Keith Channing is still getting settled in the UK after his move from France. He does not yet have broadband, so his Kreative Kue feature is again paused.
Today’s finger point prompt comes from that best selling book, Circumstances of Childhood by that internationally known author, John W. Howell. The idea is to open a book, close your eyes, and point to a place on the page. This time my finger came to rest on bothered, so that is the prompt.
Bothered by John W. Howell © 2019
“Bewitched bothered and bewildered.”
“You listing your medical conditions or personality traits?”
“Very funny. I was singing a song from the 40s.”
“This is 2019. The forties haven’t happened yet.”
“I can’t believe you just said that.”
“Why?”
“I’m talking about the 1940s.”
“Ancient history.”
“For you, maybe. This was a song from the play Pal Joey which opened Christmas day on Broadway in 1940. It was written by Richard Rogers.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“No pupster. Since then the song has been done by Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt, Rod Steward, Cher, and Lady Gaga.”
“What does this have to do with the price of peanuts?”
“You are a very strange person. You know that?”
“I mean, so what?”
“It’s a beautiful song. That’s what.”
“There are a lot of beautiful songs. Why this one?”
“It reminds me of a time that was a little more innocent and less hassled.”
“Okay, old man. Sit on the porch and talk about the old days.”
“If I do. What will you do?”
“Go play a video game.”
“Did I ever tell you about the time I met Joe Lewis?”
“I’m outta here.”
“Try and not let that screen door come in contact with your tushie, tykester.”
Fiction Favorites 
Now I wonder if someone would actually think you meant 2040’s. I wouldn’t be surprised.
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Has that song really been sung by all of those artists? Nice job, John!
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Thank you, Jill. It is true. There were a few more but those were the majors.
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Wow, quite a popular song. 🙂
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True. Thanks, Jill.
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The younger generation doesn’t know what they’re missing when it comes to the music, ideals and life of that era!! I’ve known many that, once they get introduced to it all, fall in love with it!!
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You are right, I was born in 1941 and re-discovered some of the oldies long after the teen years. My parents exposed me to what we called, “show music” when I was a kid. I still love the Broadway songs.
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I was lucky that way myself. My father said he heard my radio playing all week, on Saturday, we’d listen to his collection. He had everything from from opera to honky tonk and I thought it was great!!
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Great way to handle a teen.
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He had his ways. I miss him terribly.
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One of my favorite songs. The 40s produced some really beautiful music and movies.
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Thank you, Jim. I agree on the 40s. Richard Rogers is one of my favorites
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Ha,ha! I admit I don’t know the song but I loved what you did with it (and your writing prompt). I wasn’t around in the 1940s but there are plenty of times I like to recall past generations when life moved at a slower, simpler pace. Good one, John!
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Thanks, Mae. Sometimes it is refreshing to take a look back. I love some of the old Broadway musicals. Life seemed so simple then. 😁
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LOL. Well done, John. I didn’t know Ella Fitzgerald sang “Bewitched bothered and bewildered”, but I just went to youtube and listened to her rendition and it is EXTRAORDINARY. Thank you for bringing Ella to us today. She’s transformed my morning! ♥
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I’m so glad, Gwen. She is remarkable. There are a number of beautiful renditions of this classic. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it. 😁
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Hmm, this is a bit different than your usual twisty tales, John. Perhaps you’re still basking in the glow of your daughter’s visit?? At any rate, I’m delighted to see first-hand just how versatile your writing is (and I love Broadway musicals, too!)
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Yeah this was a little different. The song idea put me in a gentle mood.
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I had no idea Lady Gaga had done a cover of that song. Nice prompt, John!
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Along with Tony Bennet. Great job they did.
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“More innocent and less hassled”… now wouldn’t that be bliss. Wonderful post John — I have all sorts of lovely music in my head now. Hugs.
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A blessing for sure. Thanks, Teagan.
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I wasn’t born in the 40s but I’m a fan of the music:)
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😊
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It would be nice to return to a gentler time.
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Yes it would.
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I fell in love with the era in my early twenties when I first heard the wonderful ‘Ella Fitgerald version of this great song. I’m a child of the turbulent 60’s, yet the 40’s magic still lures me. I love this post! Bravo!
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Thank you, Soooz.
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You just reminded how close we are to the 2040s! I never thought of it that way!
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I know right? Thanks, Luanne.
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Those tykesters just don’t get it. I love that song, and the flow of life back then. Great post, John.
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Thank you, Jennie. 😊
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You’re welcome, John.
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I loved this! [big smile]
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I’m glad. Thank you, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John!
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😊
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Late to this party, but I heard the music as I was walking up. My mother listed to show soundtracks on Saturday mornings. I love those songs, and I still smile when I hear them today. Great dialog, John.
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Thank you, Dan. 😊
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“Tykester”?
I like it.
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Spell check didn’t. Had to add it to the dictionary
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Great use of the prompt, John!
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Thank you, Jan. Hope you had a good trip.
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