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1) "Stand by Me" is one of the songs John Lennon did at his last public performance back in 1975. First recorded by Ben E. King, "Stand by Me" was also covered by Mickey Gilley and Otis Redding, among others. Can you think of another song that has been recorded and then re-recorded by someone else?
Lauryn Hill sings the hell out of The Fugees' cover of Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly." I've loved it since Day One!
2) The lyrics say, "Whenever you're in trouble, you can stand by me." Tell us about someone you know you can count on.
My BFF, Dr. Lisa, is someone I know I can always call on to be there for me, no matter what it is. And if it's medical, she doesn't even send me the bill! ;)
3) While "Stand by Me" was solo Lennon, John is best known as one of the Beatles. Which group do you listen to more often -- The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?
Neither, really. I'm not much either an "oldies" or a classic rock fan. My tastes run with the Top 40 and Adult Contemporary crowd. It's not that I dislike The Beatles or the Stones, it's just that I'm not that cool.
4) Lennon liked to tell how, when he and Paul McCartney were teens, Paul's father used to discourage friendship between the boys. Paul ignored his dad's advice and the result is the most successful songwriting partnership of the 20th century. Tell us about a piece of advice you're glad you ignored.
Rob asked me to marry him weeks after we met, the first time I met him in person. I accepted, and we eloped two months into things, over everyone's protests. "But... but... but... what if he's an axe murderer?!!" my sister exclaimed. She's still pretending he's an axe murderer, these 13 years later - though I think she may like him more than she likes me!
5) John loved cats. When he was a teenager, he first met his favorite, a stray he named Tich, in the snow and gave the cat a safe, lifelong home. John was very proud that Tich lived to be 20 years old. Tell us about a pet who has a place in your heart.
When I was in college, I couldn't wait to get out of the dorm and get a dog. Once I graduated, I was so ready. I looked in the paper (one didn't really look through online ads in 1997 so much, after all) and found an elderly woman who took in rehomed dogs. I went to her place, and she trotted out mangy dog after matted, ratty-furred dog. They were all cute but dirty and smelly. I saw a couple of shih-tzus I liked the looks of, but I couldn't make up my mind. She decided to bring out one more, a long shot. Out came Johnny, and he was the scuzziest little dog! But this poodle/dachschund mix, who my later roommate Janet called "half a dog high and a dog and a half long" leapt OVER the tall fence where I waited, into my arms, and started licking my face as happily as could be. I knew he was the one. When I picked him up from her a week later, she'd gotten him neutered, bathed and groomed, and he was absolutely beautiful. He was my firstborn, my love, my darling, and I loved him every second from then until he died in 2005, just before Sophia was born. I miss him terribly!
6) John unsuccessfully tried hypnosis in his quest to stop smoking. Have you ever been hypnotized?
Yes, I have, also therapeutically. After my son Robby died, I was in very bad shape. To help get me through it, my therapist, Jeff, hypnotized me on several occasions. It's called EMDR, or Eye Movement Densensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. Basically, the goal was to replace traumatic thoughts and memories with better, more positive ones, while I trained my eyes on Jeff's gold thingamabobber. It worked, immediately. If you need it and can find a trained clinician, I highly recommend it.
7) John has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. What Hall of Fame would like to see yourself in?
Is there a Mommy Hall of Fame?
8) John had a passion for slot cars and raced them on an elaborate track in his game room. What games or toys do you still enjoy?
8) John had a passion for slot cars and raced them on an elaborate track in his game room. What games or toys do you still enjoy?
My girls are currently collecting Monster High dolls, and I'm supportive of the habit. I think they're pretty cool. Jack collects LEGO, and I help him with that, too. As for me? Gimme some Silly Putty or a Slinky, and I'm all set. I adore card and board games as well. Call me old school.
9) John wrote about his jealous streak. What personality trait of yours do you wish you could change?
9) John wrote about his jealous streak. What personality trait of yours do you wish you could change?
Sometimes my impulsivity has served me very well, but other times it's gotten me into deep, deep doo-doo. And I have no filter for my thoughts; I'm a blurter. I wish I could control myself better than I do.
Welp, that's that, then. Cheerio!
Fin.
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