Day 15 - A song that describes you

30 Day Music Challenge
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Maybe I'm making this more difficult than I should ... which is what I usually do. Today's challenge is, well, challenging! I thought finding a song to describe me would be fun, but instead I'm confronted with trying to figure out how to encompass ME with just one song.

Let's face it ... we are humans, therefore we are complicated. Is there a song that says that?

• I love my family (Where You Lead by Carole King) always and without reserve. 
• I met a man in my husband who I never want to spend a moment without (Better Together by Jack Johnson). 
• I take pride in and hold dear to my heart everyone and every experience I have been honored to have had in my life (In My Life by Bette Midler).
• Sometimes I look into the mirror and I feel fabulous (I'm Too Sexy by Right Said Fred). 
• Other times ... not so much (Undone by Weezer). 
• But, for the most part I'm just simply mesmerized by the world around me (Feelin' Groovy by Simon & Garfunkel) 

So, I guess that's me in a musical nutshell.

Although I will leave you with just one more ... hey, I can't help it if The Jackson Five sang a song about me!







 Rockin' Robin by The Jackson Five

What song describes you?

Day 14 - Your most played song

30 Day Music Challenge
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I went straight to my iTunes for this one, clicked on 'Plays' — watched iTunes reorganize my music and was shocked at which song topped the list as most played song ... though I wasn't really surprised.

A couple of years ago, I received the best Christmas gift ever from my husband, Rod ... four discs of '70s Music Explosion presented by Barry Williams (Greg from Brady Bunch *crush*). There is so much going right with this gift, I hardly know where to begin.

First of all, the songs are all by the original artists (none of this music by the 'Generic Band Singers' kind of stuff). So, when I listen to Shake Your Booty it's by K.C. & the Sunshine Band; or listen to Y.M.C.A. it's by The Village People; or listen to Rich Girl it's by Hall & Oates ... like it should be.

The seventies found me not only in elementary school, but middle school and high school as well. I was there for the shift from sixties hippie music festivals to the birth of synchronized dancing (do the Hustle) and Disco. I experienced my first dance, my first kiss and my first boyfriend all to the music offerings of the seventies. I think it's safe to say the seventies were my musical formative years.

O.O.H. Child may not be my favorite song (see Day #1), but it is the 'Most Played' for a reason as this song has found a home on many of my playlists. It is happy and upbeat, promising "things are going to get easier ... things will be brighter," but more importantly it defines a time in my life as I transitioned from child to young woman when music captured my attention.


Side Note: I just love YouTube ... when is the last time you've watched Soul Train? 

O-O-H Child by The Five Stairsteps

What is your most played song?

Day 13 - A song that is a guilty pleasure

30 Day Music Challenge
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I guess a guilty pleasure is something I like that I don't really want people knowing about ... you know, maybe they'd find me odd or weird or something like that. So, I'm happy I get to lay my music fetish out here for all the world to see!

When I was a little girl, I was completely fascinated with the Tiki Room at Disneyland (Adventureland as a whole is still my favorite land). I was so enamored with the vintage Hawaiian decor and island sounds I wanted to decorate my room so I could always be in the Tiki Room (which I sort of did in my 11-year-old way with three plastic parrots I hung from my ceiling). Fast forward to today and I still get that same rush when in Disney's Tiki Room, but more importantly ... I'm now old enough to have actually traveled to the far-off land known as Hawaii.


I tell you all of this, because I really do believe my love-affair with Hawaiian music began at Disneyland and later amplified with my travels there. I like all types of Hawaiian music from the classic luau songs to the more modern stylings of Hawaiian artists such as Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (his Facing Future album is awesome). But, I am most fond of that vintage 70s sound of Hawaii I remember so clearly from my childhood. The more authentic the better and for me it doesn’t get any better than Don Ho.

So, get ready for a quick trip to vintage Hawaii ... I hear the islands singing.


Tiny Bubbles by Don Ho




I don't have this song on my iPod (in fact, I can't find a Don Ho version of it anywhere!). But, I couldn't resist adding it ... this is the ultimate vintage Hawaiian/Tiki Room song!


Little Grass Shack/Hawaiian War Chant by Don Ho

What song is your guilty pleasure?

Day 12 - A song from an artist you dislike

30 Day Music Challenge
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Hate is a strong word ... softening it to dislike isn't much better. While I'm not exactly a fan of hip-hop or rap, I do appreciate the talent behind it. With that said ... today's song is one I like from an artist I don't listen to.

