Music, Fashion, Culture - Set List

Saturday, October 31, 2020

Posh Style - October Colors

In this edition of Fashmates Recommended, I am featuring a splash of color to what I find in Vicoria Beckham's white and overall monochrome palette.

In this edition of Fashmates Recommended, I am also opting for October colors - orange and black.

Consider below -

Fashmates



Understated yet modern in black with a pop of orange style.

What's included -

Turtleneck Half Sleeve Mini Dress
(Sold out on Farfetch)

Black Suede Eva Heels
Retailer - SSENSE

Women's Combination Classic Sunglasses - Black
Retailer - Barney's Warehouse

Quinton Chain Leather Shoulder Bag
(Sold out on mytheresa)

Note - If curious or interested in the available products, follow the Fashmates link above to "Click to Shop."

Whether muted in black or with a splash of orange color, Victoria Beckham is classic in every way.  For this reason, I recommend "Posh Style - October Colors."

With that said,

Play it...Fashmates style






October Set List

 October Set List

Halloween Special

1.  Superstition

2.  Lonely in Your Nightmare

3.  The Crow

4.  Desire

5.  Dark Road

6.  Planet Earth

7.  Wannabe

8.  Once In a Lifetime

9.  You Can Call Me Al

10.  Vogue

Friday, October 30, 2020

Hallows Eve

In this Hallows Eve special edition on Set List, I am foregoing Set List Reader's Choice to play it haunting style.

In this post, I am featuring "Weird Science" by Oingo Boingo.

Brief background -

Theme song to the 1985 film, Weird Science 

Theme to the television series, Weird Science (March 1994 - April 1997)

Track on Oingo Boingo's 1985 album, Dead Man's Party

No. 45 on Billboard Hot 100

No. 21 on U.S. Dance Club Charts

No. 81 in Canada

(Wikipedia)

With that said -

 

Thursday, October 29, 2020

October Spook

In this final edition of October Spook, play it haunting style with Oingo Boingo.

Dead Man's Party

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Killer Queen

 "Killer Queen"

Track No. 2 on Queen's third album, Sheer Heart Attack (1974)

No. 2 on UK Singles Chart

No. 12 on Billboard Hot 100 

Certified Gold in Italy and the UK

(Wikipedia)

Sheer Heart Attack

Released in November 1974

Genres considered - Hard Rock, Glam Rock, Progressive Rock

No. 12 in the U.S. (1975)

Certified Gold in the U.S. 

Certified Platinum in Poland and the UK

(Wikipedia)

Although details behind the song and the album are brief, both have nonetheless contributed greatly to Queen's lasting legacy.

Another excellent selection by Roger Taylor on his Desert Island Discs Vol. 3.

Desert Island Discs Vol. 3 - Queen

 - Queen -

"Killer Queen"

- Queen Notes -

*From their early years to the present, Queen's history is detailed to great extent and would be exhaustive to write here, so read more on Wikipedia.

British rock band founded in 1970

Early genre influences - Progressive Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal

Conventional styles - Arena Rock, Pop Rock, Glam Rock, Operatic Pop

Queen's influences include The Beatles, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Who, David Bowie, Genesis, Yes...to name a few.

Artists influenced by Queen include Metallica, Rage Against the Machine, Guns 'N Roses, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael Jackson, George Michael, Adele, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry...to name a few.

- Personnel -

Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano)

Brian May (guitar, vocals)

Roger Taylor (drums, vocals)

John Deacon (bass)

- Discography -

Queen (1973)

Queen II (1974)

Sheer Heart Attack (1974)

A Night at the Opera (1975)

A Day at the Races (1976)

News of the World (1977)

Jazz (1978)

The Game (1980)

Flash Gordon (1980)

Hot Space (1982)

The Works (1984)

A Kind of Magic (1986)

The Miracle (1989)

Innuendo (1991)

Made in Heaven (1995)

- Honors -

"Bohemian Rhapsody" inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (2004)

"We Will Rock You" inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (2009)

"We Are the Champions" inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (2009)

Queen's performance at Live Aid (1985) considered the best live act in history

18 No. 1 singles

10 No. 1 DVDs sold worldwide

34.5 million albums sold in the U.S. alone as of 2004

5th best-selling artist in 2019

Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music (1990)

Ivor Novello Award (2005)

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2001)

Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2002)

Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2003)

Inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame (2004)

Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame (2006)

Inducted into VH1 Rock Honors (2006)

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2018)

*Refer to Wikipedia for a full list of awards and nominations.

