Roller Coaster
Oh, no no no no no no this just can’t be true, I took the car keys from the starter and I gave them to you
And then I saw you put them on the front seat of the car, Neatly push the lock as I screamed from afar….But it’s too late now, it’s just one of those days, When a split second action makes all the plans change
Wallet, keys and phone, all locked up inside, No point in moaning its just part of the ride.
Oh, no no no no no no this just can’t be true, I was cutting oh so carefully but the knife slashed through
And now my fingers bleeding and I’m seeing stars, I’ve got three shows this week, how will I play my guitar?
But it’s too late now, it’s just one of those days, When a split second action makes all the plans change
Bandaged fingers and unhappy sighs, No point in moaning its just part of the ride.
Oh, no no no no no no this just can’t be true, All those tiny pills bouncing on the floor around you
I know you didn’t mean it and you’re sorry as can be, But the prescription’s run out and those meds sure aren’t free.
But it’s too late now, it’s just one of those days, When a split second action makes all the plans change
Floor covered in pills rolling side to side, No point in moaning its just part of the ride.
Unsolicited Parenting Advice
All that unsolicited parenting advice: I’ve heard it everyday of my sweet kid’s life.
Standing in line at the grocery store, major meltdown right there on the floor.
Chorus:
I see the shaking heads and the dirty looks, I get read the riot act and quoted at from books.
I hear the tut tut tuts, I get reprimanded, I walk around feeling that I’ve been branded. ……Bad Parent…..
Yeah all that unsolicited parenting advice: From people that think in blacks and whites.
They say kids should be seen and shouldn’t be heard, you must be a bad parent if your kid hasn’t learned.
Chorus:
Yeah all that unsolicited parenting advice: It’s hard to hear and respond real nice
When I’m judged and told my kid’s not okay, I didn’t ask you for your input on this fine sunny day.
Chorus:
Oh I bite my tongue nearly every day, with all of this advice coming my way
Maybe you think that you’re being kind, but the word rude is what comes to mind….
Last chorus:
All that unsolicited parenting advice: From people who don’t have a clue about our life
I got to admit I’ve got advice for you too, why don’t you mind your own business ‘til you walk in my shoes!
COLORING OUTSIDE THE LINES, Words and music by Tom Hunter
She sat down to color at her coloring book and was carefully staying inside the lines
when all of a sudden she grinned and said, “I’m gonna color outside of the lines this time!”
Coloring outside the lines, I’m gonna color outside of the lines this time. (2x)
It was a group that was learning how to dance and move, With particular steps they were supposed to find.
All of a sudden someone jumped up and said, “I’m gonna dance outside of the lines this time!”
Dancing outside the lines, I’m gonna dance outside of the lines this time. (2x)
She was a first year teacher trying things out And was told it’s best if you’d toe the line.
Then her principal said, “You’re getting through to your kids, So you can teach outside of the lines this time.”
Teaching outside the lines, I’m gonna teach outside of the lines this time. (2x)
Her child was different, that was certainly clear. She was hearing advice from every side.
She realized the books were not going to help, So she’d parent outside of the lines this time.
Parenting outside the lines, Gonna parent outside of the lines this time. 2x
There was a man hurt on the side of the road, Who was helped out by someone that he disliked,
He always said we should love our neighbor as ourself, You’ve got to love outside of the lines sometimes.
Loving outside the lines, gonna love outside of the lines this time. (2x)
Apples From Their Trees
Chorus:
They say apples never fall far from their trees, But sometimes they do, sometimes they do.
They say blood is always thicker than the sea, Not always true, not always true…..
He was a brand new father with a brand new son, Already dreaming of all of the fun
They would have together throwin’ footballs for sure, Just like the team he and his own dad once were.
Chorus:
Dinner time was always full of brainy talks, News analysis ‘bout doves and hawks
Her daughter never joined the family chatter, Mom cried at night wonderin’ what was the matter
Chorus:
He’d always been the smartest, a star athlete as well, She was destined to be a doctor, and every party’s belle
The power couple smiling ‘cause they did everything right, They knew any kid they had would be just as bright
Chorus:
A mama duck expects ducklings in her nest, But she just might find a goose,
Dads always expect a chip off the old block, But his kid might be cut from a different cloth.
Chorus:
Speaking Legalese, by Joanie Calem
Who knew when you were born I’d be learning legalese, Who knew that we’d be versed in ETRs and IEPs
Who knew ‘bout APE, ASD and SPD? Who knew your schooling would bring me to my knees?!
