My Favorite Photo

My Favorite Photo - my love and I.

Stone Angels and Buttons.

Oh, do not get me wrong here, I like Noisemaker - even though he travels thru parts unknown. lol

Photo was taken by Noisemaker, somewhere - not over the rainbow...where sometimes he seems to fly.   

Stone Angels - thank you - Janis Ferguson.

...through rock and through stone

the black winds still moans

Sweet Revenge, Sweet Revenge

Without fail....

John Prine

Entertaining

My two bite chocolate cupcakes.

I baked these on Sunday for our community clean up day on the mountain side.  They serve hot dogs/pop after the clean up and this was the dessert/treat.  I love those sprinkles.  My community baking has ended until June 12th.  

I have been busy the last couple of days.  We had to go into town to get groceries.  I stopped by the drug store to see what they had in the way of hair clips/barretts.  I was standing there looking at the display; along come two young ladies.  I started to chat with them about hair/clips/barretts, etc.  One the youngins says she did not think that women over 50 should have long hair.  I asked her, why do say that.  She replied, because they are old and old people do not look good in long hair.  I pondered and said hmmmm - what do you think of my hair?  They said, it was nice (being polite), asked if I dyed it.  I replied, I do not dye my hair and I haven't for near 20 years.  The one lass looks at me puzzled and says - how old are you?  I laughed and replied, I am 56 year old.  Then, we all laughed.  One says, I would like to look like you when I am that old.  I replied, trust me - you will - everyone is beautiful in their own way.  

Noisemaker and I then went to the Bargain Store - we went to the candy aisle.  Treat time - yippee, I got chicklets, I love chicklets - the assorted kind.  Noisemaker got some sort of rolled caramel thingy.  Honestly, you would think that we have never seen candy before.  It is a treat for us, to go into town - heck yesterday we even stopped in at the A&W.  I love fries with lots of vinegar and salt. 

Today on the mountain side the weather is pleasant.  I spent the morning moving rocks.  You can sure tell spring/summer has arrived.  Seems like every summer I move rocks, I paint, and do wood.  I was really into tunes this morning, I was singing everything.  I got stuck on the Johnnys'.  John Lennon, Johnny Horton, and John Prine.  My word, those songs get going in my brain and they all blend together.  I was singing Late John Garfield Blues and you know where John Prine sings the ooooohhhhhsss, I blend that right in with a T-Rex song - Mambo Sun. 

I entertain myself very well on the mountain side.  lol  

Triple Noisemakers

Noisemakers X3.  Noisemaker, Noisemaker 2, and Noisemaker 1. 

My word, I have not heard that much lip flappin' in a long, long time.  Even Naj/Brett and I did not lip flap to that extent to while we were Prinein' in Vancouver. 

What was good is the Noisemakers got to spend time together.  They all had a great time.  They enjoyed the turkey dinner and the cheese/mushroom potatoes, the food was real good.  I swear I could eat those potatoes all on my own, I love them!

My stepsons both asked about my John Prine concert.  I beamed, in pure Prine delight.  Struck the youngest odd that you meet this person on the internet and then you actually go to meet???  Go to a Prine concert?  I replied, I live on the side of the mountain - when I receive the opportunity to meet an on line friend and Prine - eh buddy (with a smack to the shoulder), I am taking it. 

Perhaps, that may seem odd to many a folk; but it is not odd to me.  I loved every moment I spent with Janis/Brett Ferguson, down to earth folks.  I thought I was going to have to call room service for the assistance of a plumber as my eyes started to leak, big time when we had to say - bye bye, so long.

Everything was cool.  

The happy times spent with friends and family are a treasure.

Everything's okay.     

The Mountain Side

Oh my word, you should hear all the chatter on the mountain side today.  My two stepsons are here (Noisemakers' sons from his first wedding up) and the lip flappin' is in high gear.  Do not get me wrong, I do visit but I cannot much lip flap about those truck things.  Do I look like a person who knows what a lift kit is?  Yokohamas?  teehee

It is great to see them spending time together.  It does not happen enough and I suppose if it did, they would tire of each other.  

We are having a big dinner tonight, barbequed turkey, cheese mushroom potatoes, peas, and corn.  I fixed up an appetizer platter - sausage, cheese, pickles, crackers, etc.  I have spent some time in the kitchen but it is all for a good cause.