Queen's influence in music truly is iconic and inspiring to both artists and fans.  I, myself, may be one generation behind but will be a forever fan of every classic recorded by Queen.


Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Monday, October 26, 2020

Monday Blues Spotlight - The Blues Brothers

 


The Blues Brothers were founded in 1978 by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as a musical sketch on Saturday Night Live.  Aykroyd and Belushi portrayed "Joliet" Jake Blues (vocals) and Elwood Blues (harmonica/vocals).  In 1978, the true Blues Brothers were a musical guest on an episode of Saturday Night Live - "Hey Bartender" and "Soul Man."

In 1980, The Blues Brothers film further launched the band's presence.

The full background behind the Blues Brothers is extensive and would be of exhaustive length to write about here, so read more on Wikipedia - Origins, Formation, Sound, Albums/Early Gigs/Character Backgrounds.

Discography -

Studio Albums -
Red, White & Blues (1992)
The Last Shade of Blue Before Black (2017)

Live Albums -
Briefcase Full of Blues (1978)*
Made in America (1980)
The Blues Brothers Band Live in Montreux (1990)
Blues Brothers & Friends: Live from Chicago's House of Blues (1997)

*Briefcase Full of Blues was the band's debut album - No. 1 on Billboard 200, 2x Platinum, 3.5 million copies sold.  "Rubber Biscuit" reached No. 37 on Billboard Hot 100.  "Soul Man" reached No. 14 on Billboard Hot 100.  (Wikipedia)

Soundtrack Albums -
The Blues Brothers: Music from the Soundtrack (1980)
Blues Brothers 2000: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1998)

Admission - During my research of the Blues Brothers, I had difficulty noting who was who - Jake and Elwood Blues or Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as the Blues Brothers.

With that said, let's consider and conclude this Monday Blues Spotlight with a blues genre iconic song - "Soul Man."

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Instrumental Inspired

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.

Inspiration for the want in life can come from anywhere and is uniquely defined by each person.  On Set List, inspiration comes from music.

In Instrumental Inspired, I am returning to my roots on zZounds to showcase beginner-friendly instruments that inspire the want of learning how to play.

In this launch edition, my Instrumental Inspired is the Arcadia CL38 Classical Acoustic Guitar.  If you - like me - are a beginner and want to start somewhere, this instrument may be the best option.

Follow the Arcadia link below for the full category offer -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Arcadia--4422

As for the guitar...

Arcadia CL38 7/8-Size Classical Acoustic Guitar

$99.95 OR 4 Payments $24.99

Natural finish

If you are seriously interested in learning how to play the acoustic guitar and the Arcadia is an inspiring brand, consider the link below for more information.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--ARCCL38





Saturday, October 24, 2020

Posh Style - Blue on Black

In this edition of Fashmates Recommended, I am offering a unique vision of Posh Spice style.  The look is daring, modern, and classy...all best to describe Victoria Beckham's style.

 


In this edition of Fashmates Recommended, Posh Spice style is trending because of Victoria Beckham.  Consider below -



Modern apparel design for the workplace with a bold touch of over-the-knee boots as a fashion statement.  The elegance of the handbag blends the two styles into one cohesive look.  The neutral blue and black colors offer an understated palette to create a unique and fresh tone ideal for 20-somethings and perhaps 30-somethings.

With that said,

What's included -

Wool-blend Lace Top
(Sold out on The Outnet)

Wool-blend Flared Pant
(Sold out on mytheresa)

Opaz Thigh High Boots
(Sold out on Farfetch)

Box with Chain Leather Shoulder Bag
!Available on mytheresa!

Note - If curious or interested in the shoulder bag, follow the Fashmates link above to "Click to Shop."

