Country Songs about Fishing! Yep, It's that Time of the Year

Don't fret; several relaxing country songs are geared explicitly toward the fishing addict! Fishing is who you are....much to the dismay of those who never see you 'cause you're often seen 'out there on the lake'!

Don't worry, be happy...just fish! And who cares what other people think about your love of fishing anyway! Fishing fans understand you perfectly well...they get who you are! Country music artists get you too, 'cause they've written songs about fishing just so you can say to those who don't get you ...' see, there's even a song about fishing!'

Here you go! Here are three country songs about fishing that speak to entirely different aspects of this sport. The first song by Billy Carrington is about fishing no matter what happens, good or bad - The second is the hilarious fishing song by Brad Paisley, and the Third is an emotional fishing song about a father and his little girl.

Bad Day of Fishing by Billy Currington - Didn't Catch a Damn Thing! (lyrics)

Whether it's pouring rain, the fish aren't biting, or you lost your pole to a big one...doesn't matter...because a bad day of fishing beats a good day of anything else (as the song says). A good Fisherman simply adjusts no matter what! 

As the song says, 'Looks like tonight's fish fry dinner is going to be chicken.' The avid fisherman knows how to adjust, and they're probably the first to tell you they'd never stop fishing no matter what! If this sounds like you, then without a doubt, this is your song.

I'm Gonna Miss Her, The Fishin' Song by Brad Paisley "Now there's a chance that if I hurry I could beg her to stay, but the water's right and the weather's perfect"(lyrics)

She should never given him that ultimatum...Fishing or me...'cause he's gonna miss her'. If you've never watched the video for this fishin' song, be sure to check it out; it's hilarious! 

The entire video is done like a news and media event. It's hilarious and one of Brad Paisley's funniest, in fact.

Just Fishing by Trace Adkins - "I say, “Daddy loves you, baby” one more time, She says, “I know. I think I got a bite....But I guarantee this memory's a big'in, And she thinks we're just fishin' (Lyrics)

This is an absolutely beautiful and emotional country song about a dad creating a beautiful memory with his daughter...and she thinks we're just fishing. Every dad knows how precious these moments are with their kids, and they don't just happen...although sometimes they do...However, in this song, Dad is building a moment in his life that will stay with him forever. He loves that little girl, and this ain't just about fishing.

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Martina McBride - Review of Music & Tribute to Work

Martina McBride Speaks Out on Behalf of Victims

I guess just about everybody has a favorite Martina McBride song. For me, it is hard to choose just one.  I have always enjoyed lyrics that tell a story or make you feel like you have lived that song yourself or know someone that has experienced it and all of her songs are like that.

One of the things I like best about country music, is that I can usually understand the lyrics as well as the emotions and I do love a heart gripping song.  For 20 years, Martina McBride has been singing ballads and love songs that touch our hearts but she doesn't just stop with her music.  She is also an active spokeswoman and fundraiser for several charities including the "National Network to End Domestic Violence."  She tries to reach out to touch our hearts and set our feet into action.  I have tremendous respect for someone who uses their celebrity status to bring attention and help to a commonly ignored problem in our society.

Here are a few of my favorite Martina McBride songs.

"Independence Day" by Martina McBride

The knowledge that people suffer abuse disgusts me to the very core of my being.

This is a very powerful song with a very powerful message.  There is only so much a person can handle before they break.


National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224

"Wild Angels" by Martina McBride

I have always believed angels were watching over me. I have to smile at the concept of "wild angels." Of course, now that I write with my fellow contributors here on Review This, I can say that I have met a few wild angels and I love them all!

May you always fly high!
 

"Wrong Again" by Martina McBride

Even though this song has absolutely no significance in my life, I listen to it often. I like the melody and I am humored by the twist of lyrics. I especially love the last line:

"I was sure I'd never find someone to heal the damage you had done and my poor heart would never mend, Wrong Again"


I always prefer a happy ending!
 

About Martina McBride

 

According to wikipedia.com, Martina has won the Country Music Association's "Female Vocalist of the Year" award four times (tied with Reba McEntire for the most wins) and the Academy of Country Music's "Top Female Vocalist" award three times. What I want to know is why is she not in the Country Music Hall of Fame? With a musical career that spans nearly 20 years and has sold over 16 million albums, what are they waiting for?

Her personal life is stellar too. She has been married for over 20 years. She and her husband, John McBride, have 3 daughters.

You can read more about Martina McBride's personal life, her career and her charity work here.

"Valentine" by Martina McBride

This song will always hold a special place in my heart. Although the song is about romantic love, it carries a different significance and connotation for me.

