once in a lifetime . . . Jackson Browne

Last weekend I experienced one of those rare, but oh so pure, mesmerizing, "if you breathe you'll break the spell" moments.  A moment that I want to remember for the rest of my life, because it was so fleeting, so real, so beautiful that I really don't expect it to ever happen again.

I know, you're probably thinking my ramblings will continue down the familiar path destined to arrive at a moment when nature spoke to me.  Not so this time, I'll spare you another "Julie loves nature" post for now (that will be included in the upcoming "Yosemite is the most spiritual place on earth" post - just a warning ;-).

I'm talking about spending two magical evenings in nostalgic, tiny, lost in time California towns sitting in small theaters with unbelievable acoustics listening to Jackson Browne work his magic.  It was like we were invited into his own living room for a private, intimate concert.  It's a wonderful sight to see a small stage laden only with a row of guitars, a chair and table, and a piano.

In my eyes, Jackson Browne's music and lyrics transcend the human condition.  It's not just his rich, full, emotionally charged voice that touches my soul, but his sublime understanding of humanity, of love and longing, happiness, laughter, sorrow, peace, and the troubled heart.  I was moved to tears more than once, especially during Saturday evening's concert in Hanford, CA when Jackson became emotional himself and struggled for a moment to compose himself during a few songs ("Late for the Sky," "The Pretender," and "Enough of the Night" - the song written about his sister, who incidentally had passed away last year).

The highlight during the 3 hours happened as we were yelling out our favorite songs and someone asked to hear HIS favorite song . . . .  Jackson then treated us to a beautiful song written by Leonard Cohen, "A Thousand Kisses Deep," which he sang with such raw emotion the audience was spellbound - to be granted entrance to a personal moment like that of someone you've admired for years, was captivating.   To me, this concert almost felt like a "swan song" of sorts, and I'm not sure if I really want to see him perform again because nothing will compare with the beauty of this night.

Chris was just as taken in, if not more, than I was.  I think the best part of the experience for him was having a conversation with Jackson after Friday evening's show about how great it was to hear one of his more obscure songs, "Linda Paloma" from The Pretender (1976), and how amazed we were that he could just pull it out of his hat and play/sing it so beautifully.  During Saturday's performance, Jackson shared with the audience his conversation with Chris and then proceeded to play the song once again for the Hanford crowd.

yep, once in a lifetime.

 It doesn't get any better than this

 Turlock Community Theater (yes, it was that small)

 Chatting with Jackson after the show 

 My new friend Catherine asking to get an autograph on her albums - 

I love how you can see his picture from "Late For the Sky"

Yes, I got emotional

 Saturday night's concert

Thanks Jackson for two unbelievable nights 

After the show inside the Hanford Fox (est. 1934) - we loved the vintage/nostalgic lobby and theater

 My first attempt - the flash didn't go off - had to try again . . .

Chris and his hero

It's such a clever innocence with which you do your sorcery
As if somehow the years just bow and let that young girl go free
I thought I was a child until you turned and smiled
I thought I knew where I was going until I heard your laughter flowing
And came upon the wisdom in your eyes . . .

("I Thought I was a Child" - J. Browne)

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Last night the little girls and I headed downtown to see the Broadway tour of Mary Poppins.  It was absolutely delightful, enchanting, and literally pure magic from beginning to end.  If you know me, you know how much I love the theater.  It's always a treat to share my adoration for the stage with my children.

Sophie's favorite were the chimney sweeps and tap dancing in Step in Time, Liza's favorite was the choreography in Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (which was unbelievable), and I would have to say I was completely taken in by the soaring kites during Let's go Fly a Kite, along with the fantastic sets and brilliant scenery (especially for "It's a Jolly Holiday").  Also, the actress who played Mary was "practically perfect" in every sense of the word.

If you have kids and haven't seen this musical, we highly recommend going before it leaves town at the end of the month.  You won't be disappointed - adults and children alike!

Such a great song . . .

U2 360, round two

Since I am bound and determined not to let May happenings slip by, I'm backtracking a bit and figured a recap from the latest U2 concert are most necessary, even if I did write a lengthy post detailing our last concert experience. With that said, I was in awe every bit as much as last time, however we were so close to the band, it felt at times like a private concert . . . wow, wow, wow.  Each minute was pure joy, but I still have my favorites and wish I could see Bono and crew perform all the songs that make my heart soar.

