Day 3196: Fascinating

It’s fascinating to me how much it improves my mood to title today’s blog post “Fascinating” (rather than “Afraid to Look” or “Big Setbacks” or other more negative titles I was considering).

If I can approach life with curiosity and openness to how fascinating everything is, I feel stronger, more hopeful, and better equipped to meet the inevitable ups and downs of existence.

Which of today’s images do you find fascinating?

It’s fascinating to me that today is National Black Dog Day, National Hair Day, Fire Pup Day, National Homemade Cookies Day, National Manufacturing Day, National Body Language Day, AND World Smile Day.

Here’s Gershwin’s “Fascinating Rhythm“ as performed by Jacob Collier…

… and my lyrics for “Fascinating Rhythm” — “Vaccinated Women.”

It’s fascinating to me that when I wrote that, seven months ago, I had no idea how controversial the COVID vaccines could be. It’s fascinating that I had no hesitation in getting the booster shot as soon as I could, and yet people I love and respect are refusing to get vaccinated at all.

What do you find fascinating? I look forward to reading your fascinating comments, below.

It’s fascinating how much gratitude helps, so thanks to all who read this blog, including fascinating YOU!

Day 2987: Fake

Why, for fake’s sake, would I write a post about “fake” when authenticity is so important to me?

Maybe “fake” has something to do with today’s Daily Bitch calendar.

Maybe it’s because I saw this fake swan yesterday.

I’m not being fake when I write that many people fear that others are being fake when they give them very positive feedback. I hear this in therapy and I thought about it last night when I got these compliments, via ZOOM chat, after performing “Vaccinated Women” at an Open Mic:

I sincerely doubt I could fake my way onto a Boston TV show. I think I need a new manager, instead of the fake one I have now:

Harley doesn’t even fake an interest in making me famous.

Do you see “fake” in any of my other images from yesterday?

You don’t have to pfake, I mean fake, your reaction to my performance of “Vaccinated Women” last night.

And I am never being fake when I express gratitude to all who help me create this daily blog, including YOU!

Day 2980: Viral

I think about going viral, so here’s a viral definition:

Why would I want to go viral, especially during these viral times? Maybe it’s a natural human yearning to be heard, appreciated, and connected with others.

Here and now, I’m good with not going viral and happy to connect with others as best as I can.

Is there anything viral in today’s images?

I think our cat Harley and Michael’s cooking are more likely to go viral than I am.

I doubt that my new song “Vaccinated Women” (to the tune of “Fascinating Rhythm”) will go viral, but I’m still looking forward to performing it this Friday at an Open Mic.

I wouldn’t want that recording to go viral since (1) I just figured out the ukulele chords and (2) neither my voice nor my looks are at their best this early in the morning.

What are your thoughts and feelings about this “Viral” post?

Thanks to all who help me create this non-viral blog every day, including YOU!

Day 2974: Neighborhoods

I inhabit several neighborhoods — real, virtual, and imaginary, as you can see.

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Even though I’m ambiviralent, I hope my new lyrics to “Fascinating Rhythm” help me go viral in the social media neighborhoods.

Vaccinated Women

by Ann Koplow

Vaccinated women, we’re shopping at stores.

Vaccinated women, we’re all a-quiver.

We are celebrating, the neighbors want to know

How we managed rating when they’re chopped liver.

Each morning we get up with the sun

And have no cares getting all our chores done.

Vaccinated women, you see us on the go

Vaccinated women, you might be asking.

How can you be certain which ones of us are

Vaccinated women, since we’re still masking.

Just look closely into our eyes and then you’ll see

Vaccinated women, happy and safe like me!

Vaccinated women, we don’t want to boast

Lord it over others, or make them jealous.

Vaccinated women, what would please us most

Is vaccine distribution to all gals and fellas.

We hope that everyone over the world will join us soon

Vaccinated people, out, safe, and over the moon!

© Ann Koplow, 2021

In my imaginary neighborhood, Jacob Collier lives nearby, so here‘s Jacob’s arrangement and performance of the Gershwins’ “Fascinating Rhythm.”

I’m grateful to my neighbors in all my neighborhoods, including YOU!