The Reason I Cried Across New Mexico

Yep. I admit it. I did.

But you have to understand the whole story.

First, it was the second day after we’d left our Utah house (and family and other loved ones behind). We were in two separate cars, and since I was driving my Mustang, it was just me and my son, while the rest of the family (husband, two daughters, two dogs, and a rabbit) were in the car ahead of us. We’d spent the day driving across an area that can only be described as desolate flatland that looked like this:

Well, until the sun when down, then it was just freaking dark.

So, it was dark. I was starving. It had been a ridiculously long day. And then…

My iPod connector died, cutting me off from my choice of playlists. And after about ten minutes, I couldn’t take the silence anymore. So I handed my son a visor clip with some CD’s in it, and had him choose one. He chose The Lion King on Broadway soundtrack. And not long into it, Shadowland came on. And it hit me in about a hundred different soft spots.

Before you feel terribly sorry for me, you should know that musicals usually make me cry anyway, and this is one I’ve always found particularly powerful. It just happened that this song felt absolutely appropriate for that moment in my life. Check it out:

I know, right? (Don’t tell me you wouldn’t have cried too. I know better!)

Now that I’ve just admitted something enormously embarrassing, it’s your turn. When was the last time a well-timed powerful song moved you to tears? (And if you share, I might tell you about another of mine sometime soon.)

Where Are You Christmas?

This one I love, partly because my daughter plays it on the piano and I love that sound, but also because I feel like this a lot during the holidays. Sometimes we get so caught up in buying, and spending, and crazy time sucks, that we forget what we’re celebrating and why.

Also, I think we can all learn a lot from the Grinch.

So for today’s selection, I give you Faith Hill and Where Are You Christmas.

The Songs/ Stories that Save Us

Earlier this week, I was cleaning, and came across a book with CD, written and performed by recording artist Amy Grant. In this book, she tells the story of how one of her most amazing songs came to be written. As it happens, that song is a Christmas one, and it is my all time favorites. The book reminded me of a story of my own.

The years surrounding Christmas 1995 were some of the hardest I ever hope to face, and to this day, that fact holds strong. To tell you the story would be highly personal, possibly boring, and likely require an entire novel, so I won’t go into detailed explanations.

Suffice it to say, the foundations of my entire life were shaken, and in some places shattered into irreparable pieces. My heart was broken in about a hundred different ways (not having anything to do with my husband). That year, I discovered that evil lurked in the world, that things weren’t always as we believed them to be, and that even the people you trust most are capable of lies.

During this time, I had three things going for me that saved my life in more ways than I can count.

1. I was married to an amazing man who left work to come home and hold me when I needed to be held.
2. I had a two-year-old son who was the brightest part of my life.
3. I was pregnant with my second child—a daughter—whose arrival would make my life all the brighter, better, and sweeter.

That year for Christmas, my husband bought me a portable CD player with a car adapter (I only had cassette at the time), and I also got a copy of Amy Grant’s CD. This song (the one featured in the book I found the other day) is the one that helped me find strength to push through. I would listen to it over and over again, hands on my stomach as my daughter moved around, and know that I was strong enough.

The song is called Breath of Heaven, and to this day, hearing it makes my eyes tear. Merry Christmas, my friends. May you ever find the strength you need to push through your hardest trials, the way Mary did.

Has music ever saved you in some way?

Rachel Morgan Tagged Me!

It’s been a long time since someone tagged me, but last week, Rachel Morgan did just that. And since it’s my birthday this week, I figured there’s no better time for a fun party game. So I hope you’ll forgive me for indulging myself.

1. Do you think you’re hot?

Of course. Someone should call 911, because I’m on fire, peeps, FIRE! (Okay, seriously, it’s like 95 degrees outside, it’s Independence Day week, so there are fireworks happening all over the place, and since it’s summer, we’re firing up the grill for some serious BBQ. How much hotter does it get?)

2. Upload a picture or wallpaper you are using at the moment.
Hawaii, January 2010 (This was the view from our hotel Lanai/balcony.)

 Washington DC in December 2010, and yes, that is my family all bundled up in all those layers of clothes.

3. When was the last time you ate chicken?

Last Friday night at a Chinese restaurant. It was mixed with zucchini, broccoli, and mushrooms, topping a bed of fresh noodles, and topped with spicy brown sauce. Delish! (And actually, mine had shrimp, but my husband’s had chicken, so I stole a piece of the chicken off his plate. It counts, right?)

4. The song (s) you listened to lately.

Oh man, what a question. You all know how much I love music, right? But, considering Independence Day celebrations, I have listened to The Star Spangled Banner a few times, Garth Brooks’s We Shall Be Free, and Toby Keith’s Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.

