The absolute greatest soul song ever recorded. I will argue that to my grave. Billy Paul, 1972, I was just getting my feet under me as a human being. But this song, even then, grabbed me and I could still, a million years later, listen to it on auto-repeat.
Me and Mrs. Mrs. Jones
Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Jones
We got a thing going on
We both know that it's wrong
But it's much too strong to let it go now
I am delighted to say, I have a framed 45 of this song hanging in my office.
And you ask, what does this have to do with anything here at Kandi’s Land? One, it makes me happy. Two, as we continue my post themes of music off the top of my head, I like it. Plus, I just watched the Grammys, and it was as if I was watching a TED talk, in Mandarin Chinese, on nuclear physics. I had zero clue about any of it, and I say this as someone who does listen to and collect somewhat contemporary music. So I preach the gospel of real music, made with heart and, yes, soul.
Billy is my introduction to the latest MIX at The (fantabulous) Cleveland Museum of Art. We’re back! Me, a decade plus in at a literal world class art museum. Me, an integral piece of their centerpiece event, month after month, year after year. I am a rock, I am an island… (not the biggest Paul Simon fan, but I again digress).
February 6, 2026, Peace, Love and Soul, the theme of this event. Guests were encouraged to dress in Soul Train–inspired outfits with retro bold colors and patterns and accessories that make a statement. I took my own spin on all of that with the single greatest item of clothing I own, and I will ever own and anyone could own.
And yet another BFF get together (make-a-me happy). And an appearance by The Dazz Band (kinda, sorta, Let It Whip!).
Let’s set the table. I do share (maybe too much, putting readers to sleep), the week leading up to this evening. I worked like a dog. I have not worked five consecutive days driving a truck in years (yes, I did do that years ago). Three days at my “easier” truck job (not nearly as much physical labor) and then midweek back-to-back overnight Amazon runs. The second one was a 12-hour run, started at midnight. Six difficult docking situations, even more difficult unloading. I remain very happy I have this job and hope to continue to learn. But I am also learning back-to-back overnight drives are by no means easy. They play with your body clock. I had to rush home from work to get my girl on! In between all of this I had a Mom (87 years old) internet situation. You can guess how easy that was to solve. And our daughter is dealing with severe postpartum issues.
Here I am before walking out the door. Okay?
The evening was wonderful! Great friends, fabulous music. The band was awesome; the DJ spun the 70’s R&B and soul hits. The dancefloor was full all night long, including yours truly after my “work” obligations.
Pre-Mix, I stopped at a favorite spot for a bite to eat and a cocktail. I had to be at the museum by 5:30. So, I wrapped things up at about 4:50, paid my check and started putting my coat on. My phone rings and it is a potential customer (my third job), whom I know, so I ask him if I can get to my car and call him back. As soon as that happens, two women walk up to see if they could take my spot at the bar and one gushed about me. They invited me to join them and their friends. I was blown away, but the clock was ticking in my head, I had a call to return, I had to get to the museum. It KILLED me to leave, but I had no choice. Damn!
In so many ways it’s great to be me, in many others, I would wish my baggage on no one. Life. Ups and downs. Good and bad. Joys and challenges. Savor the joys, endure the challenges, find the love.
We did it! We took a picture!
Sher looked great but ask her about her bathroom challenges.
Life is literally all about logistics.
So let it whip
(Let's whip it, baby) child
(Let's whip it right) get a grip
(Let's whip it, baby, whip it all night)
Well, what's your trip? (No, no) child
C'mon, let it whip
Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
