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Things Are Looking Up

by Linda Mielke

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1.
Looking out at the treetops when the moon shines When it’s dark outside and shadows claim the walls. Just me all alone, admiring the soft lines As the shadows from the moon’s glow, rise and fall. Things are quiet, you can hear the gentle breezes Passing through, rustling the leaves on the bough. As the moon rises, shadows from the treetops Create vague patterns that kiss the paths below. The sounds of the tree frogs and a few grumbling dogs Are masked by whispering leaves upon the trees. And off in the distance a rooster starts his job Then the quietness of Night time slowly leaves. Just me on the balcony, looking at the dawn Out on the fourth floor, as the day begins to break People start to move and soon their work begins But for me, I am already wide awake. Another morning, my coffee cup needs filling Another day to find worthwhile things to do Traffic is moving, the daylight noises start And night time can refresh, to begin anew. Then the sounds of the tree frogs and some grumbling dogs Can be filtered by the whispering of outdoors. And off in the distance, those roosters can crow Maintaining routines that can replay forevermore
2.
That was a fun ride.
3.
The Casuarina tree thrives along the seashore Where others will perish, this tree will grow Tall and strong, with far reaching boughs, leaving blankets of needles to soften hard ground. Walking the miles of sandy beach we saw casuarinas just with in reach With their long slender branches overhanging the shore We imagined those who had walked here efore. We were all alone, a day full of prommise as waves crashed in, with such thunderous speech each one making a decisive comment. We waited to hear what they might preach. But there, with wondering eyes we found A small wooden cross nailed high off the ground and some Stones piled round- with a trace Of fire once kindled in that lonely place. Was the cross some memorial to this ground? Was it a place where some lost soul had drowned? And so, in vague perplexity and doubt, We explored to find how this came a bout We were all alone, just leaving foot prints as waves crashed in, with such thunderous speech each one making a decisive comment. We waited to hear what they might teach
4.
we were waiting in departures our plane was on the tarmac we saw pilot and crew board the plane and passengers were assembled and we all followed on we were ready to come home. we were thinking about the next time we could come back to this beautiful place we were all packed and loaded, and ready to fly and the first onboard announcement was made we have a slight mechanical well be ready to go soon his voice was soothing and casual. it was still early afternoon. the passengers shuffled their carry on bags for devices to relay the news back home and the flight attendants came around to make sure we were all seat belts on then the second announcement said another half hour and then we'd be on our way. but it wasnt in the cards we had another delay, and another, and another and we wondered how long we would stay. the daytime flight, rolled into evenning, and we were asked to deplane we are still on our island i cant really complain. we wont have to ponder when we would return because we are still on the island today. no problem, be happy thats the island way
5.
Lost Friends 02:29
Lost Friends A little boy had a toy It was his pride and joy He played with it, everyday Brought it when he went away. Those building blocks. were colourful He could build something wonderful They were his friends, he talked to them In return, the blocks did become A racing car, a chariot A fish in an aquarium A cargo ship , a submarine And even a big blue limousine Then one day, a local tough Grabbed his toy and acted rough He laughed out loud broke it apart He also broke the little boy's heart Those building blocks flew everywhere Finding them would be a nightmare The little boy searched all around But only a few pieces were found. So the little boy put it aside Camouflaged the happiness denied Packed the pieces in a drawer He wouldn’t play with them any more But the memories of happy times Made him smile at the thought, sometimes So he went outside and searched around Until most pieces had been found. It's not the same, some friends are gone He remembers them as he carries on Those that are lost are still near and dear Even though they're no longer here.
6.
Green Fields 03:40
Green Fields The days are growing shorter Winter weather is closing in Thoughts of our warm and cosy beds It's such a regular routine We eat and sleep, eat some more And put on a little weight It's a work day everyday Not too much to celebrate. But when the winter winds do blow Thoughts of our little getaway The Royal Winter Fair is like a spa holiday If you're a bit long in the tooth, you can take back some your youth Get clipped, trimmed, and derma brazed, at The Udder Spa Place You feel just like a princess, painted toes and curled eyelashes Hair all styled, with ribbons and bows. and a shiny gold ring through my nose Then it's walking down the red carpet Just like a beauty queen hold your head up, stand there proudly for everyone to see. It's nice to be pampered once in awhile But the after glow too soon wears thin When its time to return to the everyday and the daily routine once again Yearning for those green fields and flowers in the spring when we were so carefree Enjoying every thing in our minds, we're running free the summer breezes cool our skin Free and easy in the fields Just like a young heifer again
7.
Six Winds 04:35
