Wild-Heart.net

After my own music collection Rick Rolled me a little bit ago, it then surprised me with this song. Talk about immediate flashbacks of awkward High School dances with the dread slow dances. This was the slow song that never seemed to end. The song for the dance in which you realized you really did like the guy you were dancing with or that he was a right bore and you would rather be anywhere but there more than you had the whole night and started thinking of nice ways to break up with him without hurting his feelings.

Most of my generation doesn’t have an appreciation for Hip-Hop or Rap genres. You can blame Boy #2, or you can blame R. Kelly switching from R&B to Hip-Hop in the late 90’s. Doesn’t matter. Back to the artist for today… Lupe Fiasco. Check his Wikipedia page before you watch the video below. The song has been in my head for days. Lupe nails the struggle for so many young men in bad situations and neighborhoods, not just Houston, in this song. I see it here in Macon just blocks away from my home. My boys go to school with several young men who are praying for their music to save them and get them out of this town. If you want to hear more, look for his song “Dumb it Down.” It’s more of an example of what Lupe is trying to do with his music. This one here is more of a ballad, if you will.

A parental tool of discipline! I wish I had thought of this earlier. In past couple of days I have discovered a way to get the children to do what they’ve been asked to do. They, just like Little Bunny Foo-Foo, get three chances, if they still aren’t behaving they get subjected to early 80’s Power Ballads. Who wouldn’t do anything to make Chicago stop singing Hard To Say I’m Sorry? Bwahahahaha! And YouTube gives me quick and easy access to such atrocities. By the time he gets to, “Hold me now,” they are apologizing, begging for me to make it stop and doing what has been asked of them. I love you, YouTube.

And I want to pull my hair back and scream, “I don’t want to be the queen!”

My apologies for the lack of posting. It’s been quite hectic here. Keeping a sharp on Boy #1 while waiting for this coming Saturday to arrive when we deliver him to Ft. Gordon for his first day of classes at National Guard Youth Challenge whilst attempting to school Boy #2 and Baby Boy has been a challenge.

There are so many songs that pull at my Celtic heartstrings that I could share with you today. Songs that make my heart and soul long for home, that small Irish-Catholic farming community of one Church and one pub full of extended family where everyone is related to everyone in one way or another. Where they say our Great-great-grandfathers decided to settle because the land of gently rolling hills, valleys and streams reminded them of their homes they left behind in Ireland. But I couldn’t pick just one.

Since this week is so focused on Boy #1 taking a huge step to change his life for the better and will be ending with his departing from us for 22 weeks, the song that seems most fitting is Danny Boy. When Boy #1 was an infant and toddler and we happened to be at my parent’s house, if it was time him to have a nap or if he was simply fussy, my father loved to snatch him away from me, sit down with him in the rocking-recliner and very quietyly sing Danny Boy to him. It always quickly calmed him and now and then I would catch a tear falling down my fathers face as he watched his first-born grandchild slumber in his arms. They share a bond that at times has infuriated me beyond belief, one that I have tried desperately to comprehend over the last 16 years. Regardless, on this St. Patrick’s Day, my father’s second favorite holiday of the year, and this being the week that Boy #1 starts a new journey into manhood, I’m going to share Danny Boy.

Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountainside.
The summer’s gone, and all the roses falling.
‘Tis you, ’tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer’s in the meadow
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow,
‘Tis I’ll be there in sunshine or in shadow.
Oh Danny Boy, Oh Danny Boy, I love you so.

Song of the day: Kid Rock - Amen

Love him or hate him. This is a good one. Say, “Amen!” (That’s right I’m a pagan and I’m posting a song titled “Amen” and I am open minded enough to enjoy it. Imagine that…)

My teenagers have been going round and round about Kanye West’s remake of Daft Punk’s Stronger and the video for it. One says it’s cool the other says it’s over-rated. I finally took the time to watch it. While I much prefer the original by Daft Punk and I have political issues with Kanye, I’ve got to say I was immediately struck by the obvious attempt at not only ripping off a Daft Punk song but scenes from what is arguably one of the best anime movies of all times, Akira. The first video is Kanye’s original. The second is a mix that shows that others have had the same thought and proved it. Some call it genius. Some call it a tribute. I find it mildly fascinating as I have a love-hate relationship with Akira and Kanye.

Powered by ScribeFire.

At the close of a week that seemed fought with the difficulties of the the dramas of the bus situation and school IEP compliance difficulties with Boy #1, and the struggles of attempting to get Boy #2 to focus on his homeschool work instead of drifting off into drawing and music applications, there have been a couple of positive things happen this week. They are very significantly positive things for me.

1. Bonus Boy’s mother and I are finally communicating.
2. My sister and I are communicating again after nearly two years of silence.

The week ended much better, really, than it started. I have to remind myself of that fact. Living in a testosterone ladened household tends to make it very difficult to see the trees for the forest at times. Any who. I’ll probably get grief for the song I’m about to leave you with but hey, it’s a feel good song and it’s a positive one.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Yes, it would seem that we are on a Corrs kick here. I love this one. I could and have listened to it over and over.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Was sitting here trying to come up with something for a Song Of The Day as it’s been a while. Baby Boy suggested this one. He likes The Corrs and this one is his favorite. Are they not an amazingly talented family?

