Samuel Adams once said, “Mankind are governed more by their feelings than by reason.”

Ohhh feelings. They are complicated aren’t they? We navigate a wide variety of feelings each and every day. PLUS, we must deal with other people’s feelings as well.

First of all, I must be honest. If surrounded for too long by people who are overly sensitive, I can end up feeling like the therapist in this Geiko commercial. Ya Jackwagon!

I mean come on?! Don’t you sometimes?

In all seriousness, you must really FEEL on a regular basis to fully experience life. This includes all feelings…even the pain that can bring you to your knees and the fear that can steal your breath and make your heart race. Without the bad, you cannot appreciate the good.

Therefore, we shall focus on feelings and their importance. Starting now…

FEEL RELIEVED…

They were trapped 2,000 feet below the surface for 69 days. That’s over two months!!! Yesterday, every, single Chilean miner was rescued. And the world breathed a sigh of relief.

It is so important to have triumphant stories on the news. It reminds everyone there is always hope.

FEEL LOVE…

Every time the movie “Brown Sugar” is on TV, I watch it. If you’re a music lover, you have to see it. I adore this one. The love and life story is told through a mutual passion for hip hop music.

The best pick up line in the movie…”You are the perfect verse over a tight beat.”

What makes love so great (as described via hip hop)…”Just when you think you know hip hop, it surprises you and reminds you why you fell in love with it in the first place.”

FEEL PROUD OF FUTURE GENERATIONS…

Speaking of love…I don’t know if I’ve heard a more simple, eloquent or precise description of the search for love than the one given by 20-year-old Taylor Swift.

“I love somewhere between hope and fear – hope that this time it could be different and fear that it will turn out like it has before.”

The younger generation consistently gives me reason to know they are wise beyond their years. Well said Miss Swift.

FEEL THOUGHTFUL…

John Wooden said it best (as he always did)…”Consider the rights of others before your own feelings and the feelings of others before your own rights.”

FEEL YOUR BACKBONE…

I want to start by saying, I’m in NO WAY a fan of inconsiderate, mean, arrogant, selfish people. Those who are disrespectful, purposefully hurtful or dismissive, anger me to the highest degree. There is no reason for that kind of behavior.

That being said…Sometimes, it becomes necessary for you to stand up for yourself. In the harshest of environments, you learn this not fun truth quickly. There are many ways people aim to hurt and they are almost always indirect, but purposeful (that way they can be explained away).

I’ll be honest in saying I’ve always had a hard time telling certain people where to go when they behave in that manner. Being mean is one of my least favorite things in the world. However, in saying nothing and letting these jerks get away with the behavior…you are only treating yourself as badly as they are. That’s not okay.

In the November issue of Cosmo, I read an article written by actress Olivia Munn. It was about standing up for yourself and why so many times we don’t.

My favorite part was an explanation about why certain (usually successful) jerks are oddly accepted in social groups. Here is what she wrote…

“It was easier to fake laugh and let him hang than to risk being the target of his insecure venom, because this guy wasn’t funny enough, good-looking enough, smart enough or ANYTHING enough to do it without preying on your insecurities. Forced acceptance.”

Oh. So. True. I was cheering Olivia on the whole time I was reading. In the end she got back at this jerk who had not a shred of human decency. It’s something we should all learn. Selling ourselves out to work with someone who you wouldn’t spend one second of voluntary free time with is a little ridiculous. Don’t ya think?

The article is appropriately titled “How to Stand Up to an A-Hole.” It’s well worth the read. Olivia…RESPECT!

FEEL HAPPY…

For your friend who just became the father of an adorable little baby.

I LITERALLY just received a text photo of a new little addition to my friend Mark’s family. Congrats Mark! I’m so thrilled for you and I can’t wait for you to discover babies don’t sleep as much as you think they do.

FEEL REMINISCENT…

I heart birthdays. ALL birthdays. It doesn’t matter if it’s mine, a family members, a friend’s, a co-workers…I love them all! It was birthday time for me last week.  Any time that happens, I like to take some trips down memory lane. This helps on many levels.

