Sunday, November 8, 2026

I Wrote This Christmas Song For Our Adult Children - I Wrapped Your Easy Road

The "Drama" Behind Finding the Right Sound For "I Wrapped Your Easy Road"

When I write for my kids (adult kids now), I'm extra hard on myself to get exactly what I want to say, the way I want to say it, with the sound I want to say it best!

I literally almost gave up on creating I Wrapped Your Easy Road!

After creating more than 34 musical arrangements for this piece, and endlessly experimenting with tempos, pacing, keys, and musical styles, I reached my breaking point.

I spent hours upon hours tweaking the sound in multiple ways, and it felt like I was running in circles!

The main struggle wasn't that the music was ever bad; it was that I couldn’t create an arrangement that made the words flow the way I wanted them to. I struggled to create a sound that carried the lyrics and phrasing with genuine emotion while honoring the cadence of each lyric I had carefully written! So frustrating.

Because I write the lyrics, a lot of nuance goes into putting together the final piece. The words need to land. The message needs to hit.

I came so close to shelving the entire project.

But I kept pushing forward, refining the music and lyric layout until it finally moved in harmony with the lyrics the way I wanted.

That final attempt brought the song to life, turning what was almost an abandoned draft into one of my absolute personal favorites.

Here's The Full Original Song and Video:

I Wrote This Christmas Song For My Grown-Up Kids (and Yours, Too)

When my children were young, Christmas morning was pure magic. I still vividly recall the sheer excitement in their eyes, the colorful presents they couldn't wait to tear open, the festive decorations around the house, and the plate of treats carefully left out for the reindeer.

Back then, bringing joy to your kids was as simple as buying, wrapping, and placing gifts neatly beneath the tree. Add a lovely family dinner, and you're making memories!

As time passes, a parent’s wishes naturally evolve.

Looking at my adult children today, the gifts I long to give them aren't found on store shelves or wrapped in shiny paper.

They are the things money simply can’t buy: hoping their biggest dreams come true, praying they believe in themselves, and wishing they have the courage to follow the path in their hearts.

Most of all, I wish I could smooth out the rough patches ahead and hand them an easier path through life. As the lyrics say, I want to wrap the easy road in the prettiest paper you’ve ever seen.

While I wrote these words straight from a mother’s perspective, these feelings aren't limited to just one person.

I'm sure many parents, whether a mom or a dad, can relate to this deep desire to protect and lift up their children. In truth, it's a song for anyone who loves someone deeply and hopes for nothing less than the absolute best for their journey.

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How I Put My Lyrics to Music and Create Songs - A Basic Introduction

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🎵 I write and produce story-driven lyrics. Vocals and music are digitally produced (I am not the singer). I digitally direct and arrange the video and recording.🎵 ©2026 DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - All Rights Reserved - Original Lyrics Authored | Sound Recording: Produced With Digital Assistance (Vocals and Instrumental) 2026. Licensed digital composition (Commercial Rights Held). The visual artwork may include AI-assisted digital elements. SOCAN Member.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Saturday, November 7, 2026

The Infield Shift – in Baseball: A Sports Review

I’ve watched baseball all my life, yet some terminology still catches me off guard. Most baseball terms have been coined over the years by sports writers and announcers as they reported the action on the field or the results of the game.

The shift in baseball used during a L.A. Angels Spring Training Game

The Inside Shift

Baseball has its own ever-changing language, so it's not surprising that even long-term baseball fans still have to look things up in order to understand what the broadcaster said. There are also regular rule changes to meet today’s changing requirements in the sport.

The term 'shift' has been part of baseball terminology for many years, yet I can't recall it ever being used as often as it was in the 2014 baseball season. “The Shift is on”, the sportscaster tells us. All of a sudden it seemed to me as if it was happening in every game I watched. I couldn't figure out what the players were doing at first. Finally I got out my trusty Baseball Dictionary and looked it up!

image of baseball field defensive positions for 'Inside Shift' vs. No Shift

Traditional baseball positioning;
note the two infielders on each side of second base (left view).

