Random Thoughts about April

In many areas of the United States, the month of April is a confirmation that spring is trying to settle in and display all of its beauty.  Such is the case in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, the region where I live.  The famous Cherry Blossoms are in bloom, as are apple blossoms, jonquils, tulips, chrysanthemums, and other colorful flowers of the season. The grass is verdant again, and leaves on the area's myriad trees are budding green.  The air seems fresh as it alternates between cool and crisp on some days, and mild and not-so-crisp on others.

April seems to say that good things are still possible for this troubled world as well as for people's individual lives.  April tries to take care of the environment with its rains and breezes and its renewal of all of Earth's creatures. Not only is April a renewal month and a poster month for the environment, April is also, as most people know, a big month for travel.

In Aprils past, I've traveled to California, Florida, and New York, among other places. Thinking of April travel destinations reminds me of songs like "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "April in Paris."  I've never been to Paris in April.  But some of my friends are in the City of Light right now.  While they're in Paris, I'll be "in the shed" working on my book projects.  However, I'll be thinking about them whenever I think of the song "April in Paris," and whenever I have my own memories of Paris in mind.

On Discovering a Video of Sammy Davis Jr. Singing 'Another Spring'

Recently I became aware of the song, "Another Spring," as it was sung by Sammy Davis Jr. on his talk show back in the 1970s.  He had recorded this song (written by Leslie Brecusse) in 1964 for Reprise Records.  As most people know, Sammy Davis Jr., a dancer, actor, and singer, was extraordinarily entertaining.  He left a huge legacy.

Since the season of spring is here again, I'm pleased to have found out about the video above.  (Actually I discovered it posted on Facebook a few days ago and decided to retrieve it from YouTube for my use here.) 

There are a lot of other songs out there about springtime, some of which were recorded by Sammy Davis Jr.  But there's something about his performance of "Another Spring," that seems extra refreshing and enchanting.
     

About the New Book, INDIGO TALES: Short Stories

My brand new book INDIGO TALES: Short Stories is published (winter 2016). It's available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com, in paperback and e-book format.  Indigo Tales is a slender collection of short stories about characters who stumble into surprising situations during their travels: a weekend getaway; a longer visit to a dream destination; relocation from a small town to "the big city." Some characters meet strangers with secrets. Others are subjected to crime. Still others discover hidden agendas of someone close to them. Readers will travel with the characters toward each story's unique resolution.    

Quotes that introduce a few of the stories in INDIGO TALES are by jazz musicians.  And in some of the stories, as characters deal with intrigue and deception, references are made to certain jazz, pop, and R&B musicians and singers.  It's my hope that you, the readers of this blog, will also support me by purchasing your own copy of INDIGO TALES: Short Stories.  After you read it, please feel free to share your positive comments at Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com, or directly with me.  Thank you.