But aside from the patriotic songs I’ve had in my head (and also because I posted one on Monday) this is my new current favorite.

Linkin Park, Iridescent


5. What were you thinking while doing this?

Black Forest juicy oozers are quite delicious, and make very tasty blog-writing treats. I should stock up. Also I should get some Dr. Pepper to keep in the fridge in my garage.



6. Do you have nicknames? What are they?

Nicki, Nick, Mom, babe, and Fab #3 (but only people who know what that means get to use it!)

7. Tag 8 blogger friends

Okay, I’m going to pick some people I’ve never tagged before, or whose blogs I have recently started to follow. (No offense to my regular, long-time friends—you can be tagged too if you want!)

Jemi Frasier
Donna K. Weaver
Heather Cashman
Matthew MacNish
Michelle Davidson Argyle
Jeff King
Christine Fonseca
Theresa Milstein

Can't wait to see your answers!

The Musical Trigger

I’ve decided that life should be set to music. Seriously. Like, when a baby is born, the nurses should assign them a life theme song. Not a permanent one. Just one to get that person started, going, inspired, until he or she outgrows that theme song and needs a new one.

I could swear every memorable moment in my life has some kind of music or song involved, or at the very least, there’s a song that reminds me of those moments. And when I hear those songs, I’m transported in time and place, and suddenly, I’m five again and singing, “Li’l Red Riding Hood” (by Sam the Sham and the Pharohs) in the living room of our tiny house in the Nevada desert. Or I’m fifteen, learning to drive to the sweet harmonies of Wilson Philips. (Am I crazy to admit that?)

Because of this, I have a tendency to unconsciously assign theme songs to books as I read them, heightening the book’s emotional impact.

Do certain songs trigger memories for you? Which ones?

A Theme Song

There’s this Facebook poll where you fill out the questionnaire to have a computer tell you what your life theme song should be. I took that poll once. It wasn’t even remotely accurate. In fact, I’m still trying to figure out how Boom, Boom, Pow by the Black Eyed Peas could be anyone’s theme song.

But my life does have one. It’s different every day. Or maybe every week, depending. Music, like the written word, has a way of reaching inside me and pulling out the very best parts. Deep, strong, true emotion.  

Of course, in order for me to feel that emotion, the artist who created it must have been feeling something similar when they sang/wrote/played it. Same with beautiful writing, or incredible artwork, or actors in a touching film or play. All art boils down to emotion. And when we identify with something, be it a song, or a painting, or story or whatever, when we let that thing touch our souls in protected and hidden places, those things have a tendency to fill us up, give us strength and courage.

At least, that’s how it goes for me. So. My theme song is probably more like a playlist. And I won’t bore you by listing all of this week’s picks. But I will share with you lyrics to a new one.

This is ten percent luck

Fifteen percent skill

Twenty percent concentrated power of will

Five percent pleasure

Fifty percent pain

And a hundred percent reason to remember the name.

~Title: Remember the Name by Fort Minor

Do you have a theme song today? Tell me about it!

A Post of Randomness (Not about love--for once)

1. Last weekend I was watching the SAG awards on TV. I was struck by how different every one of those actors looks. Yeah, I know. Life isn’t all about how people look, but in that profession, look actually matters. Okay, so my profession is totally different. But it made me think. Do I look like an author? Does anyone? For that matter, what do authors look like?

2. Also, I wonder why that statue guy they give out at the SAG’s doesn’t wear any clothes. Neither does the giant one they show in every segue. And why are they all male? Not that I’m complaining, but seriously, how about some clothing and a little equality? #Kthxbai. (Translation: Okay, thanks. Goodbye.)

3. Speaking of actors, my kids don’t know what a Smurf is. Or who is Rainbow Brite, or He-man or She-ra. I think they’ve actually heard of the Care Bears, but it’s been years. YEARS. They’re so spoiled with high-tech, fast-paced animations that they’d probably be completely bored by my old favorites. I sometimes wish their lives could be so innocent as those cartoons.

4. My family is newly addicted to The Game of Things. It’s like, the funnest board game I’ve played in years. Buy it, try it, love it. You’ll laugh your tail off, and your teens will want to stay home and play it instead of going out with their friends. It’s that fun. That is all.

5. My new favorite song is by Pink, and part of the title is Perfect. Great song. LOVE the clean version of it. But it begs to be asked. Why, why, why would she make an explicit version, that can never be played on the radio, or as a music video, or as a theme to any book, movie, or life and offer ONLY the bad version of it on the album? Also, why is the cleaner version not just titled Perfect? Why put the bleeped out bad word in the title? It doesn’t really make a statement, it just deters people from listening. Really. You can use the language if you want, but why cut down your fan base? Off my soapbox now.

Here's the clean version if you're curious:

P!nk - New Music - More Music Videos

That is all the randomness for today. Be sure to stop by on Monday to find out what’s on my mind next time.

Oh, Holiday Music, Your Notes are Brightly Singing

So, I was driving down the street the other night and I happened upon a couple reindeer. No, I did not hit them with my car (thank goodness). They were in a yard as I passed by. Or rather, they passed me on their way through several yards.

It happened to be a snowy day, and as I passed the deer, a great Christmas song came on the radio.

Yes, I am a squishy marshmallow, because my heart turned into gooey mush. Yet two more reasons I love December. Real live reindeer (which I shouldn’t like, because they’re pests and also because the fact that they’re in town means there isn’t enough food in the mountains where they live) and Christmas music.

I won’t make a list of the deer. But oh I love the music. There are a handful of CD’s in my holiday stash, but the ones I play the most are probably SheDaisy, Amy Grant (yes it’s old, I don’t care), and Celine Dion. (Scroll down to my playlist if you want to give them a try.)

Oh, all right. Confession: When my kids are around, our family favorite is a CD called Elves Gone Wild. If you ever come across it, you should buy it. Funnest holiday music ever.

And if I had to choose three songs that make Christmas official at my house, they’re Santa Baby by Madonna, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer by (hm, who sings that song?) and Silent Night by—well anyone. It’s just a great song.

Wait. I can't stop there. I also love Oh Holy Night. Because it's just so pretty, about any artist can make it sound good.

Okay, your turn. All time favorite holiday song or entire album? Spill! (I need some new songs this year—so do share.)

Tagged--and Things I Love, Day 3: Music and Words

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I mentioned this last year. I love, love, love music. I'm totally the kind of person who hears music in the background pretty much 24 / 7. Even in my dreams. So it goes without saying that I often write to music. I do almost everything to music. Because music is a part of me.

And here's a funny. I don't usually read to music, but when I've been reading a book, then leave and go somewhere (having music playing in the car) I totally attribute certain songs to whatever scene I've just read, or that is on my mind, and the music sticks for me. Ta da! Instant soundtrack creator.

I admit to sometimes having dorkish tendencies. Whatdayado?

Part of what I love about music is the way the songwriters have of telling a story in just a few lines. They're able to do this through word choice. And I love that! I love that people can create such powerful feelings out of something as simple as a few well chosen words. (I also love harmony, melody, and the power of music itself, but am not going to focus on it just now.) There is something so comforting in knowing that words, when used wisely, can have an impact.

So, today, I love music. And I'm running around my house singing--just like a certain friend of mine tends to do when she's feeling especially happy. (You know who you are!)

On that note, my good friend David West totally tagged me last week, and I've been neglecting the game all this time. Sorry, David! So here it is, everything you ever wanted to know about me:


Rules: Answer the following questions with Single Word answers then pass this along to 5 other bloggers. Make sure you let them know about it though.

Your Cell Phone? Awesome
Your Hair? Red
Your Mother? Mom
Your Father? Dad
Your Favorite Food? (Snow)Crab
Your Dream Last Night? secret
Your Favorite Drink? Dr. Pepper
Your Dream/Goal? Bestseller
What Room Are You In? Bedroom
Your Hobby? Traveling
Your Fear? Snakes
Where Do You See Yourself In Six Years? Tropical
Where Were You Last Night? Home
Something That You Aren't? Mean
Muffins? Raspberry
Wish List Item? Furniture
Where Did You Grow Up? Arizona
Last Thing You Did? Laughed
What Are You Wearing? Jammies
Your TV? On
Your Pets? Dogs
Friends? Incredible
Your Life? #amwriting (I’m stealing David’s answer here!)
Your Mood? Smiling
Missing Someone? Always
Vehicle? Mustang
Something You Aren't Wearing? Jewelry
Your Favorite Store? Mall
Your Favorite Color? Rainbow
When Was The Last Time You Laughed? Now
Last Time You Cried? Days
Your Best Friend? Gary
One Place You Go To Over And Over Again? Hearts
Facebook? Yep!
Favorite Place To Eat? Hawaii

I pass this award to:

C.L. Beck because she’s my coauthor and so great to work with.

Rachelle Christensen because she has a book coming out next month and I’m so excited about it.

Christine Bryant because she always has awesome blogging ideas and is such a great friend.

L.T. Elliot because she is my most faithful blog commenter, ever.