In the 90s, this song became popular ... with its catchy beat and funny 'big butt' lyrics I quickly fell into the rhythm and rhyme of this graphically trendy classic. It took me a week of singing with Sir MixaLot and really 'hearing' the words before I realized how completely inappropriate this song really was. But, by then it was too late ... I was already suckered in.

So, now I still enjoy a good round of "I like big butts and I cannot lie ..." fully aware and completely unashamed (well, maybe sometimes). Hey, I just thought it was a funny song with a great beat about big butts!

This is so inappropriate.

Baby Got Back by Sir MixaLot

What song do you like from an artist you dislike?

Day 11 - A song from your favorite artist

30 Day Music Challenge
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There are quite a few artists ... Eagles, Barenaked Ladies, Elton John, The Beach Boys, The Beatles (to name a few) that could come in as my favorite. What they have in common is that I pretty much like any song they put out. So, how to go about narrowing it down to just one (or three even!)?

Then it came to me ... favorite could mean those artists that I hold dear to my heart and whose music simply 'speaks' to me. There was no question then that today would be a great day to pay homage to the ladies who ultimately make my iPod 'unlistenable' to everyone in my home ... but me.

Carole King, Colbie Caillat and Rosi Golan all have one thing in common ... they speak to the femme in me. Their songs litter my playlists like none other and are the epitome of what I like (and who I am) ... a little bit folk, a hint of soul and a bundle of pop with a touch of romantic whimsy thrown in.

Carole King made an impression on my shy, young self in 1971 with the release of her Tapestry album ... and I've been a fan ever since. Hers was the first full album I ever coveted and I learned every song on it — word for word. You could say she shaped my musical interests. I say, even today, she's just simply fabulous.


Way Over Yonder by Carole King




Colbie Caillat came into my life in 2007 as a breath of fresh air. Her music is understated, light and easy without distraction. I get lost in her melodies and am inspired by her positive tones — which is probably why Colbie is often played on my iPod when I have camera in hand and am hunting down my shot.

The Little Things by Colbie Caillat




Rosi Golan is a more recent femme singer find ... last year to be exact. I just love the purity of her voice and 'bluegrass' style (is that a banjo or possibly ukulele I hear?). Her music simply makes me happy.

Shine by Rosi Golan

What is a song from your favorite artist?

Day 10 - A song you can fall asleep to

30 Day Music Challenge
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This seems like the perfect place to introduce my infatuation with my boys ... Sammy, Frank and Dean. Their songs are timeless, easy and uncomplicated ... the perfect combination for slumber. Besides, being lulled to sleep by the velvety voices of the Rat Pack is ohhhh, so sweet!

Dean Martin's Everybody Loves Somebody brings me right back to my childhood and memories of my Grandpa Joe. I'm not even really sure why ... though he was tall and thin like Dean, at the time he drank like Dean, he sang to me (When the Red, Red Robin comes bob, bob, bobbin' along) and he definitely made me feel like somebody loved me. So, in the comfort of Dean and Grandpa Joe ... I can easily fall asleep to this tune.

Everybody Love Somebody by Dean Martin




Frank Sinatra is very convincing when he persuades us to take it nice and easy ... in his soft, melodic rhythm with jazzy undertones kind of way. So, even on my most stress-filled days, Frank has the power to calm, relax and tranquilize my way to sleep.

Nice 'n' Easy by Frank Sinatra




On a more whimsical note, Sammy Davis Jr. promises a life filled with sweetness and candy. No matter what type of day I may have, Sammy has a perfect way to end it with a hopeful tomorrow ... "'cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good."

The Candy Man by Sammy Davis Jr.

What song can you fall asleep to?

Day 9 - A song you like to dance to

30 Day Music Challenge
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I'm a firm believer in the saying, "Dance as if no one's watching." I love that type of uninhibited dancing where you are just moving with the music without a care in the world. Isn't it the best? When looking at songs for today's entry ... I just couldn't narrow it down. I love dancing and can find joy in dancing to just about anything.

Years ago ... 1991 to be exact ... I was cruising aboard the Star Princess in the Caribbean. The Cruise Directors were looking for acts for the lip sync show. Being the exhibitionist that I am ... I volunteered and became a back-up 'singer' for Gladys Knight. Yes, I was a Pip! So, instead of trying to pick just one song I love to dance to, I'm going out on a limb here and show you a song I did dance to ... uninhibited, except now someone's watching!


R.E.S.P.E.C.T. by Aretha Franklin
(a lip sync performance by "Gladys Knight & the Pips")

What song do you like to dance to?

