Z is for ZZ Top..and muse avatar hubby

That's my awesome hubby, the picture taken at our family cabin in Christina Lake not long after he proposed to me. We got married at this lake.

And during the reception dance, he requested ZZ TOP's song Rough Boy.

Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way.

Rough Boy obviously holds a special place in my heart...but ZZ Top has been played at Christina Lake for many, many years.

When we were kids, my sister and I spent many summers at the lake, where we hung out with the neighbor boys. One of them listened to a lot of ZZ Top - and since we both had varying degrees of "summer crushes" on at least one of them, listening to ZZ Top takes me back to some pretty awesome times.

While those days are past, ZZ Top, and obviously the song Rough Boy are a huge part of my future. Truthfully, my husband is always my muse. He might not show it in the way I sometimes want him to, but Jeff really does support this crazy career I've chosen.

But more than that, his resolve to push aside a painful past and live his new life to its fullest inspires me every day. Here's Rough Boy.



I can already think of a million bands, songs and artists that I forgot along this A-Z journey, but I've loved all of the memories these posts have evoked, and hope you've had some fun along the way. I know I sure have.

I'm actually a little sad the challenge is over...

Does ZZ Top send you to Dreamland? Which "Z" artist would round out the A-Z Blogging Challenge for you?

Now, go check out the last posts of some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn

Y is for (Goodbye) Yellow Brick Road

Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way.

With all the glam rock I've been posting this past month, you might be somewhat shocked to see Elton John's (Goodbye) YELLOW BRICK ROAD on my list of influential songs. Then again, maybe not - Elton does have a flair for the theatrical.

Truth be told, I like a lot of Elton, and only picked Yellow Brick Road because it makes me think of The Wizard of Oz, a favorite movie of my youth. I also loved the Muppets...which is why I chose THIS version of the song off YouTube.

Yeah, I know, it's a bit of a cheat. The song is actually called Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, but it's been a long month, friends. Surely you'll cut me some slack.

Got a fave "Y" song? Bet it's Yellow Submarine. Prove me wrong.

Now, go check out some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn

X is for Xibit...kind of

Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way. 

I'm not going to lie. "X" was tough, my friends. Damned tough.

So this is totally a cheat. I picked XIBIT not because the singer (?) has had ANY impact on me, but because of one song. One track he collaborated on with Eminem. This one:



My affection for Eminem is no secret...so it's only by association Xibit gets the nod on this post. I can live with that.

PLEASE, tell me there's an "X" band or song I've missed!

Now, go check out some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn

W is for Warrant

Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way. 

And so my 80s hairband "theme" rocks on. Never mind the fact that "W" bands are hard to come by, practically all of the ones that had any impact on me would be considered glam rock. First up...and likely most importantly, WARRANT.


I saw this band play at a Calgary hotel, with opening act Danger Danger. Lead singer Jani Lane used to take up a small space in my locker collage...until I actually saw the band live and realized guitarist Jerry Dixon was more my type. Yikes. I kind of wonder where my head was back then.

My favorite Warrant song? Down Boys, of course.

But the "W" category would be sorely lost without these other two additions. Who the hell knew who Tawny Kitaen was before she appeared in this 1980s Whitesnake video, Here I Go Again.



Yeah, that's Tawny crawling all over the car. Again, not many Whitesnake songs I like, but that one ranks high on my list of 80s classics.

Not quite as high as this White Lion song, though.



My "this year" Idol pick Colton Dixon belted out a White Lion song early in the season. Not this particular one, but I'm okay with that. Any current rocker who can sing a White Lion song gets an A+ in my books. Bonus, Colton is easy on the eyes. Too bad America booted him off. The rockers never go all the way.

So...prefer WASP? What's your favorite tune by a "W" artist?

Now, go check out some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn

V is for Veruca Salt

One of my favorite stories of all time is Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I love the book, and I absolutely adored Johnny Depp's interpretation of Wonka in the modern flick. (Even creepy, Johnny is a a hottie...)

Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way. I'm fairly certain the band VERUCA SALT only made my list because she's my favorite Roald Dahl character.

I love the way her name rolls off my tongue. I love her bratty disposition. If I could have found a clever way to name my blog after her, I probably would have...

Instead, I latched on to the band Veruca Salt. They were just shy of being a one hit wonder, logging a couple of popular tunes and a small legion of loyal fans. Volcano Girls is my favorite of their songs.

