Janet's Smiles

Saturday, July 16, 2022

July is Jumping – Concert Time

We went to see Loverboy, REO Speedwagon and Styx last night. It was fun to get out and see a live performance again. They are calling it the “Live and UnZoomed Tour” since so many bands did zoom concerts during the pandemic. It was at Shoreline in Mountain View. We hadn’t been there since 2017!

We had our little pre-show cocktail at the car. We are able to park in the handicapped section because of my hubby’s back so we waited until the line to get in was shorter and then headed into the venue. One of the ushers was kind enough to take pictures if you wanted them close to the stage.

Loverboy opened the show and they were very good. I love it when the songs sound the same as they do when I hear them on the radio. We weren’t in the first row but we had pretty decent seats. I think I was able to get some acceptable pictures. They sang 8 songs including my fave, “Hot Girls In Love” and my hubby’s “Working For The Weekend.”

Then came REO Speedwagon. They were really good too. They sang 13 songs. My favorite of theirs is “Keep On Loving You.” Lots of energy in their set. I did get some videos of each band but because I was rocking to the music, they are kind of shaky so I won’t subject you to that.

Styx was the headliner and if we’re being honest I wish that REO had had that spot because I like more of their songs. They sang 15 and there were some from a newer album that I was not familiar with. My favorite is, “Lady.” We got up and started walking out when they came out to do the encore, “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade.” That gave us time to go to the bathroom and start heading out before the crowd. We could still hear and see because they have videos up all over.

It was a good beginning to the summer concert series we have planned. Next week my daughter and I see an Abba cover band at the Mountain Winery and hubby and I see a Queen cover there as well. I may have to do another A to Z on our concerts. What do you think?

from WordPress https://scr4pl80.com/2022/07/16/july-is-jumping-concert-time/

Friday, July 8, 2022

July is Jumping

Well, another month is already a week old. Can’t believe I don’t have anything to say for whole months at a time! This month is different though. While I may not be posting every day here, I have started a new TikTok account to help promote the crafty work I do. According to the training I got (yes, I took some training) I will need to post every day for at least 30 days. Most days it will be just one or two posts but on days 6 and 7 the challenge is to post 16 to 20 snippets each day!!! The goal is to get to the magic 1000 followers so that I can add the link to my business in my bio. I guess if TikTok doesn’t see 1000 followers they think you are not really a business. Here’s my first one:

We had our annual 4th of July celebration too. Just a small affair with a few friends and neighbors. It was unbelievable how many illegal fireworks went off around us until well after midnight. Our poor Benny was really scared. Next year I’m going to have to get him some meds or something. Here’s a quick peek at one of the better ones we had for the night. The “grand finale” went on for 2 minutes!

Concerts are happening this month too. We are going to see Reo Speedwagon with Styx and Loverboy next week, my daughter and I are going to an Abba cover band and then hubby and I will see a Queen cover at the end of the month.

Wish me luck on my TikTok adventure. If you’re there, follow me (at least until I get to my 1000. Then you can leave if you want – LOL). I am @scr4pl80 (scrap lady) there just like everywhere else. Have to stay consistent, right? How is your summer shaping up?

from WordPress https://scr4pl80.com/2022/07/08/july-is-jumping/

Monday, June 27, 2022

June’s Just Jumbled

It’s been a whole month already! I don’t know about you but I’ve been feeling like I’m on a roller coaster. To give you a glimpse, on the 17th of May I got my second COVID booster. I had no reaction right away. A week later I either had a very delayed reaction or the worst cold I’ve had in years. I was sore and achy, had some head congestion and cough but mostly was just so tired. All of those are symptoms of Covid but I took two home tests and both were negative. I’m fine now but it was not fun.

Then at the end of May we lost a very close friend. Liver disease. He had been a drinker his entire life and it finally caught up with him. He had been at the hospital with us for the birth of our first daughter. He was not even old enough to be on Medicare!

I have been consumed with watching the January 6th Committee Hearings. Anger, frustration, fear, pride and gratitude to the brave Americans who stood up for the constitution, so many emotions.

And yet, there have been some fun things. I had a chance to sell my creations at our city’s annual Posy Parade.

We had a nice dinner with some close friends and there was a book sale at the library! Fill a bag of books for $10. Here’s what I got but I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t pick more. I could have filled another bag full I’m sure. Lots of Koontz and mostly all mysteries except for a couple that are on my scratch off poster of 100 books to read. I even got two that I already have so next time I’m bringing my list so I can be more selective.

We celebrated the anniversary of moving into our house. It was on Flag Day 26 years ago. We did a little facelift on it a few years ago. It’s been a great place for us.

We had a family dinner at Benihana’s. First time we have eaten there as a family since 2017.

And last but not least, I’ve been doing a lot of work in the studio since I haven’t had much transcription. I even made another Instagram reel! You can see these things on the Etsy site. Feel free to share!