Powered by ScribeFire.

I don’t say this for pity. Pity is for suffering, not for surviving. However, in the last year there was some news that came about concerning Wynonna and abuse suffered by her daughter and the struggles they have gone through. We’ve gone through much the same with Baby Boy on top of everything else. This song is a beautiful one full of hope and calm and strength. Open it in a new window and share it with your families.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Times may be turbulent. I might bitch a lot lately and have trouble communicating. In the end, one fact remains… I Belong To You.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Because it is a beautiful song no matter how overplayed most say Collective Soul is. I never tire of this song. They lyrics may border on teen angst but are somehow surprising in the end. My gorgeous song of the day.

All around me I see what weakness has made
Too much tomorrow I think I’ll take all today
Am I a poison, Am I a thorn in the side
Am I picture perfect subject tonight

I don’t need nobody
I don’t need the weight of words
To find a way to crash on thru
I don’t need nobody
I just need to learn the depth
Or doubt of faith to fall into

Here I slumber to awaken my daze
I find convenience in this savior I save
Am I a prison, Am I a source of dire news
Am I a picture perfect reason for you

I don’t need nobody
I don’t need the weight of words
To find a way to crash on thru
I don’t need nobody
I just need to learn the depth or doubt
Of faith to fall into

In this time of substitute
It’s my needs I’ve answered to (All the while)
And the hope that I invest
Still turns to signals of distress (All the while)

I don’t need nobody
I don’t need the weight of words
To find a way to crash on thru
I don’t need nobody
I just need to learn the depth or doubt
Of faith to fall into

You’re all I need…….oooooooo
When the water runs deep
You’re all I need…….
No I cried my soul to sleep
You’re all I need
You’re all I need
You’re all I need…

Powered by ScribeFire.

Someday I’ll have all of Barry’s albums to hang on my wall as my mother owns them all and somehow I doubt my sister will want them. Some days nothing gets my rear in gear like cleaning to Barry’s crooning.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Song of the day followed of by a brief photo *cough* essay *choke* if you can call that of what the rest of my day will entail if only I lived in my fantasy world.

If the books and supplies are put away that must mean that the homeschool day is finally finished.

Yeap. Looks like the family workstation and homeschool central is straightened up for the day.

And I’ve already prepared Zen central. Even more supplies stashed away under the coffee/altar table.

Not quite yet though. Must make meatloaf first. And this is what awaits in the kitchen. *le sigh* What do you use your Ikea Blue Bag for? Awesome laundry bag for us.

I might sell my soul to for someone just to do my dishes. My mother tells me that’s what teenagers are for. I’d rather they pile up than listen to them complain about a sink full when there’s a dishwasher. Why I remember when I was a teenager we didn’t have a dish washer. And we had to walk barefoot in the snow… five miles up hill…Seriously though.. no dishwasher until this house.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Blame the resurrection of my music collection. Heck blame my mother or my Aunt Mary Anne. Life isn’t complete without Earth, Wind & Fire. Disco, Baby! It’s Friday’s song of the day. Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Powered by ScribeFire.

When a neighbor told me one evening that I remind him of this song. He said, “You have The South in your soul now but you’ve got that Chicago Italian thing going on and yet you’re a farmer’s daughter and damn girl, you’re a little bit of everything just like Kid Rock in that ‘I Am’ song.” And with that, since it’s been a few day since a Song of the Day, you are now subjected, if you chose to click the play button, to Kid Rock.

I wouldn’t want anyone to think I’m getting soft.

Powered by ScribeFire.

And my mother thinks I should be hosting a backyard neighborhood party for my 35th birthday. My mother. Somebody better be bringing Tequila. I’ve got the blender. Since when is 35 a milestone birthday? Since you might be wondering why my mother has anything to say about this, Boy #1 is currently on “vacation” at their home in Iowa. When he returns on the 26th, my mother is flying back with him to stay for a bit. Just in time for my birthday. Yes. Tequila.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Song of the day. Yes, I’m a Garbage fan even if they are commercialized and wrapped up by a studio. It’s not a good day on many fronts.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Two songs of the day for the price of admission. And obviously admission is free. I actually like this song and the video is a tear jerker.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Blame Boy#2 for this one. I feel the sadistic need to have this song stuck other people’s heads. You know, sharing the love.

Powered by ScribeFire.

But her soul remains bonded to the land. I’m in a bit of a melancholy mood. I miss home and the Places To Love. If only half of the people in any grocery store at any given time had half a clue. Especially those who have a misinformed perception of what subsidies really are and what the “real” farmers lose in exchange… What everyone has lost. We’re country of idiots. So here’s the song of the day. Blame the PMS.