Teacher you’ve no clue what goes on in our house each night, My kid looks at the homework and collapses in fright
This simple page assignment blows out every fuse, It’s the nightly meeting with what his brain can’t do
Who knew when you were born I’d be learning legalese, Who knew that we’d be versed in ITPs and LREs
Who knew ‘bout BIP, CAC and SED? Who knew your schooling would bring me to my knees?!
School’s a place for learning, but for some the curve is steep,
When your insides are nervous, your brain can’t make the leap
The straight paths of teaching don’t work for everyone, Some learn in circles, some have to jump and run.
Before you were born I was reading all the books, Thought you’d walk the same path that I myself took,
I know that you will reach your goals and beyond, It’s just a different road that you have to walk on
Child please know that your brain will grow and change,
Though something’s hard right now, it won’t always be that way,
Teacher, please be patient, they do understand, They just learn a different way, and need your helping hand…
Who knew when you were born I’d be learning legalese, Who knew that we’d be versed in IEEs and SLDs
Who knew ‘bout OCD, ODD and ADD? Who knew your schooling would bring me to my knees?!
Lists of Do’s And Don’ts © August 2016
It’s ok to say no, it’s ok if they don’t get their way, It’s even ok if they cry, ‘cause it’s ok to have a bad day
It’s ok to say, “wait!” it’s okay if it’s not right now, It’s okay if their friend can’t play, and it’s okay it they fall down.
Chorus
One book says, “Do this!” Another one says, “No, that!”
The contradictions are so confusing makes me want to take a nap.
Funny how the research tells us things we already know,
All the podcasts and the theories with their lists of do’s and don’ts.
Too much hurt isn’t good, but none at all causes problems too,
We’ve got both sun and rain, that’s how the rainbows peak through
Life is not like the movies, every day’s not nice and neat
No fairy tale endings, we learn from bitter and sweet
Chorus
It’s ok to say no, it’s ok if they don’t get their way, It’s even ok if they cry, it’s ok to have a bad day.
Everybody Says, by Malvina Reynolds
Everybody says, “Sit down, sit down.” Everybody says, “Sit down, sit down.”
But I can’t sit down and I can’t sit down, ‘cause my feet are all full of dance around.
Bump deedle ump bump bump a dee, Everybody bump adeedle, dance with me. (2x)
Everybody says, “Be good, be good.” Everybody says, “Be good, be good.”
If they understood, I’m as good as good, ‘cause dancing around is what I should.
Bump deedle ump bump bump a dee, Everybody bump adeedle, dance with me. (2x)
Everybody says, “What’s wrong, what’s wrong?” Everybody says, “What’s wrong, what’s wrong?”
Well there’s nothing wrong when I sing my song, But you’d better look out if I’m quiet long.
Bump deedle ump bump bump a dee, Everybody bump adeedle, dance with me. (2x)
Everybody says, “Sit down, sit down.” Everybody says, “Sit down, sit down.”
But I can’t sit down and I can’t sit down, ‘cause my feet are all full of dance around.
Bump deedle ump bump bump a dee, Everybody bump adeedle, dance with me. (2x)
You Have No Idea
Sometimes I just can’t calm down, My skin is on fire, my brain’s whirling around
Moving makes me better but I know it bothers you, I need some help; I don’t know what to do.
I know it seems odd that I stare at the floor, But when I look at your eyes I can’t hear anymore
In order to listen I’ve got to look away, Not all the time, but it’s really bad today.
Chorus:
You have no idea what its like to be me, No idea how hard it can be,
No idea how much I long to be free, You have no idea what its like to be me.
I know you get embarrassed when we’re out and about, Noise and crowds scare me but I don’t mean to shout
I know you spent a lot on my nice new shirt, But I can’t put it on, it makes my body hurt.
Chorus
I know you worked real hard to make this good food, The smell hurts my head, I don’t mean to be rude
I don’t mean to misbehave, I don’t mean to get mad, I’m so sorry, I don’t want you to be sad
Bridge
Teacher says I’m spoiled, Grampa says I just need rules, Gramma says in her day I wouldn’t dare do what I do
But they don’t understand what its like inside of me, ‘Cause bad behavior is all that they see
Chorus
They have no idea what its like to be me, No idea how hard it can be,
No idea how much I long to be free, They have no idea what its like to be me.
You have no idea what its like to be me, No idea how hard it can be,
No idea how much I long to be free, You have no idea what its like to be me.
