May 2022 – RAMBLINGS

By way of serendipity I ended up reading the Wiki on Avicii the other day, and thought what a sad story his is. He had enormous success and was loved by fans in so many countries but, in the end, it all became too much for him to bear. The lyrics of Wake Me Up speak to his emotional searching and longing – thoughts and fears we all share.

Avicii, born Tim Bergling was a renowned Swedish musician, DJ, remix artist, and record producer. Born in Stockholm in 1989, he became one of the most popular DJs in the world. Avicii topped charts and toured many countries with his music. The single Wake Me Up was incredibly successful – it reached the number 1 position in over 20 countries across the globe, including Avicii’s home country of Sweden. Wake Me Up was written by Avicii, Aloe Blacc (who delivers the track’s powerful vocals) and American guitarist Mike Einziger.

Avicii released his first studio album, True, in 2013. The album earned him recognition by reaching the top 10 on the international charts and ranking number one in several countries. Wake Me Up, the lead single on the album, topped the music charts of over 30 countries. It reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and has received a six-time platinum certification from the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).

Sadly, Avicii committed suicide on April 20, 2018, at age 28; so young. His mind and body just couldn’t take any more of the pressure and stress his incredible success had generated.

Wake Me Up

Feeling my way through the darkness
Guided by a beating heart
I can’t tell where the journey will end
But I know where to start
They tell me I’m too young to understand
They say I’m caught up in a dream
Well life will pass me by if I don’t open up my eyes
Well that’s fine by me

So wake me up when it’s all over
When I’m wiser and I’m older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
Didn’t know I was lost

I tried carrying the weight of the world
But I only have two hands
Hope I get the chance to travel the world
But I don’t have any plans
Wish that I could stay forever this young
Not afraid to close my eyes
Life’s a game made for everyone
And love is a prize

So wake me up when it’s all over
When I’m wiser and I’m older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
Didn’t know I was lost

So wake me up when it’s all over
When I’m wiser and I’m older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
I didn’t know I was lost

I didn’t know I was lost
I didn’t know I was lost
I didn’t know I was lost
I didn’t know

Songwriters: Tim Bergling / Michael Aaron Einziger / Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins
Wake Me Up lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Hugs and hellos to our new family member – Ollie!

Ollie is a male tri-colour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I’ve longed for a Cavalier as long as I can remember; they are a beautiful, calm, obedient breed devoted to their owners. Physically they are beautiful and regal, with their long fluffy ears, lush coat and big, soulful brown eyes.

We had been on the Cavalier waiting lists of several Ontario breeders for some time anticipating our puppy, but we had to wait until the time was right for us. Vince retired at the end of last year, so we wanted to wait until his retirement before we could take on the responsibilities a new puppy demands, not to mention the time and energy required (it’s a 24/7 job!). It has been about 15 years since we raised Sophie from a pup and, in the words of Ms. Dion, it’s all coming back to me now. Ollie is indeed a handful, but we love him dearly, and he will eventually mature into a wonderful dog.

*Picking Ollie up on May 7^th from Cedar Creek Kennels*

Ollie came into our lives at 8 weeks old on May 7^th this year when we picked him up at the breeders, Cedar Creek Kennels (awesome folks by the way) near Amaranth, Ontario.

Another BIG reason we wanted a second dog was for our lovely girl, Tulip! Ollie’s arrival has almost completely transformed her! She is now full of bounce and play, whereas before it was couch-city for her most of the time. Tulip is only 3 years old, so she still has plenty of bounce. Ollie and Tulip really like each other and get on so well – I know that as time goes by they will become each other’s best friend. Together, they take tussling and romping to a whole new level.

Since Ollie is only a few weeks old he has not yet had all his vaccinations, so we’ve not been able to take him outside to meet other dogs. When we do go outside with him we’ve been carrying him in our arms; this way it helps with his socialization (to urban sounds, different people, etc.). Some of you have already met his furry little self, though, and we’ll become more visible around the condo grounds once he’s had his shots (which will be soon…).