Show & Tell Tuesday

It’s Show & Tell Tuesday!!  J

This week is all about the soundtrack to our lives.  I’ve been excited about this one so let’s get to it.

Music has always been a big part of my life.  HUGE!  Tracey took Charlene & I to our first concert – Barry Manilow – in 6^th grade. 

There are songs that get me through sad times.  Songs that make me dance in my chair.  Songs that help me make important decisions.  For every single memory I have, there is a song attached to it. 

First of all, there are certain songs that remind me of certain people.  Every time I hear the song (most are ringtones), I picture their sweet faces.

Tracey:         Save Me, San Francisco by Train

I can remember her singing “I’ve been yes and I’ve been oh, hell no!”  in the middle of a shopping mall a long time ago.

Bea:            I run for life by Melissa Etheredge

These heart-breaking lyrics remind me what a warrior she is.

Jim:            You are the best thing by Ray LaMontagne

“The way you move me, it's crazy
It's like you see right through me
And make it easier
Believe me, you don't even have to try”

Garrett:        My Wish by Rascal Flatts

“My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you’re out there gettin’ where you’re gettin’ to
I hope you know somebody loves you.”

Delanie:        Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

We used to crank this song up in the car and she would say, “I don’t like this song Momma…..it’s scary!”

Then there is music I associate with a certain period in my life.


  

  

I graduated high school in 1987 so I was all about Bon Jovi, REO Speedwagon, Air Supply, the Bee Gees and Wham.

My parents always listened to old-school country – Barbara Mandrell, Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette.  Although I hated it at the time, I love it now. 

After the kids outgrew Disney soundtracks (thank God!), it was George Straight, Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney on the radio 24/7. 

In 2003, I took a leap of faith by quitting by State Farm job without another one lined up (a decision I had been wrangling with for about six months) after I heard these lyrics from Down the Road by Kenny Chesney:

        “Are you washed in the blood or just in the water?”

There was a really dark period in my life during the early 2000s that I craved Nickelback on full volume.

I woke up on my 40^th birthday to Tim McGraw’s Let It Go.  I decided right then and there to pull my head out of my behind and get my life headed in the right direction. 

I’m Moving On by Rascal Flatts still makes me catch my breath because it transports me to an especially painful time. 

When Jim came into my life, he brought a big dose of Motown with him – Barry White, Kid Rock, etc. 

Home by Phillip Phillips gave me the encouragement I needed to make the move to Minnesota.

“Hold on to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave (wave) is stringing us along
Just know you're not alone
'Cause I'm gonna make this place your home”

When Mom died, Rascal Flatts helped me grieve……especially with their songs Let it Hurt and Stand.  

“Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you're made of
You might bend, 'til you break
'Cause it's all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you've had enough
You get mad, you get strong
Wipe your hands, shake it off
Then you stand”

The song that reminds me the pep talks I used to get from her is Brave by Sara Bareilles

        “Show me how big your brave is”

These days, there’s a motley mix of everything from Meghan Trainor to Steven Tyler.  It’s always good to have options! J