Melodies and Rhythm

What's on my playlist?

Music is a huge part of who I am. I grew up listening to my grandpa, mom, and dad "pick-n-grin" throughout various venues and crowds. They have all been huge inspirations to me. My grandpa once said, "Blondie, music is the rhythm that keeps this old man's heart tickin."

While they find their ability in singing and performing,  I had to face the fact that unfortunately those talents just weren't in the cards for me. Instead, I enjoy writing.  A melody and a few words pop into my head and I find myself scribbling them down on napkins, church bulletins, candy wrappers or whatever I can find when inspiration hits.The trouble is, I can never finish a song! I feel like it is never perfect and then end up giving up on it...and then the cycle continues! So I wouldn't call myself a songwriter, but I do enjoy it :).

Back to the topic...Here are the bands/singers that I can't function without.

1. The Avett Brothers -If you don't listen to this group, you need to!
2. Old Crow Medicine Show- Check out their newest album.
3. Mumford and Sons-I can't help it.
4. James Taylor- Oldie but goodie.He might be my all time favorite.
5. Griffin House- Great Melodies . Good mood music
6. Pistol Annies-I love the harmonies in this group! Catchy tunes too.
7. Raphael Saadiq-100 yard dash (I put this song on repeat when I clean the house).
8. Keane- Newest album released in may 2012-I like it.
9. Norah Jones- her tender voice calms me. This is great after a long work day
10. Johnny Cash- I LOVE rocking out to Johnny Cash. I can actually pick out his songs on the guitar,  so it is always fun to put a soft girl voice to his music and see where it goes. I can do a mean Folsom Prison Blues....ha!

Noteworthy
Joe Purdy- Originally from Arkansas ..I love the song, "Why You"


This is a very small compilation of singers that I enjoy . More to follow..

Until next time,
Julie

Gateway to the West

I just arrived home from a wonderful surprise birthday trip which my dear husband planned. I believe he has out done himself with this one.

Donny is very spontaneous and thoughtful. Both of those qualities combine to make a happy wife. He never disappoints ...and makes it appear so effortless that I halfway forgot he planned the whole thing while he was over seas. What a guy!

Ok enough about how amazing he is. I am sure this blog will become a place for me to brag on his many wonderful attributes ...but we will save that for later.

The trip began in beautiful Springfield Missouri at a cozy bed and breakfast on historic Walnut Street. (pictures later..I'm new at this) The Inn was located in a the heart of a charming downtown fully equip with mouth watering food, soulful jazz, and even some hot spot dancing jives for the more youthful traveler.

We had full intentions on living up the night, but decided to enjoy a quiet evening instead. Dinner at Nona's (a local favorite) was just what we needed to begin our night. After dinner, dessert seamed like the logical thing to do. We headed up the street to a jazzy dessert and wine bar. The evening was complete once we tasted the perfect blend of Italian Creme cheesecake with a Bellini to top it off.

Springfield was so good to us, we almost decided to stay another night. But as Donny said.."We have people to see, and places to be."

The next morning, we packed up and headed to St. Louis! I could rave on an on about this city! I could live there forever and be happy. It is located about 2 hours or less from everything one could ever have interest in doing or seeing.

The St. Louis To Do List (for us): Scottish Fest, Taste of St. Louis, Cardinals Game (YAY), and of course going up into "The Arch".

St. Louis gave me the best birthday I could have asked for. Until next time-

Julie