A decade ago, I dedicated this song to my son. I still think of him when I hear the words:

"You would still have my heart until the end of time."

Isn't that really how we all feel about our children?

 

"A Happy Girl" by Martina McBride

When I hear it, this song floods my mind with memories. My father used to say this song made him think of my daughter. Now that kind of drove her crazy, but we all smiled at the description of a "happy girl." It really does apply to my baby girl,


If you knew how often my daughter changes her hair color and how crazy happy she is, you would understand why I chose this video.
 

This Very Happy Girl, Martina McBride, 

was Presented with the 

"Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award" in 2003

 

Salva1745 [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) or CC BY 2.0
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

 

"There You Are" by Martina McBride

My husband and I have been married for over 30 years now and I still love him. Of course, like every other couple, we have had a few problems and our share of disagreements, after all, we have raised two children together.

When my mother described our relationship to someone recently, she said "you better not ever try to come between them. He would defend her with his life." That is completely true. The man has defended me, protected me, provided for me and loved me for pretty much my entire adult life.

Everyone should be loved like that.
 

"My Baby Loves Me" by Martina McBride

"My Baby Loves Me Just the Way that I Am!"

Well, that pretty much says it all! To quote another Martina McBride song, "I have been blessed.
 

“The music is just who I am.  I have a really strong sense of who I am, what works for me and what I like.  There’s a certain positivity to my music, even though some of my biggest hits have been songs that aren’t necessarily happy, like ‘Concrete Angel,’ ‘Where Would You Be’ and ‘Independence Day.’  The songs on Shine are definitely not all positive, but even if the song is about heartbreak or loss, there is a strength to it that comes through.”     ~ Martina McBride ~

"Concrete Angel" by Martina McBride

This song is almost too hard to hear. The really sad reality is there are children abused everyday. My heart breaks at the very idea that a parent would harm their own child.

I understand we do not have the perfect intervention system, but I would call in an instant if I knew a child was being abused.

National Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline

800-422-4453

So Many Others .............

 
There are so many other wonderful Martina McBride songs that I enjoy. The ones above are only a sample of her music and the significance of her songs in my life.

It is obvious that I think Martina McBride is talented but what really sets her apart from other celebrities, is her heart for people in crisis.

I admire her work in the music industry, her charity work and her commitment to her family. An outstanding combination that makes her a real star in this world.

Exclusively Martina McBride

    Home : Martina McBride
    Find out the latest news, tour information, new releases and more

 Hits And More Collector's Edition

& 

This Martina McBride Review & Tribute was Written by:

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Review of 5 Beautiful Country Songs for a Father Daughter Wedding Dance

Father Daughter Key Chain Necklace

Find the Song that Tells the Best Story about You and Dad

To help you discern which story in song best suits you and dad, below you'll find an array of diverse country tunes that come from a variety of father daughter story telling angles. Look for a description of each song, and should you feel a particular song says it best, you can then watch a video to be sure.

Our dance with our father on our wedding day ranks as one of the most powerful moments in our life. 

The song we choose will forever represent this major marker....from Daddy's little girl to beautiful bride. It doesn't matter how focused we are on the glorious celebration of the day..once dad takes our hand for that dance, we remember almost every moment growing up under his protective wing.

I Loved Her First by Heartland

Straight up..this one will make you cry!

The song let's everyone know that Dad loves his little girl; he loved her first, he held her first. From the first breath she took, he understood the depth of the love of a father.

I don't think it's possible for dad to hold it together while dancing to this tune. The lyrics talk about how he was enough for his little girl not that long ago, and time changes everything...life goes on..but always remember 'I Loved Her First'. Although he's prayed that she'd find a man like you some day, it's still hard to give her away.

Dad wonders how it's possible that this beautiful grown woman who was once his freckled face girl, grew up so fast. The love of father runs deep, and he explains to her husband that someday, when a miracle smiles up at you, you might know what he's going through.

Bring tissues.

Stealing Cinderella by Chuck Wicks

The Story of Dad's Thoughts When Her Boyfriend Came to Ask for His Daughter's Hand in Marriage

This song is ideal for a close father daughter relationship where daddy's always looked upon his little girl, as a little girl...and watching her grow from his angel to a wife is like someone 'stealing his little Cinderella'.

In this song story, hubby-to-be comes to see her dad to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage, and while dad leaves the room for a minute, he gets up to look at all the displayed pictures of daddy's little girl; riding her first bike, bouncing on the bed during a pillow fight, running through the sprinkler, playing Cinderella.

When dad comes back and sees her future husband looking at all the pictures of his little girl, he remarks 'Ain't she something son?' and when his response is 'yah she's quite a woman', dad just stares at him - To dad she'll always be playing Cinderella, and to dad, giving her hand in marriage is like someone stealing Cinderella.