Baseball Defensive Positioning using a shift;
note there is only one infielder to the left side of second base (right view)

The 'Shift' means “to change fielding position", to move defensive players from their traditional positions in the field to defend against a particular batters' way of hitting, or to be in a better position for a double play.”

All individual players move left or right to step into the path of the ball for fielding, But the shift in 2014, the year I first began noticing it, seemed to involve half the players on the field all at the same time before the batter even hits. I've begun paying closer attention to this move now that I know what they are talking about. My baseball education continues.....

The Shift is Gone!

As time moved on, the shift was used more and more frequently (more than tripling between 2016 and 2022). Eventually, it was noted to have caused an historic drop in hitting by the offense and Major League Baseball banned the extreme defensive shift before the start of the 2023 season.

The reason for this rule change is defenders were being positioned in such a way as to dramatically decrease the batting average on balls in play. This was particularly true for left-handed pull hitters who watched hard-hit grounders and line drives into right field turn into routine outs.The ban on the shift was instituted as a way to open up the field and award batters more base hits and also providing a better entertainment for fans.

Summary

Along with sports creating their own language and becoming an established term, new baseball rules also come along as the need for them becomes obvious. Most of these rules have shown to have a positive effect on the game. The latest new rule in 2026 was the ABS rule. I can tell that another update in my review of baseball ‘happenings’ will soon be coming about as I continue my baseball learning.

Friday, November 6, 2026

WinterSilks & Thermasilk Thermal Underwear for Women

Over 30 years ago, I discovered WinterSilks thermal underwear for women. I have survived many winters and enjoyed lots of outdoor activity thanks to this thin, lightweight easy to wear thermal underwear.

I've never been fond of coats. The bulk and extra weight of a coat has simply been too restricting in my personal opinion. I also hate to cover up my pretty sweaters with a coat. However, the idea of wearing thermal underwear didn't initially have an appeal, especially those made of heavy fabrics to be worn under my clothes. I was quite hesitant to spend the money to try WinterSilks. For our income, they were pretty expensive, so I asked for them for Christmas. I must say, silk thermal underwear is totally fabulous!

WinterSilks brand is no longer made, but a comparable brand, Thermasilk, promises to be just as good, although I won't be able to tell for sure for another 30 years.

I've worn my WinterSilks many times in freezing weather as we enjoyed outdoor vacations, tours, and activities. While there are some things that I still require a coat to endure, the silk thermal underwear is the best foundation for staying warm.

Keep in mind, they are meant to be worn under your clothes, therefore they are not "pretty". Also, proper care is essential to longevity. I do machine wash my silk thermal underwear in a mesh washing machine laundry bag, on cold. I do not dry them in the dryer. I hang them to dry.

Thermasilk Thermal Underwear for Women

Terramar Women's Thermasilk Pointelle ScoopCheck Price

I once thought thermal underwear was just too bulky to wear in public. When I was younger, I did have a pair of thermal underwear pants that I wore under my gowns for warmth. They would never have been daytime wear since they would have been like wearing a second pair of pants under my slacks.

Silk thermal underwear is a totally different thing! It is thin and lightweight, even though it is temperature regulated and moisture wicking. I do wear my silk underwear under my slacks or jeans and can't visually tell I am wearing anything under my pants. I can feel the waistband on the pants, but that is the only indication that I am wearing anything extra.

The pants are sold separately which is fabulous for those of us who need one size in a top, but a different size for the bottom.

Terramar Women's Thermasilk Pointelle PantCheck Price Terramar Women's Thermasilk Pointelle PantCheck Price

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Black and Decker BEBL750 Leaf Blower Review

When fall arrives, keeping your yard free of leaves can quickly become a time-consuming chore. Raking leaves is certainly an option, but having a dependable leaf blower can make outdoor cleanup much faster and easier.

