trying again and will succeed

After 30 years I am quitting smoking...again.

In the immortal words of Bullwinkle "This time for sure".

Wish me luck.

Update one: I didn't make it totally but managed to cut down to two packs a week. Vacation coming, will try again.

mary travers peter, paul and mary

Mary Travers died yesterday. When I heard the news I had to pull my car over it was that upsetting. I have literaly grown up with the group Peter Paul and Mary, the group being formed in 1961. Altho I have always enjoyed the group, growing up with "Puff the Magic Dragon" and "Leaving on a Jet Plane", never have I truly loved the group more than their 25th anniversary reunion concert; the group was as great and together as always but Mary's voice shone so bright and was so controlled and powerful it reached from one end of the theatre to the other...it was incredible and I found not only new respect for the group but starting purchasing their albums in earnest. With computer I even would check their website from time to time.

Mary Travers suffered in the last years from leukemia and through this she still remained strong and performed when she was able. Last evening she finally lost her fight with cancer but was brave to the end. She, as well as Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey, stood at the forefront of the civil rights movement and their performances of "If I had a Hammer" and especially "Blwin' in the Wind" stand as a testament to that time. They were instrumental in bringing the likes of John Denver, Laura Nyro and Bob Dylan to a new audience and it is also a testament to the group itself to have lasted almost 50 years and at least 3 generations, possibly 4.

A voice has been stilled but a spirit has not...Mary Travers may you rest in peace and your voice still be strong in the choir eternal.