Mortal Fear

She and her friends had just seen a particularly graphic horror movie. Walking out of the theater she felt an ominous feeling come over her. From the depths of hell a demonic monster had ravaged a small town in Northern Main. From her perspective as a young professional in her mid-twenties the concept was fascinating which caused the actuality of fear to come over her. The movie centered on a group on young people, about her age, who fought against an evil incarnation. Unlike in most horror films the heroes did not win the battle. Rather, one by one, the demon slaughtered every last one. The movie ended with the grotesque monster laughing with a snarling gargle. The development of the plot highlighted engaging characters and the sense of familiarity to them was created. From the perspective of the movie viewer heroic qualities of the characters were attained. The demon first appeared after a relationship with two of the main characters was formed. On the edge of her seat throughout the movie, Tammy was shocked when characters that she had grown to care about perished in horrible deaths. A husband and wife, newly-weds, were the first victims of the monster. The movie began at the wedding of the two. A honeymoon occurred among the majestic scenery of northern Main in the cool summer. The monster then appeared. It creped it’s way into view and was forefront on the screen. It was a hideous beast with clammy green skin, horns, and fangs. Late in the first night of their honeymoon while enjoying the summer air of northern Main the couple was slain. The monster slashed their skin and devoured their dying corpses. This was the start of the movie. Throughout the movie the monster became more realized and more horrid. Walking to their cars after the movie Susan and her friends said their good-byes and promised to meet each other sometime next week. Usually on the weekends the friends would see a movie and, if not, they would find something else to do together. After the good-byes the ominous feeling that had come over Tammy at the end of the movie became more distinct. It was a 20 minute drive back to her small, one bedroom house. As she drove home the horror film, which was heavy on plot and character development, plagued her mind. She arrived back at her house. It was about 9 p.m. and the sun had just set. The ominous feeling that had consumed her since the end of the movie was now even more pronounced. She decided to turn on the television to see if she could get her mind off of it. “Let me see,” she spoke aloud to herself. “What’s on television? Chanel 2. No. Chanel 7. No.” “Here it is,” she thought. “Channel 11. A comedy is what I need,” she said to herself. She heard a loud blast of thunder, so loud that it shook the house. She looked out the door and realized there had been a quickly approaching storm and that it was beginning to rain. She could see the porch light of one of her neighbors was on a couple hundred yards away. Once again it thundered. She looked out of the window and could see an explosion of lightening light up the entire sky. She stopped looking out the window and decided to pour a glass of scotch. She heard a deafening blow of thunder and the electricity in the house went out. Her heart started beating fast. Amidst the bleak silence she could not understand why such a feeling of fear had come over her. She noticed the rain start pouring down on the ground and the sound of the rain pattering down on the roof was for some reason not soothing. She opened the door and looked to view the entire neighborhood. There was nothing but darkness. She closed the door in a hurry. “Why did I do that?” She asked herself out loud. She put ice into a glass and filled it full with a couple extra drops of scotch. Suddenly she looked over her shoulder into the mirror and thought she saw a hideous, monstrous face behind her. She dropped her scotch and the glass shattered on the floor. “It’s nothing,” she thought to herself. “It’s just my imagination.” She tried to come to grips with herself. “It was nothing. What am I afraid of, a movie? Am I supposed to be afraid of monsters? There are no monsters.” Yet her heart pounded with pronounced fear for no reason that she could understand. Maybe she should call one of her friends up. She thought. Of course she didn’t see anything, it was just my imagination. What could it have been? It was nothing. Of course it was nothing. When she moved into this one bedroom house more than a year ago she never thought that she would have to be worried about crime in such a nice neighborhood much less a hideous monster from the pit of hell. She consciously laughed to herself and grabbed the broom to clean up the broken glass on the floor. A loud blast thunder again irrupted. She turned around and as a bolt of lightning flashed she saw the menacing figure in front of her. She did not stop to think that there are no monsters or that all it had been earlier that night had been a movie. Rather than to try to rationalize she was simply petrified with fear. The beast laughed with joy at the fear incited by his appearance. She did not know what to do so she quickly grabbed a knife and plunged it into the cold, clammy skin of the monster. Once again the ogre laughed completely immune to such an attack. His excitement grew with her fear. The menacing figure patiently looked upon his victim more overjoyed with the terror invoked in his victim than in the actual carnage itself which was about to occur. He lifted the small woman by her neck and threw her across the room. She crashed against wall knocking down a painting that hung on the