tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27486074053634725742024-02-08T07:55:47.118-08:00Dani's Big Hoss iPodLife is always on shuffle...Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-45932109043015963112011-05-21T08:49:00.000-07:002011-05-21T08:49:46.415-07:00I've Moved!!Just a quick note -- if anyone still frequents this page -- that I have actually ported this blog over to Wordpress. I find the layout over there more user-friendly and easier to publicize. The site name is basically the same:<br />
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<a href="http://www.bighossipod.wordpress.com/">www.bighossipod.wordpress.com</a><br />
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If you choose to continue in following this project, you may find it over there. I'm blogging tomorrow! Watch for it!<br />
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Until then!Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-14087458013151330652011-05-15T18:44:00.000-07:002011-05-15T19:29:47.904-07:00City on a Hill: Sing Alleluia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DvO0SNg6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DvO0SNg6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Sunday, all. This past week has been only slightly eventful. Monday was my last physical therapy session. I'm slightly relieved it's over, only because I received the bill a couple of days following and am regretting the decision in some ways. Even so, nothing can compare to the improvement I've felt over recent weeks to my physical body.<br /><br />Friday found me hosting some of the young people from our church at our home for a night of games and gaiety. "Young people." That sounds so pretentious. I really don't know what to call them without sounding old. "Kids" is definitely worse. Am I truly making my way towards decrepitude? This thought is most disheartening. Still, it warms my heart to fellowship with those that don't seem to find my life boring and mundane. Seriously, I had one of the students from church tell me my life was boring. I can't begin to explain how pissed off I was. I can't help that this town has sucked the life out of me. But, as always, I digress.<br /><br />Yesterday was a somewhat pleasant surprise for my husband and I. He had taken the day off to attend the wedding of a former co-worker and lovingly dragged me along to attend. The ceremony, lasting a total of three minutes (no kidding), found us with ample time to ourselves, so we ventured out for a late lunch and some necessary shopping (on his part, though he did encourage me to get something for myself). Other than tummy upsets right before bed, it was definitely a cherished moment within our marriage.<br /><br />Anyways, on to our main event -- the multi-artist project known as <span style="font-weight: bold;">City on a Hill</span>. This was a series of albums that started around my pre-teen years that my parents liked. My parents were odd when it came to music during my formative years. They listened to a lot of older Christian artists and cast a wary eye on anything that sounded like it didn't some out of the 1980's. The only exception to this standard was when it pertained to worship music, which is mainly what the City on a Hill series focused on. After listening to them again, I realized that the theme was taken from one of the old hymns that we all grew up on and reinvented by various artists in rather creative ways.<br /><br />The "Sing Alleluia" aspect comes from the old hymn, "All Creatures of Our God and King," one hymn I've never had any particular deep intrinsic connection. While I harbor such an indifference towards the hymn itself, I have to admit that this has to be my favorite of the series. The lyrics of the songs written for this edition ring truer to me than any of the other, if not for the rather painfully admitted revelation that I find in them to hope still in the salvation and love of my Savior. To be honest, since I've been married and moved back to a town where I thought I would find strength, rest and comfort, the end result has been anything but. I daily find it fatiguing to remind myself whose I am. My spiritual life couldn't be any further from glamorous and exemplary. As I write this, I'm wrestling within myself to even believe that God -- that Christ himself -- exist, though I know from past experience that the existence of this loving deity to be a fact. Being broken enough times in close sequential order can do that to a person, even one so at one time passionately in love with her Savior as I once was. But it is that memory of my great God that I cling to still, knowing that hope still abounds, even if but a slight flicker.<br /><br />Even now, as the album plays, I'm trying to find one sample of the songs that showcase the Ebenezer stone of my heart that I look back to in order to restore my faith in that I once clinged to with fervor and wild abandon. As relieving tears trickle down, I can't choose just one. This album is just that good. I encourage those of you that are having a time -- whatever that may be -- find a way to listen to this album and remember that warm hand around your shoulders that reminds you that it holds the power over all creation...and more importantly, over the dire situation you find yourself currently in the middle.<br /><br />We must not lose hope.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Eternal God, unchanging<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Mysterious and unknown<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Your boundless love unfailing<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">In grace and mercy shown </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Bright seraphim in ceaseless flight </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Around your glorious throne </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Their voices raised both day and night<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">In praise to you alone<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Hallelujah! </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Glory be to our great God </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Hallelujah! </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Glory be to our great God!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Lord, we are weak and frail,<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Helpless in the storm<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Surround us with your angels<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Hold us in your arms </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Our cold and ruthless enemy<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> His pleasure is our harm<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Rise up, oh Lord, and he will flee<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Before our Sovereign God<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Hallelujah! </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Glory be to our great God!