"Through Glass" by Stone Sour

This song was one of my favorites for quite a while. I haven't heard it in forever until it came on a Pandora station the other day and now I can't get it out of my head. I was living in Florida when this song was on my playlist. The thing I love about music is that it triggers memories. One that this song triggers is this one random day my now husband and I went to eat Mexican with a couple friends that I haven't talked to in as many years and then ended up in a bookstore where I bought a new book by Ted Dekker, which I later resold. Random I know, but anyway...it's good music.

"Through Glass"

by Stone Sour

I'm looking at you through the glass.

Don't know how much time has passed

Oh, god it feels like forever

But no one ever tells you

That forever feels like home

Sitting all alone inside your head

How do you feel? That is the question

But I forget you don't expect an easy answer

When something like a soul becomes initialized

And folded up like paper dolls and little notes

You can't expect a bit of hope

So while you're outside looking in

Describing what you see

Remember what you're staring at is me

'Cause I'm looking at you through the glass.

Don't know how much time has passed

All I know is that it feels like forever

And no one ever tells you that forever feels like home

Sitting all alone inside your head

How much is real? So much to question

An epidemic of the mannequins

Contaminating everything

With thought came from the heart

It never did right from the start

Just listen to the noises

(Null and void instead of voices)

Before you tell yourself

It's just a different scene

Remember it's just different from what you've seen

I'm looking at you through the glass.

Don't know how much time has passed

And all I know is that it feels like forever

And no one ever tells you that forever feels like home,

Sitting all alone inside your head

'Cause I'm looking at you through the glass.

Don't know how much time has passed

All I know is that it feels like forever

And no one ever tells you that forever feels like home,

Sitting all alone inside your head

And it's the stars

The stars

That shine for you

And it's the stars

The stars

That lie to you, yeah-ah

I'm looking at you through the glass...

Don't know how much time has passed

Oh, god it feels like forever

But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home,

Sitting all alone inside your head

'Cause I'm looking at you through the glass.

Don't know how much time has passed

All I know is that it feels like forever

But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home,

Sitting all alone inside your head

And it's the stars

The stars

That shine for you, yeah-ah

And it's the stars

The stars

That lie to you, yeah-ah

And it's the stars

The stars

That shine for you, yeah-ah

And it's the stars

The stars

That lie to you, yeah-ah, yeah

Oh when the stars

Oh oh when the stars that lie

>>Lyrics thanks to azlyrics.com<<

"Us Against the World" by Coldplay

"Us Against the World" is one of the most beautiful songs in the entire world. I heard it for the first time when Coldplay filmed live in Austin, TX. We watched the music series hosted there for a couple months and Coldplay was one of the best performances we saw. This song especially really stood out for me, but then again Coldplay has so many great songs it was simply filed under awesome in my head at the time.

Tonight, as I finished watching one of the last episodes in the series "One Tree Hill," this song once again took my breath away. Honestly, "One Tree Hill" is another thing that I can't speak too highly about, especially when it comes to their use of music. This song played a very special role in the series as the finale of season 9's episode 11 titled "Danny Boy." But even as I watched the scene play out, I was swept away by the sheer beauty of this song.

Songs mean so much to so many people, including myself. One of the reasons I post so many songs on here is because music speaks to me in a way that nothing else, even words, can. It can express an emotion when words fall short. When you hear music that makes you feel whole, there is nothing comparable. "Us Against the World" is a song that speaks to me when I am happy, sad, lonely, or thoughtful.

I tried to pick a verse as my favorite, but there are so many good words in this song. "Through chaos as it swirls, it's just us against the world," is such a powerful visual. It describes a moment in life that I believe everyone can relate to. Everyone has a time where you feel like you are taking on the world. If you are lucky enough to have someone to take it on with you, then there is little more that you could possibly ask for.

"Sing slow it down." So often in this life all we need to do to gain perspective is to slow it down. There is just so much. I'm rambling now. It is so hard to put these thoughts, these feelings, into words. Thankfully, we have music. There is a melody that makes us feel connected, happy, meaningful and fulfilled. To everyone, that song, that melody, is different. For me, this songs covers a lot of those.

I'm going to stop writing now and let the music do the talking:

(This second video is the same song, but it is one that I enjoyed the lyrics with so I wanted to share it as well.)

"Us Against the World"

by Coldplay

Oh morning come bursting the clouds, Amen.

Lift off this blindfold, let me see again.

And bring back the water, let your ships roll in, 

in my heart, she left a hole.

The tightrope that I'm walking just sways and ties.

The devil, as he's talking, with those angel's eyes.

And I just wanna be there when the lightning strikes.

And the saints go marching in

And sing slow it down,

Through chaos as it swirls,

It's us against the world.

Like a river to a raindrop,

I lost a friend.

My drunken has a Daniel in a lion's den.

And tonight I know it all has to begin again,

So whatever you do,

Don't let go.

And if we could float away,

Fly up to the surface and just start again.

And lift off before trouble just erodes us in the rain

Just erodes us in the rain

Just erodes us and see roses in the rain

Sing slow it down

Slow it down

Through chaos as it swirls,

It's us against the world.

Through chaos as it swirls,

It's us against the world

Christmas Memories 2014

This was a Christmas to remember. Every year we spend Christmas day together, just Stephen, Zoey and I as a family, but this year was still different. As our first year living in Seattle, we were completely on our own. We didn't go see any family before or after Christmas day like we usually would. We saw everyone back on the east coast during Thanksgiving, but we won't be back until spring. This was our first Christmas in Seattle and it was an amazing one. 

There really is truth in the quote "home is where your family is." Even though we were in a new city and a new home, it still felt like Christmas.The anticipation leading up to it felt different for me (read more of my thoughts on this: Merry Christmas...Here's to Magical Memories); nonetheless, it turned out to be a wonderful day.

Zoey didn't wake up until almost 8:30 am. I have to admit I was thankful to be able to get the sleep. I woke up to use the bathroom and peeked in the living room to find Zoey sitting on the coffee table staring at the Christmas tree stocked with presents. I sneaked back into the bedroom just in time for her to come running and jump on our bed.

Zoey found her stocking and new friend, which she named Fifi. 

A quick pose while we made coffee and prepared the living room for unwrapping chaos.

It never seems like there will be much under the tree, but every year I am surprised by what is waiting to be unwrapped. Zoey was so excited to see her name on the presents, yet she still constantly made sure her daddy and I had something to unwrap as well. There are moments when her sweetness simply takes my breath away.

Zoey reading the names on the presents...she was so excited!

Since we weren't going to get a traditional Christmas with our extended family, Zoey's grandparents mailed some of her gifts to put under our tree for Christmas morning. It was really exciting to see her enjoy all of her new surprises. She was very thankful and really loved everything she received. I am blessed to see her grow up and get more and more big kid things.

Zoey loved her Hello Kitty rain boots...perfect for Seattle's weather.

I loved Zoey's reaction to this much desired Princess Lego set.

 Zoey was much more specified in her wish list this year. Instead of simply wanting Legos, she wanted the Rapunzel Tower Lego set; instead of a Barbie, she wanted the Barbie with two puppies who walk; instead of toys, she wanted a new Shopkins set. She even requested a chapter book at 5 years old..."Pippi Longstockings." She got it too and we've enjoyed reading a chapter a day over the past couple of days. It is very exciting to see her grow up and really know what she wants.

Zoey announced..."Mom, this is the exact Barbie I wanted!"

 Zoey takes the highlight for most of the day, but Stephen and I had a blast giving and getting presents too. I was so excited to receive a Bluetooth speaker system, a couple much desired books and more. Stephen got "Ender's Game," Adventure Time Munchkin, a remote control car and more, including Legos. It was a great time spent together, we laughed and played and truly enjoyed being together as a family.

There is nothing greater in this life than to sit and laugh with those you love.

The star of this Christmas was Legos. Stephen and Zoey got three sets of Legos and then Zoey received a bucket containing 1600 bricks to create her own masterpieces made by her own imagination. Zoey and Stephen both were in Lego Heaven. It was the first and last thing played with during the day. I enjoyed seeing them so happy.

Every little boy's dream. And girl's dream. And grown man's dream...swimming in Legos, a dream come true.

They built all the sets together first.

Then it was time to break out the monster bucket.

...A beautiful sight.

 It was such a great day. We played and laughed from the moment we woke up until our eyes closed that night. I didn't want the day to end. It felt like a moment suspended from reality where anything was possible and it was impossible not to feel absolute joy. It was a Christmas day full of magic and love...it doesn't get it any better than that. We are in new city with new people and new routines, but family remains the same, I am so blessed.

