Country Music Purist?

Music, lyrics & melody. I could spend some serious money on these things. Songs and rhythms that rend the soul, lift the spirit, bring the tears and make you move.... No one in my house growing up could sing or play music (unless they had a really seriously secret hobby), but my parents appreciated all types of music and we were fortunate to share in their musical experimentation. It was great! Everyone of us loves music and we all (Dad & Mom, brothers and sister) all still love really diverse kinds of music, 'lo these many years later. I tell people all the time that in my family we have the gift of music appreciation, and all kidding aside - it really IS a gift to truly appreciate it!

Music is powerful and biblical even. Lucifer had musical instruments built into him. Amazing! King Saul depended on music to soothe his greatly disturbed psyche. Recently, a semi-retired Country music great came back on the scene with a great (in my opinion) song. "More than a Memory" is a passionate and what I call a fun song; fun to sing and it moves your heart. It is a lot of things, but, it is NOT Country! I knew when I heard it, instantly that my husband would HATE it, and he does! He is so good about knowing where the boundaries are. For him it's not a matter of not liking the music itself. If it was on a different station, sure. But, on a Country music station, forget about it! Me, I have always been of the mind - hey, I don't care, if it sounds good, let it play!

Right in the middle of listening to that song recently, I started thinking about what it does to the Country music artists - who play within the boundaries - and maybe don't release their experiments as a single - but, save them for the CDs and concerts...I thought about Allen Jackson, and Brooks & Dunn and I really started to see it from their perspective. For them, Country is true to the Websters - (I am a word person, ya'll, pls forgive me) "music derived from or imitating the folk style of the Southern United States or of the Western cowboy".

I am not sure what to do with this realization, but, it got me thinking about how we are so confused about where the boundaries are anymore. What is important to adhere to, and what wasn't ever worth worrying about. For instance - I don't think anyone cares anymore if we wear white after Labor Day, or brown after Easter. But, we should all want our clothes to cover the parts (including boxers and thongs) best left to the imagination and the marriage bedroom! A little mystery is a real good thing!

Does this mean I don't like the song? No way! I still love it, but, I wonder how it makes Garth Brooks' peers feel that he has released a Rock song in a Country Music venue. Hmmm..."dialing 6 numbers just to hang up the phone..."

WMD & Saturday Morning Cartoons

Just a few years ago I would be treated to Saturday morning cartoons by my sons and their friends. Now, I treat myself to news & coffee with my laundry! As I got the latest in obscure news this morning (not a mainstream media news girl, I prefer my news more organic and specialized! Sort of boutique style!), I found a gem on Powerline (http://powerlineblog.com/ ).

So far on this blog I have been successful for 2 weeks in not talking politics. It was nice while it lasted! But truth be known, I can't talk for too long without mentiong public affairs, because - hey, that's what they are! Public affairs, and it ALL concerns us! You know, government by the people, for the people and of the people. We tend to leave it for someone else - like the NFL, then we want to play Monday morning quarterback. Should we be surprised at the results we get then? So, in that vein, I have been frustrated for 4 years that (mainstream media, and even elected/appointed officials) won't openly talk about the numerous reports of WMDs being taken right out the back door of Iraq into Syria and to a part of Lebanon (occupied by Syria at the time in 2003). Saddam's military leaders at high levels tell how it was done. I am hopeful that will change now. How? A transcript of Bush and Spain's then leader talking pre-Iraq war has become public. It refers to behind the scene talks between Egypt and Saddam and includes what Saddam wanted to do with the info on WMDs...for further reading go here at Pajamas Media http://pajamasmedia.com/2007/09/bush_aznar_memo.php ; it is an historical article and the full length of this pre-war conversation between 2 world leaders is remarkable. It shows Bush's resolve, and also a poignant comment on how the best solution would be to not have war and death, and all that goes with it. It also shows how unlikely he thought it was that Saddam would change his spots and begin cooperating at that late date.