<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Hallelujah! </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Glory be to our great God! </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Let every creature in the sea<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> And every flying bird<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Let all the mountains, all the fields<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> And valleys of the earth<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Let all the moons and all the stars<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Throughout the universe<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Sing praises to the Living God<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Who rules them by His word<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Hallelujah! </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Glory be to our great God<br /></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Hallelujah! </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Glory be to our great God!</span> </div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-78190090360251530112011-05-08T14:31:00.001-07:002011-05-08T19:47:58.049-07:00"Declaration" Steven Curtis Chapman<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XS84J2EJL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XS84J2EJL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Mother's Day, everyone. I am currently sitting in a semi spur-of-the-moment situation with my parents, my sister and her husband. All of it is usually my sister's idea. I always start to realize I would be receiving a call from her about the week before, so I tell myself I'll think of a decent I idea that doesn't cost too much...and then, I end up getting that call with not so much as a complete sentence of an idea to offer. This year, she decided we should go up and surprise her with lunch and gelato, and I never have anything better to suggest other than a card, so here we are. Now that all that was planned has been complete, I decided to take time to gather my thoughts for this week's selection.<p>It's somewhat fitting that this week's music on topic is "Declaration" by Steven Curtis Chapman. It reminds me of my Junior year of high school, when I started preparing for that year's Fine Arts Festival. It was the first of one of the few times that my mother helped me choreograph my human video, which came from this album. I have to say this about my mother--she's just like any mother, annoying and frustrating and still a work in progress...but I have to say that she never discouraged me from following my dreams. It was her way of saying I could be my own person, I think. For that, I will always be grateful.</p><p>This album also holds sour memories for me. It reminds me of a time when I spoke my mind in constructive criticism, only to be berated by an individual ignorant of the situation concerning the person I previously advised. Needless to say, I don't concern myself with this album, artist or Fine Arts Festival very often due to this painful experience. I find them overrated now as a whole. It's all I really care to say on the matter at the moment, partially for the reason I'm tapping this blog out on my BlackBerry phone, and my thumbs are getting weary. If I feel so inclined, I may expound upon my reservations and issues about Fine Arts Festival, as well as Christian music in general.</p><p>But for now, I leave you with glorious greetings on this celebration of women and life. For without women, we may not be here today.</p><p>Happy Mother's Day!<br />Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry</p>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-14949007618993772982011-05-01T12:31:00.000-07:002011-05-01T13:27:17.033-07:00The Prince of Egypt soundtrackWell, well...at last we meet again. After a rather random hiatus from blogging, writing --living in general for me, really -- I find myself doing a bit of spring cleaning and dusting off old hobbies, dreams, and other new/old interests that I never made time for. I'm experiencing a slow start to things at the moment, but as the old adage goes: "Better late than never."<br /><br />How are you? It's been a while. Almost a year, in fact. For me, the last year involved trying to go back to school for my theater degree. Somewhere in the middle of that, I start experiencing money shortage and health issues; so instead of doing what I planned, life lead me back to the lifeless job I left for a brief month and a half I was in school, in physical, spiritual and emotional pain. Eventually, I found a doctor that heard enough of my complaining and sent me for an MRI, which located the source of the pain in a few bulging discs in my neck. As I am at a young enough age where these things could be resolved before any major surgery, I was sent to a very nice older gentleman who helped me get some of my mobility and life back through physical therapy. Is it expensive? Yes. But at least I'm getting myself back.<br /><br />Hence, the reason I'm here, smiling cheerfully back at you in the form of this post.<br /><br />Anyways, on to the reason we're all here! It's amazing that I could even remember that this is where we left off (and I still have to add some albums to the drawing bag that I've bought since I blogged last year), but I did. Here we go!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/77/b0/3335810ae7a04f9b1971a110.L.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 331px; height: 329px;" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/77/b0/3335810ae7a04f9b1971a110.L.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I actually only have one song from this entire album, "Through Heaven's Eyes." For some odd reason, that was the only song that I was able to transfer from Casey's music collection to mine. It's sung by Brian Stokes Mitchell, whose voice I only came to know after listening to a more recent Broadway cast recording of "Man of La Mancha" (my favorite musical, but I'll save that for another day). The guy's voice is hoss, and this song properly showcases this fact. Someday, I would like to watch a live performance of Brian Stokes Mitchell -- preferrably in "Man of La Mancha" again, but I know it's merely wishful thinking of experiencing that any time soon.<br /><br />As a whole, I always thought soundtrack to the <span style="font-style: italic;">Prince of Egypt</span> should have been taken and translated to the stage. I've spoken with countless others who have had the same sentiments. It would make sense, right? But what does corporate America do? They produce the embarrassment that is <span style="font-style: italic;">The Ten Commandments</span> musical, with a cast that is headed by off-key Val Kilmer as Moses. I don't care if the man played Moses (spoken part) in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Prince of Egypt</span>; did you see how awkward the guy's performance was? You don't do that to the theater. Just...no. And really, the show only had one good song in the middle of it, just after the Israelites cross the Red Sea. But I digress.