Music Monday - "Come to the Sunshine" by Harper's Bazaar (1967)

Now here is an oldies song you don't hear often, even on SiriusXM radio.  They play it occasionally - that's where I first heard it.  (I have no memory of this song from my childhood.)   It's such a fun sunshine pop song ... really perfect for a cold winter day.

"Come to the Sunshine" was written in 1966 by Van Dyke Parks.  He was inspired in part by his father's Depression era big band, The White Swan Serenaders.  Before his musical career, Van Dyke Parks was a child actor on tv shows.  He had a recurring role as Little Tommy Manicotti (the kid from upstairs) on The Honeymooners.  He released a 45 of this song in 1966.

Van Dyke Parks later worked as a lyricist with Brian Wilson, including for the Beach Boys' Smile album.  He worked with many other major artists, including Ringo Starr, Donovan, The Byrds, Tim Buckley, and U2.

This song was covered in 1967 by Harpers Bazaar.  Harpers Bazaar was a 1960's sunshine pop band from Southern California.  Several of the band members were original in the Tikis.  Van Dyke Parks, who wrote the song, played piano on this record. This is the version of "Come to the Sunshine" that gets the most oldies radio airplay.

There is also a great retro music podcast called Come to the Sunshine, hosted by Grammy nominated producer Andrew Sandoval.  It specializes in sunshine pop, and this song is the theme song of that podcast.  You can find it on TuneIn radio or any podcast player, or just listen online:  Come to the Sunshine.

Here's this retro gem ... let me know what you think!   This is the poppy version by Harpers Bazaar. 



And here is the original version, by Van Dyke Parks from 1966.  His version features overlapping vocals, mandolin, and jazz piano.

Weekend Window Shopping at Birdhouse Books - Vintage Valentines

I have some fun vintage Valentines for you this weekend -- all new arrivals at Birdhouse Books.  They will all be in my shop no later than Sunday evening.   (And you will find almost 600 other vintage Valentines to choose from!)

My shop is Birdhouse Books on eBay.   You can also find me on Etsy and Bonanza.

This fairytale vintage Valentine features Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.

This handmade vintage Valentine features a sweet terrier dog against a doily and construction paper heart.  (It reminds me of cards from my childhood!)

A little tightrope walker is featured on this vintage Valentine.

This nostalgic vintage Valentine features a teacher with a bell.  It looks like she is ready to call the class to attention!

A boy and girl are voting for their favorite teacher on this vintage Valentine.

 A little farmer boy courts a shy country girl on this vintage Valentine.

 Three adorable calico cats cavort on this vintage Valentine.

Two bluebirds untie ribbon on this vintage Valentine for a child.

 A cute little bunny rabbit paints a special picture for his teacher on this vintage Valentine.

 A little girl with an improvised bucket hat has a parade on this vintage Valentine.

A little girl sits at an old fashioned school desk on this vintage Valentine for teacher.

 This pretty die cut vintage Valentine has a gold key and pink roses - with red hearts.

I hope you enjoyed this little peek inside my store.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Dear Abby: Doggie Weight Loss

Dear Friends,

Thank you for coming back to visit this week.  It has been a chilly week here, but generally nice sunny weather, so I am not complaining.  

I'm sharing a couple of vintage dog food ads featuring dachshunds with you.  They directly relate to our theme today.

My cousin Mary sent a note last week: 

Dear Abby, I would like to ask your advice about Charlie, my fur-baby nephew. He is overweight and his doctor said he must lose weight so he'll be able to walk instead of waddle. The problem is, Charlie hollers REALLY LOUD when he thinks he should have food and He won't quit hollering until his mama feeds him. How should his mama help Charlie cut back on food? Charlie's cries upset the whole household. Do you have any suggestions that I could pass along? 

Dear Mary,

It sounds like Charlie is very smart, and he has learned how to get extra food when he wants it!  I like a smart pup.

I will share what has helped me with doggie weight loss.  I eat a weight management kibble (Momma will write you a note with more info).  Our vet approves of the food, and she suggested that the portions mentioned on the kibble packaging are much bigger than they actually should be.  She worked with my Momma on good portions for me.  I'm sure that Charlie's vet can do the same as well.

I have a small bowl of kibble every morning at breakfast, and another in the evening at dinner.  Momma measures it carefully with a measuring cup.  On top of the kibble I get "no salt" green beans.  These are just canned beans, drained and refrigerated.  They do not need to be cooked.  I get 2 teaspoons of "no salt" green beans on each bowl of food.  This helps me feel full.  And - the green beans are delicious!

I do get a small, all natural crunchy treat at lunch and at bedtime.  

It is the same every day - same meal times, same portions ... I am used to it, and it is a good routine.  And my weight is healthy and stable.  So consider this my healthy food testimonial.  :-)

I hope this is helpful!  Please send lots of love to Charlie from me.   Thanks for writing, and wishing you a good week ahead.

Love,

Abby xoxoxo

Throwback Thursday - '70's TV

Let's talk about 1970's television.  The '70's were childhood and teen years for me, so of course I enjoyed TV!

My favorite childhood shows were from the 1970's -- The Brady Bunch and The Partridge Family.   I loved the more everyday adventures of the suburban Brady family, while I adored the groovy tunes on The Partridge Family.  (Plus, of course, David Cassidy.)

My parents were big fans of the MTM shows -- The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show, and Rhoda.  We watched those together as a family.   My Mom loved The Mary Tyler Moore Show best, with Mary's great wardrobe and tv station camaraderie.  My Dad liked the wry wit of The Bob Newhart Show.  Me?  I liked Rhoda because she had a cool job (designing NYC department store windows) and a handsome boyfriend (later, husband).  As an adult, I still adore all three of these shows.  When they are in the Me-TV rotation, I will make time to watch them.

I recently discovered a pretty amazing website.  It's called My '70's TV.  You can tune into all types of 1970's programming -- comedies, dramas, soap operas, music videos, commercials, and much more.   I watched for just a few minutes and saw a commercial for Wilson tennis balls, a few minutes of Eight Is Enough, and part of a Roger Thorpe episode of Guiding Light.  Fun!  And free.   I think you would enjoy this site too:  My '70's TV.

What are YOUR favorite 1970's tv programs?   I would love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Wordless Wednesday - Vintage Bear Mechanical Valentine

Found at Birdhouse Books:  mechanical Valentines