I Don't Dance by Lee Brice - Perfect for the Dad Who is Known to Never Dance..Except with You on Your Wedding Day

You've got Dad in the palm of your hands

This is an unconventional choice, however it works perfectly for a father daughter relationship where his little girl has him in the palm of his hands to the point that he's willing to Dance just for her...something he rarely does.

If you're looking for simple lyrics that are not overly descriptive in terms of story telling, and if dad is not known to be much of a dancer, then this song could easily work for your wedding dance with him.

The lyrics explain how although he normally never dances, and wasn't the type to settle down, here he is now spinning you around in circles...he'd do anything for you...you've got him in the palm of your hands.

When It Comes to You by Bobby Wills

A Mid Tempo Song with a Fun Country Music Beat offering a lot of Opportunity for Dancing Between Father and Daughter

If you're looking for a song that fits a less than ordinary dad...maybe a dad who, in his day, got himself into a bit of trouble, tells it like it is, and is known for his direct honesty...but has one weakness where he can't seem to follow his own rules... 'you' ...his daughter - then be sure to listen to this one!

When It Comes to You is not a mushy song and is ideally suited for a father daughter relationship where both know that dad's biggest fault is giving in to his daughter. So if you've been a little spoiled by daddy, this is your song.

Also, if you want to show off some of your dancing skills, near the end it's music only, then back to the lyrics to close the song. If what you prefer in a song is something more upbeat and fun, this could easily work.

Daddy Dance With Me, Krystal Keith

This song is incredibly moving.

It's sung by Krystal Keith, the talented and beautiful daughter of Toby Keith. The words will certainly make you cry, as they speak of the day she became a wife, but she'll forever be his baby girl. 

She thanks him deeply for everything he's done for her. 

Honestly...this one is the perfect father daughter wedding dance song. Be sure to check it out.

More Song Choices for Your Wedding:
Country Songs for the Bride & Groom's first Dance

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Every Man Has His Place In Time - Reflections of Life in Song & Lyrics I Couldn't Accept

Read a Review of 'Go On Without Me'

Go On Without Me by Brett Eldredge Begins with These Poignant Lyrics - 'Every Man Has His Place in Time'...

When you've lost someone close to you, you understand that time only cements in the fact that you'll never see them again in this life. 

Of course, your own personal belief system may bring you comfort if it happens to include a knowingness that you'll see them again. Don't ask me how I know, I just know in my heart that we live on, just in a different way. However, I do respect the belief system of others who may see life and death differently. For me, there's no doubt, death is yet another beginning.

In my plight to understand the pain of losing dad, I've written a great deal about it and in fact have an entire category dedicated to him at Drageda.com - The Heart of Country Music. 

Even though I've already written an Emotional Review (I call them ER's ..lol) about this terrific song by Mr. Brett Eldredge, I feel compelled to re-introduce this song to those who may not have had the privilege of hearing it. 

Graduating to a Place Where Accepting These Lyrics Became Possible

When dad first passed away, other than what I had written for his funeral, I wasn't able to write for months about it. For me, it felt like writing about dad would cheapen his life. 

Sorry if that comes across wrong, it's just that the use of 'mere words' to describe this legend couldn't possibly convey who he was. And if I had to explain him 'in words', for me, it would have disrespected the grandness of who he was, who he is. 

I got over those feelings.

And the words poured out.

And I wrote and wrote and wrote some more.

In fact to honor him, I decided to write about him and dedicate a song to him on the one month anniversary of his passing for one full year. 

I lived up to that, and each month he lived again in words, and in my memory.

Getting over this kind of loss, the loss of someone so integral to who you are and who you've become is impossible. 

The truth is, we never 'get over it'. 

It doesn't matter how many months, years or decades go by, they live forever and who the hell would want it to be otherwise. 

To have known this kind of love, that's the eternal gift. 

The gift of love, the gift of having allowed yourself to be loved and to love with such depth that you dare the pain of loss back into your life ...why? ... because that pain reminds you how sweet and wonderful you had it and how much love you're capable of giving and receiving. 

Love with all your heart. 

My dad would say 'I love you' to people all the time. He was a large, tough man too. Yet his teddy bear heart was witnessed by many. Especially my brothers and I. 

He loved us so much, so so much that when he was passing away, I couldn't let him go, couldn't give him permission to let go, and I wouldn't say goodbye. 

He wasn't conscious near the end, and I would sit in silence by his bedside holding his hand just staring outside the window of his hospital room. Watching the swaying tall trees outside of that room, it's at that point I decided to create a life-marker. 

