Rocking On!

Yeah, Another Blogger

Here in the northern hemisphere, autumn is not all that far from drawing to a close. Winter soon will arrive. Having spent way too little time admiring the changing colors of tree leaves this autumn, a week and a half ago I decided to try and rectify the situation by taking a walk around my suburban neighborhood. And so, after murmuring a fond I’ll be back to the sofa I’d been resting my bony ass upon, out the door I went. Though many trees had already dropped all or most of their leaves, I quickly discovered that some still were proudly displaying plenty of their wares. Those leaves, masterpieces in shades of amber, burgundy, russet and gold, moved me. I was glad to be around them.

It wouldn’t be long, of course, before just about every deciduous tree was bare. Which is why, as I strode along, I found myself thinking about time’s relentless forward thrust. Man, not only will winter soon arrive, 2024 will too. Huh? For me, 2022 absolutely zoomed by. And 2023 is setting an even faster pace. It’s scary how time seems to accelerate when we get up there in years.

And there’s no question that I’m up there. I’m 76, for crying out loud, a number that stuns me. In my mind I may be 45 or 50, but the mirror tells a different story. As does this obvious truth: Even if I remain above ground for another 20 or more years, I’m ridiculously closer to the end than to the beginning. Holy shit, who designed this system?  I don’t like it! If it were up to me, we wouldn’t have expiration dates. Or, at the least, the expiration dates would be a hell of a lot longer than they now are.

What to do, what to do? Well, we all know that a good approach to life is to keep on keeping on as best we can. Meaning, we should be loving and giving individuals, and should pursue those activities that bring us joy. And it wouldn’t hurt if we spread our wings too. Yeah, that’s a game plan to embrace, no matter what our age.

There’s not enough room on this page for me to delve into my successes and failures in attempting to meet each of the criteria suggested above. But I will describe one recent activity that brought me joy. Namely, my attendance, with my wife Sandy, at a Willie Nile concert, which took place at City Winery Philadelphia. Willie is a songwriter, vocalist and rhythm guitarist. And, most important, a high-potency rocker. I’d seen him in concert before, and was at City Winery because I expected to be rocked righteously. For rock and roll — guitar-based, take-no-prisoners rock and roll, to be exact — is a form of music that meshes exceedingly well with my internal rhythms. When the songs are hearty and the playing is powerful and the musicians’ commitment knows no bounds, I’m transported to higher realms.

Everything came together magnificently that night. Willie and his band were on fire, unleashing torrents of energy. I’d been feeling rock-deprived for the previous two or three months. The Willie Nile concert put a halt to that.

The concert not only excited me, it got me thinking too. Willie, you see, is a mere eight months younger than me. He’s been part of the rock scene for decades, has played thousands of shows, and hasn’t lost his passion for the music. I tell you, Willie shines as a role model for seniors who are a bit dismayed by the thought that the Grim F*cking Reaper might be lurking around the corner. I’m one of those seniors. Willie is doing what he loves, and shares his gifts generously with his audiences. I believe he’ll rock until the day he drops. That’s a truly worthy way in which to live a life.

In closing, I’ll present you with a video from the concert in question. Dig Willie’s leg kick towards the end of the song. He might be old, but he’s still got “rock star” moves:

144 thoughts on “Rocking On!”

  3. thelongview's avatar thelongview November 28, 2023 / 12:30 am

    Love the fall colours, Willy’s leg kick, your philosophy and your love of your sofa 🤗

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. johnlmalone's avatar johnlmalone November 28, 2023 / 1:04 am

    love those colours, Neil: bright and cheerful like your post 🙂 hey, we’re a similar age, I get how you feel, and yes, we should rock on like Willie Nile 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. Mukta Verma's avatar muktaverma November 28, 2023 / 3:00 am

    Beautiful pics and blog

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. tylerus's avatar tylerus November 28, 2023 / 4:35 am

    Lovely colors. This post really (!) hit home for me. xox

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  7. brilliantviewpoint's avatar brilliantviewpoint November 28, 2023 / 6:03 am

    Great message. Here’s what I noticed in life. We are as old as the friends we keep (ie if they are feeling old and never have anything happy to say), of the information we read, of the environment we are in. Basically, like your rock star, it’s up to us to keep feeling young even if the mirror shows something different. So, keep on, rocking on!!

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger November 28, 2023 / 10:26 am

      You are right on the money: “Basically, like your rock star, it’s up to us to keep feeling young even if the mirror shows something different.”

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      • brilliantviewpoint's avatar brilliantviewpoint November 28, 2023 / 1:20 pm

        It is amazing, really. Some people ONLY talk about aches/pains, I’m old, etc. THEN there are other people that NEVER mention aches/pains, the pills they take, etc. I find them so inspirational. It’s as if they don’t know they are old. Oh, and they still dress nice and youthful… not like in their 20s, but with nice colors, etc (men/women). It’s nice.