Number 1: Another year of memories is proof I survived (and enjoyed) another year on Earth.

Number 2: The walk down Memory Lane brings many smiles to my face.

Number 3: I remember all the mistakes I’ve made and (more importantly) what I’ve learned from them.

Number 4: All the people. Lots of amazing people.

Number 5: I remember great TV from back in the day. Seriously. Check it out HERE.

FEEL LIFE THROUGH MUSIC…

What I started was a “little” project. I should have known better. In the process of my annual reminiscing, I always go through all the songs that meant something to me.

In the interest of the blog, this year I decided to list out some of those songs…by year. You realize this is like asking me to pick a favorite star out of the sky right?

These are tunes that made an impact on my life and I’m hoping some of these same songs made an impact on your life as well. Keep in mind, some of these songs are cheesy, some are deep, some are fun, some are (by musician standards) bad and some are the absolute best songs I’ve ever experienced. What they have in common is that each one helped. To this day, these tunes can take me back to a specific time and place (whether that place was good or bad).

I’ve provided links to all that I could find, so I hope you’ll go listen when you get some time. The ones you haven’t heard, you’ll love.

Two more disclaimers (because I KNOW somebody is going to say something if I don’t explain)…

I realize I might not have remembered the first two years of life, but I used music my parents were listening to that eventually made it’s way to me for those year. AND not all of the songs are listed in the year they were released. I might have attached to those songs later in life OR heard them before they ever hit the radio.

Without further ado…

1977 – “Easy” by The Commodores; “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell; “My Girl” by The Temptations

1978 – “You’re the One That I Want” by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta; “Always on My Mind” by Elvis Presley; “ABC” by The Jackson 5

1979 – “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers; “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley; “Chantilly Lace” by The Big Bopper

1980 – “Rock with You” by Michael Jackson; “One Fine Day” by The Chiffons; “Down in the Boondocks” by Billy Joe Royal; “Respect” by Aretha Franklin

1981 – “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield; “I Love a Rainy Night” by Eddie Rabbit; “Elvira” by the Oak Ridge Boys

1982 – “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar; “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts; “Jack and Diane” by John Cougar; “Mickey” by Toni Basil

1983 – “Beat It” by Michael Jackson; “Open Arms” by Journey; “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler

1984 – “Holding Out For a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler; “Jump” by Van Halen; “Missing You” by John Waite; “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel; “Thriller” by Michael Jackson

1985 – “Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon; “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News; “Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds; “St. Elmo’s Fire” by John Parr; “You’re the Inspiration” by Chicago; “Summer of ‘69″ by Bryan Adams; “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen; “Have Mercy” by The Judds

1986 – “Addicted to Love” by Robert Palmer; “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera; “Dancing on the Ceiling” by Lionel Richie; “True Blue” by Madonna; “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins; “Manic Monday” by The Bangles; “Small Town” by John Cougar Mellencamp; “Walk this Way” by Run-DMC

1987 – “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston; “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake; “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2; “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes; “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King; “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi; “Could’ve Been” by Tiffany

1988 – “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper; “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)” by the Beastie Boys; “Faith” by George Michael; “Sweet Child ‘O Mine” by Guns ‘n Roses; “Heaven is a Place on Earth” by Belinda Carlisle; “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard; “Bad Medicine” by Bon Jovi; “Tell It To My Heart” by Taylor Dayne; “Parents Just Don’t Understand” by  DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince; “It’s Tricky” by Run-DMC

1989 – “Look Away” by Chicago; “My Prerogative” by Bobby Brown; “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn” by Poison; “Cold Hearted” by Paula Abdul; “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx; “Lost in Your Eyes” by Debbie Gibson; “Blame It On the Rain” by Milli Vanilli (sort of); “I’ll Be There for You” by Bon Jovi; “Eternal Flame” by The Bangles; “Wild Thing” by Tone Loc; “When I See You Smile” by Bad English; “Love Shack” by the B-52’s; “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” by New Kids on the Block (a.k.a. NKOTB); “Love in an Elevator” by Aerosmith

