MixTape: Missing You

This week's MixTape theme is: Missing You or Farewell

I have been slacking with the Mix Tapes lately, and really, my blog in general. Life has been sort of chaotic lately, but I am hoping it will settle down soon. I miss writing and taking lots of photos, but other things have to get done first. C'est la vie. I have enjoyed viewing and listening to other people's mixes, however, even when I didn't have the chance to comment on them.

I could not miss this week's MixTape, though, because it will be the last for a while. Jen is putting this link-up on hiatus because she is busy, too. (Who isn't, right?) I will miss it but I don't blame her a bit. She is hoping to bring it back eventually (yay!) and make it a monthly thing. That will give me plenty of time to think about my mixes... OK, who am I kidding? I'll probably still make them last-minute and late! Seems to be how I roll.

At any rate, here are some of my favorite "Missing You" songs. I had actually prepared these a few weeks ago when I saw the prompt, because these are a few of my favorite songs. Somewhat sad, but beautiful tunes.

I Can't Forget Her (Dierks Bentley)


Stars (Grace Potter and the Nocturnals)


I Think I've Had Enough (Gary Allan)


That's How I'll Remember You (David Nail)


I couldn't really think of a fifth song, so here's a random one, for Easter.

Morning Has Broken (Third Day)


Happy Easter, all (or Passover, if you're celebrating that)! Till we meet again...

MixTape: Cover Up

This week's MixTape theme is: Great Cover Songs. I was excited about this topic, because I really enjoy hearing different versions of songs; it's fun to see each person's unique twist. Off the top of my head, here are some of the covers I have enjoyed lately. Interestingly enough, I was not a big fan of the originals, which is probably why I enjoy the covers so much.

Sara Bareilles - In Your Eyes


Dierks Bentley - Pride (In the Name of Love)


Tony Lucca - Grandma’s Hands


Alison Krauss and Jamey Johnson - Make the World Go Away


Chris Daughtry - Poker Face


I guess I'm feeling a bit mellow (and acoustic) these days!

MixTape: My Soundtrack

This week's mixtape theme is "If My Life Had A Soundtrack…"

Rather than looking back at the past, let's start here and look into the future. If I had to pick a theme song for this moment, it would be this (in a literal sense, as well, since I'm ready to be done with this cold).

Maggie Rose - Better


There would be a recurrent theme in my soundtrack of a woman who never felt good enough for anyone else, who struggled to find her place in the world. But there would always be hope.

Lady Antebellum - One Day You Will


She would need to learn an important lesson: how to let go and have faith. She would need to realize that things weren't always going to happen the way she had planned, but that things always worked out better when she let go of her expectations and allowed them to happen. When she didn't try to control them so much. And when she remained true to herself.

Idina Menzel - Let It Go


(The cold never bothered her, anyway.)

Even if change meant that things were crappy for a little while, it was OK. She was never alone.

Casting Crowns - Just Be Held


She would also learn how to speak up for herself and reach for her dreams. She would learn how to be open, and honest, and truly brave.

Sara Bareilles - Brave


She would make her life amazing!

Wait... when did I start speaking in the third person about myself? Darn cold meds. I need one more song, about how much I love being a mom, even though I had to stop halfway through writing this to clean up after my son when he got up to go to the bathroom and completely missed the toilet. Surely there's an ode to mothers of sons somewhere? Ah, well... I like this one. There had to be a Dierks song on my soundtrack, afterall. ;)

Dierks Bentley - I'm Thinking of You

MixTape: Songs for a Friend

One of your friends is feeling down and needs to feel better. Make a mix to make him/her feel better. This can be songs you know your friend will love or songs meant to cheer someone up. You decide.

Dear Friend,

I'm sorry you've been having a rough time lately. I understand how it is when you feel unappreciated. But look around -- you have so many friends who care about you. You're kind, friendly, helpful, and a good friend to everyone, even the ones who don't appreciate it (and in my opinion, don't deserve it). I hope you can see that, and want you to know that I am always there if you need to talk to someone. "Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you've got to do it call, and I'll be there."



Please remember that the people who should be in your life will be, and they will make you happy and take care of you, not break your heart. Get rid of what you don't need, and who (or what) is hurting you. I know things are hard right now, but you will get there. I know you're stronger than you think you are. I'm in this with you. You can do it.



You know, we're definitely overdue for a girls' day. That's always a good time. What adventure shall we choose next? Or should I say, which primitive weapon shall we conquer next (now that we've mastered throwing axes and atlatls)? See -- we are crazy and awesome and fun. Let's not forget that.



We also need to plan our next road trip. We haven't been to Canada in a while, eh! And then there's the Nashville trip we've been dreaming about for a while... cowboys, anyone?



Whatever we do, I know it will be fun. And I hope it will make you feel better, even if just for a day or two -- but hopefully more as you see that some people just don't deserve your tears, and there's so much in life to be happy and excited about.

Everything is going to be OK.



Sincerely,
Your BFF (aka Twinsie)

MixTape: (My) History of Dance

We have a special Mix Tape this week. The topic is: Favorite Dance or Club Music. This list was suggested by our own Kir from The Kir Corner. Her younger brother suddenly passed away last month, but through this tragedy she has a bright spot in her heart. Her brother was a DJ and loved great Dance music. Don’t feel sad, this is to celebrate his life! In her words "I know that he would love it, he loved music, he loved people dancing and enjoying themselves." Here's to your brother, Kir!

As far as I can remember, I have always loved music, and dancing. I am a terrible dancer, but I can't help but sway along to any song with a good beat. I am told this started when I was a baby, and I would dance to pretty much any song my parents would play. They loved their disco music, so of course that meant listening to a lot of Bee Gees.



As I got older, I discovered Madonna. My step-cousins and I just adored her. Her Who's That Girl tour was our first concert (July 9, 1987... I was almost 11). And her music was the center of many a living room dance party, both with them at my dad's house, and at home with my mom and brother. My brother and I also liked to listen to Michael Jackson, and I remember him doing MJ impressions as we danced. He was about 3, and all I can say is it's a shame Smart Phones and Facebook weren't around back then. So. Cute.



I went through a heavy metal phase for a while, and then, in middle school, I discovered the New Kids on the Block. Enter several dance parties with my school friends, and one concert with one of those friends. Our first parent-free concert! This time, we weren't just listening to music and dancing, we were watching videos of the guys dancing and swooning. Not my finest hour. But look, Joey Joe is still cray adorbs:



Around that time, I also started listening to Boyz II Men, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice. All the classics. Then, it was pretty much anything that they sang on the Mickey Mouse Club, as I tried (unsuccessfully) to imitate their dance moves. I took dance class (modern jazz) around that time, but it was a total disaster. I wish someone had given me a hockey stick a little earlier in my life.

When I was finally old enough to hit the clubs with my friends, we did so as often as possible. We would just dance the entire night, singing the whole time. And possibly drinking a lot. And possibly doing a few Irish jigs. I can only imagine how that must have looked (and I wondered why guys never talked to me). All I can say is I'm thankful for no Smart Phones and Facebook in that era! My friends and I had a bunch of favorite songs, including Pour Some Sugar on Me, and this one:



After college and into the working life, I still went to the clubs a lot. I listened to pretty much any kind of music (and I still do today). One of my work friends introduced me to Titus Jones, who makes some fantastic mash-ups. This is one of my favorites:



These days, my chance to dance comes during concerts, at Zumba class, or with my son in the living room. I really enjoyed this one on The Voice this season:



And this is one of Joshua's favorite dance tunes (which will earn me Mother of the Year, I'm sure):



Finally, I leave you with a song that has been in my head all day. You're welcome.



What songs make you want to dance?

MixTape: New in 2013

This week the theme of our MixTape is - The best new songs you’ve heard this past year. Can be oldies or new songs, either way they are new to you!