Whether modern or daring in the moment, Victoria Beckham is always classic.  For these reasons, I recommend "Posh Style - Blue on Black."

With that said,

Play it...Fashmates style

Friday, October 23, 2020

Set List Reader's Choice

In this edition of Set List Reader's Choice, your top favorite is actually a YouTube video - "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan.

In this post, I thought I would briefly touch on the album source for "Blowin' in the Wind" - The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan.


Notes -
- 2nd album 
- Released in May 1963

The background behind The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan album is to great extent and Wikipedia will best sum up the reading.


Success -
- No. 22 in the U.S.
- No. 1 in the UK in 1965
- No. 97 in Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2003)

Honors -
- Added to the National Recording Industry by the Library of Congress (2002)

Certifications -
Gold in the UK
Platinum in the U.S.

Point of intrigue - 
Upon release of the album, Bob Dylan was named "Spokesman of a Generation" - a title he strongly disliked.

Thursday, October 22, 2020

October Spook

In this edition of October Spook, play it haunting style with Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The Phantom of the Opera

Overture

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Quiet Life

 


Album Notes -

3rd album

Released in December 1979 in Japan, Germany, Canada, and others

Released in the UK in January 1980

Genres considered - Art Pop, Synthpop 

Japan's first album to chart and BPI (British Phonographic Industry) certify Gold (over 100,000 copies sold)

David Sylvian's baritone vocal became the band's signature hallmark

"...We reached a peak with this album - we knew what we were doing..." - David Sylvian 


"Quiet Life" Notes -

Title track 

Top 20 hit on UK Singles Chart

Meaning - A reflection of difficulties the band was facing, especially regarding record labels.


"Quiet Life" is a good song.  Roger Taylor may just have a point.



Desert Island Discs Vol. 3 - Japan

 - Japan -

"Quiet Life"

- Japan Notes -

Founded in 1974 by David Sylvian (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Steve Jansen (drums), and Mick Karn (bass guitar) ... Richard Barbieri (keyboards) and Rob Dean (lead guitar) joined in 1975

Genres considered - Art Pop, New Wave, Glam Rock, Synthpop, Post-Punk

Influenced New Romantic style in the UK in the 1980s (unintended influence ... follow the link for a fascinating read)

9 Top 40 hits in the UK ... "Quiet Life" No. 19 in October 1981

"Ghosts" (1982) - No. 5 hit single in the UK

Point of intrigue -

The band broke up in December 1982 just as they were becoming a commercial success in the UK and on an international level.  They briefly reunited in the early 1990s under the name Rain Tree Crow.  

Point of intrigue -

Early into their career, Japan failed to impress in their native UK and faced negative reaction from audiences and critics.  The band was somewhat more accepted in the U.S.

- Discography -

Adolescent Sex (1978)

Obscure Alternatives (1978)

Quiet Life (1979)

Gentlemen Take Polaroids (1980)

Tin Drum (1981)*

*Japan's first record to be certified in the UK - Silver within one month of release and Gold within four months of release.

Rain Tree Crow (1991)*

*Reunion album

(Wikipedia)

There is a sense of sad irony for this band - parting ways just as they were becoming a success.  They even disbanded once more after the reunion album.  There is always bound to be friction in any band and splitting is always a possibility.  

I cannot help but wonder Roger Taylor's piqued interest in Japan (as a band) with such little reception early on and for the most part.  New Romantic scene?  Unique genres coming into their own?  Perhaps we should consider Quiet Life (the album).

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Don't Stand So Close To Me

Don't Stand So Close to Me

 



"Don't Stand So Close to Me"
Meaning - Schoolgirl's crush on a teacher, turns into an affair, later discovered ... Similar to Vladimir Nabokov's classic novel, Lolita

Genres considered - New Wave, Pop Rock

- Released in September 1980
- Lead single from The Police's third album, Zenyatta Mondatta
- Third No. 1  on UK Singles Chart
- Top 10 in Australia, Canada, and the U.S. 
- Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal (1982)


Just another Tuesday

Monday, October 19, 2020

Bob Dylan - Blowin' in the Wind (Audio)


Honors -
Grammy Hall of Fame (1994)
No. 14 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (2004)

Monday Blues Spotlight - Bob Dylan


In this edition of Monday Blues, the one and only Bob Dylan has quite the story to tell.