wall. She screamed in terror but nobody could hear her. Her small house was on a large parcel of land and her neighbors were completely unaware of the massacre which was about to take place. She got up from against the wall where she had just been thrown. She knew that the monstrosity could not be defeated and she prayed in vain for an exodus. There was no time for rational thought. All she could do was try to think of how to get out of there as her heart pounded faster. She had regressed to prey trying to escape the butchery of a predator. The hissing sound of the demonic figures laughing echoed through her mind. It was a sound of unrestrained evil. “I will devour your flesh,” the monster taunted. “Scream! You won’t be heard.” The malevolent sound of its voice echoed with saturation of the filth of its dank, sticky skin and putrid smell. She ran out of her apartment and the demon simply stood and watched. She thought maybe if she could make it to one of her neighbor’s houses she would be o.k. In vain she ran in terror. The power supply in the neighborhood was still off. The rain poured and an occasional outburst of lightening was the only thing illuminating the neighborhood. She ran to her nearest neighbors. Maybe she had lost the beast, she could not be sure. She couldn’t see it right now. She slammed on the door of her neighbor’s house banging and screaming. Nobody answered. She turned around and it was there once again. “I can smell your blood,” it said with it slimy voice of all-consuming revulsion. She stood still, unable to move. It walked closer to her, picked her up by her neck, and breathed into her face with the most repellent smell she could ever remember. A bolt of lightning struck, followed by the sound of crashing thunder. Suddenly all the lights in the neighborhood went back on. The street lights illuminated the surrounding area and she could see a small gathering of people in the distance. She screamed and yelled but she could not capture their attention. She ran up to them begging for help but they simply ignored her. It was as if they could not even see her. They were enjoying a conversation of laughter and frivolity and no matter what she did she could not get them to notice her. She grabbed an arm of one of them but he simply acted as if she were a nagging child begging for unwanted attention. As she screamed and yelled they enjoyed the festivities of their elated conversation as if she were not even there. From their perspective carnage was not taking place, it was simply a cool summer night. It was not an occasion for fear or concern to the grouping they simply stood there enjoying each other’s company as if relishing the night as it should be. The monster continued walking her way. She could not escape it. It laughed and snarled. The grotesque monster continued terrorizing her for its own amusement. It caught up to her and the small crowd of people that she hoped would be her salvation. They did not notice the creature. It was as if they did not even know what was happening. She turned to face the monster. The ravenous beast was ready to complete its kill. As she ran and screamed the monster snarled, “Run, run as fast as you can. You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread man!” A member of the small gathering casually lit a cigarette for one of his companions. Crying and screaming in complete fear that was now bordering on seizures she watched the monster walk purposefully towards her. She screamed but the small group of people standing there completely ignored her, completely unaware of her presence. With its sharp claws ready to rip a whole in her flesh its mouth watered. In one backhanded slash it tore a gash into her mid-section. The blood and guts spilled out of her lifeless body and the monster enjoyed the consummation of its nightly kill. It devoured her dying flesh. The small group of friends did not notice or react in any way to the carnage. The following day was busy in which all the morning commuters were engaging in their regular activities. The sun was shining down on the ground this cool, breezy morning. The smell of bread baking from the nearby bakery permeated the immediate area. The smell of breakfast cooking could be smelled from the next house. The police showed up a few days later after Tammy had not shown up or even contacted her work. After calling and knocking on the door, the police had been able to obtain a search warrant. It was strange that the woman who one of the neighbors had seen arrive home slightly before 9:00 p.m. the night before did not answer the door. Her car was in the driveway and there were no indications that somebody had broken into the house. The fact that she did not answer the door was a cause of a mild amount of concern. The neighbors were somewhat concerned that there may be a problem with one of their friends and neighbors. Maybe something had happened. Maybe some kind of terrible accident had happened. A locksmith unlocked the door for them and they entered. They shouted to see if anybody was home. They toured the small, one-bedroom apartment and came to the alarming sight in the kitchen. Next to a broken glass of scotch she was lying on the floor. There was no blood and there were no signs of struggle, however, a lifeless body of a young woman in her mid-twenties laid on the floor. The coroner later that week released a report. “Inexplicable death,” was how it was recorded. There were no bruises, there was no blood, and there were no signs of struggle. She was not a victim of a heart-attack or any sort of foul play. “Inexplicable death,” was all that could be said.