SLC highlights from my "top 20": City of Blinding Lights, All I Want is You, Beautiful Day, Moment of Surrender, Magnificent and Walk On.  Of course, no U2 concert is complete without Mysterious Ways, Vertigo, Elevation and a few "Joshua Tree" favorites.  Also, every time I hear Even Better than the Real Thing I am instantly transported back to that evening . . . truly, the perfect way to begin the concert.  If I had no other life, I would follow Bono and The Edge around the country, but alas, real life awaits, but it was sure nice to lose myself in the brilliance of their music for a few hours back on Tuesday, May 24th.

Some pics:

Our group waiting in line -  ya want to be close,  you need to spend the afternoon in line!

Ryan and friends after being dropped off after school

Heading into the stadium

Scoping out our spot

Chris found us!  If you're Chris, you can get away with showing up at 6:30 and still getting close . . . 

Curt, he owes you big time!

The Fray - very nice

Curt and I escaped the inner circle before the big show

My man, The Edge . . . performed right in front of us all night

What a night - thanks Bono!

Blue skies and polished floors

Really, what is better than a day when the sun finally makes an appearance (I know, it's still cold, but I'll take any weather as long as the sun is shining at this point :-), and I'm so productive that I actually get to the floors which have been demanding attention for weeks, and make them sparkle?

Our house, for at least 8 more hours is completely dust free and spotless, and I'm seriously considering staying up all night just to revel in the scent of my shiny, clean floors before they are covered once again in the grass from soccer cleats, crumbs, muddy dog tracks, sticky who knows what, and a hundred other miscellaneous items that find their way onto the floor.  Truly, an accomplishment - to have the ENTIRE house clean at one time, and although it requires staying home most of the day, it is so worth it and it keeps me mentally sane.  Sometimes I don't realize how much I really do need to have that time at home alone with my thoughts, my music, and my work.  Those who know me well know I don't function well in a dirty house (organization is an entirely different matter ;-) . . . turning into such a grouch when things are messy, cluttered, or dusty.

Hard work is just good for the soul - it's fulfilling and brings so much satisfaction into my life and makes the subsequent days run smoother.  Today was just a "feel good/smile" day which began with a run through the neighborhood (Lucy's first 2 mile "training run" - um, ya, we've got some work to do), then 6 hours of cleaning while listening to NPR and music, then after school catch up with kids, then drop off Ryan at LAX game, head over to club to play a half hour of tennis outside with Sophie before her lesson (so much fun, this girl can HIT), then back to the LAX field to watch Ryan's game, then home, dinner, quick catch up with Chris, then it's off to take Caroline to piano (get some reading in while I wait), back home, evening wrap up with teenagers, kids in bed, finish polishing floors (downstairs still needed to be done), e-mail/FB catch-up . . . . ahhh, time to write a post.

Another reason it was a great day:  I rediscovered a favorite artist I haven't listened to in literally years, Natalie Merchant.  From what I remember, around the end of senior year in HS and freshman year in college, I listened to this 10,000 Maniacs album ALL THE TIME.  I remembered how much I adored Natalie Merchant - loved her voice, her lyrics, her band, and especially that brilliant passion she imbued into every single note.  This afternoon, I grabbed Caroline's i-pod, and who knew, but she had "In my Tribe" downloaded, and the second I pushed "play" the memories washed over me and I was consumed by Merchant's music once again, as if no time had passed at all.  Enjoy . . .


"Verdi Cries" is so beautiful and her talent so raw, I remember the first time I heard it I almost cried.


This was my absolute favorite song on the album - I listened to it over and over and over . . . for some reason it reminds me of the summer after my freshman year at BYU.


Amazing, brilliant song, what else can I say?  Thanks Natalie for the memories!

My daughter, my concert buddy!

Last week I learned that one of my favorite singer/songwriters, Joshua Radin was in town (yes, it happened to be the DAY of the performance - I have no idea where I was that I missed this tour date).  After some deliberation if I should really be spontaneous and a little careless of other responsibilities, I thought I would first run it by his number one 13-year old fan.