Wikipedia - Life and Career

Wikipedia - Discography

Point of interest -
As of 1994, Bob Dylan has published eight books of drawings and paintings and his art has been on exhibit in major galleries.

Genres considered - Folk, Blues, Rock, Gospel, Country, Traditional Pop, Vocal Jazz

Iconic songs during the Civil Rights and Anti-War Movement:

1960s Influences - Political, Social, Philosophical, Literary

Honors -
Over 100 million records sold 
- One of the best-selling music artists of all time
10 Grammy Awards
Golden Globe Award
Academy Award
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame 
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Polar Music Prize (2000)
Pulitzer Prize special citation (2008)
Presidential Medal of Freedom (2012)
Nobel Prize in Literature (2016)*
*First musician to be awarded the Literature Prize
Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century
No. 1 on Rolling Stone's list of 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time (2015) 


Bob Dylan's career has spanned several decades from the 20th Century into the 21st Century, with his debut album in 1962 (Bob Dylan) to his most recent album in 2020 (Rough and Rowdy Ways) and 37 albums in between.

Dylan's musical history alone is to great extent, so follow the Wikipedia links above.  His honors are truly impressive, from entertainment to international and three inductions.

Bob Dylan's influence in American culture at a time where national peace was needed is admirable...

...I will conclude this Monday Blues Spotlight on Bob Dylan with one word - "admirable."

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Inspired - Special Edition

In this special edition of Inspired, I am honoring Eddie Van Halen with a personal favorite - "I'll Wait."

"I'll Wait" -

Second single from Van Halen's 6th album, 1984

No. 13 on Billboard Hot 100

Strong emphasis on keyboards, synthesizer bass, and drums

Point of intrigue -

David Lee Roth and producer, Ted Templeman, wanted to scrap the song ... Eddie Van Halen and engineer, Donn Landee, pushed for the song to stay on the album...

...and so you have "I'll Wait."  

(Wikipedia)

Although I could have featured "Eruption" to honor Eddie Van Halen as well as other favorites by the band - such as "You Really Got Me," "Panama," "Dance the Night Away," and so many more - I feel inclined toward "I'll Wait" and its relieving chance to be on the 1984 album thanks to Eddie.

His influential solo may not be listed here but his talent is truly inspiring.

A sad loss in music.

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Classy Victoria

In this edition of Fashmates Recommended, Victoria Beckham went from classy "Posh Spice" to relaxed on her own.  On her own, Victoria Beckham is truly classic in casual wear and formal wear.  Pop culture icon and fashion icon indeed.


In this edition of Fashmates Recommended, Victoria Beckham is trending.  Consider below -



This look book is understated with a touch of modern and classy for office wear or low key formal occasions.

With that said,

What's included -
- Knitted Turtleneck Sweater - Burgundy*
*Sold out on Net-A-Porter

- Belted Wrap Midi Skirt*
*Sold out on Harrods ... Consider current Victoria Beckham designs on Harrods

- Classic Sandals*
*Sold out on Farfetch ... Consider alternative Victoria Beckham sandals on Farfetch

- Vanity Leather Crossbody Bag*
*Sold out on mytheresa

- Bracelet!
!Available on yoox!

- Women's Combination Classic Sunglasses - Black!
!Available on Barneys Warehouse!

Note - If curious or interested in the products available for sale, follow the Fashmates link above to "Click to Shop."

Whether casual or formal, Victoria Beckham is always classic.  Therefore, I recommended the refined and timeless "Classy Victoria."

With that said,

Play it...Fashmates style




Friday, October 16, 2020

Set List Reader's Choice

 In this edition of Set List Reader's Choice, your top favorite is:

Just Another Day

In brief, "Just Another Day" was a highlight on the album, Dead Man's PartyDead Man's Party is the 5th album by Oingo Boingo.  And "Just Another Day" will say the rest of it.  Follow the link above.

