saturday 9: georgia on my mind

---

---

1) This lyrics refer to “an old sweet song.” What old sweet song is a favorite of yours?

I’m not a “sweet song” kinda girl, generally speaking. I’m more of a metalhead/rock ballad/old-school hip-hop kinda girl. But these two are right up there for me.

2) Composer Hoagy Carmichael said he was inspired by saxophonist Frankie Trumbauer to write a song about Georgia. In those days, bands traveled by bus and Frankie enjoyed rolling through Georgia. Hoagy recalled that Frankie even volunteered the first two words, “Georgia, Georgia …” If we were to organize a Saturday 9 bus trip, where would you recommend we go for lovely scenery?

I’ve lived a lot of places, so I have a lot of recommendations. Northern New York/New England during Leaf Peeping season. The deserts and mesas of Arizona. The ocean of the North Shore of O’ahu, my current home. The Virginia farm country. Seventeen Mile Drive in California.

3) This version of “Georgia on My Mind” was controversial before it was even recorded. Willie Nelson’s label, Columbia, didn’t see the point of their outlaw country star singing an old standard that was associated with Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald. Willie had the last laugh. This record was a hit and Willie won a Grammy. Tell us about a time when you were a success despite opposition.

When I went in the Army way, way, WAY back in the day, nobody thought I’d last a minute. Jokes on them.

4) While it’s at odds with his “outlaw” image, Willie was a popular and active high school student. He played three sports and was a member of Future Farmers of America. What school activities did you participate in during your teen years?

I was heavy into music. Band, chorus, girls’ choir, show choir. Plus I danced.

5) Willie once worked as a tree trimmer, so clearly he didn’t suffer from acrophobia. How about you? Do you have a fear of heights?

I have a healthy respect for heights, but phobia? Maybe not that severe.

6) He wrote the lyrics to one of his biggest hits, “On the Road Again,” during a flight, using the airplane barf bag as scrap paper. That was back in 1980. In 2025, do you handwrite onto note paper, or do you make all your “notes to self” digitally?

Most of my Notes to Self are digital, other than the ones I jot down in my planner.

7) In 1978, when Willie was singing “Georgia on My Mind,” audiences were flocking to see the movie Grease. What’s your favorite song from Grease?

Why do I have to limit myself from the whole soundtrack? That being said… Stockard Channing is my girl.

8) Also in 1978, Karina Smirnoff was born. After spending her early years in the Ukraine, she came to America and found success on Dancing with the Stars. Are you a DWTS fan?

I watch most seasons. Not really for the celebs as much as the pros. I love dance.

9) Random question: Do you ever carry a backpack?

Sometimes. I have a cute pink, plumeria-strewn backpack I got locally, made by Nani Island.