This was one of those hard mix tapes, because I love so many songs. I decided to avoid songs I've already used in my mixes, and managed to narrow it down to the following. Sorry for the lack of commentary, but I'm doing this late at night, after my hockey game. Dedication or insomnia? Either way, here's my mix:

Avicii - Wake Me Up


Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Mary Lambert - Same Love


Fall Out Boy - My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)


Evanescence - Lithium


Dustin Lynch - Cowboys and Angels


Jason Aldean - 1994


Casting Crowns - All You've Ever Wanted

Sarah Jarosz - Tell Me True


So much for narrowing it down. :) Have a great week, all!

MixTape: Mistakes

This week, Jen suggested: "As everyone is looking forward to a New Year and talking about resolutions, this week's theme will be Past Mistakes (not necessarily love related)." This was a tough one, until I thought about some of my resolutions for this year. They include being kinder to myself, more thoughtful to others, and working towards creating the kind of life I honestly want to live, one that will make me happy. Oh, and chilling the heck out about everything. Relaxing, not trying so hard. Learning. These are the songs I found to convey some of those thoughts and resolutions.

Jake Owen - "Startin' With Me"


I didn't make the same mistakes Jake sings about, but I have made plenty due to being selfish and not considering other people's feelings, as well as not having my priorities straight. I'd love to be able to go back and change myself, too. But I guess it's never too late to make a change, right?

Taylor Swift - "Innocent"


Unlike Kanye West, I have never messed up on national television (unless you count the time I went to see a live taping of Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and cheered at one point when the rest of the audience was quiet... but he just asked for someone to get me some Ritalin and it was all good). But it's OK. Taylor forgave him and wrote a nice song. I especially like this part:

Time turns flames to embers, you'll have new Septembers
Everyone of us has messed up too
Minds change like the weather, I hope you remember
Today is never too late to be brand new

Dustin Lynch - "Your Plan"


A lot of times, I make the mistake of trying too hard. I forget who's really in charge, and that I don't really have as much control over situations as I think. (See also: Zac Brown Band "Quiet Your Mind")

Gary Allan - "Half of My Mistakes"


Sometimes, mistakes lead to good things, even if we can't see them that way right now. Maybe they're not really mistakes. Maybe the only real mistake we make is getting caught up in what should or should not be happening, when we should be enjoying life and not worrying about regrets. Maybe something doesn't serve us now, and we wish it had never happened, but we may see someday that we needed it to happen. There was a reason for that mistake.

If I had it all to do over
I'm sure I'd win and lose just as much
Spend a lot less time on right and wrong
And a lot more time on love

Casting Crowns - "The Voice of Truth"


Above all, we should not be afraid to go out and live and make mistakes. It's part of learning, and after all -- that's what life is all about! Maybe we'll even do some things right. ;)

MixTape: Christmas Part 2

I warned a couple of weeks ago that I'd be back with more Christmas music this week, as the theme is "Dealer's Choice." With my holiday spirit in full swing, here are a few more of my favorite songs for this time of year.

Michael Bublé and Thalia - "Mis Deseos / Feliz Navidad"

I absolutely love this arrangement of this song. As Joshua and I listened to it in the car the other day, we thought about some of our family in Colorado, in particular a couple of cousins who spoke some Spanish to Joshua and taught him about some of our Mexican heritage. We miss all of our family there and in other parts of the country, as we don't get to visit often, but we will remember them with love during this holiday season.

Third Day - "What Child is This?"

"Greensleeves" has always been one of my favorite melodies ever, and I like this arrangement by Third Day.

Casting Crowns - "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

This is an instrumental version of the song. I think this melody is so gorgeous, and of course the violin gets me every time. So, so beautiful.

Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / We Three Kings"

They're just so fun.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - "Christmas Canon"

Another gorgeous melody. I love Christmas music!

Thurl Ravenscroft - "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"

The theme song to my favorite Christmas special ever. Along with the Charlie Brown one.

Merry Christmas, everyone! Hope you're enjoying this time of year, however you celebrate.

