Auld Lang Syne

Please accept my apologies for the extended time between posts as I have been frantically busy with Christmas shopping, Christmas parties, Christmas cookies, etc. I am also at a loss and have been considering what direction to take this blog. I, at first, thought I would talk about the simple things in life, but that became too general of a topic. Then, I thought I could talk about my favorite things, but I actually don’t have a lot of favorites. My favorites can depend on what mood I am in, what the circumstances are, and other miscellaneous things we won’t talk about now so that wouldn’t work out either. As of this point in time, I’m still a little confused as to where to take this blog. No worries though as I do have some ideas for the future. What are they? I guess you’ll just have to keep reading to find out.

Today, I wanted to combine a Christmas and New Years into one post because what I have to say about each is basically the same. If you know me at all, you’ll know that I am a Christmas lover. I can listen to Christmas music any time in the year and I absolutely love Christmas colors. In fact, I hope I can plan my wedding around Christmas time because I love it so much. I never used to be this enthusiastic about Christmas until I moved away from home to attend The Crown College of the Bible. I realized that Christmas was a time to spend with my family. The excitement of those last few days of the winter semester realizing that after the stress of finals, I could go home and relax. (Big sigh) I didn’t have much money for gifts but I tried my best to get my family what they wanted. After I graduated and came back home to live, I started making friends at church and started building relationships. Fast forward to today and I’ll be the first to tell you that I am one of the most blessed people on earth when it comes to friends. I thank God every day for the network of people I have to rely on and the freedom I feel with them to be me. I can act a little crazy at times and even say some stupid things but I know that they’ll love me anyways (At least I hope so…) Christmas reminds me of the love and friendships I have and I hope that through the years all of us will become even closer.

This year has been a very exciting year for me. I had the opportunity to meet one of my heroes, inspirations, mentor, or whatever you would like to call him. He was the one who inspired my style of piano playing and inspired me to sing. His name is Brian Free and he is one of the most humble men I have ever met. God has used him and his music greatly in my life and I was able to tell him that in May of this year. I have also become closer with a girl I know that God has placed in my life for a time such as this. She encourages me with every step and helps me when I am a little down in the dumps. Thanks Kristen!!

This year I have also seen a part of my “dream” fulfilled in that I have been playing piano in church regularly and am amazed at the growth I have seen in myself these past few months. I still can’t believe that I get to serve God by playing the piano and I can’t wait to see what doors He will open next year.

What else have I done this year? I have rekindled an old friendship with a good friend from years ago. The more we talk, the more we realize that we are both in the same boat on many things. I am so excited that she will be traveling down to see me in April and we will be going to (you guessed it) a Straight No Chaser concert! Speaking of them, one of my fond memories from this year is actually getting to meet and talk to them. I still can’t believe that I went and watched them perform. Wow!! What a thrill! Also for the concert in April, I was able to purchase front row seat tickets for 4. Yea it’s going to be a good time. Can’t wait to go!

I know this blog is long and I will try my best at condensing my posts in the future but I wanted to give you a glimpse into what God has done in my life this year. I am very excited for 2012 as it will be a year of change and I hope by this time next year I will have more exciting things to tell you about.

Until then I leave you with the lyrics from one of my favorite Christmas/New Year’s songs Auld Lang Syne:

 “Should old acquaintance be forget and never be brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot and the days of auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We’ll take a cup of kindness yet for the auld lang syne.”

The Day of My Birth

November 30^th is a special day in my life because you see it was the day that I entered to the world. Yes many moons ago, I was born in a Syracuse hospital. I don’t remember much about that day in fact, I don’t remember anything about it. My parents can tell a story or two of the wonderful day their only daughter was born and how they narrowly avoided having me in the back of their car. I was a born late in November right before the cut-off date for school. In New York, the cut-off date was December 1^st. I made it just in time (as usual). My mom had a doctor’s appointment that day and the doctor told her if I wasn’t born within the next couple of days they would induce. Well, when I heard that I decided I would surprise my parents with a gift that night. My parents went home from the doctor’s appointment not knowing that they would soon see him again. A couple of hours later, I decided I wanted to be born and my parents rushed to the hospital where I was born at 7:06pm. My mom will tell you that she was too far gone for them to help with the pain so she had to have me naturally. What a joy that must have been for her!

Next came the question on what would they name me…My mom and dad had agreed to name me Colleen awhile back, but my mom changed her mind (hey, it’s a woman’s prerogative) and wanted to name me Christa. My dad was dead set on Colleen so my mom dropped the subject. When I was born, the nurse asked my mom what my name was. My mom (the saintly soul she is) told her Christa. Surprise!! Oh what I would have given to be there…wait, I was there, um…Oh, what I would have given to remember the look my dad gave my mom. There that’s better. So to commemorate my special day, here are some fun facts about the day November 30^th!