This was one of my Papa’s favorite songs. When Boy #2 was a toddler, before Papa went into a nursing home to spend the rest of his days, when we would visit Boy #2 always made a bee-line to Papa’s room and they would talk, and listen to music. One of my favorite memories was peeking around the door frame to watch and listen as they both sang along with Louis Armstrong. Just singing their with all of their hearts & souls. When it was over, Papa said to Boy #2 who was barely 3 yrs old at the time, “You need to remember this song forever because life is hard and will only get harder and this song is a reminder that it is a Wonderful World. Boy #2 still remembers. When he plays music now as he approaches his 14th birthday, amidst the rap & hip-hop that screams from his computer, in the midst of it all he will have this song in his playlist.

I think my inner bitch has left the building for the time being.

Yet another Song of the Day. Yes. It’s Stevie Nicks. I shall forever adore her, regardless of what anyone else might say. Teenagers are at the bus stop. Time to wake Baby Boy so he can shower & take meds then it’s my turn. Have to be at the doctor’s office by 9:30.

Shakira - Hips Don’t Lie

Because it’s been a while since I’ve done a Song of the Day. And watching her dance reminds me of when I was 4 and convinced that I was going to grow up to be a dancer. A belly dancer. Hey! I wasn’t always a woman with more to love. But the frightening thing is that one of my aunts has video footage of me at age 4 with my blanket wrapped around my waist belly dancing to Elton John’s Island Girl. Yes. I admit to these sorts of things.

What follows is something my son would have done himself if he had a video camera. Heck, if the guy had shaggy hair he could pass as Boy #2’s twin.

When I have trouble getting my rear in gear in the morning, this is the song that jump-starts the coffee for me.

This Is The Day
The The
Well, you didn’t wake up this morning because you didn’t go to bed
You were watching the whites of your eyes turn red
The calendar on your wall is ticking the days off
You’ve been reading some old letters
You smile and think how much you’ve changed
All the money in the world couldn’t buy back those days

You pull back your curtains
And the sun burns into your eyes
You watch a plane flying
Across a clear blue sky
This is the day
Your life will surely change
This is the day
When things fall into place

You could’ve done anything If you’d wanted
And all your friends and family think that you’re lucky
But the side of you they’ll never see
Is when you’re left alone with the memories
That hold your life together … like glue

You pull back your curtains
And the sun burns into your eyes
You watch a plane flying
Across a clear blue sky
This is the day
Your life will surely change
This is the day
When things fall into place

This is the day your life will surely change
This is the day your life will surely change
This is the day your life will surely change
This is the day your life will surely change

This one is currently Baby Boy’s favorite.

I’ve Got A Life

Turn it down so I can’t hear it
Turn it out so I can’t see it
It’s just useless to ignore
We’re going down, you don’t feel it
Turn it round, you don’t mean it and
I can’t stand it anymore

When the whole world sighs
And it’s making you so deflated

I’ve got a life
Though it refuses to shine
I’ve got a life
It ain’t over (it ain’t over)
I’ve got a way
It’s the only thing that’s mine
All I’m asking for is tenderness
A little tenderness

Ooo
It’s a cruel place
You never asked to be here
Nobody cares and no one’s gonna help you now (hold on)
It’s dog eat dog the human race
The only thing they’ll do is hate you (hate you)

Such a crime to be unkind
Turn your cheek pretend you’re blind

I’ve got a life
Though it refuses to shine
I’ve got a life it ain’t over
It ain’t over
I’ve got a way
It’s the only thing that’s mine
All I’m asking for is tenderness
Tenderness

I’ve got a life
Though it refuses to shine
I’ve got a life it ain’t over
It ain’t over
I’ve got a way
It’s the only thing that’s mine
All I’m asking for is tenderness

Be strong now baby
Gotta be strong now baby
Gotta be strong!

It’s all his fault.

Check out all of those spandex dresses! Okay, spandex needs to stay in the 80’s.

Naturally, there is a bit of a story to explain the reason for this.

Today’s song has two reasons for being chosen. The first is that my mother would sing this to me when I was little and I in turn have sung it to my own children many times over the years. It’s a song of hope. Hope that was re-affirmed the first time when in the early seasons of ER, Susan’s sister Chloe sang it in the delivery room when they put her newborn baby in her arms. So for that reason it is being dedicated to my boys, Baby Boy in particular today. Life isn’t easy 100% of the time. Not for anyone. But we will all “learn to fly.”

The second is that the just prior to this one reminds me of a conversation my best friend and I have frequently. We are close in age and we each have 4 whose ages are very close to be in tandem with each other. As I said in the comments below…We came of age during the “Self Help - Codependency Is Evil Era.”

Now to add to that.

The media and doctors drilled into us that our upbringings were all, in some way dysfunctional and then we end up facing parenthood scared to even try to use what our parents used that worked. I wouldn’t be able to survive being a parent if I hadn’t come to the realization that for most parents, they do the best they know how with the tools that they have from their own generation. We will screw up our kids in one way or another, it is inevitable and they will tell us about it, repeatedly when hormones usher in the teen years. I think the key is finding a way to convey to them as they grow that you are doing everything possible not to screw up. On good days, the kids know that and my hope is that it will one day make the inevitable empty nest a comfortable one.

Not ever having been a fan of The Beatles, (You try living with a first name your mother took from one of their songs.) I really prefer Sarah’s version.

Black Bird

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All you life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free

Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise