"Aspire to live a quiet life, mind your own business, and work with your hands."
This is definitely some of the most wise instruction that we can live by. Not only do I think that the world needs more individuals who feel this way, but I also feel that it would lead us to living healthier and more satisfied lives.
I always enjoy taking something "Biblical" and elaborating in a way that really connects to more than just Christians or the spiritual realm. I think that we have to be willing to grow as humans in an almost separate way, before we can ever grow spiritually. (Regardless of faith) Not that I believe our spirituality is a different aspect of our life, but instead, each aspect of our lives are intertwined, yet may stand alone in regards to cultivation.
If we really pick apart this concept, we are left with three different, yet interwoven, instructions:
1.) Live a quiet life.
2.) Mind your own business.
3.) Work with your hands.
Furthermore, if we really think about how these instructions are connected to one another, I think we begin to see a more satisfying lifestyle. A lifestyle that really allows us to control our lives in a way that modern society easily forgets and gives that control to our friends, neighbors, celebrities, current trends, etc.
Let's think about it...
Live a quiet life. That is almost the complete opposite of what we are constantly being told by media. It seems that living a quiet life is viewed as submissive, weak, etc. However, have you ever tried to keep words inside your mouth, even though you wanted to just scream? It's not easy, and it takes great discipline and strength. When we embark on a more quiet lifestyle, I do not believe that means we give up our willingness or our passion. Instead, I believe that living a quiet life means that we are constantly looking at our priorities, that we speak less and listen more, we learn because we are giving others the chance to teach. With all the positives of living a quiet life, then why do we feel the need to be entertained by one medium or the other? Why?! Well, the answer lies partially in the second portion of instruction...
If I am living a lifestyle that is swamped with caring about others affairs and measuring my own worth to theirs, how would I view myself? Almost every time we measure ourselves to others we are constantly let down by what we "don't have" or "haven't achieved." Instead, if I were living a life in which I kept my thoughts inward and did not constantly measure myself to others and their possessions, I would then begin to see a more positive view of myself. Imagine not having to be involved in the day-to-day drama of the workplace or not experiencing the anxiety of having to measuring up to your friends. Why does that have to be a "dream?" The truth is that is doesn't. Everyday we make conscious decisions to involve ourselves and meddle in business that does not concern us. We feed ourselves off of that drama and we enjoy it! Why?! Well, the answer lies in the third portion of instruction...
Why is working with our hands important? Simply put, it provides us with work or a hobby that can potentially keep us from engaging in the ugliness of drama and gossip. It allows self-expression. It gives our life meaning, as well as promote a healthy relationship within oneself. We find worth by feeling capable. We find worth in the product of our work. Essentially, this work allows us to surpass the shallowness of everyday living by seeking to develop our skills and find our purpose. However, many of us, according to Maslow's Theory of Self-Actualization will never really feel like we have found our purpose. Why?! Well, the answer is simply that we fail to see the importance of the wise instructions.
Having studied both personal and organizational psychology, I appreciate a good theory. Maslow's self-actualization theory is built in a pyramid. We all start at the base of this pyramid and work our way towards self-actualization (the top tier). The tiers are as follows starting from the bottom: physiological (food, water, sleep, etc.), safety (body, employment, resources, etc.), love/belonging (family, friends, affection, intimacy, etc.), esteem (respect, self-esteem, confidence), and self-actualization (passion, creativity, problem-solving, morality).
So why is it that we struggle with making it to the top tier? I believe there are many different answers and contributing factors to the struggle. However, I think it can simply be explained by the fact that the first four tiers involve the "herd" (those who are around you). Those people affect your ability to climb to the next tier in the pyramid. The top tier, self-actualization, revolves solely on the individual. Unfortunately, it seems that is where we struggle the most. We have a hard time being able to be an individual. We are always using the collective to describe ourselves, not the individual.
This conversation on the importance of being an individual can go into many different directions, but for the sake of time, I simply hope that you think about the instructions, think about how your life could improve by simply allowing yourself to be free from the heaviness that comes with living a life that has to be "loud" or by constantly being involved in drama that you could live without. Pick up a hobby, begin to work with your hands, listen, and see what you begin to learn.
