Egídio asks us to pair music and photography this week in a unique and exciting challenge. At one time in my life I was the singer in a Jazz Trio, so as I contemplated this post, jazz standards and Bossa Nova tunes started swimming in my brain. Since I grew up in the 60’s-70’s, a lot of music of the times mingled into the mix, and because my family loved to sing around the campfire, those early influences emerged as well. I’m starting with a little known song most often heard as an instrumental, “Softly As in a Morning Sunrise”, from a 1928 operetta The New Moon, music composed by Sigmund Romberg with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.

“Softly, as in a morning sunrise the light of love comes stealing into a new born day….” Bobby Darin and Dianne Reeves have nice interpretations of the song, however it’s this one line that always comes into my head when I’m out and about when the sun comes up.

As the day progresses, especially on a lazy day with nice weather, a tune by The Lovin’ Spoonfull takes over.

“What a day for a daydream, custom-made for a daydreaming boy, and I’m lost in a daydream, dreamin’ ’bout my bundle of joy… and even if time ain’t really on my side, it’s one of those days for taking a walk outside….” Ah, yes!

Even when it’s raining, I still enjoy my walks outside. Here’s a favorite that I sing to myself on these outings; “Isn’t This A Lovely Day”, Lyrics by Irving Berlin for Top Hat 1935, sung by Fred Astaire.

“Isn’t this a lovely day to be caught in the rain? …Let the rain pitter patter but it really doesn’t matter if the skies are gray, long as I can be with you it’s a lovely day.”

Songs of the Sons of the Pioneers were among my family’s favorites, and the tunes and lyrics linger in me all these decades later. “I Follow the Stream”, Written by Bob Nolan and recorded with The Sons of the Pioneers (1935), is one of those.

“Wandering down thru the years like a brook winding on in a dream, somehow it leads me home if I’ll just follow the stream.
” It’s comforting to know, if you are lost in the mountains, stay near a stream and eventually you will find your way.

Another song that weaves into my life when I’m out in the wilderness was written by Tim Spencer, the founder of the Sons of the Pioneers, “The Timber Trail”.

“Tall timber’s callin’, and the echoes ring, all nature sings a song along the timber trail… High in the sky above, the love song of the trees, will blend and wend its way out on the breeze.”

Thank you Egídio for this opportunity to reminisce with photos of places I love to be, and songs that have nurtured me throughout my life! https://www.tumbleweedtrail.net/

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