Social Cues Blues
Please just tell me simply, could you be direct and kind, Too many words are hard for me, it’s like tripping someone blind
And somehow everyone knows what topics are taboo, I don’t – I’ve got the social cues blues.
Idioms, analogies, fancy metaphors, All this language I don’t get but know I can’t ignore.
I’m supposed to try and walk in someone else’s shoes: What’s that even mean? I’ve got the social cues blues.
Hearing tone of voice, seeing all your faces, I get so anxious, trying to follow social graces.
Reading body language makes me so confused, What do you mean? I’ve got the social cues blues.
I’m supposed to understand who is friendly, who is not, I’m supposed to just be quiet, blend in, don’t stick out.
They tell me I’m too loud, it’s not ok to blow a fuse, It’s hard – I’ve got the social cues blues.
They tell me I should always ask someone what they like, I have to learn to converse, not talk about my self all night
I work so hard to figure out all of these cultural clues, I’m trying! But I’ve got the social cues blues.
Family Photos © October 2016
Sara’s brother plays with her all day all the time, And Charlie’s baby sister can run and jump and climb
Ronny laughs about the fun things they do on their walks, Mommy – when’s he going to talk?
When I’m at Denise’s house we all play after school, And everyone takes turns and knows the games and all the rules
He just flits around the backyard making crazy sounds, Mommy – why’s he throw himself around?
Our smiles were wide as rivers, We looked like we could fly
The perfect TV family, How those old photos lie….
At every family gathering, on every holiday, We laugh our movie laughter and pretend it’s all okay
I hate my grandpa’s scornful face, my cousin’s rolling eyes, Mommy, you promised he’d be fine.
Our smiles were wide as rivers, We looked like we could fly
The perfect TV family, How those old photos lie….
My friends all gather at our house to hand and pass the time, And every time he’s with us something awful goes awry
Meltdowns and screaming and he’s always blaming me, Mom, I’m leaving, I’ve got to get free.
But if anyone should dis him, Or if someone makes a face, I’ll be the first to set them straight and put them in their place
And whoever wants to love me, You’ll see it in my eyes, I come along with baggage but those old photos didn’t lie.
Our smiles were wide as rivers, We looked like we could fly
The perfect TV family, It’s true, those old photos didn’t lie….
The Shepherd and His Flute – A tale of the Baal Shem Tov – retold by Joanie Calem
Long ago, in a small shtetl in what is now Ukraine, where the famous Rabbi, the Ba’al Shem Tov lived, also lived a family of scholars. The father of the family, Moshe, was the son and grandson of very respected Rabbis, and he himself was a well-respected teacher of Torah and Talmud. And the mother, Rachel, was the daughter and granddaughter of very respected Rabbis. Though many women of her time did not know how to read Hebrew or study the Torah, Rachel did, and she would read and study along with her husband at home. Their home was always full of joy, full of learning, full of conversation, full of exploration, full of consideration of life and how best to live it.
Moshe and Rachel were blessed with five sons, and together they taught their sons the treasures of Torah. When their eldest, Meir, was six years old, it was time to go to Cheder, to learn to read and write. He said goodbye to his parents and his younger brothers, and he excitedly went off to school, eager to learn. It was obvious right from the first day that he too would be a brilliant scholar. He was a quick learner, and soon was able to assist the Rabbi in teaching the other boys.
Next came time for the second son, Menachem, to join his older brother in Cheder. He too said goodbye to his parents and younger brothers, and happily joined his older brother in Cheder. Sure enough, just as everyone expected, he was just as sharp a student as his older brother and his parents and grandparents and great grandparents.
Soon, the third son, Shmuel, was old enough to join his brothers in the Cheder. Shmuel was a wonderful, sweet boy. But his parents had a suspicion that he would not have the same experience in Cheder that his older brothers did. And sure enough, as obvious as it had been that Meir and Menachem were going to grow to be brilliant scholars, it was quickly clear that Shmuel would not. He wasn’t like his brothers: he couldn’t sit, he couldn’t learn his letters, he didn’t seem to be paying attention the way the other boys did, and he often would get up and walk over to the window, staring longingly outside at the trees and the fields and the clouds.