On windy days the tall swaying cedar trees in my own back yard bring me back to my dad: I couldn't say goodbye to dad, and now the swaying of trees remind me that I didn't need to. And I never will say goodbye. 

The trees have become my rocking chair; when they sway, dad is here.

Which brings me back to the lyrics of this song, 'Go On Without Me' 

After about one year, I was able to accept these lyrics. 

Sounds funny to say that doesn't it? ..'accept these lyrics'

The words 'go on without me' were words I had chosen to reject in that first year, and I'm 'not going on without you' dad ... I'm going on with you, with you forever being a part of me. Your love, your memory, your face, your voice, your hugs, all that is you, is still you, and having you with me in spirit is better than to have never had you at all.

The beautiful lyrics to this song are lyrics I know my Dad or any lost loved one would want to say to us...

"I'll always hear the prayers in your head late at night,I'm walking right beside you when nobody's by your side,I don't want you to cry over my memory, 

So go on without me, without me,

Every breath of life is short and sweet so glad that I'm up here and I got to see you go on without me"

Country Music Fans can Follow me and more via Country Music Reviews on Facebook or at 

Drageda.com - The Heart of Country Music 

Something I've Written For Dads in Heaven:

Love Barb

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Moving Country Songs That Celebrate the Special Relationship Between Father and Daughter

Wall Quotes to Honor Dad

If you're looking for Father Daughter Country Songs, or just general Father Daughter Songs, then to help you out, you'll find a few popular choices featured below. 

You can find a full list of Father Country Songs here.

You'll notice that each song below is included in a Playlist, enabling you to listen to the entire list of suggested Father Daughter Country Songs right here, without having to jump all over the internet endlessly searching for just the right song - a time consuming and sometimes frustrating process.

Note that this Playlist for father daughter country songs is always increasing, so be sure to check back as new songs are frequently added.

Today's Featured Five...

You're Gonna Miss This, Trace Adkins

What a great song! This father daughter relationship takes a journey through time from when she's a little girl, up to when she has kids of her own. The small, everyday moments of life are perfectly highlighted in these words to make the song very easy to relate to.

You Can Let Go Now Daddy - A Song of Loss and Goodbye

Well just grab a tissue box before you play this one! I cannot get through this song without crying. A beautiful story told in song, of a girl from childhood to womanhood honoring her father and giving him permission to die. It's rough to get through.



My Little Girl, by Tim McGraw

A beautiful wedding song choice for father and daughter. It's a dad voice deeply expressing his immeasurable love for his Little Girl. It's a love every parent knows, and this song will bring out tears every time.



Let Them Be Little, Billy Dean

What a lovely song for a father and daughter to dance to..."let them be little, cause they're only that way for a while... let'em giggle, let them sleep in the middle...you turn around and it's time to let them go". No doubt about it, there will be tears during this dance.



Daddy Dance With Me, by Krystal Keith - 'But I'll be Your Baby Girl for Life'

In my opinion, this ranks as the prettiest, saddest, most beautiful song to choose for a father daughter wedding dance. It's written explicitly for a wedding. Listening to this song is difficult for me right now; dad passed last year, and the lyrics are so deeply moving. (Lyrics) '...I want you to know I'll always need your love'...'you gave me faith you gave me life, you trusted me to live it right'.



If you need any of the above songs, visit Drageda.com - The Heart of Country Music where you'll find these songs plus many more that celebrate all relationships with Dad's.

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A Encouraging Country Song About Finding Strength - You've Had Enough, Today is the Day You Stand

Have you been through difficult times but still found yourself willing to 'Stand'?

Without realizing it, you've made it through another day of turmoil. Your exhaustion has unwittingly become the driving force necessary to get over what seems like an unclimbable mountain ... so without anything but sheer will, YOU STAND.

"Stand" on Amazon

Review of Stand, by Rascal Flatts: 'Stand' is a country song that expresses your newly discovered tenacity with lyrics that inspire a 'take action' mentality; 'on your knees, you look up, decide you've had enough, you get mad, you get strong' (lyrics).

As this inspiring song articulates, the getting up, not the falling down that matters. When we stand against great odds, it's as though we're giving ourselves permission to learn from our struggle and, better yet, to move forward in pursuit of the happy life we deserve.

If there were a way to get to the rainbow without having to experience the rain, would we grow and learn? As 'Stand' by Rascal Flatts articulates, our struggles are only as big as we allow them to be. Once we decide that enough is enough, that's when we find out what we're truly made of....Sugar and Spice, sure, why not...mixed with a little Hot Pepper Sauce for bravery.

