Music is my Therapy

Song: Better Days Artist: The Goo Goo Dolls It's the last day of November!! You know what that means.... CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER ! ! 🎄🎅🤶🧧🎁🍬🍪⭐ Which also means that my annual Musical Christmas Advent is about to get started!!! I can't wait!! Christmas music all day, e'rey dayyyyyy!!  Speaking of Christmas music, although not originally a Christmas song, this Goo Goo Dolls classic made it's way on their FIRST EVER CHRISTMAS ALBUM!!! And it is so pure! 😭 I was quite surprised the first time I listened to this "Christmasfied" version several weeks ago. Instead of those familiar gravelly tones of John, a sweet and adorable voice of a very young child filled my ears! I wasn't expecting it at all and at first, I didn't know what to think! Was it cheesy? Cringey? Do I want Johnny!?! But, after my initial shock wore off, it's become one of my favorite tracks from the album!! There is something so pure and sweet about a child singin...

Song: Be A Light Artist: Thomas Rhett (feat. Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin & Keith Urban) Man, I am SO GRATEFUL for the CMA's this year because I was introduced to some PHENOMONAL music!! 🙏😭 I hope this song becomes the ANTHEM for my country and for the world. This song inspires me to "be a light." It doesn't matter what others might be doing and saying around me, I can choose to be the bigger person. I can choose to be: "peace" in a "time full of war." I can choose to "believe" in a "time full of doubt." In a "world full of HATE " BE A LIGHT! ✨ In a time full of war, be peace In a time full of doubt, just believe Yeah, there ain't that much difference  Between you and me In a time full of war, be peace In a world full of hate, be a light When you do somebody wrong, make it right Don't hide in the dark, you were born to shine In a world full of hate, be a light (La-la-la, la, la, la, la...

Song: Thank You Artist: Pentatonix More PTX comin' at you! (And be prepared for a lot more this upcoming Christmas season!). A new original Christmas song from their new holiday album! I'll be honest, it's still growing on me.... 😳 Shocking! I know. But, with a title like Thank You, how could I not share it during this month of gratitude and thanksgiving? I'd like to say THANK YOU to the people who impact my life on a daily and regular basis: my family & pup (obviously), the President and Prophet of my church , my bishop, my friends, healthcare workers (the world over!), doctors (including my awesome veterinarian!) & scientists, grocery store employees, delivery men (mailmen, truck drivers, Amazon workers, etc.), military men & women, artists (such a Pentatonix, Hanson, Josh Groban, Goo Goo Dolls & countless others who strive to put out good, uplifting music into the world) and so many more! I would be remiss to not include my Savior Jesus Christ and...

Song: Starting Over Artist: Chris Stapleton Well the road rolls out like a welcome mat To a better place than the one we're at And I ain't got no kinda plan But I've had all of this town I can stand And I got friends out on the coast We can jump in the water and see what floats We've been saving for a rainy day Let's beat the storm and be on our way It don't matter to me Wherever we are is where I wanna be And, honey, for once in our life Let's take our chances and roll the dice I can be your lucky penny, you can be my four-leaf clover Starting over This might not be an easy time There's rivers to cross and hills to climb Some days we might fall apart And some nights might feel cold and dark When nobody wins afraid of losing And the hard roads are the ones worth choosing Some day we'll look back and smile And know it was worth every mile It don't matter to me Wherever we are is where I wanna be And, honey, for once in our life Let's take our...

Song: My Favorite Things Artist: Pentatonix Continuing on with my Grateful for Music posts because I still have a few more songs I need to share! Yesterday , during the parade, Pentatonix performed their version of this Rodger & Hammerstein classic (which is featured on their new holiday album btw!) and I am in love!! 🤍As usual, they gave it that iconic PTX spin, making it their own, but not straying too far from the original that we all know and love! I've never considered this to be a "Christmas" song and have always been confused why so many artists have covered it for their Christmas albums but... thanks to PTX I'll accept it now! 😉 Warm woolen mittens, brown paper packages tied up with strings, sleigh bells, snowflakes that stay on my nose and eye lashes, silver white winters. Yeah, I can see it!  It's the simple things that make life worth living.... what are some of your "favorite things?"  One of mine is music and lately, it's been t...