"A Meaningless Life"

• Inspired by … “Desperado” by The Eagles

The barroom lights were low.  He came in here early after work, as he did every night.  The faces were familiar, yet daunting.

“What will it be tonight?” the barmaid asked him with a smile on her face.  She had seen him here very often lately. 

“I finished up college around here, a couple years ago,” he told her once.  “I’ve been trying to settle myself here since I graduated.”

She thought he was an especially good looking guy, but very quiet.

“I’ll start out with a Budweiser,” he politely asked the barmaid.

“It will be right up,” she told him.  She reached under the counter and handed him a bottle of beer.

“Do you want me to put it on your tab like I always do?” she asked him automatically. 

He came here often and he didn’t say much, but he was always a good tipper and she always appreciated that.

As she handed him his bottle of beer, he put a dollar on the table as a tip.

The music was playing in the background.  It was a song he knew and sometimes enjoyed, but as he typically would, after he ordered his first beer he went to the jukebox and put five dollars in to play an assortment of his favorite music.

He listened intently to the music as he vaguely paid attention to the conversation the guy on the next stool started.

The conversation was dull and routine as it always was at the bar.  He didn’t come to meet any women, or to meet up with any friends, he came to the bar simply so he wouldn’t have to spend the evening alone. 

The music continued to play in the background.

As he sat at the bar, he would often contemplate his life.  He was still very young, shortly out of college, but it seemed that he had missed out on a lot in his life.  Not that he could think of what to call it, but he had a vague impression that his life lacked passion.   Even in college, he showed up to class and did his homework, but he never put any actual effort into it.  His social life seemed to be lacking and he was unable to make close friends or have any sort of special relationship with a woman.  The monotony consumed him.

The music continued to play in the background.

“What do you think?  Will Seattle win The Superbowl again next year?” one of the patrons asked the group of friends. 

It was not football season yet, but much of the barroom conversation existed of talking about football and talking about women.

Justin, eager to discuss football because it was one of the topics he actually knew something about, rebutted.  He said, “I think the team that has the best shot of going all the way this year is Green Bay.  If Aaron Rodgers stays healthy and the running game continues from where it left off last year, I think they can beat any team in the league.”

It was mundane conversation, yet it seemed to break the nothingness in his life. 

Every weekend, more often than not, he would come to this same bar; he didn’t have any friends, but it was better than time spent alone.

The barmaid listened intently to the three men discussing football.  Not a football fan, Rebecca, enjoyed the conversation that served as mild amusement while she worked.

“Could I have another beer?” Justin asked the barmaid.

“You just ordered that first beer five minutes ago,” she told him as she handed him another Budweiser.  “If you keep it up, you aren’t going to find your way home tonight.”  The modest flirtation lifted Justin’s mood for a brief moment.

He, once again, put another dollar on the counter as a tip for the beer.

The music continued in the background.

The conversation in the barroom continued as the three patrons’ inebriation grew.  They discussed football and baseball.

“I would like to see The Dodgers do something this year, but I just don’t think it is going to come together.”

“I am interested in what The Cowboys will do in the offseason,” another of the patrons said.  “There offense was excellent last year and I think it is only going to get better.  I’m interested to see if they make some key moves on their defensive team.”

The barmaid cut into the conversation, “Any of you want another beer?” she asked the three men.

All of them vigorously nodded and she laid a beer down for each of them.  Justin put another dollar on the table and thanked the barmaid.

The music continued in the background. 

Justin thought of the chances of something meaningful that could happen in his life.  He thought of the void in which his life was now engulfed.

One of Justin’s fellow patrons, absorbed with his own typical drunkenness said to him, “What’s wrong buddy, something wrong with that beer?  Let me buy you another one.”

Justin gave a painful grimace which was all that was needed to disguise the solitude of his soul.

“One more beer for my friend,” he asked the barmaid. 

Justin looked into the mirror and kept drinking his beer as his two compatriots continued their own conversation.

His morbidity was well hidden, all of Justin’s compatriots thought Justin was having a good time.  Oblivious, the people who Justin considered to be strangers all considered Justin to be a friend.

The hours passed and the three friends got drunker and drunker.  The music continued to play in the background and Justin listened more intently to the music than his two friends.    His stone-cold drunkenness covered the blur in his mind.  Shortly after 1:00 in the morning, it was time for Justin to go home now. 

“Could you call me a cab? He politely slurred to the barmaid.

She grabbed the phone under the counter and dialed up a cab.

“It will be here in about fifteen minutes,” she said to him.  “Are you o.k.?” she asked slightly concerned with his level of drunkenness that was a little bit more than typical today.  “Do you want another beer while you are waiting for your cab?”

In a drunken stupor he thanked her.  He paid his tab leaving an extra five dollars for a tip.

As he walked out the door he the patrons wished him a good night and said, “See you tomorrow night, buddy.” 

The barmaid, not inflicted by the same drunkenness, looked upon Justin as he left.  She, although not

interested in the man, felt some level of empathy in a quiet understanding of the real reasons he was drinking.  She brushed it off along with a tear which almost welled up in her eye.

During the ride home in the cab, Justin, too drunk to sit up, nearly passed out in the back of the cab.

He arrived home, paying the cab driver his fair and a tip.  He went into his one room apartment and fell asleep immediately. 

Another day would end as it did before.  Another morning would start in a similar fashion.

"A Blessed Day"

• ·         inspired by … “Lord have mercy on the working man” by Travis Tritt

“5:30 in the morning; time to get out of bed.”

Miserably tired, Steven must face another day.  It was Thursday, with only two work days left until he could enjoy the weekend and get some sleep.

Working with the union at the automobile factory, the work was hard, but the pay was good.

First thing that he did after he awoke was to walk into the kitchen and make a pot of coffee.