Have You Learned to Be a Stronger Person? 

Have you mastered inner strength over the years? It's difficult to understand why things must be so incredibly challenging, but not so much when we understand that we are ultimately responsible for our choices.

Wrapping our minds around taking responsibility for our choices (as adults), especially when those choices haven't been the wisest, takes guts. Our pride can take a hit when we self-admit our own failings: From choosing the wrong life partner, the wrong job, the wrong friends, addiction, being nasty, and more!

Our choices are giving us the results we currently see. Changing our choices will change our results. When we 'Stand' we're accepting the change that has to happen - whether someone else initiated that change, or whether we were the ones who elected to change - it doesn't matter, it's the acceptance that moves us forward into a new and exciting chapter.

Standing Up and Surviving Change Is the Biggest Gift You Can Give Yourself

It's cliche, but it's true: everything happens for a reason. Even if that reason isn't what we want to face or deal with, the fact that we're in a situation requiring change is a sole indicator in itself that we either made mistakes, ignored clues, had a hunch what was right and didn't listen to that inner voice, are victims or our own bad choices or simply remained inactive on a matter for years that ultimately ended up escalating.

Whatever scenario we face, one thing is for sure: we deserve a happy life. Happiness comes first and foremost with belief. It's supposed to be a place we live in most of the time, not an elusive emotion that only shows up for a split second or never shows!

When we believe we are worthy of happiness, happiness has a chance to find us. It takes a massive amount of bravery to initiate change in our lives. As the song says, 'You get mad, you get strong, wipe your hands off and stand.'

Rascal Flatts reminds us that 'when push comes to shove, you find out what you're made of.' The first step is brutally difficult. It's the reason we get stuck...we can't take that one first step.

Sometimes, life chooses for us, and we're forced into taking that first step. Either way, we 'Stand'.

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Meanwhile Back at Mama's - Perfect Mother's Day Music

Mother's Day is the perfect day to spend back Mama's. If you're one of the fortunate who still gets to spend this special day with Mom, then you know only too well what it means to walk through Mom's front door, hug her, and share the simple joys that matter.

Tim McGraw's beautiful song brings the listener back to the sounds and smells of being home with Mama:

(Lyrics) Meanwhile back at Mama's
The porch light's on, come on in if you wanna
Supper's on the stove and beer's in the fridge
Red sun sinkin' out low on the ridge
Games on the tube and Daddy smokes cigarettes
Whiskey keeps his whistle wet
Funny the things you thought you'd never miss
In a world gone crazy as this

'Funny the things you thought you'd never miss' 

Isn't that the truth? Change takes a toll on us, but we know it's a guaranteed part of life. Except for those who possess a time machine, there's no return trip to our youth ... you know, those simpler days 'back at Mama's.

Reflecting on our yesterday is a precious gift, but so is living in the moment and appreciating the now. Whether Dad has passed or Mama is frail, if we're still lucky enough to get to go home, we're fortunate.

It's what I'm doing this Mother's Day weekend

Dad passed away a few years ago, and it's forever strange to be living while he isn't, but because we have no choice, we're learning to accept life's new face with grace and gratitude.

In a recent interview Melissa Rivers gave to Dr. Oz about the passing of her famous Mom, Joan Rivers, Melissa explained her terrible loss this way; 'when you lose one parent, it's a comma, but when you lose both, it's a period.

This Mother's Day, I pray that you are neither dealing with a comma nor a period, but if your life sentence includes one or both, then perhaps the hidden gift is knowing that your mom gets to watch over you from the best seat in the house.

Happy Mother's Day - find the time to smile.

Available on Amazon

Here's a small gift of music for your day - Tim McGraw, featuring Faith Hill

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A Gorgeous Gritty Song about Being Made for Each Other

A Song Review - The Story by Brandi Carlile is a perfect choice for the couple, who, from the moment they laid eyes on each other and throughout their entire life, have understood the other in a way that no other soul on earth understands them. They're almost one, and yes, this is the ideal song about being made for others.

(Lyrics) All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true...I was made for you 

Does this Sound Like the Love You Have?

Saying 'I love you' is putting it mildly; you know each other to the core of your being, and where others have failed you in life, this love never has. You feel as though very few people around you share the kind of love you both share. It's not explainable, and you're often surprised you've been this blessed. You gasp at knowing you're one of the lucky ones to have found your soul mate. You know this because, as you look around, you see many relationships falling apart. You wish you could give those who have lost in love the blessings you've been most fortunate to find. If only everyone could love and be loved the way you do and have?

