Home » Squidoo Community » About Me » All About Me

A Lifetime of Favorite Music

Ranked #2,359 in Squidoo Community, #188,555 overall | Donates to Friends of the Park

A Lifetime of Music - My Lifetime

Welcome to my 100th Squidoo Lens!

I have thought for weeks about this 100th lens -- what do I want to say on such a momentous occasion? I finally decided just to share my life with you - my love for our precious family and my love for music.

As you scroll, you will see pictures of my life over the decades and a special song or two for each period. My life soon became "our" life as I married, had a family, and was blessed with beautiful grandchildren.

I am thankful and humbled by this creation. As I set my goals for the next 10 years, I will do so with an appreciation for my family, my friends, my life - and Squidoo - for giving me a platform to see it all in one place - and you for sharing this time of celebration with me! Life is an interesting adventure!

I was born in the 1940's - and Music was a big part of my childhood!

Music has filled my life. Our parents sang in the car with us on long trips to North Georgia to visit relatives. We sang in church always - youth choir and PYF (Presbyterian Youth Fellowship). We sang at camp and came home from camp to teach new songs to our siblings. None of us had any musical ability - we just had fun with music! In fact, I was an adult before I realized people expected songs to be sung correctly!

My Childhood Favorite

I can still hear my parents singing this one - way back in the 1940's and 50's

Loading

1950's in Pendleton SC

1950's Music - Playmate, Come Out and Play With Me

powered by Youtube

1960's - our favorite music still!

Music of the 1960's

High school - sock hops, dances at the scout hut

Loading

The 1960's - We Met, Fell In Love and Were Married

Our Day Will Come

And we danced to this one this morning in the kitchen -- our song - almost 50 years later!
Isn't life amazing?
Loading

1974 Adams Family

Whitey was a golf professional in the 60's and 70's. We lived in a small town and loved it! I remember laughing a lot during these years!

1970's Music

We danced in nearby Barnwell, SC-- and danced all night!

Jeremiah was a Bullfrog! One of my favorites!
powered by Youtube

1970's - The BeeGees

We even tried Disco Lessons -- Very Briefly! :)

powered by Youtube

1980's Adams Family

The 1980's were difficult years. Whitey lost his vision, my brother died suddenly and my father died six months after my little brother. But we survived. One day at a time.

1980's

1980's Music

Morning Has Broken

This is a family hymn - used first at my sister's wedding (Ohme at Squidoo), and then for weddings and funerals that followed. Both our children used this hymn as a congregational song at their weddings. I appreciated their honoring my family with this song.
Always and forever, a song of hope and new beginnings!
powered by Youtube

1980's - The Cover of Rolling Stone

(we even did a dance to this one!)

And during the 80's, our son was in college and our daughter in junior high and high school - so we had lots of activity and fun in the household amidst all the tragedy.
powered by Youtube

On the Cover of Rolling Stone

Adams family version

My favorites on MP3

Check out my favorite songs! I've handpicked these MP3s from Amazon. Take a listen. If you like, you can click to buy them on Amazon.

1990's Adams Family

1990's Music -- We Added Country Music -- and Line Dancing!

Bubba Shot the Jukebox

powered by Youtube

The Adams Family in 2008

We've come a long way, baby!

In our darkest days, I used to quote Langston Hughes poem, "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." From this vantage point, it sure looks like a crystal stair to me! I am filled with gratitude and thanksgiving -- and ready to set my goals for 2009!

Note: Complete copy of that wonderful Langston Hughes poem is shown below.

Thanksgiving 2009

and indeed we are thankful for another year - for each other, for our friends, and for laughter and happy times together.

Thanksgiving 2010

Wow! The 2000's!

We still listen to tunes of the 1960's in this household! And I have to admit I really do not know any new music for the 2000's. But I am going to close this epistle with one of my lifetime favorites. Ol' Frank Sinatra sings for me when he sings "I did it my way!" Indeed!
powered by Youtube

Langston Hughes' Mother to Son

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

Can you pick a favorite song or two from every decade of your life?

