I am compiling a list of songs. Songs that make you feel good. That DO NOT remind you of infertility or loss. That are the antithesis of infertility or loss. They may, inadvertently, be tied to your journey because they were playing at a certain time. But the songs I want are the ultimate throw open the windows and drive around feeling good mix CD. The songs you play to feel empowered. I will kick it off with Pink's "Get the Party Started." I will also add the St. Elmo's Fire theme (thank you, Serenity!), "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles, and "Break My Stride" by Matthew Wilder. You favourite songs to get you in a good mood. The ones that make your heart burst a little as you're singing along. Run with that and add to the list via the comments section or an email. And yes, another icon for the sidebar is forthcoming. A record perhaps instead of a CD, showing our age.
I am beyond moved that Julie passed me the blogroll torch and I hope to make her proud. Reading that post was sort of like finding out that the Queen was coming to dinner with ten minutes notice. I figuratively ran around like a chicken with her head cut off through the blogroll fretting--but there are double entries, there are blogs to be moved, there are not enough clickers! And then I set out the good china (which, by the way, my sister was right. We should have never registered for it. We still haven't used it because we can't decide whether it should be meat or dairy--little wink to all my Jewy Kosher Jews out there) and smoothed the napkins and said, "welcome, your majesty." And I did one of those low curtsies...figuratively, of course.
Which is just a long way of saying, welcome if you're here for the first time.
- If you want to be added to the blogroll, just send me an email at thetowncriers@gmail.com.
- Helps me out tremendously if you pick your own category.
- You can move around to a new category at any point (just send me an email again).
- Would love it if you put a link to the blogroll back on your own blog so more people (in other words, new bloggers) find it as they read your blog.
- The sidebar on my blog is usually a few days more up-to-date than the blogroll post (I add first to the sidebar and then cut-and-paste the list every few days into the post) so you will show up on the sidebar first.
- Since lots of requests are coming in, I probably won't be able to email back to let you know when it's up, so check the sidebar. I'm a crazy multi-tasker who gets very little sleep so it's usually up within a day or so.
It is time to rock the vote. Head over to Weebles Wobblog to read all of the limerick entries and vote on your favourite. How can you go wrong with a poem that manages to rhyme scabies with babies?
And now, blogs a plenty, blogs galore.
Aspiring Baker has a fantastic post this week about choosing the perfect sperm donor. It's about how we talk ourselves into ideas, how all of our decisions are fraught with what ifs. How not only does the criteria we use to cast our comfort zone change over time, but how we change it to fit what we have in front of us. Where we need to find comfort. It is not only a fascinating subject, but this post is so incredibly well-written that I ended up going through it several times, marveling over the small changes from word to word.
Chicklet at Blurb This has three of the funniest faux pregnancy announcements ever. The one I particularly loved and am planning on having Josh send out one day if I ever get knocked up: "Sunday morning my wife's and my lives were forever changed when she shat in the delivery room in front of me. Oh yea, and we had a kid. But seriously dudes, she shat! On the table!"
Nancy at The Life of Nancy has an interesting post about primary vs. secondary infertility. I think it is cool to hear how she views the same situation from two separate vantage points having gone through primary and now secondary IF. Her main thesis is to not draw comparisons--they are two separate but equal beasts with their own inherent problems. I think my favourite part was an analogy that comes at the end: "For ttc#2(+)-ers, hearing 'well, at least you already have a child' hurts just as much as a ttc#1-er hearing 'Well, at least you can have nice things instead of children'. We want that child, whether it's #1 or #3, so telling us anything regarding not getting that child hurts like hell."
Lastly, DD. Dearest DD and her Vaseline. I loved this post. I loved it because it made me turn to Josh and ask him to read it too. She describes what her blog does for her--what it means to her. And what the comments and readers mean to her. As I read it, the best analogy I could come up with to explain this situation is that final scene in the made-for-tv version of Alice in Wonderland (the one with the absolutely divine Carol Channing) where Alice has to say goodbye to all of the animals and chess pieces and she's so sad. They're the only ones who understand where she has been. She'll leave Wonderland and return home and she'll try to explain everything to her sister. But her sister will never get it because she wasn't there. It's not that Alice wants to spend the rest of her life in Wonderland, but she wouldn't mind bringing a few of those creatures into the next place she lives, not just because she misses them, but because they understand a piece of her that no one else does.