Song: Thanksgiving Song Artist: Ben Rector  HAPPY THANKSGIVING Y'ALL!! 🦃🙏 What a wonderful day! Great food, great company, safety, warmth, happiness, joy, togetherness, pie, laughter, games, family, LOVE!! 💛💛 Today was perfect. I am beyond blessed. 🙏 Today, I am grateful for: my family, my sweet puppy, mine and my family's health, having my taste/scent, my grandma, my aunt, food, traditions, music, safety, warmth, and that The Macey's Thanksgiving Day Parade still happened this year! This year, EVERY member of my family helped prepare the food, which was a BLAST (if a bit crowded in the kitchen! 😜). This year, the FOOD was all BOMB!! Every, single dish turned out perfect! This year, I still got to watch the Parade (which is one of my most favorite Thanksgiving traditions). I'm so grateful COVID didn't take that away from us! And some of my faves performed during the parade (Goo Goo Dolls & PTX both of which killed it!). This year, I was able to go vi...

Song: Celebrate Me Home Artist: Josh Groban I had to highlight at least one new song from Josh Groban's *NEW* album Harmony ! I didn't get to listen to as much Josh as I would have liked to this month this year 😥 But that's alright, because I discovered and listened to a lot of great new music (that I have shared throughout the month). Besides, Josh will always be there, it doesn't have to be just during November!  I feel this song is the PERFECT gateway to my Thanksgiving celebrations (which begin  TOMORROW! ). This year is going to be super special and intimate. I'll be with just my immediate family, we all get to help make all of our favorite foods for our Thanksgiving feast and just enjoy one another's company. I can't wait! It's truly a celebration this year as I have so much family back home! We all finally live within the same state/doable driving distance. No more siblings living across the country! Christmas is going to be even more specta...

Song: Count Your Blessings Artist: Amy Grant An appropriate song for this week don't you think? I find this song to be very beautiful and peaceful. I want to start counting my blessings every day and every time I feel down. Maybe I'll even try it at night (since I've been struggling to sleep lately). I know my list will be endless, especially reflecting on this year! As difficult as the year has been, I have been the recipient of so many blessings!  When I'm worried and I can't sleep I count my blessings instead of sheep And I fall asleep counting my blessings When my bankroll is getting small I think of when I had none at all And I fall asleep counting my blessings I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds If you're worried and you can't sleep Just count your blessings instead of sheep And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads And one...

Song:  Stand By You Artist: Peter Hollens (feat. The Hound + The Fox) I have been in LOVE with this song this week! It's so beautiful!! Peter Hollens has been featured here a lot the past little while.... I guess this year, "Josh Groban Month" became "Youtube's-Josh-Groban-Peter-Hollens-Month!" 😁 What can I say? I've been really enjoying Peter's most recent album! I hope there is someone who comes to mind who can stand by YOU during the tough times of life. There are many who come to mind for me personally. My goal is to appreciate those people more. 🧡 Oh, why you look so sad? The tears are in your eyes Come on and come to me now Don't be ashamed to cry Let me see you through 'Cause I've seen the dark side too When the night falls on you Don't know what to do Nothing you confess Could make me love you less I'll stand by you I'll stand by you Won't let nobody hurt you I'll stand by you So if you're mad, get ma...

Song: Prayer of Thanksgiving Artist: Hymns , pg. 93 Happy Week of Thanksgiving ! ! 🙏🦃 I can't believe how fast this month has flown by!! I guess getting COVID and quarantining really took up a good chunk of my time! As difficult and emotionally draining as the last two weeks have been, I am overwhelmed with GRATITUDE!! My family and I have been beyond blessed!! I am so grateful that we are all recovering with no serious problems or side-effects, that our symptoms were mild, that my puppy dog was blessed with his health and didn't contract the virus, that I never lost my TASTE (this was actually a huge concern for me people!!)! Feeling extra grateful today.  I hope to make this next week one of gratitude in all that I do and say. I hope to find opportunities to reach out and serve. I know I am so blessed. I'm feeling really emotional because as difficult as this year has been, I know that I have so much to be thankful for and I'm feeling that! From my family, h...

