I'm Getting Older Too

Sunny - Hi 62 Lo 40 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 68 Lo 37 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Windy - Hi 43 Lo 29 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Landslide, Fleetwood Mac

I was never a big fan of Fleetwood Mac when Fleetwood Mac was all one heard on the radio. Keep in mind-- I was exploring the world of punk music, so Fleetwood Mac did not exactly fit into my limited repertoire of audio delights back in the late 1970's. Radio was different back then. A song would stay in the Top 40 for weeks... same with albums. Rumours... oh my gosh... was on the charts for months and months... imagine hearing a Britney Spears song for months and months... it's bad enough if it is played for a few weeks... Landslide wasn't on Rumours-- it was actually on their white album or self titled album, Fleetwood Mac.

I've never been a huge Stevie Nicks fan--- or at least her vocals. It has only been within this past decade that I have grown to enjoy the music of Fleetwood Mac-- the 70's version of Fleetwood Mac...(still exploring the older blues influenced Peter Green days) and what I have grown to like and understand are Stevie's abilities as an incredible songwriter. The words to Landslide are quite powerful... as a twenty something she was looking out over the years to come... choices she was making in the moment-- the apprehension of making the right choices-- the insecurities of the unknown. Now, as you hear the words sung in recent years, some 30 years later... with age comes wisdom at least I hope that is the case. The song takes on a more melancholy meaning... reflection and recollection of choices made, maybe some regret-- those bittersweet moments in life that cause that lump in the back of your throat...

Ramble:

After three and half years, I am moving. This will be my last Sunday post here at this location. Starting next year I will be posting here. Please make a note of it and bookmark the new address. It's time. So, 2009 marks the beginning of "change", so I thought I would just go with it. The photo is mine-- it is a covered bridge up in Holmes County, Ohio-- I took the shot this past fall. I still don't have everything moved over that I want-- mainly my blogroll... what a pain in the toosh that is... really what happened to Blogroll? Dude just disappeared??

I hope you had a nice Christmas--- I can't believe it is over already... and we are just days away from another year... time is flying by... My oldest niece will not be with us on New Year's Eve... how strange that will be... It is a new chapter in her life and she is off spreading her wings... her mom and pop and Michael and I are saddened... We told her not to grow up, but she ignored us. I feel I should be with Peter Pan in Neverland and I'm going to take the rest of my nieces and nephews there to reside... Tuesday we are having my brother's oldest daughter over for a sleepover-- I'm going to do my best to convince her to not get any older--- Michael and I are really going to work hard to convince her boys have cooties and to always be ten years old... I'm just not ready for another one of my loves to grow up...

I took my love and I took it down
I climbed a mountain and I turned around

And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
'Til the landslide brought me down

Oh, mirror in the sky
What is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail thru the changing ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?

Mmm Mmm...

Well, I've been afraid of changing
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I'm getting older too

Yes, I'm getting older too

Well, I've been afraid of changing
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I'm getting older too

Yes, I'm getting older too

So, take this love, take it down
If you climb a mountain and you turn around

If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
The landslide will bring you me down

If you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well maybe the landslide will bring it down


Sunday Morning Coffee Too

Happy New Year everyone!

If One Picture is Worth One Thousand Words...

Sunny - Hi 92 Lo 75 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 100 Lo 62 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Mostly Sunny - Hi 79 Lo 56 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: The Pretender, Foo Fighters

Ramble:

The Pretender

Keep you in the dark
You know they all pretend
Keep you in the dark
And so it all began

Send in your skeletons
Sing as their bones come marching in... again
They need you buried deep
The secrets that you keep are at the ready
Are you ready?
I'm finished making sense
Done pleading ignorance
That whole... defense

Spinning infinity, boy
The wheel is spinning me
It's never-ending, never-ending
Same old story

What if I say I'm not like the others?
What if I say I'm not just another one of your plays
You're the pretender
What if I say I will never surrender?

What if I say I'm not like the others?
What if I say I'm not just another one of your plays
You're the pretender
What if I say that I'll never surrender?

In time our soul untold
I'm just another soul for sale... oh, well
The page is out of print
We are not permanent
We're temporary, temporary
Same old story

What if I say I'm not like the others?
What if I say I'm not just another one of your plays
You're the pretender
What if I say that I'll never surrender?

What if I say I'm not like the others?
What if I say I'm not just another one of your plays
You're the pretender
What if I say I will never surrender?

I'm the voice inside your head
You refuse to hear
I'm the face that you have to face
Mirrored in your stare
I'm what's left, I'm what's right
I'm the enemy
I'm the hand that will take you down
Bring you to your knees

So who are you?
Yeah, who are you?
Yeah, who are you?
Yeah, who are you?

Keep you in the dark
You know they all pretend

What if I say I'm not like the others?
What if I say I'm not just another one of your plays
You're the pretender
What if I say that I'll never surrender?

What if I say I'm not like the others?
What if I say I'm not just another one of your plays
You're the pretender
What if I say that I'll never surrender?

What if I say I'm not like the others?
(Keep you in the dark)
What if I say I'm not just another one of your plays
(You know they all... pretend)
You're the pretender
What if I say I will never surrender?

What if I say I'm not like the others?
(Keep you in the dark)
What if I say I'm not just another one of your plays
(You know they all... pretend)
You're the pretender
What if I say I will never surrender?

So who are you?
Yeah, who are you?
Yeah, who are you?

Have a great week everyone!