Famous Births:

®    Mark Twain was born in 1835

®    Winston Churchill was born in 1874

®    Dick Clark was born in 1929

®    Colin Mochrie was born in 1957

®    Ben Stiller was born in 1965

Historical Events:

®    On November 30^th, 1782, Britain signed an agreement recognizing U.S. Independence.

®    On November 30^th, 1938, Germany banned Jews from being lawyers.

®    On November 30^th, 1940, Lucille Ball weds Desi Arnez.

®    On November 30^th, 1982, Michael Jackson’s new album Thriller is released.

®    On November 30^th, 1993, the NFL announced a new team-The Jacksonville Jaguars.

Famous Deaths:

®    Oscar Wilde died in 1900

®    Zeppo Marx died in 1979

®    Evil Knievel died in 2007

Holidays:

®    November 30^th is “Stay at Home because You are Well” Day

®    November 30^th is National Mousse Day

There you have it! As you can see November 30^th is a special day and I am glad that I was born on it. After all there can’t be that many people who can claim that they were born on the day Winston Churchill was. So to wrap up this blog (I know that was corny) I will end with a quote “Birthday’s are nature’s way of telling us to eat more cake.”

Counting My Blessings

When you’re worried and you can’t sleep just count your blessings instead of sheep and you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings.

When my bankroll is getting low, I think of when I had none at all and I fall asleep counting my blessings.

Anyone remember what song those lyrics are from? Bing Crosby sings them so effortlessly in the movie White Christmas, co-starring Danny Kaye. It’s a good Christmas movie in case anyone is wondering. I have had that song in my head all day long and because of that I began to think about my blessings. I started to name them one by one and I realized how much God has blessed me and how fast it is to fall asleep counting your blessings. So I thought I would write about Thanksgiving to you, my readers.

I at first thought I would name my material possessions one by one but that thought was quickly dismissed as the list but be short and boring. I then got the idea that I would tell you how much having food to eat and clothes to wear is a blessing that so many of us overlook and (although they are very essential items) there are things that are more important than food and clothing. After all throughout my 23 years of living, I have come to realize that friends and family don’t care what you dress like (as long as you bathe) or what you eat (as long as you brush your teeth sometimes) but care about what YOU are. You as a person and as an individual. Most people equate being an individual by being like everyone else. I have never understood that mentality but that’s another blog post. I have struggled many times with confidence and self-esteem especially since I am not as thin as other women. I have compared myself with other women many times and wonder if men find me attractive if I looked like the other women. My family says I’m pretty but they’re supposed to say that aren’t they? Since I am single, the doubts and the self-esteem issues seem to build up at a faster pace. I used to think if I had a boyfriend, I would be as confident as her (points to other woman). I have to come realize that it is a childish effort and a boyfriend can’t really give you confidence. You need confidence in yourself and that’s how I came to the idea for this blog.

One of the things I am thankful for is…(Drum roll please)…that I am me! I am thankful that I am Christa and I am thankful I am a woman. I am thankful that I can wake up every day and see curly blonde hair, blue eyes, and a “more to love” body. I am thankful that I am a Christian and can use my talents as a way to serve the Lord. I am thankful that I have a passion for music and can clunk around on the piano to make somewhat of a good sound. I am thankful that I have a weirder than normal sense of humor and have learned that sarcasm is one of my most trusted weapons (It’s a joke I’m being sarcastic. HAHA!! I crack myself up!) I am thankful that I am a very competitive girl who loves sports especially football (Packers all the way). I am thankful that I have found so many good Christian friends who I can be myself around because I have been known to create many awkward silence moments (you know the ones where you hear the crickets). I am thankful that I love Christmas so much that I start listening to Christmas music in July and have already decorated my cubicle with Christmas stuff one week ago. I even have a tree! I am thankful that I have this blog to talk about what I am thankful for. I am thankful that when I go to sleep at night I can fall asleep without finishing my blessings list. This year I am thankful, most of all, for being me!

So my fellow readers-to end this blog I bring you a quote and a video. The quote is from an Anonymous Person who I think has the right idea about Thanksgiving “It isn’t what you have in your pockets that make you thankful, but what you have in your heart.” The song is from Josh Groban called “There’s so Much to Be Thankful For”

Till next week, Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all a good night!

(I know, I know the last sentence was from a Charles Dickens book. What did I tell you I have a weird sense of humor. Bye!)

