I flew to Baltimore today to meet up with Amy and the Christmas tour gang. This is the first time in over a year that I've boarded a flight without Braden in tow. As much as I missed his sweet company and his wide-eyed fascination with all things airplanes and pilots, the solo flight allowed me the time to blow the dust off my Ipod and listen to music for 2 glorious and uninterrupted hours. And while listening to song selections from a very random sampling of artists (Gavin Rossdale, Alanis Morissette, Amos Lee, Bebo Norman, Barbra Streisand, Charles Brown, Carrie Underwood, David Gray, Emerson Hart, Everlast, Aaron Shust, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, The Killers, Wilco, Madonna, Marc Broussard, Mercy Me, Mindy Smith...etc. etc), I was reminded of the POWER of music to move a soul, bring an eye to tears, rekindle a buried memory as if it were brand new, and to give every emotion a unique soundtrack. As a busy single, working mom, I don't make enough time to listen to music in spite of the fact that I work in the music business. I am such a fan of a well crafted song and today reminded me that I need to make more time to enjoy what I have loved since I was a little girl and got my first record player and Donny Osmond album. I know those of you who care enough to show up and read this blog were brought here by your love of Amy's music and my hope for all of us is that we continue to let music wash over our souls and put a kick in our steps no matter how old or busy we may be.
By the way, I feel sorry for the guy who sat next to me on the plane as I think there were a few times I pulled a "Julia Roberts" in "Pretty Woman" and actually sang out loud while lost in song with headphones on.... :)
Jen
LOL Good for you. And you're right -- of all the things to make time for, music is a like a friend that we're happy to welcome back every time, old or new. That was refreshing to read - thanks. Have a great trip!
Posted by: Merrie | December 09, 2008 at 03:04 PM
There is truly nothing like a good song!! I love those moments when you can just get so lost in a song that you are oblivious to what is going on around you. It is great..haha!
Posted by: Amelia | December 09, 2008 at 07:59 PM
What a great post Jen. I personally don't know what I would do without music! Hope you have a safe trip!
Posted by: Ron | December 09, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Jen that was a great post! I agree that music is such a gift and a joy, and as a die hard Amy fan, one of the things I have always loved about her music is truly how well crafted and honest it is. I know when she first started singing songs in her school as a teen. people would write notes and put it in her locker telling her how much her music touched their hearts. When I listen to her music now, I still feel like I'm the high schooler and she wrote that song just to remind me how much Jesus loves us all. How lucky you are to work for someone like her! She's lucky to have you too! We are all blessed she has used her talent so wisely.
Posted by: melanie | December 09, 2008 at 11:32 PM
OMGosh! I can totally see you pulling a Julia! I did it the other day in my bedroom when my 6 year old walked in! We couldn't stop laughing!
Looks like you are bringing the snow with you to Albany tomorrow (Times Union Center)!! Make sure to tell Amy she'll be on the ice rink, so wear those boots! I'm looking forward to hopefully meeting you. (This will be my Mom's first sound check!)
I'm bringing my Heroes with me to the concert! (My Mom and Dad) They are in their 70's and I'm blessed to have them. Between Mom's brain surgery and Dad's Cancer this year - and numerous ting operations in the past 10 years - "nail biting moments, I still have a hard time keeping up with them.
This Christmas has a different light on it for me. I've come to count my blessings more, do all I can for everyone that I can, and take time to listen to the music. Amy's collection is beautiful and heaven sent. I've never needed a Silent Night more!
Be safe - but have fun - throw a few snowballs and forget you're an adult!!!
Kim
Posted by: wwjd13 | December 10, 2008 at 06:25 AM
Hi I was wondering if Amy would be interested in playing Basketball for a Church of Chirst school located 45 minutes from Nashville on Jan 24 trying to get the school up todate for technolgy. It will be the students against Teachers and alot of fun!! It is a small school. And I hope I am not upsetting anyone writting this. I just know what a strong Christian woman Amy is the kids and parents at the school would love it!
Posted by: Michelle | December 10, 2008 at 07:07 AM
Wow Jen! I'm thoroughly impressed by your eclectic musical taste. Especially your choice of David Gray - he is flippin' awesome, definitely one of my faves! Otherworldly voice in my opinion. Enjoy Baltimore! Make sure you try Maryland's famous blue crab cakes....yumm!!!
Posted by: Nolan | December 10, 2008 at 09:44 AM
ha! Ha! Ha! you go girl!
Posted by: Jeri - Hawaii | December 10, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Jen,
I'm a single working mom myself, so I really understand how you can relish 2 hours alone, yet miss your baby terribly. I LOVE the fact that you had great taste in music as a child, Donny Osmond! He's still hot!
See you in a few days!
Laura
Posted by: Laura | December 12, 2008 at 08:36 AM