Sunday Song, Learn to Fly

Run and tell all of the angels
This could take all night
Think I need a devil to help me get things right
Hook me up a new revolution
Cause this one is a lie
We sat around laughing and watched the last one die

I'm looking to the sky to save me
Looking for a sign of life
Looking for something to help me burn out bright
I'm looking for a complication
Looking cause I'm tired of lying
Make my way back home when I learn to fly

I think I'm done nursing patience
I can wait one night
I'd give it all away if you give me one last try
We'll live happily ever trapped if you just save my life
Run and tell the angels that everything is alright

I'm looking to the sky to save me
Looking for a sign of life
Looking for something to help me burn out bright
I'm looking for a complication
Looking cause I'm tired of trying
Make my way back home when I learn to fly
Make my way back home when I learn to

Fly along with me, I can't quite make it alone
Try and make this life my own
Fly along with me, I can't quite make it alone
Try and make this life my own

I'm looking to the sky to save me
Looking for a sign of life
Looking for something to help me burn out bright
I'm looking for a complication
Looking cause I'm tired of trying
Make my way back home when I learn to fly

I'm looking to the sky to save me
Looking for a sign of life
Looking for something to help me burn out bright
I'm looking for a complication
Looking cause I'm tired of trying
Make my way back home when I learn to fly
Make my way back home when I learn to fly
Make my way back home when I learn to, learn to, learn
to fly

Sunday Song, God Is In the Roses

Sunny - Hi 104 Lo 82 for Baghdad, Iraq
Partly Cloudy - Hi 98 Lo 64 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Mostly Sunny - Hi 78 Lo 62 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: God Is In the Roses, Rosanne Cash

God Is In The Roses (Live) by Rosanne Cash

or

You Tube, God is in the Roses

I really wanted to share this song with you and I could not find it anywhere... I hope you check out one of the links above. This song was on Rosanne's LP, Black Cadillac released in 2006. This album is lovely, thoughtful, haunting, poetic, melancholy-- this song, one of my favorites.

Since this is Memorial Day Weekend and it is a time to remember those we have lost in service to our nation I couldn't help but think about the mothers of some of our local fallen heroes. I can think of no better song-- a song about loss and yearning and remembering and searching and asking for comfort.

To the servicemen that made the ultimate sacrifice - Thank you and I will not forget you.

God is in the roses
The petals and the thorns
Storms out on the oceans
The souls who will be born
And every drop of rain that falls
Falls for those who mourn
God is in the roses and the thorns

The sun is on the cemetery
Leaves are on the stones
There never was a place on earth
That felt so much like home
We're falling like the velvet petals
We're bleeding and we're torn
But God is in the roses and the thorns

I love you like a brother
A father and a son
It may not last forever and ever
But it never will be done
My whole world fits inside the moment
I saw you be reborn
God is in the roses
And that day was filled with roses
God is in the roses and the thorns

Have a great week everyone!

Sunday Song, Life Is A Rock

Sunny - Hi 102 Lo 80 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 103 Lo 66 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Partly Cloudy - Hi 65 Lo 42 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Life Is a Rock (But the Radio Rolled Me), Reunion




Just in the mood to reminisce. I knew a kid in grade school that could sing this song... new all the lyrics... By the way... I did not verify if the lyrics below are correct..

Ramble:

I have been spending time at Wolfgang's Vault- Where Live Music Lives. It is a great venue to listen to recorded concerts--- from Allman Brothers to Flock of Seagulls to The Rolling Stones to Stevie Ray Vaughan to Ray Charles to The Boomtown Rats to Count Basie. Dragon Lady -- There are 6 concerts from Fleetwood Mac... I love this site... I recommend you bookmark it.. it's free...

Here is another fun little music website I found... CoolHand - an auction house for old music... from some not so famous bands...
Tribalsinfonia..... Wild Things (from Indiana) Wild Things (from Ohio)
Daughters of Eve (another girl band... who knew?)

B. B. Bumble and the Stingers, Mott the Hoople, Ray Charles Singers
Lonnie Mack and twangin' Eddy, here's my ring we're goin' steady
Take it easy, take me higher, liar liar, house on fire
Locomotion, Poco, Passion, Deeper Purple, Satisfaction
Baby baby gotta gotta gimme gimme gettin' hotter
Sammy's cookin', Lesley Gore and Ritchie Valens, end of story
Mahavishnu, fujiyama, kama-sutra, rama-lama
Richard Perry, Spector, Barry, Righteous, Archies, Nilsson, Harry
Shimmy shimmy ko-ko bop and Fats is back and Finger Poppin'

Life is a rock but the radio rolled me
Gotta turn it up louder, so my DJ told me
Life is a rock but the radio rolled me
At the end of my rainbow lies a golden oldie

FM, AM, hits are clickin' while the clock is tock-a-tickin'
Friends and Romans, salutations, Brenda and the Tabulations
Carly Simon, I behold her, Rolling Stones and centerfoldin'
Johnny Cash and Johnny Rivers, can't stop now, I got the shivers
Mungo Jerry, Peter Peter Paul and Paul and Mary Mary
Dr. John the nightly tripper, Doris Day and Jack the Ripper
Gotta go Sir, gotta swelter, Leon Russell, Gimme Shelter
Miracles in smokey places, slide guitars and Fender basses
Mushroom omelet, Bonnie Bramlett, Wilson Pickett, stop and kick it