<br /><br />It makes me realize how little of the theater, the musical and Broadway I've thought of in the past year. I remember vaguely when it was all I could talk about, think about -- BE about. I had plans to revolutionize the stage -- for Jesus, of course. It was my life's passion to put something on Broadway that would make people think. I had even started working on a musical based on Relient K music in college (as I previously mentioned). Now...I could care less about that project. I numbly admitted to my husband the other day, "You know, I've lost interest in the theater. My dream isn't there anymore. It's just kind of...died." Or something like that. I was met with silence and a look of shock with a twinge of sadness. He knew how much it meant to me at one time; to hear this admission was hard on us both, I think.<br />"Well, what are you passionate about now?" he asked.<br />"That's just it. I don't know anymore," I labored softly.<br />"Well, maybe you can start working on old stuff. Dust off the story we started. Watch your favorite musicals so you can remember. We'll figure something out."<br /><br />You know, some things about my husband are most frustrating -- the way his attitude about money, cleaning, do-it-yourself-ing can be. But for a man to still be here after all I've had to go through and helping me in some way to find my way back...these are the reasons I love and married this man. With him and some tips from my writer friend/old college friend Cid, I'm starting to dig myself out of the darkness and make goals for myself. Slowly, but surely...I'm finding myself and my passion again.<br /><br />This is probably a lot more than I meant to say and even more than you cared to hear. Blame it on the fact that the first day of May 2011 is cold and rainy, leaving me with the TV, Fane the shih-tzu, my kindle and the house all to myself. But there's only so many minutes you can watch, times you can play fetch, pages you can read and places where you can loaf around before your fingers beckon you to come back and tap about until your brain turns to mush. Well, it's not exactly mush. In fact, this is the most stimulated my brain has felt in a while.<br /><br />So this is what it feels like to be creative. I could get used to this.<br /><br />[Well, I could also be sewing...but I'm too lazy to cut out patterns today. Meh.]Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-20668671004498957982010-06-11T19:08:00.000-07:002010-06-11T19:52:38.738-07:00Double Feature: "The Color Purple" Soundtrack and Billy Joel's "Storm Front"<span style="font-family:georgia;">I need to get better at this. Really I do. It's annoying how inconsistent I can be about things that interest me the most. Moreover, it's actually rather sad that I can't find a shred of energy to devote to things I love. This particular day finds me at the end of a day that was not meant to be. A woman, a veterinarian, from one of the groups we service at work berated and belittled me in the midst of me trying to help her and her employee because she "doesn't have time for this. It's your screw-up. Fix it." You know what, lady? I really don't have time for this, either. I understand...you can't POSSIBLY pull yourself away from saving the lives of </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >animals</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">, but understand this, you vile representation of the soft-hearted female that you're supposed to be...I didn't want to put up with your sad excuse of the fact that you can't </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">possibly be bothered to pay for a service we render you. They don't pay me enough to sift through your poor exhibition of humanity to come on my hands and knees begging you to forgive me for something that happened before I even started working there that YOU were too lazy to check for yourself. No...I AM WOMAN, TOO, YOU SELFISH BRAZEN HUSSY!!</span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">It's at times like these I miss my last job that allowed me to listen to music while I worked. I have found that music is a key ingredient to my vitality; </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">it reminds me in its subtle way that I am still alive and full of creativity. I'm hoping that when I move to part-time status at work come August that I will have a job that allows me to do this once more. Until then, I take what I can get as far as times to listen.</span> <span style="font-family:georgia;">Well, it's been a while since I have been able to, but before that happened I was able to stumble through to very different representations of music, which is why I am commenting on two albums this evening.
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mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">The first up to the plate is the soundtrack from Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple” (why Oprah’s name is attached to this is beyond me, but far be it from me to announce or label the album/show other than what it has been). I actually bought the album before I saw the show (as is the case with most of the musical soundtracks I own), and I knew that eventually I wanted to see how the show played out along with the music. Preston and I finally had the opportunity in January 2009 as a belated Christmas present to ourselves. Believe me, it was an investment well spent. The story is a somber one, but it has its humorous moments, which make the musical very endearing and memorable. I think now of all times the plight of Celie that's played out in the show rings true to me. She spends most of her life separated from her only sister and the children she gave birth to and constantly asks God, "Why?" She almost gives up on God until she realizes that sometimes it just takes a while for things to come full. It spoke to me of trust and living life as much as you can with what you have. The song "I'm Here" expounds on this. In it, Celie states that she may not have those things she wants close to her, but in the same way she does. "Most of all I'm thankful for lovin' who I really am. I'm beautiful, and I'm here," she ends the song. It really does take coming to a point where we sees in us what God sees in us and becoming comfortable enough to say that same mantra--I'm beautiful, and I'm here.</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.musictoday.com/store/bands/1965/product_large/MUDD428.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 318px;" src="http://media.musictoday.com/store/bands/1965/product_large/MUDD428.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>The other feature on this post I happened to find for a whopping 97 cents at Hastings one day. As we all know...I can't pass up Billy Joel, especially when it comes cheap, so yet another album from the Piano Man made its way into my collection (though as of this post, not yet onto my iPod--I fudged a little). I liked the first song, "That's Not Her Style" the first time I listened to it. As I made my way through the rest of the album, however, I found it to be a prime example of what made 80's music so cheesy and odd. Even so, it has quite a few songs that I have always enjoyed, such as "We Didn't Start the Fire" (and yes, I can actually sing the whole song...when the song's playing), "Downeaster Alexa" (my dad's ringtone on my phone, family inside joke) and "Leningrad" ("blast those yellow Reds to hell"...probably the wittiest and silliest line of its time from a poignant lyric). In the end, I believe that it was a 97 cents well spent.</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">After writing this, I feel a little better after such a heinous day. I feel accomplished, which is always a good thing concerning things that matter to you. The only place I need to work on accomplishment is my stomach that is currently growling on account that we haven't had dinner yet because a splendid evening cut short. Preston's Home Depot job somehow said he was scheduled to work tonight, though he took down his schedule himself and didn't see himself on for tonight. Both of us were frustrated, but as of now, there's little we can do. So...I wait to obtain foodage.</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Here's hoping life is treating you well, wherever you are. Good night.