Six winds In the forest, where the river’s small, A lonely tribe, brave and proud, Celebrates their newest member Brought into the world naked and loud. Mom asks the leader, old and wise, The secrets for a life fulfilled, So the baby can grow happy Honest, loved, healthy, and strong willed. "Pray to the winds", is the answer, "For the six carry a blessing, A lesson brought in each of them A gift, a token, a message." "For the north wind brings the harsh war Keeping our people fierce and strong. And the south wind carries winter The cold that makes our lives so long." "From the east blows the ocean wind Keeping us quick, fleet, and nimble The western wind opens the sky Enriching our minds with symbols." "The storm wind blows from everywhere Unpredictable, erratic Teaching us to accept our fate Wise, calm, and pragmatic." "And the most important of all: The wind that blows inside the soul As for where it blows, right or wrong, Holds secret to a life made whole." "Pray to the winds", is theanswer, "For the six carry a blessing, A lesson brought in each of them A gift, a token, a message." "The most important of them all: The wind that blows inside the soul As for where it blows, RIGHT or wrong, Holds secret to a life made whole."
8.
#Avatar Challenge FAWM 2022 My avatar was identified by @headfirstonly as a proper Gibson Les Paul Standard When a Fender Mandolin meets a Gibson Les Paul Welcome to our first jam Welcome one and all Find a place, don’t hesitate Make yourself comfortable. She made her way through the crowd Her pathway barely focused Finding just that perfect spot Blending in, without notice. The house lights slowly faded Then a periwinkle glow Shone around his sculpted features Somewhat like a staged tableau. He was leaning on a wall She could not look away. His satisfied expression Commanding all attention. She was afraid. The place was jam packed, people everywhere The place was electric, she felt unprepared Intensity building, the room was rocking She thought to turn and run, but destiny was calling. She knew it would be dangerous He was much more than handsome As she admired his silhouette Didn’t think much of her chances (They called her) sturdy and inexpensive Folks said she was versatile They didn’t expect too much Made her feel less than worthwhile But her set up was superb People just glared at her All or nothing, original sin And she played him…just like a mandolin. When the flashing lights glistened Off his shiny chrome hardware The sight of it made her weak Her mind went blank, she couldn’t speak. All eyes were on the guitar As the deep base notes sounded. Then she stood up and from her The sweetest notes surrounded. The place was jam packed, people everywhere The place was electric, she let down her hair The place was rocking, no longer a bystander The night Ms. Fender Mandolin met Mr. Les Paul Standard.
9.
Fairy Tale Unicorn One day long ago in a forest A Unicorn walked to a child The little girl was crying So the Unicorn stood for a while He asked her what was wrong The little girl looked up and said I'm lost and by myself Cold and I don't have a bed Then a fairy showed up and said.... Come with me my little princess And we will show you home You shouldn't be in this forest Scared and all alone Hold on tight to my hand And we will get you home The little girl looked up and smiled And wiped a tear from her face She took the hand of the fairy And walked back to her place The finally arrived at the castle The king and queen gave her a hug They thanked the fairy and Unicorn And showered the princess with live The little girls looked back and smiled And waved to them good bye She will be forever grateful For that Unicorn saved her life Yes that Unicorn saved her life. My Lyrics The Hairy Fairy Story One day long ago in a forest A unicorn walked up to a child The little girl was upset and crying The unicorn just stood for a while surveying the situation. (here is the unicorn looking at the child, hmmm.) Now the unicorn said, "hey little girl, what s the matter with you, hanging round here you're just lookin' for trouble just get back home on the double." The little girl looked and said I'm lost and all by myself i'm Cold and I don't have a bed unicorn whistles,Weeeellll "you got your problems, but I know an elf" Elf: "Come with me little princess We'll show you how to get home You shouldn't be out in this forest By yourself, scared and alone So hold on tight to my hand Don't you fret, see we'll get you home" The little girl looked up and smiled wiping the tears from her face She took the hand of the elf disappearing into the forest, without a trace, cue the chorus Meanwhile, back at the castle The King and queen were hanging around Thinking any minute that little girl would be found. The moral to this story don't rely on those unicorns and elves think twice about trusting in strangers Learn to take care of yourselves.
10.
Do you mind, I'm mad about you You're everything I think about Feels oh so new Just wanna shout Who'da thought dreams can come true Chorus Mad about you, that's me Can you see how so in love I am Mad about you, yippee So mad about you, that's me Did you know, just how I'm hooked My happiness is ours to share Feels oh so good It's oh so rare If you think maybe we could Chorus Mad about you, that's me Can you see how so in love I am Mad about you, yippee So mad about you, that's me
11.
I baked an apple pie To share with my honey But when it was finished one half looked really funny So I cut it in two and chose the perfect slice gave the other piece away And I lost paradise Well, I picked the apples, and I cut them up I made the crust Wasn't that enough? I worked very hard to make that pie Who would've thought He'd say goodbye? Well it wasnt my fault The oven overheated One side was burnt And he felt cheated When something goes wrong, Who takes the blame? Surely one person shouldn’t have that claim Well, I picked the apples, and I cut them up I made the crust I guess it wasnt enough I worked very hard to make that pie Who would've thought He'd say goodbye?. I know there are times I am not responsible But once in awhile, I have to be accountable The apples were not perfect He could have helped me pick them The oven dials needed adjusting Why didn't he just fix them? people are getting better and better at blaming others when things go wrong Kinda like Adam and Eve In the garden when they still belonged Well,you know, Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, and the serpent stood up and said. "What, not me. You're out of luck" Seems everybody passes the buck
12.
