“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.” – Galileo Galilei

Well, HEEEELLLLLO! How are y’all? Told ya I’d be back every once in a while didn’t I? I figured the perfect way to end the year, is the same way I started it…writing about music and life.

2011 has been one heck of a year that can’t really be classified as good or bad. I can only say I’ve learned more than I ever thought possible in such a short amount of time. Sometimes learning is difficult. However, once the lessons are discovered, things get interesting. Does life sometimes feel like one, long scavenger hunt? Right when we think we’ve found what we need, we realize it’s just another clue to the next part of the journey. That is why we must learn to enjoy the process. It’s all about the search. For what do you search?

SEARCH FOR GREAT MUSIC FROM YOUR PAST…Rap and Hip Hop. I love it. Always have. Always will. This past year and a half, Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake brought it back to me in fine fashion. In three separate appearances on Jimmy’s show, Justin, Jimmy and The Roots explained the awesomeness of great beats and cool grooves. You can check out “The History of Rap – Part I,” “The History of Rap – Part II” and “The History of Rap – Part III.” It is worth your time. Those two men (as well as the Roots”) are spectacularly talented and severely underrated.

DISCOVER GREAT NEW SONGS TO PURCHASE…I know I do. Since my writing hiatus started in August, I have been immersed in a wide variety of music for enjoyment only. This has been extremely helpful in reminding me why I love music so much. Added bonus…Some of the tunes I’ve been telling you about for the past few years are making it onto albums. YEA! Allow me to give you a rundown.

1. “You Don’t Know Jack” by Luke Bryan (written by Erin Enderlin and Shane McAnally). It’s been about two or three years since I first heard this tune sung beautifully by Erin in a Nashville bar. EVERY time she sings it, bars become silent in awe. It is that powerful. You can now buy Luke’s version. “But you don’t know Jack…double shot…80 proof…on the rocks, until you’ve lost it all. And you can’t go back to your life and your kids and your ex-wife with just a telephone call. If you think it’s just a bottle in an old, brown paper sack, you don’t know Jack.”

2. “You and Tequila” by Kenny Chesney (Featuring Grace Potter). It’s just awesome. What a perfect choice Kenny made in a duet partner. Their voices blend perfectly. Love it. “You and tequila make me crazy. Run like poison in my blood. One more night could kill me baby. One is one too many. One more is never enough.”

3. “Let It Rain” by David Nail (written by David Nail and Jonathan Singleton). I’ve been in love with Jonathan Singleton’s voice for a few years now. However, one night in a writer’s round, I discovered he is also one heck of a songwriter. He’s already written multiple hits for many artists. This song is no exception. The tune is a great explanation of cheater’s remorse. It also helps that Kansas native Sarah Buxton is featured on the tune. If you are looking for one of the best albums of the year, buy David Nail’s. It’s that good. “So let it rain. Let it pour. She don’t love me anymore. So let it come down on me. Let it come down on me. Every word…let it hurt even more than I deserve. Let it come down on me. Let it come down on me. Let it rain.”

4. “Over You” by Miranda Lambert – Miranda and husband Blake Shelton wrote this about the loss of his brother. It is heart-wrenching and nobody but Miranda can perform the vocals quite as raw and touching. It is exceptional. “But you went away. How dare you. I miss you. They say I’ll be okay, but I’m not going to ever get over you.”

5. “Maybe It’s Over” by Jon McLaughlin and Xenia (from “The Voice”). Little Xenia has an exceptional and unique voice. Combined with Dear, Sweet Jon McLaughlin, it’s pure ear candy. Check it out. “Singing…Maybe it’s over, but I don’t feel it. If we want it forever, Baby, we’ve got to steal it. I hope the last straw is my back against the wall. Singing…Maybe it’s over, but I don’t feel it at all.”

6. “What You Want” by Evanescence. I adore this band. It’s hard-driving music with a vulnerability found in the vocals. Every song has a haunting effect that stays with you. “Hello. Hello. Remember me? I’m everything you can’t control. Somewhere beyond the pain there must be a way to believe we can break through.”

7. “Heart of a Hero” by Steve Holy (written by Pat Bunch, Kelly Roland & Nicole Witt). I’ve told you about this song often. It’s one that just moves. You just have to hear it and the tune explains itself. “It’s a fallen soldier with a purple heart…a teacher grading papers after dark…a preacher prayin’ over a man’s last day…a shoulder to a runaway. Giving money to a perfect stranger…counselor workin’ past the anger…firefighters walkin’ into the danger the day the Towers fell. In the heart of a hero, lies a courage you can’t see, oh no, how far it goes until they’re jumpin’ in. And that yearning to do what’s right goes deeper than the fear inside. If you ask them, they’d do it all again. That’s the heart of a hero.”