Life is a rock but the radio
Life is a rock but the radio

Arthur Janov's primal screamin', Hawkins, Jay and Dale and Ronnie
Kukla, Fran and Norman, Okla Denver, John and Osmond, Donny
JJ Cale and ZZ Top and LL Bean and De De Dinah
David Bowie, Steely Dan and sing me prouder, CC Rider
Edgar Winter, Joanie Sommers, Osmond Brothers, Johnny Thunders
Eric Clapton, pedal wah-wah, Stephen Foster, do-dah do-dah
Good Vibrations, Help Me Rhonda, Surfer Girl and Little Honda
Tighter, tighter, honey, honey, sugar, sugar, yummy, yummy
CBS and Warner Brothers, RCA and all the others

Life is a rock but the radio rolled me
Gotta turn it up louder, so my DJ told me
Life is a rock but the radio rolled me
At the end of my rainbow lies a golden oldie

Spoken: “Listen, remember, they're playing our song”

Rock it, sock it, Alan Freed me, Murray Kaufman, try to leave me
Fish, and Swim, and Boston Monkey, Make it bad and play it funky

Freddie King and Albert King B.B. King and frolicking
Get it on and Nat Gerardi, Papalardi, Hale and Hearty

There’s a perfect more than human gentle words of Randy Newman;
One, two, three; so oh so please, I need a breather!

Tito Puente, Boffalongo, Cuba, War and even Mongo
(Line not credible) Peter Dial, Alex Hood, Boogie Brass

Whoo!!!

California, Beatlemania, New York City, Transylvania
S&G and (V&C?) and Bobby Vee and SRO, yeah yeah!

Conway Twitty, Do Wah Diddy
Conway Twitty, Do Wah Diddy


Have a great week everyone!

25 Years...

Sunny - Hi 96 Lo 72 for Baghdad, Iraq
Partly Cloudy - Hi 82 Lo 56 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Cloudy & Rain - Hi 42 Lo 31 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Fear Is Never Boring, The Raisins

Ah... this song... it takes me back 25 years.... I was a senior in high school and we were counting down the days until graduation.... If you lived in the Cincinnati area in 1983, 1984, or 1985 you heard this song... a lot on local radio. The band, The Raisins were (& still are) talented guys. This album was produced by their pal and Covington, Kentucky hometown boy Adrian Belew... who I loved... I fell in love with him when he was doing work with The Talking Heads... Anyway... this song... has been going through my head for weeks. I was disappointed that this album is out of print and The Raisins subsequent reincarnations such as The Bears or most recently Pschodots also out of print... I loaned the album to Rodney years ago and that was that. Now, I can get a used CD for $56.00 on Amazon... nah... so I was pleasantly surprised to find this video on You Tube. I can't remember where I saw this video... as an art student, we critqued the heck out of all the cliches, but liked the video for it's campiness. The melody is catchy and quite danceable... The opening lyrics a little disturbing... but parents didn't seem to mind... they were more concerned by the backwards masking... which was a huge deal when I was in high school. This song, this band brings back all kinds of memories... way too much fun... way too much indulgence... way too dumb... fear is never boring... I'm surprised we survived our teen years...

25 years... good grief...


Mama’s little baby likes fear and torture
Mama’s little darling likes violent sex
She thinks she’s queen victoria
Ridin’ the pony express

Oh no trouble now
Are your nerves failing
Don’t come unglued
If your heart skips a beat
Stay on your feet
Don’t throw that moment away

No no no no no no no yeah
Feeling good ain’t bein’ happy
No no no no no no no yes
Taking care ain’t being there
I’m out on a limb where the fun begins
Fear is never boring

I think I see a spark
Hear voices in the dark
They tell me don’t lose heart
Stiff upper lip
Stick to your guns
Don’t let ’er rip
Don’t throw that moment away

With consciousness barely floating
The slippery curve is approaching
My whole life flashed before I crashed
Fear is never boring

Have a great week everyone!

Home

Sunny - Hi 52 Lo 31 for Baghdad, Iraq
Rain - Hi 50 Lo 37 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Evening Showers - Hi 57 Lo 52 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Home, Foo Fighters

As you know, Foo Fighters are one of my favorite bands. This song from their latest album, Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace is the last track on the album. I have to say this is probably their most sophisticated work to date. If you enjoy the loud screaming Dave Grohl... the first track, The Pretender as well as Erase/Replace will get your pulse racing. They have stretched their reach and like anyone that gets older... their range and interests have grown and thankfully it is reflected in this album. The lyrics to Home forever speak to that emptiness we all carry at one time or another... Whether it is being far from home and yearning to be there... or whether thoughts of a loved one lost, be it through break up, just losing touch, a fight, or death... this song speaks to that longing- of looking back, of looking forward... of being home...

Ramble:

Happy New Year.

Did you watch the Iowa Caucus? You know Hillary is just pissed. I have not decided who I'm going to vote for yet-- and to be perfectly frank, I have only been listening with one ear. I mean really--- we have been listening to this for how long? When are the elections? Com' on! In any event, I still believe the Republicans have the strongest bench. It will get ugly on the Republican side as the field of contenders gets culled. Conservatives and those right of center are passionate about the person they are supporting. It appears to be that way on the Democrat bench as well. Weaknesses are obvious in all the Republican candidates and overall, I think each one is better than anyone offered on the Democrat side. But that is a pretty woosy way for me to draw a line in the sand... huh? Yeah, I know. Depending on the moment... I am leaning toward Thompson or Romney and at times Giuliani. If Thompson wins the nomination and must face Hillary- I think he can win. If he faces Obama... I'm not so sure... Thompson has the tendency of looking old and sluggish and that will be even more exaggerated if up against Obama. If the match is against Hillary... I really think anyone on the Republican bench will beat her. I think people don't want to hear her screeching voice or that maniacal forced laugh for 4 years.... Gawd, I know I don't...