I considered Vixen, too, but in the end thought my emotional attachment was closer to Veruca Salt. Which "V" band would you select?


Need a little something for comparison? Here's a "classic" track from the girl rock group Vixen. Who says glam rock was only for boys?

Now, go check out some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn

U is for Under my Thumb

The Rolling Stones are highly underappreciated. Not by society, of course, but certainly by me - who didn't quite realize their awesomeness until I loaded pretty much every Stones track onto my iPod. Of course, I have a reason for that.

Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way. Mick Jagger's influence came to me a little later in life.

A few years ago, I created a character named Jagger Valentine. Though her name has nothing to do with Mick, she owns the top spot on my list of favorite characters. She's kick-ass. She's fearless.

She's freaking cupid.

While each song will have a special place in Jagger's world. I'm saving a special plot for UNDER MY THUMB. My sister and I heard this track a lot growing up. It was one of my stepdad's favorites and brings back amazing memories.



Damn, that's an OLD video. LOL

Give it to me straight, is Under my Thumb one of your faves? What other "U" songs take you back...way back?

Now, go check out some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn

T is for The Final Countdown...and muse Joey Tempest

This is Joey Tempest, the lead singer for Europe. Just look at him, all baby faced and sexy. Back in the day, I would have scaled a thousand barbed wire fences to meet him. These days, I'd just die for his hair. (Minus the pseudo mullet...)

Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way. 

Europe only had one song that I truly remember - but it's kind of a big one, The Final Countdown. 


You remember it right? It's got one of those catchy opening beats that sticks in your mind...like forever. An ear worm of majestic proportions.

Even today, the song has a kind of anthem-like beat. One of my co-workers even used it for his ring tone not to long ago.

Still don't know what I'm talking about? Even if you don't stick it out the whole song, have a listen to the opening of Europe's most well-known track.



Remember it now?

It's probable I would have tagged Joey as a muse back in the 80s, but since this whole A-Z Blogging challenge is making me a bit nostalgic, I'll pretend I'm wearing my leg warmers and dousing my hair in hair spray. Come on Joey, be my muse...what else have you got going on? Besides, I'm going to need some help this week as today kicks off a writing challenge issued by author Shannon Delaney - 5,000 words a day for 14 days. Gulp.

Joey better be a darn good muse.

I can't close off "T" without mentioning Tainted Love, by Soft Cell. Talk about great openings.

My stepdad introduced me to this song as well, and it remains one of my favourites. It IS the title of a now not-so-secret WIP, and whenever I am working on that MS, this song is most definitely playing. For your enjoyment (and mine), Tainted Love.

When it comes to bands or songs that start with "T" how many of your faves can you name? (And how much do you hate me for putting The Final Countdown in your head?

Now, go check out some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn

S is for Skid Row

Yeah, I know, I've mentioned SKID ROW already, back in my "I" post, noting I Remember You as one of my wedding songs. But I couldn't not tag them for my "S" post - I needed to point out one more song.

Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way.

18 and Life definitely made its mark on me, and not just because the subject of the song is named Ricky. Sometimes this video still makes me cry.

In a society with increased bullying and violence, this song is still relevant.

We also live in a society of increased sexuality, but my other "S" musician proves that really, it's kind of always been there. SAMANTHA FOX was the first girl I've ever been jealous of. This poster hung in my now-husband's locker, taunting me (or so I thought).

In retrospect, I didn't have a right to say much. I had a few posters in my locker - and every week, I still tag a sexy muse avatar. 

Ironically, before I saw that poster in Jeff's locker, I'd been listening to this song - a lot.

So, which sexy "S" musicians rock your world?

Now, go check out some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn

R is for Ratt

I once dated a guy who listened to RATT all day, everyday. It wan't until then that I realized how truly annoying an obsession with one single band could become. (Not that this knowledge stopped me from obsessing over MY favorite musicians, mind you...)

Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way.

For a few months, I heard this song every day. More than once.



Pretty hard for it not to make an impact.

Back in my head-banging, leather coat-wearing days, I admit to liking Ratt quite a bit. I even have a few of the their songs on my iPod right now. You'd be surprised at how well music of the 80s inspires a run, some quality time with my elliptical or a great scene.

But for the most part, I now live in Alberta, which is a rat-free zone.

Except today...when it's possible I'll play You're in Love over and over again. Enjoy!