A Special Song for A Wedding or Anniversary

If you're looking for a gritty love song that lyrically describes the support you've given to each other, then your first choice may very well be The Story by Brandi Carlile ... read this lyric as proof:

You see the smile that's on my mouth
It's hiding the words that don't come out
And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed
They don't know my head is a mess
No they don't know who I really am
And they don't know what I've been through like you do
And I was made for you

You've stayed together, laughed together, and even suffered together; the rainbow that is your relationship appears after every storm ... and that pot of gold isn't valuable to anyone else; it's as exclusive to each of you as you are to each other. When you hold each other, you welcome that floating feeling of fading into the abyss with the only true love you've ever known. How do you explain this love to others? Will others, do others understand what this is? This is why you live, this is why you were born ... to meet this person's soul, and you are so grateful to have lived when they lived.

You Are One of The Lucky Few

For the lucky few who have loved to this degree, I say congratulations, as you have experienced one of the rarest and truest blessings ever known, something I like to call Won-Love.

Available on Amazon

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I Was Here, I Made a Difference, I Mattered

History of Money Fridge Magnet Here

There's an Unexplainable Feeling in Your Soul; You're being Called to Contribute Something well Beyond Serving Self

It's an ache, a light, but mainly Something you're driven to achieve for the contribution it will make to the greater good.

Money isn't the driver.

Money almost annoys you. You've come to terms with the fact that money isn't even the measuring stick you were told it was.

Money turns out to be Something the human condition glorified as necessary paper in a desperate world saturated with mixed-up priorities.

This driver goes well beyond money.

This driver is the Art.

It's the grand vision to bring a smile to someone's face, aid a suffering heart, tell someone they matter, and bring unexpected laughter to a troubled soul ... you know the truth about this driver. This driver is timeless. The immortal spark that endlessly ignites creativity and genius through multiple generations.

You have been gifted a universal secret, and you comprehend the ultimate meaning of purpose:

"When this body has sung it's last glorious song, written it's last sonnet, or penned it's final poem, you know without a doubt that just like love, the artist leaves the body and lives on"

The Art is what's remembered.

Art is what matters.

The Art, like the artist, lives on.

I Was Here by Lady A:

(Lyrics) "I wanna do something that matters
 Say something different
 Something that sets the whole world on its ear
 I wanna do something better
 With the time I've been given
 And I wanna try To touch a few hearts in this life
 Leave nothing less Than something that says "I was here"

You can find the song I Was Here by Lady Antebellum on the Album 'Act of Valor' - A Compilation Album for 2008 Team USA. 

Learn more about and follow country music sensation 'Lady Antebellum' on Facebook and Twitter.


Article dedication: To George William (Billy) Tremblay, My Uncle - Forever remembered and respected. His Art lives in his family and will forever be his family.

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How to Create a Positive Environment for Your Thanksgiving Dinner

It's the Time of Year we Gather to Give Thanks

In a cynical and often condescending world, it's easier to descend into typical family battles that tend to swallow up the purpose of our assembly: to give thanks and acknowledge and remember those who have been there for us through it all. It's cliche, but 'when push came to shove,' who did we turn to, and who loved us unconditionally?

We live in divided times, and many families who reunite for dinner rest at polar opposites in their beliefs, likes, dislikes, tolerance levels, and education. These differences are fast becoming the virus that devours the most important reason we take the hand of the person next to us at that dinner table: love. Again, call it cliche, call it corny, call 'love' overly simplistic, but John Lennon got it right, 'all you need is love.'

So how do you survive a Thanksgiving Dinner with people who sit at the opposite of your beliefs? Like any assembly, setting ground rules is the best place to start. Here are 10 ways to create a positive environment for your Thanksgiving Dinner:

1. Let everyone know there will be no discussions about Politics, Religion, or Current News Affairs.
2. As the dinner host, have the evening planned in advance: Plan to play games before and after dinner. If it's a larger gathering, have teams set up to play against each other for a grand championship.
3. Do not turn on a TV set. If a sporting event is on that the entire family wants to watch, then go ahead and gather around the 'game' in front of the TV if need be. But don't allow any News shows or channel flipping to take away the fun of the game.
4. If someone in the family breaks the rule about conversation and starts into a diatribe of their opinions and beliefs about an issue, as the host, politely remind them about the rules and do not engage them in a discussion about their point. Remember that no minds or opinions will change in one night anyway, so keep the evening and dinner on a strict track of fun.
5. Have music playing in the background in as many rooms as possible. Best of all, if you know the favorite songs of the people attending, plan ahead and have a CD compilation of everyone's favorite song! When the song for that special someone in the house begins to play, turn it up, walk over to them, kiss them on the cheek, and let them know, 'We did this for you.'
6. If you're hosting a large gathering and certain people are best not sitting beside each other, use name/place tags on each plate to direct people where to sit. 
7. Toast the Senior members of the family. Often, seniors feel excluded, unwanted, and unappreciated, and no matter how ornery they are or aren't, give them a few minutes of special thanks. You'll make their day.
8. Go out of your way to be friendly and especially to be kind. Set the tone. Set the pace, and you may be surprised how everyone follows.
9. Find reasons to smile and laugh. Laughter and smiles are much more infectious than anger and fear.
10. Lastly, remember a famous quote, 'When given a choice to be right or kind, always choose Kind.'