Fred Thompson: I think when it is all said and done, we are projecting our need for Fred to be our new Ronald Wilson Reagan. Although Fred has a lot of charisma and appears to be a man of integrity... we will never see the likes of Ronald Reagan again.

Mitt Romney: Mitt Romney is squeaky clean. He is a member of LDS and there are still those that won't vote for him because of that. He is a man of character. He is a family man-- his family is the American dream ideal. He is a good businessman.

Rudy Giuliani: Rudy Giuliani loves a good fight. I MUST see him in a debate with Hillary... That will be fantastic. We know he was a great prosecutor. We know he cleaned up NYC when he was mayor. We know he stood strong and father like when our nation was brought to her knees.

Duncan Hunter: I think Duncan Hunter is ideally my first choice. But I don't think he has a snowman's chance in hell.

Regardless, of who I want, I will support the Republican ticket.... and Gawd help me... that includes McCain or Paul...

Here is what is important to me-The war against terrorism, securing our borders, a strong military, and lowering our taxes. I am NOT interested in having a Nanny State where Uncle Sam believes me to be to ignorant and incapable of making my own decisions... that includes Social Security, health care and unreal... my mortgage...

I think that covers it.

Home

Wish I were with you
I couldn't stay
Every direction
Leads me away
Pray for tomorrow
But for today

All I want is to be home

Stand in the mirror
You look the same
Just lookin' for shelter
From cold and the pain
Someone to cover
Safe from the rain

All I want is to be home

Echoes and silence

Patience and grace

All of these moments
I'll never replace
No fear of my heart
Absence of faith

All I want is to be home
Ooh

All I want is to be home

People I've loved
I have no regrets
Some I remember
Some I forget
Some of them living
Some of them dead

All I want is to be home

Have a great week everyone!

Merry Christmas, My Friend

Sunny - Hi 61 Lo 37 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 59 Lo 31 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Rainy - Hi 50 Lo 27 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Judy Garland

Something about this song... not just the melody, but the lyrics, and not just that... others have covered the song since... including my beloved Frank Sinatra... but there is an undercurrent of sadness and desperation in the voice of this young 20 something Judy Garland that no one else has been able to capture... not even when she sang this song in later years does it match the melancholy of this version... Maybe it was the time and place... 1943... Our country was at war on two fronts, everyone back home was making all kinds of sacrifices... Our young men were asked to do unthinkable things to keep the home front safe. The song appeared in a movie called Meet Me in St. Louis (one I don't have and would very much like to have)... The movie was released around Thanksgiving of 1944... some of the darkest days of World War II--- we had suffered 500,000 casualties by the time the movie premiered; the Battle of the Bulge was just a few weeks away; plans for an atomic bomb were well underway... Yes, the musical was set at the turn of the century with lots of wonderful songs... Margaret O'Brien stole every scene she was in... but the scene that makes my heart stop... Judy is obviously in period costuming... she is singing to Margaret... or wait... is Judy singing to young men in uniform far from home in harms way? Yes, I believe she is... They are 18, 19, 20, 30, 40 years old...our sons, our brothers and our fathers... Judy is expressing the sadness of those that can not be together this special time of year... They are our first loves, our fiances, and our husbands and they are cold and wet or maybe they are in a hot humid climate where malaria runs rampant... either backdrop... they are far from home at Christmas...


Remember our troops at Christmas. Raise a glass to them and bow your heads and thank God for them... ask Him to keep them safe.

Ramble:

The first time I read this, was many years ago. My Uncle Charlie sent it to me. I tear up every time I read it.

Merry Christmas, My Friend

‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi, and goodnight.

- Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt, USMC, 1986

*** Lastly, there was no one more committed to our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines than Bob Hope... I have no doubt he is putting on a USO show in heaven...

(please make sure the Sunday song has stopped playing before starting this video.)



World War II.net


Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
Next year all
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
Next year all
our troubles will be miles away.

Once again as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Will be near to us once more.

Someday soon
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Until then will have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself A merry little Christmas now.

Merry Christmas!

No One Won---

Well--- that's not quite true... no one won the bet. I should have won, but the doctor knowing what's best said that she needed to stay in the oven a little longer...

Well... she is awfully cute...

Proud Mama and Papa seem to be doing well...

Welcome to the world River Emalene... We've been waiting for you.

-- Love this song and found this video done by the young girl for her father...

Father and Daughter - Paul Simon

If you leap awake
In the mirror of a bad dream
And for a fraction of a second
You can't remember where you are
Just open your window
And follow your memory upstream
To the meadow in the mountain
Where we counted every falling star

I believe the light that shines on you
Will shine on you forever
And though I can't guarantee
There's nothing scary hiding under your bed
I’m gonna stand guard
Like a postcard of a Golden Retriever
And never leave till I leave you
With a sweet dream in your head

I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you'll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you

Trust your intuition
It's just like going fishing
You cast your line
And hope you'll get a bite
But you don't need to waste your time
Worrying about the market place
Try to help the human race
Struggling to survive its harshest night

I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you'll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you

I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you'll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you

War Movies

Mostly Sunny - Hi 100 Lo 75 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 85 Lo 58 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Sunny - Hi 83 Lo 60 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Life During Wartime, Talking Heads

As you know, Talking Heads is one of my all time favorite bands. The video clip is from the movie Stop Making Sense... which as you know was my all time favorite concert ever ever ever. The music is driving and makes you at minimum tap your foot at maximum get up and dance or work out... but listen to the words... a little disturbing...