MixTape: Might As Well Face It

This week's Twisted Mix Tape theme is: "I don’t just love you, I’m addicted to you!"

These were some of the songs that came to mind when I saw the theme and well... sadly, they're rather heavy and tragic. Addiction can be that way, I suppose. So here's a bunch of beautiful women going crazy because one guy can't love each the right way. Really, ladies? Go find yourself a gentleman who can appreciate your awesomeness. (I know they're just songs and not their real life, but this sort of nonsense does happen.)

I can't help but sing along, though.

UPDATE: I had to come back to this because I feel like my comments may have been insensitive. I'm trying to be more lighthearted on my blog but the fact is these songs are not. They address issues such as depression (which I know all too well), domestic violence, and addiction, and there's so much we still need to do to help people in these situations. I am in a "girl power, " "be positive and change your life" sort of mode these days and tired of seeing women get treated like they are worthless by men. I know we all want to be loved but sometimes it's just not worth it. But sometimes it's just really hard to move on,  whether that's up to you or someone else. 

For more discussion on domestic violence and a tribute to a fallen blogger,  please see Becoming Supermommy.

Kelly Clarkson - "Addicted"


Eminem ft. Rhihanna - "Love the Way You Lie"


Evanescence - "Going Under"


Jacquie Lee - "I Put a Spell on You"


Zedd ft. Foxes - "Clarity"

MixTape: Christmas is Coming

This week's MixTape prompt is Christmas music... my favorite! The hardest part will be limiting myself to five songs. I doubt I will be able to do that, but the next "Free for All" mix is in a couple of weeks. Expect to see more Christmas music then! :)

John Denver & The Muppets - Twelve Days of Christmas


It's just not Christmas without John Denver and the Muppets. Joshua is really enjoying this song this year. Bah dum bum bum.

Casting Crowns - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day


I've loved this song, and this version of it, ever since I first bought this album. I just think it's beautiful.

James Taylor - In The Bleak Midwinter


When I was a young girl, I loved this song. It was never on any of my Christmas albums, but I would get really excited when we sang it in church. I remember singing it in choir, as well. As an adult, I was happy to see it on James Taylor's Christmas album, and I really like his version.

Lady Antebellum - The First Noël


For whatever reason, I've had this song (this version in particular) on repeat in my car for the past couple of weeks. The harmonies are so beautiful, and it just brings me back to high school, Concert Choir, singing in these old historic homes during the Festival of Lights in Wickford as people toured the homes. Nice and warm and fuzzy.

Brad Paisley - Penguin, James Penguin


I put this one on Joshua's Christmas playlist, and as expected, he loved it. We have a fondness for penguins in these parts. I'm not sure what's up with the fireplace in the video, but the song is cute. And Joshua has decided that everyone needs to know about James Penguin.

Holly Jolly Christmas
Last but not least, Joshua would like to sing you his favorite Christmas song. It's been on repeat in the car (and the Rudolph movie has been on repeat in the house) -- just like it was last year. I could list all of the songs from the movie in this mix, because we love them all, but this is his favorite.



Merry Christmas, everyone!

MixTape: Story Songs

This week's MixTape theme is: "Epic tunes, I'm looking for songs that are in a story format. Not just poetic words that share an emotion, but songs that stray from the norm. I want a beginning middle and end."

I'm not sure if this is going to be epic, but here are some songs that tell a story.

Blake Shelton - "Ol' Red"


When I first saw we were doing songs with a story this week, I knew I had to use a Blake Shelton song, and this one came to mind first. Back when Blake was just a country artist and not a coach on The Voice, I went to see him in New Bedford, MA as part of our local country station's "Storyteller Concert Series." I paid about $15 to sit maybe five or six rows away. Pretty awesome. It was just Blake and his guitar on stage, and he'd tell a story and then play a song. I remember him talking about a songwriter he knew who would almost turn on a frequency in his head and pick up songs to write. It was intriguing. Then, he sang this song, which I got a kick out of. Good stuff.