We have a small yard surrounded by many trees. So we have a lot of cleanup to do in the fall. The other day, I was blowing leaves to the curb when my trusted leaf blower quit on me.

After checking the cords and the outlets, I was about to tear it apart to see what was wrong. Fran happened to be outside and said, just go buy a new one; you have that for years.

So, off I went to buy a new leaf blower. After looking at several battery-operated models, I opted for this corded Black & Decker BEBL750. Our yard is small, so I don't mind dragging a cord along.

I will spare you the technical details, but the leaf blower delivers 140 MPH with an airflow of 450 CFM (cubic feet per minute). It is powerful, has two speeds, and is lightweight.

I'm very happy with this leaf blower and would recommend it to anyone with a smaller yard who doesn't mind the cord.

BLACK + DECKER Electric Leaf Blower, Hand Held Blowers for Lawn Care, Up to 450 CFM and 140 MPH Power, Axial, Lightweight, Corded (BEBL750)

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Wednesday, November 4, 2026

November Already, Birds Know It's Going to Get Cold! ~ A Product Review

Well that happened really fast I think! November seems to have jumped on me with a swiftness that I was not expecting! But, I guess I should have taken better notice of the subtle hints that Mother Nature had been sending my way before today!

Hints like the hundreds of Canadian Geese fattening themselves up before their long flight into the warmer climates. I wasn't looking because I was enjoying the beautiful summer that we had this year. Even today, I find it hard to believe that it is November! We had a balmy day of 23 degrees Celsius. For us Northerners, this is a remarkable warmth for this time of year.

The older I get, the more I like that winter seems to be taking it's time to get to us.

Having confessed that I'm good with the warm weather, I know that one day soon I will wake up to find that winter has indeed found me.

To that end, I am preparing to feed the birds that don't make that long trip to warmer places. Birds need our help in the winter months when finding seed heads becomes a task, especially when they are hidden under the snow.

Before I go any further, I'm going to ask you to take this seriously. If you start to feed the birds, please don't stop half way through the winter. Those birds who find you in November will be looking for food right through till the first dandelions appear in March or April.

Feeding the birds in the winter is a commitment you make to those little feather friends that will undoubtedly show up at your feeders. Quitting half way through the winter will cause them hardship as they will be desperately looking for a new source of food.

Don't give up on them and they will give you lots of joy throughout the long cold winter months.

Even little chickadees are a joy to see in the wintertime.

So let's get some good seeds, suet and a nice feeder so that the birds can make your backyard their choice for good eats!

Back in 2014, I wrote about feeding the birds and looking back at that Review, I know that what I'm telling you here is the same advice that I gave back then.

A great suet recipe comes from Birds and Blooms!

1 cup of peanut butter

1 cup lard

2 cups quick cooking oats

2 cups bird seed mix

1 cup of yellow cornmeal

1 cup of flour

Melt the peanut butter and lard slowly over low heat and then pour it into the dry ingredients. Mix well and let cool on a parchment covered baking dish(es) and let cool. Cut into size to fit your suet holder and you are done.

The most important thing for the birds in the winter months is that their food should be high in fats. They need it for energy to fly and to keep themselves warm.

One other way to guarantee that the birds will come is to have a ready supply of water for them as well. One of our reviewers is a "nature-buff" and she suggests that a heated water dish is a must have and I agree completely! Check our Mary Beth's review right here!

Birds are some of the littlest joys that we have flitting in and out of our lives. Can I suggest you give feeding the birds a try for one year and see how much joy they will bring to your day! It might even be the start of a whole new hobby!

Now for all you Non-Techy types, if you are interested in reading more, just click on the words you see in blue writing and you will find all kinds of great information to help you become the best bird friend ever.

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Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Train Conductor, Railroad Crossing Gift Ideas

I actually made this railroad crossing design as a special request. It recently sold again, so I figure that there are others who would appreciate this as well.