If the whole weapons of mass destruction topic ever bothered you, it is worth checking out.

Then go watch a good cartoon, I Love Lucy or anything that makes you laugh for just a few minutes! Laughter is good medicine!

Happy Saturday, Ya'll!

Playing in the Sprinkler!

Last night coming home from my son's music practice, we heard this new song - "Stealing Cinderella" on the radio. It mentioned seeing a pic of his true love running through the sprinkler when she was a child. Immediately it flashed in my mind the fun that was when I was little. Both of our sons use to do the same thing! There was nothing better if you didn't have a pool. And even if you did, it was a pleasure all its own! And I thought - you know, I bet this is almost a lost art!

So, - Quick! You still have time this year - it is still plenty hot in most of the U.S. If you have a child - don't let them miss that fun! These days we take our kids to amusement - Sea World, Universal Studios, Disney, Dave & Busters, etc. . And we buy all the latest electronic gadgets our budgets can possible squeeze in. But, I still say, the simple pleasure are always the most memorable and sweetest!

If you don't have the yard for it, do you have a friend or family member you would love to visit? Take a road trip this weekend! And don't forget your camera!

Does it even matter?

Last week I had a thought that just has not left me. I just have to share this with you all. Have you ever noticed that light will ALWAYS have the victory over darkness? Never can you strike a match, turn the lights out and the darkness that envelops the room snuffs out the match. No. Never. My husband recently built what he calls, The Man Room. :) This is a shop that he seriously needed in order to be able to work on his many and sundry projects in. He did a beautiful job. He wanted it to be air tight, so at night he turned the light on inside and we walked around outside to see where the light was escaping from. This told him where he needed more insulation, caulking or whatever that stuff is he uses! But the point is, the light FINDS A WAY OUT! The light will have the last word, and will always reveal what is in the darkness.


Wonder how this applies to us everyday? The good you do is not lost in the sea of our chaotic culture. Every crumb, every little bit, every smile, every extra mile, every soft answer in the face of wrath, illuminates the darkness, gives someone the courage to go on one more hour, one more day, one more year. Every secret kindness and act of forgiveness that you do brings up the house lights a few more watts, and makes hope live in the hearts of those you touch.


The physical world is designed to witness to us of spiritual principles. What it tells us about light, is that it keeps going and going and going. The light we enjoy today from the sun is very old. What we receive today started its journey a long time ago. What darkness we will see today or tonight didn't travel from anywhere, and can not overwhelm the smallest light that comes against it, but must always succumb to the power of the light.


So, the next time life challenges you with the question "Does it even matter?", talk back to life! Tell the circumstances you face, the voices in your head, the people in your house and at the job, Tell them to look out, step back, & be encouraged because LIGHT Always Illuminates the Darkness. Darkness NEVER HAS & NEVER WILL put out the LIGHT!

Today!

Do you ever catch yourself thinking more about what is possibly ahead, or regreting what is behind you, than being in the moment TODAY? I know this is something I have done. As a wife, mother, sister, daughter, etc., there are always opportunities to "worry" or "consider" or "fret"; whatever you want to call it, it is an energy draining, emotional and mental excercise! I really started focusing this past summer on being in the moment, when in conversation with whomever (especially those under the same roof with us, you know, those we just take for granted will always be there to converse with). I have to say, it has been very rewarding. I have definitely seen improvements in several areas...I am moving on today to begin doing something small, medium, large, but, SOMETHING creative every day! I am happiest when I do that. It can be a new recipe, reorganizing the spare bedroom closet, making a new way to track your expenses, writing, or taking photos (photos don't count if you don't use/share them somehow, somewhere! );)

Out With the Old, In With the New!

It seems fitting as teachers, students and parents make the transition to the new school year, and our friends and family of a Hebrew lineage begin their new year, that I attempt to learn something new! Blogging may or may not be the outlet for me. But, one thing is for sure, I won't know if I don't try! :)