Miranda Lambert - "Dry Town"


Blake's wife is an amazing writer and storyteller, too. This song always cracks me up. An alcoholic's worst nightmare?

Brad Paisley - "Welcome to the Future"


Not technically a full story, I suppose -- more like some smaller stories. But I like the message.

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince - "Parents Just Don't Understand"

OK, here's a non-country one. The country songs are so easy, because country music is so often based on telling stories.  These guys told the best stories, too, though. I wish I had thought to use "Nightmare on My Street" for my Halloween mix!

Jamey Johnson - "In Color"


This is another song with a few small stories, but I love it because it talks about the way photographs tell stories. Besides enjoying taking photos, I love looking through my family's old photos and seeing the stories of my ancestors.

The Waitresses - "Christmas Wrapping"


What? Too early? I love this song, and story. "You mean you forgot cranberry, too?"

What story songs do you love?

MixTape: The Pick Me Up Mix

I've had a bit of a rough patch again lately. There have been some great days, but still some tough emotions. Fun with Joshua, but also feelings of anxiety, stress, frustration, and loneliness. So, when I saw that this week's Mix Tape was a "Dealer's Choice," I decided I needed some feel-good songs. Music has a way of lifting my spirits. I hope these songs lift yours, as well!

Dropkick Murphys - "Shipping Up to Boston"


A hometown anthem for those of us close to Boston. You just can't help but jig to this tune. Plus, I feel lame about having watched the Red Sox win the World Series while at home, by myself, and then missing the parade because of Joshua's activities (he's worth it, though). I'll celebrate proper one of these days!

Darius Rucker - "Wagon Wheel"


Hootie can always cheer me up, but I especially like this tune.

OneRepublic - "Counting Stars"


I like songs that make me want to dance.

Kelly Clarkson - "Stronger"


And songs that inspire me. (And videos that are super fun.)

Third Day - "The Victory"


I missed the "spiritual songs" week, but my favorite Christian music always uplifts me. I like to believe that God is looking out for me even when I can't count on other people to be there. And I am pretty sure I'll be fighting all the demons that try to bring me down until the day I die. Victoriously.

Franz Ferdinand - "Take Me Out"


And last but not least... my favorite Guitar Hero song. Now, I just want to break out the Wii.

Have a great week!

MixTape: Halloween Edition

From Jen: This week's topic for our Halloween week is Scary songs. You may take full liberty with this topic my friends. Scary because of the content? The appearance of the performer or the song is just that darn bad. Or maybe you have some definition I haven't thought of yet. Get on it. I wanna know why those songs scare you!

I can't really think of any songs that actually scare me. I mean, as a child, I enjoyed scary movies, Metallica and Alice Cooper. I'd sneak next door to my friend's house to watch Headbanger's Ball. (No wonder I'm such a weirdo.) But, I mean, Alice Cooper was on the Muppet Show once, so can you really blame me for thinking he was cool?

"Welcome to My Nightmare"


My son has really gotten into Halloween this year. Big time. As in, when we come home at night, he turns on his pumpkin lights, and other light up decorations, and turns off all the lights. He loves it because it is so "spooky." He loves anything with bats or pumpkins, and has been writing his first word (besides his name), "Boo!" everywhere (complete with exclamation point). Apparently, weirdness is hereditary.

So, I was not surprised when he asked me to get him some Halloween music. I downloaded an album from iTunes that was decent, but his favorite has been the Fisher Price album. I think he had all the songs memorized by the second time he listened to it. We sing them all the time. Halloween has totally been like Christmas with him this year. A few of his favorite songs are:

"Monster Mash"


A definite Halloween classic. We've come up with our own version of the dance.

"Ghostbusters"


Welcome to 80s music, kid. I get such a kick out of listening to him sing this one, maybe because I used to love it when I was younger. He asked me about the song, and I explained it was from a movie. Now he wants to see the movie. I am thinking I should try to find the cartoons somewhere. I mean, I just got him eating marshmallows (s'mores!)... don't want to ruin it for him.