1990 – “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips; “It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette; “Blaze of Glory” by Jon Bon Jovi; “Poison” by Bell Biv Devoe; “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles; “If Wishes Came True” by Sweet Sensation; “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” by Nelson; “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel; “Rhythm Nation” by Janet Jackson; “Ice, Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice; “U Can’t Touch This” by M.C. Hammer; “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks

1991 – “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany; “Everything I Do (I Do It For You)” by Bryan Adams; “More Than Words” by Extreme; “Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch Featuring Loleatta Holloway; “Emotions” by Mariah Carey; “Place in This World” by Michael W. Smith; “Something to Believe In” by Poison; “O.P.P.” by Naughty By Nature; “Unanswered Prayers” by Garth Brooks; “Enter Sandman” by Metallica; “I’m Gonna Be Somebody” by Travis Tritt

1992 – “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince; “Baby Got Back” by Sir-Mix-a-Lot; “Jump” by Kris Kross; “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton; “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” by En Vogue; “To Be With You” by Mr. Big; “Sometimes Love Just Aint Enough” by Patty Smyth and Don Henley; “If You Asked Me To” by Celine Dion; “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen; “Free Your Mind” by En Vogue; “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt; “I Know You By Heart” by Bette Midler and David Park

1993 – “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston; “Weak” by SWV; “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre Featuring Snoop Dogg; “Don’t Walk Away” by Jade; “Again” by Janet Jackson; “Love Is” by Vanessa Williams and Brian McKnight; “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)” by Meatloaf; “The Longest Time” by Billy Joel; “When She Cries” by Restless Heart; “The Heart Won’t Lie” by Reba McEntire and Vince Gill; “No One Else On Earth” by Wynonna; “I Love The Way You Love Me” by John Michael Montgomery; “The Dance” by Garth Brooks; “Mony, Mony” by Billy Idol; “Jam” by Michael Jackson; “Feels Like Forever” by Joe Cocker

1994 – “The Power of Love” by Celine Dion; “Hero” by Mariah Carey; “Stay (I Missed You)” by Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories; “All For Love” by Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and Sting; “I’ll Remember” by Madonna; “Whatta Man” by Salt-n-Peppa; “Regulate” by Warren G & Nate Dogg; “Please Forgive Me” by Bryan Adams; “Come to My Window” by Melissa Etheridge; “The Thunder Rolls” by Garth Brooks; “The Song Remembers When” by Trisha Yearwood; “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down” by Jamie Foxx

1995 – “Always” by Bon Jovi; “Gansta’s Paradise” by Coolio; “On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Men; “Hold My Hand” by Hootie & The Blowfish; “Strong Enough” by Sheryl Crow; “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders; “Kiss From a Rose” by Seal; “The River” by Garth Brooks; “Any Man of Mine” by Shania Twain; “Dust on the Bottle” by David Lee Murphy; “The Change” by Garth Brooks; “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men

1996 – “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty; “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion; “Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey; “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” by Celine Dion; “Change the World” by Eric Clapton; “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette; “If It Makes You Happy” by Sheryl Crow; “It Matters to Me” by Faith Hill; “Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band

1997 – “One of These Days” by Tim McGraw; “How Do I Live” by Trisha Yearwood; “You Must Love Me” by Madonna; “What’s It To You” by Clay Walker; “Come Cryin’ to Me” by Lonestar; “What Might Have Been” by Little Texas; “How Your Love Makes Me Feel” by Diamond Rio; “Thunderstruck” by Sprung Monkey

1998 – “All Fired Up” by Pat Benatar; “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain; “You’re Gone” by Diamond Rio; “I’m Alright” by Jo Dee Messina; “To Make You Feel My Love” by Garth Brooks or by Trisha Yearwood; “Crash and Burn” by Savage Garden; “Chances Are” by Bob Segar and Martina McBride; “My Hero” by the Foo Fighters; “As Long As You Love Me” by The Backstreet Boys

1999 – “1999″ by Prince; “No Scrubs” by TLC; “Please Remember Me” by Tim McGraw; “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan; “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls; “Fishin’ in the Dark” by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; “Wrong Again” by Martina McBride; “Single, White Female” by Chely Wright; “We Belong” by Pat Benatar; “Whatever You Say” by Martina McBride; “That’s the Truth” by Paul Brandt; “Little Goodbyes” by SHeDAISY; “I Want It That Way” by The Backstreet Boys

2000 – “Love, Me” by Collin Raye; “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson; “Higher” by Creed; “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down; “The Way You Love Me” by Faith Hill; “I Wanna Love You Forever” by Jessica Simpson; “How Do You Like Me Now?!” by Toby Keith; “My Best Friend” by Tim McGraw; “I’m Movin’ On” by Rascal Flatts; “Not Just Me” by Rascal Flatts; “Carry On” by Tim McGraw; “No Mercy” by Ty Herndon; “Rose Bouquet” by Phil Vassar; “Just Older” by Bon Jovi

2001 – “Hangin’ By a Moment” by Lifehouse; “The Safe Side” by Chris Cagle; “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys; “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child; “All or Nothing” by O-Town; “Who I Am” by Jessica Andrews; “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” by Travis Tritt; “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” by Alan Jackson; “Born to Fly” by Sara Evans; “Without You” by the Dixie Chicks; “Only in America” by Brooks and Dunn; “What I Did Right” by Sons of the Desert; “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me; “Why They Call It Falling” by Lee Ann Womack

2002 – “Hot in Herre” by Nelly; “Aint It Funny” by Jennifer Lopez Featuring Ja Rule; “Without Me” by Eminem; “Girlfriend” by ‘N Sync Featuring Nelly; “Don’t Let Me Get Me” by P!nk; “Escape” by Enrique Iglesias; “The Good Stuff” by Kenny Chesney; “Bring on the Rain” by Jo Dee Messina Featuring Tim McGraw; “The Long Goodbye” by Brooks and Dunn; “Blessed” by Martina McBride; “Somebody Like You” by Keith Urban; “These Days” by Rascal Flatts; “Who Wouldn’t Want to be Me” by Keith Urban; “That’s the Kind of Love You’re In” by Sons of the Desert; “The One” by Gary Allan; “Forgive” by Rebecca Lynn Howard

2003 – “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey; “In Da Club” by 50 Cent; “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake; “Miss Independent” by Kelly Clarkson; “Calling All Angels” by Train; “Your Body is a Wonderland” by John Mayer; “Jenny From the Block” by Jennifer Lopez; “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera; “Sing for the Moment” by Eminem; “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin DeGraw; “More Than Anyone” by Gavin DeGraw; “My Immortal” by Evanescence; “Days of Our Lives” by James Otto

2004 – “Yeah!” by Usher Featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris; “Get Low” by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz; “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson; “Everytime” by Britney Spears; “You’ll Think of Me” by Keith Urban; “There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney; “Mayberry” by Rascal Flatts; “Baby Girl” by Sugarland; “That’s Cool” by Blue County; “Shine On” by Rascal Flatts; “Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney

2005 – “Gold Digger” by Kanye West Featuring Jamie Foxx; “You and Me” by Lifehouse; “Photograph” by Nickelback; “Over and Over” by Nelly and Tim McGraw; “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5; “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson; “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts; “My Give a Damn’s Busted” by Jo Dee Messina; “Drugs or Jesus” by Tim McGraw; “La La” by Ashlee Simpson

2006 – “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield; “What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts; “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” by Bon Jovi and Sugarland; “Jesus, Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood; “Waiting on the World to Change” by John Mayer; “Stupid Girls” by Pink; “Want To” by Sugarland; “Something’s Gotta Give” by LeAnn Rimes; “On Again Tonight” by Trent Wilmon; “He Aint the Leaving Kind” by Rascal Flatts; “Mountains” by Lonestar; “If You’re Going Through Hell” by Rodney Atkins