These Are My Reflections

As the holiday time moves closer towards us, I begin to reflect upon the memories of times past. Some have been tucked away for safe-keeping and some are kept out in the open for everyone to see. For me, long forgotten memories can surface with a sound, a smell, or a picture. For instance, the smell of concrete reminds me of the time I went to the Bill Rice Ranch in Tennessee. It was unbelievably hot that time of year and the only air conditioned buildings were the cafeteria and the auditorium. The camp itself held a number of music competitions which were taking place all throughout the day so we had to make a choice: suffer through the heat outside or suffer through some horrible off key singers. We chose the latter and made our way into the auditorium and even though our ears protested, our bodies enjoyed every moment of the cool air. The building was made of concrete and it smelled cool and sandy. Ah what memories! The sound of metal scraping a chalkboard (OUCH!) can transport me back to the time in my College Freshman Music Theory class when my classmate dragged a metal chalk holder across the board. It was horrendous but I’m glad to say that the teacher never called on him again. A picture of me with my college roommate reminds me of the good times we had in our room talking about dreams, the meaning of life, and Diner Dash. Yes I got her hooked on Diner Dash and I’m proud of it.

But all memories aren't good. Seeing a cemetery reminds me of the time my Poppy died. It was the first time I was confronted with death and the first time I had been to a cemetery. I had no idea what was going on and all I knew was that I wouldn’t see him anymore. Many people tried to paint happy faces on but I could see inside that it hurt them to. I’ll never forget being there beside his casket and my Grandma bursting into tears. My dad just wrapped his arms around her and tried to comfort her as much as possible. Other memories cause regret and pain. Sometimes I imagine myself in an ocean and I feel a tug. At first I am complacent to let it drag me under until I realize I am going to drown. Its icy grasp won’t let me go until I resolve that I won’t let it beat this time so I fight it. It’s a long hard battle up to the top but I somehow make it. Gasping, I look around and nothing is there but a calm sea, bright sun, and birds. Then I feel the tug and plunge into the cold ocean again and again.

Regret is not something that I wish to battle and I wish I could say that I am strong and that I don’t let it get the best of me but I am human. There have been times that I can’t stand it anymore and just break down crying but then I feel God’s loving arms around me saying “It’s ok. It’s ok. I still love you.” I am reminded of the Legacy Five song Take it to the Cross. The first verse is me through and through.

Another song that helps me is Somebody’s Praying for Me. I know that I got through the tough times because people were praying for me.

Memories can be good and bad even funny or serious. They can be triggered by sights, smells, and sounds. They transport you back to the place where it all happened. How wonderful our minds work. So to end this reflective blog I leave you with a quote from Thomas Fuller: “Leftovers in their less visible form are called memories. Stored in the refrigerator of the mind and the cupboard of the heart.”

On Cloud Straight No Chaser

Earlier this year, I wrote a blog about my bucket list. Can anyone guess what item was next on my list? That’s right! It was going to see Straight No Chaser live. You win the prize **Clap Clap Clap** What is the prize? A hearty pat on the back is all this poor person can afford.

Moving on to better things, I went to see Straight No Chaser on November 3rd at the Palace Theater with a good friend of mine Kristen. She had never heard of Straight No Chaser (what?) and came along so I didn’t have to go by myself. I would have gone solo (if I had too) but that would have been awkward. After all, who would take pictures of me and the guys? I was not going to have that awkward moment of asking “Hey, can I take a picture with you?” and then searching the crowd for some poor unfortunate soul who might decide that taking a picture of their thumb was far more interesting than what I had in mind. No sir, I brought a capable individual who was familiar with my phone camera and could point and click like a pro. No mistakes made here.

We ended up arriving at the concert at 7:15 pm (it started at 7:30pm). Yes, it was close but after all I had the tickets and no one would take our seats. I had purchased tickets for front row balcony so I could see everything. The place was so beautiful until I looked down and realized how high I was off the ground. However, my fear of heights was quickly forgotten as Straight No Chaser sang their opening song “Get Ready ‘Cause Here I Come.” Oh boy was I ready. I screamed like a 13 year old teenage girl seeing Justin Beiber for the first time. I had waited 3 years for this moment and I wanted to savor every second. Now, I can’t remember every song they sang but I knew that I liked, no loved, all of them. Yes, all of them. I have always been that one person to go to a concert and hear that one song that just irks me. It kind of ruins the experience. With Straight No Chaser, I loved every single song they sang and so did the crowd. The audience was on a Straight No Chaser high by intermission and by the end of the concert we would die for them if needed. There was this likability about all 10 of the guys. I felt so comfortable with them and felt like I knew everyone of them personally. It was like I was sitting in their living room watching them goof off and sing. Not all artists have likability like they do.

They sang a multitude of songs: I’m Yours/Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Big Girls Don’t Cry/Walk Like A Man, Billie Jean/Poison, You Make Me Wanna Shout, and my all-time favorite song Fix You. Fix You was so overwhelming. The emotion that all 10 of the guys put into it must be draining. As the tune sweeps over the audience, you begin to feel like they are the Pied Piper and we are the children. The coolest thing about this song is the end. You forget for a moment that they’ve stopped singing because you are so entranced. Sadly, I didn’t record them singing it but I did record Bridge Over Troubled Water, 12 Days Of Christmas, Stayin’ Alive/Superstition, So Sick of Love Songs, I’m Yours/Somewhere Over The Rainbow, and the Buddy Holly Tribute Song. Those are all on my YouTube channel minus most of the screaming (sorry). 

