In April of this year, 96 year-old Fred Stobaugh of Peoria, Illinois, lost his … Read the rest →]]> If you haven’t heard this story yet, you’re in for a treat. Grab a box of tissue and read on. If you have, it’s worth hearing again.

In April of this year, 96 year-old Fred Stobaugh of Peoria, Illinois, lost his beloved wife of 73 years. As a tribute to her, he wrote her a love song that he called, Oh, Sweet Lorraine.

Over the summer, Fred entered the song in a contest hosted by a local recording studio. Entries were to be submitted via YouTube, but Fred submitted his entry directly to the studio with a note on the outside of the envelope that said, “P.S. I don’t sing, I would scare people. Ha ha.”

Inside the envelope was a handwritten copy of the song he wrote for his wife. He didn’t win the contest but the owners of Green Shoe Studio were so touched by Fred’s story that not only did they have his song professionally recorded, they turned it into a min-documentary and posted it on YouTube.  Have a look:

What did you think? Did Fred’s story inspire you? How does the love in your life inspire and motivate you?

Enter to Win:
I love hearing from you. And to prove it, for every comment you leave, you’ll be entered into a drawing. At the end of the month, I will draw a lucky winner who will receive a $10 gift card (your choice, Amazon, Starbucks or iTunes). Winners will be announced in the first post of the following month.

Congratulations to the July and August winners, Nancy Johnson and Linda Harrel!! Woo hoo!

Know your fight is not with them Yours is with your … Read the rest →]]>

Don’t be scared to walk alone
Don’t be scared to like it
There’s no time that you must be home
So sleep where darkness falls

Know your fight is not with them
Yours is with your time here
Dream your dreams but don’t pretend
Make friends with what you are

Give your heart then change your mind
You’re allowed to do it
‘Cause God knows it’s been done to you
And somehow you got through it

Alive in the age of worry
Rage in the age of worry
Sing out in the age of worry
And say, “Worry, why should I care?”

–John Mayer

I’m in love with John Mayer. I’ve tried denying it, but it’s no use. And the thing is? My husband’s okay with it. In a previous post I tried convincing myself that it was really just about the music. I lied. To you, and to myself.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking. I mean, the guy is sexy, there’s no denying that. And it’s true, my love might not be as strong if the guy looked like Barry White, but the truth is, John Mayer is the total package, despite the fact that he clearly doesn’t spend any of his earnings on his wardrobe.

Last night, under the stars and an almost full moon in Wheatland, California (just outside Sacramento), John crooned to a surprising mix of fans ranging from young teenagers to elderly hippy types with long ponytails. And me.

With every song he poured out his heart in his bluesy soulful way that reaches right down into my core and speaks to me. And when he sang his own rendition of Bob Dylan’s I Want You, I knew he was singing just for me:

 I Want You

 And then of course there was my all-time favorite, Slow Dancing in a Burning Room:

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room

And to prove how deep and abiding my love for John is, I didn’t even mind that his voice wasn’t exactly what it used to be. I mean the guy has had two surgeries to remove granulomas on his vocal cords. His voice may never be what it once was, but part of loving someone unconditionally is loving them through the ups and downs.

And if you happen to read this post John, my darling, please know that I will love and support you forever.

And now I have a new project while I’m recovering from my surgery. Besides catching up on the first three seasons of Downtown Abbey (which I’ll be doing with my writing friend Kim Cleary (anyone else want to join in the fun?), I’ve decided that I’m going to learn the lyrics to every single John Mayer song. I figured since I won’t be able to lift my arms or use my hands much for a few weeks I can still belt out every tune at least a hundred times until I have it down before moving onto the next one.

What about you? What music moves you?

I love hearing from you. And to prove it, for every comment you leave, you’ll be entered into a drawing. At the end of the month, I will draw a lucky winner who will receive a $10 gift card (your choice, Amazon, Starbucks or iTunes). Winners will be announced in the first post of the following month. NOTE: Because of my surgery next week, the winner for July will be announced with the winner for August in the first September post.