The Songs of My Life ~ There Goes My Life

I love how music plays such an important part in so many of our lives.  I've been reading some journals I wrote a few years back.  I used music to explain what I was going through at different stages in my life.

I thought I'd share a song now and then plus how it affected my life and why it resonated so.  I'd love to hear about the "Songs in Your Life".

Today's post is about the song - "There Goes My Life" by Kenny Chesney.  The YouTube link is here.  My journal entry - "Watching them grow up and head out on their own.  I kept reminding myself that we'd raised them to do just that - grow wings and fly away.  It still hurt and yet it was right."

Why do I love this song?  All my life I wanted to be a mother.  After losing one baby, I was blessed to have two little girls.  This song touches my heart because - well - they grow up.  I knew it was going to happen and I worked really hard to make sure they were equipped to take the world on.

Everything from getting through tough times with a hopeful heart and the determination to survive.  Practical skills, money-earning skills, you name it.  We couponed and refunded before "Extreme Couponing" was a term.  I loved my life as Traci & Ginger's mother.

I still see them like this.

As they each left my nest, I learned to love this song.  Your every moment is filled with homework, lunches, washing clothes, making meals, paying for things they need, getting them to Girls Scouts, Soccer practice/games, the "Mall", skating, Band events and then before you know it - "there goes my life".  In their own car to their own home and for me to their own family.  They're successful mothers/wives/wage-earners and I'm proud of them!  However - there are times when I wish I could wrap my arms around their little bodies and know that I was keeping them safe and covering them with my love.

Thanks for visiting!  Reia

Vintage ~ Guess That's Me...

Here I am...looking to see what's new on eBay.  There's loads to see since there are so many things I'm interested in and "Wham!" there it is...one of the piano method books I took lessons from and it's labeled...Vintage!

Vintage!  Well maybe I am.  I know I love seeing the faces of my students when I tell them I've been playing the piano for 48 years.  Their faces are priceless.  I try to impress on them that what they're learning will last for many years - more than they can comprehend.  Then I show them this book - you know the "vintage" one and the assignment date of August 27, 1968 along with my lovely handwriting "Reia A."  Their jaws always drop - 1968 - they can't comprehend a date SO far back.

It proves a point though - I've been at this for a long time.  One day you'll look at your lesson book and marvel at how many years have passed.  Hopefully they'll still be playing and loving music.  That's my wish for each of my students.  

A side note - apparently I didn't pass the song on August 27, 1968 since there's a Sept. 3 date added.  I also feel for my middle sister (especially since I was the oldest) - looks like she got the "hand me down" book with the Oct. 25, 1971 date.  I'm thinking the Nov. notation means she didn't pass the song right away either.

I'm also thinking the "Count!" note from our teacher was a sign about something important?

Thanks for visiting ~ Reia

Happy Birthday to My Baby ~ Ginger...

Dear Ginger,  

In a few hours it will be your birthday.  I remember your entrance into this world well.

You waited until 12:14am on January 19th to make your presence known.  I still swear it was because your sister was born on 11-9 and you were already in that sibling race pre-birth.

You didn't cry a lot, you did sleep a lot and one day I truly wondered if you were going to wake up at all that day.  You seemed to be satisfied to swing in the "baby" swing and Traci seemed determined to make sure it was cranked back up when it stopped.

From day one you've had sisterly help.  I guess it comes with being the baby.  I've got to admit you've weathered being the younger sister well also.

Anyway - I can't imagine what my life would be without you.  You're Ethel to my Lucy or Lucy to my Ethel.  I never know what's going to happen when we're together.  I can count on that it will be fun because you're fun to be around - just ask Snickers!

I love you, Ginger and I hope you have a really special birthday!  Mom 

Thanks for visiting ~ Reia

Coupon Apps ~ It's a Whole New World...

My daughter and son-in-law gave me an iPhone for Christmas.  They're good to me everyday but I've got to admit this has been a "handy dandy" present to receive.  

I've found it really useful for coupon-ing.  I've been trying out a lot of free apps as I get to know my coupon holder - er - phone.  Here are a few that I'm experimenting with.

• The SavingStar app - not sure about it yet.
  
• My Ginger of www.literallyinspired.com - told me about RetailMeNot so I'm experimenting with it.
  
• The Kroger app ~ I know already that I love it!  Now I actually can see what digital coupons I have on my card without a long print out or hand written notes.

  The one I'm having the most fun with and even paid $9.99 for the full version is Coupon Keeper 2.  Coupon Keeper 2 Lite is the free app.  After scanning in 20 coupons you have to buy the full version or hand enter all your coupons.  I read loads of reviews and everyone stated it was worth the $9.99 - so we'll see.  I do have high hopes from the reviews.

(Image is from http://www.superkiddostudio.com/CouponKeeper2.php)

I'm sure I'll have more apps to experiment with and I'd appreciate your suggestions.  I'll keep you posted on what I find out, what I like and what just doesn't work for me.

Thanks for visiting!  Reia

and the Dominoes Tumbled...

I promised to tell you what my life's like now.  I was an absolute "Looney-Tunes" nut this Sunday.  Bet you didn't expect to read that!  I'd love to tell you that everything always goes GREAT!  But it's real life & it doesn't.

This post should make everybody feel better about themselves!  I was a "Smart Alec" to our wonderful Priest, I had a panic attack when my lead vocalist was a moment late for our abbreviated rehearsal and I forgot to turn the volume up on the microphone for one of our Matriarchs for the Rosary - and that was just one of my three services.

If I could have sunk into a hole or cavern somewhere, I would have.  Instead I apologized to all those I offended and vowed to do better next week.

There are so many things to consider & be on top of during a church service and I have three that I'm specifically in charge of.  I'm not asking for a pat on the back but I am realizing that it's not a walk in the park either.

So - I leave you with this - "to err is human - to forgive, divine".  Thank you to all that forgave their crazy Music Director this Sunday.  I promise to do better this weekend!

The Reason for the Season ~ Great Reminder

I love Facebook!  I'm on Faceboook nearly 24/7 watching for news from my children - pictures of my grandchildren, etc.

Today was an interesting day on Facebook.  My "friends and family" posted some amazing things.  One stood out and caused me to pause for a while.

Yep!  That's what it's all about.  That's why I spend so much of my waking time working on songs, arrangements, etc.  Thank you special friend for sharing this!

Extreme Christmas Trees ~ a "Must See"!

My Ginger of Literally Inspired "liked" something on Facebook today that reminded me of a show I recently watched.  If you love Christmas like I do, I bet you'll enjoy the show. (I streamed it on Netflix but I believe TLC is going to show it again soon.)

It's "Extreme Christmas Trees" on TLC.  A sneak preview can be found here.  (I took a screen shot of my Netflix account page to get the picture to show you.)

One of the places featured is just 60 miles away from us.  It's Brunswick Manor in Brunswick, Georgia.  I really want to visit it now and at Christmas, of course!

Hope you enjoy the show and thanks for visiting ~ Reia