My apologies for being a bit scarce the last few weeks – this week will be even more so, as we await for news about my dad. Some of you know that he had a major stroke a while back, followed by water on the brain – both of which he recovered from, but the onset of dementia coupled with his fall off an 8-foot ladder a year-and-a-half ago got the better of him, as he’s been in a care facility ever since.

The past few weeks have been fraught with worry, as his condition has been on a steady decline. I’ll fill you in on the details tomorrow, but let’s just say the end is near. Here’s a picture of my dad and mom from the years before the stroke (sorry about the flash wash-out, I think this was back in the 90’s-ish):

Meanwhile, it’s Monday, and Monday means music! For the month of June, our Spotlight Dancer is our very own Head Conductor of her brain child Monday’s Music Moves Me, Marie from Xmas Dolly! She has chosen the theme for this week, which is “1st song is a Birthday song for mooowahhhh (it’s the 13th) & THEN I want songs that start with the first letter of your first name & same for last name you know mix em’ up (first or last)”. Let’s get this party started!

Let’s start with a celebration of another trip around the sun for our fearless leader, Xmas Dolly! She’s been having a rough go of it lately, too – a hospital stay and computer issues, hence her absence in the interwebs as of late as well. Here’s hoping she’s feeling better, and her computer isn’t causing her problems, so she can enjoy her fabulous birthday coming up on Thursday! Happy Birthday, Marie!!

I couldn’t decide between the Minions and Mr. Rogers, so because it’s your special day, I figured why the heck not both? Plus, pay special attention to the beginning of this video, dear Marie – especially with the amount of candles on your cake this year… mwahahaha! 

Now on to the music – first up, a song to represent “S” for Stacy, this artist joined up with a duo to pen this melancholy acoustic ballad for the soundtrack to the movie The Hunger Games. The artist and duo were asked to write from The Hunger Games protagonist Katniss’ perspective. The artist was quoted as saying:

“[Lionsgate] said, ‘We want you to really understand [Katniss”] and know completely where she’s coming from. And we were given such an amazing opportunity to do that by Suzanne Collins, who wrote the books, and Jennifer Lawrence, who portrayed Katniss.

We had this idea that we wanted the song to be about the empathy that goes into this film. And the undertones of like, sympathy and human compassion that go along with such an incredible film with all this action and fighting in it. We wanted to highlight the fact that there’s a lot of heart beneath all that.”

Here’s Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars with “Safe & Sound”:

Next up, representing the letter “J” for Johnson, is a song from a favorite artist who, as far as I’m concerned, became a Superstar during her stint on American Idol because she was that good each and every week.  She totally deserved to win.  Her career since AI has been phenomenal – she’s grown so much as an artist, but she hasn’t let all her fame go to her head, continuing to show the world what an amazing person and artist she is as she continues to exude grace.

She’s one of the few artists I look forward to – and purchase – each new album as it comes out, but she’s one of the few that also doesn’t just crank out albums to have a bunch out there and hope people love them.  She takes her time with each album, making sure they’re right, and so far she has not disappointed.

This is one of her first songs that flew to the top of the charts shortly after her Idol victory (and a song that Princess Nagger loved to sing – and would shush me so she could sing it all by herself back then in her 4-year old voice).

Here’s the gorgeous and talented Carrie Underwood with “Jesus Take The Wheel”:

Next up, another representation for “S”, is a song that pokes fun at people’s obsessions with taking “selfies”. The selfie-stick smashing lyrics and jokes about funeral photo ops make the track worth a listen – the song is a goofy and  listen.

Without further ado, here’s the inimitable Brad Paisley with “selfie#theinternetisforever”:

Next up, representing “J”, is a song that was the first single from this artist’s new album a few of years ago. When the song was sent to him, he loved it so much that right before he walked out on stage for a performance a while back, he thought he’d play the song solo acoustic to see what the audience thought.

Flash forward, and he said there’s no doubt that their response that day helped make it the first single from what was his next album at the time.

The song title resonated deeply with him, particularly since he considers it a poetic use of the three John’s and what each represent to him. The song also references many more well-known names, including John Wayne, Kris Kristofferson, Don McLean, and Marilyn Monroe.