Savoring every sip, he looked out into the yard and noticed the sun coming up through the leaves on the trees.

“No breakfast this morning, there wouldn’t be time.”

He finished his second cup of coffee to go upstairs and shower before work. 

His wife and children were still sleeping.  His wife, Penelope, would be awake very soon to make the kids breakfast before they went to school.

Penelope was sleeping and Steven felt the familiar warmth of love in his heart as he looked upon her. 

He went into the bathroom and shaved and brushed his teeth before showering. 

It was still very early.  He had to be to work no later than 8:00 o’clock and traffic was always bad.

Steven finished shaving.  In the mirror, he noticed the dark circles under his eyes.  Brushing his teeth, he contemplated the new day.

The monotonous nature of his work created a mundane routine in his life.  He had co-workers and some friends at the factory, but every day at work he kept an eye on the clock waiting for the bell to ring and for it to reach the time to clock out and go home. 

He was good at his job and had received a number of promotions over the years which now placed him as a stationary foreman in his sector.  He was in charge of over twenty men and enjoyed the latitude his placement allowed.

As he drove to work this morning, traffic was heavy on the freeway.  He stopped at a donut shop on the way, as he often did, to grab a glazed donut and a cup of coffee.  The familiar faces were welcoming.

He picked out his donut and asked for a large coffee as the clerk wished him a good morning and sent him on his way.

As he continued his journey to work, he listened to the news station on the radio.  The newsman discussed the situation in TheUkraine in a daunting manner.  It seemed that many were worried about the ramifications that might result from the crisis. 

As for Steven, he didn’t let it bother him much.   He figured that the situation would take care of itself and that everything would turn out right.

Baseball season was going to start soon.  “I’m betting on the Yankees,” he thought to himself.

Steven changed the station.  In another fifteen or twenty minutes he would arrive at work.  Right now he felt like listening to some music on the radio.

One of his favorite songs started playing on the radio.

“How come you never call me sugar, baby?  How come you never call me sweetie, honey?”

He almost began singing along to the catchy lyrics, but chose not to because of his insecurities about his own singing abilities.

Yet, the song playing on the radio immediately lightened his spirits and made the impending day seem less intimidating. 

Arriving to work, he had a parking space reserved.  It seemed like a minor convenience, but it made his trivial day more accommodating.  On salary, he still needed to clock in every morning.  They said it was a matter of bookkeeping or something.  But, it was no matter to him.  He got paid the same regardless of showing up ten minutes early or fifteen minutes late.

“Good morning, Steven,” one of the workers greeted.

“Good morning, Bob,” Steven retorted.

As the crew arrived each of them would meet in the lobby to enjoy one more cup of coffee before they got ready for the new work day to begin.  Welcoming each other with smiles, it brought camaraderie to the floor of the factory. 

Most of the employees arrived around 8:00 in the morning, but their work didn’t begin until about 9:00.  They were all very familiar with their jobs and were quite good at it. 

They all shared similar routines, in which Steven was the boss.  If there was some sort of problem with the equipment, Steven was in charge of getting it fixed.  If it were time for a break or anything else of that nature, it was Steven’s call. 

The only change to the routine was when there was a new worker and Steven was in charge of training the new employee to do their job.

The repetitive nature of the work allowed a break for lunch in which they all would gather in the cafeteria to share a meal with one another.   The food was surprisingly good for an automobile factory’s cafeteria and it kept the workers in good morale.

The day would continue after lunch.  Between 1:00 and until 5:00 they would continue with their work.  The work day would slow down after lunch, with many of the workers letting their lethargy get the better of them.

The hours past and it was time to conclude the work day.  Steven, as foreman, alerted the crew around 4:30 that it was near time to clock out and go home.  The workers, skilled in their routine, would shut down the equipment and return excess supplies to the storage area.

Today, like every other day, 5:00 finally arrived.  The work bell rang as the workers were finishing their work. 

It was time for Steven to go home to his wife and children to spend precious time with them which was all-too rare.

Driving up that Thursday evening, traffic was bad as it always was.  He listened to the news on the radio.  It looked like they had finally tracked that missing plane.  However, it didn’t seem like much of a success since there probably would be no survivors.  For some reason, the newscaster seemed more optimistic about it then Steven did.

Baseball season was starting soon.  “Boston could give the Yankees a run for it this year,” he thought to himself.

He changed the station on the radio to listen to some more music. 

“George Jones, George Strait, and Jason Alean; Jukebox heroes, that’s all that they are.  But, when they play those sad-drinking songs, my heart can’t help but sing along.”

“When Alan Jackson sings, ‘Midnight in Montgomery’ and Tim McGraw sings ‘The Ride’, the songs of Hank Williams take hold of my memory.”

He continued his drive home.  Penelope would surely by ready to serve dinner when he arrived home.

After a hard day’s work, he could not help but have a smile on his face.  The work was physical and monotonous, but it allowed him to share the grace of living with his wife and a happy family.