DD is our Alice. She is deep in the rabbit hole and she needs the connections with fellow bloggers to get out: "Unfortunately even though you don't need to 'listen' to me blahblahblah woe is me blah boohoo, I desperately need you and your supportive emails and comments. I feel like a complete putz having to put my hat in my hand and admit to you that I can't seem to function normally without hearing from you occasionally." At the same time, connecting with fellow bloggers; reading their posts about appointments she isn't able to get or referrals that are not in her mailbox, is an impossibility at times too. Yet she knows that by not reading and by not commenting, she can't ask for the same support in return. She doesn't feel like she can morph into a Mommy Blogger because that doesn't feel natural either. And she can't stay within infertility because it's too painful. But her blog is so important to her.
And so I turn back to Julie at A Little Pregnant. Namely, her post on "staying for the bofrags." It is the evolution of a blog that never strays from the original reason for its inception--that search for definition. Julie as infertile, as pregnant, as a mother, as infertile, and now, as she promises, herself as a daughter. It is all variations on the same theme, all interconnected. And I hope that is the route that DD takes (please, for the love, only you could name a post "Vaseline"--where would I be without your words?). The evolution of DD. From supermodel to international spy to... I mean, from mother to infertile to wherever she goes from here. It is all variations on the same heart.
Wait! You were going to click away. No--you have homework to do. Leave your favourite song. Name and singer/band preferably so I can create the greatest and longest mix CD of all the time.
52 comments:
"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves always makes me smile and want to sing really, really loudly (unfortunately off key.)
There's another country song that I don't remember who sings or even am sure of the actual name, but it must be sung loudly when it comes on the radio. It is called "Brand New Girlfriend" (Or something like that.)
“Walkin on Sunshine” - Katrina and the Waves & “Bubbly” - Colbie Caillat
*oh my goodness Mary - we listed on of the same songs 0 How cool is that- I was going to change it but, to heck with it, It's a great song
"I Can't Hold Back" by Survivor and "The Chauffer" by Duran Duran
I'm a child of the '80s. So sue me.
Summer of '69 (Bryan Adams), Walk this Way (Aerosmith), Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard (Paul Simon), Cecila (Simon and Garfunkel), Thanks God I'm a Country Boy (John Denver).
Funny thing is - I'm right in the middle of making myself a playlist like this!
Oh, there are so many songs that require a stereo that goes to 11, a long stretch of highway, and a convertable - my definition of the "perfect" song...it has to make me want to go on a road trip to nowhere in particular. However, "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin is near the top of that list. "Them" by JEM is pretty fun too...makes me want to learn belly dancing.
"Into The Groove" - Madonna: Never fails to make me want to dance and let loose.
"Beautiful Day" - U2: Played this at our wedding. It is so uplifting and I love playing it in the morning so it sets my day off right.
"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" - Cyndi Lauper: No explanation needed here. Can you tell I'm an 80's freak?
I would dare to say "Barbie Girl" by Aqua if I wasn't fearful of being pelted with rotten fruit :)
"End of the Line" by the Travelling Wilburys
"I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty.
"You're the One That I Want" from Grease.
"The Other End of the Telescope" by Til Tuesday
"Fill it Up Again" Indigo Girls
"Don't Bring Me Down" by Electric Light Orchestra
"L'Ombelico Del Mundo" by Jovanotti
"Let the Day Begin" by The Call
"Been There, Done That" by Eno & Cale
That'll do for now.
P.S. I second "Barbie Girl" -- no fruit!
You Lift Me Up by Jeff Lynn
Crazy by Gnarles Barkley
Ants Marching by the Dave Matthews Band
Yay, thx for the shoutout:-) Re the announcement, I did the same to my husband as you did to yours - telling him he is SOOOOOO writing something witty and horrible instead of cheesy and sweet.