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  8. Unknown's avatar Anonymous November 28, 2023 / 6:16 am

    I love those Autumn leaves photos. Your description of Willie Nile reminds me of the other Willie–Willie Nelson. They both have retained their spunk and drive. Their music is still relevant today.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger November 28, 2023 / 10:28 am

      Hi. Is this Blue Jay? Right, Willie Nelson is quite unbelievable. He’s 90 or more, and still performing at a high level.

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  9. Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter's avatar Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter November 28, 2023 / 6:20 am

    Glorious colours! And I share your dismay at the speed of time but yes, keep on keeping on until we can’t – which I hope will be a long way away for both of us.

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  11. Unknown's avatar Anonymous November 28, 2023 / 7:46 am

    Great photos as usual!!!! Sounds like a great concert!

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  12. wings of a tern's avatar rivertoprambles November 28, 2023 / 7:52 am

    Glad you caught a live one there at the winery! Niles probably wasn’t the first one to say “Don’t die before you’re dead,” but he sings it strongly here.

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  14. Paddy Tobin's avatar Paddy Tobin November 28, 2023 / 8:10 am

    The northeastern state always have spectacular autumn (fall) colour and I look forward to photographs each year. Good on Willie Nile!

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger November 28, 2023 / 10:40 am

      Hi Paddy. Lots of people travel to Vermont, New Hampshire, upstate New York, etc. to see the colors of fall in those states’ forested areas.

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  15. Unknown's avatar Anonymous November 28, 2023 / 8:44 am

    “And it wouldn’t hurt if we spread our wings too.”Great advice for all. Great advice in so many ways. I just turned 73 and your writings resonate deeply with me. Please keep writing and keep rocking on.

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  17. Helen Devries's avatar Helen Devries November 28, 2023 / 8:55 am

    Wonderful colours….and just you keep going on, that sofa craves company! I saw the Rolling Stones at the Epsom Baths hall back in the sixties….they’re still going and so am I.

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  18. mariezhuikov's avatar mariezhuikov November 28, 2023 / 9:27 am

    Good for you to enjoy the fall while you can! We have snow on the ground in MN now….

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  19. Dave's avatar Dave November 28, 2023 / 9:55 am

    Pat yourself on the back for still finding the energy to go to a live concert, Neil. They’re not my scene (anymore) but I can draw a parallel with sports. I still love to watch a football game in a stadium, no matter the hectic crowds, expensive tickets, having to stand the entire time, and not being able to make it through the whole game without a visit to the restroom. If I ever decide my only option for football is in front of the TV, Mr. Reaper deserves his chance to come and get me.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger November 28, 2023 / 10:48 am

      Did you see the Eagles/Bills game two days ago? I turned it on with 2 minutes left in regulation. The Bills scored a TD to go ahead, then the Eagles kicked a 59-yard field goal to tie the game and send it into OT. In OT, the Bills kicked a field goal to take the lead. And then the Eagles somehow scored a TD to win the game. Incredible.

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      • Dave's avatar Dave November 28, 2023 / 10:53 am

        Your Eagles seem to be a team of destiny with four come-from-behind wins in a row now. But keep an eye on my resurgent Broncos. After a horrid start they’re suddenly in the playoff hunt. Their 70-20 loss to Miami is almost forgotten. Almost 🙂

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  20. Paula B's avatar Paula B November 28, 2023 / 10:24 am

    Singer/songwriter wordsmiths are my favorites, Neil, but I have to sheepishly admit that Willie Nile was under my radar. Once again, thank you for introducing me to another talented rocker. I think you’re right that the best way to attack old age is to bring joy to others and not be afraid to bring joy to ourselves. Listening to (and in my case, occasionally playing) live music is definitely one of those joys. Keep on rockin’, Neil!

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      • Paula B's avatar Paula B November 28, 2023 / 1:16 pm

        Yes, I sometimes do open mics/gigs with others. I used to play the drum kit, but I started getting too old to be schlepping that thing around, setting it up, and packing it away. So now I play the cajon in more acoustic-type settings. Much easier on the body!

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  21. Ally Bean's avatar Ally Bean November 28, 2023 / 11:05 am

    I believe he’ll rock until the day he drops. That’s a truly worthy way in which to live a life. You know what, you’re right. In my mind I’m younger than I am according to reality, yet I sometimes slip into thinking those real numbers matter more than my imaginary age.