Ramble: So, I haven't done a movie list in quite a while... I thought it was time... You ask, "What's the category?" That's easy! My Favorite War Movies! So without further delay and in no particular order:

-- Please stop the music video above if you intend to watch any of the trailers.

Saving Private Ryan, 1998


Lawrence of Arabia, 1962


Patton, 1970


The Longest Day, 1962


The Bridge on the River Kwai, 1957


The Dirty Dozen, 1967


The Guns of Navarone, 1961


Tora! Tora! Tora!, 1970


We Were Soldiers, 2002


Braveheart, 1995


M*A*S*H, 1970


The Alamo, 1960


The Big Red One, 1980


From Here to Eternity, 1953










The Sullivans, 1944


Since You Went Away, 1944


LIFE DURING WARTIME

Heard of a van that is loaded with weapons
packed up and ready to go
Heard of some gravesites, out by the highway
a place where nobody knows
The sound of gunfire, off in the distance
I'm getting used to it now
Lived in a brownstone, lived in the ghetto
I've lived all over this town

This ain't no party, this ain't no disco
this ain't no fooling around
No time for dancing, or lovey dovey
I ain't got time for that now

Transmit the message, to the receiver
hope for an answer some day
I got three passports, couple of visas
don't even know my real name
High on a hillside, trucks are loading
everything's ready to roll
I sleep in the daytime, I work in the nightime
I might not ever get home

This ain't no party, this ain't no disco
this ain't no fooling around
This ain't no mudd club, or C. B. G. B.
I ain't got time for that now

This ain't no party, this ain't no disco
this ain't no fooling around
No time for dancing, or lovey dovey
I ain't got time for that now

Heard about Houston? Heard about Detroit?
Heard about Pittsburgh, PA?
You oughta know not to stand by the window
somebody see you up there
I got some groceries, some peanut butter
to last a couple of days
But I ain't got no speakers
ain't got no headphones
ain't got no records to play

Why stay in college? Why go to night school?
Gonna be different this time?
Can't write a letter, can't send no postcard
I can't write nothing at all
This ain't no party, this ain't no disco
this ain't no fooling around
I'd love you hold you, I'd like to kiss you
But I ain't got time for that now

Trouble in transit, got through the roadblock
we blended in with the crowd
We got computers, we're tapping phone lines
I know that ain't allowed
We dress like students, we dress like housewives
or in a suit and a tie
changed my hairstyle so many times now
don't know what I look like!
You make me shiver, I feel so tender
we make a pretty good team
Burned all my notebooks, what good are notebooks?
They won't help me survive
My chest is aching, burns like a furnace
the burning keeps me alive

Have a great week everyone!

Past My Bedtime....

Sunny - Hi 106 Lo 81 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 101 Lo 65 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Sunny - Hi 74 Lo 52 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

There are some songs that just make you smile and cause you to sing along at full voice regardless of one's ability (in my case- definite inability). This song will pull me out of the worst of moods... it will elevate an already good mood right into the stratosphere. And the song, once heard will stay with me the entire day. This song causes people to smile when they hear it on the radio. It is a song of hope and love and caring and feeling secure and safe and having the knowledge that someone loves you so much they will do whatever it takes to protect you and keep you safe. This song sets a tone and is often used in movie soundtracks. I think my favorite has to be Remember The Titans-- I even like the scene in Stepmom... I'm so tired right now, I'm blanking on other movies... In any event, this song emotes my feelings for everyone I love and care for... especially Michael.

Ramble:

No ramble, it's 2:30 A.M. and I am winding down from a long day of cleaning and prepping for JoAnna's baby shower this afternoon. I still have a couple of things to do, but will have to wait until morning. In the meantime, as I type this, Michael is doing all the food prep for the shower (Note: I don't know how to cook). Anyway, go here if you would like to guess her due date. I swiped another pic from Rob's blog... This is the most recent picture of JoAnna-- August 30th.

Place your bets here.


Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

I haven't checked out any new blogs in a very long time. In looking up information on Tammi Terrell, I stumbled across this little gem of a blog: Plain or Pan? Outdated Music for Outdated People -- Fun and quirky. I like how he will compare different versions of the same song...

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Listen, baby
Ain't no mountain high
Ain't no valley low
Ain't no river wide enough, baby

If you need me, call me
No matter where you are
No matter how far
Just call my name
I'll be there in a hurry
You don't have to worry

'Cause baby,
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you

Remember the day
I set you free
I told you
You could always count on me
From that day on I made a vow
I'll be there when you want me
Some way, some how

'Cause baby,
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you

No wind, no rain

My love is alive
Way down in my heart
Although we are miles apart
If you ever need a helping hand
I'll be there on the double
As fast as I can

Don't you know that
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you

Don't you know that
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough

Have a great week everyone!