2007 – “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts; “Resolution” by Nick Lachey; “My Next Thirty Years” by Tim McGraw; “Wasted” by Carrie Underwood; “Stand” by Rascal Flatts; “Settlin’” by Sugarland; “Take Me There” by Rascal Flatts; “So Small” by Carrie Underwood; “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” by John Mayer; “Boots On” by Randy Houser; “Everything I Can’t Have” by Robin Thicke; “Complicated” by Robin Thicke; “Shut Up Girl” by Shanna Crooks; “Obvious” by Trevor Rosen; “She Goes All The Way” by Rascal Flatts; “No Rein” by Rascal Flatts; “Right About Now” by Ty Herndon; “You Still Own Me” by Emerson Drive; “Lie” by Randy Houser; “Back to God” by Randy Houser; “Candyman” by Christina Aguilera; “The One” by Bomshel; “Addicted” by Kelly Clarkson; “Lost” by Little Big Town; “Faith in Love” by Reba and Rascal Flatts; “Daisy” by Halfway to Hazard; “Amelia’s Missing” by Jon McLaughlin

2008 – “Home” by Blake Shelton and Michael Buble; “She Never Cried in Front of Me” by Toby Keith; “Grandpa” by The Judds; “Say” by John Mayer; “Break Me Twice” by Jason Sever; “I Still Miss You” by Keith Anderson; “Here” by Rascal Flatts; “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne; “More Than A Memory” by Lee Brice and Garth Brooks; “Johnny and June” by Heidi Newfield; “If You Had Called Yesterday” by Andy Griggs; “Stay Crazy” by Brother Trouble; “I’ll Be Your Escape” by Shanna Crooks; “Come With Me” by Matt Ramsey; “What You Aint Gonna Get” by Lauren Lucas; “Sooner or Later” by Josh Flint; “My Radio” by Derrick Spaulding; “Numb” by Wendell Mobley; “Burden” by Damien Horne; “Bring Down the Fire” by Nathan Lee; “Truly” by Jared Blake; “If Love Wasn’t Love” by Nick Sturms; “Try” by Lee Brice; “Marvin Gaye” by Trevor Rosen and Shanna Crooks; “Beautiful Mistake” by Rob Blackledge; “Call Me When You Need a Man” by Mason Douglas; “I’ll Be Your Whiskey” by Tawnya Reynolds; “Bourbon” by Nicole Witt; “Like We Never Said Goodbye” by Tiffany Goss and Clay Walker; “The Grind” by November; “Come Home” by OneRepublic; “I Can’t Outrun You” by Trace Adkins; “Life” by One Flew South; “I Can’t Love You Anymore” by Gary Nichols

2009 – “I Run to You” by Lady Antebellum; “Alright” by Darius Rucker; “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum; “Lover, Lover” by Jerrod Niemann; “Love Like Crazy” by Lee Brice; “What Do You Want” by Jerrod Niemann; “I Want That Scar” by Matt Ramsey; “She Got Her Own” by Ne-Yo and Jamie Foxx; “Hometown Jersey” by Erin Enderlin; “I Can’t” by Nicole Witt; “Bonnie and Clyde” by Chris Nathan; “Happy” by Chris Nathan; “Keep in Mind” by Locash Cowboys; “Cheater’s Row” by Jason Sellers; “F#$k You” by Lily Allen; “If No One Will Listen” by Kelly Clarkson; “You Don’t Know Jack” by Erin Enderlin; “All We’d Ever Need” by Lady Antebellum; “Fight Like a Girl” by Bomshel; “What I’m For” by Pat Green; “Only a Man” by Jonny Lang; “Sunset” by Mike Mobley; “Bless Your Heart” by The Levees; “If You Could Just See” by Josh Osborne; “Home” by Marc Broussard; “Rocks in Your Shoes” by Emily West; “Life After You” by Daughtry; “Sober” by P!nk; “Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Buble; “Yellow Brick Road” by Jerrod Niemann; “Free Me” by Joss Stone; “Big, Bad Wolf” by Mason Douglas; “I Hate Women, I Hate Men” by Cory Batten and Karyn Rochelle; “Undo It” by Carrie Underwood; “What Can I Say” by Carrie Underwood Featuring Sons of Sylvia; “Look Who’s Back in Love” by Jonathan Singleton and the Grove; “That Way Again” by Lee Brice; “On the Inside” by Randy Houser; “Raise Your Hands” by Pat Monahan

