Runnin' over with joy

 (Sorry for the delay in posting.  I'll try to get back into a regular schedule.)

Today’s Desert Island Disc conversation is with my friend Vivian. I met Vivian about 16 or 17 years ago when we were both working at MTV Networks (Once again, NOT a Bronx High School of Science alumni, only making her that much more interesting to know.)  Not only is she a dear friend of Mary and mine and one of the most warm-hearted persons we know - our daughters look to her as one of their favorite 'aunties'.

We've spent many a happy dinner time with Vivian laughing and playing games with the kids and as any relative will tell you, she is excited to be with us (and happy she can go home and leave the kids with us.)

Vivian had for many years worked in the television industry. She is currently working as a Program Manager at Beth Israel Medical Center, (but she could be coaxed back into the not so glamorous world of TV - just ask her.)


Music: (in no particular order)

1.)  Swearin' to God  Frankie Valli 



I was definitely a fan of the Four Seasons, back in the day.  Pop music was a very big part of my life from grade school through college.  If it was on the radio, I was singing along!

Whenever I hear the song, it takes me back to my sweet youth in Brooklyn.  My first apartment was on Coney Island Ave near Kings Highway.  I was one of the first people in my group to be on my own, so my apartment was a regular hangout for mine and my brother's friends.  The song also reminds me of the good times I had,  hanging out with friends dancing the hustle, (that's the only place we did the disco dancing ... never out in public.)  I'm sure if asked many of those people now, they would deny ever having taken a step. 


2.)  Vivaldi's  The Four Seasons



This is a great piece of music and listening to this piece reminds me that I actually do like some classical music!  There wasn't a lot of classical music in our house when I was growing up.  My first real introduction to classical music was at a friend's house.   Her father loved classical music and it was always playing when I visited. That's where I heard "The Four Seasons." 

I also had a boyfriend who played piano and he introduced me to Tchaikovsky and Chopin. Earlier in my career,  working at WNET broadened my horizon and also introducted me to other works.   


3.)  Out of Africa Soundtrack



I had been a fan of Meryl Streep (still am) and this film left quite an impression on me.  I admire the fact that her character faced all of her hardships and challenges with such grace and courage.  When things get tough, listening to this soundtrack feeds my soul. There's are a few other John Barry soundtracks that I enjoy very much, particularly Dances With Wolves and The Lion In Winter.



4.)  I've Got You Under My Skin  Frank Sinatra



I've always loved listening to Sinatra sing .  This song in particular has a very special memory: I was working on a Sinatra special one time and it happened to be my birthday. There is nothing that compares to sitting in a dark, intimate edit room on your birthday watching and listening to him perform this song just for you.  An exquisite memory.

  
5.)  Imagine  John Lennon 



The song always makes me think, if only ... 

I think I was 11 or 12 when the Beatles' music started playing on US radio.  I remember having an "I love Paul" button in the seventh grade but I wasn't one of those "screamer". I probably wore the button more because all the girls wore a button and I wanted to be one of the group.  I don't have a particular Beatles period I love more than other.  If I had to choose only one Beatles album it would be Abbey Road.


6.)  Living On A Prayer  Bon Jovi



It not that I'm a big Bon Jovi fan. This song makes me think of the video game Rockband and having fun playing it with two very special girlfriends. (Editors note: I wish I had a video to show you of Vivian rocking out on Rockband with my daughters.)


7.)  Feels So Good  Chuck Mangione



When I listen to this song it always puts a smile on my face and since it has so many "voices," I think it would be a really uplifting listen on my deserted island.  I'd heard the album The Land of Make Believe and liked a few of songs from it. The album got me interested in Chuck Mangione.  I'd lost touch with his work after Children of Sanchez. Now I'm thinking it might be nice to get re-acquainted.


8.)  Island in the Sun  Weezer



This song calls to mind a beautiful memory I have of my nephew and the joy and excitement on his face when we were in Maui on vacation. We were driving along the highway and had to pull over to the side of the road to witness an amazing double rainbow  and this song was playing on the radio.


What Book would you take with you?:
Vivian decided to bring a beautiful coffee-table book with her - Van Gogh:  The Complete Paintings.  I asked her what specifically about Van Gogh spoke to her?  

Have been thinking about this one and really can't come up with anything specific.  The first time I saw a Van Gogh painting (in high school art class) it was love at first sight!  The colors, the intensity, the series of self-portraits, are all something I never tire of. (We'll send an actual coffee table with her for the book.)


What one luxury item would you bring with you?:
Vivian decided to bring a King Size Comforter with her (no particular brand) and a (hypo-allergenic) bed pillow!