"Purple People Eater"


This has been a favorite of ours for a while now. Whenever I wear purple, Josh wants me to chase him and pretend I am going to have him for a snack. However, while listening to the song the other day, he realized that the monster actually eats purple people. So, now he tells me to beware when I'm wearing purple.

Then, there's my favorite Halloween song ever.

"Thriller"


I still love this song. Classic!

Mi familia doesn't celebrate Dia de los Muertos, but my Mexican ancestors may have. And we should, because it's pretty cool. These songs made me think of that holiday.

"Gravedigger"


This is one of my favorite songs. (I warned you that I was weird.) I heard it the other day, and thought that it symbolized remembering those that have passed on before us.

"Desperation Samba"


Because, what's a holiday without Jimmy Buffett? "Yo quiero bailar en México!"

Happy Halloween and Feliz Dia de los Muertos!

MixTape: The Sountrack Edition

I'm linking up with Jen for Twisted MixTape Tuesday. This week's theme is: "I wouldn’t love these songs so much if they weren’t part of a Soundtrack. Your favorite songs from soundtracks, could be anywhere from pop music you love to original scores, you decide. Try and use the point of view that it was the Soundtrack that made you love the song."

This was another really tough one for me. My mind went totally blank when I read the prompt. I have what I call movie amnesia. I'm not one to remember every scene or line in a movie, or even what songs were in it or the title. Someone may refresh my memory and I'll remember, but unless I've seen the movie at least five times or so (hello, Cars 2), my memory of it will be vague.

That being said, I was going to skip this week, but I thought of a couple of songs, so I decided to participate anyway. I'm sure I'll think of some other better songs later in the week (that's happened last week, too), but here's what I came up with for today.

I've always liked the song "No Diggity," but I really love the Pitch Perfect version.



Sorry, Lionel Ritchie, I never liked the song "Hello" until I heard Lea Michelle and Jonathan Groff sing it on Glee (hopefully, TV shows count). Although, David Cook did a good version of it on American Idol, too.



On its own, I don't think there is anything very special about this song, but put it in Indiana Jones, and it becomes a classic. I've watched these movies (the first three, at least) roughly a million times each, so they are some of the few movies I practically know by heart. Especially The Last Crusade, my very favorite.



Maybe I searched for the Holy Grail in a past life, or maybe it's because I love all things medieval (actually, make that historical), but this is another of my favorite movies. And "Knights of the Round Table" from Monty Python and the Holy Grail is so much more fun when you see it in the movie.



I don't remember the movie Go that well, but I remember it was weird and I really liked it. And it had an awesome soundtrack that I went right out to buy the day after seeing it.


I was going to share a song from the first soundtrack album I ever owned (Annie, on cassette tape, a gift when I was six and had to have my tonsils out). I'll spare you that, though. Hope you enjoyed my kinda lame and totally random list! :)

MixTape: Me Music

I'm playing along with Jen for Twisted MixTape Tuesday. This week's topic is: "The (5) seminal songs who made you the person you are today. The shutter-openers, the wakers, the 'I can see clearly now the rain is goners.' The tunes that forced you to look in the mirror and say, 'Hey good-looking, you seem familiar, yet new.'”

As Jen admitted in her reminder email, this one was a toughie. She gave us an exception to use this as a "Favorite of All Times" list, but I figured that would be hard for me, too. I decided to try to stick to the original idea as much as possible.

Off the top of my head, I can’t think of any songs that I would say have shaped me into who I am. But music is a powerful thing, and every once in a while, you hear certain lyrics and feel like you better understand yourself, or like someone else may understand you. Here are a few of the songs that have done that for me, and with which I have a deep connection. (And thank you, Jen, for your Jimi Hendrix song mention, which helped me figure out the "angle" to this post. :))

Natasha Bedingfield - “Wild Horses”


This is my song if ever there were one. My spirit longs to be free, but I am always held back by fear.