I was telling my oldest stepson Greg all about my trip to Vancouver to meet Janis and Brett Ferguson and to the concert of John Prine.  It puts me in pure Prine delight.  I recalled meeting David Jacques today, how special that was for me, simply sets me to smiling.

Tomorrow is a no cook day for me, we will have plenty of leftovers or rightovers, whichever you fancy up to.  Sunday, is a baking day - I bake for the clean up day in our community and that too is all for a good cause.

Enjoy your weekend folks - Prine at will. 

Mr. & Mrs. John Prine

Photo - Frances Black

Mr. & Mrs. Prine.

Dazzling

Don't ya just love it!  Too Funny.  I love my new apron - Naj made it for me.  She gave it to me when we met in Vancouver for the John Prine concert.   It twirls really nice, the frills rise up, it is pure delight to me.  Noisemaker just shakes his head.  I have been busy baking this last week for our community bake sale. 

Here is a picture of what I baked.  Seven dozen cookies (Snickerdoodles and Crinkles) and two Honey Pecan Breakfast Loaves.  I love to sticker up everything, I must look into purchasing baking stickers, that would be a dazzling addition to my baking.  The bake sale was held today; every item sold - all was gone in 45 minutes and a very good attendance this year.  In our community I am known as Bev, The Baker - I bake for everything.  Next Sunday is our community clean up day, I am baking two bite chocolate cupcakes (24) and sugar decorate them up.  I love decorating and making labels for the baking.  Starting June 30th is our weekly Bingo - yeppers, I bake for that too, but not each week, once a month.  I enjoy to do it and it helps out with funds for our fire department/ladies auxiliary.

John Prine - Remembering Vancouver

Today, I am sitting here remembering John Prine, Vancouver.  I am listening to Saddle In The Rain from the cd, In Person and On Stage.  When I was at the concert I walked up to the stage for picture taking time.  Unfortunately, or fortunately, I hit the incorrect button and sported out a video of a small part of Paradise.  It is one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time.  It is so me, full of excitement.  I am somewhat focused when I begin, but the handclapping starts so I let go of the camera so I can clap (good thing I have a neck strap).  Then you see floor, I remember my camera, my camera...I focus it up again and realize at that point I am on video.  I start hand clappin' again and you see floor.  I am laughing so hard here, my stomach is starting to hurt.  I wish I could send it along to you folks, I have tried.  Because I am on this (many curse words) dial up, it continually times out on me. 

I was remembering too when we walked to the concert; my word there were so many people.  Way too many for a lady from the mountain side, but it was Prine night.  Brett went first, then Janis, and then me.  We had to move with the crowd, Janis turns to me and says...don't get lost, Bev...I replied, it is okay, I am hanging on to your bag.  She had her Play One For Crusher bag.  Good lord, I was hanging on for dear life. 

It was such a fun weekend, a memory I will keep forever. 

Thanks and hugs to Brett and Janis Ferguson.

Thank you John Prine, Jason Wilber, and very special thanks to David Jacques. 

APG ~ The Mountain Side

Geez, I have not posted here for two days and it feels like a week.  I have been struck down with a near uplifting experience - the APG - I have the All Prine Glow.  I will carry it with me; wherever I go.

The mountain side is buzzing with all the lady bees preparing for our annual bake sale, I have near baked myself silly.  It is all for a good cause and I have a date with the kitchen either tomorrow or Friday.  So far, I have 8 dozen cookies baked.  I have two Honey Nut Breakfast Loaves to make and should I feel the need to carry on, I will.  The funds generated from the bake sale assist the fire department in our immediate area.  The fire people are not paid, they are volunteers and without them, I do not think this community would still be on the map - oh but wait, it is not on that map.  lol  - you gotta trust me on that one.

The fire season is upon us - I took to the notion to remove some dead grasses that I have grown a big hate for.  Here is a story no one should miss.  For days I have been out there on my hands and knees scraping the dead grass, making piles hoping soon my Noisemaker will take on 'I need to have an outdoor fire today'.  The other day, he says - I should burn today...  you have grass?  Oh, I have grass from here and beyond - get the wheel barrow.  He does, I proceed to start loading in.  I am about on my third load in and the wheel barrow topples, the grass has flown near to Mars.  I had many curse words, but re-grouped and proceeded.  I finished that load and told Noisemaker, I have had enough.  I am tired.