8. “Until the Rain Stops” by Steve Holy (written by Matt Jenkins, Matt Ramsey & Trevor Rosen). Steve knows how to pick songs. This is his current radio single. It’s an excellent and fun tune that you just can’t get out of your head. Everybody sing it with me! “I don’t really care if the sun don’t shine. It’s a little more time for us to hide from the outside world. You and me girl, we got all we need tangled up in sheets. So why not stay in the same spot until the rain stops?”

9. “Heart of the World” by Lady Antebellum. This group gets it right with every album they release. They are talented on all fronts. The first time I heard this song, I was hooked. It contains everything that makes Lady A great. “Hope is the soul of the dreamer and Heaven is the home of my God. It only takes one true believer to believe you can still beat the odds. We’re meant to be, Baby, hold onto me. You’ll never not be my girl. (I’ll never not be your girl.) ‘Cause love is the heart…love is the heart…love is the heart of the world.”

10. “Cold As Stone” by Lady Antebellum. Another winner. All I can say is it hurts so good. “I wish I was cold as stone, then I wouldn’t feel a thing. Wish I didn’t have this heart, then I wouldn’t know the sting of the rain. I could stand strong and still watching you walk away. I wouldn’t hurt like this or feel so all alone. I wish I was cold as stone.”

11. “Whatcha Gonna Do” by Martina McBride (written by Rebecca Lynn Howard, Jason Sever and Rachel Thibodeau). Jason has been writing future hits for the past few years. This is one that landed on one of the world’s best singers’ album. “‘Cause I can’t keep waitin’ ’round this house expecting you to change and lead me on and let me down every time you say you’re sorry…you miss me. You want me. You need me…whatever. I’m done listening to all your talk, talk, talk. Show me something true or Baby, I’m walking out the door and out your life and out on you. So whatcha gonna do?”

12. “Marry Me” by Martina McBride and Pat Monahan. This song was perfection the first time it was recorded by Train. It was meant to make it to the masses. When you throw in Martina’s voice too…well who knew perfection could be more perfect? “Marry me. Today and every day. Marry me. If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe, say you will. Say you will. Marry me.”

13. “She’s a Girl Ain’t She” by Rodney Atkins (written by Tony Martin, Wendell Mobley and Neil Thrasher). This song just makes me happy. It’s one of those feel good tunes, written by some of my favorite guys. “Is she on your mind every other thought? Is there nothing you wouldn’t do for her just because? Does she hold your heart in her hands? Did she walk into your life and change your plans? Did she want a ring? Did you tell her no? Is it on her finger now…yeah, I thought so. Does she always get whatever she thinks she needs? She’s a girl ain’t she?”

14. “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes. I’ll be honest. I didn’t think I was going to like this kid at first. I was wrong. He’s got a Rascal Flatts style to his voice and this song is what every woman wants to hear. I cannot get it out of my head…because it’s catchy and meaningful. “Anyone can tell you you’re pretty. And you get that all the time. I know you do. But your beauty’s deeper than the makeup and I wanna show you what I see tonight when I wrap you up. When I kiss your lips. I wanna make you feel wanted. And I wanna call you mine…wanna hold your hand forever and never let you forget it. ‘Cause Baby, I wanna make you feel wanted.”

15. “One More Dance” by Boyz II Men. The sound of these voices never gets old. I’ve loved them for more than 20 years. This tune takes advantage of all things that make Boyz II Men great. It’s understated sweetness that cashes in on perfect vocals. “Save one more dance for me. One last second chance for me ’cause I don’t want nobody cuttin’ in. I swear I’ll never break your heart again. Please don’t let the music end. Would you just save me one more dance?”

16. “The Sound of a Million Dreams” by David Nail. This might possibly be my favorite song of 2011. It is incredible on all fronts. I miss the piano. This song is what music is supposed to be. Did I mention the album might also be one of the greatest of the year? Just wanted to reiterate. “My eighteenth summer, I was a cocky up-and-comer cranking up “Born to Run.” Turned left out the drive with the pistons open wide and I came back a Prodigal son. My spirit was broken. She threw the door open…”I love you.” not “I told you so.” When I hear “Mama Tried,” I still break down and cry and pull to the side of the road. And I labor for hours ’cause I know the power of a song when a song hits you right. Pour my soul into stories of life hopin’ someone’ll hear one tonight. Maybe my voice will cut through the noise and stir up an old memory. Out of these piano keys comes the sound…the sound of a million dreams.”

17. “Lightweight” by Demi Lovato (written by Shanna Crooks, Jim Beanz, Garland Mosley and Frankie Storm). Shanna is a tremendous songwriter. Because she’s such a talented singer, sometimes that fact is overlooked. It’s impossible to overlook it with this Demi Lovato cut. “I’m a lightweight. Better be careful what you say. With every word, I’m blown away. You’re in control of my heart. I’m a lightweight. Easy to fall, easy to break. With every move my whole world shakes. Keep me from falling apart.”

SEARCH FOR THE GOOD MEMORIES WHEN FRIENDS ARE LOST TOO SOON…and I’m gonna miss Ryan Jones. Any time someone passes away, it is often said they were great people. Ryan really was. He was one of the best human beings I have ever known. To lose someone at such a young age just isn’t right. Wrapping your mind around it is difficult. I hate goodbyes, but I know there is an awesome angel in Heaven right now.

Almost four years ago, an adorable fiddle player was the first artist to “Rock On Together” with me and get this whole thing started. I will never forget it. Ryan was truly an original and I will miss him…as will many others.

Ryan, I know you are up there watching Star Wars and smiling down on us. My life is better because you were in it.

DISCOVER FAMILY MEMBERS ACCIDENTALLY IN A FOOTBALL STADIUM…this happened. There are 55,000 people at “The Bill” each weekend in the fall. And we just happen to sit right behind my little cousin. What are the odds?! I know. I know. One in 55,000. Great to see ya Kelby! Glad you picked the correct school to attend.

SEARCH FOR GREAT LIVE MUSIC…for as Beethoven said, “Music is the mediator between the spiritual and sensual life.”

That Beethoven was a smart guy! For the past four months, I spent time reigniting my passion for music. The work was getting in the way of the love and I refused to let that happen. All that took was a few trips to hear my favorite singer/songwriters play. The power of music is an incredible thing. Don’t ever forget that. It provides the cure for things that ail your heart, soul, mind and body. What else can do all of that?

So instead of working while at these shows, I stopped to remember why I started telling you about the music in the first place. Mission accomplished. Thanks to these amazing singers/songwriters/friends/artists/people for bringing back the love…Keith Anderson, Locash Cowboys, Old Dominion, Phil Vassar, Lance Miller, Rob Hatch, Tyler Hilton, Will Hoge, Matt Ridenour, Phil Barton, Chris Nathan, Nicole Witt, Pete Sallis, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Neil Thrasher, Wendell Mobley, Jason Sellers, Jeffrey Steele, Andrew Pates, Jessica Cayne, Crystal Hoyt, Matt Stillwell, Shanna Crooks and a few others I’m sure I accidentally forgot to list. Do me a favor and show them some love. Go listen to their music…or better yet, buy it. It’s a step toward bettering your life. Trust me on this one.

There was also a new singer I discovered who blew me away. Dear, Jonathan Kingham…WOW! I heard Jonathan on accident at the Bluebird Cafe and was so glad I did. This guy was incredible. First of all, the voice is killer. Secondly, the writing is meaningful. Finally, this guy free-style rapped to Bobby Brown’s “Every Little Step” for five straight minutes about everyone sitting around him at The Bluebird. Do you know how incredibly difficult that is?! Let’s just say he got a standing ovation…at The Bluebird. He earned my respect immediately. Jonathan earned my adoration with his song “Grace.” It went a little something like this…”I have wrestled with my demons and I walk where angels trod. But still my best intentions fail me and I give into my frailty…wind up on my face. In spite of my misgivings, all you ever give is grace.”

You didn’t think I was TOTALLY gonna stay away from live music for four months did you?!

DISCOVER LESSONS IN THE MUSIC…which Kelly Clarkson always provides. Her new album is tremendous and no different than her previous albums in the way that every song carries meaning. Some are fun. Some are deep. Some are sweet. Some are sassy. I own every tune she’s ever recorded and I’ve never been disappointed. Here are the lessons off of her current album “Stronger”:

Lesson #1 – Brett James is THE MAN. That is a scientific fact. “Mr. Know It All”

Lesson #2 – What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. I think I’ve heard that one before somewhere. “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger)”

Lesson #3 – Accept people for who they are. We all have our weaknesses. “Dark Side”

Lesson #4 – Honesty is the best policy. “Honestly”

Lesson #5 – Pay attention to what people do, not what they say. “You Love Me”

Lesson #6 – Simple Math: Our love/the square root of pride * your lies + time = Going Out of my Mind OR Dumb + Dumb = You “Einstein”

Lesson #7 – Don’t miss the forest for the trees. “Standing in Front of You”

Lesson #8 – Mistakes happen. Learn to forgive…yourself as well as others. “I Forgive You”

Lesson #9 – Actually listening to someone is the greatest gift you can give them. “Hello”

Lesson #10 – Don’t fight with men or women who cheat and play dirty. The deck is stacked in their favor. “The War Is Over”

Lesson #11 – Keep your expectations low when dealing with over promisers and under deliverers. “Let Me Down”

Lesson #12 – Don’t try to win with everyone. Only do so with those who matter. “You Can’t Win”

Lesson #13 – We stand in the way of our own happiness more often than someone else does. “Breaking Your Own Heart”