As he parked in his driveway, a brighter smile appeared on his face.  He opened the door, only to be greeted by his wife.  Once again he realized how much he loved her and how much he always would.

His family sat down to share dinner.  It was him, his wife, and his two daughters.  They shared an expertly crafted dinner prepared with care by his wife.  It was fettuccini alfredo with lemon-herb chicken and garlic bread.

As they sat down together to enjoy their dinner, he realized how much happiness the monotonous routine of family life meant to him.  He had a good job, he had a beautiful wife that loved him and that he loved, and he had two children who he adored.

He blessed the day only to wait for another.

"Country Music Artist of the Month ... Dwight Yoakam"

 “Country Music Artist of the Month … Dwight Yoakam”

Dwight Yoakam’s Official Homepage

Dwight Yoakam was born October 23, 1956.  As a singer who emerged onto the country music scene in the mid-1980’s, he has a hillbilly sound quite unique to himself.  Dwight Yoakam’s pining vocals define the purest of country music.  His first major label recording debut was for his album, Guitars, Cadillac’s, Etc.,Etc. It included the title track as well as two other hit country songs.  The album was very commercially successful as well as critically acclaimed, serving as an introduction to the singer’s distinguished career.

Dwight Yoakam’s music, in the tradition of “The Bakersfield Sound,” has established him a large niche of loyal fans.  The song, The Streets of Bakersfield, became a number 1 hit on country radio in 1988.  It was a duet with Buck Owens, who is one of the originators of the sound.  This song, more than any other, marks the sound of Dwight Yoakam.

Dwight Yoakam’s biggest album, This Time, was released in 1993.  It sold more than 3 million copies and contained the single, Ain’t that lonely yet, which received the Grammy that year for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.  The song’s lasting eminence as brought it popularity to this day.  Other songs on the album, such as A Thousand Miles fromNowhere and Fast as You were also successful on country music radio.  However, the song, Ain’t That Lonely Yet’s critical praise is matched by few other contemporary country songs by any artist.

As well as being a singer, Dwight Yoakam has achieved success as an actor.  Most noticeably were his roles in the movies Sling Blade, and in Bandidas, in which he starred with Selma Hayek and Penelope Cruz.  In addition to these two films in which Dwight Yoakam starred, he also appeared or starred in a total of 33 film and television roles. 

Dwight Yoakam discography contains 24 albums.  From these albums, I have chosen 5 songs that are among my personal favorites and are most definitive of the artist.  Along with the testimonial to each song, the music video is also included.  I hope that you enjoy these five songs and I hope you enjoy the rest of the collection from this artist.

·        LittleSister Video Link

This cover of Elvis Presley’s hit song has a quite different sound than the rockabilly original.  The original version’s epoch longing remains, however, the distinctive style of Dwight Yoakam has changed its connotation.  Dwight Yoakam interprets the song as a lament of an adult rather than an inconsequential crush of a child; bringing a mourning feel to the song.

·        Fast asYou Video Link

This track off his 1993 Album, This Time, supplemented the hit song, Ain’t that lonely yet, as if it were scripted.  The song, with an upbeat, reverberating sound, discusses a lost love in a distinctive and novel way.  This song tends to grow more poignant as the emotion that is conveyed becomes fully understood.

·        Turn itOn, Turn it Up, Turn Me Loose Video Link

Barroom antics fit nicely with this song attributing the protagonist’s drunkenness on a girlfriend who, “Taught him brand newways to be blue”  The song tells the story of a man attempting to get over the recent breakup by hitting the bars.

·        HonkeytonkMan Video Link

This song has the distinction of being the first country song to be played on MTV.  The song, once again, has a traditional, bluegrass sound which matches the singers “Bakersfield Sound” roots.

·        Ain’t thatlonely yet Video Link

This song, arguably one of the best heart-broken country songs in all of country music, imbues the feelings of loneliness upon its listeners.  Instead of preaching a longing to return to a failed relationship, it discusses the man’s belief that what has transpired has reached an end, although a bitter end.  The lyrical interpretations of Dwight Yoakam, as well as the masterful orchestration, etch this song as a song for generations.

I hope you enjoyed this “Country Music Artist of the Month … Dwight Yoakam” post.  Keep an eye open for other country music features.

"On the Cusp of Manhood"

• ·        “Inspired by … The house that built me” by Miranda Lambert

Trepidation filled Alex’s arrival to college.   A recent high school graduate, he felt ill-prepared for the challenge for which he was about to confront.  All his life, as far back as he could remember, he had lived in the same town with his family and friends there beside him.

He arrived at the college for freshmen orientation.  His father and his mother came with him on the seven hour trip up the coast.  There to celebrate this new beginning, they supplied to him parental assurances that all would be well.

Alex had many friends in high school, but all of them had chosen other colleges to attend.  He had yearned to go far away to college, away from everybody that he ever knew, and to make friends while building a life. 