Song, yeesh, there's so many! But "Crash" by Dave Matthews Band is definitely up there. As well as every song on his Stand Up CD.
"Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba.
I hear you on the formal china. We decided that ours is for meat, since we host a lot of shabbat meals (and those usually involve my brisket).
"These Are Days" by 10,000 Maniacs
Life is a Highway - either by Rascal Flatts or Tom Cochrane
I also like "Ice Cream" by sarah mc
thanks for not only reading me, but recognizing me. I don't seem so alone anymore! :)
"What I've got" - Sublime.
"About a Girl" - Nirvana
"minor threat" - minor threat
"prayer to god" - Shellac
and a bunch of punk that would probably be too obscure to list.
Going down to Tiujuana by Andre Williams
Roam by B 52's
Intergalactic by Beastie Boys
Party Up In Here by DMX
Islands in the Stream by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers
Would I lie to you by Eurthmics
Freeze Frame by The J. Geils Band
Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake your booty by KC & The Sunshine Band
Walk in Jerusalem by Mhalia Jackson
Stupid Girls by Pink
Together Forever by Rick Astley
My Baby Takes the Morning train by Sheena E
um...I could go on but I should probably stop :)
"I'm gonna soak up the Sun" -- Sheryl Crow.
My son loves this one, and it is too fun to belt it out with him. Plus, we love the line "its not having what you want, its wanting what you've got." I try to remember that when I need a little perspective. But I still want what I want!
Today my favorite is Smile - Lyle Lovett.
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
and
Shower the People by James Taylor
All cheesy, but they do make you sing along (usually out loud in the car)
Eye of the Tiger
These Boots were made for walking
Margaritaville
Five O'clock Somewhere
California Girls ('cuz at heart, I'll always be one)
From Gretechen Wilson:
Redneck woman (even though I'm not)
Here for the party
All Jacked Up
I posted these on my blog a little while ago -- they are on my iPod and I LOVE THEM: Sorry if I gave you too many!
Freedom by George Michael
Lady Marmalade from the Moulin Rouge Soundtrack
Don’t Let Me Get Me by Pink
100 Years by Five for Fighting
Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall
Breathe Me by Sia (for any of your Six Feet Under fans, it was the very final song on the very final episode!)
Everlong by the Foo Fighters
Why Can’t I by Liz Phair
If You Were Here by the Thompson
Twins (from Sixteen Candles!)
This is the Day by The The
Black Horse and the Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall
Ray of Light - Madonna
Barrel of a Gun - Guster
On My Own - Peach Union
Let Go - Frou Frou
Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Leppard
Rock Lobster - B52s
Soak Up the Sun - Sheryl Crow
Hotel Yorba - White Stripes
Satellite - Guster
Dancing Queen - Abba
Elevation - U2
ok so there were a lot on mine. But I love using music as a 'pick me up...'
I could probably come up with a whole bunch too but the one that comes instantly to mind is "Nothing's Going to Stop Us Now" by Starship, or Jefferson Starship or whatever the heck their name was in 1987 when this song came out.
Oh, and "The River" by Garth Brooks
I smell another list for Mel to manage.
Man, this is a great collection!
"Legend of a Cowgirl" by Imani Coppola always puts me in a fabulous mood!
Sample lyrics:
"So here's the way I'm gonna break it down,
Speak my mind any time 'cause I got the master plan,
Power in my soul, strength from my hand,
I'm going up north to claim my land,
Won't settle by river, might make me shiver,
So look out and hide your fans,
I'm a woman on fire with huge desire,
To be as good as any man"
We built this city - Starship
Don't Dream It's Over - Crowded House
Time After Time - Cindy Lauper
Sailing - Christopher Cross
Stand By Me - Ben E King
Natural Woman - Aretha Franklin
Respect - Aretha Franklin
I'm British and I joined in :P
Na Na Na Na Naa by Kaiser Chiefs. Yeeeeah.