So Moshe and Rachel and the Cheder’s teacher realized that Cheder was not the place for Shmuel to learn and thrive and grow. They didn’t know what to do, because all of the boys of the shtetl went to Cheder, and everyone in their family had always gone to Cheder. But the solution came clear very quickly: early in the morning, every day, the shtetl shepherd would come by to collect the community’s sheep and goats and cattle to take them out to the meadows and pastures around the village for the day, and then bring them back every evening. Though Moshe and Rachel had never noticed before, Shmuel had a special friendship with the shepherd, and used to rise early every morning just to greet the man, and walk with him a bit. Moshe and Rachel asked the shepherd if Shmuel could be his apprentice, and the shepherd was thrilled to have the young boy’s company and help. And so , unlike his brothers and his cousins and everyone else in his family, Shmuel did not go to Cheder. Instead, he spent every day in the fields and meadows learning how to be a shepherd. Shmuel was thrilled. He loved the animals, he loved being outdoors, he loved being with the shepherd, and he loved learning how to play the flute, which the shepherd taught him as they sat for many hours every day with the flocks of animals. Shmuel always felt that he was praying as he played his flute.
In time, the two youngest brothers, Simcha and Yitzchak, were also old enough to go to Cheder, and they joined their oldest brothers, and showed that they too would soon be star scholars. Moshe and Rachel were proud of all of their sons in Cheder, and of course loved Shmuel dearly, but worried about him in a way that they did not worry about the other four boys.
As each of the boys grew, they reached Bar Mitzvah age, and Meir, Menachem, simcha and Yitzchak all led the prayers of the congregation on their respective Bar Mitzvahs beautifully. Shmuel did not, but instead quietly celebrated his Bar Mitzvah playing his flute in the fields. For him, playing the flute was praying. He always felt that he was talking with God as he played his quiet tunes.
When Shmuel was about fourteen, the old shepherd decided that it was time for him to stop going to the fields with the flocks, and Shmuel became the official shepherd for the village. It was bitter-sweet of course for Moshe and Rachel, they were proud of their son, but it was never what they would have dreamed for one of their children.
Now, all of these years, there were two days every year when Shmuel would not take the flocks to the fields, on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. On those days, he would join his grandfathers, his father and his brothers in the synagogue, where everyone would gather to join the Baal Shem Tov in the holiday prayers. Every year Shmuel sat quietly, unable to speak the words of the prayers, unable to read. He loved the melodies of the community praying around him, but as the years passed, he felt sad that he couldn’t join in.
One year on Rosh HaShanah, Shmuel was sitting with his family as usual, in the midst of the prayers, and he happened to look up at the Baal Shem Tov. As the prayers were being sung all around him, Shmuel again longed to join in. He noticed that the Baal Shem Tov seemed to look concerned. Shmuel sat and wondered what he could do to add his voice to the prayers of the community. His hand went to his flute in his pocket, and at once it was obvious how he could join in. He pulled out his flute and began to play a beautiful melody that wove harmoniously with the prayers of the congregation. He played with all of his heart and all of his soul, so happy to finally have found a way to participate in the community.
But the community stopped their praying, and a sound of shock and horror went through the room. Suddenly, men were shouting at Shmuel to stop, shouting at Moshe, Shmuel’s father to stop him, shouting at the Baal Shem Tov to stop him. Moshe rose to reach out and grab Shmuel’s flute, but the Baal Shem Tov reached them first, and, putting his hands on both Moshe and Shmuel’s shoulders, the Baal Shem Tov said, “Finally, our prayers will truly reach Heaven as a full community, because Shmuel has joined us with his pure love, joy and devotion. We needed his voice in order for God to hear all of us. This is how he prays, and though it is different than our prayers, it is wonderful.”
The rest of the congregation bowed their heads, acknowledged their mistake, breathed deeply to accept this new idea, and after a few minutes, returned to their prayers, letting their melodies intertwine with Shmuel’s flute.
Ba’al Shem Tov, Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer (1698 –1760) Ukraine
Smile
We’re walkin’ down this path together, we’re walkin’ in both good and bad weather
We’re walkin’ with all kinds of friends, we’re learnin’ how to get along and make amends
Chorus:
Cause one act leads to another, though we don’t always see the way
You know that smile you share with your brother, just might change his day.
We’re walkin’, walkin’ down the path, we’re walkin’, lookin forward not back
We’re walkin’ don’t know what’s comin’ next, whatever it is we’ll try to do our best…..
Chorus:
Cause one act leads to another, though we don’t always see the way
You know that smile you share with your friend, just might change her day.
We’re walkin’, down a brand new road, we’re walkin’, we’re sharing the load,
We’re walkin’ don’t know what’s round the bend, but we know we’ve got a world to mend.
Chorus:
Cause one act leads to another, though we can’t always see the way
You know that smile you share with a stranger, just might change their day.