Our Flag Was Still There

Sunny - Hi 115 Lo 87 for Baghdad, Iraq
Thunderstorms - Hi 90 Lo 75 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Partly Cloudy - Hi 84 Lo 58 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Ragged Old Flag, Johnny Cash

Ramble: You may want to go get a cup of coffee as this may turn into a long ramble....

As we approach Independence Day, I can't help but reflect on how much my love for this country has grown. Like some folks, the events of September 11, 2001 were a catalyst for me to take a stand and be counted among those willing to fight for our nation- to keep her free and to make sure she stands with her torch as a beacon for all to see.

We the people are so fortunate to have been born here, still others have come here seeking freedom and liberty and a better way of life. Lady Liberty has opened her arms to them.

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
- Emma Lazarus

This country is clearly a melting pot- it always has been. It should always be so.
Our ancestors came to this country for various reasons - but the one common denominator has always been to seek out a better life. We the people spoke this past week and said that the Amnesty Bill was not what we wanted-- It was blogged about everywhere...It was talked about everywhere. I'm proud to say that I include myself in the numbers that flooded the phone lines and email of our Congress. They got the message - albeit they believe us to be foolish and uninformed.

Those that believe in this great nation, look to our immigrants as a blessing. Those that believe in this great nation believe it should be sought out honestly and legally. Nothing worthwhile is easy. I believe that is why some of our greatest Americans speak with a thick accent- My mother comes to mind, one of the greatest Americans I know.

We owe it to our forefathers and those that have fought and served and even died for this great nation for 231 years to stand strong. We must continue to live free or be willing to die for it. However, how do we make sure that our children, our children's children know what this great nation is about? What she stands for?

Bill Bennett wrote a compelling piece for National Review online. As the Secretary of Education under one of our greatest President's he writes with knowledge and integrity.

Tens of millions of Americans are about to celebrate our nation’s Founding. The worrisome question is, will future generations take to this celebration the way we have for the past 231 years if they do not know the first, second, or third thing about their country?

Two years ago, the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough told the U.S. Senate that American History was our nation’s worst subject in school. The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (a.k.a., “our Nation’s Report Card”), released last month, bears that out again. Our children do worse in American history than they do in reading or math. McCullough testified we were facing the prospect of national amnesia, saying, “Amnesia of society is just as detrimental as amnesia for the individual. We are running a terrible risk. Our very freedom depends on education, and we are failing our children in not providing that education.”

Double Tragedy
McCullough is right, and it is a double tragedy: a) our children no longer know their country’s history and b) the story they do not know is the greatest political story ever told.

It is not our children’s fault. Our country’s adults are expected to instill a love of country in its children, but the greatness and purpose of that country are mocked by the chattering classes: Newspaper columns and television reports drip with a constant cynicism about America while doubts about her motives on the world stage are the coin of the realm. Too many commentators are too ready to believe the worst about our leaders and our country, and our children’s history books — and even some of the teachers — close off any remaining possibility of helping children learn about their country.

Read the rest here.

We live in a country where we can ignore everything that does not concern us. If we so choose we can fill our heads with air and watch the Paris Hiltons and the Britney Spears of celebrislutty fame. We have become greedy and self serving. We covet what our neighbors have and are willing to file bankruptcy to have the big SUV and the 3000 square foot house and all the fixin's that go along with it. We are willing to rationalize away our greed and trying to get something for free or for a cheaper price because "everyone does it." In doing this we bankrupt our children of the things that matter. Our children are our responsibility and the promise that this country will continue as the beacon of light for the rest of the world.

Dennis Prager, another man I admire a great deal will often ask his callers to his radio program, "If you could only teach your child one lesson which is more important to teach your child- To not smoke or To not cheat on a test?" Time after time it is more important to teach the child to not smoke... Health and safety are more important than raising a child to be an adult of honor, respect, and integrity.

Of late, I've been spending a lot of time with my grandparents, part of the Greatest Generation, and they often say, "It was easier when we had nothing." It's funny, these same people worked hard so that their children would not have to endure what they endured. That cycle continues. We all really want something better for the next generation, but I believe there is something to be said about having to work for it. It is appreciated times ten. There is greater satisfaction in feeling the sense that you have earned it.

On a greater scale, we are willing to work with a nation that has no time for the human condition. We import from China and we KNOW that they handle their people with an iron fist. We know that if you speak against the Chinese government or try to worship in a manner that does not serve the government, you simply disappear.

We can see this same example in third world countries. There are countless charities wanting to feed the starving children of the world. And yes it is awful and horrific. However, they are starving by design. Get rid of the oppressive communist and socialist governments that are keeping their people in ignorance and poverty and you will see an end to starvation.

We the people are a dichotomy. We are in a struggle with ourselves. We are facing an enemy within our own borders that must be neutralized otherwise we can look to the European countries as to what our fate will be. Dependency on the government and socialized anything will eventually destroy this nation and we must rectify this.

At the same time we must fight an enemy that hates us simply because we exist. There is no question in my mind this war must be won despite ourselves. The liberals have said this is a lost cause and now Republicans are getting wobbly. The events in the United Kingdom this past weekend are yet another wake up call to us. WAKE UP!! I want our government to pay attention to the 2nd Amendment. I will maintain my right as an American citizen to keep and bear arms, but I also expect my government to maintain our militia. Give our soldiers what they need to win this war against terror!!

I anticipate as do many others there will be an attempt to stifle our voices. The Fairness Doctrine will be our penance for shutting down the Amnesty Bill. Our soldiers need us to support them, not just by proclaiming, "We support you" but we need to rise up again and make sure that our government does as we ask. Secure our borders and fund our troops so we can win this war. Let them fight this war.