"Extraordinary Machine" by Fionna Apple. It is a little known song, but once you listen to it you will know why it is a good pick-me-up song.
The chorus:
If there was a better way to go then it would find me.
I can't help it, the road just rolls out behind me.
Be kind to me.
Or treat me mean.
I'll make the most of it.
I'm an extraordinary machine.
Big fan of Blister In the Sun by the Violent Femmes. I always sing along.
Also, a little more on the newer side, Feel Good Inc. by the Gorillaz. I can't keep myself from turning up the volume and rocking out when this songs comes on :)
My guilty pleasure is Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince- it makes me want to role the windows down.
Finally, Survivor by Destiny's Child. Do I really need to explain?
kd lang's version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" on "Hymns of the 49th parallel". Also her cover of Neil Young's "Helpless" on the same album. In fact, the whole damn album is grand.
Emmy Lou Harris - "Going back to Harlan" on "Wrecking Ball"
Wow- what a smorgasbord of songs.
"Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera
Glad to see lots of New Hamshirites are signing up for the candy exchange ;)
Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw
Renegade - Styx (It's a Steelers defense thing)
Given to Fly - Pearl Jam
Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
Glory Days - Bruce
Streetcorner Symphony - Rob Thomas
Me & My Gang - Rascal Flatts
Paradise By the Dashboard Light - Meatloaf
Testify - Rage Against the Machine
And I'm loving the DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince one!!!
Pat Benetar's "Hit me with your Best Shot" and the Go-Go's "Vacation" get me going. Also a more recent, "Pop" by InSync. I am sure there are more- I will keep thinking. :)
You are going to have to give me until Sunday to get my list together. :) I have many good songs! I am a music freak!!!! So be expecting my input in an email tomorrow.
Virtual Insanity by Jamiroquai
Birdhouse in Your Soul by They Might Be Giants
32 Flavors by Ani DiFranco
God is a DJ by Pink
Redemption Song by Bob Marley
Cruel Summer - Banarama
Sitting by the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
Take your Hat Off - Joe Cocker
I Can See Clearly Now - Holly Cole
Take your pick!
Here Comes the Sun.
Twist & Shout - the Beatles
Let's see, which are the songs I turn on when I really need to snap out of a funk and sing at the top of my lungs in my car? (When I'm ALONE.)
I'll have an easier time of it in the morning when I can actually listen to music, but
Men At Work - Aint Nothing Gonna To Break My Stride is a good one.
Smash Mouth - I'm A Believer
Joan Jett - Bad Reputation
OMG, and I can't believe I forgot - Kristen reminded me - Barbie Girl by Aqua. I do a KICK ASS sing-along with actions and everything. My husband nearly peed his pants.
"I can see clearly now the rain has gone" by Jimmy Cliff
Wild World by Jimmy Cliff
It's a Wonderful World by Louie Armsrong - this song makes you thankful no matter what your situation is in life :)
100 years by Five for Fighting... I danced to it at my wedding and I still think of the song and get happy... Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
I have a couple of more - oldies but goodies:
Don't Stop thinking about tomorrow by Fleetwood Mac
All Right Now by Free
Let the River Run by Carly Simon
Off the top of me head
Scary Monsters - David Bowie
King and Queen of America - Eurythmics
Nashville Rash- Dale Watson
I Want Everything - Luna
What do All the People Know - The Monroes
Ice by Daniel Lanois. It is one of the most beautiful, sad and peaceful songs. I don't even know what it is about, which is odd as a person who knows a lot of lyrics, but Ice transports me and the next thing I know the song is over. It must be included.
Mine is "Walking On Sunshine," too!! I am so happy I'm not alone! :)
"You Gotta Be" by Desiree is another semi-embarassing one! :)
"Anna Begins" by the Counting Crows. Album: August and Everything After.
Wow - awesome list!
I have to add "Celebrate Me Home" by Kenny Loggins. I always interpret the song's reference to "holidays" really broadly. To me it represents everything good about family, home and love.
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