During the drive up from his hometown, he was silent.  He listened to music on the radio while looking out the window as his father surveyed the road on the long journey.

It was now time.  It was now time for his parents to leave and for him to begin his new life.  He was alone in a venue to which he was unfamiliar, but was meeting the challenge with bravery.  He noticed the multitude of college freshmen sharing the same adventure.  However, he felt very alone.  He was completely unaware that many of other in-coming college students were feeling the same nervousness.  The foreboding faces surrounding him numbed his senses.

Family by family got into their cars, leaving the new college freshmen alone in the college dorms to somehow make friends with people they had just met.  They were confronted with the task of living with strangers who, in years to come, would be considered some of their best friends.

With carefree gusto, the roommates gathered in their apartments.  It was nearly sundown and all the parents were in their cars on the drive back to wherever they had come.  The freshmen, three by three and five by five, sat down together.  Newly introduced strangers, they ate dinner with each other.

The time had approached for the ageless ritual of high school graduates freshly attending college.  The introductions were made and the strangers spent the rest of the night familiarizing with each other with cheap beer that they had purchased at the liquor store down the street.   The festivities included the five roommates as well as other college co-eds in the nearby apartments.

Alex had spent his first night at the college dorms.   It was not nearly as threatening as he feared.  He had talked with friends and neighbors and he felt the ominous haze lift from them all.  Young college girls had attended the party along with his roommates and other college freshmen at the dorms.  He woke up early in the morning energetic.  The Sun shined upon the dorms and he went to the dining commons to have breakfast.  A neighbor girl met up with him and they shared breakfast with one another.  College life did not seem nearly as daunting as he thought it would.

Alex spent the rest of his freshmen year at the dorms with his roommates and neighbors.  The strangers became acquaintances and then became friends.  The girls that he met he began to know better and he found a girlfriend. 

The parties became less frequent as the college students found their own routines.  Many of the college freshmen found part-time work and most of them began to bury themselves in their school-work. 

The relationship that Alex had formed with his the neighbor girl stayed trivial, without much meaning.  Although she was beautiful and he enjoyed the time spent with her, he knew it was transitory. 

As a college freshman, newly out of high school, Alex’s arrival to college had been intimidating.  However, he had been quick to make friends.  The scholastic burden of college, which he had thought would be a far more difficult mission, had been less chilling than he thought it would.  His acclimation to the new environment, far away from home, had been easily facilitated with worries that quickly vanished.

As an adult, 20 years later, Alex often looked back to his time in college.  His time in college had been a growth experience and, more so, were his times in the freshmen dorms. 

In addition to the college degree that he earned which virtually assured him a prosperous life, he also grew to manhood.  The college scenario facilitated the journey as he was able to choose his own terms by which to live.   As an 18 year old man fresh out of high school, Alex had been nervous and unsure of himself; fraught with all of the trifles that face young people.  However, upon graduation he had become free from these insecurities and now had direction in his life as well as in confidence in everything that he did.

After his freshmen year he lived with a few of his friends that he had made in the dorms.  With high school behind him, these were now his best friends.  He lived with his dorm friends for two years and finally was able to get a small-studio apartment to live alone. 

All of college was a time for fun, a time for camaraderie, and a time for growing up.  However, upon reflecting on his time in college, Alex would think most of his time at the dorms.  He would recollect his arrival and meeting up with strangers he had never before seen.  He would also recollect the time that these people became his friends.  Most of all he would remember the maturity he gained and the confidence that was found that later would bring him success in every aspect of his life.

"A Closer Look at a Life"

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•        Inspired by … “Only here for a little while” by Billy Dean

The tragic event left no room for anything but remorse.  Not a close friend or family member, the death still crept close to home. 

Jonathan read in the paper yesterday morning, “Local 35 year old man dies of a heart attack.” 

The article, which was the top story in this small town, portrayed a life that many would envy that drew to an abrupt end.

The man, Steven, had been living a full life.  He had a wife and three small children.  He was the principle at the local high school; which enabled him to influence many young lives in a positive and powerful way.  The newspaper article included declarations of just how warm a man he was. 

His wife, in a state of grief from this sudden tragedy, spoke words of deepest adoration for a man she knew and loved.  The man’s friends also spoke glowing testimonials to this man to whom they were all endeared.

Steven had led a very meaningful life.   Although Jonathan only knew the man in passing, the story in the newspaper this morning brought a tear to his eyes.  Thoughts were triggered into Jonathan’s consciousness about his life and how much more he could be living his.

Jonathan was nearly as old as the departed.  Although, he had a wife and daughter, his life seemed insignificant.  His work, which was encompassed by a forty-hour a week union job at the factory in the nearby town, seemed without merit.  The drudgery which he confronted from a vocation which was repetitious and monotonous did not permit room for pride or any creative impulse by which to bring meaning.  The pay he received from a union job was ample; however, the doldrums of his work defined his life.