As we near Halloween, I thought I would share the Oingo Boingo song, "Weird Science" - dance rock genre for the 1985 science fiction film, Weird Science.  The song was also the lead single on the album, Dead Man's Party.  

Charts -

#45 on Billboard Hot 100

#21 on Dance Club Charts

#81 in Canada

(Wikipedia)

"Weird Science"

Thursday, October 15, 2020

October Spook

In this edition of October Spook, play it haunting style with Van Halen.

"Runnin' with the Devil"

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Parallel Lines


Parallel Lines
(Full background on Wikipedia)

3rd album

Released in September 1978

No. 1 in the UK

No. 6 in the U.S.*
*This status proved Blondie's breakthrough success in the U.S. because prior to, the band was considered underground in the States.

Over 20 million copies sold worldwide as of 2008

Certifications -

Gold in the Netherlands

Platinum in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the U.S., Yugoslavia

4x Platinum in Canada


"Heart of Glass" -

This song is the most noted in my research, so I thought I would briefly mention it here.

3rd single from Parallel Lines

Released in January 1979

No. 1 in the UK and U.S.

No. 259 in Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (2010)

1.32 million copies sold in the UK

Certified Gold in France, Germany, and the U.S.

Certified Platinum in the UK

Certified 2x Platinum in Canada



 

Desert Island Discs Vol. 3 - Blondie

 - Blondie -

"Rapture"

- Blondie Notes -

Founded by singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein

Genres considered - New Wave, Pop Rock, Punk Rock

Genre elements considered - Disco, Pop, Reggae, Rap

Hit singles include "Heart of Glass," "Call Me," "Rapture," "The Tide Is High"

40 million records sold worldwide

- Blondie Personnel -

Debbie Harry - Lead Vocals

Chris Stein - Guitar, Bass

Clem Burke - Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals

Matt Katz-Bohen - Keyboards (2008 - Present)

Tommy Kessler - Guitar (2010 - Present)

- Discography -

Blondie (1976)

Plastic Letters (1977)

Parallel Lines (1978)

Eat to the Beat (1979)

Autoamerican (1980)

The Hunter (1982)

No Exit (1999)

The Curse of Blondie (2003)

Panic of Girls (2011)

Ghosts of Download (2014)

Pollinator (2017)

- Blondie Honors, Awards, Nominations-

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2006)

Juno Award for Best Selling Single ("Heart of Glass," 1980)

Grammy Award Nomination - Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal ("Call Me," 1981)

Juno Award Nomination - International Single of the Year ("The Tide Is High," 1980)

Grammy Award Nomination - Video of the Year ("Eat to the Beat," 1982)

Q Music Award for Q Inspiration Award (1998)

NME Award for NME Godlike Genius Award (2014)

Q Music Award for Q Inspiration Award (2016)

Grammy Hall of Fame for "Heart of Glass" (2016)

(Wikipedia)

Impressive indeed, but let's go back to Parallel Lines...



Roger Taylor's Desert Island Discs Volume 3

 

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Just Another Day

In this edition of Just Another Tuesday, I am highlighting the American band, Oingo Boingo, as the source behind "Just Another Day."

"Just Another Day" 

First track on Dead Man's Party

Dead Man's Party

5th album

Released in 1985

Genres considered - New Wave, Pop, Ska

(Wikipedia)

Dead Man's Party

Album Cover


- Oingo Boingo -

Formed in 1979 by songwriter, Danny Elfman

Years active: 1979 - 1995

Best known songs - "Only a Lad," "Dead Man's Party," "Weird Science" 

Farewell concert on Halloween 1995 - Filmed and released as a live album and DVD

The history of Oingo Boingo is a bit complicated, so refer to Wikipedia for further reading.

