Finding the Music in Life
Today’s
post is in participation with Women On Writing’s mass-blogging event, "Everybody
is Talking About Finding the Music in Life."
We are celebrating the release of Sonia’s
Song by Sonia Korn-Grimani. To read about the blogging event and follow the symphony of
participating bloggers visit Wow - The Muffin.
To read the Q&A with Sonia, visit Wow - The Muffin - Interview
Share your comments on any participating blog for a chance to win a copy of Sonia’s Song!
* I forgot to post the deadline to leave a comment here or at other participants, for a chance to win the book...print or e-book...winner's choice! Deadline: Thursday Oct 18, 11:59pm (Mountain Time)
To read the Q&A with Sonia, visit Wow - The Muffin - Interview
Share your comments on any participating blog for a chance to win a copy of Sonia’s Song!
* I forgot to post the deadline to leave a comment here or at other participants, for a chance to win the book...print or e-book...winner's choice! Deadline: Thursday Oct 18, 11:59pm (Mountain Time)
Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in our daily struggles or traumatic events from our past that we feel like "poor, poor, pitiful me." But, instead, I think it's so important to not dwell on those things, and to start looking for the positives....to find the "music in our lives."
As a participant in this Mass Blogging Event, I've been asked to share what helps me stay positive in this crazy world we live in.
I love to listen to many styles of music!
(Below is taken from my blog post of October 4, 2011)
"There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is." ~William P. Merrill
When most people think of the The Beatles, I doubt if "prayerful music" comes to mind. We all have our favorite songs of theirs, ranging from the very first pop/rock tunes until the final more contemplative recordings.
Somewhere in my past....maybe 15 or 20 years ago....two of those songs became prayer-like to me. The music and lyrics would pop into my mind, just when I needed them. I'd either sing out loud or only "in my head," depending on whether I was alone or not!
Those two songs are:
The Long and Winding Road
I've read various so-called explanations about the lyrics of these songs, and it doesn't matter to me what the "real" meaning is or isn't. I know what they mean to me and that's all that counts.
Wind chimes make me happy.
I see beauty everywhere I look.
I'm crazy about Vern, especially when he smiles at me!
And I love my family.....every last one of them...
I believe in laughter, and kindness, and joy, and wonder, and forgiveness, and I think most of all HOPE.
Having hope has always gotten me through the saddest, most difficult days of my life. I always know that things will be better, and that I have the strength to get there.
* If you're a regular reader of my blog, you know that I always end with a relevant quote.
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death." -- Robert Fulghum All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
I acknowledge that the sunny side of life is a much better place to live. Just the same 'give us this day our daily whinge' is a mantra of mine which allows me to release the things (big and small) which are bothering me, and to move on. I paddle in the pity pool but don't have parties in it.
ReplyDeleteAnd a short memory makes laughing much easier. If you cannot remember why you are down it is well nigh impossible to justify staying there.
Always uplifting to visit your blog, Becky! Sorry I have not been as active visiting and commenting during this busy summer, but with the autumn life is slowing down again. Which suits me fine!
ReplyDeleteI went on a training course for work recently, and the one thing I have remembered from it is that we all have 168 hours in the week. Of course we all have different cirumstances and demands on us, but too often I find myself complaining about lack of time. Then I look at others far busier than me who are still getting their novels written! So I'm making a real effort now to use my time productively - instead of moaning about the lack of it!
Have a lovely day.
Thabks for the music tip. Will check it out.Darkness happens...just have to remember there is no rainbow without the dark storm first.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post Becky. I try to keep on the sunny side. Not always easy, but I try!
ReplyDeleteI never really thought about those two Beatles songs like that. I especially like LET IT BE--even just the title is something I should say to myself almost on a daily basis. Love your photos--I am in love with Vern, too. :) I wish my dog Chester liked other dogs better. We could get them together. But Chester doesn't play well with others. :) LOL
ReplyDeleteVery sweet post, Becky.
ReplyDeleteI love boh of those songs. They are some of the Beatle's best work.
Another song that is prayerlike and makes me cry (in a good way) every time I hear it is "Bridge Over Troubled Water." A friend said that when my cousin died years ago, that came on the radio just after she heard it. He was the kind of guy who was that bridge. So yes, songs can be prayers. I compltely agree.
XO,
Sheila
I am not a big music fan, I don't seek it out, but I definitely have my favorites! I agree that it is hugely important to have hope, you can get through so many things if you know that things will get better!
ReplyDeleteOh Becky, you are blessed and you're a blessing. So nice to be associated with such a strong and wise woman. Love the quote, but I love your words too because I know you and I know how sincere you are.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written!