His married life also was pleasant, but lacked excitement.  He loved his wife and child, yet the routine of life had turned tiresome.

As Jonathan read the story of the death of a young man barely older than he, it caused reflection concerning his own life.

“’Take time to smell the roses, was the saying I guess,'” Jonathan muttered under his breath.  But, what did the trite saying mean?  “I guess it means to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.”

Such thought would point him in the right direction, but where would these transient thoughts lead him?   “I guess it’s a mindset,” Jonathan thought to himself.

He finished reading the newspaper article and poured himself another cup of coffee.  His wife and daughter were still sleeping; he had to awake from bed early every morning to make it in time for the early shift at the factory.  He looked outside his kitchen window and noticed the Sun slowly rising and permeating the shrubbery and the green of the leaves of the trees.  A crooked smile appeared on his face as he folded the newspaper and put it on the table.  He took another sip of coffee and realized it was time to make his way to the work.

The drudgery of his life, briefly contemplated this morning, could not immediately be eradicated; however, as he drove his car to work he felt a tinge of hope in his heart.  It was not hope for a better life or wealth and riches; it was simply hope for the simple splendors that might transpire today.

As he drove to work he put on his favorite radio station.  He listened intently as the music of the background inundated his senses.

Upon his arrival to work he noticed all the familiar faces.  He had friends, but not close friends.  He had fellow craft workers that worked beside him at the factory.   The conversation never got beyond casual cordiality, but there was a certain amount of camaraderie incorporated into the ceremony.

“What was it about? Was it about the perspective by which we lead our lives?”  He didn’t know and the thought escaped his consciousness as quickly as it had entered.

He loved his wife and daughter, but the feelings had become stale.  His love had not faded, but lacked enthusiasm.

He had to bring something new into his life, but he didn’t know what it could be.  “A person’s perspective on life, that’s what it is,” Jonathan thought to himself.  “The only thing that turns a mostly mundane existence to a meaningful existence is perspective.”

As he drove back to work early this evening, these thoughts captured his senses once more.  He

listened to the music.  The newspaper article, still fresh in his mind, caused more thoughts to arise in his mind. 

The man who recently had died had lived a full life.  His life had been similar to Jonathan’s own.  What made the life of the deceased seem more precious than Jonathan’s?  It was the love.  It was the love that he felt in his heart, it was the love he felt for his family, it was the love that he felt for his friends.  It was the love in his heart that had endeared him to so many people and had brought meaning to his life. 

Jonathan arrived home from work.  He turned on the television before eating dinner for his family.  He hugged his daughter and kissed his wife.  They had their dinner together while they enjoyed a trivial sit-com on TV.

It was the love that had endeared so many to Steven.  It was love that Jonathan hoped he could give to his family and love by which to live his life.

"Top 10 Country Songs ... 2013"

“Top 10 Country Songs … 2013”

2013 was a great year for country music.  It was both a year for new songs from some favorite artists and a year for break-through artists to establish their presence in the world of country music.  Some of the songs on this list did not generate much air play; however, I chose them along with the others for their innate brilliance.  Others of these songs are new songs from established artists that radiantly reflect their reputable career.  However, they all exemplify the greatness of country music.

I, through the past year, have been taking note on songs that have bid particularly well on the country music charts, as well as songs that have caught my personal attention for their intrinsic merit.  There were other songs in this past year that have been excluded from this list.  Some of these songs have lasting quality to be shared with generations to come.  Moreover, within the entire catalogue of country music this past year, many others reflect the talent of both their performers and of their writers. 

I am very happy to welcome artists such as Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw to this list for their wonderful contributions to country music this year.  I also welcome artists such as Kacey Musgrave and Locash to this list for their emergence into country music this year. 

However, among the many great songs and performances this past year, I chose to compile this Top 10 list on the preceding criteria.  Hopefully some of your favorite songs will be on this list and hopefully you will enjoy others that did not catch your attention over the past year.

Number 10:        The best seat in the house by Lo Cash

                                Locash Official Fan Page

                                Thebest seat in the house Video

This heart-wrenching song captures the familiar love that a father feels for his son and that a son feels for his father.  This love transgresses time from the boy’s youth to the father’s time in heaven.  From little league games to the son’s marriage, the strong vocals and moving lyrics accentuate the sentiment of a father’s bond with his son.

Number 9:           I don’t want this night to end by Luke Bryan

                                LukeBryan Official Fan Page

                                I don't want this night to end Video

This song, featuring the exceptional vocals of Luke Bryan, captures, with integrity, the heart of country music.  It fuses contemporary country with a strong back-beat, appealing feelings of youth with those of mature enthusiasm.   The song represents another entry to the broad base of music by Luke Bryan in the country music library.