Elana Johnson because she is the rockin-est query queen ever.

And one last note to David, who tagged me. I may be nice, but…please don’t make me feed your cats. I’d probably start sneezing like crazy and break out in hives. Okay, that’s a lie. But my son would!

For My Friends

It seems like there's something in the air lately. I have an influx of friends, loved ones, and even just people I know casually who are struggling with making life decisions that are tough. And as usual, I'm among them.

Anyway, since Google has been down all day--or at least every time I checked--and Blogger let me in for a minute, I thought I'd hurry and post this video for a little inspiration.

It's okay, everyone. You have the power within yourselves to make the best choices for your future. Do what feels right to you, and it probably is. If not, it's still okay!

You Too, Can Make a Difference

This week's random stuff:

It's been a while since I gave something cool away. I recall promising to give away a gift certificate to a Utah restaurant a few weeks ago--however, said certificate has temporarily disappeared. (Hazard of owning more than one purse and having to swap contents regularly.) In any event, I still have other things to give away until that particular prize shows up again. So, keep reading to find out what I'm giving away this week and what you should do to enter.

Okay, next, I'm getting excited about the release of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief: Hilarious Stories for Saints. It doesn't hit shelves until December, but that'll be here before we know it. Come find us on Facebook, or read updates about our book at the Humor Blog. (Our being mine with my coauthor Cindy Beck.)

Also, today I blogged about making tough decisions over at LDS Writer's Blogck. Check it out and leave me lots of comments. (Because, all bloggers just love comments.)

And best of all, in honor of last night's wicked awesome Nickelback concert, I'm posting this video. I truly believe that we all have the power to change the world, so this is inspiring to me.







Now, about the contest. This week I've decided to give away a fun book of mazes called The A-MAZE-ing Book of Mormon by Arie Van DeGraaff. This book is super fun, and full of mind-bending mazes that will keep you / your child busy and quiet for hours. Plus, the illustrating is amazing. Oh, and it's autographed.

To win, you can do a few things:

1. Leave a comment here telling me what you can do to change the world--even if it's just for one person.

2. Check out Arie Van DeGraaff's website or blog and leave a comment telling him I sent you. (Following him is also a great idea.) Oh, and then make sure you tell me you visited--so I know.

3. Log onto Facebook and become a fan of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief. (That's my book that will be released in December!) We love fans! Ooh, and one extra entry for everyone that invites lots of their friends to become fans too. Yes, definitely.

Do one or all of these things by no later than midnight next Wednesday, September 3rd, and you'll be automatically entered to win.

Just in case lady luck is not with you this week, and you want to buy your very own copy of this awesome book for children, click here.

That's it. Good luck everyone!

Nichole

Music Review: Lori Cunningham, Unseen

By Nichole Giles

The day I opened my mailbox and found my new Lori Cunningham CD, I was on my way out the door to run some errands. I took the time to open the package and slide the disk in my car stereo so I could listen as I drove.

As it happens, I was also feeling quite introspective, and even a bit emotional that day, so Lori’s melodious strains turned out to be just the balm my soul needed. I found her new age style unique and her vocals very clean, and smooth. My first instinct was to compare her to Enya, or even possibly Evanessence, but her sound is different enough that I think Lori Cunningham is in a category all her own.

My favorites: Some of Lori’s songs touched a deep chord of emotion in me.

Everytime (song # 4) is a thoughtful, introspective look at mistakes, and how we make the same ones over time and time again.

Inside (song # 6) is a powerful look at who we are on the inside, as opposed to what people see when they look at us on the outside. This particular song rang true for me, as I often wonder, and sometimes struggle with what people really see when they look at me. Wonderful, deep thoughts in both lyric and music.

Tears of a Rose (song #8) is—I think—my favorite. I can’t decide if it’s the deep lyrics or the haunting arrangement. Or maybe it’s the combination of the vocals and music. In this song, Lori’s voice is as pure and sweet as any instrument, and melds with the accompaniment in what can only be described as a poignant, evocative song about the deepest sadness inside a heart, and the unfathomable love that causes it. (Or—at least, that’s my interpretation.)

My nitpicks: in a few places on a couple of the songs, I thought the keyboard synthesizer was a little heavy and overpowered some of the vocals. For me, her voice is sweet and strong, and I was disappointed that it was more difficult to pick out over the music. But, that’s just me being—well, nitpicky.

I was privileged to have the opportunity to interview Lori recently, and thought I’d share with my readers some of the information they’re all dying to know.

NG: Hi Lori! Thanks for taking time to meet with me and share your deepest, darkest, innermost secrets with my readers. So tell me, what’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?