Endless sorrow Days and nights of endless sorrow Yesterday today tomorrow Days and nights I'll beg and borrow But I can't fix what I've done wrong It'll take a lifetime to atone I'll work my fingers to the bone Now I must spend my life alone I won't stay where I don't belong It saddens me to see your face Your cheery smile has been replaced I'm leaving here in my disgrace My shadow soon will be long gone Will someone please a candle light To burn for me for just one night I won't turn back but if I might That memory will keep me strong. Days and nights of endless sorrow Yesterday today tomorrow Days and nights I'll beg and borrow But I can't fix what I've done wrong
13.
My Sad Banjo 01:36
14.
Night Sky Memories V1 the crescent moon like your smile glows in a dark night sky subtle warmth reaching.. reaching in… touching my heart for miles miles away… though we’re apart C the moon and the stars no matter where we are bring you back for a moment in my life the moon and the stars bring love back for a moment in time V2 the sparkling stars like your eyes invite hopes and wishes wondrous gifts shining.. shining down touching my soul for miles… miles away from your home C the moon and the stars no matter where we are bring you back for a moment in my life the moon and the stars bring love back for a moment in time B how can the night sky be so blinding still stinging my eyes with tears? C the moon and the stars no matter where you are bring you back for a moment in my life the moon and the stars bring love back for a moment in time
15.
Snow 02:23
Snow. [Verse 1] Shiny glittering pin points of light Floating from the sky in the early night Fluffy lofty banks of snow Outside of my house tomorrow. As the day breaks I must put on Some warm clothes for the task I take on Retreive a shovel and some Ice Melt And then I can start the chore that I’ve been dealt. [Verse 2] Digging out, digging out From under all this snow Digging out, digging out I've got places to Go Digging out digging out Get my shovel and scraper Digging out, digging out Just to find my newspaper. [Verse 1] Accumulated snow up to my elbows Can be very difficult to dispose Lifting, loading, and heaving All of this while I am freezing. Clearing snow is an unforgiving task Especially if you're wearing a face mask Clear it off and once you've finished Look up and A new snowfall is beginning. [Verse 2] Digging out, digging out From under all this snow Digging out, digging out I've got places to Go Digging out, digging out I'm so tired, oh, Digging out digging out Oh, I hear a shout [Verse 1] Oh the grey globs of mushy stuff Falling from the sky in great big clumps I stand back and watch my neighbour shred my newspaper, with his new snowblower. Digging out, digging out Oh what a mess Digging out digging Never the less Digging out digging out Picked it off you bet Digging out difgging out Is it close to spring yet? I guess it’s time for a cuppa tea Read my paper online from now on Stay in until snow melts…Hmmmph
16.
Spring In My Step Today (Verse 1) The snow melts on the foothills of this mountain range The temperature is rising, I can feel the change I love the way the daffodils sway I’ve got a spring in my step today (Verse 2) Mad March hares leap up in the air and box Confident they can outrun any sly old fox Song birds are singing merrily away I’ve got a spring in my step today (Bridge) Winter’s chill memory will soon start to fade I won’t dwell on what is past, let’s brush it away This world can be full of news that’s hard to bear But embrace the warmth that now’s filling the air (Verse 3) The sun’s rays beckon to the Queen bumblebee She emerges and sips nectar to build her energy I smile as I look down towards the bay Cos I’ve got a spring in my step today
17.
What makes a place special? Has been asked far and wide It might be a landscape Known to many world wide. These places are valued For their beauty or charm They may be attractions Or it may be a farm. They make us feel special They are often remote We commune with nature We can be all alone We can be in a crowd With exciting events There's always a sense of what this space represents. For me, there are many That come to my mind When I think back and try To pick one I find There is one common thread That defines it as special ANd the reason for this Is purely sentimental We've travelled together To countries far and wide And it wouldnt be the same Without you by my side
18.
It’s all stars verse 1 LOOK from earth, we've looked so longingly up where the stars do shine pointed our lens in to deep space to discover what we could find. we've searched for meaning far and wide yet still we stumble blind when will the sky fill in with stars we cannot see be hind? verse 2 GO we breached the void with timid steps in to the black with steely stare and shown just how much we don't know about all the wonders there. we've gone so far, the gateway looms as if we've done it on a dare but just what distance can we go and how long till we get there? CHORUS: and the dinosaurs were stars any aliens were stars this noise is made of stars our dreams are made of stars. but how far can we go? and what will we find? it's all stars, it's all stars it's all stars, it's all stars -----------------> STELLAR SOLO BRIDGE: it matters not what we define we'll never know what lies inside however far we may go what's deep inside we'll never know everywhere we look, it's all stars as far as we can see, it's all stars.

about

All songs on this album were written in the month of February, during FAWM 2022. February Album Writing Month.
The first six were recorded in Barbados where I was on holiday. The rest were made in my home in Canada.
All original songs that I wrote, cowrote, created music, and performed.

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released March 4, 2022

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about

Linda Mielke Barrie, Ontario

Call me mandolinda
Just me and my mandolin, learning how to make some music.
Navigating the times with reflections of the past and thoughts about the future.

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