Well, there was absolutely no question that WE WERE GOING after I mentioned the concert to Caroline when she arrived home from school. So, with a few phone calls to take care of Sophie's tennis carpool (thanks Lori for taking over) and what was supposed to be a quick stop at Smith's to pick up tickets on our way to drop off Ryan at Jiu Jitsu (our car battery died while I was in the store - had to have a neighbor - thanks AMY - drive down to give us a jump start and we lost a precious half hour of what would have translated into a spot closer to the stage).

The good news is that we made it just in time to discover another beautiful songwriter,  Laura Jansen. Caroline fell in love with her voice immediately and can't wait for the release of her first album on March 22nd. Laura even personally signed a CD single of her song Single Girls for Caroline. She was THRILLED!

I find it refreshing that in today's teen culture and in the midst of "Bieber Fever," my daughter enjoys Indie music and seeks out new, fresh voices that encompass pure talent rather than the karaoke clones cranked out by major recording studios. When most 13-year old girls are waiting in line with other swooning teen fans to see latest Justin Beiber 3D movie, Caroline would rather go to a small, intimate concert venue with unbelievable acoustics, listening to talented artists who write their own music and lyrics.   And the sweetest part is that, at least for now, she doesn't mind attending with her mom :-).

Some more pics (taken from my lousy phone camera - better than nothing) . . .

We were able to get closer for Radin's performance - he was delightful and sounded AMAZING!

After the concert - Caroline next to a poster for Laura Jansen

What fun - let's do it again my friend!!

Let there be JOY

even if it's in a mall food court . . .

Sing to me

Many evenings after singing the girls their goodnight song, I think to myself, "I should really write about this tradition before they have outgrown our bedtime ritual . . ."  So, when tonight's request became I See the Moon (we all know this is the only song accepted on a night with a bright harvest moon shining through their window), I knew as I tucked my little ones under grandma's quilts and turned off the light and left them cozy and secure in bed, it was the perfect night to finally preserve these memories.

Our songs have evolved over time to include a small repertoire of a few simple melodies on the girls' "most requested" list.  When Ryan was little, we stuck to primary songs and basic nursery rhymes since that was the extent of my knowledge when it came to children's music.  Caroline garnered a little more excitement at bedtime when we could sing Kindermusik tunes together, and her favorite "Annie" lyrics over and over (I'll never forget her only request, Maybe, every night for months on end when she was four years old).

I guess I have never forgotten my mother singing to me every night before she tucked me in, and there must have been something so comforting in that memory to have continued the ritual with my own children.  I can't say for sure when I, or my older children outgrew the songs,  possibly around age 10, but I am hopeful that this tradition will live on as they become parents and long to once again feel the comfort of a lullaby.

So, tonight, while I'm feeling nostalgic about my own childhood memories of my mother singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and wanting to preserve the lyrics and melodies of my children's bedtime songs, here are our favorites . . .

I See the Moon
I see the moon, and the moon sees me
God bless the moon, and God bless me
Oooohhh, ooohhh, ooohhh, ooh, ooh, ooh

The light of the moon shines down from above
The light of the moon shines on the ones I love
Oooohhh, ooohhh, ooohh . . . .
(from a recording of lullabies, sung by Joan Baez)

Goodnight my Sophie and Elizabeth
Goodnight my Sophie and Elizabeth, goodnight my dears
Sleep tight my Sophie and Elizabeth, sleep tight my loves
The stars are shining so bright above . . .
Goodnight, my Sophie and Elizabeth, Goodnight . . .
(adapted from "Goodnight my Someone," The Music Man)

Where Shall We Go?
Oh, Sophie and Elizabeth, where shall we go?
The world's such a very big place you must know . . .
To see all its wonders the wise people say,
Will take us forever a year and a day . . .
(adapted from "Oh, Rocking Horse" - Sophie's favorite Kindermusik song when she was a toddler

Spider's Web
It's a web like a spider's web; made of silver, light and shadow
Spun by the light of the moon at night.
It's a web made to catch a dream, hold it fast 'til I awaken,
As if to tell me the dream is of you.

It's a web . . . like a spider's web . . .
Spun by the light of the moon at night.
It's a web . . . made to catch a dream . . .
As if to tell me the dream is of you.
(YW girls camp song - Edgemont 21st ward)

You are my Sunshine
You are my Sunshine(s), my only sunshine(s),
You make me happy, when skies are gray . . .

You'll never know dear(s) how much I love you.

