music

Lucy Sings on Lucy Street

Posted on by Wendy Kennar

You may remember I have written about Robin Roberts before. In case you missed it, you can read my post about Brighter By the Day by clicking here.

Click here to read this post featuring From the Heart.

And click here to read my post about Everybody’s Got Something.

I’m definitely a fan. 

This week’s post features Lucy Sings on Lucy Street by Lawrence Roberts and Sally-Ann Roberts (siblings of Robin Roberts), with an epilogue by Robin Roberts. 

Not only is this a charming children’s book with delightful illustrations by Jestenia Southerland, it’s the story of how I came to own this book that makes it even more special to me. 

A friend of mine surprised me by ordering this picture book and having it sent to my address. She and I both admire Robin Roberts and find inspiration in the words she has written. It’s a natural extension, then, that we would both want to support a children’s book written by two of Robin’s siblings and inspired by their beloved mother, Lucimarian “Lucy” Tolliver. 

My friend knew that. And she didn’t just tell me about the book, she bought me a copy and completely surprised me by having it delivered to my home. 

At its heart, the book has a timeless, ageless message:

“Life is filled with ups and downs.

No matter what,

keep a song in your heart.

Keep singing.” 

In the book, Lucy’s family is experiencing tough times and struggling during the Depression. But through it all, Lucy finds comfort in her family, her singing, and her good friend, Wanda.

Friends. How lucky Lucy was to have Wanda as her good friend.

And how lucky I am to have Nina F. as my good friend. (There are two Nina’s in my life, so I’m using the teacher technique to differentiate between the two special Nina’s I know.)

Please note: I am including a link to buy the book that I’m highlighting this week. If you use my link, I do make a small commission on your purchase at no additional cost to you. I am working with Bookshop.org which also sends a portion of the profit to support local, independent bookstores.


Love and Pop Songs

Posted on by Wendy Kennar

My husband and I have shared a lot in our almost twenty-six years of marriage. 

Music has always been a part of our life together — whether in the car, or in the kitchen, or in the form of a family “Thriller” dance in our living room. We’ve seen Sade at the Hollywood Bowl and Prince at the arena formerly known as the Staples Center.

But we’ve never had just one song that was ours. 

Though, there is one song that served as writing inspiration.

Back in 2016, my personal essay, “A Blue Jeans Type of Marriage,” was published in the anthology, Everything I Need to Know About Love I Learned From Pop Songs.

The title of my essay was inspired by Neil Diamond’s “Forever in Blue Jeans.”

My husband and I have never been super fancy people; mainly because for years, we couldn’t afford to be super fancy. Like we tell our son, the “what” you eat or the “where” you eat should never matter as much as the “who” you are eating with.

And with Valentine’s Day just a few days away, it felt like the perfect time to highlight this charming little book. (It’s a short book, just under 60 pages.)

Wishing you all a sweet Valentine’s Day! 

Please note: I am including a link to buy the book that I’m highlighting this week. If you use my link, I do make a small commission on your purchase at no additional cost to you. I am working with Bookshop.org which also sends a portion of the profit to support local, independent bookstores.

Permission Not to be “Strong Tonight”

Posted on by Wendy Kennar

Do you have a go-to song?

A song you listen to when you need that extra bit of encouragement? That extra motivation to keep pushing through?

I have those songs, but I also need another kind of song.

A song that gives me permission to just stop. Stop trying to be so strong. Stop trying to hold it all together. Stop trying to keep it all inside.

You can click here to be re-directed to The Mighty to read my personal essay, “The Rita Wilson Song That Helps Me Deal With My Chronic Illness.”

Readers, I’d love to know about your songs? Which songs bring you comfort? Which songs help you? Feel free to share in the comments.