Two songs into the concert, my friend turned to me and said “I’m in love!!” I said, “I told you so.” I told my friend that it was on my bucket list to see them and she said it was on hers but she just didn’t know it. I laughed. I took great pride in pointing out all the guys, introducing them to her (last names included), and letting her know if they were single or married. What? I am not a stalker. If I am, may lightning strike me down, right now. What are you backing away for?

After the concert, we stayed for the Meet and Greet with SNC. This is where I lost my head and all common sense bestowed upon me. I wanted to get my picture taken with Jerome and Mike (Remember, this is where my friend came in) and I had a purse and jacket that I needed to dispose of. After all, no one wants to make a bad impression by leaving someone with a headache after your purse decides it doesn’t like staying on your shoulder and wants to move to your elbow which just happens to be near someone’s head. So, instead of me leaving my purse and jacket with my friend who I trusted, I left it with a complete stranger who I had never seen before. What a dumb blonde! After the picture was taken, I walked away to meet Seggie. Thankfully, Charlie and Ryan pointed out the fact a complete stranger still had my belongings. After almost turning 10 shades of red, I thanked the stranger and moved on down the line. The guys were signing t-shirts and CDs. Since I have their CDs but forgot to bring them, I had them sign my ticket. The only thing is I forgot my ticket had my name on it and Seggie turned to me and said “Hi, (name).” I replied “Hi Seggie Isho (pronounced E-show).” He looked puzzled and said “You got it right.” Inside I sang “Victory is mine, Victory is mine, Victory, today is mine.” My friend looked directly at him and said “She’s obsessed with you guys.” If looks could silence… However, I still wanted my picture with Ryan (see below) so I was nice to her until we got back to the car. Thankfully, at this point, my face had returned to a normal color and my common sense was restored in order to have a normal picture taken with Ryan.

I know I have rambled on and on and on and on about this concert but I can’t believe how good these guys actually are. YouTube cannot touch the awesome power of hearing them live. I have caught the SNC bug/spell and it doesn’t look like I will ever recover. It doesn’t matter though I’m okay with that. They have inspired me in ways I can’t even begin to talk about it because it’s the end of the blog. So I leave you today with a line from one of their songs Don’t Dream It’s Over “Hey now, hey now don’t dream it’s over.” Oh it’s not over….

To The Wonderful World of Books

“I’ve traveled the world twice over,

Met the famous saints and sinners

Poets and artists

Kings and queens

Old stars and hopeful beginners

I’ve been where no one’s been before

Learned secrets from writers and cooks

All with one library ticket

To the wonderful world of books”

~Anonymous~

Books have been around since languages have been spoken. One of the simple things in life is to curl up with a good book, a hot beverage, and a blanket on a rainy day and stay there forever. With today’s technology, the paper books have become somewhat a thing of the past. I dread the day when all the paper books are replaced with their electronic counterparts in the name of being green. Someday our children won’t be able to hold a hardbound book in their hands, smell the musty paper, and have the thrill of turning the page when the hero is about to save his lover. But since that day has not come, there is no reason for me to lament any longer on the subject.

Without authors, we would have no books and without any books, we would have no escape from our sometimes dreary world. Reading is enjoyable pastime in which you can escape reality and become Black Beauty running in the pasture. You can become Prince Charming who saves Cinderella from the evil stepmother or you can be Ben Hur in that famous chariot race. You can become Sherlock Holmes and use your wit to solve the crime or you can become Batman fighting the evil in Gotham City. Books can take you anywhere. A good book can make everything in reality disappear and help you build a world out of your own imagination. Just like the song in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Pure Imagination. Oh what enjoyment comes from reading a book!

I tend to gravitate more to the books that blur the lines between what is real and what is not. Jane Austen’s book Pride and Prejudice is a great example of that style. Every word drips with sarcasm and wit as she makes fun of then society’s rules that people cannot marry out of their class. A more modern day author, Ted Dekker, twists reality into something unusual. His scenarios seem so far fetched but once you read his books they become real. Another author, Frank Peretti, opens your eyes with symbolism. His book, The Oath, shows a clear picture of sin and what it can do. It seems so obvious what he is talking about yet it becomes clearer with every page turn. Stephen King is a good author as well. Although, I must admit I have not read any of his books, his following alone is enough to convince me that he is a great author.

Romantic novels are an attraction for every woman no matter the age or personality. Although I had my stint at these when I was a teenager, at this point in time, romantic novels have no attraction for me. Why? The honest truth is they are so far from reality it would never be true. One author I read had the same guy crying on every page. No guy cries that much. You may like them but for me I can’t stand them.

So tell me who is your favorite author and what books do you recommend I read? I would love to “try” a new book after all “Books are the blessed chloroform of the mind ~ Robert Chambers

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of Year

I know, I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet then again it’s only 68 days till Christmas!! Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Everything about Christmas makes me smile from the snow-covered rooftops to the ice-covered roadways, from the warm hot chocolate in a mug to the freezing temperatures, from the feeling of giving to the smell of cinnamon candles. I just love Christmas-let us dissect all the wonderful things about it.

The Songs

My favorite Christmas hymn is O Holy Night sung by none other than Straight No Chaser.

Other carol favorites are Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Angels We Have Heard on High, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. The minor keys and the complex harmonies characterize these hymns. What about the classic Christmas songs: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Feliz Navidad, or Winter Wonderland? I like Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Who can forget that scene in Meet Me in St Louis when Judy Garland first introduced the world to the song? As a side note, the words she sang in the movie were not the original words. The original tune was the same but the original words were horrendous. I’m so glad they changed it.

The Movies

Who can forget the timeless song White Christmas in the movie White Christmas with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye? Wonderful movie!!! Another popular Christmas movie is It’s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart. It’s not my favorite; in fact, it’s very far from my favorite. I think it’s one of the most overplayed Christmas movies; however, I have to mention it as the playing of this movie on TCM is a sign of Christmas. Other famous Christmas movies are A Christmas Carol (the famous Charles Dickens book), The Miracle on 34^th St, and some even consider Meet Me in St Louis a Christmas movie. Of course we can’t mention Christmas movies without mentioning one of the most popular Christmas cartoon: Charlie Brown’s Christmas. Who can forget the famous melody Linus and Lucy that has so characterized the movie?

Some day I will play learn it on the piano. Then are the cartoons about Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. “You’re a mean one Mister Grinch…” It’s perfect for a bass voice and one can have so much fun with it. The best rendition of this song is the original sung by Boris Karloff.

The Traditions

Every family has a special tradition for Christmas. My family and I read the Christmas story every year and we have homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Others may open presents on Christmas Eve, light the Yule log, or some may even read The Night Before Christmas. And of course, everyone has gifts!! As a child, I could hardly sleep as I waited with anticipation for the next morning to open the gifts.

Ah Christmas time!! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. The spirit that surrounds Christmas is that of love, giving, and selfishness. It can make one wish that it would be Christmastime all year. This time of year instead of singing in the rain, I’ll be singing in the snow. 

So now I leave you to reflect on the wonderful joy of Christmas with my quote of the blog from Roy L Smith “He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”

The End

Comedy In It's Finest

Vaudeville and Slapstick have long been forgotten. The days have come when stand up has become the only way besides a movie to see a comedian. Oh, for the days of the comedians who actually had good jokes and were fun for the whole family. The days of gathering round the TV or radio (if you go back that far) to listen to the Carol Burnett Show, the Dick Van Dyke Show, or the Abbott and Costello show. How I wish I could have seen them in their element. *Sigh*

Those days have long past and all we have is some glimpses of their glorious careers. Not one comedian today can hold a candle to the likes of Bob Hope, Danny Kaye, or Cary Grant. Gone are they along with the rest of those funny men and they have taken down the comedic teams. Comedic teams that consisted of the tall man and short man, the straight man and the funny man, or the thin man and the fat man. What happened to the times were the Three Stooges, Abbott and Costello, Lewis and Martin, Hope and Crosby, or Laurel and Hardy were popular? Who can forget those famous routines? What is this world coming too??? Ruin, it’s all come to ruin! *Sobs*

Yes, that might be a tad extreme but there are many generations that have grown up without the enjoyment of the type of comedy only these teams could provide. Who can forget hearing Abbott and Costello’s famous routine “Who’s On First?”

Or who can forget Laurel and Hardy’s “Tell Me That Again” routine:

Or what about the Three Stooges classic Courtroom scene:

I have never met these funny men but I have watched their work and like a master they make something so simple sound so hilarious. Ah, for the days of the comedic teams to resurrect themselves into popular culture. If that never happens, we can still celebrate them by enjoying every piece of clip or movie that we can and although these men have long passed, we can still enjoy them. It still amazes me that something that someone did in the 1950’s can still be funny today and can still impact them.

I leave you with this quote from the one of the masters himself Bud Abbott: 

"It gets so boring at home. After all, how many reruns of Abbott and Costello movies can a guy watch on television?"

What's The Next Thing On My List?

“Under an old brass paperweight, my list of things to do today...” Whenever I hear of people writing out their bucket lists, I think of this song. Call me a human jukebox if you want too but this old Toby Keith song has some truth to it.

This year, I have accomplished three goals off of my bucket list already and I am going for a fourth. Granted, those goals were smaller but in their own way each of them was very important to me. What goals are on my bucket list? Well, I’m glad you asked but before I tell you I want to ask you this question: What goals are on your bucket list? I would love to hear them all so just leave me a comment here on the blog or if you are my Facebook friend leave a comment on the post about the goals on your bucket list.

With that being said, here are my top 20 (yes I have more than 20) goals on my bucket list in no particular order. The ones that have one asterisk * are the ones I have accomplished this year-those that have two ** are the ones I have accomplished in years past:

• To be a church piano player
• To watch every movie starring Gene Kelly (13 down and almost 30 to go!)
• To sing a special in church*
• To hear and meet Brian Free*
• To go to a Southern Gospel concert*
• To hear and meet Straight No Chaser (I have tickets for their concert in November so I can’t claim this one yet)
• To see a Broadway play**
• To see the Phantom of the Opera in NYC
• To go skydiving (Little worried about this one)
• To be recorded singing**
• To sing a solo in church
• To backpack across Europe
• To dance with my husband in the rain
• To learn how to tap dance
• To buy my bridal gown at Kleinfeld’s (This one may never come true. Those gowns are expensive!!!)
• To take a road trip through the USA
• To drive a Lamborghini
• To read my Bible in a year
• To work with my husband
• To be a part of a traveling singing group

 Well, there you have it-my bucket list. I’m looking forward to hearing your goals I hope in some way that I have inspired you to create a bucket list if you don’t have one. Until next time, I leave you with the quote of the post: “Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you’re alive, it isn’t.”~ Richard Bach

P.S. I stole this idea from a friend. Sorry friend I stole this idea from. I hope you like mine!! Also, the next post will be about comedic teams. Look for it soon!

With Tears of Rememberance

It was just another normal Tuesday morning. My brother and I were home schooled and we had just started working on our schoolwork (at least I was, I’m not sure about my brother) when my Dad called and he told my Mom to turn on the TV. I remember it vividly as she called us over, turned the TV on, and there waiting for us to see was a building on fire. “Nothing out of the ordinary, it probably was an accident” the anchormen said. The skeptical person I was thought “Oh boy, they will be talking about this little fire for weeks.” I assumed (like the rest of the world) that everything would be ok. I knew that a few people had died but it couldn’t be anything major. Nothing could ever prepare me for the sight that came next. A plane slammed into the second building and a ball of fire followed by a cloud of smoke and papers filled the air. 

“It was another plane!!” the anchormen said “Another plane has hit the World Trade Center tower!! This has to be an attack!” I was shocked. “What was going on?” I thought. It seemed so deliberate and I knew that the pilot was aiming for that tower. Why would an American pilot do this? I at first assumed it was a military plane. Then they replayed the footage and instead of a military plane, I saw a passenger plane. I convinced myself that it was empty. It just had to be. No one in their right mind would fly a jet plane filled with people into a building, right? I was wrong and as we later found out the pilots were not in their right mind. My mom shut the TV off and told us to get back to our schoolwork. I wanted to sit and watch out of natural curiosity and Mom said no. I don’t know why she turned it off, maybe she knew the gravity of the situation and didn’t want us to see it. Later, she turned the TV back on and discovered the Pentagon had been hit. The anchormen then broke the story of United Flight 93. My heart soared when I heard the news that the Americans had fought these despicable terrorists. I was never so proud of a group of people I had never heard of. “We Americans always fight back!!” I thought. The news footage cut to a smoking field in PA with a huge hole. The plane had crashed but the terrorists had lost. People had died on that flight but who knows how many lives were saved by their heroism.

I never really understood the overall gravity of the 9-11 until I saw a picture like this. It still haunts me to this day. I opened up the Sunday paper and like a tsunami, the fear and anger washed over me. Just a word of warning, it’s not graphic but can be very disturbing.

The situation was so desperate that this poor man decided that he would rather die by jumping then burning to death. My heart rose to my throat and I could not believe what was happened. What would I do if I was in that situation? Would I jump? To this day, I cannot answer that question and I hope I never will have to.

Later that day, my family held a prayer meeting at our house. We were all concerned about our Uncle John who worked in NYC. We got the phone call later that day from his daughter Liz that he was okay. Thank God! Others were not so lucky--almost 3,000 innocent people died that day. For the days and weeks after the attacks, pictures of the burning rubble, ash covered fire trucks, and people crying were displayed. Heroic stories of firefighters, policemen, and normal everyday people were told. Flags, signs, and pictures of loved ones filled the streets of NYC. Songs were written about patriotism like the Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue by Toby Keith or Have You Forgotten by Darryl Worley. One song that says it all is Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?”

This song takes me back to the place when my world changed forever. To this day if you ask any American over the age 20 if they remember 9-11, they get a little misty-eyed and can tell you verbatim the place where they saw it all happen. Though I would never have wished that this attack had taken place, it united Americans for the first time in a very long time. Patriotism became more than just waiving a flag and saying God Bless America. It was real and alive.

I will never ever forget 9-11 and as I have matured and grown, I have come to realize not only what hurt those attacks caused but what bravery and courageousness it resulted out of them. I was watching a documentary that told the story of the American Airlines plane that hit the 2^nd tower. One mother said, “Every time I watch the footage of that plane going into the building, I’m watching my son die.” How do you deal with that? I don’t know and hope to God that I never know. I was watching another documentary that painted the story of 2 men that died in the World Trade Center because they put others first and saved over 70 lives. Remember the firefighters and police men that went into the burning buildings carrying over 50lbs of equipment to try and save people? What about the ones that gave up of their time and dedicated themselves to the clean-up effort? These men were ordinary people who did extraordinary things.

On that note, I end with this question and a quote. The question: If you were in that situation, do you know where you would go? Would you go to Heaven? If not, here is a link to show you so that you know for sure, you are going to Heaven: http://www.northcolumbusbaptist.org/715339

The quote is from President George W. Bush on December 11, 2001 only 3 months after the attack “Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning, it’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend-even a friend whose name it never knew.”

My Favorite Song Part Two

Southern Gospel is a genre of music on its own and it is totally different form of music. Southern Gospel ranges from the Bluegrass sound of the Dixie Melody Boys to a more contemporary sound of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. My favorite Southern Gospel group is Brian Free and Assurance. I met Brian Free at a concert in May. Here is my evidence:

He was the sweetest man ever and his love for the Lord showed. He is a great singer as well and his group has an acapella CD which is totally amazing. Moving on, my favorite song of his is “Remind Me of the Cross.” I first heard this song when I was going through a depressing time in my life. The bass singer Jeremy Lyle sings it so expressively that it just spoke to me. The chorus goes “Remind me of the thorns You wore as a crown, the stripes that You bore, and the blood flowing down; the nails and the weight of my sin. Should a day ever come that I forget what real love cost? Remind me of the Cross.” As soon as I heard that last part, I broke down into tears. This is a normally a good thing but you see I was driving at that time; thankfully, I didn’t have an accident. 

My other favorite Southern Gospel song is “The Potter Knows the Clay." The song brings me back to my college days when my life was a mess and God was bringing me through some trials to bring me back to Him. The last verse is the one that really speaks to me. When she sings “O, Lord isn’t it about time?” That was me and those were the exact words I would say at night when I talked to the Lord. I would tell Him “Lord, I’m done, I learned my lesson. Isn’t it time for the blessings?” Those were some close moments with the Lord and though I would not want to go through that period of my life again I still cherish those moments.

Look for part three soon!!! For now, I leave you with a quote from Fanny Crosby "If I had a choice, I would still choose to remain blind...for when I die, the first face I will ever see will be the face of my blessed Saviour."

My Favorite Song Part One

Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Straight No Chaser, Josh Groban, Michael Buble….these are just some of the artists that I have in my collection. I also have a collection of great Southern Gospel groups: Brian Free and Assurance (my favorite), Gold City, the Perry’s, Legacy Five, the Kingsmen, and the Kingdom Heirs. So if any of you want some music just ask! Music is something I could talk about all the time. It’s my love, my passion, and eventually I hope it will be my work. Right now, I’m in the middle stage where I’m not quite good enough to go out on my own but not bad enough to be horrible. Now some of you may contest this but just know that you are wrong (I’m kidding!!). Anyways, there is one thing I know that I know-I know what music I like and what music I don’t like. I don’t like rap, heavy metal, rock and roll, or anything that would be classified in that genre. Why? Frank Sinatra says it better that I can, “Rock and Roll: The most brutal, ugly, desperate, vicious form of expression it has been my misfortune to hear.” As a cowboy in a western would say: Them’s fightin’ words (Make sure you add the Southern accent). Also, just think, in that day and age Rock ‘n Roll was Elvis Presley and the Beatles. What would he think of Rock ‘n Roll today?

To move on to better things, the subject of this post is my favorite song. Well, to tell you the truth, I really don’t have an all-time favorite song. If I did, it would change in the next 3 seconds. I guess I have a fear of commitment.  However, I do have favorite songs by artists so I guess that will have to do. I have always been a big fan of big band music. This comes from the time I was a little girl and watched old movies with my Babchi (Polish for Grandma) and I saw men and women like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers or Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly dancing to music provided by big bands such as the Tommy Dorsey or Glen Miller band. It was so romantic! This was how I first found out about Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Dean Martin. So from that love of big band music, I became a fan of Michael Buble. I was introduced to Michael Buble by some roommates in college. I think the first song I heard was Home. I love that song but I think Blake Shelton sings it better; however, you can be the judge and watch this clip to decide:

My favorite song that Michael Buble sings is Haven’t Met You Yet. The lyrics say “I might have to wait, I’ll never give up. I guess it’s half timing, the other half luck. Wherever you are, whenever its right, you’ll come out of nowhere and into my life.” It’s my favorite because I am still waiting for Prince Charming to come carry me away on his white horse. Then we could live happily ever after. (Big sigh) How Romantic!

