This has been a refrain for me in so many prayers over the last few months, and I think will continue to be.
As before, it is so profound to listen to all these songs in the same sitting, and relive some of theexperiences they are attached to. Some of it is painful to relive, some joyous, some simply peaceful. It’s amazing how music can evoke so much, even just in the listening. I look forward to doing it again in the Spring!
There is an assignment this semester for one of my classes that asks us to create a musical tapestry, that is, a collection of songs that reflect different stages or elements of our lives.For the assignment, we are also supposed to involve various music therapy concepts and research, but it gave me the idea of preserving the music that is meaningful to me now, so that I can look back on it in the future.
I think perhaps I will organize this by month, or maybe season, so here are some of the most significant songs for me this fall.
“Leaving on a Jet Plane”, John Denver
Because I did, you know, leave on a jet plane, and left everyone in my country behind… I was thrilled to be going, but there is that piece of you that does “hate to go” even so.
“The Parting Glass”, Ed Sheeran
There are many variations of this song, and this is not the first one I heard, but it was playing in the airport just as I was about to board the plane for Ireland, which I thought was cool, given it’s an Irish song as far as I know.
“Gold”, from Once
Again, the Irish connection, but actually I just love this song in general, and have been listening to it pretty regularly for a while.
“My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness”, Keith & Kristyn Getty
I love Ghetty hymns, but this one has been particularly relevant lately because my heart IS SO FILLED with thankfulness to the Lord for his provision in recent times.A year ago, I never would have thought I would be in another country 12 months on from then.I wanted a job, not more education.I certainly wasn’t crazy enough to actually think an international move was in my future, but God had other plans, and he’s been so faithful with every question mark and concern in the process.
“Empty”, Ray LaMontagne
Just such a nice sound, and reminds me a bit of Tennessee and Virginia.
“Let it be Me”, Ray LaMontagne
“Boston”, Mick Flannery
Such a sweet song.I saw Mick Flannery in concert at my university a couple of weeks ago, and this was one of the only songs I really loved.
“No Name”, Ryan O’Shaughnessy
Granted, I’ve always adored this song.
“Eve, The Apple of My Eye”, Bell X1
Good song.
Okay, if you don’t like Damien Rice, stop here, because every other song is one of his from here on out hahaha.A friend and fellow musician here introduced me officially to Irish song writer Damien Rice, and I’m kind of in love with a lot of his songs.I tried to narrow it down to a couple for this, but I just couldn’t!
“Older Chests”, Damien Rice
Just really pretty
““Volcano”, Damien Rice
I like duets.
“The Blower’s Daughter/Elephant”,“, Damien Rice
My first favorite. ❤
“Colour Me In”, Damien Rice
My second first favorite! Ah I can’t even it’s just so good!
Wow, that was more extensive than I thought it would be, but kind of cool to see all the songs I have been listening to on repeat for the last few weeks all laid out in a list.I didn’t realize how many Irish song writers and singers were on this list until now haha.Irish people just write good music… what can I say?
This is part 2 of my entry about Dog Day, that is, the day I got to meet my new guide dog. You can find the first post here.
We went out for a brief walk on the residential street near campus after lunch. Padawan threw herself into the harness and guided with incredible confidence and ease. This particular street does not have sidewalks, and while my trainer said I did not have to worry about shore lining the left side of the road, Padawan knew exactly what she was doing and did it naturally anyway. On our return to the building, she slowed and stopped to show me a parked car on the side of the road. When I gave the “forward” command, she went smoothly around it and returned to the shoreline on the left. Beautiful work!
Back in our room, she conked out for about 10 minutes so I got some good petting time in, but her energy was quickly replenished and she was soon up whining at the door again. I kept petting, talking, and singing as I had earlier, until we made it to feed, water, and park time and afternoon lecture. Lecture was surprisingly uneventful. There was some barking from another dog, and Padawan did try to belly crawl and fraternize with her neighbors a few times, but she is a pro at the “close” command. “Close” means the dog must swing their rear end around and tuck themselves between your feet under a chair. I have never seen a dog perform that command with such drama and enthusiasm. She is fabulous.
Dinner was another struggle to stay settled, but there was definite progress from lunch. I will say eating ribs on the first day with your new guide dog is a bit challenging, but Padawan enjoyed licking my fingers afterword, even after I had used a napkin to clean up. Looks like she likes barbecue. She’s a Nashville girl for sure…
I hung out with a few of my classmates after dinner in the lobby, but Padawan was very upset by the in and out presence of her trainers and eventually threw herself on the ground in a very loud temper tantrum, so we called it a night early. Poor babe. As time goes on and our bond begins to solidify, things will get better.
We didn’t snuggle that morning, but later that evening, it finally happened! After some more pacing and carrying on, she plopped herself close beside me and nuzzled into my leg. I didn’t move for a long, long time. It was a precious hour for the both of us, I think.
Thursday we will have our first two official routes in White Plains. After a day of working with this dog, I can easily say I adore her. Her spunk and pizazz are irresistible, and her brilliance and motivation are impossible to miss. I am already imagining life in down town Nashville with her at my side. We will take Nashville by storm, no doubt about it. Still, we have a long road of training and bonding ahead. We should get a better idea of what that process might be like tomorrow on our walks in town. Until then…
Opportunity Unleashed 