Today I loaded the last two piles - there will be many more piles through out the summer, but two a day is all I will do.

The bears are out of hibernation - I never leave the home without my keys to the van now - geez, they are big black bears...hmmm...they kind of scare me.

Last night just before darkness I went to visit the porch and saw my neighbor walking, I waved, we joined up in idle chatsville.  As we were lip flappin' suddenly Kevin grabs my wrist and says something is there, (my word, I am thinking cougar - and it is not Donna or she would be singing Prine).  I step towards Kevin and look - we laugh.  It is a female duck.  She is very friendly, like Donna is.  She quacks - we talk back.  She flutters - and a brillant wave of feathers rise up.  She is ready for mating.  Oh Kevin, we best leave - I said.  She must be waiting for her mate to arrive.  

We leave, Kevin wanders down the road and I wandered they other way.  I think to myself as I come upon the beautiful view of Lydia.  I walked over and said - my beautiful Lydia ~ I do not believe Donald will come and visit this year, I have made you too strong.  I hugged her and said, I love you - goodnight...  

 

Prine - Winnipeg

What a night it must have been.  Prine Winnipeg - the review was excellent.  I have tried to do linky link here is not linking.

I am still in much Prine glow from Vancouver.  My friends, Janis and Brett Ferguson are in double time Prine glow as the saw both the Vancouver and Winnipeg shows.  They had lucky stars shining down on them.

My mountain side grasslands need much attention.  I hauled dead grass out from 6:30 a.m. to near 11:30 a.m.  I sang Prine to the birds and to a far off deer who only raised up his head when I hit the high notes. 

My week ahead, well I must get into baking mode in preparation for our annual ladies auxiliary bake sale to be held next Sunday - it is a major event.  A variety of cookies I shall bake up along with two Honey Pecan Nut Breakfast loaves and a couple of cakes.  I hope they sell and also many folks attend. 

Now I am off to tend to the activity of the porch - lol. 

Happy Mothers' Day

Thank you Mom ~ for everything - especially for wedding up with my Dad.  You are such a special lady, I miss you very much. 

John Prine Hatch Print ~ finally. . .

2012-05-05 Vancouver, B.C.

It is now complete and how wonderful it does look.  Please make note right hand side, David Jacques.  Oh good grief, notice them all - teehee.  David was such a gentleman when I met him.  I may have taken him by surprise when I called to him; but no matter - he took a few moments with me and signed my Hatch Print.  I do wish I would have had my mind in a focus position, I had my camera - I could have taken a photo.  Oh no, I did not think of that until two blocks, I had walked after our departure.

One week ago today, I was in the Blue Umbrella at approximately this time, yappin' it up with Janis/Brett Ferguson.  It was such a special time, we Prined, and it was golden.   

John Prine - Vancouver

All a Prine glow, we have.  I was so happy, my heart was warmed.  Everything was just so very special.  Naj is a human that is down to earth. She has the ability to light up a room and that she does.  It was such a special time to meet her and her husband Brett.  What a fine couple they are.  It is love and five stars. 

John Prine - Vancouver - 2012-05-05

A rare picture, I got the footwear!

Jason Wilber, Dustin Bentall, John Who, Kendel Carson, David Jacques.

Kendel Carson/Dustin Bentall were great, very talented people.

A very special couple sat in front of us.  Elderly folks ~ 75+.  You could sense, it was a very special day/evening especially for the Mrs.  She had her hair beauty parlored, they held hands, and did much head noddin'.  When John Prine played Sweet Revenge, oh my, the Mrs. was in her Prine.  I could have just hugged her - reminded me of my Mom.   

The songs Prine played were all special.  Some that fluttered me - One Red Rose.  Good grief, I had to get a tissue, I cried.  Sleepy Eyed Boy.  Oh my.  Sweet Revenge.  Lydia told me when I returned home, I hope you thanked John for singing my song - Donald and Lydia.

I did do the Paradise Wave, but not to the song Paradise.  I was so delighted and excitement filled me when John walked on stage, I waved Paradise right then.  I said Hello Johnny!    

Souveniers, John sang it for his brother - he said it was his favorite song.

I am not certain how many more years John will, in good health, be able to tour.  My word he is as old as my Noisemaker.  The spring he still has in his step and his backside - yeppers, I could have smacked it and said, cute buns - Johnny.   