<br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"></p>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-91814840246816501012010-04-20T18:51:00.000-07:002010-04-20T19:16:58.306-07:00"Enter the Danger Brigade" Calibretto 13<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/38/lrg_dc9e290df1cc45c1b4641bb83c2e830b.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/38/lrg_dc9e290df1cc45c1b4641bb83c2e830b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />One thing that I've come to realize about this blog is this: I have no real idea who is reading this. For all I know, Cid, it could be just you. I doubt that my blog has been around long for StumbleUpon to throw into the mix for some unsuspecting person to find. I say this because what I'm about to do is expound on the wonderful impact Miss Cidly has had on my musical influences since I've known her. While I don't listen to everything she does, I can for certain say that the influence her musical tastes had on me has changed me for the better.<br /><br />This album is one of them. I first became introduced to the musical stylings of Calibretto 13 in the front passenger side seat of her Ford station wagon. At first, I wasn't sure what to think of the lead singer's rather unique voice quality or the fact that it sounded like the song was going into convulsive spasms, but by the end of the first song she played for me, I found myself highly fascinated and intrigued. I felt the faint pangs of yearning for more. And of course, who wouldn't find it endearing when a song entitled "The Proposal" starts out something like this?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">Now love is one thing and sex is another<br />But they got together like bread and butter<br />People think they know it all but they are confused<br />That's why so many people get hurt and used<br />Now I'm waiting for you and you're waiting for me<br />So believe it or not I think we're meant to be<br />We've been through the smiles and we've been through the tears<br />We've been though hell and heaven in the last four years<br />Let me tell you something cos I think you're ready<br />I'm your boy and you're my honey<br />So open your ears and close your eyes<br />And baby get ready for a big surprise<br /><br />Hey, you're the one who makes me happy<br />You're the one I want to marry<br />You're the one I want to be with oh oh oh<br />So please don't tell me no<br />I don't want you to go<br />You're the one I want to wake up with</blockquote><br /><span style="font-family:monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was freaking hooked. I always enjoyed when she played them, and after a point in time, I asked her for a copy of one of their CD's. Just fyi, this particular album doesn't contain the aforementioned song, which is what I wanted, but I have enjoyed this album nonetheless. "Ballroom Blitz" and "High 5" are fun and funky songs that get the blood pumping and make you want to have fun. They're personally my favorites to listen to on the album. The others also have their fun, funky, and yet very poignant points to them, which has made the album so endearing to me. I may not listen to it that often, but when I do, it always puts a smile on my face. It makes me want to get sno-cones and sit out by the lake or just drive with the windows rolled down and the music blaring. This album is full of life, and it's high time I remember I have one.<br /><br />So, thank you, Cid. Thank you for making me listen to this. I honestly was missing out until then.<br /><br />Now, I'm off to save the world...or something of that nature...like burn a mixed CD for a kid and go to bed. I think those are good contributions to the world. At least for now.<br /></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-37178914951864263362010-04-18T18:06:00.000-07:002010-04-18T18:31:26.840-07:00"Next to Normal" The Original Broadway Soundtrack<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://shkbuzz.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/next-to-normal-cover-med.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 257px;" src="http://shkbuzz.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/next-to-normal-cover-med.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It took me about three days to get through this album going to and from work in my car. I have found that I actually focus on the music better while driving in my car. Perhaps it is contributed to the fact that I can't escape the music...or something like that. Anyways...<br /><br />First off, let me say that the music is satisfactory. The style reminded me of a Jason-Robert-Brown-meets-Rodgers-and-Hammerstein-meets-Rent vibe, if that's even possible. The one thing that surprising within the first 30 seconds of the album was the presence of explicatives. There was no explicit lyrics content sticker on the album, so I found that rather surprising and odd. Some of the songs were satisfactory, and it will probably take another listen-through to figure out how much I really like the show (and whether or not I will actually want to see it), but for now these are my thoughts on the music.<br /><br />The story itself very much reminds me of Henrik Ibsen's <span style="font-style: italic;">A Doll's House</span> if you think of the role of Nora being played out as a bipolar woman who is trying to figure out why her memories are gone and how she has this unnerving feeling that she has another child that her family isn't reminding her about. It plays out very much like that, and it is from that fact I find my hesitation to even see the show. <span style="font-style: italic;">Doll's House</span> was rather depressing and dumb, in my opinion. However, I suppose that it is a good exploration of our society's obsession with calling every manic-depressive outburst a chemical imbalance and to fix it accordingly with meds.<br /><br />It's definitely something to think about. Until then, I go to work and try to motivate myself to things I want to do instead of being tired all the time.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-62210199388004235742010-04-10T21:19:00.001-07:002010-04-10T21:43:11.478-07:00"Streetlife Serenade" Billy Joel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518dtZZ46nL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518dtZZ46nL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This past week has been crazy. I have really meant to write more consistently and more often, but then Associate's Convention at work happened--and I had to help with corporate tours. Longest week of my life. All I can say is that I'm so glad it's over. Granted, I have to start it all over again come Monday, but for now, I have my peace and quiet as I wait for my latest venture in baking--a sour cream bundt cake--to reach optimal consumption status.