Friday (the 13th!) feel-good: Soulful inspiration

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Some of you may already know all about her, but I only recently learned of Mavis Staples, an amazing singer and civil rights activist who has been singing, inspiring, and making a difference far longer than I've been alive. And she's still going at it. Strong.

As her recent collaborator Jeff Tweedy of Wilco is quoted as saying, "Mavis is the walking embodiment of undaunted spirit and courage. She’s an ever-forward looking, positive example for all human beings."

You can quote me as saying Mavis seems far more energetic than the Energizer Bunny, and her positive energy level along with her soulful sounds make her a true inspiration. I can only hope and strive to be even half as positive and vibrant as she is when I reach her age. Heck, I want to be as positive and vibrant as her at my current age!

The following video of Staples and Tweedy covering a Creedence Clearwater Revival song—which also is on her latest album—is one of my favorites from the 72-year-old powerhouse. Love, love, love this woman! (And Tweedy's pretty darn cool himself, too, I must say.)

 

You can see, hear, and learn more about Mavis Staples on her website or on Wikipedia.

Today's question:

Who inspires you?

The Saturday Post: National Old Rock Day edition

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Thought the holidays were over? Think again, for today is a holiday of a special sort: It's National Old Rock Day!

In recognition of National Old Rock Day, here is a video of some of the oldest rocks in town, my town: the glorious rock formations of Garden of the Gods. And to double your pleasure for National Old Rock Day, the video is accompanied by a rendition of a popular tune by some old rockers themselves, Led Zeppelin. (If you don't like Zeppelin—or if the rendition grates on your nerves as it did mine after a mere moment or two, despite being a huge Zeppelin fan—just mute it; the imagery is worth viewing in silence.)

Not only is Garden of the Gods mere minutes from my home (25 to be exact, per Google), it's where Preston proposed to Megan in 2005...at sunrise. Sweet!

Happy National Old Rock Day!

Today's question:

What does the term "old rock" make you think of?

A wonderful world indeed

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It's been a frenzy of a week for many, myself included. As the number of days before Christmas gets lower, the stress level gets higher. So today a I offer a brief respite from the prep and panic with this short video—an homage to Sir David Attenborough to commemorate his final appearance on BBC as well as his last production for the network, Frozen Planet.

It is indeed a wonderful world!

Credit: I was first introduced to this video via a mailing from Open Culture.

Today's question:

What about today makes it wonderful for you?

The Saturday Post: Cracked-up-carols edition

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Enjoy these mashups of a different sort in which musica intima vocal chamber ensemble combines religious Christmas songs with secular ones.

Better yet, I dare you to try and sing along.

Today's question:

Of all holiday tunes, which one do you most enjoy singing (not listening to)?