Until Next Time,
- H.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Understanding Childless Marriages
It happened during my first semester of my freshman year in high school. At fourteen years old, I stood in front of a classroom of peers and stated that I never wanted to have children. P.A.C.E. was a course in the "Freshman Academy" that was designed to help you plan life goals, understand finances, and explore opportunities based on the career/salary that you wanted. Even at fourteen years old, girls sneered at me. They all said I would "change me mind." Guess what? Almost eight years later, I am still getting those same responses and sneering looks.
Lucky for me, when I found Tyler, my husband, we agreed on most every subject - including this one. When we began to seriously date with the intention of marriage, we talked about having children a lot. For me, this would have been a deal breaker. I can guarantee that we, the childless freaks we are, have talked more about having/not having children that a lot of couples who have children. In our premarital counseling we both filled out questionnaires on child rearing and upbringing, answering "n/a." We did talk about all the usual child issues, "public/private/home schooled", "to spank or not to spank", the roles our parents would play, the responsibilities we would share, but it always came back to the fact that we just had no desire to have a child of our own. People always assume that we just skipped all the "child talk", but in reality, it was one of the most discussed issues.
Here are some of the most common assumptions I receive about being in a childless marriage:
"You must want a big house, or a lot of 'things' instead."
"You're being selfish."
"You will change your mind because everyone eventually wants/needs children."
"You can't physically have children."
"You hate children."
"Your using your pets as 'substitute' children."
I laugh at the list of assumptions because my husband is a student minister. We work with kids day in and day out. We do not hate children, we just do not want one for ourselves. However, my personal favorite is that we are selfish people. No, in fact, we sacrifice a lot of our personal time to mentor kids, take them to the mall, give them advice on relationships. We are devoted to the work we do, and we enjoy the freedom and flexibility we enjoy in our lifestyle.
Here are some of the worst remarks I have gotten on our decision to remain childless:
"I'm going to laugh when you do have kids."
"You aren't viewed with the same respect as (insert name), even though you are the same age, they have kids. You just aren't there."
"You aren't doing God's will if you choose not to have children."
"You can't fully understand God's love for you without having a child of your own."
While all of these are hurtful and have pressed me to tears, you would be shocked to find out that most of these were said to me by "friends", church members, my doctor, and in workplaces. For people who are supposed to care for us, support and respect us, but these are not statements that reflect such behavior. Most of the times I just have to blow it off and not make a scene, but deep inside I want to scream. I want to tell them that our choice to remain childless is exactly that - OUR CHOICE.
Here's the good news, I have friends and family that support our decision. My "godmother" never had children and she is one of my biggest supporters. It is such a blessing and encouragement to talk to her about her choice and how she has been able to experience life. We are super close, so it wasn't intrusive for me to ask, "Did you ever regret it?"
"Absolutely not."
I do not want anyone to walk away from this posting and think that I had some kind of traumatic experience as a child that has kept me from developing a desire for children. I had a wonderful childhood. I do not "hate" kids. I'm not infertile. Tyler and I simply love being together - just the two of us. We enjoy being able to get up and leave for an extended weekend. We love our adventures. We do not have this "incompleteness" within us, that only a child could fill. More than anything, we would appreciate, at least a little, respect for our decision. We would appreciate not being hassled every time someone around us gives birth. We want to be accepted as a family of two. We are just as much adults as anyone else who owns a home, pay all of our own bills, graduated two universities (without any college debt), two cars, two great jobs, growing our savings, zero credit card debt, takes vacations and loves on our three cats.
Here are some facts about choosing to be childless and the changing face of America:
"The 2000 Current Population Survey indicated that thirty million married couples in the United States do not have children." (We are not alone!)
"On Average, an American woman gives birth to her first child at the age of 25." (Not 20)
***If you are looking to understand more about the Childless by Choice in America, 'Two's Enough: A Couple's Guide to Living Childless by Choice' is a great read with many resources.