For now, as the minutes with this day pass - I do sit and think - what a special weekend I have had.  hmm. I think I may lost for words, oh but wait....

It was golden 

John Prine - Vancouver - Sit Tight/Take Hold

My first photo - of the concert.  John Prine - Vancouver - 2012/05/05

Smucksville, when I looked at this I just sat here and laughed as I am doing right now.  See there are all these Priners flowing in.  I was having a difficult time (without my glasses) to hit the correct button.  I said to myself, just press, Bev - press and move on...something has to work.

I sit here and giggle and laugh, again. 

It looks like some poster some folks would have had hanging on the walls on their bedrooms in the 60's.

Again, it is just Priners floating in...right and giggle, giggle.

John Prine - Vancouver - Nicholas Faddy

I was walking down some street of Vancouver and came across two fellows trying to drive a Nomad into a back alley.  I stop and waved them on, the driver tried again to drive into the backalley, to no avail.  The seated passenger got out of the Nomad and hand signal how to drive it in.  It was Nicholas Faddy. 

I watched them, I hesitated to go and introduce myself because I know they have work to do.  I walked around, went to the Vancouver Library and returned to the backalley.  I tried, to get the attention of the man that you see in the photo - to no avail.  My head is all he can see, that is if he would look in my direction.  The loading deck is 5/6 feet off ground level.  Nicholas appears, I say Hello, Hello - he replies, can I help you with something and walks over.  There is a pause, he is looking puzzled.  I introduced myself - hello I am Beverlee Traxler.  He replies, you are my facebook friend. 

Oops, I have derailed - I knew this would happen.  This should have been prior to David Jacques post - but whatever.  You will all follow along, I'm sure.

I snapped this photo of the guitars at large.  teehee. 

David Jacques

Back in 2009, I received from Charlene Stevenson, a John Prine Hatch print.  I was able in October 2009 to have John Prine/Jason Wilber sign it; but I could not locate David Jacques to complete.

I am extremely happy to report, the Hatch Print is complete.  I was standing on a street corner and who do I see walking - David Jacques.  I called out, David - David - caught his attention.  I extended my hand and said - hello - my name is Beverlee Traxler and proceeded to tell him about my Hatch print.  We walked on over to the cement wall and he signed my Hatch print.  We chatted.  He has much love for his family, warmed my heart.  Such a gentleman he was.  Holy smucksville, I near forgot about the cookies I had baked prior to leaving the mountain side.  I reached to my bag and said, oh yes David I baked up some cookies for you folks, chocolate chunk cookies.  My word, his eyes sparkled, his heart was warmed.  I told him, that he would have to share with the fellows.  I hope they were good, I did not have any, I made three dozen and bagged them up for my Prine road trip.  Oh, right, I had a picture posted prior.

I, then, said to David that I had best let him get on with his day, I thanked him, and again extended my hand.  I depart and get about two blocks towards the Blue Umbrella and think to myself - you forgot to take a picture.  I could not believe I had done this and start talking to myself, cursing at myself.  I was taken in the moment, a special moment indeed - with David Jacques.

John Prine - Vancouver - The Morning

The day of Prine has arrived.  Photo taken off the balcony of the Blue Umbrella.

Such a special weekend, I will try/attempt to keep all posts in order.  I possibly could get derailed. 

I left the mountain side about 2:30 a.m. or so Friday.  Arrived in Vancouver at the Blue Umbrella around 1:00 - 1:30 p.m.  Who do I see around the corner glass, Greetings my friend - it is Naj (Janis).  My word, I could have cried. 

We went to Brett and Naj's room and just relaxed for about two hours.  Then we went for Happy Hour and Happy Laughing Faces - (Janis will send a photo - I, duh, forgot my camera). I will post upon receipt.

I had special little gifts, stuffola for Naj - the best was the 'birds of a feather' package.  We were gathering together.  They were mini turkeys - I make them out of pine cones and bird feathers.  So funny, she has a great laugh - a great sense of humor.  It was like christmas in May - Naj and Brett also had gifts for yours truly.  One being an apron she made for me, it is frilly with dots and stripes.  I tell you, when I returned to my room, I put the apron on and danced.  Those frills, the twirling, my giggling.  oh my . . .

