we saw The Boss

 It was pretty epic. Probably the only time I've used the adjective 'epic' and knew that it was a proper use of the word. The pictures kinda suck because the people at the coliseum HATE ME and wouldn't let me take in our good camera. So we sneaked in our crappy camera (always have a plan B. similar to always leave a note!)

ANYWAY it was amazing. His new album is good, but I almost died during the last 30 minutes when he pretty much only played songs from his Born to Run album. 

And he was way energetic. I felt tired just from dancing in my little row but Springsteen was running all over the stage, dancing, jumping up onto things, jumping back off of them, kissing his hot wife (who is also in the band), and playing like, well, like The Boss. 

If I had a bucket list this would have been on the top of it. Shoot maybe I'll make one now just so I can cross this one off and know that I can die happy. 

And then we woke up at four in the morning and drove three hours to get to work and school. So worth it. 

He slid across the stage, guys. The man is a sex machine. 

Tunes

I've always known that music influences me greatly.

I've been feeling a little less than enthralled with where I am in my interactions with God. I just get really overwhelmed with school and life and I forget. Sure, prayers are tossed up and I go to church on Sunday but I've just been distracted lately. I go through phases like this, but when I recognize it I need to change something. 

So, this morning I decided to compile a CD of worship songs that I enjoy (because sometimes the snob in me wonders if Christian musicians know more than three chords. Ya, I know, snob - that's one of the reasons I need Jesus, ha!) and I listened to it while in the car today, which was approximately 1.5 hours, and it had an impressive impact on my day. Most obviously, I didn't yell at the crazy drivers that I encountered. I was too busy singing along :)

Here's the playlist (they're good)

Arise, My Soul, Arise - Brian Cheney

Before the Throne - Shane & Shane

Carried to the Table - Leeland

From the Inside Out - Hillsong

Revolutionaries - Bethany Dillon

Hosanna - Hillsong United

Hallelujah - Bethany Dillon

Tears of the Saints - Leeland

Nothing but the Blood - Jadon Lavik

Wedding Dress - Derek Webb

Mighty to Save - Hillsong United

Sound of Melodies - Leeland

Embracing Accusations - Shane & Shane

Imagination - Bethany Dillon

Check em out, loves. 

wishful dancing

A few weeks ago I sent Dan this text: 


"Two things: 1. we should go to London for my Spring break. I can afford one ticket if I don't buy my camera and the other ticket and the other ticket will be all of our United points. Worth it? I think so. Our Christmas present to each other? 2. I have a fabulous idea that will make up for not going to the Jackson Browne concert with my fam. Hint: it includes a camera and us dancing to one of his songs. Don't worry, clothes are completely worn."

Obviously, the first one didn't happen -- I bought my camera and with that major car repair London doesn't look too likely. At all. BUT the second one, that one I got right here for ya. Mom, Dad, Jules, Annie? I'm extremely jealous that I won't be at the concert shaking it with you all. 


Just in case you were going to miss us while you were there, here's something to help ease the pain. 


p.s. I did my best Mom and Dad impressions! We are such good dancers. 

mix it up.

"What do you say we leave for california?

All my bags are packed and I'm ready to go,

I'm leaving on a jet plane,

and I'm riding solo."

I just really feel like I should mix songs and be a DJ. I think that that mixture of lyrics proves it right there. I'm gonna make it big. In California. But first, I get to see my little sister graduate! Love you Jennie! I can't wait to see you cross that stage!

brown-eyed girl

In response to my sister's post. 

Because I think that what I was put through was way worse. And public. :)

My mother is a fabulous musician. She's played the guitar since she was twelve and has this great voice to go with it. As children she had us listening to everything from The Beatles to Jackson Browne, Ten Thousand Maniacs to Fleetwood Mac, Ricky Nelson to Van Morrison. And yes, of course, I sang along with her. And I was dang cute doing it! My mom knows the words to every song and she loves to change them. Little did I know that as a child there were many songs I learned with minor tweaks in lyrics courtesy of my darling mother. 

Case in point: I was on the road with my high-comp softball team one summer. We were in Oregon playing for the weekend and many parents went but mine weren't able to. So, one of the family's of another girl adopted me -- I was in their hotel room and they made sure I got to and from the games. We were driving in the car with the radio playing, singing along with the oldies, when good ole' Van Morrison comes through the speakers with that famous intro that lets every listener know they are in for a good one. Of course, everyone knows the word to this song and as soon as the lyrics start we join in. Loudly. Everyone can hear me. And I'm singing the lyrics I know so well: 

"Hey there amigo, days when the rains came, down in the hollow, playin' a new game..." 

My teammate turns to me and asks "what did you say? Hey there amigo?!?"

My face turns that bright red that only adolescent embarrassment can produce as everyone in the car starts singing the song with the new lyrics. (And all I was thinking is: "wait, what are the real lyrics?) And believe me, no one forgot my little slip. Anytime I came by: Well, hey there amigo! 

Thanks mom. You coulda warned me. Do you know how many songs I've sifted through over the years to make sure I was singing the right thing? Too many. Good thing I love you. 

And, here are a few amigos that I am super excited to see this weekend!!

signed sealed delivered

On my walk back home from school this morning this awesome hippie looking guy drove by with Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" playing full blast and I definitely started singing along with a big smile on my face which was totally cool until the car drove far enough away that the real music was no longer heard and I was just a crazy person walking down the street singing Stevie Wonder like I was in a musical. I should've thrown in a box step, just for kicks. 

Enjoy :)

photophuneight

Day Eight:

A Photo of Your Favorite Band/Musician

Bruce Springsteen "The Boss"

The Beatles

I blame my parents. I love love love these musicians. My parents have a bomb collection of vinyl and they have every Beatles album ever cut (most in duplicate) they also have a lot of the classic Springsteen. My parents first met/first date at a concert with a group of friends which I think is so incredibly cute and hipster of them. I forget what the concert was but I think it might have been James Taylor or something (also a great musician to listen to). While my mom also put us through way too much Ten Thousand Maniacs and Fleetwood Mac, I'm pretty proud of the music appreciation I grew up with. 


Also, super cool giveaway by Little Chief Honeybee
Check it out!