Tag: Music

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Timing is everything when learning how to live in the moment

Introspective themes tend to show up in my life when I need them. It’s kind of weird, really.
2011 was “Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?”
2012 was “I don’t want to be “that” person.” (this is defined in my head)
2013 seems to want me to learn how to “live in the moment” and learn how to say “thank you” to my peers.
Big lessons for me.

Living in the moment

I am a contingency plan person. I am a “play out every freaking scenario to make sure you have thought of everything” kind of gal. It feeds into the “control freak” side of who I am.
Control the environment; control the people = less pain.

Maybe its because I am the oldest child. (I am partially defined by where I fall in line)
Maybe its the ridiculous need to control everything to protect myself as much as possible (I am a product of my upbringing)
Maybe its because I want to fix problems (I am…this is complicated)
Maybe I need a lot more therapy, lol. (I am the sum of my experiences)

The downside: working through all the “What if’s” is extremely limiting and frankly, creatively and spiritually stifling.

Learning to say “thank you”

I am terrible at saying “thank you” when someone compliments me; especially for my vocal abilities.
For some reason I feel the need to make excuses or apologize for what I see as vocal shortcomings or maybe even for the fact that I can sing.
I honestly don’t know why I do this. It’s annoying. I know it’s annoying.
I hear myself doing it and there is part of me that is saying “OMG, shut up, shut up! Just say thanks.”

Maybe I do it because I always think I can do better, especially in the eyes of those who I respect. (I am my worst critic)
Again, maybe I need a lot more therapy, lol.

So… this is really just a very long winded “thank you” to those of you who call me out on these short comings.
You continue to make me think about why I do what I do and don’t do, and more than anything, you inspire me at the right time.
Please continue to do so and I promise to keep working at it.

Here’s to an inspiring and musically fulfilling 2013.

I am so grateful and humbled.
Oh and THANK YOU!!!!!
Love,
S.

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John Denver and Guitars

When I think of John Denver, I think of super cheesy songs. “Sunshine on My Shoulder’s” and “Thank God I’m A Country Boy.” Nauseating.

So last night I was putting Livi down for the night and Greg says “I left the TV paused. Kim’s brother is on TV.”
“Huh?” (Inside joke.)
It was a remembrance of John Denver. (Eye roll)
So I sat and watched and was surprisingly struck.

It was “Annie’s Song.” I stopped with the sarcasm and really listened.
The melody, the lyrics and the 12 string acoustic guitar voicing’s were gorgeous.

I watched the whole program and while I am still not a huge fan of “Country Boy,” so many of Denver’s songs are so beautifully constructed.

The show wrapped up with a song called “This Old Guitar.”
This really got me. Tears and everything.
Go ahead. Roll the eyes.

I have always thought of my guitar as a living creature. Let’s face it, it captures all the energy that is coming out of whoever is strumming it, writing songs with it, venting with it, emoting with it, etc.

I feel so guilty that mine spends most of its time in it’s “box.”
When I finally get brave and pull it out, it feels a little foreign to me.
Maybe its emoting back. Pissed off that I have barely touched it in 10 years.

Someday Martin, someday I will figure this “thing” out.