Moving Day!

Well it's here. 

Well, almost here....Saturday is the day.

Moving day.

And sadly enough, Bridget and Amelia and most importantly, Lyle Summitt, will not be here to help me on this momentous occasion. They've put in their time on the past two so I guess I can't be too critical. 

I am nowhere near ready. I have a test tomorrow morning that I haven't even begun to study for (or for which to study if I wanted to be MSOP correct). And my living room is already full of furniture and odds and ends so there's really nowhere to stack moving boxes, boxes that still have yet to be packed.

Ok...Not panicking yet! Breathe!

This is a simple post. I'm just warning you that I might be taking a impromptu break from blogging to get my new apartment in order. That means Chapters 4 & 5 of birthday fun will have to wait until boxes are unpacked and life is settled.

I can't wait to share pictures of my new place. My own place. My own things with my own style. And my very own thermostat to control....that sounds like music to my ears. 

And I can't wait until all of you come and visit me. Yes, every single one of you. At the same time. Ok, well that may be too much, but you know the door is always open. I love having people stop in, even for a day. I think my first house-guest may even be J. Phil! 

So wish me luck. Wish the boys that I've rounded up to haul all my heavy stuff up stairs luck. And I'll write again soon...as a woman who is truly on her own!

P.S. Speaking of Lyle Summitt...here's your funny for Friday (a day early). Thanks to CostCo and Black Friday 2008 for this picture.

And a special shout-out to Lyle Summitt's beard.

Chapter 3: Birthday Fun: Proof in Pictures

Chapter 2: Let the fun begin!

In case you missed the first Chapter, you need to read THIS before moving on...

Where did we end?

Oh yes, Stephanie's friends had just surprised her on a Friday night and she had made ugly cry face. 

Well, after her heart calmed down and her breathing had regulated (for it's not good to surprise someone with such a shock when they don't have their inhaler, friends should know this!), Stephanie listened wide-eyed as her friends revealed how they came to arrive in Knoxville for her special day. Amelia and Bridget and J. Crowe had decided a couple of weeks ago that they wanted to come, but it all fell into place the week of. They had been in cohorts with Cousin Hannah and through Hannah they had contacted Chad with the last minute details. Chad, being the rock star that he is, met the girls at Stephanie's apartment, while she was in Maryville, and took them to the house where he was staying. They decorated, set-up and waited. 

Stephanie had not suspected a single thing! (I'm sure if she had suspected that her friends would surprise her, or that there would be lots of pictures taken, I'm positive she would have worn something other than pajamas and flat hair)

And not only had Stephanie's best friends surprised her, they also planned to help her mark as many things off her birthday list as possible. 

As Stephanie donned her birthday crown (that Amelia later broke...) she sat down to enjoy time with all these wonderfully hilarious people. There were presents to be opened, pizza, ice cream, & cupcakes from Magpies to be eaten, Cherry coke to be sipped, and catching up to be done! 

If you have never laughed until your sides and your jaw hurt, you haven't lived. I can't divulge all of the funny stories or moments that were shared that night (you probably wouldn't understand them all and most of them probably would lose their meaning in retelling)  but I can tell you that it was probably the funniest night any of them had shared in years. 

That's where we'll end it for now...don't forget there are still 3 more segments in this 5-part series, I have to save some of the good stuff for later!

Days 16-19: A quick catch-up

Ok. I know I'm behind on this so we're going to do a quick catch-up so I won't have to make so many posts. Enjoy 4 more days of music!!!

Day 16-A song you used to love but now hate

'Drops of Jupiter'-Train

This one's tough. Mainly, because if I love a song, I usually don't ever start hating it. I may lose interest, but still find it enjoyable. I guess this is one song that I used to love but now makes me groan when I hear it on the radio. You can thank FM 100 in Memphis for wearing it out for me.

Day 17-A song that you hear often on the radio

'Walking in Memphis'-Marc Cohn

Well, unlike most of my blogging buddies (who rightfully claim they never listen to the radio), I DO listen to local radio. Even though I now live in Knoxville, when I go home to visit it never fails that I hear this song on the radio there. They have been playing it since it first came out in the 90s, and I guess just because it talks about Memphis they feel the need to play it ALL THE TIME. This is definitely a song I hear far too often on the radio.

Day 18-A song that you wish you heard on the radio

'Ok, It's Alright with Me'-Eric Hutchinson

Mattie Poo and I saw him open for G. Love in Memphis a few years ago and he was so cool. His music is fun and catchy and he's an overall hilarious guy. This is one of my favorite songs of his, and for some strange reason, even though he's had a couple of hits, they never play any of his music on mainstream channels. Haters. Plus, I have his first album and he even signed it for me 'To Stephanie....With a PH!'

Day 19-A song from your favorite album

 '3x5 (live from 'Any Given Thursday')'-John Mayer

Well, I have a few favorite albums so it was hard to narrow it down. This one is my favorite album from John and I love this song. Soo good. 

Chapter 1: Once Upon a Time...

So in case you haven't paid attention to anything I've written over the past month, I'll let you in on a secret.

My birthday was Sunday. As in this past Sunday. July 18th. And I kinda wanted to make a big deal about it.

As much as I tried and shamelessly self-promoted, it just didn't feel like my birthday in the days leading up to it. I wanted to get excited, but I just wasn't. I wanted to have a birthday bash blowout, but I wasn't even feeling it. I wanted to spend it with my bestest of friends, but felt apathetic about my actual events planned. 

Needless to say I was more than surprised by the actual entire events that occurred surrounding my birthday weekend. 

Shocked, stunned,&  mind-blown would be more appropriate adjectives to describe my reaction to what transpired.

Some of you are well-aware of what happened (because you're the ones who planned it) but some of you are probably still scratching your head with bemusement as to what in the world I'm talking about. 

Well so much happened, and there's so much to share, that there's no way it will condense into just one blog post (well it could, but I'm sure your attention spans might wane).

So I'm going to tell you the story of how amazing my 28th birthday was and how it came about in a 5 part series.

Well every good story has a beginning, so let's start from there...

Birthday girl

Once upon a time there was a girl (let's call her Stephanie). 

Stephanie loved birthdays more than anything in the whole entire world. 

She loved the celebrations, the excitement, the cake, oh the cake. 

Every July her heart brimmed with anticipation at the possibilities of another birthday celebration. She laid awake and dreamed of all the fun and laughs she would share with her friends, and anticipated all the wonderful cards she would receive in the mail (for she was the mailing sort and nothing brought her more joy than to receive cards upon cards spilling out of her mailbox).

Birthday Cake Doodle

This year her birthday would fall on a Sunday. The Friday before she still felt kinda blah about her special day. She was excited, but nothing out of the ordinary. She knew it would be fun but she really didn't expect much, for this was the first year where she felt like gettin' older puts a damper on the joys of birthdays. It was her first birthday in Knoxville and she was apprehensive of celebrating with a new group of people. But while she sat in her extremely boring and evolution-filled (BOOO!) Biology class she couldn't help but think of her upcoming day and festivities. 

Twilight driving

That afternoon she made her way down to Greenback to clean the church building (what a Cinderella story) and she finally started to let her birthday excitement slip out. She smiled big as she drove down 411 to Maryville, with her sunroof open and her Sonic Happy Hour Cherry Coke by her side, listening to a birthday mix cd she made herself.  She had planned a birthday evening with her family and was treated to a delicious meal and cupcakes and even a movie with her sweet Gran. The night's festivities were set to include hang out time with her dear cousin Hannah Banana (not a real surname) and Chadwick. Her heart felt full and as she drove back to Knox (with her cousin following), she led them through the streets at twilight with DMB '41' playing loudly and the windows down in no rush for the drive to end. 

Back in Knox, little did she know, something was brewing. And it was big. For this girl had written a birthday list, and at the top of the she made her biggest and brightest birthday wish. She wished that she could spend this moment with her two best friends, Bridget and Amelia, celebrating with a late night slumber party and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Little to Stephanie's knowledge, those two friends were indeed in Knoxville, and had even brought a surprise with them, J. Crowe. The three sly girls were already at Chad's and cousin Hannah was in on the sneak attack. After a quick trip home to change into pj's, Stephanie and Hannah made their way to their final destination for the night. It had been a long day and the birthday girl was exhausted (work, little sleep, school-it adds up). She got out of her car and walked with Hannah up to the door. She stopped in her tracks when she saw streamers and birthday balloons attached to the front porch. She was so touched that Chad had decorated and knew that it was going to be a good night. She rang the door bell and waited.

On the other side of the door her surprise awaited in the form of three giddy girls.

They had driven from places like Atlanta, Birmigham (because for reference sake nobody knows where Ragland is), and Montgomery. 