Song: In the Ghetto Artist: Reba McEntire & Darius Rucker I heard this song for the very first time this week while I was watching the CMA's. Wow! This song hit me right in the FEELS!! 😰😭 Reba McEntire & Darius Rucker were PHENOMONAL!! Even though this song brings tears to my eyes, I'm posting it as my "grateful song" because this message is so important. This song makes me feel the same way the song  Man in the Mirror makes me feel! It makes me want to look inside myself and seriously think of a way I can make a change. For this world! Starting in my own community. The lyrics of this song break my heart but at the same time fuel my fire for change! What can I do? I need to figure that out. This song has been on repeat in my mind. The melody is beautiful, the lyrics heart-wrenching, the message: RECIEVED . I'm so blessed to live where I do. In a safe community, with a wonderful home and family. But I'm sure that if I drive even just 15 minutes ...

Song: Tomorrow Artist: From, Annie Since yesterday's post was low-key depressing (even though the song is super positive!) I decided to try to be extra happy and optimistic today! I have been a fan of the musical Annie since I was teeny-tiny. I have loved the music all my life and this song has been an inspiration to me for many years. The theme song to every bad day, the reminder that we can try again Tomorrow is something I need reminding of regularly. Every day is a new day to try again! 🌞🌻💛 The sun'll come out Tomorrow Bet your bottom dollar That tomorrow There'll be sun Just thinkin' about Tomorrow Clears away the cobwebs And the sorrow 'Til there's none When I'm stuck with a day That's gray And lonely I just stick out my chin And grin And say Oh The sun'll come out Tomorrow So ya gotta hang on 'Til tomorrow Come what may Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya, tomorrow You're always a day away When I'm stuck with a day That's gray A...

Song: I Hope You Dance Artist: Lee Ann Womack Since today is my mother's birthday, I thought this song would be incredibly fitting to share. Why? Because, all my life, whenever this song would come on the radio, my mom would tell me how she always thought of me whenever she heard this song. I don't know if it's because of something I did or said at one point in my childhood or something she saw in me back then, but for some reason or other she has always associated this song with me. It's a beautiful song. But it's one I feel undeserving of and that I feel I have disappointed my mom by. I suppose, as a parent (not being a parent myself, I can't really be sure) but I assume that you want the best for your children. You want them to have everything good in life. I know that's what my mom desires for each of her children. Again, I don't know why my mom associates this song with me as I have never amounted to anything. I have never taken a risk in my life,...

Song: Corner of the Sky Artist: Jackson 5 I discovered this song last year. It was while I was attempting to listen to everything (I could find) by MJ. I was never 100% successful with that challenge, but I got pretty darn close! I remember thinking this song was catchy, but that was about it. It at least made my Jackson 5/Young MJ/The Jacksons playlist! Fast-forward to just this past summer when I happened to notice Ben Platt had recently covered this song. To make a long story short, I discovered this is a song from a musical called Pippin (which, the music was written by the same man who wrote the music for Wicked, Stephen Schwarz). Also, remember the song Morning Glow ? I posted it two years ago during this challenge? Yeah, apparently that song is also from the musical Pippen! Guess the Jackson bros were big fans? I mean, I'm not complaining, I love both versions (Jackson 5/Michael & original) of both songs! And I'm thrilled to have all a part of my musical library!! ...

Song: Seasons of Love Artist: Pentatonix From PTX's new Christmas album ! (it's technically not a Christmas song therefore I can share it today!). I think this song represents what the world needs a lot of right now... LOVE 💚  I've always enjoyed this song (see additional versions below!) and Pentatonix did a great job! Kirstin hits that high note at the end and it got me like 😲 To be honest, I'm still not totally sure how I feel about it... it starts off sounding almost like a screech... Mitch would probably have been better suited on that one but after the first 1/2 second (where it sounds a little more like  screaming than singing ) she brings it back with some good riffs and it mellows out and sounds good. Anyway, I love this song and I hope you enjoy listening to it! Let's make every season a Season of Love all throughout the year(s) to come! 525, 600 minutes 525, 000 moments so dear 525, 600 minutes How do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in suns...