Casting Crowns - "My Own Worst Enemy"


I know I am. I relate to this one through my struggles with depression, and digging deep into my faith is what always helps me find my way out of the darkness.

Newsboys - "Elle G"


I have my friend Megan to thank for introducing me to Contemporary Christian music in high school -- she would mail me tapes from California because we didn't have much of a selection around here in the pre-internet days. Since music is what really speaks to my soul, listening to those artists (whose music was actually pretty "cool") really connected me to and deepened my faith. At a particularly dark time in my life, this song pretty much saved me.

Third Day - "Run to You"


I feel like I am forever the prodigal child.

Miranda Lambert - “The House That Built Me”


This song makes me think of my grandparents’ house. I still feel an emotional attachment to it that I have never felt about any other place. It’s been sold, and I can totally picture myself knocking on the door and asking to see it again. I think I am better off with my memories, though. I can close my eyes and just explore every inch of that place. I learned so much there and had so many great times.

Jim Brickman ft. Lady Antebellum - “Never Alone”

And so this post isn't completely depressing (sorry), I first heard this song around the time I had Joshua. It made me think about how I would not always be able to be there for him, but that it was beyond my control. I realized all I could do was be there for him as much as I could while he was little, and always let him know how much he was loved.

And so I came up with six songs. Surely, there's another song out there about how I can never follow the rules? ;)

MixTape: License to Chill

I'm playing along with Jen for Twisted Mixed Tape Tuesday. This week's theme is: "Relaxing slow jams. You wanna chill, you want your friends to chill. Any genre from rock to jazz to hip-hop, but it’s gotta be slow-jams." Yes, I realize I am a day late for this party... better late than never, I say! :)

When I first saw this week's theme, I thought it was going to be hard. I'm not one to really "chill" (although, I'd love to learn, trust me) and I try to avoid slow jams, as they make me want to curl up and sleep. Well, that's OK if I actually want to sleep, but not in the car or at work. Anyway, as soon as I started to find songs, it became easier and soon it was out of control. So, I'm posting more than five songs (please forgive me, Jen). I hope you enjoy them while chilling out with a cuppa tea, coffee, wine ... whatever.

Metallica - "Nothing Else Matters"


I remember being 10 years old and listening to Metallica on my Walkman (because my mom didn't like me listening to them) to relax at night. You know -- the old, cassette-based Walkman.

Man, that just made me sound old.

Jake Owen - "Anything for You"


I like the bluesy feel to this one, and it's a pretty sweet love song. I'm a sucker for those.

David Nail - "Mississippi"


I love these bluesy songs. Definitely good chill out music. And David Nail is pretty amazing.

Billy Currington - "Walk On"


This has a nice, steady, relaxing beat, and I love the melody and story. Even if it is kind of sad, which is another thing I find when I listen to slow music -- many of the songs are sad or make me feel sad, so I only really listen to it, or want to listen to it, when I am sad.

Sometimes. I'm complicated.

Seether ft. Amy Lee - "Broken"


Another sad one... it's been that kind of week.

Alison Krauss - "Carolina in My Mind"


Alison Krauss is so amazingly talented. I could listen to her sing the Constitution and I'd be relaxed. No offense to James Taylor, but I love this version of his song. And now I'm missing North Carolina and my family there.

James Taylor - "Sweet Baby James"


I felt bad, so I let James sing, too. I love this song. A cowboy song that mentions Boston? Perfection! This one makes me miss riding the Mass Pike and now I want to go to the Berkshires. I really need to get out more.

Daughtry - "September"


I just had to! All Daughtry music relaxes me, for some reason. Must be his voice.

Jason Aldean - "Staring at the Sun"


Just a cool song. At least, I think so.

Jimmy Buffett - "Jimmy Dreams"


Jimmy Buffett is the master of chill, in my opinion, and this is one of my most favorite songs ever. "Take it all in, it's as big as it seems. Count all your blessings, remember your dreams."

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need to curl up and get some sleep. Zzz.