Mine is but a small voice but I will use it to my fullest ability.

So, on Wednesday, take a moment and look at our American flag...

She is indeed a grand old flag... She symbolizes everything that is good in this nation of ours and please....

Remember...

Tell your child about her... about how our flag IS still there...



Happy Independence Day.

The Star-Spangled Banner

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
- Francis Scott Key

Have a great week everyone!

I Know It Is Not Really Getting Better

Sunny - Hi 107 Lo 81 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 108 Lo 78 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Sunny - Hi 82 Lo 59 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Let Go, Frou Frou

I have been remiss for not including Afghanistan in my weekly weather report.

Ramble:

I am very fortunate to be 42 years old and still have my grandparents. My father's parents have been and are still a vital part of my life. When my mother was working 18 hour days my brother and I would go off to my grandparents for the summer. My grandmother taught me how to set a table, polish silverware and play make believe, how to embroider, play solitaire, Chinese checkers, and jacks. My grandfather taught me the difference between a buckeye and a walnut tree. He taught me how to look at cloud formations and tell whether or not a storm was headed our way. He taught me how to put a worm on a fishing hook and how to go crawdad (craw-fish)hunting down in the crick (creek). I would call my grandmother every single day all the way through high school to tell her about my day. My grandfather was always working... whether it was at the job or in the yard or in his workshop (where to this day in one of the rafters is the Playboy photo of Marilyn Monroe)... I remember running out to be with him and he would be standing there using a rake or a shovel to lean against while he swigged down a bottle of Coca-Cola and staring at the sky. I would ask him what he was looking at and he would always respond by telling me about "that hawk is getting ready to get himself some dinner" or "that squirrel is getting ready for a bad winter". All of my idiosyncrasies come from my mother and my grandparents. Words in my vocabulary do not begin to express how important they are to me.

I must have been about 30 years old when it occurred to me that they had become... old... I don't remember what specifically triggered this realization... it just happened... My grandparents were old... that they weren't going to be around forever. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it simply had never occurred to me and that understanding hit me like a ton of bricks.

These are the folks that taught me respect and self discipline. They taught me to find appreciation in simple things - nature, music, a good book, imagination, falling asleep in a hammock under the stars, The Tonight Show...they taught me that love of country was important-- to always stand with my hand on my heart during The Star Spangled Banner... that freedom and liberty were things worth dying for...

The dichotomy was they also taught me through their example to be afraid of everything... to be suspicious and not trust others... I know now this is a direct result of how they were raised especially my grandmother. No doubt it was also a direct result of losing their daughter at the tender age of five to leukemia. Because of this, Terry and I were always "protected" from ourselves. My grandmother was/is an amazing cook and she never taught me. She was convinced I would get hurt in the kitchen... with a knife or on the stove...

In any event, I hate that they are old- I don't want them to die. But what is worse and this was my epiphany on Saturday... is that they hate it more. My grandfather just can't get around like he used to- he has no energy, he can't breathe. My grandmother is feeble- this was a woman of strong German stock and she used to tower over me... she is now so much tinier than me and bent over with osteoporosis. My grandfather forgets that he is limited and will continuously overdue it and that will cause him to be sick for days. They both suffer from depression-- My grandmother because her mind is still sharp as a tack and she is such a stickler about keeping things just so-so but no longer has the ability. My grandfather because he is slowly forgetting things and knows it. Today as my grandfather and I were running his errands he was still insistent on opening doors for me... At one point he said, "Cass, I just can't do this anymore... I'm puny, I'm feeble."

My grandparents... I love them. They would do anything... anything... anything for my brother and me. I pray that they put their faith in God. They are tired of living but too afraid to die. I just don't know how to make them feel better except to be there for them...

Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

Stop in and say hello to DragonLady. She and her family have suffered a loss.

Let Go

Drink up baby down
Are you in or are you out?
Leave your things behind
'Cause it's all going off without you
Excuse me too busy you're writing your tragedy
These mishaps
You bubble-wrap
When you've no idea what you're like

So, let go, let go
Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It's all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
So, let go, l-let go
Just get in
Oh, it's so amazing here
It's all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown

It gains the more it gives
And then it rises with the fall
So hand me that remote
Can't you see that all that stuffs a sideshow?
Such boundless pleasure
We've no time for later
Now you can't await
Your own arrival
You've twenty seconds to comply

So, let go, so let go
Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It's alright
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
So, let go, yeah let go
Just get in
Oh, it's so amazing here
It's all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown

So, let go, so let go
Jump in
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It's alright
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
So, let go, yeah let go
Just get in
Oh, it's so amazing here
It's all right
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown

In the breakdown
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
The breakdown

So amazing here
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown

Rain

Sunny - Hi 108 Lo 80 for Baghdad, Iraq
Thunderstorms - Hi 80 Lo 63 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: South Central Rain, R.E.M.

Ramble:

We are desperate for rain... we need a good long steady rain... even the weeds are dying... One of my favorite things is to wake up to the sound of steady rain on the roof with the sound of rolling thunder off in the distance... It's particularly nice on a Sunday morning when we don't have to get up and rush off to work... you know what I'm talking about... when you don't have to psych yourself up by chanting Spongebob Squarepants mantra... "I'm ready" I'm ready! I'm ready!" It's nice to just lay in bed and breathe in and breathe out and listen... listen to the silence... listen to your house and it's familiar sounds...listen to the beat of your own heart... listen to the rain... Time can stop when it rains on a Sunday morning... There is nothing more soothing or comforting than the sound of rain... I hope it rains.............