Another favorite genre of mine is acapella music. Good acapella music is very hard to come by. Why? It’s so hard to do. You don’t have any instruments to fall back on or to keep you in the right key. It’s all up to you. No pressure, right? So, when I heard this next group I nearly fainted because they were good and not only good, they were very good. They are called Straight No Chaser. Almost everyone I have introduced them to has told what an astonishing group this is. I even have convinced 6 additional people to come with me to their concert in November. I should get a commission or something. For all of you haters out there (you know who you are), they have very good Christmas music. My favorite song by them is Fix You. It was originally sung by ColdPlay; however, they sing it much better. There is just something about hearing the pure voice and the closeness of the harmonies they bring. Here is a clip of them singing it:

Awesome isn’t it? See I told you!

Well there you have it; these are just some of my favorite songs. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do and it opens your mind to other groups that are out there. Be sure to check for Part 2 to be posted soon!! And now for the quote of the blog…today, I leave you with a quote from my favorite composer, Ludwig Van Beethoven: “Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman.”

P.S. I have been told that I need a goal for this blog. I don’t have a goal exactly for this blog but I have a theme besides enjoying the simple things in life. I would like to showcase a movie, author, actor, musician, dancer, etc. from the olden days 1940s-1960s to help broaden horizons. It would be like a spotlight. Let me know what you think!!!

Old Movies

For me, one of the simple things in life is to watch an old movie. To curl up on the sofa with a cup of hot cocoa or a bowl of soup and watch the old chick flicks is an awesome way to spend a rainy day. The story is the same-Guy meets girl, guy falls in love with girl, girl doesn’t like guy and avoids him, guy wins girl with music and dancing, they get married, and then they live happily ever after-sometimes the roles are reversed and sometimes there isn’t any singing or dancing (what a shame!). For instance, His Girl Friday is my favorite Cary Grant movie. The quips by Cary and his lady co-star are very funny and I find myself cheering (inside of course) for Cary to win his lady’s heart back. You’ll have to watch the movie to find out. Another one of my favorites is Cover Girl starring Gene Kelly and Rita Hayworth. Gene falls in love with Rita but breaks up with her so she can go work on Broadway to fulfill her dream. You’ll also have to watch this one to find out what happens.

What is it that draws me to the old chick flicks? Maybe it’s the story of “true” love which relates to the hope that I will be in love someday. To have a guy win a girl’s heart by singing and dancing is a fantasy/dream as some people say. I know it will never happen but there’s always an exception to the rule, right? Maybe it’s the music, after all music is my passion. I love the simple songs that relate to me and my life. For instance, Brigadoon with Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse. Cyd sings a song called Waitin’ For My Dearie. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PZ8CdRU9E&feature=player_embedded. The song is about her waiting for her true love and quite honestly explains she is not going to fall in love with any Tom, Dick, or Harry. I can definitely relate to that. I want to save myself for the right man-God’s man for me. Another song I love is from Du Barry was a Lady starring Lucille Ball, a very young Gene Kelly (anyone noticing a theme here?), and Red Skeleton. Gene sings a song to Lucille called Do I Love You, Do I? One line says, “Do I love you, do I? Does one and one make two?”  This song doesn't relate to me right now, but I hope it will soon. Nevertheless, it’s a good song and you can find it on YouTube if you want to hear the whole thing. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvJC14UpGpc. Then maybe it’s just because they are old movies from the 1940’s to 1950’s. Lately, I have had a healthy fascination with everything in that decade. I’m working on getting my hair styled that way and I am also working on my vintage hat collection.

So what is it that draws me to old chick flicks? Is it the simple story of “true” love? Is it the simplicity of the music? Is it the fascination with the decade? I’m not sure but whatever it is I’m addicted and it doesn’t look like that addiction will be broken any time soon. Maybe I need an intervention.

To end this fascinating blog, I leave you with a quote about fame from one of my favorite chick flicks-Singing in the Rain:

Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Connor):“The price of fame. You’ve got the glory, You gotta take the little heartaches that go with it. Now look at me: I’ve got no fame, I’ve got no glory, I’ve got no big mansions, I’ve got no money! But I’ve got……what have I got?”

Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly): “I don’t know what have you got?”

Cosmo: “I gotta get out of here.”

What a Glorious Feeling, I am Happy Again!!!

So let's try this again, I have always wanted to keep a blog and have had some failed attempts so here we go again. I've named this blog Singing in the Rain because I am HUGE Gene Kelly fan. I love his movies, music, and love that he had for dancing. His love for dancing and music shows in every movie. He had joy in what his passion was. 

I also named the blog this because one of the simple things in life is singing in the rain. No one has to pay for it to rain or pay to sing. This is what i call one of the simple things and it's something I enjoyed once in my life. I hope to do it again sometime. 

So what is the blog all about? For me, it's all about trying to relax and not stress over the unimportant things but to take time and enjoy the coffee as they say. So this time I'm committed! Talk to you all soon.