Song: Loch Lomond Artist: Peter Hollens feat. David Archuleta I guess I'm on a Peter Hollens kick right now! Today is another gorgeous duet between the talented Peter Hollens and David Archuleta. Their voices sound so good together!! 💙 I discovered this song about the same time I discovered yesterdays song (although it's from a different Peter Hollens album ). I hope you enjoy! By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond Where me and my true love will never meet again On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond O you take the high road, and I'll take the low road And I'll be in Scotland afore ye But me and my true love will never meet again On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond The wee birdies sing and the wild flowers spring And in sunshine the waters are sleeping But the broken heart it kens, nae second spring again Though the woeful may cease from their grieving O you take the high road, and I'll take the low roa...

Song: It Is Well with My Soul Artist: Peter Hollens feat. David Archuleta It's anotha Peter song! I hope you enjoy this beautiful hymn from Peter Hollens and David Archuleta. I appreciate the message and inspiring lyrics of this song. It really helps set my mind at ease. I discovered this song only a few short weeks ago, after discovering Peter Hollens had released a brand new album Legendary Covers Volume 2: Inspire . It's a fantastic album in whole and I highly recommend you check it out. When peace, like a river Attendeth my way When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot Thou has taught me to say It is well, it is well, with my soul It is well, with my soul It is well, with my soul It is well, it is well, with my soul My sin-oh, the bliss of This glorious thought My sin-not in part but the whole Is nailed to the cross And I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul It is well (it is well), with my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well, with my ...

Song: Into the West Artist: Peter Hollens Featuring some Peter Hollens today! I love his Misty Mountains album that came out a few years ago. It features songs and music from The Lord of the Rings films. I was actually introduced to Peter Hollens after finding his cover of I See Fire on youtube back in probably 2015 ( maybe 2014... I can't remember!). I bought his Misty Mountains CD for my brother (who is a HUGE Lord of the Rings fan) and this was his favorite song from the album. It's become one of my favorites as well, it's GORGEOUS! Peter Hollens does Lord of the Rings music justice! I highly recommend you check out all of his Misty Mountains videos ! I hope they help soothe your troubled mind and heart. He's basically the youtube version of Josh Groban! 😉 Lay down Your sweet and weary head Night is falling You've come to journey's end Sleep now And dream of the ones who came before They are calling From across the distant shore Why do you weep? What a...

Song: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) Artist: Pentatonix Literally sobbing 😭😭 Not only because this is one of the most beautiful, powerful and spiritual songs EVER but because Pentatonix didn't let me down this year!!! They just released, today , a * BRAND NEW* , full-length holiday album Pentatonix We Need A Little Christmas ! I had been waiting for signs of new Christmas music from them all throughout October (since that's when they usually hint or announce new holiday music is coming, sometimes even as early as late September!) but this year, there was nothing. They were busy promoting their upcoming album of original music - Pentatonix Lucky Ones - but it's not available until February 2021! Don't get me wrong, I'm STOKED for new PTX original tunes (and I love the two singles they've shared thus far) but PTX has consistently released Christmas music for the past 9 years and during this very heavy and difficult year, I was really hoping and looking ...

Song: Standing Outside the Fire Artist: Garth Brooks My current ANTHEM! As of, right now, this very day, this very minute! It's been a rough week for me... my whole family has come down with COVID (I mean, we're still waiting on test results but the symptoms are pretty accurate). As for myself, I haven't shown many symptoms except for a cough (but it's not severe, it could just as easily be a common cold), an off-and-on sore throat and the occasional headache. I hope to get tested on Saturday. I've been stressed and paranoid ( again !) because of my dog and his age. I'm doing the very best that I can and letting the Lord do the rest. I have to just trust in my Lord and Savior and that He has everything under control. It's all in His hands now. OK, the worrying-venting-complaining portion of this post is DONE.  Moving on... I heard this song back in June while riding in the car with my country music lovin' brother-in-law and sister 🤠 We were taking a ...