- Discography -

Only a Lad (1981)

Nothing to Fear (1982)

Good for Your Soul (1983)

So-Lo (1984)

Dead Man's Party (1985)

Boi-ngo (1987)

Dark at the End of the Tunnel (1990)

Boingo (1994)

- Oingo Boingo Members - Refer to Wikipedia

- On his own, Danny Elfman -

4 Academy Award nominations for film compositions

Scores for Tim Burton films, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas

Other film scores - Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Goodwill Hunting, Men in Black, Spider-Man, Big Fish

Television scores - The Simpsons, Batman: The Animated Series, Tales from the Crypt, Desperate Housewives

Former Oingo Boingo guitarist, Steve Bartek, exclusively hired by Elfman as his orchestrator

(Wikipedia)

"Just Another Day" ... Just another Tuesday


Oingo Boingo - Just Another Day (1986, US # 85) (Enhanced Audio)

Monday, October 12, 2020

Monday Blues

In this edition of Monday Blues, I am featuring a legend in the Electric Blues/Blues Rock genre - Stevie Ray Vaughan.  In this post, I am sharing a signature song by Stevie Ray Vaughan - "Pride and Joy."

Kick off the week and the Monday Blues with "Pride and Joy."

"Pride and Joy" - 

Feature on Stevie Ray Vaughan's debut album, Texas Flood

No. 20 on Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart

(Wikipedia)

Texas Flood -

Released in June 1983

Double Trouble Personnel - Stevie Ray Vaughan (guitar, vocals), Tommy Shannon (bass), Chris Layton (drums)

Certified Gold in France and New Zealand

Certified Silver in the UK

Certified Platinum in Canada

Certified 2x platinum in the U.S.

(Wikipedia)

Double Trouble - History

Stevie Ray Vaughan - Background

Influential in Blues, Rock, Alternative

Influenced John Mayer, Kenny Wayne Shepherd...to name a few

Influenced by Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters...to name a few

(Wikipedia)

Stevie Ray Vaughan Honors - 

5 W.C. Handy Awards (Blues Music Awards)

Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame (2000)

No. 7 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitar Players of All Time (2003)

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Double Trouble in 2015

(Wikipedia)

Stevie Ray Vaughan's personal history and struggles were his "blues" in life.  In this edition of Monday Blues, I would like to honor only the best in what he had to offer in blues music.  Enjoy the video above.

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Inspired

Inspired is about anything music that holds personal meaning to the listener, especially for emotional reasons that inspire positive hope and outlook.

In this edition of Inspired, my inspiration is "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang.


"Celebration" -
Most recognized song from the 1980 album, Celebrate!
No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
No. 1 on Billboard Dance and R&B Charts
No. 7 in the UK

Genre considered - Post-Disco

Certified Silver in the UK
Certified Platinum in Canada and the U.S.


In 2001, at the age of 18, I started college with full intent on a four-year completion.  

I began my formal studies at a local community college to receive my Associates.  September 2001 to December 2003 - A bit longer than intended.  

I applied to three universities as a transfer - Hofstra University, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of Illinois.  All three accepted me and two offered a scholarship.  I ultimately chose LUC.

My course load was heavy and I could only handle so much, so I dropped to part time and took some time off on occasion to rest my stressed brain.  This slowed down my four-year completion plan.

I struggled with most of my classes, especially with regards to topic.  I was relieved to receive B's and C's (where as at the community college I was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, completed with honors, and was offered to speak at the 2003 commencement).

On May 9, 2008, I crossed the stage when my name was announced.  Seven years instead of four.

My time as an undergraduate was partially spent in psychiatric wards, causing me to slow my academic pace.  When I was able to catch up, my desired time frame to graduate fell through.  I was exhausted.

But I did it.  I finished my Bachelor's.  Cap and gown.  Pomp and circumstance.  Graduation fair.  All because I did it.  

So celebrate I did...

...Except I was not quite done with my formal education - graduate school.  I spent two years at Loyola's Institute for Paralegal Studies, from August 2008 to October 2009.  Seven years as an undergraduate when I was only going to study for four.  An additional two years of studies...toward a career I would never know.

But I did it.  I finished my post-bachelor's Certificate in Paralegal Studies whether it would go to use or not.

On a Monday evening in October 2009, I came home to festive decorations honoring the absolute final end of my education.

So celebrate I did.

"Celebration" - Inspired