It features a conductor standing near a set of train tracks that are pictured in back of him. The request I received was to make it a retirement card, though it can be used for birthdays, railroad accomplishments, and more.

I did some research on YouTube, and found out that the Conductor does quite a few jobs, including deciding when the train is to move and which way it is to go. They manage the the overall operation which may also include doing computer work as far as scheduling is concerned, and what may or may not need to be done on the excursion. Per AI, conductors also manage the crew, passengers, and or cargo.

A conductor that moves up, will become an engineer. The engineer operates and drives the locomotive.

These postcards can be used to let the Conductor that you know, that they have done a great job.

Personalized Railroad Conductor Postcards
by CherylsArt

My husband and I took a scenic train ride years ago. The Conductor on that train participated in removing a tree from the tracks that had come down since their previous trip. This Conductor was also quite sociable as compared to the conductors we saw on Amtrack. This is nothing negative about Amtrack, it's just that there was a different type of experience between the two different types of trains.

This poster looks like a great choice for small scenic train rides, to give guests directions to the depot, station. The arrow on the poster can be manipulated to point in a different direction. It is designed using a triangle and a line.

Custom Railroad Crossing Conductor Posters
by CherylsArt

The train Conductor who works on a scenic type of train, might also appreciate a personalized tshirt so that guests can easily know what to call him. If you need a design made for women train conductors, let me know in a comment below.

Personalized Railroad Crossing Tshirts
by CherylsArt

Have you been on train rides before? Which type of trains have you been on?

If you would like to see more train conductor products, including mugs, tshirts, and more, you can view what is currently available here: https://www.zazzle.com/collections/railroad_crossing_collection-119249638391014273

I have purchased various cards and tshirts from Zazzle, and all have turned out great. The materials have been of good quality, and the printing and colors have been excellent.

Thank you for your visit, and please do share this post with any train fans that you may know.

Cheryl Paton

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Sunday, November 1, 2026

When Life Seems Hard, Give This Original Song A Listen For A Little Empathy and Hope

When Life Seems Hard, Give This Song I Wrote A Listen For Little Empathy and Hope

When Life is Hard - Be The Eye In That Storm - "I Am The Hurricane" by Drageda Lyrics

I Am the Hurricane started with two words I happened to hear while watching television: "Hurricane and whirlwind".

They were ordinary words in the context of what I was watching, but they caught my imagination. I reached for my notebook and wrote down the idea.

I didn't have a complete story in mind. Still, I was intrigued by the possibility of using something as enormous and unpredictable as a hurricane to express thoughts about the human experience.

I eventually found myself looking at the subject from an unusual perspective. Instead of simply describing a storm, what if the person experiencing it became part of the storm itself?

That question opened up an entirely different direction for the song.

A Different Way of Looking at the Storm

I chose a country music duet for this song because I wanted the lyrics to have a storytelling quality that applied to both men and women.

The subject gave me plenty of room to build imagery, but I also wanted something beneath the surface that listeners could think about.

A hurricane is a fascinating subject because of its contradictions. It is destructive, unpredictable, and powerful, yet its eye presents an entirely different picture. That contrast made me think about how we sometimes present ourselves to the world compared with what is actually happening inside us.

We can appear composed while dealing with enormous internal pressure. We can carry on with our daily routines while thoughts and worries compete for our attention. Other people may see very little of what is going on beneath the surface.

I liked the idea of putting those contrasting experiences into a song without spelling everything out for the listener.

Who Is Really in Control?

An interesting tension runs through I Am the Hurricane. At first, the storm seems to have all the power. But as the story develops, the perspective changes. The person at the center of it begins to take a more active role.

That raised another question for me. How much control do we actually have over what happens in our lives?

We make decisions every day, sometimes without knowing how far-reaching their consequences might be. We can get caught up in situations that seemed harmless at first, only to discover that getting out is much harder than getting in.

