Becky's Greatest Hits Vol. II

 As the summer rolls to nearly a close, I continue to add to my ambitions.   I know everyone does different things on their whiteboards, but I like to add my plans for reading and watching.  Something catches my attention, I go down a rabbit hole, decide I need to learn more and it gets added.  I can't speak for folks trying to solve equations or crimes though. And I also can't quite explain how Drugstore Cowboy showing up on my Tubi got me to researching the indie film Paris, Texas or how Amy Irving got me to The Roches which lead me to discovering Laura Nyro and Judie Tzukie and how I think I've heard their names mentioned in other songs like maybe the awesome local band Pulloever and realizing I need to update my kid's playlists so he doesn't get burnt out on the same Yacht Rock and how could I have never watched Helter Skelter and did all of the Manson family members die in prison yet?????

  This song has been featured more than once on this blog , and I make no apologies.  Although my kiddo's generation associates it with Cars, it will still always be a part of my high school memories.....even though it was extremely overplayed.   But just like so many other instances of personal growth, the lyrics mean so much more to me now. There's a world outside every darkened door Where blues won't haunt you anymore Where the brave are free and lovers soar Come ride with me to the distant shore....... You're in my blood, I'm not a lonely man..... There's no load I can't hold A road so rough, this I know I'll be there when the light comes in Just tell 'em we're survivors....... There was a distance between you and I  A misunderstanding once But now we look it in the eye....... And if you're into a real deep-dive and were a fan of The Office, you might remember this cringey scene.  But that's really a whole other story!

 My dog Rumor was an experiment.  A trial offer.  And all parties knew that going in.  Except for maybe Rumor. Rumor was an outdoor country dog.  His given name was Ruger (named after a firearm if you don't know, I didn't) which made sense for a dog raised in hunting country.  He was a stray that came to live with a loving family at about the age of 1.  He lived outdoors, slept in a garage crate at night, frolicked with an older dog pack and had a lovely life. We think he was about 4 years old.  He had been neutered, had vet care and was by no means a "rescue". His dad offered Ruger to me on a give-it-a-try basis.  He knew I wanted a dog. He told me Ruger would be sweet to me and also be my protector.  He was right on both counts.  He told me if it didn't work out, I could bring Ruger back to him and his wife.  I could tell they were a little sad when they dropped him off.  It made me glad to see that Ruger came from such ...

 In the HBO limited series multiverse, there are two series that link up perfectly in locale, subject matter and vibe: Mare of Easttown and Task.   Now, it's not hard for me to go ahead and say Mare is my favorite and, I think, the better of the two shows.  The intricacy of this story and the acting are so good that I've watched it repeatedly.....even after the mystery was solved.  It kept me guessing right up until the very end and shocked me more than once.  I don't think I've ever seen anything with the lovely Kate Winslet that I didn't like (well......let's not talk about The Regime ) and I'm thrilled that she has become an icon for women of my generation. Task is a bit of a different animal, even though it is a very similar show.  Both shows rub up against Catholicism, the complicated struggles of family, giving and accepting trust in an untrusting world, and of course, the frailties of man against strong women.   Weirdly, I don't find m...

  There's been times I'm so confused All my roads They lead to you Just can't turn and walk away