Thank you for reading the April 2023 issue of This Awful Awesome Life. Previous issues are available to read on our website. Go to www.thisawfulawesomelife.com and start scrolling or you can enter specific search criteria.

Next month is Mystery Month in This Awful Awesome Life. We will be celebrating our favorite mystery authors, books, films, and real-life mysteries.

Lilly Kauffman, Orlando Bartro, Linda Cahill, and I will be back with interesting articles and recipes for you.

We’ll be continuing our reading recommendations, streaming articles, “What’s in a Word?” and “Dare to Believe.”

It’s a new year for quizzes, Q&As, and book reviews.

Stay safe. Stay well. You are important, and you are loved.

All my best,

Fran

Answers to the April 2023  Rock’n Birds of Spring Quiz:

After this band formed in San Francisco in 1991, their demo tape caused a bidding war between nine different record labels. Their hits include, “Anna Begins” and “A Long December.” Counting Crows

This American folk-rock group was originally called the Jet Set. Its name was changed to the Beefeaters just before the release of its first song in an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of the “British Invasion.” After the song failed to chart, the group changed to this deliberately misspelled name, in homage to the misspelling of the Beatles. and released hits such as “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” and “Turn, Turn, Turn.” The Byrds

This post-punk band was originally formed in 1980 in Liverpool, England. Their first single was funded by Pete de Freitas of Echo & the Bunnymen. He also played drums and produced their first recording. They are best known for the hits, “The Worst Year of My Life” and “Bringing Home the Ashes.” The Wild Swans

This popular American doo-wop group from the 1950s and early 1960s had only one Top 40 hit, “Earth Angel” which was originally the “B” side of the single, “ Hey Senorita.” The Penguins

This American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971 after two of its founding members were hired by Linda Ronstadt who was holding auditions of local musicians to tour as her band. They went on to become one of the most successful American bands of the 1970s with hits such as, “I Can’t Tell You Why” and  “One of These Nights.” The Eagles

This American country music band from Dallas, Texas has never shied away from politics or matters of social justice – they even changed their name in 2020. This powerhouse group of women is known for hits such as, “Not Ready to Make Nice” and “Goodbye Earl.” The Chicks

Formed in Chicago, this American doo-wop group popular in the 1950s was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. They are known as one of the best and most influential groups in pop and doo-wop history. They are famous for their cover of “I Only Have Eyes for You”  and songs such as “Lovers Never Say Goodbye.” The Flamingos

This alternative rock supergroup formed in Los Angeles in 2009 with Dave Grohl on drums. This group’s hits include,  “No One Loves Me and Neither Do I” and “New Fang.” Them Crooked Vultures

This English new wave band formed in Liverpool in 1979. Their name was inspired by the song, “Toiler on the Sea” by the punk rock band, The Stranglers” and a book by the American author, Richard Bach. Their hits include, “I Ran” and “Space Age Love Song.” A Flock of Seagulls

This band, created for a television sitcom, was loosely based on the real-life musical family, the Cowsills. Its most famous members were Academy Award winner, Shirly Jones and her talented stepson, David Cassidy. Their hits include, “I Think I Love You” and “I Woke Up in Love This Morning.” The Partridge Family

This Scottish blues rock band was formed in Glasgow in 1969. Tragically their lead guitarist, Les Harvey was electrocuted onstage during a performance at Swansea’s Top Rank Suite in 1972. Their hits include “Danger Zone” and “Penicillin Blues.” Stone the Crows

This Swedish singer and stage performer is known for multiple musical genres such as rock, post-grunge, alternative rock, and acoustic. His hits include, “Save Tonight” and “Falling in Love Again.” Eagle Eye Cherry

Formed in Austin, Texas in 1974, this band plays blues rock, southern rock, and Texas blues. Their song, “Tuff Enuff” was featured in the films Gung Ho and Tough Guys. Their follow-up single, “Wrap it Up” was also featured in Tough Guys. The Fabulous Thunderbirds

This English rock band, formed in London in 1963, launched the careers of three of rock’s most famous guitarists, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Their hits include, “For Your Love” and “Dazed and Confused.” The Yardbirds

This American rock band was formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1984. The inspiration for their name (which the band later tweaked) comes from a children’s book written by Leonard Leslie Brooks. Their hits include, “She talks to Angels” and “Remedy.” The Black Crowes