2010 – “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert; “Free” by the Zac Brown Band; “This Aint Goodbye” by Train; “Edge of Desire” by John Mayer; “I’ll Know When I Get There” by Keith Anderson; “Do I Look Like Jesus to You” by David Lee; “Take It Or Leave It” by Josh Hoge Featuring Marc Broussard; “Apple of the Rattlesnake’s Eye” by Lisa Carver; “If I Knew Then” by Lady Antebellum; “Hold That Thought” by Chuck Wicks; “I Will Not Say Goodbye” by Danny Gokey; “Sugarcane” by Chris Nathan; “Red Light” by David Nail; “I Need You” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill; “Keep on Lovin’ You” by Steel Magnolia; “Not Afraid” by Eminem; “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem Featuring Rihanna; “Whyyawannabringmedown” by Kelly Clarkson; “Right Here In Front of You” by Locash Cowboys; “Pray for You” by Jaron and the Long Road to Love; “The Whiskey and You” by Chris Stapleton; “Why’d Ya Have to Be So Good?” by Heidi Newfield; “I Feel Bad” by Rascal Flatts and Jason Sellers; “Love Don’t Run” by Ben Glover; “Back to Me and You” by Julie Roberts and Chris Roberts; “Forget My Name” by Ray Stephenson; “Pouring Good Whiskey on the Past” by Chris Cagle; “Love Will Rock ‘n Roll Ya” by Nicole Witt; “What I Miss About Me” by Billy Dawson; “Cinderella Man” by Eminem; “Let Me Sign” by Robert Pattinson; “Good Life” by OneRepublic; “You Don’t Get to Get to Me” by Jordyn Shellhart; “Love Everybody” by Shelly Fairchild; “What If You Stay” by Chuck Wicks; “Keep the Girl” by Jason Aldean; “Leftovers” by Rhean Boyer

Hope that took you down memory lane as well. I know there are many songs I left off of the list that I am going to kick myself for later. However, I had to cut off the massive list at some point.

FEEL INSPIRED BY EXTREME TALENT…

I am inspired every day in this city. The talent is so impressive, it’s hard for me to listen to music anywhere else. I was treated to some of the best of the best in the past few weeks. They all made me smile quite a bit. I’ll give you the highlights.

September was ended with a great showcase from Jon Stone at 12th and Porter. It’s been three years since the first time I heard Jon play at a little (now closed) venue called Lyrix. I was in 100% awe that night and not a lot has changed with time.

The venue was packed and Jon took the stage to cheers. Jon has a way with songwriting and has already written a variety of tunes for many of Nashville’s most successful artists. He performed one of them (Blake Shelton’s) “You’ll Always Be Beautiful” that night and nailed it.

I also adore the song “That’s When You Know It’s Over.” Jon has a way with singing it that is priceless. You have a winner when an artist can not only pen an incredible tune, but also saaaaaaang it. Jon can do both.

Keep your eyes open for this guy in the near future. You’re already hearing his songs on the radio. Soon he will be singing them to you.

A couple of weeks ago, two of my friends (Tyler and AJ) were in town visiting from Kansas.

As is the custom for anyone who comes to visit me, I took them to the Bluebird Cafe (NOTE TO ALL: You have not visited Nashville until you’ve been to the Bluebird).

They (and I and Brit) had the distinct pleasure of listening to four incredible songwriters by the names of Craig Carothers, Dave Berg, Tony Arata and Annie Mosher. These are established songwriters who sang one or two of their hits, but also spent a majority of the night singing new stuff. That was a nice change of pace!