Until Next Time,
H.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
The Trouble With Gold
Have you ever been in a lecture hall and had that "one" student quickly writing every word that comes spewing from the professors' lips? The same student has that look of disappointment scribbled across their face if they look to you for help with the last statement, but you were too distracted by their OCDness to give any thought to the current lecture? Well, that student was me - is me. I am Gold. I embody the whole personality.
[If you are unfamiliar with the color personalities, True Colors was founded to aid people in self-assessment, within their organizations (both personal and professional) to better understand why they are the way they are. It also aids in the communication process with other colors. The colors in the personality assessment are: Blue, Green, Orange, and Gold. We all embody the colors and fall at a particular place on the spectrum. For more information on the assessment, check out - www.truecolorsintl.com]
Golds calculate everything... EVERYTHING. We are task oriented and focus on goals and the details that will get us their. I have always had a goal, always. I have checklists, and my checklists have their own checklists. I want expectations to be clearly communicated and I need structure. I need to be useful art my job. I have a hard time not planning every single aspect of my day. Just today, I was reading a novel and strategically placed a "goal bookmark" at the place I was striving to be at before I had to leave the adventure to return to my tasks for the day. It is really that bad. I am also a pusher. I am highly self-motivated, so I push myself, a lot.
So, what's the trouble with Gold? For starters, I measure myself daily in every aspect - physically, socially, emotionally, professionally, and the list goes on and on. While setting goals for myself is great, I am easily depressed if I do not exceed those goals with flying colors. I also tend to set expectations for others. I set their expectations FOR THEM. In turn, that means I am pushing them tomeet exceed them. This type of relationship with myself and others is not exactly "healthy." It is simply not fair to force your lifestyle onto someone and expect them to enjoy it. I desperately want others to share my high standards, even know I know they despise me for it.
"Hailey, why don't you just stop caring - just stop being Gold?"
I can't. This is MY personality, even with the flaws, it makes me who I am.
I can relax. I have been intentionally trying to "just be" and "waste time" in order to "let it go." Do I struggle with wanting to be productive 24/7? Sure, but the bright side is that I'm working on it. I'm working on letting friends and family be who they are and communicate based on their needs and not my own. If I want to motivate someone, I'm learning to do it on their terms.
We all have unique strengths, talents, abilities, and gifts to share - I just want to organize them alphabetically! (Ha.) Just kidding, go share your uniqueness with the world - they're all waiting.
I'll leave you with this quote from Lorenzo Snow:
-H.
[If you are unfamiliar with the color personalities, True Colors was founded to aid people in self-assessment, within their organizations (both personal and professional) to better understand why they are the way they are. It also aids in the communication process with other colors. The colors in the personality assessment are: Blue, Green, Orange, and Gold. We all embody the colors and fall at a particular place on the spectrum. For more information on the assessment, check out - www.truecolorsintl.com]
Golds calculate everything... EVERYTHING. We are task oriented and focus on goals and the details that will get us their. I have always had a goal, always. I have checklists, and my checklists have their own checklists. I want expectations to be clearly communicated and I need structure. I need to be useful art my job. I have a hard time not planning every single aspect of my day. Just today, I was reading a novel and strategically placed a "goal bookmark" at the place I was striving to be at before I had to leave the adventure to return to my tasks for the day. It is really that bad. I am also a pusher. I am highly self-motivated, so I push myself, a lot.
So, what's the trouble with Gold? For starters, I measure myself daily in every aspect - physically, socially, emotionally, professionally, and the list goes on and on. While setting goals for myself is great, I am easily depressed if I do not exceed those goals with flying colors. I also tend to set expectations for others. I set their expectations FOR THEM. In turn, that means I am pushing them to
"Hailey, why don't you just stop caring - just stop being Gold?"
I can't. This is MY personality, even with the flaws, it makes me who I am.
I can relax. I have been intentionally trying to "just be" and "waste time" in order to "let it go." Do I struggle with wanting to be productive 24/7? Sure, but the bright side is that I'm working on it. I'm working on letting friends and family be who they are and communicate based on their needs and not my own. If I want to motivate someone, I'm learning to do it on their terms.