ReplyDeleteCiao Bella
Creative Carmelina
Thanks to all of you who have left comments! You know how much I appreciate it! I'll e-mail each of you later with a personal thanks!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Becky. I read about Sonia yesterday at Mason Canyon's blog. Amazing story, and a woman with a beautiful spirit.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Becky! That's interesting that you said that about The Beatles' songs being "prayerful music." I feel the same way! In my late teens I dated a guy whose father played John Lennon in Beatlemania (one of the original Beatles cover bands) and developed a profound love of their music. I have so many favorites. Love your pics too! Vern is super cute. :)
ReplyDeleteThis was beautiful! I think it is SO important to look for the positives! It's so much easier to be a happier person that way. And who doesn't want to be happy?!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite pick me up songs is "On The Sunny Side Of The Street." I also like the ones you have chosen. Another thing that makes me happy is reading. Reading takes me to places I would never get to in my lifetime, and I can also visit old friends from Victorian times as well as into the future. May your days be filled with happiness and your evenings full of warm and cozy music.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful person she is...
ReplyDeletePearl
She does sound like an unusual and unique woman! And I do think music is important in life. sandie
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures! I love all kinds of music and find it always uplifting!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful weekend!
Becky, I love all of the same things that you do. Must be why we get along so well! Hugs,
ReplyDeleteKathy M.
I have to put in a word for my favorite Beatles song: In My Life. It's a bit more obscure than your big hits. But it suits me fine.
ReplyDeleteOh, I definitely think the Beatles had quite a few prayer-filled songs, and those you mentioned especially so.
ReplyDeleteAnd honestly, I could *hear* your sunny voice so clearly in this post. It's clear you choose to be happy and hopeful, Becky. I'm with you. ;-)
For 2nd Half of Comments: Thanks to all of you who have left comments! You know how much I appreciate it! I'll e-mail each of you later with a personal thanks! :)
ReplyDelete"Finding the music in our lives", I love that! Music is important to me.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos, pretty dog!
I completely understand about "prayerful music," Becky. I have several songs that strike me the same way, including John Lennon's "Imagine."
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
This is a STUNNING post, Becky! I'm bookmarking it for future reference.
ReplyDeleteThat was a nice post, Becky. Good job! Susan
ReplyDeleteI liked that Becky. Your post.
ReplyDeleteThumbs up!
Oh my goodness! Thanks to all of you who've left the newest comments. I really will contact you by e-mail and thank you again, personally! ....hope I remember to do that... :o
ReplyDeleteAnd nice to meet you Sparkle100!
Wonderful blog post, Becky! I also enjoy the Beatles and windchimes. In fact, outside my window where I have my "office" I have about six different sets of windchimes. I love listening to them when I write...so soothing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Oh, I love your last quote and I actually have that book! It's one of my favs! I love music...it moves me...it inspires me! I always have a song in my head! Sweet hugs, my friend!
ReplyDeleteHi, Bek, thanks for the invite to stop by your giveaway post. I've not been blogging all that much lately...haven't stopped, just haven't been online as much.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, Sonia's book sounds like an inspiring, encouraging read.
I love music as well. It really has the power to uplift, doesn't it?
Have a wonderful weekend. I assume you are rooting on the Cards. They are still in the playoffs, aren't they?
Love,
Patti
Boy, did this strike a chord, Becky! Only in the last few years have I regarded “Let It Be” as a prayer ... and taken comfort. Another? – Rod Stewart’s “Have I told you lately?”
ReplyDeleteNow, I want to prop myself in a comfy corner and really listen to “Long and Winding Road.”
Thank you again to newest comments! And nice to meet you, Linda!
ReplyDeleteLet it be...onwe of my prayer songs, too. It pays to be positive.
ReplyDeleteSonja's book looks fascinating, Becky. Thanks for sharing about it!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Vern's smile, how precious. And I so agree about music, I always find listening to music uplifting. Wonderful post and as always I love the ending quote.
I'm sure you had a great time watching your Cards last night!
Now I'm happily humming Beatles songs :-)
ReplyDeleteHello Linda and Julie and Rachel! Thank you very much for stopping and commenting. As you know, everyone who leaves a comment here is entered into the hat for the contest!
ReplyDeleteHi Becky, I'm going to try and head over to WOW. Sounds like the book you talked about will be a good read.
ReplyDeleteLove it! I am a true believer in hope, laughter and music! Singing always brings the best in me and laughing, oh boy, it is magical. My dogs have a special effect on me too... Wine??? Say no more! Cooking for AND with my family and friends savoring the spices and explosion of flavors in my mouth after a good bite is just priceless. Happy is a state of mind not a destination! Thanks for inviting us to share the joy, Becky!
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn and OJ! It's so great to hear from both of you! Thanks so much for stopping by!
ReplyDelete