Anyway, not much for writing today. Last weekend, Jedi Master Rob suggested I post a few of my photographs so now is as good a time as any.

Jedi Master Rob's back yard... this young boy is stunned because he is being pelted by grapes...

Crate and Barrel in Chicago Flowers for sale on a New York City street

Links:

My Italian friend, Carlo sent me a link to a wonderful video on You Tube--- I want to eat steak, watch a great western movie and keep thanking our wonderful servicemen!! Thanks Carlo! Make sure to stop the other video before playing this one.

I also had someone leave a link on an old post. It is a remembrance for Sgt. Steven Packer. He was killed on May 17. Go watch it now. Memorize this face of a fallen hero- listen to his voice, then watch this one and then say a prayer and thank God for men like him.

South Central Rain, REM

Did you never call? I waited for your call
These rivers of suggestion are driving me away
The trees will bend, the cities wash away
The city on the river there is a girl without a dream
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry

Eastern to Mountain, third party call, the lines are down
The wise man built his words upon the rocks
But I'm not bound to follow suit
The trees will bend, the conversation's dimmed
Go build yourself another home, this choice isn't mine
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry

Did you never call? I waited for your call
These rivers of suggestion are driving me away
The ocean sang, the conversation's dimmed
Go build yourself another dream, this choice isn't mine
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry

Have a great week everyone!

Letters Home

Partly Cloudy - Hi 111 Lo 85 for Baghdad, Iraq
Isolated Thunderstorms - Hi 85 Lo 65 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: You Raise Me Up, Josh Groban

Ramble:

In preparing for my Sunday post I read through various speeches- from our forefathers to President Bush. I kept finding my way back to President Reagan. His words are just as moving today as when he first spoke them. However, I wanted this Memorial Day post to be a little more personal so I went up to our loft and spent a good portion of the afternoon pouring over old letters that were saved by my Great Great Aunt Ethel.

My Aunt Ethel was the record keeper in the family. I received a birthday card and two dollars in the mail every single year up to her death. I was special as were all her nieces and nephews. It is my understanding that she had fallen in love once, but he broke her heart, so she never married. My grandmother has given me most of the photos from Aunt Ethel's collection and being the record keeper that she was, all the photos have first and last names, dates and the relationship of the person in the photo to the individual she gave the photo to.

This is a photo of my Great Great Great Grandfather. (click on images for a larger view)
I know this because---
Anyway, you get the point. She kept everything that was important- letters, photos, newspaper clippings, birth certificates and death notices- she was incredibly organized, fastidious, detail driven woman. She took an old roll of wall paper and mapped out our family tree... pretty ingenious if you ask me. I have her to thank for the letters below. The black marks are the last names of my family that I have blacked out on the photo copies I made to do this post- the originals are in tact with all her notes. Aunt Ethel even put last names on letters-- knowing (or at least hopeful) that someone in the family would want to know.

My Uncle Charlie passed away this past November and I posted about it him here. He did two tours of duty in Vietnam. He loved this country and never stopped fighting for her. Never. He loved the Corp. just as much as this country. He was a Marine his entire life- even when they made him retire. (click on images to enlarge and read)


My Uncle Steve (19 years old) and "Janis"





This letter cracks me up because Uncle Steve hates winter... he lives in Las Vegas now... Uncle Steve also retired from the Marines. As my memory serves me he left the Marines back in the early 80's and went to work for the railroad... found that he didn't like it and went back to the Corp. He retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant.

A few thoughts...

I think we miss out on a lot because we don't write letters- email is great, but there is something to be said about receiving a handwritten letter- to recognize the handwriting of the envelope and anticipate what will be found inside. A letter takes more thought and are to be cherished. Most email ends up being deleted. Having spent the afternoon reading through family letters of those now no longer with us... it was as if they came back to life. I could hear their voices again.

A special thank you this Memorial Day to all the military bloggers I have gotten to know. You are so important. Keep writing. Keep telling your story. It is important and a way to document for your family and generations to come.

Friends of ours have a son that on May 19 graduated from high school. On the 24th he was headed to Fort Benning. Patrick's goal is to be an Airborne Ranger attached to the 101st. I can not tell you how proud I am. No... he isn't joining the Marines ;-), No... he isn't my son... No... I don't even know him that well... However, I do know that to volunteer to serve our country during a time of war is quite courageous and quite humbling for me. I thank God every single day for men like him. I pray that God keeps him safe.

We live in such an amazing country. I am so grateful to the men and women we will remember tomorrow. I am so grateful to those that serve presently. I am so thankful to the families of those that serve. I think a powerful way to remember those that served our nation is to thank those presently serving. Maybe you know a mom or dad of someone presently serving- write a letter and give it to mom or dad to be delivered in their next care package. Maybe you have to pick up a loved one at the airport... our servicemen are easy to pick out in a crowd... the high and tight haircut on a young man or the tightly coiffed ponytail on a young woman is an easy giveaway- a simple gesture of a handshake and two simple words- Thank you will make the difference...

Thank you.

Thank you.

You do raise me up.


You Raise Me Up, Music and Lyrics by Rolf Lovland & Brendan Graham

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

Have a great week everyone!