Post Ugly Cry Face

Stephanie sat and waited while the door opened and what she saw didn't look like Chad. It didn't even look like someone she recognized, and then it hit her. It was her best friends in the one place where she never, ever suspected they would be. And then it hit, ugly cry face. For all the emotions came rushing in. Surprise, unadulterated joy, happiness, shock, love, disbelief. She couldn't wrap her mind around how they wound up at Chad's (the plan to go there was only made the night before and he didn't even know her friends), but above all else she couldn't believe how amazing her friends were. Well she knew they were amazing, but to go above and beyond for her on her birthday warmed her heart until it was ready to explode.

TO BE CONTINUED...

You'll have to wait until the next Chapter to find out about all the fun and craziness they had that night. If you want to see more pictures from that evening you can click on J. Crowe's name or ugly cry face and find her blog posting about it (she has the real ugly cry face pictures).

Day 15: YOU are the one thing that I've got.

Day 15-A song that describes you

'Beating My Heart'-Jon McLaughlin

How can you be described in one song? I don't think it's possible. But I like this one.

p.s. Jon McLaughlin is my boyfriend. Well, he would be if he wasn't married! :) Not too shabby I say. My favorite part starts at 2:09 (Hannah you would like this/him!)

p.p.s. The song is talking about God.

p.p.p.s. If you don't know Jon McLaughlin, you need to get to. His music is awesome. If you want a master mix cd of my faves, let me know yo! J. Phil likes her copy.

Live version: 

Lyrics:

(verse 1)
there are times every now and then
i forget why im breathing out
and why im breathing in
and i get so sick with the little things
i cant relax when it's happening
until I know what it means

(chorus)
and then i open my eyes
and i know youre beating my heart
beating my heart
look at the sky
i know youre beating my heart
beating my heart
i go extra miles to show
that you are the one thing that ive got
look at the sky
i know youre beating my heart
beating my heart

(verse 2)
there's a sun coming over the horizon
i wanna know where its coming from
but doesnt everyone
its like who am i
and why am i here

(chorus)
and then i open my eyes
and i know youre beating my heart
beating my heart
look at the sky
i know youre beating my heart
beating my heart
i go extra miles to show
that you are the one thing that ive got
look at the sky
i know youre beating my heart
beating my heart

(bridge)
this whole world will take me down
without you standing by my side
my side
youre holding onto me
youre making everything inside
come alive

(chorus)
and then i open my eyes
and i know youre beating my heart
beating my heart
look at the sky
i know youre beating my heart
beating my heart
i go extra miles to show
that you are the one thing that ive got
look at the sky
i know youre beating my heart
beating my heart

Day 14: There is no love here and there is no pain

Day 14-A song that no one would expect you to love

'Everyday is Exactly the Same'-Nine Inch Nails

Yes, my music taste varies, but I don't think many of you look at the bands I've already posted and think 'Hey! I bet Stephanie loves a song by Nine Inch Nails!' Well, I do. So booyah! I heard this on 92.9 fm (back when it still played rock music!) in Memphis one night when I was driving home from church in April 2006. For some strange reason I really felt like I could relate to it and I like the dark beat of it. Trent Reznor's husky voice doesn't hurt. It soon made its way on to a mix cd and I've been listening to it ever since. I still love it. And no, I don't like NIN, so I have no idea why I like this song so much. Maybe cuz sometimes I feel like everyday is exactly the same.

Day 13: I wish I was a balla...

Day 13-A guilty pleasure song

'I Wish'-Skee-Lo

I'm not too ashamed that I like this song, I mean it was HOT back in the mid-90s...right? I love it! And I was so excited to hear it when I was driving home from school on Wednesday, so much so that I had to record it. Well, I thought a home video might mix it up from the usual youtube clip. No worries, I was paying attention! Get down with Skee-Lo! I'm so hood (Thanks Memphis!)

Happy Birthday to ME!

It's official! As of 12:05 a.m. this morning, I'm 28!

I can tell that this is going to be a good year.

You're lookin' good 28...you're lookin' good.

Day 12: Hard to Handle now.

Day 12-A song from a band you hate.

'Hard to Handle'-The Black Crowes

I don't normally hate many bands. I'm pretty open to music tastes, and even if I don't personally care for it, there aren't many bands that make my ears want to bleed. One of the bands that I can't stand is The Black Crowes. Call me crazy (because I know there are many of you who enjoy their music) but I simply can't stomach any of their music. My friend Alex texted me a couple of weeks ago and asked me if I wanted to go see them in concert when they came to Knox. I grimaced and wrote back, 'No. HATE them!' This is the one radio hit that I remember them having and I dislike it strongly.

This live version isn't as bad as the radio one, of course, I usually prefer anything live over studio-produced.

Day 11: I wanted to stay, I wanted to play, I wanted to love you.

Day 11-A song from your favorite band

I'll do you one better, how about my FAVORITE song from my FAVORITE band!?

'#41'-Dave Matthews Band

A little known fact: I used to HATE dmb, well maybe hate is a rather strong word, but at one time I disliked the tone of Dave's voice and never wanted to listen to any of their music when it first came out. I ended up semi-liking 'Crash' and bought their second album. However, my true love of all things DAVE didn't come to fruition until my senior year, 1999-2000. My group of friends were big Dave fans and I started listening to all he had to offer. We listened to him constantly during my first year of college, and I saw him live on May 4, 2001 at Memphis in May Music Fest. The lights went down after 11 p.m. and there was a cool breeze coming in from the Mighty Mississippi. Then in the dark, the first notes of this song started to play and we (me, my friends, the crowd of thousands) just went wild. It was amazing. That concert was amazing. Dave's amazing. Dave's faces are amazing. Dave's footwork is amazing. 

When I heard this song live, it instantaneously became part of my soul. 

This song makes me miss Dave. I'm going to have to put his CD in to celebrate my birthday weekend.

Funny for Friday: Be a fawn!

I'm pretty sure this is one of those things where you had to be there to really appreciate and value it for all that its worth. For Ames' birthday in 2007, we had a Thursday night Bible Study at the house on Marion Ave., and all sorts of insanity occurred. I guess when you mix Bible studying and birthdays, it just gets kinda wild. Well, as wild as church folk get anyways. We were taking lots of pictures, and if you know Ames then you know she loves, loves, LOVES pigs and all things related.
 

Well Mattie Poo had tried on some pig ears and I told him he looked like the fawn (or satyr rather) from 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' Mr. Tumnus. I'm going to say that it was the curly hair and fake ears that caused the resemblence, but it's open for interpretation. Anyways. He was prancing around like a fawn, and so I told him to go stand by Andy Ling and 'Be a fawn! Be a fawn!' I think he did a pretty good job. I mean being an amateur fawn/satyr is pretty tough, I suppose. Thanks for the memories Mattie Poo.

Day 10: I'll always look out for you.

Day 10-A song you can fall asleep too

'Sparks'-coldplay

  

This was a hard one, mainly because I'm the type that 99.9% of the time can't fall asleep when there's music playing. This song doesn't really make ME fall asleep, but I put it on a mix CD I made for nap time when I taught preschool, and it made many 2-year-olds drift off into dreamland. I remember sitting in the darkened classroom, listening to Chris Martin's beautiful voice and relaxing. This is one of those songs you can put on after a long day, light a candle, and just feel your stress melt away. Enjoy :)

The world has its ways to quiet us down.

I used to play a game with myself: Remember what/where/who I was with a year ago today.

I don't really play it anymore. Maybe my memory isn't what it used to be (ha-right!) or maybe some of the days run together and I lose track of dates. Well I was searching through old photos for inspiration to blog and I came across a picture from a year ago today (Tuesday, July 14, 2009). I was in ATL for the campaign with church at Duluth. We spent the evening at Stone Mountain, GA, watching the laser light show and fireworks. Beforehand, the kids were going crazy taking pictures (for up-to-date information on Fbook) and Mallory McAlister captured this snapshot of one of my favorite couples and myself.

The McAlisters.

I remember standing there and telling Ms. A-net (who I always rag on for her short stature) that she could be in the middle and act like our (Keith & mine's) kid. I'm pretty sure that's why she is grinning like she's laughing. I think it turned out great. Aren't we a sweet family? I also remember that was a really great hair day...

On a sad note: I broke those sunglasses today after class. I loved those stunna shades. I found them in Jules' glove compartment on our trip to Texas (circa June 2009) and she gave them to me gratis. 

The morning after this picture was taken, I had my first at-fault wreck in the Honda. But I digress...

I haven't actually sat and written in my blog in over a week (you think I've been so busy posting, but all the posts from the past 8 days were pre-dated to post). I've been babysitting for the family I nanny for here in Knox since last Wednesday morning. I just got home a little while ago, and after a warm soak and mellow music, I find myself sitting in my favorite arm chair in my favorite corner of my bedroom and listening to Jack Johnson's 'Sleep Through the Static' album and enjoying a few quiet moments. No kids to get ready for bed, no medicine to be given, no laundry to fold, just pure rest and relaxation. I will miss the Lexus SUV on my drive to class though. Speaking of class...

I started summer school last Friday. Biology. Boring and frustrating. I hate being force-fed evolution. And I hate even more the fact that I have to regurgitate it on the quizzes and tests. But 5 weeks of a class I hate and it will be over. I guess that's the joy of summer school (I have yet to decide, believe it or not in all my years [9 to be exact] of college-level education, I have managed to avoid the dreaded summer class). Our first test is Monday, which means I will be spending most of my birthday weekend studying what I'd rather forget. 

On to a summer reading list update: I have finished 'Redeeming Love,' 'Twenties Girl,' and most of 'Seeking Spiritual Beauty.' I also read Esther and Ecclesiastes in the OT. I am currently 1/3 of the way into 'Writing Jane Austen.' I am stomaching it. I'm determined to get to to the end, but it's so horribly uninteresting. The writing seems choppy and I can never stay on track. It's certainly not the worst book I've read, but it barely keeps my interest, making it hard to read more than a couple of pages at a time. I'm going to try and get halfway through before I give up. I hate giving up on a book, but I also hate wasting my time reading something that makes no sense to me.

Ok, big question. What plans do I have for my birthday weekend? Well, I originally had hoped to spend some time at the Crowe's house in Bama like last year...a dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and coffee at O'Henry's. Then finances fell apart and school is just too crazy and the Honda still needs new tires. So...I'm spending my first birthday in Knoxville. Friday night is plans with the fam (I asked my Gran to make my favorite salad and invited the rest of the family over, so I hope she doesn't mind me planning my own birthday celebration). Saturday is dinner with a few friends, nothing big or fancy. I don't expect much, I'm realizing that gettin' older isn't quite the same as my younger years (in fact, nothing recently has compared to my 8 celebrations of age 25 [even though my celebration of 26 was close]...Amelia, it's all downhill from there-but I didn't tell you that [your mom told me not to!]). Sunday is lunch at the Swicegoods and studying. I coordinated that lunch too. Is it a bad sign that I'm the one planning all my birthday celebrations? Hmmm. As much as I promote my bday (shameless I know), I don't really feel like it's my bday. In fact, I kinda miss my family at home and sorta wish I could spend it there. Ok, tears....moving on.

I am moving apartments in 2.5 weeks. And I haven't even begun to pack, organize, anything. That means I'm going to be busy, busy, and more busy before August 1st. I haven't organized helpers, times, etc. I'm excited but nervous. I know I'll love being on my own, but I worry about nights when I hear strange noises or when I get a large utility bill and there's no one to share it with.

On that note, it's bedtime. Not worrytime. I am exhausted. There's nothing like sleeping in your own bed with your own sheets and your own Prince Caspian (if you haven't met him yet, maybe I'll introduce you someday). Thanks to blogger for letting me write my thoughts. Thanks to Jack Johnson for providing such mellow music. Thanks to God for all He provides! Thanks to you for reading this.

*I was writing this and Lacey Jean texted me about my birthday, and said she had wanted to help plan it. Unbeknownst to her that I was writing about it, and that made my heart happy.

Day 9: 'I said Oooooh, Girl'

Day 9-A song you can dance to

'Electric Feel' by MGMT

I dance to this one in my car, my room, the kitchen, wherever. It's not a fist-pumping, trance song, but it's got a good grove that makes you move. Like that rhyme?

To think, I used to sit by the singer in World Geography class in 10th grade. Now he's Grammy-nominated and huge on the Electronic circuit and all the rage with the music critics. Well, I do love this song. Partly cuz I love the comeback of 80's synthesized music, partly cuz it's just really rad! As much as I love it, I'm not too much into the psychedelic video, so I'm opting for something else to blow your mind...The Rockafire Explosion! I love those videos. Since you won't see them via video, here's a pic to give you a glimpse into how psychedelic they really are. The one of the left is my former classmate. Let's just say he was a little bit more prep/skater back in the day.

ENJOY some MGMT!

Day 8: 'Cuz it's easier sometimes not to be involved...'

Day 8-A song you know all the words to

'Demons' (Live & Acoustic) by Guster

Love Guster. LOVE Guster. You need to love Guster. 

They are some funny, funny boys.

And the drummer normally uses his hands for all types of drums...no sticks involved. 

Talented stuff.

They are amazing.I have loved them since the first night I saw them with Amelia and Bridget in 2002. This song is my favorite of theirs. It speaks to me on so many levels. And I love the jam-out, and especially the unified head bob at 3:04. Enjoy!

Day 7: 'Suddenly I become part of the past...'

 Day 7-A song that reminds you of an event

'Over My Head (Cable Car)' by The Fray

Well, I'm not ashamed to say it, this one reminds me of the night Buddy Morefield ended our lovefest (did you like that term?).

It was late on a Sunday night, I sensed something wasn't right, and a couple of hours later, I'm driving down Poplar Avenue with all the windows down at 2 am headed downtown to see Ames. This song was on repeat in my car, I had just put it on a mix cd, and it happened to come on. I listened, I cried, and I listened again. It resonated with what I was feeling...'Suddenly I become part of the past, I'm becoming the part that don't last, I'm losing you and it's effortless.' I just remember driving aimlessly, feeling like my chest was going to implode and eventually knocking on Ames' window to wake her from her deep sleep so I could put my head on her shoulder and make my scary, blubbering cry face and high-pitched squeaky voice.

Well, we all know it worked out for the best :) It wouldn't have lasted with Buddy Morefield anyways, but I still love this song, despite it being associated with that night.

Day 6: 'I said please don't slow me down if I'm going too fast'

I would just like to say that it's extremely hard to pick just one song for these topics...being that my memory can be quite impeccable. It seems that every song I ever listen to is associated with something, and it's hard narrowing that down. This is just my rant for the day. Let's proceed.

Day 6-A song that reminds you of somewhere

'Reptilia (Strokes Cover)' by the Punch Brothers

I saw them in concert, by myself (first solo concert), on campus here at UTK last Spring. I absolutely loved their version of this song, and went back to my dorm room to find it online. I stayed up listening and watching the first video of it. It was on repeat on my laptop for a few weeks. It always makes me think of walking back to my dorm room on a warm, spring night. It's really the only song I associate with my one-year-lived-in dorm room. It makes me think of laying on my white bed with the blinds up, staring outside and noticing how tall the ceilings were.

I like this version for the raw energy, I like the ambiance.



The second version is a newer one, a little bit better acoustics, but you get the idea.



P.S. Love Chris Thile. HOT!

Day 5: 'It's such a Perfect Day'

Day 5-A song that makes you think of someone

'Strawberry Swing' by Coldplay

I had heard this song before seeing them on November 11, 2008 in Atlanta, but after hearing Chris Martin perform it live, I was forever changed as my heart swelled with gladness. I love how it reminds you of life's perfect little moments, and to enjoy them with the people around you. Afterwards, while Bridget and I drove home on 'concert high' we sped down the Interstate in downtown Atlanta with the sunroof open, cool November wind (no, not November Rain-ha!) blowing through our hair, the lights of the city passing over our faces, the view of tall buildings above our heads, and we listened to this song at maximum level, with Bridget's hands raised over her head and bright smiles on our faces. It was our own perfect moment. I always think of that late night ride and the joy I saw in Bridget's eyes as we bonded over our coldplay experience each time I hear this song.

Oh, and it reminds me of the HOT Frat boy I bonded with next to me at the concert, Vince. 

I still like him. And Chris Martin too.

Day 4 of Music: 'I wish I'd a-known you...Wished I'd a-shown you...'

Day 4-A song that makes you sad

'Top of the World' by Dixie Chicks

Written from the perspective of a husband/father who's gone on, looking back on his life, his emotional abuse towards his family, and wishing it had all been different. Wishing that he hadn't hurt his daughter and crushed her wings (she's the songbird referred to in the song).

It's a beautifully written, but tough song to swallow. I first heard it in 2002, and on days when I woke up with sorrow and hurt in my heart from the depression I felt, this song resonated deep within. I can relate to it in a number of ways, none of which are going to be written in this post. Even now, being in a better place in life, it still makes my throat burn with unshed emotion each time I hear it. It takes me back to driving to work in the rainy cold mornings with tears streaming down my face from sadness and despair. I get chills when the strings play and her voice breaks free in the end. 

A 4th in the Mountains: A Photo Documentary

My first July 4th in the mountains. 

Enjoy the photos, memories, stories.

It's a condensed, yet detailed, account of our cabin trip.

I even marked 8 items off of my Summer Wish List.

Our inaugural dinner at the cabin Friday night. Chad's excited.

Summer Wish List: Spend a wknd at the cabin in the mtns.

Nothing like watching the sunset in 60 degree temperatures in July.

That's the mountains for you.