Please don't take my Sunshine(s) away.
(no need to explain this song, just one of our favorites)

Ladybug, Ladybug
Ladybug, Ladybug, fly away home
Your house is on fire and your children are gone,
All except one, her name is Sophie Ann . . .
She crept under the pudding pan.
Butterfly, Butterfly
Butterfly, Butterfly, fly away home
Your house is on fire and your children are gone,
All except one, her name is Liza Jane . . .
She flew under the window pane.

(thanks to Mother Goose for her "Ladybug, Ladybug" rhyme, which we added our personal melody and new lyrics to match Sophie and Liza's nicknames).

Oh, Glorious Fall

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it,
and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth
seeking the successive autumns."

George Eliot

Ahhh, autumn . . . the past week Mother Nature has been our best friend.  The canyons are filled with color, the sky's brilliant blue so unique to this season has been ever present, and the temperatures could not be more perfect . . . crisp and cool in the mornings and evening, yet oh, so warm in the late afternoons.

It's when as darkness falls, George Winston's Thanksgiving beckons to be played on the piano and brings such peace and stillness into our home as the little girls drift off to sleep.  Since I was a teenager and heard Winston's albums played for the first time I have always associated this glorious season with these beautiful piano arrangements.  Playing his music this time of year just warms my soul and I seem to find myself on the piano bench practically every evening, getting lost in the beauty of his calming melodies. 

We also make sure we take time to drive up the canyon on Sunday afternoons before all the leaves have fallen.  The kids look forward to this tradition every year and this past Sunday we invited Chris' mom and his brother David who was in town to join us for a walk through the woods and then back home to one of our favorite fall dinners waiting on the stove . . . homemade clam chowder.  I wouldn't have wanted to spend an afternoon any other way :-)

Little Cottonwood Sunday late afternoon

Oh, Dolly!

Yep, Dolly Parton.  Yesterday morning as I was perusing NPR for something to listen to while I go about my morning chores, this story caught my eye.  I know, I'm a total NPR geek - Chris is so patient during our dinner conversations when I begin practically every sentence with, "today on NPR . . . oh, I listened to the greatest interview on NPR . . . oh, you've GOT to hear this music I heard today on NPR."  Tedious I know, but I love sharing my new found knowledge with anyone who will listen, plus it adds something new to our routine "how was your day . . . what's everyone been up to" conversations.

Back to Dolly.  I've never really thought much about Dolly Parton except that she seems like a good person and is an American icon of sorts.  I don't have any of her albums, never been a huge fan, but appreciated her work as an singer/songwriter nonetheless.  Furthermore, who doesn't just adore her role as Truvy in the movie Steel Magnolias?

I was completely captivated by her interview (originally aired in 2001) . . . so much so, that I listened to it again this morning (Terry Gross is one of my favorite NPR hosts - love her style), and it only took about a half hour for my respect and admiration for Dolly to increase hundredfold.  What an incredible person!!  Really, her life story is filled with amazing courage, determination, and an unbelievably strong sense of self.  I have always been impressed with people who have the tenacity to pursue their dreams, without fear of failure or how they are perceived by others, and Dolly exemplifies this perfectly.  She is the real deal . . . aways staying true to herself, her faith and ideals, and those things that make her happy, regardless what anyone might think or say.  She also possesses a sincere and optimistic outlook on life, her relationships with others, and the future.  I just love her confidence . . . it's rare to find someone who's experienced so much success and who can still so easily balance their self assurance with genuine humility.

Thanks Dolly for the inspiration! 

Good for the soul

Who else but Jackson Browne?  For today, because I'm in the mood to share one of those songs that never fails to sooth a weary heart and relax the soul.  The first time I heard this song (credit to Chris who put together a live cd collection of JB acoustic for an anniversary gift last year) I think I almost cried, it was that peaceful  . . . yep, his music is that good.  So, to anyone out there who could just use a minute of peace today, sit back, close your eyes, and listen . . .



 . . . aahhh, thanks Jackson :-).

Life is Wonderful

I really should be packing and cleaning and doing the 100 things that need to be done before we leave this afternoon, but I had to share my new favorite song because it relates a beautiful truth that's been on my mind as of late.  Plus, it just makes me smile :-) . . .



"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things.  If not so, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad.  Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one . . .  And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin.  If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness.  And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness.  And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery.  And if these things are not, there is no God.  And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon . . .

And now, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon  . . .

And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden.  And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end . . . wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.  But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things . . .

Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."

2 Nephi, chapter 2, vs: 11-25

The Book of Mormon

On a brighter note

U2 releases their new album, Songs of Ascent, the first week in March.  Here's a peek from the album cover photo shoot - LOVE it.  This album is supposed to have a more "reflective and meditative" feel than their previous recordings according to a Rolling Stone magazine preview.  Also, about four of the songs were originally recorded for "Atomic Bomb," so I'm sure it will be good.

Can't Wait!

U2

Baby slow down
The end is not as fun as the start
Please stay a child somewhere in your heart . . .

To touch is to heal

To hurt is to steal,
If you wanna kiss the sky
Better learn how to kneel.

U2.   The music, the lyrics, the passion, the intensity.
Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr., Adam Clayton.
The concert. 10.23.09.  Moving, inspiring, intense, beautiful, spiritual.

OK, I know, I sound like I'm to the point of worship, which I am.  Besides Jackson Browne, there are very few artists who touch my soul as deeply as U2.  Last month we took Ryan and Caroline to the concert of a lifetime - U2 360.  It was unbelievable, and Ryan especially was completely engrossed watching the band perform.  It was an evening we will never forget.

For me, U2 was the soundtrack of my adolesence, soundtrack of those days of complete freedom and innocence.  I still remember listening to the band for the first time 25 years ago when Steve Lund brought their album "The Unforgettable Fire" to a party when we were in 8th or 9th grade.  It was U2 playing in the background that same night when I experienced my first awkward kiss, it was U2's "Joshua Tree" cassette that I about wore out during those high school and college years, and it was the unique sound of The Edge's guitars, the tambourines, harmonica, Mullen's drums, and especially Bono's distinct voice and piercing lyrics, that kept me entranced all those years.

Unfortuately, after marriage, growing up, and completely immersing myself in motherhood, without realizing it, I had gradually replaced all my music with nonstop Kindermusik, "Wee Sing," Disney, Raffi, showtunes, and of course classical (keep those brains cells connecting :-).  I couldn't have been happier . . . really, I was in my element as a young mother . . . singing along with my kids, "clap, clap, clap hello, clap hello together . . "  However, without realizing it, I think I was losing an integral part of myself.  By the time Ryan was ten, I honestly couldn't tell you when I last listened to U2, or even the RADIO for that matter.  If it was more intense than the muppets, I probably hadn't tuned in.

The songs are in your eyes
I see them when you smile . . .

Then, about four years ago during a particularly difficult time in my life, I was reminded of my forgotten passion for music.  We had just received an i-pod for Christmas and I had no interest really.  One night I decided it was time to give it a try, so after figuring out how to use the gadget, I found U2 . . . and began listening to Joshua Tree, track 5.  Alone in the dark, kids in bed, I lay back on the sofa, closed my eyes, and found myself again.  It was Bono's voice, then his unique "oooohhh" that brought the tears, seriously, the flood gates opened, I'll never forget it.

And so she woke up
Woke up from where she was lying still
Said I gotta do something about where we're going . . .

That night I felt renewed, felt like I finally found that had piece that had been missing, and I started to listing to MY music again.  I knew Chris loved U2 as much as I did, and realized he had all their amazing music right there on the i-pod . . . THREE new albums since "Joshua Tree" - sweet!  For months after that experience, I felt like a kid in a candy store, rediscovering my favorite music and listening to new music for the first time - yes, I even had to locate what radio stations were playing what types of music, 89.1 was about it for me.

The best part of this experience, is that my children who once clapped their hands and sang along with Raffi are now arguing in the backseat while U2's "Beautiful Day" plays if Bono and crew really did perform that song or not in the concert:  Ryan - "they did NOT play this" . . . Caroline - "YES, they did - I remember, right after 'In God's Country!"  Ryan - "are you sure??"  Caroline - "I'm sure, check the setlist."  That kind of a conversation just makes my heart happy, almost as much as listening to Ryan play "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" and "Vertigo" on his electric guitar . . . and just about as happy as going to see them again in Denver on June 12th :-).

And if the night runs over

And if the day won't last

And if your way should falter
Along this stony pass

It's just a moment

This time will pass . . .