Lesson #14 – It is possible to be alone WITH someone. Choose wisely. “Alone”

Lesson #15 – Role reversal is not attractive..at all. “Don’t Be a Girl”

Lesson #16 – No matter how bad it gets, there is always tomorrow. “The Sun Will Rise”

Lesson #17 – All it takes is a little effort guys. We promise. “Why Don’t You Try”

SEARCH FOR FUN…because it’s everywhere. Luckily, I am surrounded by people who know how to laugh. Without laughter, the sucky times would suck more and the great times wouldn’t be quite as great. Remember that next time you take things too seriously will ya? It was awesome to get to spend time with some old friends this year…

Hi Megan and Craig (Mike not pictured since he was nice enough to take the picture)!

As well as some adorable new friends (Seriously, they are so cute!)…

Plus, I got a puppy. Even when she drives me crazy, little Lyric is fun. Look at that face!

DISCOVER 2012 LIFE TIPS…I found a list in my e-mail files. This list of “40 Tips to Make Your Life Better” was sent to me a couple of years ago. I still reference it often. Although I won’t share all 40 with you, there are some great ones to try. They have made life better for me.

1. Live with the three E’s…Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

2. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2011.

3.  Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

4. Dream more while you are awake.

5. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

6. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

7. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of that curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

8. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

10. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

11. You don’t have to win every arguement. Agree to disagree.

12. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.

13. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

15. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”

16. What other people think of you is none of your business.

17. God heals everything.

18. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

19. Your job won’t take care of you when you’re sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

20. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

21. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

22. Do the right thing.

23. Call your family often.

24. Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statements: I am thankful for _____. Today I accomplished ______.

SEARCH FOR GREAT MOVIES…like possibly my all-time favorite romantic comedy “Friends with Benefits.” This one just hit home on a lot of levels. Things have changed a lot when it comes to dating in the past 20 years or so. This movie touches on a lot of those changes in some VERY entertaining ways. I even got a great quote out of it in the form of wonderful advice for all single women: “Your Prince Charming isn’t coming for you in a horse and carriage. That’s not who you want. You’re looking for a man to be your partner…take on the world with. You gotta update your fairy tale.”

DISCOVER WHAT MAKES THE GREAT ONES GREAT…like Garth Brooks and his philosophies. One reason fans love Garth is because he loves them. Are there free front-row seats to Garth Brooks concerts? Nope. Why is that?

“Our promoters don’t have any front-row seats to give out. We’ve never done an endorsement because of one phrase in every contract: ‘We need 20 of your best tickets every night.’ When you’ve got 20 people who would be somewhere else if they didn’t have free tickets, that sucks. We want everyone to be there because they want to be there. We’ve turned down $10 million, $15 million and $20 million endorsements because of that clause. We will not do it.”

The reason fans attach to Garth Brooks music? He searches for the best song for each album…no matter who wrote it. Garth doesn’t have to be the one holding the pen. The best material always wins. It would be amazing if more artists had this philosophy…and (I’m willing to bet) more profitable. Don’t get me wrong, Garth had a hand in writing a few of his biggest hits. However, he had nothing to do with the writing of a few other smashes. I love that he loves the song…period.

SEARCH FOR CHALLENGES…otherwise life can get boring. The more difficult the task, the larger the reward. Remember that when you are struggling to achieve something huge. You never remember the easy stuff, but you never forget the difficult tasks. Ignore the t-shirt. Chase those waterfalls!

DISCOVER THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL LIVING…2011 brought happiness, sadness, disillusionment, optimism, skepticism, hope, anger, laughter and every other emotion you can possibly mention. It was a year full of learning and I appreciated every second of it…even the tough stuff. Today I was reminded by a song my friend wrote to leave 2011 right where it is and only bring one thing with me…the lessons. I hope you do the same, because 2012 is gonna rock. Thanks for the reminder Shanna!

“Regret is just a waste of an emotion, a raindrop in the ocean. Meaningless like all the stupid reasons we won’t stop and leave it. We’ve got a way of playin’ games always denying things. Truth just catches up. Ready to call your bluff. It’s like trying to fix a broken dream or save a heart that doesn’t beat. Only one left hangin’ on. Let it fall. Let it fall. When no one’s there to pick you up and you think you’ve had enough. When things are out of your control. Let it all…let it all go.” – “Go” by Shanna Crooks, Richard Marx and Espionage

Oprah also said it eloquently…”Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.”

Until Next Time (I’ve missed you guys!)…

No Reins!

K

P.S. HUGE congrats to one of my favorite people, Nicole Witt. This incredible songwriter took home the 2011 International Bluegrass Music Association “Song of the Year” award for the tune “Trains I Missed” by Balsam Range. So proud of this incredibly talented friend…even if she is a Missouri fan (just kidding Nicole!)