Craig Carothers was the King of the hook with hilarious tunes! Let me explain by giving you the hooks to a few of the songs he sang that night. In You’re the Only One” he discusses a narcissistic woman by laying down the last line “You’re the only one who loves you more than me.” AND to detail another crazy woman in the song “There’s no ‘U’ in We,” he says “There’s a double you in ‘wicked.’ That’s why there’s no ‘u’ in we.” HAHAHAHA! Great, enjoyable, hilarious music.

Dave Berg is the sweet and humble songwriter who has experienced much success in the songwriting world. That night we got to hear a few of his hits like Keith Urban’s “Stupid Boy” and Emerson Drive’s “Moments.” Plus, we got to hear some of his new stuff. I fell in love with the tune “One Can Be a Lot.” The chorus alone put a huge smile on my face. “Just one sun lights the sky. Just one moon turns the tide. And man can change the world with just one thought. One promise made can last forever. And just one rock can bend a river. And one God up in Heaven is all we’ve got. Yeah, sometimes one can be a lot.” Dave is awesome on so many levels!

Tony Arata was up next and was a joy to hear sing. He has this kick ass bluesy voice that allowed you to drift away with him. Although he has numerous hits, we were treated to many new tunes that night. However, a Tony Arata set would not be complete without the mega-hit made famous by Garth Brooks called “The Dance.” You saw it on my list above. It made a huge impact in my life and I’m pretty sure the same can be said for other people around the world. Thanks for making a positive difference in the world Tony!

Annie was the lone woman of the group and she more than held her own. She is the folk/country singer with some soul. Her lyrics were so deep and massive, I got lost in most of them. She has a talent for weaving a song whether it be funny or serious. In “Sticks and Stones,” a short, but sweet thought left me considering. “A little bit of bitter, a little bit of sweet. Somewhere in the middle where the two never meet.” She also had the hot and hilarious all-in-one song called “Penitentiary.” How is that possible? Check this out…”He lies like a rug. Feels like a drug. Turns me on with all that stuff he learned in the penitentiary.” Like I said, Annie more than held her own with the boys that night.

I think Tyler and AJ enjoyed the evening. Plus, we got them out to dance and be merry as well…

What?! Dancing is extremely important as well.

A few nights later, I was sitting at the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville in support of the Country Music Hall of Fame. That’s right. It was Keith Urban’s “All for the Hall” fundraiser. Although I only got to stay for a short time, I got to hear Keith. That was just about perfect for me.

I do not say this lightly. Keith is one of the best musicians in the music industry today. He is a wonder to watch play the guitar, sing his music and entertain a crowd. The only reason I bought his first CD way back when is because I saw a live show. That show alone convinced me to buy the album. I haven’t turned back since.

Check out his latest single “Put You in a Song.” It’s the fun love song that Keith has become famous for over the years. It’s also a concept not many songwriters have explored. How cool would it be to be written into a song for a good reason? I think that is a sure fire way to impress a woman. I’m just sayin’…”I wanna put you in my car and drive and turn you up loud. Roll down all the windows and shout it out…I love this girl! If I could press play…repeat…how happy i’d be. Wherever I go, I’d have you there with me. You’d be right where you belong. I wanna put you in a song.”

Dear Mr. Urban, Even though you are a gorgeous man who makes me sigh in awe, it is your amazing talent I respect the most. Thanks for providing some awesome music for the soundtrack of my life. Sincerely, A Forever Fan

It was back to the Bluebird for the second half of the evening with my friend Macey. She told me this show was a must-see and I tend to listen to her music suggestions. Who was playing? Check out these four guys..Dave Barnes, Jonathan Singleton, Thad Cockrell and Matt Wertz. Ohhhh…they are so worth your time. Trust me on this one.

Let’s start with the man I could listen to sing for days and days without a break…Dave Barnes. When it comes to vocals, Dave is dreamy. He is the pop singer with some soul. I truly adore the voice on this guy. Go listen and hear for yourself. Favorite song of the set…”God Gave Me You” with a perfect, love song chorus. “God gave me you for the ups and downs. God gave me you for the days of doubt. For when I think I’ve lost my way, without a word left to say. It’s true. God gave me you.” I also have some love for the new Billy Currington cut “Until You.” It only took two sentences for me to adore this one. “Love was kept from me like a secret. I swore that I was through…until you.”