Creating this lens was a very interesting experience-- choosing music and pictures for each stage of my life so far. I recommend this exercise to you. Try it!
And thank you for celebrating my 100th Squidoo lens with me!

submit
  • Reply
    ajgodinho Jul 6, 2011 @ 9:47 pm | delete
    Wonderful lens and very uniquely created. I remember a lot of the music that you featured here in the '70s and '80s. Great to get to know a little more about you and your family. It was great to see all those pictures...thanks for sharing this with us, Joan! :)
  • Reply
    Wednesday_Elf Jun 29, 2011 @ 12:54 pm | delete
    Yes -- I can! My favorite music goes back to the Folk Music era of the late 50s and early 60s, and I still listen to them today (like you - I don't know much about 'Today's' music). Some songs have special meaning for me (mine & hubby's "our song" [Greenfields by The Brothers Four}) and "You and me against the world" by Helen Reddy became our theme song the year we were 'out-of-work' and struggling to make it. Music has always played a big part in our lives. Well done - perfect for your Lens #100!
  • Reply
    rms Jun 29, 2011 @ 10:40 am | delete
    This was a lovely read!
  • Reply
    poddys Mar 17, 2011 @ 3:30 am | delete
    This is just one of your amazing lenses Joan. I wanted to return to wish you a Happy Saint Patrick's Day and to bestow a Blessing on it. Hope things are going well for you.
  • Reply
    2muchtrash Sep 14, 2010 @ 8:34 pm | delete
    No matter what life robs us of, God seems to keep giving, and although your husband's sight was taken, he was left with his hearing, and the ability to enjoy music to this day. Thank you for this intimate look at your life. What a wonderful family! God Bless you all.
  • Reply
    ohcaroline Jul 13, 2010 @ 9:49 am | delete
    You have a wonderful family and are surely blessed...what better music can you make?
  • Reply
    Susan52 Jul 13, 2010 @ 8:24 am | delete
    It was nice to re-visit this lens, Joan. You have such a wonderful family. Mine don't appreciate family pictures very much, but some day they will!
  • Reply
    Nancyinmalden Feb 19, 2010 @ 1:49 am | delete
    Found your site searching for the song ""Playmate", which I remember hearing on VJ Day. I was born in 1940. So was just shy of 5, on VJ Day, but I remember the day vividly my mother and I spent some time celebrating with our neighbors. Everyone was out on their porches. Kid played and tens danced and I remember the song because no one would ever let me slide down the cellar door. Now I'm looking for the female vocalist who sang it. I never remem er it as a kid's song I think of it as swing life "A Tisket-Atasket".
  • Reply
    marsha32 Dec 25, 2009 @ 10:48 pm | delete
    this is an awesome share Joan
  • Reply
    eccles1 Nov 9, 2009 @ 1:47 pm | delete
    Joan, you have a lovely family ..we both loved the same music!
    Congratulations on 100 lenses
  • Reply
    Drenda Oct 27, 2009 @ 5:37 pm | delete
    Enjoyed the 100th lens and the movie brought back so many memories. "Sweet 16" was one of my favorite songs. Can't wait to read more of your lens.
  • Reply
    BevsPaper Sep 6, 2009 @ 8:13 am | delete
    Oh Joan I enjoyed this immensely! Yes, I can define my life with certain songs too. I love that you mentioned Three Dog Night...I wanted to run away with Chuck!
  • Reply
    WindyWinters Jul 31, 2009 @ 11:42 am | delete
    Congrats on this beautiful 100th Lens! :)
  • Reply
    aj2008 Jul 23, 2009 @ 7:27 am | delete
    Just back to bestow a Blessing on such a lovely, original and personal lens.
  • Reply
    sittonbull Jul 16, 2009 @ 7:03 pm | delete
    Well I've already rated and commented, but had to come back and revisit this great lens 'cause I get to see all those Tates and think about all that great music we both grew up with! I'm still in awe that this is your 100th lens and although you're way beyond that now, you have a mind-boggling inventory of excellent lenses.
  • Reply
    lollyj Jul 15, 2009 @ 6:59 am | delete
    I just love your uplifting lenses!! The pictures here are priceless and loved the music. I just can't even imagine making 100 lenses but you make it look easy.
  • Reply
    CCGAL Jul 10, 2009 @ 8:23 am | delete
    Enjoyed this all over again. (It was linked to another lens I was looking at). Interesting how music shapes our lives and our memories. Loved the photos of your family over the years.
  • Reply
    24websurf Jul 7, 2009 @ 8:28 am | delete
    Joan, what a beautiful, heart wrenching, soul lifting lens! I rode the peaks and treaded the deep valleys as I read this. I can identify with much of the trial and jubilation. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on 100!
  • Reply
    ChapelHillFiddler Jun 19, 2009 @ 5:55 am | delete
    This is the nicest autobiography I've seen on squidoo and makes me feel very tender toward you. Thanks for it.
  • Reply
    TerriLorah Mar 29, 2009 @ 4:49 pm | delete
    Another wonderful lens. I could read your lens' for days. Maybe I will.
  • Reply
    OhMe Mar 22, 2009 @ 7:56 am | delete
    I just love this lens. It is now featured on Morning Has Broken and lensrolled to it as well as Sunday School Songs.
  • Reply
    GrowWear Mar 11, 2009 @ 11:36 pm | delete
    Honored to welcome this lens to the Memoirs Group. :)
  • Reply
    daria369 Mar 8, 2009 @ 3:51 pm | delete
    What a wonderful tribute to your family!! Beautiful photos and selection of videos - that must have been the most perfect theme you could have chosen as a 100th one... :)
  • Reply
    Spook Mar 4, 2009 @ 8:28 am | delete
    Beautiful and heartfelt lens. Congratulations on the century. Was very impressed with what I saw of your life and family but then again I knew I would be. Jeremiah was a bullfrog was a lovely song which I had forgotten about so thanks for the memories.
  • Reply
    poutine Mar 3, 2009 @ 6:42 am | delete
    What a wonderful tribute to your family and your favorite music over decades.
  • Reply
    rallison Feb 14, 2009 @ 1:26 pm | delete
    Joan,
    Teriffic Lens, now I am inspired to make a similar one just for the historical record
    it will leave. Your music was my music. Check out my lens:
    http://www.squidoo.com/musicofelvisandmarylin
    Thanks,
    Bob Allison 1944 til now.
    P.S. I also tried line dancing but now I stick to the Electric Slide.
  • Reply
    K_Linda Feb 10, 2009 @ 8:02 am | delete
    Inspired...just inspired! What a lovely family! I span the same decades and I love the memories this lens evoked in me. 5*'s.
  • Reply
    Hiphopper Jan 21, 2009 @ 11:38 am | delete
    This is a great Lens. Isn't amazing how music seems to be such a big part of every stage of our lives. Thanks for sharing your memories!
  • Reply
    TiffanyAndLewis Jan 20, 2009 @ 5:54 pm | delete
    This is SUCH a great lens!
  • Reply
    mbgphoto Jan 16, 2009 @ 12:51 pm | delete
    What a wonderful lens! I see so many parellels in my own life...it's actually amazing! Thanks for the memories!
  • Reply
    jfield Jan 16, 2009 @ 11:58 am | delete
    Joan, you are somethin' special! Love this!
  • Reply
    ElizabethJeanAllen Jan 15, 2009 @ 5:49 pm | delete
    Welcome to the Totally Awesome Lenses Group.
    Lizzy
  • Reply
    LindaJM Jan 15, 2009 @ 1:10 am | delete
    Congratulations on your 100th lens! You chose some interesting music!
  • Reply
    Tipi Jan 13, 2009 @ 1:24 pm | delete
    Just a wonderful lens. Great to get to know more about you and the family that you love and care for so very much! 100th is a fine tribute to a lifetime of your favorite music! - Thanks for sharing!
  • Reply
    MaryT Jan 12, 2009 @ 9:46 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing your family with us! I especially enjoyed all the photos. You truly are an inspiration!

    Live Great!
    Mary
  • Reply
    AndyPo Jan 12, 2009 @ 1:37 pm | delete
    lovely lens and congratulations on your 100th
  • Reply
    OhMe Jan 12, 2009 @ 7:29 am | delete
    You look so pretty in your Valentine Ear Bobs and Pin!
  • Reply
    Michele Price Jan 10, 2009 @ 5:34 pm | delete
    Joan this was a fun and wonderful walk down memory lane for me too! I use to love listening with my Grandmother Nelson and Mcdonald while we cleaned house on sat's, then there was my mother's teaching me to jitterbug to Jim Dandy!

    My friends in school could never figure out why I knew words to so many songs especially old ones giggle.
  • Reply
    luvmyludwig Jan 10, 2009 @ 10:00 am | delete
    I can since there are only almost 3 ( I'm 27), but there has to be a few for each because I like so many types of music. I love this lens ( I my have to piggyback and make one of my own oneday )
  • Reply
    SherryHolderHunt Jan 9, 2009 @ 10:32 pm | delete
    What a fabulous lens about a Beautiful family! I loved it!!
    and people think songs should be sung correctly, tell me it ain't so, please
    Oh my, I'm in trouble. :D I'm a in the shower and the car singer. 5*s
  • Reply
    sittonbull Jan 9, 2009 @ 7:36 pm | delete
    Joan this is a real walk down memory lane for me 'cause I knew you when. I remember they had a weekly (chaperoned) dance at the Parish at St. Pauls where you'all tried to teach me to shag. Great pictures of your family then and now and yes the stair does look crystal now doesn't it? Great lens and appropriate for your (gasp) 100th lens. On my 2nd day in Squidoo, I stand in awe... and I've gotta ask, HOW did you do that in such a short time and maintain such great quality?? Congratulations! 5* and favored!
  • Reply
    marsha32 Jan 9, 2009 @ 5:23 pm | delete
    I bet you did have a great time putting this together...thanks for sharing with us and congrats on the 100th lens!
  • Reply
    Serenity_Prayer_Gifts Jan 9, 2009 @ 9:28 am | delete
    Thanks so much for this beautiful lens! Touched that you share so much with so many in such a spirit of joyfulness. :-)
  • Reply
    andreaberrios Jan 8, 2009 @ 2:02 pm | delete
    What a beautiful lens. Love the pictures, and the music! Congratulations on the 100th lens!
  • Reply
    sweet_hibiscus Jan 6, 2009 @ 9:40 pm | delete
    I love music a lot. I grew up learning a new song each step of the way.
    What a lovely family you've got.;-)
  • Reply
    kathy Jan 6, 2009 @ 6:44 pm | delete
    ok - that makes me want to cry!!! I was totally singing Donw By the Old Millstream - but thinking about you and My 2 awesome singing Aunts! "not the King but the Queen" - right? That lens was awesome!!!! you are awesome! I love you!!!!
  • Reply
    jo ann Jan 5, 2009 @ 11:18 am | delete
    Joan I loved your 100th, You are so talented. It is a joy to see. may 2009 be evrry thing you wish for. Jo ann
  • Reply
    PatinKC Jan 5, 2009 @ 1:59 am | delete
    Joan, You've outdone yourself again. I love this lens!
  • Reply
    Charlyjl Jan 3, 2009 @ 10:58 pm | delete
    I don't Joan, but I'm sure going to try! There are so many great songs to choose from - although I'll have to borrow some from the 60's as well!
  • Reply
    jfield Jan 1, 2009 @ 9:18 pm | delete
    Oh, Joan! This is wonderful! Congratulations on 100 lenses; looking forward to many, many more:) ..."and bring your dollies three; climb up my apple tree..." We used to sing that when we were little--as one of those 2-people hand-clapping/motion songs. Have no idea where I learned it, but it brings back lots of memories. I really appreciate your sharing so much of yourself. Happy 2009!
  • Load More
Show All

by

Joan4

I am a happy South Carolina Grandma! I enjoy writing about family issues, self-improvement and music! I also enjoy a good sing-along! My husband... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Tips for Independent Senior Living 

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

Featured Lenses 

Loading

The Ten Year Journal 

Journal 10+ 2010-2020

Journal 10+ 2010-2020

Amazon Price: $29.86 (as of 02/14/2012)Buy Now

My favorite journal ever! If I could buy this for you today, I would. And that's the truth!

Related Tags