Loving Leap Year - the Playlist

I haven't been able to put a finger on what I have been feeling lately. Other than a little head cold I have felt amazing. I am energized, giggly, giddy, and ridiculously optimistic. Then I realized I am in love...I am in love with the potential that my life holds right now. I look at how much things have changed in just one year, with just a little work. The idea of what will happen as I focus more, put my energy in the right places and be open to growth...well it's dizzying. So I made a playlist...what else can you do when you feel so good?

More Than This aka My Unconventional Yoga Playlist

Whew! Last week's post was an emotional one for me. In times of deep emotion I am on the mat a lot. I think that is true for many who practice yoga. After a few days of this, I was over the yoga playlists I was using. Not that there isn't a time and place for traditional yoga music, of course there is. However, I needed something different. I needed to not get caught up in my head and to just breathe and be comforted by familiar music, music I could sing along with if I chose.

So this is what I came up with, it's mostly alternative ballads from the 80s but a few more modern pieces thrown in too. If you don't practice yoga you may still enjoy this as background music for your work day or music to just relax with.

Return to Innocence

This is a Cassette Tape, circa 1987

When I was 11 I bought my first tape, yes I said tape - see example to the right. While I had music as gifts and hand me downs before, this tape was the first I felt worthy of my allowance and put down a whole $8.49 for it. It was The Best of OMD.

This week, I was finally able to see OMD in concert. When they were popular I was too young to go without a parental escort but too old to find that acceptable. It was an amazing evening. Not only did they sound as good as they ever did but they really loved it. You could see they loved being with the crowd. Also,you didn't have any of those weird "concert versions" of songs that bands invent to amuse themselves after touring too long. The songs were familiar and pure.

Music has a very special way of invoking memories and while at the concert I had a huge wave of feeling wash over me. A memory of a time when things were truly more simple. Before broken hearts, before partying and alcohol, before making poor decisions with real consequences. For a moment I was saddened. I questioned my life, my potential and how it might have been wasted. Then I remembered my life is actually pretty damn awesome. I may have taken a rocky path to get where I am but I stayed the course and made the journey. In a way, I have reclaimed that lost innocence with a willingness to try new things and keep a beginner's mind. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Yes.

I invite you to get out your tapes, CDs, albums. Use those sacred memories to fuel your next journey, rather than tie you to your past.


While you may know Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark for their hit song "If You Leave" featured in the movie "Pretty in Pink" they offer a lot more, here's a small selection.

Playlist: Ladies of the Eighties

The end of the year always makes me sentimental. I tend to go way back though, to my childhood. I grew up in the 80s and 90s and this is the music I remember listening to. Some of these women were role models and some, well not so much, but the songs stick in your brain.

Some of this music may have been recorded in the early 90s but the artist's career began or took off in the 80s.

Disclaimer: Many of these are guilty pleasures and quite cheesy. Enjoy with crackers.

Holiday Music- CupcakeMafia Style

These are my favorite holiday songs.It is probably the same list I posted last year and you know what? I don't care! I love these songs and I hope you do too.

If you're outside the US or have trouble accessing the playlist you can also visit my list at Grooveshark - click here.

Gratitude and Magic

Thanksgiving week is a tough one for me. Three years ago at this time I planned on going to visit my grandmother to celebrate her 90th birthday and the holiday. Instead she suffered a massive stroke and we all gathered to say goodbye.

While the loss still causes my heart to ache I am able to celebrate with memories of how amazing my grandmother was. I am thankful for all she taught me and the magic she brought to my life. So I invite you to enjoy this playlist and find a way to share your gratitude with those still with us and a way to honor those who have passed.

Sappy, Cheesy, Perma Grin-Inducing, Love Songs

Relationships take work. Communication, trust, faith, and all that other good stuff. When a relationship is going well it feels easy, right, custom-built for you. When a relationship is going right, you kind of want to sing about it. So I bring you the super cheesy love songs that make you belt out a tune when you're heart is so full of happy it might burst. Click here or any of the songs below to listen.

1. 
   

   As I Lay Me Down (1995) - Sophie B Hawkins

   
   


2. 
   

   Accidentally in Love - Counting Crows

   
   


3. 
   

   This Kiss - Faith Hill

   
   


4. 
   

   Love Story - Taylor Swift

   
   


5. 
   

   Love Will Keep Us Together - Captain & Tennille

   
   


6. 
   

   Don't Go Breakin My Heart - Elton John & Kiki Dee

   
   


7. 
   

   (They Long To Be) Close To You - Carpenters

   
   


8. 
   

   Baby I Love Your Way - Big Mountain

   
   


9. 
   

   Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti & Spearhead

   
   


10. 
    

    The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson

    
    


11. 
    

    You Make Me Feel So Good - Book of Love

    
    


12. 
    

    The Way You Love Me - Faith Hill

    
    


13. 
    

    Head Over Heels - Go-Go's

    
    


14. 
    

    My Life Would Suck Without You (Main ... - Kelly Clarkson

    
    


15. 
    

    Cant Fight the Moonlight - LeAnn Rimes

    
    


16. 
    

    Breathless - The Corrs

    
    


17. 
    

    Rest Of Our Lives - Mike Ness

    
    


18. 
    

    You're The One That I Want - John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

    
    


19. 
    

    I Will Follow Him - Little Peggy March

    
    


20. 
    

    I Hear A Symphony - The Supremes

    
    


21. 
    

    Say a Little Prayer for You - Aretha Franklin

    
    


22. 
    

    Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye

    
    


23. 
    

    You're the First, the Last, My Everyt... - Barry White

    
    


24. 
    