We’re walkin’, don’t know where we’re goin’, but our choices are like seeds we’re sowin’
We’re walkin’ through this garden of life, growing loving plants, weeding out the strife
Chorus:
Cause one act leads to another, though we don’t always see the way
You know that smile you share with the world, just might change this day.
מצווה גוררת מצווה, למרות שאנו לא רואים, איך חיוך לאדם אחר, משנה חיים!
Four Candles
Chorus:
Never ever lose your hope, Never ever lose your hope, Never ever lose your hope, Don’t let that light go out.
Four candles burning low, Four candles’ quiet glow, Four candles light the way, For those who wish to see.
First is the candle of peace, It’s soft flame brings relief, But if too many practice war, The candle goes out….
Chorus
Three candles burning low, Three candles quiet glow, Three candles light the way, For those who wish to see.
Second is the candle of faith, Always helped us feel safe, But if we fall into despair, The candle goes out….
Chorus
Two candles burning low, Two candles quiet glow, Two candles light the way, For those who wish to see.
Third is the candle of love, Gentle as the touch of a dove, But if too many practice hate, The candle goes out…
Chorus
One candle burning low, One candle’s quiet glow, One candle lights the way, For those who wish to see.
Child runs into the room, looking for those flames, Sees just one candle left, cries out in pain
You can’t go out, we need you night and day, Your flames must burn forever, to light our way
Fourth is the candle of hope, Without this one we can’t cope, And as long as hope stays lit, It will light what’s gone out…
Four candles burning bright, Four candles light the night, Peace, Faith, Love and Hope, For those who wish to see.
Chorus
YOU’LL NEVER PLEASE EVERYONE
CHORUS:
You’ll never please everyone, No reason to even try, Just figure out what’s right for you, We never all see eye to eye.
An old man, a boy and a donkey, Were going into town, The boy rode on the donkey, And the old man walked along.
The people on the road, They gossipped and they talked, Telling the little boy he should be ashamed
To ride while the old man walked.
So they switched things around, and then…..
An old man, a boy and a donkey, Were going into town,
The old man rode on the donkey, And the little boy walked along.
The people on the road, They pointed and they talked, old man should be ashamed, To ride while the little boy walked.
Chorus
So they switched things around, and then…..
An old man, a boy and a donkey, Were going into town. Now no one rode the donkey, They all walked along.
The people on the road, They judged and they talked, With a perfectly good donkey it was dumb
For both man and boy to walk.
So they switched things around, and then…..
An old man, a boy and a donkey, Were going into town. They both rode the donkey, And the donkey plodded along.
The people on the road, They judged and they talked, the man and boy were oh so cruel, Poor donkey could barely walk.
Chorus
So they switched things around, and then…..
An old man, a boy and a donkey, Were going into town.
Man and boy carried donkey On their shoulders as they walked along.
But as they crossed a bridge, They tripped and fell down, Poor donkey got thrown into the river, Sank and drown……
So the old man said to the little boy…..
Now our donkey’s gone, Gotta pick up our burdens and walk,
Instead of doing what made sense, I got confused by all their talk.
Chorus
Round Pegs by Joanie © March 30, 2017
How’d you feel when you noticed that you’re a round peg in a crowd of squares?
Do you ever get the feeling like you just don’t fit, anywhere?
Is struggling like a fish outside of water your daily fare? Are you gasping (gasping, gasping) for air?
Chorus:
Who made up this idea that we have to be the same? Gardens are full of flowers that each have different names.
Forests are full of trees and their difference makes them strong, We don’t have to be the same to get along.
Do you walk around feeling that you stick out like a sore thumb?
Do you feel like you didn’t get the same memo as everyone?
Does Facebook make you feel like you’re the only one not having fun?
Are you grasping, (grasping, grasping) to reach the sun?
Chorus:
Who made up this idea that we have to be the same? Gardens are full of flowers that each have different names.
Forests are full of trees and their difference makes them strong, We don’t have to be the same to get along.
Were you the shy kid writing poetry just looking for a quiet space?
Were you the dreamer sitting reading while everyone else was running the race?
Were you the tomboy climbing to the top of the trees ‘stead of wearing frilly lace?
Are you like me just a little out of place?
They say pigeon flies with pigeon, and hawk with hawk, But we don’t have to be part of a flock….
They say birds of a feather gotta stick together… But hey, (hey, hey) we’re not birds!
Chorus:
Who made up this idea that we have to be the same? Gardens are full of flowers that each have different names.
Forests are full of trees and their difference makes them strong, We don’t have to be the same to get along.