The artist performed the full version of this song live on stage for the first time during the CMT Music Awards on June 10, 2015. One of the songwriters explained how the three titular Johns tie in together:

“John Cougar references all the sort of sexual tension of teenage angst all of us were growing up in. John Deere represents the way that our parents worked and what we saw living in the country, and of course [there’s] the element of religion. And [there’s] irony in John Cougar starting the line, and John 3:16 ending the line because that was the push and pull of that teenage thing.”

Give a listen to Keith Urban with “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”:

Last, but certainly not least, one more song representing “S” from an artist who used to be on One Tree Hill, and on this song, she received big props from her former co-star, who tweeted out a link to this song saying she’s obsessed with it.

It’s an uptempo, -sounding tune featuring tongue-in-cheek lines like,

“Wish you’d talk more about yourself () / Treat me to a motel () / Show me your prison cell () / Yeah, love is always real on reality TV … I don’t need your love and affection / Your undivided attention when we’re together (we’re together) / I don’t need to be your one and only, I’m happier when I’m lonely / Don’t want love to last forever / .”

Here’s the adorable and talented Jana Kramer with “Said No One Ever”:

That’s a wrap for this week – have a great Monday! See you on the dance floor!

Now on to the particulars of Monday’s Music Move’s Me:   PhotobucketI have the supreme honor and privilege of being a co-host with the inimitable Xmas Dolly and our musical cohort, the awesome Cathy from Curious as a CAThy, and while our beloved Callie of JAmerican Spice is taking a break, our friend Michelle from Musings and Merriments with Michelle is helping out with hostess duties!

Want to join in the fun? It’s easy – just find a tune that rocks your boat, post it and link up – don’t forget to grab Xmas Dolly…er, um, I mean her button…over at her place here. Check out Xmas Dolly’s sidebar for the random themes we sport each week – and you can always ask for a specific theme of music you like, too. Check out the other music lovahs and let’s jam!

INTRODUCING OUR “SPOTLIGHT DANCER”:

Marie From Xmas Dolly



8 Comments

  1. Nice music set today. I see that when some great minds think alike Minions come front and center. I do think country music does allow the artists to develop their music and their style more completely that some other genres although I still think the 90’s country sound was better than most of today’s offerings. Carrie and Brad are probably two of the exceptions to that comment, but I still like Dwight Yoakam, Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Martina McBride better than most of today’s artists.

  2. Stacy,

    I know it’s hard to deal with your dad’s declining health over the years and it makes me sad to know that his days are coming to an end in this life. You’re ever in my thoughts and prayers, darlin’ sweet furriend. Praying for peace to engulf you and your family with the inevitable nearby. Thank for making time to join Marie’s birthday party. I loved your mewsic set, especially ‘Safe & Sound’ by Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars. Have a boogietastic week if possible, my dear! 😘

  3. Sorry to hear about your dad. I know it’s tough losing a parent.

    Good song choices! Let’s hope they contribute to Marie getting well.

  4. I’m glad I stopped by. I shall be praying for your daddy… I can see where you get your beauty girlfriend… not only one parent, but both are a very handsome couple to say the least. I’ve not only had computer problems that I cannot afford to fix (but workin’ on it), but I’ve been very ill with… well, let’s just say very ill. It’s something and I cannot think of the word. it’s the sickness people get on cruise ships (hahahaha that’s a good one like I’d ever go near one of those) and I’ve lost 14 lbs in 3 days… I need to lose weight, but DANG!!! Unfortunately cannot shake this bugger, but it seems to be slowing down, but SLOWLY! BUMMER! Great tunes girlfriend and all my favorites! BIG HUGS – miss you!!!

  5. Stacy, you had talented parents, and it’s an honor that you shared these pictures (from this post and the next one) with us. Again, I am so sorry. You picked some fun songs here (Brad Paisley’s song should be required singing in all middle and high schools!) with Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Jana Kramer. “Jesus Take the Wheel” is a classic now. I hope to rock and bop with your selections the next time you are up to rejoining us. Music is a healer, at least it is for me.

  6. I am sorry to hear about your dad. I hope there is good news about him.

    I remember when “Jesus Takes the Wheel” was popular when I was in high school. I also like the Taylor Swift song, I love her country music and I hated that she went to pop. I never heard of Jana Kramer and her song was a nice listen!

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