All Prine

I am all packed up, I am ready to go off the mountain side, and meet Naj (Naj at the Naj Mahal).  All I have left to do is shower, braid my hair, and have the Noisemaker take me to catch the greyhound.  Oh yes, pack my lunch and pack the cookies for hmm...what are those fellows names again - teehee. 

I cannot help but think how sad this time is for John Prine/family.  Perhaps, the passing of Doug is a blessing, I would like to think of it that way.  I felt that way when my Mom and Dad left, especially Mom.  She is so very happy for me to be able to see John Prine again.  She Prined, but was never able to see him in concert. 

Yes, I have approximately 24 hours until I do some heavy lip flappin' with Naj and Brett.  And, then of course, Saturday we Prine.  I packed my favorite Prine t-shirts and will wear my Prine sweat shirt; it is old - but comfy and warm (it is still cool here).  I got my sharpie, I got my hatch print and I hope to get to the green door on Saturday.  You all wish me luck.

I will not be posting again until I return and then folks - be prepared - it'll be a book.  I'll be thinking of you all and wishing you could be there with Naj, Brett, and I.  You will be - I know, in spirit. 

Doug Prine ~ John's Brother

My deepest sympathy to the family of Doug Prine. 

~the diamonds will be shining - no longer in the rough~ John Prine

Aaron Pritchett

While I was listening to the radio last night, I came across this song...My Way - Aaron Pritchett.  He sings...strong as an oak, solid as a pine.  I enjoy the song very much, it is a great dance shuffle song. 

While I was searching around this morning for Aaron (see more at www.aaron-pritchett.com), I read the young lad grew up in northern British Columbia; not far from where I grew up.  He moves south to a burb of Vancouver, again not far from where I resided when I lived in the lower mainland. 

Now getting back to the song My Way (and do not take this wrong Mr. Pritchett)...but I got singing....strong as an oak, solid as Prine.

Holy snickerdoodle.  No wonder I have some difficulty in sleeping these days.  I have concerts in my head and I do toe tappin' up the drive.  In three days time I'll be toe tappin', head noddin', John Prinein'. . .

John Prine - oh my . . .

My brain is in overload this morning.  I have songs up there all muddling together.  It amazes how I can start singing one song then fly right on into another.  It makes life difficult to see. . .

Good smucksville, I only two more wake ups until I get off of this mountain.  Three more wake ups to see John Prine.  My mind is not conceiving this idea; it is not computing.  We must have a little talk today; see maybe if I can focus - stay focused.

My Noisemaker forgot I was going to see John Prine.  I was telling him about what was in the freezer that he could eat while I was away.  He replied, where are you going?  I said, John Prine/Janis/Brett...he quickly remembered it was this coming weekend.  I rather feel sorry for Noisemaker when his mind slips; but geez today my mind is doing a concert.  ah, we all have our moments.

I have dancing in that mind of mine.  It is pouring rain this morning, I put on my gum boots to go outside and fine myself dough-see-doughing and singing up the drive.  My good lord, it was quarter to five in the morning.  Smucksville, I thought of the bears and quickly got back down closer to the door of our abode.

In the night hours, I can receive fairly good radio stations.  I rarely hear any John Prine, but I keep hoping I will.  I hear some country songs; well - geez, I just lay there and snicker doodle to myself.  There are really good dancing country songs, I like to dance.  Maybe I was dreaming of music and dancing last night - yes, that must be why my brain is where it is this morning.

I do so giggle or perhaps (my new word) snicker doodle at my post of Vancouver - Here I Come (taken from the words of Milwaukee - Here I Come/John Prine).  I laugh because I actually do sing those words and then I start singing John's words and as with John - it is not going to be a number one single in Billboard.

For all my Prine friends/acquaintances - I am so thankful for you folks.  I am really thankful my brain got struck with the idea of this blog thingy.  I am so glad to be able to share with you my Prine, my music, and my mountain side life. 

John Prine - Vancouver - 4 Days To Go

4 more days to Prine (4 italian sausages and they are sizzling)!

Sizzling, like me.  I cannot wait to board that Greyhound, I think once I am on the bus - then  eh - Vancouver Here I Come.

I had some emails yesterday, folks wishing me a fine Prine time, so special.  It is going to be such a special time.  Geez, how many times do you think I am going to write that. . .

It is near porch time for me, I have to be very careful out there.  The bears have come out of hibernation - that only causes me to sing louder Prine ;)