But responsibility isn't always the answer. Not everything that happens is something we have caused or could have prevented. Life has a way of presenting challenges that nobody could have anticipated.

I wanted these different possibilities to coexist in the song. I didn't want to tell listeners what their own experiences should mean. I wanted to give them an image they could interpret through their own circumstances.

What Remains When Everything Changes?

One part of the story I find particularly important is what happens once the hurricane's intensity is over.

The end of a difficult experience doesn't automatically erase everything that came with it. There may be things to repair, decisions to reconsider, and memories that take longer to put behind us. The aftermath can be its own challenge.

I think this important part of the human experience often gets overlooked. We tend to concentrate on the moment when something goes wrong, but what happens afterward can tell us just as much about ourselves.

The person in this song has to face what remains. No one can pretend nothing happened. The damage has to be acknowledged before a new chapter can begin.

And perhaps that is where the most meaningful change takes place. Not necessarily during the most dramatic moment, but in the quieter period that follows.

A Song That Leaves Room for Interpretation

When I write a song, I don't always want to close the door on every possible interpretation. I enjoy the idea that two people can listen to the same lyrics and come away with entirely different thoughts.

Someone might connect this song to a period of personal upheaval. Someone else might see it as a statement about independence, accountability, or learning to trust their own judgment. Some listeners may even interpret the hurricane as an expression of the power they have discovered within themselves.

I find that range of possibilities interesting because the story becomes something more than the lyrics I originally set out to write. It becomes an opportunity for people to connect their own thoughts and experiences to the words.

I Am the Hurricane began with two words I heard on television. What emerged was a country song that let me explore power, uncertainty, responsibility, and the many ways people respond when life doesn't go according to plan.

Now that the song is out in the world, I'm curious about the stories other people will find in it.

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How I Put My Lyrics to Music and Create Songs - A Basic Introduction

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Saturday, October 31, 2026

Bubble, Bubble, Tea & Trouble Book Review

Book Number 7 in the Vicky Delany’s “Tea By The Sea” mystery series

Vicky Delany returns with book seven in her fun ‘Tea by the Sea' cozy mystery series, bringing back her well-loved characters who have populated the pages of these cozy mysteries throughout books 1-6.

Since the theme of this installment ‘supposedly’ involves a bit of the paranormal, using a play-on-words reference to the old ‘witch’s’ chant of "Double, double toil and trouble; / Fire burn and caldron bubble" from Shakespere’s MacBeth for the title, ‘Bubble, Bubble, Tea & Trouble’ fits in well with the main character’s Cape Cod Tea Room, a standard in the whole series.

Synopsis of Bubble, Bubble, Tea & Trouble

Bubble, Bubble, Tea and Trouble (Tea by the Sea Mysteries)Check Price

Book seven begins with Lily Roberts, the Cape Cod tearoom owner, discovering a group of guests at her grandmother’s Victorian B&B conducting a seance. The group of five middle-aged women called it a meeting of their ‘book club’, but holding it in the dark while using ritualistic candles, with no ‘books’ in sight, makes Lily question what is going on. Nevertheless, she chases them outside if they must use the candles, because the Inn has a no-smoking policy. Not to mention the fire hazard. The ladies leave, while complaining that they seem to be having nothing but bad luck and chalk it up to the mysterious absence of their leader, Katya.

The next morning, Lily finds what they are really trying to do when they begin grilling her about any past paranormal activity in the old Inn. Their attempts to contact spirits are not working and they are blaming the missing leader they paid to come along and guide them. Lily rather thinks the real reason they are failing is that there is no such thing as ghosts!

Bernie, Lily’s best friend, has found what she believes is another explanation ~ the fact that these ‘so-called’ spirit-seekers have the wrong house! That the haunted reputation belongs to the place next door where Lily’s gardener boyfriend is currently staying.

But before Lily and Bernie can inform these luckless ladies of this development, the missing medium shows up. Trouble is, she is found dead on the rocks at the bottom of the cliff.