 Have a joyous Thanksgiving <3

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Brad Paisley Takes the Cake on this One!

Brad Paisley on iTunes

If you're a fan of Brad Paisley, you already know that his sense of humor gives him the extra edge over everyone else in Country Music!

Much Needed  Laughter from the Master of Light, Fun Country Songs!

So, there I was, driving in my car with country music blasting as usual, when Mr. Brad came out blazing a tune from his 2007 Album '5th Gear', called 'Ticks.'

Having not heard the song in a while, I had forgotten how the main lyric causes a hemorrhage of laughter!

If you're not familiar with that lyric, get ready because no other love song expresses love quite like this one! He continues to sing how 'the only thing allowed to crawl on you is him' lol!

Country music can be emotional and laughter scores as the big emotion in this comical lyric:

(Lyrics)

'Cause I'd like to see you
Out in the moonlight
I'd like to kiss you
Way back in the sticks

I'd like to walk you
Through a field of wildflowers
And I'd like to check you for ticks

The song was released as the first single for 5th Gear in 2007 and, to no surprise, reached the top of the country charts. The song was also a downloadable tune on the Guitar Hero World Tour.

When asked about the song, Brad said that 'when you're raised on a farm, 'Ticks' are something you need to think about. The song is about a funny pick-up line a guy uses on a girl he meets in a bar .... 'hey there, babe, I wanna check you for ticks' lol. I'd probably bust a gut if that was said to me.

Anyone who's lived in the country (even the city!) knows that Ticks are a real problem! Thank gawd I've never had to be checked for them personally, but I know some who have! Yikes. In fact, when we planted our Birch Tree in the front yard, we spent some time reading about 'Ticks' and Birch Trees! Then, of course, the over 50 cedar trees we planted in the backyard had me thinking as well! So far, so good. Fingers crossed.

Enjoy the song!

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Your Best Days Are Ahead of You

In a world of constant change, sometimes it takes a dose of musical medicine to help us move forward with the times

Well, take 2 teaspoons of My Best Days are Ahead of Me by Danny Gokey every four hours as needed! The lyrics remind us that 'age ain't nothing but a number'...'I can be whatever I wanna be'. So you think that's cliche do ya!...well you'll enjoy this list of people who didn't 'make it' in life until after 50!

1. Ray Kroc founded the McDonald's Corporation when he was 52 
2. Laura Ingalls Wilder published her Little House on the Prairie Books in her 60s 
3. Raymond Chandler didn't publish his first novel 'The Big Sleep' until he was 51 years old
4. Charles Darwin published his Theory of Evolution at 50
5. The Inventor of the Thesaurus, Peter Roget, was 73!
6. KFC's Secret Recipe didn't happen until Colonel Sanders was 50
7. Grandma Moses (Anna Mary Robinson, born in 1860) gave up embroidery at 76 years old because of painful arthritis and thus began her painting career. She lived and painted for 25 years (you do the math), and in 2006, her 1943 painting called 'Sugaring Off' sold for a record $1.2 Million.

So, if you're thinking you're on your way out in terms of dreams, think again! These seven examples clearly
show us that the only cliche in life is this accurate quote: 'It ain't over til it's over.'

When we're tempted to close the door and call it quits, we should put away those debbie-downer thoughts and open a window instead. Or we could listen to what Morgan Freeman said in Shawshank Redemption, 'Get busy living or get busy dying.' Grandma Moses, sure the heck, decided to get busy living...at 76! 'You went, girl!'.

The Lyrics say it well:

"Age ain't nothing but a number
Sometimes I have to wonder what does it really mean
Hey, I'm still putting it together
I keep getting better, if I keep getting better
I can be whatever I wanna be
My best days are ahead of me"

Here's Danny Gokey's song, enjoy!

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Ghost in this House, One of the Most Haunting Country Songs

Country Music isn't Always About Parties and Beer Drinking Fun

The eerie music and lyrics to Ghost in This House by Alison Krauss breaks your heart while still sending shivers down your spine.