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  22. joylennick's avatar joylennick November 28, 2023 / 11:37 am

    Hi Neil! Gracias…I’m still ‘mentally’…rocking. Colourful snaps and music! Just the job. As Woody Allen once said ‘I don’t mind dying, as long as I’m not there when it happens…’ Who knows, eh? ‘Im indoors (bless im) recently said: ‘When I was 89, I didn’t dream I’d reach 95!’ He still drives, does the shopping and cooks dinner…and does around 10/12 crosswords every day. Our ‘well-travelled’ days are behind us, but what memories we have of our 70 years together…We are lucky to live near the Med in Spain and meet friends for coffee and nosh, listen to all sorts of music every day (eclectic) often via Classic FM on TV, and ‘Eric’ loves his football. We have our three, worthy sons – two live nearby and the third visits from Denmark. I am often writing , and still waiting for my 10th book to be published. We wrote one together: The Moon is Wearing a Tutu – a modest joke and limerick book, and he wrote one about his life in the East End of London and evacuation/army, etc., A Life Worth Living. I edited it and had it published for him. You have the right idea, Neil – life is certainly for living! Let’s hope you and your wife live a long one too. With affection. Joy xx

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  23. viewfromoverthehill's avatar viewfromoverthehill November 28, 2023 / 12:14 pm

    They’ve changed things while I was in hospital. I commented. I ‘liked’, but didn’t see anything. Did it show up? Curious. Stay well, Muriel

    >

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger November 28, 2023 / 1:08 pm

      Hi. Your first comment showed up, but it didn’t indicate that it was from View From Over The Hill. And the “like” didn’t show up either. I think that maybe you weren’t signed into WordPress when you posted the first comment. Anyway, take care. I’m always glad to hear from you.

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  24. JT Twissel's avatar JT Twissel November 28, 2023 / 12:22 pm

    Willie truly is an inspiration to all of us. I saw a side by side comparison of Mick Jagger and Mitch McConnell (who are the same age) and it said something like “Tell me again the dangers of sex, drugs and rock and roll.”

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  25. Unknown's avatar Anonymous November 28, 2023 / 12:50 pm

    You & Willie are just a couple of kids. But amen to that business of doing what brings you joy — and spreading it around. Thanks for brightening my morning with great song!

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  26. Rosaliene Bacchus's avatar Rosaliene Bacchus November 28, 2023 / 1:55 pm

    Yeah, time sure does seem to accelerate as we age! Like your favorite rock singer Willie Nile, we’ve gotta learn to keep rocking on 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  27. Suzanne's avatar Suzanne November 28, 2023 / 2:49 pm

    Something quite strange when we suddenly realise we have eaten into life’s sandwich with only a few bites to go and the crust. Love the autumn colours my favourite season.

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  28. unionhomestead's avatar unionhomestead November 28, 2023 / 3:57 pm

    Sofas can be beguiling; glad you broke from its comfy clutches to share some autumn glow. I recently watched Keith Richards on Netflix…made me feel a lot better about time marching on

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  29. Unknown's avatar Anonymous November 28, 2023 / 6:08 pm

    I’m not familiar with Willie Nile, but that’s good music, to accompany some good thought provoking writing.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger November 28, 2023 / 6:19 pm

      Your comment was posted as being from “anonymous,”
      so I don’t know who wrote it. In any event, I thank you.

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  30. Ann Coleman's avatar Ann Coleman November 28, 2023 / 7:12 pm

    Our fall colors weren’t nearly as good as yours! And I’m impressed with that video…I think the love of rock can keep people young, or at least acting young. I mean, look at the Rolling Stones!

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  32. iglengel's avatar iglengel November 28, 2023 / 8:30 pm

    Great post. I am not into that music but am into country Willie, Waylon, Johnny, Hank Williams Jr, and the boys. Just turned 83 this past Saturday and while there seems to be a couple more downs than in the past, turn that there music on, and I’m in seventh heaven. Hang in there my friend. We ain’t done yet.

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  33. talebender's avatar talebender November 29, 2023 / 11:14 am

    ‘Keep on keeping on’…..love the concept! ‘Pursue those activities that bring us joy’…..love this one, too! Reminds me of the final four lines of a poem I wrote some time ago—
    And when that day is nigh, as ’twill be by and by,
    I hope it will be widely said
    That, as man and boy, I strove for the joy
    Of living until I was dead!

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  34. annieasksyou's avatar annieasksyou November 29, 2023 / 5:03 pm

    The fall tree photos are super, Neil.

    So if you’re only as young/old as you feel, and you feel 45 to 50, you’re clearly in that range. Although I’d never heard of Willie Nile, I’ve heard of all those great musicians who think he’s great. And I thought the song was terrific. You rock, Neil!

