Who’s the real Queen of Christmas?

The title “Queen of Christmas” has surfaced this holiday season in reference to Mariah Carey. Maybe I’m just old but every time I hear the phrase, my candy-cane striped knickers get in a bunch. I can’t get on board with Mariah wearing this crown! I know she’s a diva, she sings like few can… but in regards to Christmas music, she has one original hit song. Just one. Obviously, it’s a HUGE hit song. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has gone #1 in more countries than I can count and it’s a modern song that instantly became a holiday classic. There’s no denying that.

But what about female singers who have holiday hits, or even more impressive, multiple successful Christmas songs? I’m thinking of Kelly Clarkson “Underneath the Tree” (#1 in multiple countries) and “Wrapped in Red,” Leona Lewis “One More Sleep” 2x platinum, The Waitresses “Christmas Wrapping”(cert gold in UK). Certainly they should at least be in the discussion for being Christmas royalty, right?

But then there’s Darlene Love. If I had to pick a “Queen of Christmas” (and it had to be a singer), I’d 100% go with Darlene Love. Problem is… no one asked me! Darlene’s original song “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)” (cert platinum) is instantly recognizable and has been covered many, many times by iconic singers and not-so-iconic singers. Yes, I’m talking about all you karaoke people out there! Plus, Darlene has another song released decades after that one, called “All Alone on Christmas” and it’s played each season, too. In fact, listen to the lyrics and you might find some clever Christmas references, too. She sings about “All I Want For Christmas is You” and ties in a flashback to “Baby, Please Come Home.” Perhaps a nod to Whitney Houston with the lyric, “Where do lonely hearts go?” Great song!

What are your thoughts about Mariah Carey being crowned “Queen of Christmas”? Chime in below, and thanks for dropping in!

-Out of the Wilderness

Beautiful Horses in Photos

Horses are definitely in my top 3 favorite animals (besides dogs, the other 2 are dolphins and eagles). There’s something special about them, which is probably why you’ll find therapists recommending time with a horse as a way to cope with, or rehabilitate from, mental setbacks. I know they’ve been part of the healing process for military vets dealing with PTSD, which is amazing, as well. Such large creatures but often times they’re so gentle. Whenever I have an opportunity to take photos of them, I do it! So below are a handful of favorite horse photos from my travels camping around the south and midwest. Hope you enjoy the photos!

near a country road, Ocala, Florida
Ocala, Florida
Ocala, Florida
northern Texas
northern Texas
northern Texas
a horse in Georgia
Georgia
Georgia
Georgia
Tallahassee, Florida

Each of these, and lots more wildlife photos are available for download or printing on my SmugMug page. I’d be flattered for you to take a look, just click here. Thanks for dropping in!

-Out of the Wilderness

One More Sleep, Pups

A song I enjoy listening to during the Christmas holiday is “One More Sleep” by Leona Lewis. Since we’re in December I thought I’d share a few pics of my dogs resting, sleeping, or waiting. Waiting, as you can see this first picture.

This pup is Asia and she is very snuggly but also very interested in squirrels and such. In this picture she’s half resting, half waiting for any movement around the nearby trees.

The next picture is Asia and Piper on the same dog bed. There’s a perfectly good bed not being used. What gives, ladies?? I guess they must like body heat on chilly days or something.

Piper, the princess herself, will not have problems finding the softest place for a nap. In this case, or should I say in this suitcase, she crumpled up my clothes to make a nice little, cozy bed for herself.

I’ve shared about my dogs in the past and we’ve had quite the adventurous life in the last few years. But, as you can see in the pics, we like to sleep, too.

Thanks for dropping in…

-Out of the Wilderness

Traffic Citations and a Native Christmas Commercial

Have you managed to get by without a run-in with a cop or two? The last time I can remember being pulled over was eye-opening. Not only was I speeding, I also ran a red light, right in front of the officer!

A stinky situation. How would the cop have reacted if our interaction went like the traffic stop in this Native commercial?

On the list of Christmas commercials, this one is very unique. It’s odd and quirky, kind of like this Ocean Spray’s cranberry sauce commercial for Thanksgiving. Plus, humor is sometimes about timing and this one nails it at the perfectly right time with the introduction of the woman’s husband. She even forgets his name!

All in good fun, but seriously, don’t go 52 in a 25. You’ll end up hurting yourself or someone else.

Thanks for dropping in…

-Out of the Wilderness

Samsung If I Can Dream Christmas Ad – The Location, the Music, and More!

As one who’s just joined the flip side (read a recap of my flip phone journey), I thought it would be fitting to write about the Samsung Galaxy Christmas commercial, plus it features a song by my all-time favorite artist Elvis Presley. Take a look, then scroll down for more info…

The Location. This ad is shot in Prague, Czechia. It appears that the street is Římská Street. This is just one of many shoots in Prague as explained in the video below, including clips from Kanye West and Apple.

The Music. The original song is by Elvis Presley in 1968. This, however, is a cover and fans have narrowed it town to Georgia Crandon or Lake Street Dive. Oh gosh, is this turning into a heated debate like deciding if the dress is blue or black, or what do you hear, Yanny or Laurel (spoiler alert, it’s Yanny!)? In the Samsung commercial, is it Georgia Crandon or Lake Street Dive singing the cover? Let the convincing begin!

Do you like the ad? Where does it land on your all-time favorite Christmas commercials? On my list, I’d add it to the top five somewhere behind this AT&T commercial and this Amazon commercial. Thanks for dropping in…

-Out of the Wilderness