Christmas Day sunset over the Puget Sound as seen from our porch.

I hope you had a Christmas full of magic and joy. No matter where you are or who you are with be blessed for these moments that take your breath away...it is what we live for.

Merry Christmas!

Pentatonix: Christmas Favorites

I have always loved Christmas music. Once upon a time I would begin listening to it after Halloween and still not be tired of it after Christmas day. I'm not exactly sure what happened to get me so cynical about Christmas music, but this year it has not been quite the same. Perhaps it is listening to the same twenty songs over and over ever year. Or listening to the same tracks over a retail stores's sound system for over a month. Or maybe I just got old and cynical. Any or all of these are possibilities. Nonetheless, I have a point. Even though the traditional Christmas music grates on my nerves in a way I never thought it possibly could, I still enjoy the Christmas tracks of one particular band...Pentatonix.

Pentatonix is an A Capella group that caught my attention a couple years ago on the Sing-off. Since then I have been following them on YouTube. Their music is amazing to say the least. There are only five of them with the occasional guest musician and their sound is as big as an entire orchestra. It is a combination of talent and skillful composition. All of their music is wonderful, but at this time of year when most Christmas music makes me cringe, Pentatonix comes through with beautiful melodies.

I want to share a few of my favorite of their Christmas songs:

"That's Christmas To Me"

This song took my breath away when I first heard it. I was literally cooking dinner and had a YouTube playlist running in the background and when this song came on I stopped everything and turned to listen and watch the video. It is beautiful.

"Mary, Did You Know?"

"Mary, Did You Know?" is one of my favorite Christmas songs. Musically, it is one of the most beautiful songs, especially as a duet. When I was a kid, I saw a couple sing this in my church that sent chills up my spin. Listening to Pentatonix's version of it has that same effect. I love this song, they did such an amazing job with it.

"White Winter Hymnal"

I actually heard this song first on the track loop we have running in Old Navy where I work. I loved this particular song when it came on and asked a co-worker if she knew the name of it one day. She said Pentatonix. I was astounded, not only because I know how wonderful they are, but because I was proud of them for making it onto the track loop for a retail store. There is just something about "making it" that comes with that. I saw this group when they began and it is wonderful to see them do well. This song is amazing, beautiful and technically very impressive. I enjoy it greatly.

These three songs are my favorites that came out this year. They each make me smile and really appreciate the season. These guys are so talented and their music is full of passion. I am excited to share this with you and I wish Pentatonix the best as they enter into the new year and a new tour beginning in Feburary 2015.

For More About Pentatonix:
Official Website: http://ptxmas.ptxofficial.com/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmv1CLT6ZcFdTJMHxaR9XeA 

Do you have any favorite holiday songs, new or old? I'd love to hear them, share a link in the comments!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas...Here's to Magical Memories!

photo credit

Today is Christmas. Thanks to a beautiful five year old it is a day absolutely filled with magic.

This year, for the first time in pretty much ever, I lost most of the build up of anticipation to this one day of wonder. This loss caused me heaps of anxiety during the week leading up to Christmas. However, now that it is Christmas day and long after all the presents are unwrapped and the playing has commenced, I think it simply the first year that I have truly  experienced Christmas as an adult.

Life is busy and crazy and the anticipation of Christmas day gets lost in action. Nonetheless, I completed the actions, the parental and societal duties and stacks of to-do lists and then began to prepare for the inevitable chaos that Christmas day brings. In the end, it was a genuinely great day and I feel immeasurably content with my world, even a midst the pandemonium of most every child's favorite holiday.

I am happy to let Zoey enjoy the magic of this season and even create that atmosphere for her, even though that means I had to wade through a sea of disarray. Now I sit with a steaming cup of coffee watching my daughter beam with joy and know that all the confusion and mess and stress was more than worth it. Hearing her laugh drift through our home lets me know that life is even better now that I've grown up to create the anticipation instead of simply live it.

I get to enjoy these moments once for myself, once through the eyes of my child and once more surrounded by the love of family and friends. These are the moments worth living; ones that I will remember forever. Contentment is an ideal long searched for by many. Many times it is found by simply stopping for a moment and truly living in it. Today I sit here perfectly content, reveling in this wonderful Christmas day.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Always,