Wild Horses, the Rolling Stones, standing here and remembering then

When I was a teenager and college student it was always the Rolling Stones for me, not the Beatles. It was the rhythm and the raw sound contrasted to the Beatles' modulated (in my mind) style and lyrics.

It stayed that way for many years until medium lately ago the beauty and soft wisdom of the Beatles began appealing to me. Actually, I even began liking Elton John's songs. I can't explain how those things go; I just know that it happens to me.

Tonight I think I had a turn-back moment, though. Tonight I clicked onto YouTube and heard Susan Boyle singing "Wild Horses" and thought it lovely — which is to say, mostly I thought..... but then I clicked onto the Rolling Stones singing that same song, and felt a great, nostalgic, somehow regretful, maybe sentimental emotion wash over me. Mick Jagger does not have the range or control of Susan Boyle, but he delivers. He does it so well, so personal, so felt, so real.

The Rolling Stones captured the past for me tonight. Here it is for you. I hope you enjoy it. No, actually I hope it rises something up in you and makes you feel something powerful.

Wild Horses lyrics

Childhood living is easy to do

The things you wanted, I bought them for you

Graceless lady, you know how I am

You know I can't let you slide through my hands

Wild horses couldn't drag me away

Wild, wild horses, couldn't drag me away

I watched you suffer a dull aching pain

Now you decided to show me the same

No sweeping exits or offstage lines

Could make me feel bitter or treat you unkind

Wild horses couldn't drag me away

Wild, wild horses, couldn't drag me away

I know I've dreamed you, a sin and a lie

I got my freedom but I don't have much time

Faith has been broken, tears must be cried

Let's do some living, after love dies

Wild horses couldn't drag me away

Wild, wild horses, we'll ride them some day

Wild horses couldn't drag me away

Wild, wild horses, we'll ride them some day

Mick

Japan 'tsunami dog' Ban reunited with owner after surviving at sea

I cannot imagine having to leave my dog Cheyenne behind. Even given the circumstances and the restrictions and the so-called foolishness of bringing along a dog when it could be a person who is saved... even with all that, I can't see how I could do it. The problem is, I don't see myself staying back to be drowned in a tsunami wave, so I guess the solution is to be clever, creative, quick, and possible very verbally or physically persuasive. 
-Wayward

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A dog which has been rescued at sea off the coast of Kesennuma, Japan, was reunited with the owner on Monday more than three weeks after being washed away by the killer tsunami triggered by the March 11 earthquake. Japanese broadcaster NTV aired images of the reunion with the woman hugging Ban and the dog warmly wagging her tail. The dog was rescued on Friday after being found drifting on a roof.

Sister Wendy on "Piss Christ"

Years ago I saw Sister Wendy giving a most interesting and thought-provoking introduction to art on tv. I had her book on art but carelessly set it aside years ago. Now I have reason to get that book out again, for the gift of introspection and original thought from this amazing woman.

I never thought kindly of "Piss Christ," but Sister Wendy goes against the automatic response and explains it from another point of view. Here is a video of her talking about art, morality, life, and more. It starts out with her comments on "Piss Christ," but there is more after that first minute or so.
-Wayward

THE DOLLS, Chapter 7 / Betty Ann is Dead

This is an evolving story. You might want to start at Chapter 1: The Dolls to get a sense of the atmosphere and drama involved.

Best seen full screen.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Click option for full screen for best results.

Considering pet insurance for my dog

Several months ago my labrador retriever, Cheyenne, had some surgery for large lipomes that were obstructing her movement. One was pressing on her jugular vein. Surgery bills can be high, so I am wondering if you have pet insurance for your pet. Cheyenne will be 11 this July. I'm wondering whether the monthly premiums for the insurance don't cancel out any financial benefit  for medical costs.