    Whenever, Wherever (Album Version) - Shakira

    
    


25. 
    

    Sealed With A Kiss - The Eyeliners

    
    


26. 
    

    Everytime We Touch - Cascada

    
    


27. 
    

    Out of the Blue - Debbie Gibson

    
    


28. 
    

    truly madly deeply (album version) - Savage Garden

    
    


29. 
    

    Breakfast at Tiffany's - Deep Blue Something

    
    


30. 
    

    I Think We're Alone Now - Tiffany

    
    


31. 
    

    Head Over Feet - Alanis Morisette

    
    


32. 
    

    Thank You - Dido

    
    


33. 
    

    Summer Nights - John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

    
    

Wednesday Playlist: Gratitude

Yesterday I was intent on making a playlist to celebrate Veterans Day, but then I realized I didn't really know many songs to use for that theme. So what was I really trying to say? I pondered that on my ride into work where I was presented with a flat tire. I have had a lot of a little bumps in the road lately. I notice they become more frequent when I am not practicing gratitude and thanks.

That is exactly what I wanted to express for Veterans Day is thanks. Regardless of what I feel about current wars or situations I will always be thankful that they're people willing to put their lives on the line. So I thank those who are willing and will work harder to incorporate being thankful daily for all that I have and for all the burdens I am free of. Some of the songs are a little silly but in my mind being thankful means celebrating and letting go. Be silly.

Wednesday Playlist Grab Your Hoop and Come With Me!

Awhile back my awesome friend Melissa recommend I do a playlist of songs to Hoop to. I love turning up the music, getting my hula hoop out and just having a good time for as long as I can. Some days it's ten minutes, some day's it's an hour. Here are some songs I like for hooping with a few great recommendations from Melissa too!

Wednesday Playlist on a Friday: Everybody's Working for the Weekend

When I was invited to participate in Necessary Cool's Indy Takeover I wasn't sure what to bring to the table. However I figured it's always time for a playlist, right? So this list is filled with songs for the weekend. Have a good one!

Wednesday Playlist Taylor Swift's Choice Mix

No, not that Taylor Swift. This playlist will not be interrupted by Kanye.

This Taylor Swift is an incredible talent all on his own. Not only is this fella an adventurer but a photographer as well. No I haven't turned into a photographer groupie. I have just been lucky enough to connect with some great Twitter friends who have a unique eye and make amazing playlists. Taylor is no exception.

So sit back, hit play, and check out his work.

Wednesday Playlist Chase Adams Climber's Choice

I have been wanting a guest DJ for awhile and what a great time when I am out of town! Even better Chase Adams was talking about great climbing songs on Twitter and when I asked him to make a playlist he was down.

Not only is Chase a fabulous guest DJ but also an amazing photographer. Check out his work at here.

I'm Out of Here!

I am on my way to Chick's Rock climbing camp in Devil's Lake, Wisconsin courtesy of Pemba Serves. I have made a little travel playlist for you to enjoy while I am gone. Some of the songs are traditional, some not so much. I hope everyone has an excellent week!

Wednesday Playlist (on a Tuesday!):Let's Hear it for the Boys!

My dearest @katiebeth is obsessed with boy bands and has inspired this list. What I love about boy bands is they remind me of a simpler time when it seemed like love and good hair product would conquer all. Hopefully this will bring back some great memories for everyone.

Wednesday Playlist: Melvin the Bird

I wasn't going to do a playlist this week but I was talking to a friend and telling her about my bird collision when she recommended I make a bird-themed playlist.

Now I am still not clear if I hit the bird or the bird hit me but while riding a bird took off from the ground and boom. We both shook it off and went our separate ways. I have since named the bird Melvin and this playlist is in honor of his brave little soul.

Wednesday Playlist: Breathe aka Not So Traditional Songs for Yoga

When I practice yoga at home I am always looking for new music and don't mind the occasional vocals as long as it doesn't become distracting. This week I have put together some songs I love for yoga as well as a few from my Twitter friends. I am sad to say that Bracken's suggestion of Peter Gabriel's "Passion" wasn't available for the list, the idea intrigues me and I am going to hunt for this one.

Even if you're not a yogi this music is great for relaxation and reflection. I find it quite soothing.

Namaste

Wednesday Playlist: Freedom Baby!

In light of the upcoming Independence Day weekend I thought a playlist celebrating songs of freedom might be order. It's also fitting considering last week's list was songs of protest.

Wednesday Playlist: Music With a Message

In light of what is going on in Iran and all the issues that are close to home I am choosing songs of protest for this week's playlist. I am not going to make a big political statement here because that is not in my nature. I do however like when musicians take hold of their art to speak out on what they believe in. While the songs may not be the traditional protests folk songs one usually thinks of they're all filled with a message.

With thoughts of peace for Iran and gratitude for soldiers who believe in equal human rights enough to put their lives on the line, I give you "Music with a Message".

Wednesday Playlist: You Call That A Love Song?

First I apologize for posting two playlists back to back. I try to include some other content between lists but...this week got away from me. The plus side is I have some great product reviews and other posts in the works.

So this week's playlist is another compilation from some great suggestions from Twitter and Facebook friends. The idea was inspired by TheClimberGirl. While I don't remember how it came up the concept of unusual or untraditional love songs brought up a lot of fun and unique amorous songs. Feel the love.

Wednesday Playlist: Has Anyone Seen My Synthesizer?

Hey cats and kittens, I am a little under the weather so this intro is brief. I love synth music, it makes me think of simpler time and falling in love. Enjoy!