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  37. shoreacres's avatar shoreacres November 29, 2023 / 10:40 pm

    I’d never heard of Willie Nile, but my goodness, did I like that song. It has echoes of another rocker I can’t quite identify, but it’s good music. I’ve been laughing for a couple of days now. The Rolling Stones are coming to Houston on April 28, and while I was listening to a promo on radio, I learned who’s sponsoring the event. AARP! How wonderful is that? AARP members get a discount on tickets — I might finally join the organization!

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger November 30, 2023 / 7:02 am

      Hi. I wonder how many people in their 20s and 30s go to Rolling Stones concerts. Probably quite a few, though I’m sure that most of the attendees are over 45.

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  38. waywardsparkles's avatar waywardsparkles November 30, 2023 / 12:00 am

    Thanks, Neil, for sharing your fall colors with those of us who are deprived of that brilliance in our own lives! Music is food for he soul! Don’t be starving your bony ass! Rock on, my friend! Also, how’d the gummy turn out? Mona

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger November 30, 2023 / 7:04 am

      I’ve used a gummy only once so far, taking the salesperson advice to start off slow and eat only half of one. It did almost nothing. Next time I’ll eat a whole one.

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  39. Misti's avatar Misti December 1, 2023 / 5:18 pm

    Love the fall color! We’re peaking right now after some colder weather a week ago or so.

    I’m 43 but already started feel the half my life is gone situation! I can’t imagine how it feels on the downhill side of things.

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 1, 2023 / 7:33 pm

      Hey there, Misti. One thing for sure is that I’d like to be at least 25 years younger than I am.

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  41. Unknown's avatar Anonymous December 3, 2023 / 9:36 am

    Whenever I think about immortality, I realize that Al Roker could be on the Today Show eternally. And that makes me glad that at least he is mortal.

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  42. andrewcferguson's avatar andrewcferguson December 3, 2023 / 11:32 am

    Keep on rockin’, Neil. Loved the song. With the Scottish bus pass for over 60’s, when you put it on the reader, it flashes up ‘expiration: never.’ I’m afraid that may be too optimistic, but we should give it a good old go!

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  43. selizabryangmailcom's avatar selizabryangmailcom December 3, 2023 / 1:09 pm

    I like that song!
    And hey, if you think aging blows, consider aging WHILE you’re going insane and randomly breaking out into searing sweat sessions at the same time! (menopause) lol
    It can always be worse, Neil! 🙂

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      • selizabryangmailcom's avatar selizabryangmailcom December 3, 2023 / 8:06 pm

        Ha. Can’t tell if you’re serious or joking. But thanks either way 🙂

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          • selizabryangmailcom's avatar selizabryangmailcom December 3, 2023 / 11:20 pm

            Thanks, Neil. I was exaggerating a little for comedy’s sake, but I still think the cosmos has it out against women in that arena, lol.

            Liked by 1 person

  44. ckennedy's avatar ckennedy December 3, 2023 / 6:31 pm

    Love the video! I’m loving all the music and performances by celebrities and stars who are just timeless. Cher’s new song during the Macy’s parade–and Dolly Parton–so many people still rocking!

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  45. jasonmcgathey's avatar jasonmcgathey December 4, 2023 / 6:57 am

    Hey, you’re only as old as you feel! So you may in fact be 45 or 50. Anyway it’s a proven fact that writing is good for your health! So keep after it!

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  46. Jacqui Murray's avatar Jacqui Murray December 4, 2023 / 11:08 am

    Had to listen to the Willie Nile video. I too love hard rock, especially on my Peloton tread, but not to the extent you do. This was delightful.

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  47. Geoff Stamper's avatar Geoff Stamper December 4, 2023 / 1:13 pm

    Willie was born less than a year after me but his hamstrings are working a lot better than mine if he can kick like that!

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    • Yeah, Another Blogger's avatar Yeah, Another Blogger December 4, 2023 / 3:49 pm

      Hi, Geoff. He had some real good moves during the show. Once or twice I saw him do a series of backward jumps. I was amazed.

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  48. Shelley@QuaintRevival.com's avatar Shelley@QuaintRevival.com December 5, 2023 / 6:52 am

    Willie’s kick in your arse off the couch move is awesome! Reminds me of Ace in KISS. For 76, I’d say for crying out loud that a number that wonderful stuns me as you remind me more of 45 or 50. Attending a concert in a winery tells me that your hearing isn’t a problem at 76! That’s a good thing. Keep rocking!!

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  49. George's avatar George December 6, 2023 / 12:24 am

    As Pete Townshend once said, “Rock n roll might not solve your problems but it does let you dance all of them”. Keep on rockin’, Neil!

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  50. Jet Eliot's avatar Jet Eliot December 6, 2023 / 3:31 pm

    There’s nothing like a live rock-n-roll concert to pick us up and loosen our bones. Fun post, Neil.

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