. I had influence on this because I'm an avid fan. She took to this song because she said she loved the sound of Garnett Silk's voice. She didn't even know the lyrics...all she would do is sing, "Oh me, oh my. Pretty baby don't be shy..."


Two months before she passed, my family did a road trip and I drove to Montreal. Before we left, I was burning CDs to play on the road and she requested me to make her a reggae CD. She specifically asked for Oh Me, Oh My and the next track... 

Red, Red Wine - UB40

Not sure where she took to liking this one but it was her fave! Personally not a big fan of the song but when I hear it, I can see her swaying to it with a smile the way she did every time she heard it.


Feels So Good - Mase

Mama wasn't a fan of rap/hip hop but she really liked this song. It was obviously more the music than the lyrics. I remember her dancing to it in our living room with my boyfriend at the time. She was so cute! Lol!


Heard 'Em Say - Kanye West Featuring Adam Levine

Funny how I said that she didn't really like hip hop and yet this is my next track? I don't know why but she LOVED the piano part of this song! I can't help but think of her every time I hear it!


Used To Love U - John Legend

I love John Legend, anyone who knows me pretty well knows that. Mama noticed this song because of the "Holla, Holla, Hollaaaaaaa" part. She found it funny cuz it's sounded like a tagalog (filipino) term "Ha La" which is used like when someone says "Uh oh!". It was also my ringtone at the time so every time she heard it, she'd sing along to it...loud and in public too sometimes!!! LOL!


Always - Gordon MacRae

A lot of you may not be familiar with this one. It's a song written by a great composer/lyricist Irving Berlin. Gordon MacRae recorded it in the 1950s I believe. I cannot hear this song without thinking of my parents. It takes me back to 1987. We had a huge party to celebrate my parents' 25th wedding anniversary and we treated it like they just got married that day complete with a cake cutting ceremony and a 1st dance. 


This was the song they danced to...


Hearing this song brings me back to that party. I can instantly visualize my parents smiling at each other, dancing while everyone watched. While the song is a bit haunting to me, it brings a smile to my face. As shy and as awkward as I was then, I look back at that party very fondly.



******
 Mama,
It's been almost 5 years, I can't believe it.
 I know you don't want me to be sad but sometimes, I can't help it. 
I promise to stay strong and continue to make you proud.
I love you and miss you so much!
Forever Always,
Vee

4 comments:

  1. Love it Vee, a fitting tribute to a sweet and gentle woman, happy memories of family fun !!! 
    Keep that thought, always ..... Much love, Papa.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous3:05 PM

    That's a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing. Reading all of that made me feel like I was experiencing it all with you and her.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Red Red Wine!!! I remember that. Her in her long nightgown bobbing up and down. Looked funny since we cant see her legs, just a gown and her body moving up and down. Good times. Fun times. Missed Times.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous7:25 PM

    Lovely Tribute Li'l One
    felt your Love for your Mum
    she will forever be missed....
    but your Precious Memories
    is a Treasure you could always Reminisce ...
    -ate winnie

    ReplyDelete

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