<br /><br />Even so, this week has had a pleasant alleviation to the pains of work, and that is found in the album known as "Streetlife Serenade" by Billy Joel. This is indeed one of the new albums I mentioned in the previous post, and after listening to it, I have found it to be one of the most welcome additions to my music collection. This album by far is the most instrumentally driven of Billy Joel's discography by far (and I would know...I own almost all of them). It contains two instrumental-only pieces: "Root Beer Rag", which has become one of my favorites of its kind, and "Mexican Connection." Overall, the album has a pleasant feeling to it, much like the feeling of sitting on the front porch watching the general neighborhood spectacle. It's a somewhat content feeling, in spite of the yearn for something more on the horizon. Two of my favorite songs from this album are "The Great Suburban Showdown" and "Weekend Song", both aptly named and well written lyrically.<br /><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">WEEKEND SONG<br /><br />This back-breakin', bone-shakin', belly-achin', hard-workin'<br />Two more hours to go<br />Yes, it's keeping me alive doin' nine to five<br />And I ain't got nothin to show<br />Pretty soon I'll be leavin'<br />With the wages I'm receivin'<br />But I know it's gonna be all right<br />Come on, babe, and take me away<br />We got some money to spend tonight<br /><br />Pick me up at the station<br />Meet me at the train<br />Have a meal and a shower and a change of clothes<br />I can't afford a vacation<br />But I can take the strain<br />Long as I can be with you<br />Find a way to burn it as quickly as I earn it<br /><br />Yes, it's back-breakin', bone-shakin', belly-achin', hard-workin'<br />Two more hours to go<br />Seven long years for the same corporation<br />And I ain't got nothin' to show<br />And tonight when I'm leavin' I'll be just breakin' even<br />But I know it's gonna be all right<br />I shake off my blues when you put on your shoes<br />We got some money to spend tonight<br /><br />Oh, I don't wanna stand here and sound accusin'<br />Everybody does their share of losin'<br />If I'm gonna lose it I might as well be doin' it right<br /><br />Pick me up at the station<br />Meet me at the train<br />Have a meal and a shower and a change of clothes<br />I can't afford a vacation<br />But I can take the strain<br />Long as I can be with you<br />Find a way to burn it as quickly as I earn it<br /><br />Yes, it's back-breakin', bone-shakin', belly-achin', hard-workin'<br />Two more hours to go<br />Yes, it's keepin' me alive doin' nine to five<br />And I ain't got nothin' to show<br />And tonight when I'm leavin' I'll be just breakin' even<br />But I know it's gonna be all right<br />Come on, babe, and take me away<br />We got some money to spend tonight<br />Come on, babe, take me away<br />We got some money to spend tonight</blockquote><br /><br />Good Stuff, eh? Anyways, that's all I have for now, besides a silly headache and a yearn to watch Sleepless in Seattle now that I own it (much to my husband's chagrin). Hopefully, it won't be over a week till the next posting. Of course, the next post has to do with a Broadway musical soundtrack that I have yet to listen to, so it may be a while as I must devote myself to listening.<br /><br />Ah well, until next time...whenever next time happens to be...Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-41171885151932510772010-04-02T16:09:00.000-07:002010-04-02T16:50:02.076-07:00"The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek" Relient K<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qGxC9MuWL._SL500_AA280_.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qGxC9MuWL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />OMG OMG OMFG!!!!!! Have you seen how green it is outside?!?!?!?!?! It's like, freaking Ireland out there!!!! I had today off and was able to go visit my grandparents' farm. When we got out of town, it just hit me like a brick wall how green it was. It made my heart happy.<br /><br />Well, Happy Good Friday, everyone. I have to say that, out of all the holidays of the year, Easter season is by far my favorite. The earth is waking up to its beautiful self, Easter music is in my heart, and true to its tradition, it has been shown favor to have good memories abound during this time of year in the form of a rather sizable tax refund. And a lot of the happiness that I find during this season has to do with the music. Have you ever listened to Easter music when it pertains to the Resurrection? It's vigorous and exciting and...well, full of life. I have nothing against Christmas music; it heralds the majestic royal nature of Christ. But there's something about Easter music that speaks of the true nature of Christ. As C.S. Lewis says of Aslan, "He's not a very tame lion." It is for that reason that I love Him so and the life He brings. Easter music seems only fitting in this sense.<br /><br />Anyways, enough of my Easter-music-gasm....<br /><br />I do apologize for the delay in posts. With this new job I have, I find the life sucked out of me by the end of the day. Only when I am about to retire for the evening do I vaguely remember this blog, and by that time, I'm just ready to sleep. It's not that I haven't been thinking about this blog post; it's just that it escapes my need for obligation to complete. But here I am, delivering you my lyrical thoughts once again.<br /><br />Some of you that really know me have come to realize the significance of Relient K in my life. Some of you were actually there when they sparked my creativity and provoked me to find a way to draw out a story from their discography, placing them into a musical fit for Broadway. Some of you may have noticed how I pandered on the issue ever since then and have taken a long journey to bring myself back to it. Within the past week or so, I have finally had the gentle but firm motivation (via my God-given husband) to finally place pencil to paper and really do this. As a result, I have spent much time recently listening to their albums, including this one, and I have had time to remember the memories tied to it.<br /><br />Although this is not their first released album, this is the first album that I obtained of theirs. I remember the day I received it, too--it was my first year of college at SAGU, and I was just finishing up New Student Orientation week. I had been with my family very little that day as they were unable to make it in time to a financial aid meeting with me. I remember how very cross they were that I wasn't able to see them that much before they left to make the then 13-hour trip home, but nothing could be done about it. They were leaving, and I was staying, alone and unfamiliar with my surroundings. Before they left, however, they gave me two 'housewarming' gifts to usher in this new era of dorm life. One was a VHS copy of Legally Blonde (which I still own and occasionally watch to this day), and the other (per the request of Casey) was "The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek" by Relient K. We had come to know their songs from that album in the first full year we lived in New Mexico, so it was like she was sharing with me a part of her that became the first of many. My sister is kick-butt like that, one of my closest companions since as long as I've known her, and I completely blame her for aiding and abetting God on my path to His purpose. Thanks, Case.<br /><br />And the rest, as they say, is history. Or in this case, history in the making. One can only hope.<br /><br />That's all for now. I bought two new albums today! I plan to make them the next two topics of discussion. Until then, it's off to try the Wingin' It place in town and see if their chicken wings are as amazing as they make them out to be.<br /><br />Happy Easter, all!Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-88252513379905365332010-03-09T16:50:00.003-08:002010-03-09T17:10:33.707-08:00“Happy” Matthew West<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://image.lyricspond.com/image/m/artist-matthew-west/album-happy/cd-cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 254px;" src="http://image.lyricspond.com/image/m/artist-matthew-west/album-happy/cd-cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span xmlns=""><p>Well, it would seem that Spring has sprung, and Daylight Savings Time is almost upon us. With that also comes the awful stormy March Oklahoma weather—wet, dreary, and just plain blah. They're the kind of days that you wish you could spend curled up at home with a hot cup of tea and a good book or movie (or in my case, time for writing) but instead you find yourself with cold, wet feet at a job that you find frustrating and slightly mind-numbing. The sun does come out, but only a day or so at a time—taunting you into believing it's April.<br /></p><p>That's what I find surrounding me these days, both figuratively and literally.<br /></p><p>It seems like a never-ending battle for me. I'm sure for most of you as well. You have some dream that God has placed in you. You have the passion to do it. Your heart is burdened with the mission of that dream. You begin strong, ecstatic that that you've finally figured out what it is that you're supposed to do with your life—at least, some faint semblance of what you're supposed to. Then…life happens. Bills accumulate. Passion is replaced by duty, and the dream that you had is merely a vague shadow somewhere in the back of your mind. You begin to lose parts of your vitality and proceed to merely exist. Doubts begin to arise as to whether you heard the call to that dream correctly, or if that's all it merely was—a dream. Before too long, you find yourself sitting at home, completely robbed of your creativity, willpower and confidence.<br /></p><p>It would seem as though God had led you into this valley to die a slow, painfully emo death.<br /></p><p>Then…at just the right time…He finds a way to always remind you of His presence and the fact that He's not through with you yet.<br /></p><p>That's what amazed me when Preston drew out this selection at this time of all times. I literally started laughing and crying at the same time the moment he gave it to me, which puzzled him immensely. What he and undoubtedly you don't know is that this album is one of those that, when I go through a tough time, somehow it creeps its way back into my life and reminds me that God is still beside me, persuading me to choose joy instead of sorrow. It's cheesy, and I don't listen to it that often because of that fact; but when push comes to shove, it resonates within my soul and renews my resolve to go on a little longer and not give up. One of the songs, "Out of My Hands", talks of those times when things overwhelm, brings us to our knees, and of the need to trust the situation to God:<br /></p><blockquote><p>"It's out of my hands<br />It's out of my reach<br />It's over my head<br />It's out of my league<br />There's too many things<br />That I don't understand<br />So it's into Your will<br />And it's out of my hands"<br /></p></blockquote><p>I know it's silly, but with that and a few other things that have occurred recently, I know that God was speaking to me and reminding me of His promises to me. It's still difficult, and this work week is testament to that fact. But now, I don't feel so much that I was led here to die. I was led here to live.<br /></p><p><em>Numbers 23:19—"God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?"<br /></em></p><p>In spite of the storms…in spite of the valleys…I must always remember that from that springs forth the one of the greenest times of the season. It has always been my favorite part of the season, as a matter of fact. I always love the look of the fields below my grandparents' house after a long bought of rain in the spring. I have a feeling that it's almost as green as Ireland itself at that moment. It's in that lush, green field that I once envisioned myself during a moment of worship dancing with God.<br /></p><p>Beauty forged from adversity. Violent beauty.<br /></p><p>It seems only fitting.<br /></p></span>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-36308768806728192502010-03-04T16:50:00.000-08:002010-03-09T17:08:56.098-08:00“With Arrows, With Poise” Myriad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_wmyn90LG2JY/SHhAz5N0iiI/AAAAAAAAD7E/VIZE-8Z8QnM/s400/The+Myriad+-+With+Arrows,+With+Poise+%282008%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 266px;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_wmyn90LG2JY/SHhAz5N0iiI/AAAAAAAAD7E/VIZE-8Z8QnM/s400/The+Myriad+-+With+Arrows,+With+Poise+%282008%29.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I love oatmeal cookies.<br /><span xmlns=""><br /><p>More importantly, I love oatmeal cookies that I have made after a long day's work followed by a lonely night. I put my iPod on its dock and let the current selection play through as I mixed in sugar, eggs, and the all important oatmeal. The music merely fades to the background, becoming ambient noise that helps the loneliness a little bit—but only a little bit.<br /></p><p>As I listened to this blog's selection by the Myriad, I couldn't help but notice how terribly emo sounding it was. I'm not saying it was bad, and I'm not saying at some point in my life I would have definitely enjoyed them (probably about the time I started listening to Fall Out Boy and Emery), but I have to admit that I couldn't wait for the album to end. It reminds me of numerous wordy songs that I have been assured have deep meanings but fail to keep my attention on account of how many words they pack into it. That's probably one of the main reasons I have yet to really enjoy listening to Demon Hunter (sorry, Preston, and the rest of the Demon Hunter following). I may be silly for being a sucker for a good, well-placed rhyme, but I just can't help myself.<br /></p><p>With all that in mind, I suppose it begs the question of how it ended up on my iPod to begin with. I have to make another confession. I am one of those girls who will listen to anything a guy throws at her, or at least try to. It's true. You wouldn't believe the things I've listened to. I think the most pathetic example of this was in high school when I started listening to P.O.D. just because the cute new guy in the youth group liked them. Of course, this was all a long time ago when I was absurdly boy-crazy. I would like to think I have grown up since then—at least a little. The same is true with this album, but in a little less extreme way. One day, Preston and I decided to go through each other's albums to look for new music or music we had been wanting (that's how I was able to get almost all of the Relient K music). Looking through his stuff, he came to this album and said, "Here. You might like them. I haven't really listened to them and am not sure why I got this, but yeah." I had heard of them before, and so I decided to give it a try.<br /></p><p>I have.<br /></p><p>I'm so glad it's over. Now, I'm currently listening to my iPod on shuffle and am feeling much better. A clean house and fresh homemade oatmeal cookies don't hurt things, either. The fact I got to see one of my favorite singers last week makes things even better. Now, THAT'S music. The Billy Joel/Elton John show was nothing short of amazing. Billy played songs I knew, and it was confirmed that he is a truly great entertainer. The only real fail things of the evening is that I opted to not bring in my camera to the show and missed so many good shots, as well as only knew about a handful of Elton John's songs. I decided that it is high time I start creating a small repertoire of his music, hopefully soon.<br /></p><p>As I lay here on the couch thinking how crappy it's been being tired all the time from work and lonely while Preston is at work, these things remind me that I still have good things happening to me and maybe—just maybe—even more good things will come if I'm just patient.<br /></p><p>One can only hope. Until then, there's a random shuffle of songs and oatmeal cookies for all.<br /></p></span>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-60423402932430246922010-02-19T09:05:00.001-08:002010-02-19T09:14:04.183-08:00“Say I am You” The Weepies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.meghantoohey.net/WEB%20MAGES/record%20art/Say%20I%20Am%20You.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://www.meghantoohey.net/WEB%20MAGES/record%20art/Say%20I%20Am%20You.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span xmlns=""><p>I am so sleepy.<br /></p><p>Last night, I made a promise to Preston (my husband) that I would get up with him in the morning, which is earlier than I have usually been getting up. Of course, I make these promises when I'm not really sleepy and trying to fall asleep at night. Needless to say, I'm mildly regretting my words this morning, but for better or for worse, I was actually up well before my birth control alarm went off. I had a pleasant time with Preston before he left for school, drinking coffee and commenting on the fact I have yet to memorize the words to the J-Pop theme song from Great Teacher Onizuka (the live-action version). Now I am left to myself, my coffee and my iPod, which is playing today's current selection for discussion.<br /></p><p>OK, I think the coffee is kicking in, but the feeling of awake-ness isn't so harsh anymore. The Weepies has that effect on me, and I am glad for it.<br /></p><p>I would like to say that I discovered The Weepies all by myself, but that would be lying…in a way. When I first became aware of them, I was browsing the Myspace page of a guy I had recently met through Yahoo at the time. Their song "Gotta Have You" happened to be his selection of background music for the page. I was so intrigued by the lyricism and the voice quality of the woman singing it that I could not resist the need to know more about them. After I had placed the song on my Myspace page and exhausted its play-through over and over again, I decided it was high time that I had a copy of the album for my very own. If the rest of their music was as good as this, then surely I would enjoy it just as much or even more. The rest, as they say, is history. As of now, I have all three of their albums, and it is only fitting that my introduction of their music in this blog starts with this album. As for the guy I met from Yahoo, my friendship with him has come and gone, but I will always be eternally grateful for his unknowing influence towards The Weepies.<br /></p><p>I love the story behind the group. They were two solo musicians, aware and in awe of each other's music yet unaware that the other felt the same. One night, they get up the nerve to talk to each other, find themselves writing together before the end of the night and have been writing ever since. If any of you have seen the film <em>Once</em> (which is amazing and you should see it, especially after my blog on its soundtrack, which is also amazing), then it will remind of you in a way of that story. The only difference is…well, shucks…I can't tell you if you haven't seen the film yet. It would spoil the story. Just take my word for it that it's similar, ok? OK.<br /></p><p>He he, the song "Nobody Knows Me at All" is on at the moment, and I can't help but smile a nice warm lazy smile. It always reminds me of this one time Casey and I were spending time with friends Phiet and April, and this song came on. It's hard to describe that moment, but let me tell you, it was pretty funny and memorable. I do remember it was in the car, and now that I think about it, many of my memories with this particular album occurred in my car, moving along and watching nature pass me by. It gives me that balmy, sleepy cloudy sky, 75-degree warm feeling all over, which was usually the perfect cure for a long day at work or whatever seems to be daunting. It contains a sort of quiet happiness about it that keeps you warm on cold days and allows you to slow down and enjoy life on warm days.<br /></p><p>My only question about their music that has never been answered is this: what on earth do they mean when they sing "You know, the way you look makes everyone hungry" in the same song as "Dye your hair suicide blonde"? What color is suicide blonde, anyways?<br /></p><p>Any suggestions towards an answer to that question will be gladly accepted. But for now, I'm off to spend one of my last few days of freedom from the work world cleaning, playing Sims 2 and other video games, and getting employee paperwork done, all with a balmy, sleepy cloudy sky, 75-degree warm feeling all over. If it wasn't so chilly outside, I would lay a blanket out in my backyard and watch the clouds.<br /></p><p>I guess that will just have to wait until Spring.</p></span>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-76390049191630258942010-02-17T13:57:00.001-08:002010-02-17T14:03:43.694-08:00“Amusing” Chris Rice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.christian-gospelmusiclyrics.com/contemporary/chris-rice/photo/chris-rice-lyrics.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.christian-gospelmusiclyrics.com/contemporary/chris-rice/photo/chris-rice-lyrics.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span xmlns=""><p>First off, I suppose you're wondering how I determine which album to write over during this project. It truly is rather simple yet time consuming, which is why it took me so long to get it started. I suspect it might have been easier and more 'environmentally friendly' to merely press shuffle and see where it took me. However, I found a huge flaw in this method. I would constantly have to be pausing, reversing and forwarding to hold my place, and who's to know when my husband will want to commandeer my iPod because he has yet to transfer his favorites from my music? (I say this only with heart-felt affection; I take it as a compliment that he likes a lot of the music I have introduced to him.) Needless to say, this had to be remedied. And it was. I actually typed out all the albums/artists, printed them off, cut them into strips, folded them up and placed them all in an old gift bag. Granted, another way would have possibly been easier, but as I have neither Internet at home nor the patience to sit at the school and figure it out, this is the method that made the most sense.