LC: I've been known to make a mean French vanilla coconut ice cream - all completely healthy and natural. BUT... when I'm not able to make that or just in the mood to be bad, my all time fave is Chocolate Cherry Nut Truffle from Smith's, the Kroger brand. Nothing else even comes close! *drool drool*

NG: Ooh, that French vanilla coconut sounds delish! And I have to admit to never having tried the Kroger one. I’ll have to pick up a carton next time I’m there. Now I want some.

(Listening to Lori’s CD in the background…)

NG: Wow, your music is inspired. You must listen to other artists a lot. Who is your favorite musician or artist? (Besides you or me, since everyone already knows we’re both awesome.)

LC: That's a really tough question! It just really depends on what I'm in the mood for and it has changed over the years. Today my favorite musicians or group is Blue Stone, hands down. I can't stop listening to them!

NG: Since we all know you have a life besides your music, can you tell us your most favorite thing to do when you’re not writing/ performing?

LC: You mean what I really love doing or what I have to do, LOL! If it's my most favorite thing of what I love to do is read. I'm an avid reader. In fact, several of my songs over the past couple of years are inspired by books I've read. My favorite genre is fantasy/romance, though I'm reading a lot of young adult books lately. They're intriguing and I don't have to think deeply. It's a nice break. I also love to spend time with my family in a non-stressful, fun way. And singing. I'm always singing! Now, what I have to do... there's actually something extremely satisfying and stress relieving having a newly cleaned house. Not that it stays that way for very long.

NG: Nice! You read my writing genre. (I’ll let you know when my book is released.) Sounds like you’re one busy chick. Wait, you’re not really a chick. And that almost sounds—well, not nice. But hey, if you were an animal, what kind would you be and why?

LC: A cat! Because I love kitties. I grew up always have a lot of cats around and I can't think of another animal that I love more. And sometimes I can ignore someone really good, just like a cat. Selective hearing, if you will.

NG: Interesting. Now that we’re really getting to the heart of the artist in you, time for the all important question. Do you prefer diamonds or pearls?

LC: Diamonds all the way. Not that I wear them a lot. In fact, I only wear my wedding ring about once a week, if I remember. I think they're much prettier than pearls.

NG: And, after all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? One last question and then I’ll let you get back to work. What power snacks keep you going as you work? We all have them.

LC: Well, considering that I actually can't eat while I work, especially while singing, that wouldn't be very feasible! But when I record vocals, I have to have a water bottle with a drop of peppermint and citrus fresh essential oils. It keeps my throat hydrated and cuts out on all those "mouth" noises that a sensitive microphone picks up. Those really bug me! Otherwise, I can't live without at least one apple a day and a green smoothie. Those are my power foods, all the way.

NG: Nice! Now, I know I said that was the last question, but I can’t help but wonder how you find the time to compose and record—aren’t you also a stay-at-home mom of three?

LC: I'm the ultimate multi-tasker! I take a piece of paper around with me everywhere and write down random lyrics. I try to stay focused on the song at hand, even when I'm not able to work on it. My #1 tool is my cheapo mp3 player and stereo in the kitchen. Most of my lyrics and melodies are written and worked on while I'm cleaning and making dinner. I have it playing and I'm singing my little heart out, writing down lyrics that work. To actually record, I have to be a bit creative. During the summer, I have to wait until my husband is home so he can watch the kids. Needless to say, I don't get much work done in the summer! When school is in session, I have recorded either during naptime of my youngest, or when he's gone at preschool. I'm not able to totally lose myself for hours at a time like other recording artists do and I'm not a night person, so staying up into the wee hours of the morning is also not an option. I work with what I'm given! So while it takes me longer to have a finished product, I do it right and the best to my ability.

NG: Okay, seriously, that sounds really familiar. Just today I’m celebrating the fact that my kids are back in school so I can actually finish the rough draft of my current book. And the notebook thing? Whoever invented notebooks deserves a special place in heaven as far as I’m concerned.

Thank you so much for letting us have a glimpse into the life of a recording artist / mother. You’re truly an amazing person who makes remarkable music. Oh, and also, thanks for the CD. I’ve been listening to it for the better part of two weeks. It’s great writing background.

Here's a little taste:

Inside
By Lori Cunningham

Is what I show
The person deep inside
The person deep inside of me
Who really knows
The person deep inside
Screaming to be seen (free)

Trying to be
What others want you to be
Not really living
Never truly free
Clouding your vision
So even you can’t see
Who you are meant to be.

Hurry now to buy your copy of Lori Cunningham’s Unseen.

Click here to visit Lori’s website and learn more about her and her album in progress.