Listening to this song, I can't help but think of my mom in our family home alone now, without my father. However, the lyrics can apply to a loss from a break-up or death. 

Alison Krauss possesses a voice that pierces through you as she sings this heartbreak with haunted suffering. The story of loss and loneliness infects you, and you're left feeling the anguish that this woman lives with.

(Lyrics) I'm just a ghost in this house
I'm just a shadow upon these walls
As quietly as a mouse I haunt these halls
I'm just a whisper of smoke
I'm all that's left of two hearts on fire
That once burned out of control
You took my body and soul
I'm just a ghost in this house

Since the song has personal meaning, I find it hard to listen to. However, on the brighter side, if you like to sing, which I spend too much time doing, the key Alison Krauss sings this in works perfectly for me, so it gets played often ... just so I can belt it out and annoy the boys. The song combines something extraordinary with something painful and tragic, making it irresistible.

Ghost in This House goes a long way back. It was initially recorded and released by Country Group Shenandoah in September 1990. It was also covered by the Dixie Chicks. Alison Krauss released her cover on her 1999 album Forget About It.

Take a minute to listen below. You won't be disappointed. Free of a grand crescendo, the even-keeled musical approach to this spooky tale keeps you listening mainly for the story it tells ..., and if you like to sing in this key, you're hooked!

The lyrics below haunt me the most; they speak about the ghost in 'your chair' and 'lays his head on your pillow at night.' Mom recently donated my father's lift chair to someone in need, but that chair has been beside Mom's chair for decades (replaced a few times). Nonetheless, that chair haunted me after Dad passed, but I still loved it.

We were torn about letting it go; Mom and I had trouble sleeping the night before the couple came to pick it up. For over a year, when sitting in Mom's chair, I would glance at Dad's chair and imagine him in it again; it's a feeling that combines pain with beauty. In fact, the sense is best described in Dr. Seuss's quote, 'Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.'

 (Lyrics) I don't mind staying in
There's another ghost here
He sits down in your chair
And he shines with your light
And he lays down his head
On your pillow at night

I hope you get to listen to this song without all the associations I've personally attached to it! If you haven't suffered a profound loss and get to hear it for the pure joy of music, then I'll end this with an appropriate Halloween sentiment, BOO!

Update 2023: I'm revisiting articles and updating a few things. One update is that in 2021, my mom passed, too, and I must say, I'm not keen on not being someone's child in this world. For those who have lost their parents, my heart is with you. I love you, Mom, forever and ever until the end of time, and time never ends. So many unforgettable memories. Wow, I was lucky to have the parents I had - my hubby reminds me of that often. 

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A Powerful Memorial Song that Will Touch Your Heart and Make You Cry

It is my privilege to introduce you to this moving memorial song.

It's such an moving song that if you're feeling too emotional over the passing of someone you love, you may be unable to watch and listen to it right now. 

Having recently lost my dad, both my husband and I have wept during this song. The song's music, message, and story will deeply touch your soul. I'm sure of it.

The song was written and dedicated to two of the band member's fathers, who passed away much too soon.

You'll notice when you watch it that the two members in the middle only do the backup singing during this song. Without knowing for sure, I suspect the song is in honor of their dads. 

I know for a fact I wouldn't be able to do any singing after the loss of my own dad. As with most families, we could barely speak, much less sing. You can cut this pain with a knife.

My dad passed away on March 5th, 2013, and there isn't a second that goes by that I don't have him in my thoughts. I've written so much about Dad; some may think I've written too much, but when you've loved someone so deeply, and they've loved you unconditionally in return for your entire life, there's a part of you that will belong to them beyond human existence, and 'til the end of time. 

Missing someone this much is almost like bleeding tears. Trying to find a way to explain it to others is hard, actually impossible. Only those who feel this know this.

It's also the strangest pain. Although it's gut-wrenching to miss a person this much, it's a feeling I would never trade. Without it, I would have never known and been loved so perfectly by the most wonderful dad a girl could ask for. So, to have had this Father in my life for 78 years, I'll gladly take this pain now. 

I'm grateful and thankful to have been so loved. Because of his love, I work to spread more goodness wherever and whenever possible. When I'm feeling sad or wronged (which isn't often), I remember all the blessings in my life: my dad, my mom, my brothers, my children, my husband, my friends online and offline, and mostly the love I carry inside of me through all of life's challenges, no matter how big.

That is, for me, the incredible power and gift of love.

Go hug someone you love today; I'll be sure to do it many times.

In memory of my dad, I wish I could hear your voice again. Thank you for always being there for me, for all of us - You are my reason, Dad.

You can find this song on Amazon.

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