Day 8 - A song you know all the words to

30 Day Music Challenge
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I didn't realize I actually knew the words to so many songs. Usually I can sing the beginning of the song and the chorus ... that's it. But, while looking at songs for today's entry, I found I really do know all the words to quite a few song ... albeit, not necessarily some of your more obvious tunes! For this entry, I have added my favorites ... those that proved the most challenge to learn and are just fun to sing!

When my kids were smaller, we spent a lot of time traveling in the car ... you know, soccer mom and all. So playing CDs became an important part of our journey. In 1995, Lisa Loeb came out with Stay and her non-ending string of words packed into the melody seemed like a fun challenge to take on. So, my two older children (Holly and Ryan) and I (Jacob was still just a baby) learned the words ... and to this day we still get excited to sing it together when it comes on. Ah, fun times!

Stay by Lisa Loeb

Another great song comes from my husband. Rod is a fan of harder rock than I tend to be, so when he wanted to share a song with me from an album he loves by Meat Loaf ... I was a bit apprehensive to say the least. Well, it didn't take much for me to become excited over the challenge of learning the words to this infamous, fast-talking, bar-brawling duet with Meat Loaf and Cher. And yes, we can still sing it together today.

Dead Ringer for Love by Meat Loaf and Cher 

While above, I wrote about the song I sing with my two older children ... this next song is one that Jacob (my youngest) and I sing ... and know all the words to. I had a hard time finding this song on You Tube because I realized I didn't know the actual title of it. You see ... when Jacob and I first started listening to this song we gave it the name ... "Sad, Italian Clown Song." Listening to it ... I hope you can understand why. Yes, it's wildly disturbing but that just makes it all the more fun to sing.

Tonight is the Night I Fell Asleep at the Wheel by Barenaked Ladies

What song do you know all the words to?

Day 7 - A song that reminds you of a certain event

30 Day Music Challenge
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The day Princess Diana died was one of the first events that I truly felt the world coming together in a common bond. She was beautiful, a devoted mother and who could ignore her selfless use of fame as she helped those in need. So, it's no wonder that many people know where they were when the news broke out of her death. In the days that followed, I watched as people gathered in different nations mourning England's Princess ... as if she were the Princess for us all.

Elton John's poignant tribute to her was moving, the rearrangement of this song (originally written for Marilyn Monroe) was befitting ... and knowing they were such good friends, yet had a recent falling out, made the touching performance that much more heartbreaking.






Candle in the Wind by Elton John at the funeral of Princess Diana

What song reminds you of a certain event?

Day 6 - A song that reminds you of somewhere

30 Day Music Challenge
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Just outside of Seattle, Washington ... over the mountain and in the valley ... lies Yakima and the Wapato Indian Reservation. It isn't what you would call a travel destination, in fact most people would never think to include this rural location when making vacation plans. So, it came as a shock to a lot of people around me when I chose to visit this small town a few years ago to work with the kids on the Wapato Indian Reservation.

I traveled with a team of teenagers and our goal was to help those in need for a week during the summer. The five of us were assigned to a new summer program being developed for the children of the Wapato Community by a wonderful man named James from the Wapato Parks Department. We met with James and a group of young kids in a park ... as there was no building ... and began a week-long stint of playing with the children. It didn't seem like we were doing all that much ... it didn't seem that what we were doing (singing, painting, running around, blowing bubbles and laughing) was important enough. But, as the week progressed, James told me stories of how life was for the children of the community.

For the most part, the community was poor. Both parents, if the household had two parents physically there (which was rare) had to work. Some homes housed many extended families as well, leaving the dwelling overcrowded by our standards. Many fathers, brothers and uncles were in or had been in jail. Families worked in fields and during the summer, without the safe haven of a school, the young children either went to work with their parents ... which meant sitting in the family car all day while the parents worked the fields ... or stayed at home. The kids who stayed at home alone fell prey to the strong gang presence in the area. At a young age, these kids' lives were touched by divorce, violence, alcoholism, rape, theft and prison. It was a tough life for anyone ... let alone a five-year-old.

We learned we had to love through all that pain and that we would never see a 'completion' to our project ... we had to trust that our presence made a difference. We came to learn that the mere act of being there handing out hugs and smiles was what we were called to do.

I returned to the Wapato Indian Reservation three more times in subsequent years and was able to see the project James started in the park ... grow. A building was built, a staff hired and a budget was eventually put into place. But, I'll never forget that first time ... pulling up to the park with this song by Louis Armstrong playing in the CD player ... the Wapato Water Tower looming overhead, anticipating a day of exhaustive play with the kids and realizing that as much as we touched their lives ... they were touching ours as well.



What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

What song reminds you of somewhere?

Day 5 - A song that reminds you of someone

30 Day Music Challenge
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When Rod and I were dating, we would spend countless hours exploring the world together with our cameras. His passion and excitement for photography was infectious ... and inspiring. I remember watching him effortlessly create the most amazing images and then motivating me to do the same. I learned a lot from him and I'd like to think from that shared time, he learned something from me as well.

I look back on our early dating years with great affection. And as every great memory seems to have a soundtrack attached to it ... ours would be that of Paul Simon and (appropriately) Kodachrome. This easy, melodic tune played endlessly during our adventures and those shared experiences is where we fell in love.

So, this song is for you, Rod ... the man who taught me to love the light.


Kodachrome by Paul Simon

What song reminds you of someone?

Day 4 - A song that makes you sad

30 Day Music Challenge
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These songs have to ability to instantly bring down my mood a notch. So, while I also like these songs ... I really need to take caution as to when I listen to them. On Day 22 the entry is 'A song you listen to when you are sad' and none of these songs could fit there because if I'm already sad each one has the power to send me spiraling deeper into depression. My mood has to be firm and on the upside to enjoy the good cry these sad songs offer.

Musicals will bring life to a song like nothing else can. So, when Mamma Mia! hit the big screen, I found a new place for an old ABBA song to sit within my life. Meryl Streep (LOVE her) sings as a mother watching her daughter (Amanda Seyfried) preparing to get married. And while she's looking at her adult daughter, she 'sees' her daughter as the child she was - growing through the years.

I explained it to my kids once this way. As a mother (or parent) we see our children two ways ... the person or adult they are and as the small child they were. It's an interesting position life gives us as parents. We love and appreciate our children ... they are right in front of us. Yet, we grieve for that little person that we can see so clearly in our hearts and minds ... yet, can no longer embrace. Time definitely 'slips through your fingers' as a parent. And this is for my 'little ones.'

Slipping Through My Fingers from Mamma Mia!




I love this song by REM, but I stay away from it when I'm down. It's really just in your face that it's a sad song ... it's about pain and hurt, about being alone and how everybody experiences it at some point ... so maybe you aren't really quite all alone afterall. This song itself is beautiful, like waves rhythmically carrying you through it, delivering you to a somewhat hopeful end in an hypnotic trance. And it's great for a good cry ... not so much a help if I'm already down.

Everybody Hurts by REM




The tragedy of Eponine in Les Miserable is heartbreaking. Her love for Marius ... a man who loves another ... propels her to wander the streets daydreaming of the love they could have. So, when Eponine is riddled with bullets during the revolution, we see her get her ultimate desire as she dies in the embrace of the man she loves. 'A Little Fall of Rain' marks this poignant moment giving Eponine's unrequited love the resolution she's longed for.

A Little Fall of Rain from Les Miserable

What song makes you sad?

Day 3 - A song that makes you happy

30 Day Music Challenge
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Today's song is one that makes you happy ... up ahead on Day 21 is 'A song you listen to when you're happy.' There is a difference. For me, a song that can make you happy must have the ability to invigorate and boost up just about any mood you may be in leaving you feeling carefree and exhilarated. I have such a song ... actually, I have three.

Years ago, I was traveling to L.A. to work with a friend on his production of Hair. There is a stretch of the 5 freeway heading north where you aren't quite in San Diego anymore, yet you aren't quite into Los Angeles either ... I was just out of reach of the responsibilities back home and not quite within reach of the responsibilities I was heading to. It's here that this song became one of my go to, feel good songs. My mom had lent me her red, Ford Mustang convertible and with the top down and the music blaring (really the only way to hear any music with the top down) I hit that stretch to the tune of Free Fallin.' Carefree, exhilaration and pure bliss are the only words to describe that sense of mobile freedom I felt that day ... and this song still has the power to bring me back there at a moment's notice.

Free Fallin' by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers




I took my first real, adult vacation when I was 22 years old. Three girlfriends and I chose a seven-day Caribbean cruise aboard the SS Norway (Love Boat ... hello!) and yes, it was both fun and exciting! Everyday of the cruise there was a Steel Drum Band playing on deck and to this day, the sound of steel drums or any type of Reggae sends me right to vacation mode. Originally written and recorded by Neil Diamond in 1968, UB40 put their Reggae flair on this song in 1983 ... just as I was sailing. And so it goes, my ultimate favorite 'take me away' song.

