Happy Birthday, Paw-Paw

     Today is my grandfather's birthday; he would have been 101. Though it's been 23 years since he died, I have missed him every single day. I remember his laugh, the frustrating way he would never take a serious picture---his thing was hats. Every time we tried to take a picture of him he would grab a silly hat and put it on. I had a graduation photo of me, him and my grandmother standing outside by a tree in my gown--Paw-Paw was wearing my cap.  How I loved him. He was the father I never had. He died right before I found out I was pregnant with my son; I wish the two of them had known each other, they are SO alike! Here's to you, Deward Lee Brown--wherever you are, I love you and miss you, and I will see you again.

RIP Amy Winehouse

   

     The music world lost a legend when Amy Winehouse was found dead in her home Saturday. I am so sad, and shocked because it seemed as though she was getting better. Russell Brand wrote a wonderful piece about her here on his blog, and Adele also had some kind words about Amy on her blog here.There are those who will say that she deserved to die a lonely addict because she had so many chances to get better; many who will say she joined the 27 Club but most of us will mourn the loss of a person who had a great talent and who should, by all rights, have been able to produce music for many years to come. There are some horrible photos of her (too many to count) looking strung-out and high, but I choose to remember her the way she was at her best. I only hope that, wherever she is, she is at peace.

RIP Amy...