<br /></p><p>In this fashion, I had my obliging husband draw the first selection, which brought forth the first review you have been—no doubt—anxiously waiting to see.<br /></p><p>This journey begins with the more popular Chris Rice album, "Amusing." I say it's popular in the sense that, out of all of his albums, it's the only one that I recollect being played on both Christian and secular radio stations. And when I say play, I mean the one song that everyone knows from that album: "When Did You Fall (in Love)". It was for that very reason that I myself desired and obtained my own copy of the album. Over the years, I have found Chris Rice's music to be one of my favorites. I completely enjoy his kid-like lyricism whose wisdom transcends every age of life. That's just it—he knows how to have fun with music, yet in the middle of that whimsy, deep truths resonate. Pure lyric genius. That's all there is to it. This album is no different.<br /></p><p>However, it has been quite some time since I have had any desire to listen to it. As time when on, the songs began to have bittersweet memories attached to them that were rather hard to audibly digest. It reminds me of a cold January afternoon on my driveway, comprehending another relationship gone south—quicker than I had expected it to at the time. It reminds me of a rainy day in July spent in a hospital room, only to find out that we had precious little time with Grandma Gray, a very spirited and strong woman that all of us loved and respected. It reminds me of nights spent alone in my car, driving home from work, wondering what I would do with my life. What follows are the emotions that are typically found in the middle of these sorts of memories—anger, regret, sadness, uncertainty, and loneliness. What do you do with that kind of emotional baggage? Even now, it's hard to let it go. More memories come. A silent yet tear-filled cafeteria meal flickers, along with the memory of how hard it was to eat during that time of emotional pain. Fights, things said, things unsaid…so much overwhelms.<br /></p><p>Then, songs like "Sleepyhead Sun" with its bright yet quiet tone reminding me of the goodness of life, "The Final Move" heralding love conquers all when it really matters, and "Amusing" whispering of the ironic way life moves along make their way into the playlist mix. The storm quiets, and the sun warms. I find that a handsome and wonderful man of God is by my side, quietly enjoying a play-through of Fallout 3. The house is in disarray, but the guests that come from time to time pay no mind because of the friendly atmosphere found here. My family is well, though a little worse for wear, and thankful for each other more than ever before.<br /></p><p>As the album finishes, these words filter from my iPod dock:<br /></p><p>"At least for now, I'm smiling"…"You can't write such a comedy without some conspiracy"…"I find it all so amusing"…</p><p>Before I started this post, my husband asked me if I wanted to start out with such a weighty subject. "It'll make you emo," Preston pointed out. "And I don't want you to be emo." It's true that it was emo. But whether or not I wrote it now or later made no difference to emo-ness. "Besides," I reasoned with him, "I have you and a bunch of good other things that make it not-so-emo." And with that explanation, he smiled.<br /></p><p>Life goes on. And I'm smiling. Now, to ponder what dinner for one will be tonight. Hopefully something decently yummy. I have yet to cook that split pea soup, but that's hardly appealing. Probably something to do with chicken. Anyways, I'm off. Till next time!</p></span>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2748607405363472574.post-18068692181123358362010-02-16T09:19:00.001-08:002010-02-16T09:19:58.638-08:00“With a Righteous Invasion of Truth…”<span xmlns=''><p>These words were the main theme behind the first album (in CD form) that I ever owned. It was one of many Carman albums that I desired and obtained over the course of my young life. I remember the Christmas I received it with my sister as a gift, back in the day when Christian music was the prevalent musical influence in our household. In a time before mp3 players and iPods, my music selection was rather limited, and I reveled in my musical ignorance.<br /></p><p>That was over ten years ago.<br /></p><p>Having just recently celebrated my 25<sup>th</sup> birthday, I decided to look back on the past quarter century and contemplate upon how much I have grown (as I am sure all of us do in our mid-twenties). Indeed, I have grown in stature and intellectual capacities. I have had many life experiences both joyous and somber that have created a hopefully well-rounded individual. One thing that has also hallmarked my somewhat varied life is the massive amount of music I came to listen to over the years. Now that I have caught up with the times with my own iPod, I find myself listening to a song or a band that I have placed in the back corners of my melodic memory on numerous occasions. Many times over recent months, I have asked myself the question, "What was I thinking when I listened to this band/song/genre/album?" While my musical tastes have held somewhat a basic intrinsic theme of sorts, the variations of each can at times seem to be the extreme of the others. When I listen to my iPod on shuffle, I am amazed at how many times the songs don't make sense next to each other in my repertoire of lyrical gems and "diamonds-in-the-rough."<br /></p><p>Then, it occurred to me. I'm a musical hoarder.<br /></p><p>It's true, and as they say, admission is the first step to recovery—or in this case, discovery. I have set before myself a journey of sorts for the coming year…or however long it takes to trudge through all the music that finds itself on my iPod. Inspired by a recent film of blogging through food, I have decided to blog through music. More specifically, I have decided to blog of my life through music. Much of the reason I kept all this music is that, at some point, each one of these songs was a part of my life, describing where I was at that time. Everyone has said at some point that they had a grouping of songs that were the 'soundtrack to their life.' This, my fellow travelers, is mine.<br /></p><p>I invite you to join me, whoever you may be, on a journey of vulnerability and self-discovery as I recount the good, the bad, and the ugly of my life through 228 of the most poignant moments (or less than poignant, depending on the context) of my life. My one hope is that through this journey I inspire myself—and perhaps even you—to find the unique melody within that God has placed since the beginning of our existence. For among all the songs, one central theme will become clear. <br /></p><p>And I intend to find out what that theme is for me.</p></span>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00449629735831085419noreply@blogger.com0