Buenos tardes! Last August we lost the Queen of Soul…Aretha Franklin.

I loved listening to Aretha sing. She was power and grace personified and songs like “Oh Happy Days” and Otis Reddings’ “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” resonated with music fans the world over. They were songs that told a story and did so in a way that inevitably lifted the listener up, regardless of the mood they were in previously.

I don’t know exactly why, but after week 13 was in the books; I put on an Aretha disc and found myself wondering who today, could do what Lady Soul did in her day; and what similarities existed between artists of yesteryear and today. I could name several that came to mind, but the point of this story is that as I did so, I broke out laughing! I had become my parents! All I could see was my mother yelling at me because I was playing my music too loudly and me yelling back that she did not understand…it needed to be played at max volume! When I hear stories of how it was back in the day…it seems it was always better “back then”. Sound familiar? Knowing you can’t go back in time, does it make more sense to dwell on how “great” the past was; or wake up each day with a purpose and live today fully, with appreciation for the world as it is – warts and all – realizing that we in fact make our own “happy days”? I am hoping everyone finds a little Aretha in their world this week and when you do…remember to let loose with a little of “Oh Happy Days!” and let a smile come to your face for all to see!

As for football, after all that is why you check in is it not, Miss Lexi resurfaced and found herself sharing the top of the weekly standings with #155 himself, Tom Finan, each posting 12 wins. Chris Enomoto also made an appearance with 11 wins, along side Sarah and Sandy, and has quietly positioned himself for a late run. He currently sits in 4th place. Well done everyone!

As for the week’s low scores…let’s not go there this week. It is tough enough to see your teams lose in the final seconds game after game, week after week. I cannot buy a break when it comes to close games this year and week 13 was no exception. If you feel the same way, know you are not alone!

We are knee deep into Christmas preparations and are looking forward to seeing everyone in 2 weeks…yes, Christmas is less than two weeks away…so hang your stockings and mistletoe and while you are at it…spike the eggnog!

Be well and good luck in week 14!

Commish