Silence! Maybe no... ;-)

Heart – beat a little bit slower this time
Take it all in and leave it behind.
Where he still dwells in a little brick house.
Right where I left him. Well, where else?

Back on that bright winding road
I still feel the breeze. Hear that sweet echo?
We owned those trails. We owned the sea.
There was nothing left to lose, except you and me.

So next time you hear a runaway train.
Don’t just stand and call my name.
 I can't "save yourself" from everything.
 I am no longer the one to blame.

I dwell in the city where the towers once stood.
Doing exactly what I said I would.
But that should come as no surprise.
When have I ever compromised?

The cannons and the rifles and the bombs all blow
Trying to sleep through each echo.
War all around and sleep to be had.
‘Trade a military base for a dangling chad.

Back on that bright winding road
I still feel the breeze. Hear that sweet echo?
We owned those trails. We owned the sea.
There was nothing left to lose, except you and me.

Round and round and round she goes.
Can she be stopped? Only God knows.
There are days to be lived and love to be had.
 She still travels this world, bucket list in hand.  

(c) All Rights Reserved

Dusty Roads Make Dusty Feet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18hotkrgQ5Q 

It has certainly been some time since my previous blog. The new year has crashed into me, revealing more about myself than I ever thought possible.

Two years ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. We all gathered round her with prayers, love, laughter, and brought her home with us, healthy, and happier than I had ever seen her in my life. 

Before I go on, my granny was more than that. She was my mother, my teacher, my doctor, and my friend. She taught me more about life than I had ever realized. The real kicker was when she, of all people, encouraged me to go to NYC, in the first place. If you knew my grandmother, you would know that she was opposed to flying in an airplane, having her grandchildren hopping around in big scary cities like NY, and had never supported such a huge decision in my life. When she told my mother that she knew it would change my life, I felt as though I could grow my own wings to fly to NY, instead of taking a plane. 

Granny was with us for almost two years after her surgery. When I found out she had taken a turn for the worse, I knew I had to be with my family...So at the speed of sound, I packed up and went to stay at my aunt and grandmothers place. We stayed up all night taking care of granny. 24 hours later, she went to Heaven. 

And she went like a true lady, with grace, faith, love, and integrity. I am honored to be her granddaughter. 

But something happened. Something I can't quite explain. My life began to feel like it had some sort of euphoric magic in it. I remembered who I was and where I came from. Though my grandmother and aunt have taken up new residency since my childhood, we were still all together. FAMILY. Beans and potatoes. Watching wheel of fortune. Laughing at the most silly things. And I remembered...SO MUCH. The most important thing on earth, is family.
                                     I found my home again.
                                       
The well beaten paths, the rivers, creeks, laid back afternoons, summer dresses, feet barefoot on the dash board, back roads driving, guitar strumming, kind of place. A place that I had forgotten just how much a part of me it truly is. Sure, I can fit into big cities. I can figure out subway systems and put people in their places, if need be. I can deal with musicians in studios until 3am, sipping coffee and tweaking tunes. But nothing on earth beats this. 

                        
                                  And best of all, it fits in with my dreams.

The days since, have been filled with prayers. Prayers for His will. Not my own. I let go of the steering wheel and decided that He can have it for awhile.

I realized that listening to country music on the radio is probably one of my most favorite things to do. Along with spending time with family I had not seen in years. That, in and among itself, is without any measure or price tag. 

I love my family. No matter what, we can always find something to laugh about. Even through tears, as my granny taught us. 

I feel more fearless than ever before. I have so many things left on my list, and am working on them. But most of all, I awaken every day and rejoice. I can feel life all around me, within me, and above me. 

Now, slumber parties with my aunt and cousins are something I am giddy about. Spending TRUE time with Michael when he comes back from Vancouver to visit. 

But mostly, I just want to live each day with more love in my heart than ever before. To laugh with my entire soul. To soar above the petty things of this world, and be me. Just...me. Well...........maybe "me" with a few surprises up my sleeve...but that is kind of me anyway, right?

Thank you grandma. For everything. I take you with me wherever I go. Always have. Always will.

*Bless