We all have unique strengths, talents, abilities, and gifts to share - I just want to organize them alphabetically! (Ha.) Just kidding, go share your uniqueness with the world - they're all waiting.
I'll leave you with this quote from Lorenzo Snow:
"Do not expect to become perfect at once. If you do, you will be disappointed. Be better today than you were yesterday, and be better tomorrow than you were today."Until Next Time,
-H.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Thunder in the Mountains {a lonesome conversation about the great unknown}
Thunder in the Mountains
{a lonesome conversation about the great unknown}
A little over a week ago, I was living life in the middle majestic mountains of Virginia- Duffield, to be exact. On Wednesday night, the most beautiful thunderstorm came rolling in. Have you ever just sat and listened? Growing up, I loved to sit in the upstairs porch at my Nana and Pawpa's home. There is something so relaxing about listening to a storm build and build- finally giving into the lightning strikes.
"One, two, three..."
We would count those crashing sounds, figuring out just how far away the storm was... Living in Florida, thunderstorms are the normal routine for our summer evenings. I still go out and sit on the porch, waiting for the deep voice of nature. What is Thunder, exactly? Thunder- a loud rumbling or crashing noise heard after a lightning flash due to the expansion of rapidly heated air. This wondrous song of the storm is expressed because of AIR, AIR?! -how breathtaking.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
{Feel free to skip my rant... Or read it to better understand the insanity that takes place in my thought-process}
As humans, we are always searching to compare what we can't fully understand to the
simplest of things. I am no different, perhaps, I am the most foolish- when I think of
giving Thunder another, more comparable human voice, I'd give it Jeff Bridge's
voice. (Figures out I am completely off point... cue Jeff Bridges and the Abiders on
Spotify.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where was I headed? So... back to last Wednesday night, the whole point of this story. I'm laying on top of a plastic mattress on the bottom bunk. The humidity had just fallen and the stickiness was slowly beginning to leave the cabin air. As the storm begins to build, I begin to loose my thoughts to the enormity of the storm, currently brewing. In these moments, I had never felt more at peace with the fact that I am so small- so insignificant (but not in a depressing fashion). My conversation was short and I can't even remember everything I spoke, but I do know it was brief, yet astounding. Never had I been so thankful for the privilege to hear the crashing outside my window.
I hope you all are able to have a similar experience, something you struggle to explain, but that the complexity brings an enormous smile across your face.
Because I desperately love quotes, I wanted to share this one with you... "I love to feel the temperature drop and the wind increase just before a thunderstorm. Then I climb into bed with the thunder." -Amanda Mosher
P.S. - If you didwww.dreamingwithjeff.com read my blurb about Jeff Bridges, take a second to check out his latest project.
www.dreamingwithjeff.com
Most of you have probably seen the advertisements, in some form, and it is definitely worth checking out. Sleep tight!
Until Next Time,
H.
{a lonesome conversation about the great unknown}
A little over a week ago, I was living life in the middle majestic mountains of Virginia- Duffield, to be exact. On Wednesday night, the most beautiful thunderstorm came rolling in. Have you ever just sat and listened? Growing up, I loved to sit in the upstairs porch at my Nana and Pawpa's home. There is something so relaxing about listening to a storm build and build- finally giving into the lightning strikes.
"One, two, three..."
We would count those crashing sounds, figuring out just how far away the storm was... Living in Florida, thunderstorms are the normal routine for our summer evenings. I still go out and sit on the porch, waiting for the deep voice of nature. What is Thunder, exactly? Thunder- a loud rumbling or crashing noise heard after a lightning flash due to the expansion of rapidly heated air. This wondrous song of the storm is expressed because of AIR, AIR?! -how breathtaking.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
{Feel free to skip my rant... Or read it to better understand the insanity that takes place in my thought-process}
As humans, we are always searching to compare what we can't fully understand to the
simplest of things. I am no different, perhaps, I am the most foolish- when I think of
giving Thunder another, more comparable human voice, I'd give it Jeff Bridge's
voice. (Figures out I am completely off point... cue Jeff Bridges and the Abiders on
Spotify.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where was I headed? So... back to last Wednesday night, the whole point of this story. I'm laying on top of a plastic mattress on the bottom bunk. The humidity had just fallen and the stickiness was slowly beginning to leave the cabin air. As the storm begins to build, I begin to loose my thoughts to the enormity of the storm, currently brewing. In these moments, I had never felt more at peace with the fact that I am so small- so insignificant (but not in a depressing fashion). My conversation was short and I can't even remember everything I spoke, but I do know it was brief, yet astounding. Never had I been so thankful for the privilege to hear the crashing outside my window.