Red, Red Wine by UB40




And finally, I thought I should put in a song that makes me happy ... just because. How can anyone resist the upbeat, feel good tempo of this song!

Walking on Sunshine by Aly & AJ

What song makes you happy?

Day 2 - Your least favorite song

30 Day Music Challenge
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Picking my least favorite song has proved to be as thought-provoking as picking my favorite. Sure, I could make it easy and go with anything from the types of music I'm not particularly fond of: punk rock, rap, heavy metal ... anything that screams or talks about poking nails in your eyes (I think you get my point). But, I believe this challenge would be more interesting (and less overwhelming) to find my least favorite song from songs that I would actually listen to.

With that said, this is the song that now comes to mind ... I Will Survive. Gloria Gaynor brought us many great songs, but in 1978 I Will Survive hit the charts. I have nothing against Gloria Gaynor ... and when I listen to her version now I don't even really 'hate' it, I just don't care for it very much. Maybe it has something to do with ... and I swear this is true ... after every breakup I experienced in my late teens/early twenties, this song would find its way to the radio. Ahhh, fond memories ...

I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor



I have heard another version of this song in recent years that brings my mildly tolerant attitude for Gloria Gaynor's version into a full-blown 'I can't possibly listen to this song one more minute' state of being. And that's CAKE's version of I Will Survive ... I have nothing against CAKE ... I just don't like their low-key monotone droning on when they sing it (I know this will disappoint some peeps in my house, sorry!).

I Will Survive by CAKE

What's your least favorite song?

Day 1 - Your favorite song

30 Day Music Challenge
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It's funny how excited I have been to begin this challenge ... only to find myself stumped by the first day! There are so many different types of music I enjoy, how can I possibly narrow it down to just one great song? Picking one favorite is so definitive. So, while my one favorite may elude me ... I will leave you with a few songs that I never tire of, can listen to no matter the mood I'm in and always brings about the comfort of 'coming home.'

I listen to this song a lot ... I love the rhythm and bluesy sound of Norah Jones. I would call this my relaxin' and chillin' song.

Turn Me On by Norah Jones




This next song is my 'I'm ready to face the world' song, not so much in the words but the music itself makes me feel strong and empowered ... plus, who can deny it's just a really great song!

Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd




This song is currently on the radio and I think I love it so much because its melody is light and easy like walking around in a daydream ... plus I just love the drums in it.

Rhythm of Love by Plain White T's

What's your favorite song?

30 Day Music Challenge

I found this 30 Day Challenge roaming around the blog world and thought I'd give it a try. Music is such a big part of everyone's life ... we all have that in common. But, the collection of songs we listen to are as personal and unique as each of us. Just pick up anyone's iPod today and this is quite obvious.

Though this challenge may prove to be daunting at times, I hope to share a bit of myself through the music that has been instrumental throughout the journey of my life.

 If you choose to do the 30 Day Music Challenge, too, please let me know so I can follow your blog!

30 Day Music Challenge

Day 01 — Your favorite song:
Day 02 — Your least favorite song:
Day 03 — A song that makes you happy:
Day 04 — A song that makes you sad:
Day 05 — A song that reminds you of someone:
Day 06 — A song that reminds you of somewhere:
Day 07 — A song that reminds you of a certain event:
Day 08 — A song that you know all the words to:
Day 09 — A song that you can dance to:
Day 10 — A song that you can fall asleep to:
Day 11 — A song from your favorite artist:
Day 12 — A song from an artist you dislike:
Day 13 — A song that is a guilty pleasure:
Day 14 — Your most played song:
Day 15 — A song that describes you:
Day 16 — A song that you used to love but now hate:
Day 17 — A song that you hear often on the radio:
Day 18 — A song that you wish you heard on the radio:
Day 19 — A song from your favorite album:
Day 20 — A song that you listen to when you’re angry:
Day 21 — A song that yo listen to when you’re happy:
Day 22 — A song that you listen to when you’re sad:
Day 23 — A song that you want to play at your wedding:
Day 24 — A song that you want to play at your funeral:
Day 25 — A song that makes you laugh:
Day 26 — A song that you can play on an instrument:
Day 27 — A song that you wish you could play:
Day 28 — A song that makes you feel guilty:
Day 29 — A song from your childhood:
Day 30 — Your favorite song at this time last year: