Tuesday, July 31, 2012

What if We Prayed?


In my last post, I shared some reflection on Billy Joel’s “Only the Good Die Young.” I have just a few more thoughts, and then I swear on a stack of vinyl records that I'll write about something else.

In this next portion of lyrics, Billy Joel belts a sobering accusation...

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Scowling Saints


“Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel is a song that makes me both laugh and cry. I laugh because he manages to describe the religious mind-set in a way that’s both hilarious and very true—and I cry for the very same reasons.

In summary, Billy Joel sings from the perspective of a boy who is trying to convince a good Catholic girl (aptly named "Virginia") to come out of her religious cocoon and have fun with him. The song hits home for me because I was raised Catholic, but I believe the tongue-in-cheek lyrics can be meaningful in a broader sense...

Friday, July 13, 2012

Pass the Cheese


I’m not as loud and outgoing as an Italian-American probably ought to be. As far as living-into a stereotype is concerned, I’m clearly defective. I can’t tell you how many meatballs have cooled to room temperature in my plate as I’ve struggled to gain my cumpari’s attention to pass the Parmesan. At the dinner table, and in life in general, I’m just not good at speaking up.

I’ve felt a little nudge to start a blog for some time now, but I've always dismissed the notion. After all, with all the knowledgeable, compelling, creative voices out there, who on earth would pause to listen if I raised a finger and cleared my throat?

Even as I write my first post, I’m not completely certain that I have anything to say that’s worth listening to. I came across an inspiring article, however, in this month’s issue of National Geographic, which helped me work up the nerve to at least try.