I hope you all are able to have a similar experience, something you struggle to explain, but that the complexity brings an enormous smile across your face.
Because I desperately love quotes, I wanted to share this one with you... "I love to feel the temperature drop and the wind increase just before a thunderstorm. Then I climb into bed with the thunder." -Amanda Mosher
P.S. - If you didwww.dreamingwithjeff.com read my blurb about Jeff Bridges, take a second to check out his latest project.
www.dreamingwithjeff.com
Most of you have probably seen the advertisements, in some form, and it is definitely worth checking out. Sleep tight!
Until Next Time,
H.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
10 Essential Vinyls for Every Collector
I bought my first album, Bob Dylan's Planet Waves, nearly four years ago. At the time, I did not own a record player, I knew nothing about a vinyl being "warped" or had a clue that I would become addicted to searching hours on end in stores for a single record.
Being the old soul and "purist" that I am, it only seemed right that my first vinyl be a work from my creative hero. For years I just kept the record out. I displayed it, I dusted it, and finally I put it away in a box. When I finally bought a record player, it was the first album I wished I had to slap down, but that honor went to John Denver's Back Home Again. That Dylan album I purchased so many years ago was still in a box in Tennessee.
All of that to say... collecting vinyl is a fun, unique, frustrating hobby for any music lover. As I sit here, typing away at my first blog post and Johnny Cash's Live at San Quentin plays, I have been thinking of the essentials any vinyl lover should have in their collection. I don't mean The Beatles' Revolver or Michael Jackson's Thriller (while they are both great pieces), I mean vinyls that have a reason for being one of those selected pieces that make you really love digging around in crates, searching for the next addition. So here they are, the Top 10 Essential Vinyls:
10. A vinyl that makes you laugh. Yes, laugh.
: Beach Boys' Party! "You know I can't read!" "Ba-ba-ba you don't know how to sing!" These two quotes get me every time. I just loose it laughing when I hear them trying to figure out what key they agreed to sing Barbara Ann in. Then, during the middle of the song they are laughing because half of them are seconds behind in the song... Literally, I die laughing.
9. A vinyl that holds that coveted honor of being your "favorite."
: Tom Petty & The Heart Breakers' Pack Up the Plantation Live! This album though. Tom Petty is definitely the best performance I have seen live. His energy and the love you could feel between the band and the fans was surreal. The little girl beside us immediately started screaming when the first few lines of American Girl were sang. Every song on this album makes my heart smile. I think one of the most amazing things about this album is the fact that I feel that I could have been at this concert and felt that same energy. Good musicians are timeless.
8. A vinyl that you can close your eyes, and literally be back at the concert when you first heard their song.
: Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young's Deja vu. Back in 2011, I saw Tom Petty and his opening act was Crosby, Stills, and Nash. At first it was going to be ZZ Top (which I was stoked about), but then they entered our leg of the tour. I was pleasantly surprised, and they have since been one of my favorite bands to collect. Teach Your Children was stuck in my head for months after that show. Every time I put this album on, I listen to that track first, and then start the album at the beginning of side A. It never fails.
7. A vinyl that challenges you. Maybe an album that you haven't completely decided if you love it or hate it.
: Various, Woodstock Two. While I LOVE my Woodstock album, I feel that Woodstock Two was a sad attempt to compile some of my least favorite songs from the event. At the same time, it has some of the most influential artists of the day. I feel conflicted because I want to love it as much as the first album, but I always feel like I am left a little underwhelmed.