Are you also in a Ratt-free zone? What other "R" musician or song would you list on the musical soundtrack of your life?

Now, go check out some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn

Q is for Queen

After the movie Wayne's World debuted, pretty much everyone knew all of the words to QUEEN's Bohemian Rhapsody. A few of you even allowed your heads to "bang."

Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way.

I grew up listening to Queen.

They're one of those bands with a million songs, most of which I don't realize they sing until I hear them again. Of course, I'm up to speed on all of the classics (though some people might argue every Queen song is a classic) - but I have a feeling I'll be getting to know their back list a little more now that former American Idol contestant Adam Lambert has signed on as their new frontman. (I know, some of you just threw up a little in your mouth...)

As you may have figured out, I'm a bit of an Idol junkie. Even though I swore off the show when Adam didn't win (the rockers never do), I keep going back for me. Adam's new success reminds me it's ok to watch the show even if my faves get kicked off...the careers of the runner-ups don't appear to be suffering. Here's hoping this season's Idol rocker Colton Dixon fares as well!

And now for a little Bohemian Rhapsody. Go ahead, bang your head....

Speaking of head banging, Quiet Riot ALMOST made the list.


Queen, Queensryche, Quiet Riot or some other "Q" band? I must know.

Now, go check out some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn

P is for Poison

Ah, POISON. Finally. Probably one of the most popular (and recognizable) hair bands of the 80s - and the source of my first, true rockstar crush. No, I'm not talking lead singer Brett Michaels. (Though admittedly, he's the band member who aged the best...despite his disgusting behaviour on the TV series, Rock of Love. Ew.)

Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way. For about three years, no other band had more of an impact on me than Poison.

Or rather, the band's drummer, Rikki Rockett.

That's him on the far left. Every inch of my teenage bedroom walls were covered in his pictures. In that naive way only school girls can, I believed I actually had a shot with him - mostly because he said in an interview he liked girls with bushy eyebrows. I'm Italian. Nuff said. 

Turns out I may have scored in the eyebrow category, but I failed to meet his other, uh, expectations. After winning front row tickets to a Poison concert (my friend and I dressed up like Brett and Rikki, and I painstakingly created a drum kit out of cardboard that was exactly like Rikki's), I waited patiently for my drummer man to point his sticks at me - thus issuing backstage freedom. It didn't happen for me.

But it did for the breasts of the scantily clad woman to my right. A few of my posters came off the wall that night. My first heartbreak.

My sister would have hundreds of stories to tell you about my Rikki Rockett obsession, but the reality of that infatuation wasn't truly clear until recently when my friend Jen pointed out I'd gotten married on Rikki's birthday. Unintentional! (I think.)

Poison sang a lot of great songs, and I could skip to a ballad, but since I'm being honest (and have already embarrassed the crap out of myself), let's go with Talk Dirty to Me.

Talk to me, who's your "P" band inspiration?

Now, go check out some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn

O is for Ozzy Osbourne

Yeah sure, when he talks you can't understand what he's saying, and he's creepy (and old), but back in the day, OZZY OSBOURNE could really belt out a song.

Jessica Bell and I have teamed up for the A-Z blogging challenge this year to talk about our musical muses - a band/artist or song that has inspired, or affected us in some way. I'd seriously pass out if Ozzy was on Jessica's list. 

But anyone who knows me won't be shocked to find him on mine.

Yes, I'm aware he used to bite the heads off chickens - but so did Alice Cooper, and he "almost" made it to my "A" artist list. (Come to think of it, I wish I could go back and edit him in. His song Poison is still on my iPod.)

I can't say as I love every single Ozzy Osbourne song - in fact, I only have a couple on my playlist. But the ones I do have an instantly recognizable sound. Like this one:



I'm also not ashamed to admit (much) that Sharon Osbourne kind of amuses me, and is sometimes the reason I watch The Talk when I'm home during the week. Quite a unique family...

Got a fave Ozzy song or would you prefer to name another "O" rocker who gets your heart pumping?

Now, go check out some of the other blogs taking part in the A-Z Blogging challenge, including my Dawn Dalton blog where I'm talking about awesome YA books, and the Most-Wanted Monsters blog where Judith and I are writing poems and talking smack about some creeptastic beasties.

- Dawn


The Book In My Bag Today: Anna Dressed in Blood, Kendare Blake