I’ve been in a reminiscing mode with some folks from “back in the day.” Recently, we had the opportunity to share some of our favorite memories in writing and/or with photographs. I chose this picture that my mom took in 1972 of The Pastel Lollipops, a singing group that I belonged to.
The Pastel Lollipops
From left to right: Gina Minoli, Julie Hunter, Cindy Landis, and me—with the guitar. I’m 14 years old at the time.
Do you sing and/or play a musical instrument? If neither, who’s your favorite singer or group?
“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan
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© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved
Tuesdays with Laurie 
Old pictures are such fun, thanks for sharing yours Laurie. . . looks like you were having a blast with that guitar. Back in the day, my instrument of choice was clarinet, not nearly as ‘sexy’ as the guitar:) and of course my favorite group was those long hair guys from Liverpool.
Alison – “She loves you yea, yea, yea….” In our garage band we had a blast trying to be The Beatles.
I don’t sing or play a musical instrument! I took Piano lessons when I was in 6-7 grade…
My favorite singer of all time is Barbara Striesand has been since I first heard and saw her on TV in the late 60’s.
Jeff – I agree that Barbara Streisand has one of the best set of pipes on the planet! That woman can SING!
Thanks for sharing a morning song…..
I played clarinet, sax, trumpet, and sang in the choir…..
My favorites, still today are Donny and Marie, and I love Julie Andrews….
Have a sunny day.
Kim
Kim – Gosh, you’re REALLY musical! I loved watching The Donny and Marie Show, and I sure appreciated Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music! Do re me fa so la ti do
I used to sing years ago in high school chorus, even had some solos! It is nice to know I did that and was good at it, but I don’t sing anymore. I enjoy others such as Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Barbara Striesand, and many more. I love music.
Ann – You’ve got a GREAT list here!
Very cool! You must have had so much fun. : )
I married into a musicial family. Cousins and grandparents were/are musicians.
I, myself have received rave reviews from the under 4 year old audience I entertained as an early educater. I’ve even sung on stage — solo, duet and choir. However, I’m not a singer. The trouble is I can’t stay on tune — too high, too low, too… Regardless I still love to sing.
Leanne, continue to sing your heart out because to God’s ears you sing in perfect tune 🙂
Thank you, Ann. Have no fear, I will. : )
Leanne – Your audience — the under 4-year-olds — are the delightfully unconditional group! Ya gotta love ’em!
Yes, I concur. I fondly look back on the time I spent with them.
I love to sing, but since a tumor was removed from my throat and the torn ligament at the ribs that expand for the diaphragm I am hard pressed to make a sound – about 3 note Annie.
I have so many favorite musicians and I like a wide range of music…Loved the picture of your group – I sang in a group called the Purple Pipers about at that age – it was really a joy.
I thought I wanted to be like Julie Andrews most of my life….and I had a few moments of success, but I guess the throat issues were the greatest connections
Fun sharing here – thank you
Patricia – I just betcha that the Purple Pipers and the Pastelle Lollipops would have gotten along famously 🙂
How fun! I used to sing, and still do around the house and such 😉
EdonSol – I find that singing around the house makes those pesky tasks on the to-do list go byu a lot faster.
What a sweet picture–The Pastel Lollipops! Great name. You all look like you’re having such fun. I do not play a musical instrument, although did take piano lessons for a year or so when the kids were high school age. No faves on musicians either… Although I love this guy’s music so much:
Over the Rainbow – Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole OFFICIAL VIDEO from Mountain Apple Company on Vimeo.
Kathy – I play IZ’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World” at LEAST once a week. He’s been dead for many years now (since 1997), dying from a heart attack that stemmed from morbid obesity. I never cease to be amazed that such a large man had such a soft and gentle voice, and played such a small instrument — the ukulele.
Laurie,you show that “I’m in love with life ” attitude even at that early age-
Roamer – You just made my day. Thank you! 🙂
Wow, Laurie, what a great picture! I cannot sing, dance, or play any musical instrument. I have tried on numerous occasions, but sadly, I cannot sing on tune, nor do I have any rhythm, and am tone deaf. I love rock and roll. I grew up on the Beatles (I have a sister who is 10 years older than me) and remember seeing them on TV — Ed Sullivan’s show. My sister was glued to the screen and I wondered what all the fuss was about. Then, of course, there was Paul Revere and the Raiders, and the Monkeys. Nowadays, I still listen to music from the 60’s and 70’s and find some new artists interesting like Explosions in the Sky (did the soundtrack for the movie Friday Night Lights), Adele, and Cold Play.
Barbara – You may not be able to “cut a rug” or carry a tune in a bucket, but you play one heckofa game of tennis! (Now I’m going to have to YouTube “Explosions in the Sky” and “Adele.” I’m familiar with Cold Play)…
The Pastel Lollipops – what a great name for a group of singers! You all look like you were having a great time!
I cannot carry a tune or play an instrument, but I LOVE music, especially live music performed under the stars… Favorites: Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dave Matthews, Dar Williams, Joni Mitchell, Ben Harper, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Vusi Mahlasela, Ian Anderson, and others …
Barbara R. – You’ve listed some AMAZING singers. I don’t know if you put them in preference order, or not, — but I, too, would have put Mary Chapin Carpenter at the very top 🙂
Laurie, I’m wondering if you still play the guitar. Our family was/is quite musical but alas, not me. Except for the accordian when I was in grade school. Which interestingly is our daughter-in-law’s mother’s claim to musical fame also. Our 7 year old grandson is quite aghast to have two grandmothers who played the accordian!!
Colleen – Yes, I still play the guitar, the banjo, the bodhrán (celtic drum), the harmonica, and a little bit (a very little bit) on the piano. You play the ACCORDIAN?! How darned COOL is that!!!
I was once involved with a choir, and still engage in some opera arias in the house. Ha! But I’ve never taken up an interest seriously, though a good part of my life’s focus has always been on music in many disperate forms. Seeing your wonderful trip down memory lane from the good old days reminds me of the activities of many friends.
My favorite group is The Beatles, with the Who, the Beach Boys, the Everley Brothers, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Marvin Gaye, the Rolling Stones, Don McLean, Leonard Cohen, Elliot Smith, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, The Smiths, the Supremes, CSNY, and Roy Orbison all part of the immortal pantheon.
Love this post!!!
Sam – After getting to see you and hear your voice in a brief video clip some time back on your blog, I can almost hear you belting it out around the house.
You’ve got a REALLY TERRIFIC list of favorite singers/groups here. I can totally relate 🙂
Lovely picture.
Yes – me too – a band called Tree Party – a bit like the Waterboys – tended to play folk music from countries beginning with the letter i – Ireland, Iceland, Israel – odd really.
Once came second in a battle of the bands contest to Tanita Tikaram’s brother’s band… Oooh, the heady heights.
Paul – It sounds like you had a pretty cool band! I love the name — Tree Party. How the heck did you decide to play music from countries beginning with the letter “I” — there’s definitely a story there 🙂
Laurie, your photo brought back many memories of a girls’ quartet I sang with, Four Girls. We tried for two talent show wins, and didn’t place either time. But that led to college choir and church choir, where I met Bob. That was fortuitous singing! I also play piano and have tried some flute lessons.
My favorite singer is Audra McDonald (after husband Bob), my favorite instrumentalist after husband Bob is YoYo Ma, and together Bob and I share the favorite group of The Mamas and the Papas.
Sherrey — I just learned so many COOOOOL things about you! 🎵