6. A vinyl that makes you forget all your worries.
: James Taylor's Sweet Baby James. I am embarrassed to admit the first time I really remember hearing Fire and Rain, but I remember it so vividly that I can't lie about it. One late night in my middle school years, a PBS infomercial on The Best of the 60s was on and my dad and I kept it on repeat for hours (or so it seemed). Every time that track played, I couldn't help but sing along. I love James Taylor, and that song is definitely (in my opinion) his most beautiful work.
5. A vinyl you can cry to when your heart feels broken.
: Florence + The Machine's Lungs. This album kept me alive through high school. I relied on having these songs to comfort me through some of my most helpless moments. Whether I was angry, hurt, furious, or simply sad, there was always a track or two to turn on and just let it out. Dog Days Are Over inspired me to pick myself back up and dance it out.
4. A vinyl that you bought on a whim.
: Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Willie Nelson's Walking the Line. "What could be better than all three on one album?" That is the exact thought that entered my head when I went to purchase this album. Willie has definitely been a friend to me. I really didn't know anything about the album, but it was a positive experience because nothing is better than hearing Merle and Willie sing Half a Man.
3. A vinyl that reminds you of "home."
: John Cougar Mellencamp's Scarecrow. I grew up listening to "Oldies 96.3" and until the age of thirteen, I definitely thought those songs were "current." There is no telling how many times I have listened to this album. I know every song like the back of my hand. I get pumped up listening to The Face of the Nation and Justice and Independence. The whole album is full of tracks that I remember riding around listening to with my family. I was convinced Small Town was written about everyone in my hometown.
2. A vinyl that brings to life a person that has been gone far too long.
: Chet Atkens's Back Home Hymns. I always listen to this album with my eyes closed. I can hear Nana sing the missing lyrics from this instrumental piece. Chet Atkins is absolutely one of the most talented guitarist to ever live. I always get excited when I see his other pieces floating around in those special wooden crates out-and-about. In the Garden and The Old Rugged Cross were some of her favorites. I pretend that she is singing like she used to, sometimes even in her sleep. Thanks Chet, for bringing me that special connection.
1. A vinyl that makes you remember why falling in love is the most special emotion any two people can share.
: Florence + The Machine's Ceremonials. All This and Heaven Too. I love this song, and I feel like it accurately paints the beautiful and raw picture of what true love is, the ultimate struggle to have the right words or convey just exactly how you feel. I also love loving this song because it unveils love in almost every sense. Love isn't always romantic, sometimes it is wholesome, comforting, and relentless.
I promise, no matter if your collection is 20 pieces or 4,500 pieces, if you have all 10 of these essentials, your collection is amazing. You are doing it right.
Until Next Time,
H.
Being the old soul and "purist" that I am, it only seemed right that my first vinyl be a work from my creative hero. For years I just kept the record out. I displayed it, I dusted it, and finally I put it away in a box. When I finally bought a record player, it was the first album I wished I had to slap down, but that honor went to John Denver's Back Home Again. That Dylan album I purchased so many years ago was still in a box in Tennessee.
All of that to say... collecting vinyl is a fun, unique, frustrating hobby for any music lover. As I sit here, typing away at my first blog post and Johnny Cash's Live at San Quentin plays, I have been thinking of the essentials any vinyl lover should have in their collection. I don't mean The Beatles' Revolver or Michael Jackson's Thriller (while they are both great pieces), I mean vinyls that have a reason for being one of those selected pieces that make you really love digging around in crates, searching for the next addition. So here they are, the Top 10 Essential Vinyls:
10. A vinyl that makes you laugh. Yes, laugh.
: Beach Boys' Party! "You know I can't read!" "Ba-ba-ba you don't know how to sing!" These two quotes get me every time. I just loose it laughing when I hear them trying to figure out what key they agreed to sing Barbara Ann in. Then, during the middle of the song they are laughing because half of them are seconds behind in the song... Literally, I die laughing.