Next up is a guy who I will loyally promote and adore until the end of time. Jonathan Singleton should be a country superstar. The first time I heard him, Jonathan and his band rock a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd at The Rutledge in November of last year. I was sold from that moment forward. He is already an established songwriter with numerous hits under his belt. However, his ability to sing awes me. The voice is all country, husky, deep, sexy, warm and completely different than any other voice you’ve ever heard. It ropes you in one note at a time. There is not enough I can say about this guy to truly convey how much I love his music. Even when he sang a song he wrote for a woman to sing, I was sold. It’s called “Reason to Leave.” From a woman’s point-of-view…”I need love…the kind in the movies. Maybe a castle. I can be your queen. I need you to tell me over and over, I need you. I need you, but all you’re giving me is one more good reason to leave.” WOW! That is all. Plus, check out two of his hits you’ve probably heard on the radio often…“Don’t” by Billy Currington and “Why Don’t We Just Dance” by JoshTurner.

Thad Cockrell was amazing as well and added to the overall awesomeness of the show that night. His voice is light, sweet and laced with romantic undertones.Thad also has quite a magnificent way with words. My favorite of the set was “Beauty Has a Name.” This is one of the best things anyone could hear from the person they love. “You’re my lightening rod. Proof that there’s a God when people say there’s not. Wonder of all wonders. Everything’s changed. Ever since I met you, beauty has a name. Beauty has a name.” I like it. I like it a lot. That is just one of multiple tunes that caught my attention from Thad. Check out his music people!

Dear, sweet Matt Wertz. He was the reason Macey told me I must attend the show. To be honest, it didn’t take much convincing. Matt is quite the artist. That night also proved he has a sense of humor…very important in any live show.

I have always had a spot in my heart for Matt’s songs “5:19″ and “Carolina.” Easiest explanation? They are ear candy. I sway back-and-worth to the sweet sound of the music and Matt voice. They are what good pop music is all about…go listen for yourself. However, I also got to hear one from the vault that covers the sweet and romantic vibe called “Someone Like You.” Matt is another one of this group of four men who can get to the heart of the matter. “Baby, I confess I was not expecting this. I have been waiting for someone like you. Baby, I admit I got used to loneliness. I have been waiting for someone like you.” Check out Matt’s music. It’s well worth your time.

That show was the last I was supposed to tell you about this week. The last show I saw was supposed to be for fun only. However, I heard the new Bon Jovi single and fell in love yet again. Who was singing it? The same guy who wrote it and so many other hits…BRETT JAMES! Have I mentioned I kind of like Brett’s music?

The tune is called “What Do You Got?” It is the typical 100%, Brett James awesomeness and I cannot wait for you to hear it! “What do you got if you aint got love? Whatever you got, it just aint enough. You’re walking a road, but you’re going nowhere. You find your way home, but there’s no one there.” OHHHHH Brett James.

P.S. Did I mention that an amazing Christian singer was also in the round that night? Randy Stonehill sang many tunes including one of his hits I adore called “Shut De Do.” Click on the link. I’ll bet you know the song. It’s so much fun!

FEEL HUNGRY…

The “Tweet of the Week” comes from Erin Andrews.

“Glamour life…walk up order @ Taco Bell…the Gm Day bus wouldn’t fit.”

FEEL THE NEED TO REFOCUS…

Everything happens for a reason. I’ve always been a big believer in that one sentence. This is why sometimes…even with a map in hand…you get lost. It’s a journey, not a destination right?

Over the next few months, changes will occur. You might not become aware of them until 2011, but they are happening and much needed. Stay tuned…and thanks for tuning in this long. I appreciate y’all!

FEEL BLESSED…

“Our heritage and ideals, our code and standards – the things we live by and teach our children – are preserved or diminished by how freely we exchange ideas and feelings.” – Walt Disney

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K