Christmas in April

Well, we had a big snowstorm here in NH last night, and this morning it looked like December outside. How fitting that on this day I should discover yet ANOTHER video of a house that is decorated with lights that blink in time to my song "The House on Christmas Street." This phenomonon has really taken off, and I couldn't be more honored. If you want to check out this video, follow the link to YouTube.com: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l3wEeU377o

I also want to announce that I've been invited by the folks at PlanetChristmas.com to perform the song and others from my Christmas CD at the annual PLUS seminar (Planet Christmas Lights Up Seminar) in Gatlinburg during the first weekend in August. It's very exciting!

Make New Friends, But Keep the Old

Jennie Nadeau moved across the street from me when I was four years old, and quickly became my best friend. Like most little girls in the early sixties, we played Barbies for hours on end, rode bikes together in the spring and played in the snow in the winter. Jennie went to Kindergarten before I did, and I remember waiting every day for her to come home around noon so we could play together.
My family moved away when I was eight and Jennie and I lost touch because I went to Catholic School and she went to public, but we met up again in Jr. High and became close friends all over again.
My high school years are measured in long telephone conversations with Jennie every evening during which we would discuss boys, school, what to wear, and how to avoid eating potato chips. She had boyfriends, I did not, so I learned about teenage love vicariously through Jennie while she joked around about my crushes on Al Pacino and John Travolta.
After graduation we went to different colleges, but we kept in touch sporadically through the years. We settled far apart from each other but we did meet each other's husbands and children and tried to visit whenever we could, but I haven't seen Jennie in about five years. Time and life just got in the way.
Today I found out that Jennie passed away suddenly on Friday night. She was 48 years old and had not been ill.
I can't believe that she is gone, and I will never hear her voice again. I would give anything to go back in time, even a week, and pick up the phone and call her. I would do it in a heartbeat.
I don't know how much of the person I am today is because Jennie Nadeau Mayott was in my life, but I suspect quite a bit. Thank you, Jennie, for all the laughter and tears and shared angst and love. You were my best girlfriend ever, and I will miss you forever. Everyone should be so lucky as to have a Jennie in their lives.

New York Performances

WOW! My daughter, Emma, and I had a fabulous time in NYC performing at the Children's Museum of Manhattan yesterday. I did two sold out shows and the audiences were greeeeeaaaat! We look forward to returning for more shows at the end of the summer....so, if you live in the NY area, keep watching the calendar for the exact date of the show. We'd love to see you there!
On another note, we stayed in the city to attend a nightclub performance of a great young band called MOOK. Emma is a big fan of theirs and I really enjoyed their music also. It's fresh and innovative, but still evokes the sounds of bands I listened to in my youth in the 70's such as Steely Dan and Yes. You can check them out at mookmusic.com. Tell them Judy and Emma sent you!

Children's Books

The thought occurred to me the other day that, now that my girls are 17 and 13, I don't really get exposed to the new children's books much any more. Time was I was right on the hot button of children's literature when perusing the latest arrivals at the bookstore or library, or just talking with my kids. But now they've moved on to teen and young adult novels (but we still enjoy Lemony Snicket and Harry Potter, of course!) and I'm not as "hep" on what's hot out there for kids.
Sooooo, I invite you to respond to this blog and tell me!
If you are a librarian or teacher, tell me what's new and hot for kids!
If you are a kid, tell me what you are reading!
As you know, I love to read and I love to write songs about children's books, so I need to keep up.
I'm looking forward to your replies, and thanks!
Judy

Hello, Allentown!

Well, I'm back home in New Hampshire now, and feeling good about the wonderful four days I spent with the kids of Allentown, PA. Central Elementry was a great start, then it was on to Sheridan, Roosevelt and Union Terrace Elementary Schools. Every school I went to was unique and special, but the students were all terrific. I will never forget your comments and especially your hugs.
I hope you will remember all that we talked about during the conflict resolution and anti-bullying assemblies, and the most important point: Treat Other People the Way You Want to Be Treated!
I look forward to seeing all of you again sometime. Keep Smiling!
Your pal,
Judy

Hello From Allentown, PA

Here's a big "Hello!" to the terrific kids and staff at Central Elementary School in Allentown, PA., where I spent this morning presenting two musical conflict resolution assemblies. The 20 boys and girls who role-played "Jack and Jill" were just terrific, and the students were attentive and respectful during the assemblies. I loved how you listened and remembered what was said. And I really loved all the compliments and hugs I received as you were filing out. You guys are great, and I will always remember you!
Thanks for a wonderful morning!
Judy

More On-Air Times

I'm having so much fun on the air at Oldies 103.3! Remember, if you aren't in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Conecticut or Southern NH, you can still hear us streaming live on your computer at oldies1033.com. My schedule for the next few weeks is this: Saturday, Jan. 27 from 4-7pm; Saturday, February 10 from 4-7pm; Sunday, February 18 from 3-7pm; Saturday, February 24 from 4-7pm and Sunday, March 3 from 3-7pm. I sure hope you can listen!