9. A vinyl that holds that coveted honor of being your "favorite."
: Tom Petty & The Heart Breakers' Pack Up the Plantation Live! This album though. Tom Petty is definitely the best performance I have seen live. His energy and the love you could feel between the band and the fans was surreal. The little girl beside us immediately started screaming when the first few lines of American Girl were sang. Every song on this album makes my heart smile. I think one of the most amazing things about this album is the fact that I feel that I could have been at this concert and felt that same energy. Good musicians are timeless.
8. A vinyl that you can close your eyes, and literally be back at the concert when you first heard their song.
: Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young's Deja vu. Back in 2011, I saw Tom Petty and his opening act was Crosby, Stills, and Nash. At first it was going to be ZZ Top (which I was stoked about), but then they entered our leg of the tour. I was pleasantly surprised, and they have since been one of my favorite bands to collect. Teach Your Children was stuck in my head for months after that show. Every time I put this album on, I listen to that track first, and then start the album at the beginning of side A. It never fails.
7. A vinyl that challenges you. Maybe an album that you haven't completely decided if you love it or hate it.
: Various, Woodstock Two. While I LOVE my Woodstock album, I feel that Woodstock Two was a sad attempt to compile some of my least favorite songs from the event. At the same time, it has some of the most influential artists of the day. I feel conflicted because I want to love it as much as the first album, but I always feel like I am left a little underwhelmed.
6. A vinyl that makes you forget all your worries.
: James Taylor's Sweet Baby James. I am embarrassed to admit the first time I really remember hearing Fire and Rain, but I remember it so vividly that I can't lie about it. One late night in my middle school years, a PBS infomercial on The Best of the 60s was on and my dad and I kept it on repeat for hours (or so it seemed). Every time that track played, I couldn't help but sing along. I love James Taylor, and that song is definitely (in my opinion) his most beautiful work.
5. A vinyl you can cry to when your heart feels broken.
: Florence + The Machine's Lungs. This album kept me alive through high school. I relied on having these songs to comfort me through some of my most helpless moments. Whether I was angry, hurt, furious, or simply sad, there was always a track or two to turn on and just let it out. Dog Days Are Over inspired me to pick myself back up and dance it out.
4. A vinyl that you bought on a whim.
: Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Willie Nelson's Walking the Line. "What could be better than all three on one album?" That is the exact thought that entered my head when I went to purchase this album. Willie has definitely been a friend to me. I really didn't know anything about the album, but it was a positive experience because nothing is better than hearing Merle and Willie sing Half a Man.
3. A vinyl that reminds you of "home."
: John Cougar Mellencamp's Scarecrow. I grew up listening to "Oldies 96.3" and until the age of thirteen, I definitely thought those songs were "current." There is no telling how many times I have listened to this album. I know every song like the back of my hand. I get pumped up listening to The Face of the Nation and Justice and Independence. The whole album is full of tracks that I remember riding around listening to with my family. I was convinced Small Town was written about everyone in my hometown.
2. A vinyl that brings to life a person that has been gone far too long.
: Chet Atkens's Back Home Hymns. I always listen to this album with my eyes closed. I can hear Nana sing the missing lyrics from this instrumental piece. Chet Atkins is absolutely one of the most talented guitarist to ever live. I always get excited when I see his other pieces floating around in those special wooden crates out-and-about. In the Garden and The Old Rugged Cross were some of her favorites. I pretend that she is singing like she used to, sometimes even in her sleep. Thanks Chet, for bringing me that special connection.
1. A vinyl that makes you remember why falling in love is the most special emotion any two people can share.
: Florence + The Machine's Ceremonials. All This and Heaven Too. I love this song, and I feel like it accurately paints the beautiful and raw picture of what true love is, the ultimate struggle to have the right words or convey just exactly how you feel. I also love loving this song because it unveils love in almost every sense. Love isn't always romantic, sometimes it is wholesome, comforting, and relentless.
I promise, no matter if your collection is 20 pieces or 4,500 pieces, if you have all 10 of these essentials, your collection is amazing. You are doing it right.
Until Next Time,
H.
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