MixTape: Free For All

I'm playing along with Jen for Twisted Mixed Tape Tuesday. This week's theme is: "Free for all! [...] Make a mix, any mix! Whatever speaks to you is AOK with me. Maybe you have a theme in your head, an idea to showcase. WHATEVER YOU WANT!"

Here are some songs I've had in my head lately... and a couple of dedications.

Currently Stuck in My Head

Thomas Rhett - “It Goes Like This”


This melody is super catchy. And what girl wouldn't like a song written for them? (Not that it's for me, but... you know what I mean. We can all dream!)

Carrie Underwood - “See You Again”


I really like the lyrics in this one. Warning: this song doesn't normally make me cry (just gives me the warm fuzzies), but the video did. (Sorry, Jen.)

Imagine Dragons - “Radioactive”


Another super catchy one. The video is... interesting. Is that Lou Diamond Phillips?

Kelly Clarkson - “People Like Us”


I like to listen to this when I am having a bad day. While I'm not convinced that Kelly Clarkson knows what I am going through -- after all, she is amazingly talented, people love her, and she is probably not completely over-the-top stressed out dealing with financial, work-parenting balance, and other issues -- it does remind me that I am not necessarily alone in this crazy world. And I'm sure she has her own issues; we all do. "Keep your head up, nothing lasts forever." It makes me want to kick Trouble's butt.

Anna Kendrick - "Cups" (Pitch Perfect's "When I'm Gone")


This is also my soundtrack on bad days. I heard it twice today, so I figured that was a sign to add it to this list... or perhaps some sort of other sign.

I'll spare you Josh's favorite songs from the Zhu Zhu Pets movie. We listen to them over and over again when he's in the car and, inevitably, they replay in my head. Too often.

Dedications

Bing Crosby - “Danny Boy”


Yesterday would have been my grandmother's 90th birthday. She loved Bing Crosby and the song "Danny Boy," so this is for her.

Joe Walsh - "Rocky Mountain Way"


For everyone affected by the Colorado floods. It's hard to believe that some of the roads I traveled on in Boulder, Lyons, Estes Park and Manitou Springs in June were completely flooded and/or washed away. I pray that people are able to get the support they need. (If you read this, Kristi, I hope your family is OK! Thankfully, mine are safe in mid and southern Colorado.) It was a toss-up between this and John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High." I love them both (the songs and the artists).

Click here for information on how you can help with Colorado recovery efforts.

MixTape: Beautiful Songs

This week, I'm playing along with Jen for Twisted Mixed Tape Tuesday. The theme is "Beautiful Songs."

I am new to this link up, but I always enjoy reading others' contributions, so I figured I'd give it a whirl. That and I have been home, sick, all day (my stomach hates me) and this will allow me to do something fun that doesn't require me moving. And I miss the days of making mix tapes!

Here are my five beautiful choices:

1. Trent Willmon "Good Horses to Ride"



I'm just a sucker for fiddles and the Spanish guitar. I close my eyes and picture Colorado. It's definitely beautiful out there.

2. Sinead O'Connor and The Chieftains "The Foggy Dew"



I love Irish music. I first heard this one before a Dropkick Murphys concert (they play it before all of their shows, as far as I know). I had to find it after the show.

3. Dierks Bentley "Draw Me a Map"



Those fiddles again. I just love this song.

4. Miranda Lambert "Oklahoma Sky"



Simply beautiful.

5. Rascal Flatts "Why"



Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, so I wanted to add this one (plus, I really love this song). This hits close to home for me, given my struggles with depression. I also felt the affects when a family member committed suicide and the whole family was questioning themselves as to whether they could have done anything differently, or done more. I felt the guilt, but I know it wasn't anyone's fault. But I also understand how it could get that far. It's such a dark place, and I pray there will someday be more help for those with mental illnesses, because it is so needed. We need to help each other through our tough times. Anyway, this video made me bawl. Don't say I didn't warn you!

I hope you enjoyed the mix tape. What are some of your favorite beautiful songs?