Summer Wish List: Go to high places and watch beautiful sunsets

Our new friend Becca Payton. She's too funny.

And extremely smart.

And those homemade lemon bars were da bomb!

I tried to hold the sun for you J-Phil.

Alex McWilkins

That smile looks mischevious.

My new best friend, the outdoor shower.
What a view! What an awesome shower!
Nothing like bathing outdoors to help you commune with nature.
No worries...it was hidden from the house view,
although I kept yelling at Lacey Jean through the window-
'I'm naked in the wild! I'm naked in the wild!'
Can I get one of these in my new apartment? JK.
It wasn't on my summer list before, but it's been added.
Summer Wish List: Enjoy a shower outdoors at dusk over a mountain range

Lacey Jean and her cute self. 

I do believe this was right before we started playing Catchphrase.

Possible pant peeing may or may not have occurred due to hysterical laughing.

I couldn't get enough of those sunsets.

I feel like I need to mark that off my list like 3 times.

Our 4th feast at our pretty outdoor table we ate at all weekend long.

I feel like that constitues to a picnic since they're both outdoor dining.

Summer Wish List: Go on more picnics

I think I need to put more hugs with Chad on my wish list.
C-Phil. Like J-Phil.

We were decked out in our red and white (and blue jeans/shorts).

That watermelon from Earth Fare was oh-so-delish.

I just loved watching Lacey's face across the dinner table.

Summer Wish List: Eat lots of watermelon. 

We headed up the hill behind the cabin to the very top of the mountain to watch the sunset one last night, and shoot off fireworks while enjoying a bonfire. Lacey Jean needs to be down there in that pit helping...

The back view from the hill, to the right of that was the view of Asheville's twinkling lights from afar. It was magical to see nothing but blackness and distant lights when the sun went down. I thought this resembled something from a British countryside (I would know how? I've never been to Britian. Just a guess).

So the boys requested that we find any dead grass on the hill to help with the bonfire. 

Guess who found the most dead grass possible?

This girl.

I was pretty proud of my efforts, as you can see...

I even sampled AC/DC's 'Big Balls' and made up my own lyrics,

"But who's got the biggest dead grass pile of them all?" 

(maybe going three days without cell phone access or internet service brings out my inner dweeb)

Our last sunset of the trip.

I thoroughly enjoyed Chad's plea every night,

"Mr. Sun, please come back! Just for a few minutes!"

He didn't want the sunset to end either.

We might have benefited from Mattie Poo's experience in firestarting if he had been there. Chad and Alex worked hard, and after a good 45 minutes we had a roaring bonfire. Well, roaring might be an embellishment. It was perfect though. It was below 60 degrees in the dark (which was glorious considering it was July!) so the fire kept us all warm and cozy. I loved the peace of sitting up there, smelling like bonfire smoke, and gazing up at the stars in the complete peace and quiet (the moon was in the cycle where it's out in the day, not night). Well, I loved it until almost 1 a.m. when I thought I was getting attacked by a mountain creature that made clicking noises in my ear. I gladly, and quickly, took my city girl self back to the cabin. (Chad said it was probably a bat, but I claim it was man-eating)

Summer Wish List: Go to a bonfire with a few good friends and tunes

Stargaze on a quilt for hours

Chad was a rockstar and bought us fireworks to enjoy.

They were short lived but they were spectacular. 

Pretty colors, loud booms, and ooohs and aahhhhs.

That's all you really need on the 4th.

Summer Wish List: Hold hands with someone while watching fireworks

This trip just got better and better. Even though we were sad to leave on Monday, on the trail down we came across a quaint and beautiful creek next to the gravel road. Quick, I thought! Wading! We stopped and I waded for a few minutes in the very cold, yet refreshing clear waters of the mountains. I haven't waded in the mountains in years and years. I guess the last time I waded period was with J-Phil in Standing Stone National Park in May 2007. 

Summer Wish List: Wade in a cold-watered creek

Then it was off to enjoy our scenic ride home. I love East Tennessee. It's gorgeous and untouched in so many ways. That was the best 4th I've had in a looooong time. Thanks to all the amazing people who made it happen.

Day 3: 'Typically terrific, busy and prolific'

Day 03 - A song that makes you happy

Come on! Feel the Illinoise! 

(Part I: The World's Columbian Exposition, 

Part II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me in a Dream) 

by

Sufjan Stevens

I adore Sufjan Stevens. And I am in love with his Illinoise album. It was steadily on repeat for a daily distraction when I worked at church (thanks to Carl for letting me rip it). It's a beautiful album that gives you more information about Illinois than you thought possible.

It's one of those albums that makes you want to lay in bed and listen to every note. J. Phil, Mattie Poo, and I sat around my coral-colored room on Marion one night and listened to this song and 'Chicago', just smiling as we processed the musical stylings of Sufjan. It's not often I find music that makes me stop and listen, careful not to miss anything it might have to offer. Even though that was almost 4 years ago, I still find new sounds and words that have slipped by me before. I've always thought if my life had a soundtrack, you would find numerous songs by him on it.

If you don't listen to Sufjan, change that. He's amazing. I definitely recommend his Illinoise album to start your journey.

Now for the song that makes me happy, horns and all.

Nashvegas: A girl's week!

I absolutely love the fact that I have great friends.

Absolutely love it!

So, when I house/dogsat for the Dees, and their 2$ million dollar mansion outside of Franklin, the only downside attached to the trip was that I would be there for a week alone. It kinda sounded like bliss to my ears, but then I knew after 2 days of sitting by the pool by my lonesome, I'd be ready for a friend.

Just my luck, I just happened to have two fabulous friends** who were nice enough to sacrifice their precious time to come and lay by the pool with me, just so I wouldn't have to feel so lonely. Isn't that sweet? Aren't they so kind? Amelia & J. Crowe "sacrificed" (Amelia's words, not mine) just to enjoy living in luxury with me for 3 nights/3 days. 

I enjoyed my downtime by myself all day Monday and Tuesday, and then the girls arrived just in time for a night out in Franklin Tuesday evening. Downtown Franklin is gorgeous and quaint and everything a summer trip should be. Everything was relaxed and mellow and we just strolled, ate Mellow Mushroom pizza (you really must try the feta cheese and pepperoni combination), and found a Baskin Robbins for J. Crowe's sake. The sun set and we sat in the smack dab middle of the Franklin Square roundabout, perched on tbe statue's base and stargazed. We talked about life and we laughed. It was so summer and it was so perfect. 

We even rode in Amelia's (or rather, Cortezy's) new Diesel Jetta wagon, and I felt like we belonged on a VW commercial as I watched the moon follow our car as we drove the countryside back to the house.

Wednesday was more pool time, but this time there were friends to jump in the pool with. I don't think I'll ever get tired of laying out by a pool, especially a gorgeous one. Wednesday night we met up with Rachel Jernigan, who had recently moved to Nashvegas, for Bible Study at Crieve Hall CofC. Then on to eat sushi at my favorite place in Nashville, RuSan's! 

 

I know I've already posted funny pictures of Amelia and J. Crowe there, so you'll have to check archives if you want to see those. I ordered my favorite: delicious chicken fried rice and a Shrimp Tempura roll. YUM. YUM. YUM. I hadn't eaten there in almost 3 years. My taste buds enjoyed it very much. I loved having my girls there, we were hot ladies in the big city that night. 

Afterwards was dessert at Menchie's.

Thursday was relaxed. We went into Cool Springs to eat and browse the nearest Borders. I could spend all day at bookstores. Partly for people watching, partly for the anticipation and excitement that come with the possibilty of coming across a new favorite read. We spent a couple of hours sitting and reading and laughing...when Amelia or I were being goofy. We chose to cook dinner at home and we made a mean feast of salmon, steamed asparagus (thanks to Amelia's knowledge of built-in steamers), rice and rolls. We ate on the back patio by candlelight and enjoyed the cool summer air. It was the ideal way to close out our last evening together. Laying together in bed and watching 'The Breakfast Club' before we fell asleep ended the night in style. 

Friday we parted ways. I hugged those girls tight after our last trip to Starbucks. They made my heart feel full that week. I couldn't have asked for a better way to remember my time in Franklin and Nashvegas. 

 

The only thing better than the trip was Amelia screaming 'DJ RODGE SUCKS!' into the phone like a teenager when we called the radio station (inside joke).

And I want her to know I love her for it. And for the stank eye. You're baller.

p.s. Amelia, me actually writing that exclamation by you on my blog is me not being too nice to people who don't deserve it anymore. Proud? Baby steps. Listening to Damien Rice's 'Rootless Tree' helps too.

p.p.s. There is going to be a whole lotta bloggin' goin' on in the next few days...I hope you can keep up. I'll try my best to make sure it's worth your while.

**I'd like to note that there were actually 3 willing friends, but only 2 could make the trip. I still love you Bridget, and you were greatly missed! It's never the same without you.