Number 8:           Everybody’s got somebody but me by Hunter Hayes

                                HunterHayes Official Fan Page

                                Everybody’sgot somebody but me Video

This song reflects the influence of a traditional country sound infused with a melodic muse reflecting the nearly forgotten standards of the first half of the twentieth century.  Hunter Haze’s voice and lyrical styling, however, creates a sound that is pure country.  The song highlights a casual wander through an evening or day, whichever you prefer, reflecting the loneliness felt in the song in a trifling manner.

Number 7:           The boys around here by Blake Shelton (with the Pistol Annie’s)

                                BlakeShelton Official Fan Page

                                Theboys around here Video

This song couples the sensual background vocals of the Pistol Annie’s with the classic country singing of Blake Shelton.   The song, released early last year, was Blake Shelton’s ninth number one in a row followed by “Mine would be you” which was to become his tenth straight number one hit on country music radio.  This song has lasting quality with the purist sounds of country that is its essence.

                               

Number 6:           Blowin’ smoke by Kacey Musgrave

                                KaceyMusgrave Official Fan Page

                                Blowin’Smoke Video

Although Kacey Musgraves has been recording country music for over ten years, she first emerged as a force in country music this past year.  The song,”Blowin’ Smoke,” did not fare well on the charts; however, it received critical acclaim by critics. The album from which it was released, “Same trailer different park” received the Grammy for 2014 Country Music Album of the Year Award.  Hopefully, there will be more music from this talented artist brought our way.

Number 5:           I drive your truck by Lee Brice

                                Lee Brice Official Fan Page

                                I drive your truck Video

Lee Brice has been an artist that has been persistently on the country music charts for the past few years.  He has brought us all a great deal of exceptional music.  However, once in a while an artist such as this will bring us a particularly memorable song.  This song is an example of just that.  This song masterfully captures the loss of a family member poignantly with powerful lyrics and the powerful vocals of Lee Brice.

Number 4:           One of those nights by Tim McGraw

                                TimMcGraw Official Fanpage

                                Oneof those nights Video

 Tim McGraw has been a superstar on the country music scene for more than two decades.  His debut, self-titled album “Tim McGraw”, although not commercially successful, was warmly received by critics.  His second album, “Not a moment too soon” brought to the artist both fame and critical acclaim.  Songs such as “Don’t take the girl,” which reached number one on the country charts, and the title track, “Not a moment too soon” established Tim McGraw as one of the most endeared performers in country music.  Throughout the years Tim McGraw, has released dozens of chart-topping singles including “Live like you weredying” and “Red, rag top.”  The song, “One of those nights,” was yet another one of the monumental songs in this singer’s acclaimed and illustrious career.

Number 3:           Not my mama’s broken heart by Miranada Lambert

                                MirandaLambert Official Fanpage

                                Notmy mama’s broken heart Video

From the first time that I heard this song, it became one of my favorite country songs; not only of this year, but of the many songs released in the many years that I have been listening to country music.   The song brought to me a new level of appreciation to this singer whose music I have always enjoyed.  The song is true to the folk-rock nature of most of her songs.  Take a listen to this song to see if you agree. 

Number 2:           Downtown by Lady Antebellum

                                LadyAntebellum Official Fanpage

                                DowntownVideo

Lady Antebellum is best known for her cross-over hit, “Need you now,” which helped her earn Grammy’s in 2011 for Best Country Album, Record of the Year, and Best Country Song.  Lady Antebellum’s earlier signature song was “Looking for a goodtime.”  In early 2013 Lady Antebellum released the song, “Downtown” as a return to their country roots.  Although the song did not have cross-over appeal, it was warmly received by country music listeners reaching number one on the country charts.

Number 1:           Begin again by Taylor Swift

                                TaylorSwift Official Fanpage

                

The video to this song is almost as compelling as the song.  The understated beauty of Taylor Swift accents the song which discusses new love after a difficult relationship.  In the video, the artist is adorned in classical attire with the background of classical Paris.  The song, perfectly captured in this video, entreats its listeners to these images every time the song plays.

In 2006, Taylor Swift released her first single, “Tim McGraw.”  The song, although not reaching number one on the country charts, instantly brought fame to this young singer with the listening public eagerly awaiting her follow up song.  The listening public was graced not only by her immediate follow up releases, but also to the rest of her music catalogue to this point in her career.

Taylor Swift has also become a pop icon with her music as successful on pop radio as it has been on country radio.  However, she has stayed true to her country heritage with songs such as “You should have said no,” and her release at the beginning of this past year, “Begin Again.”

In her career, which has spanned eight years, she has received overwhelming commercial success as well as critical acclaim from critics and award giving bodies.  She has sold over twenty million albums nationally with three number one albums on the billboard album chart.  In addition, she has won seven Grammy Awards, six Academy of Country Music Awards, as well as dozens upon dozens of other awards.

The song, “Begin again”, with its emotive lyrics and passionate allure, struck a chord with fans as deep as any of her previous releases.   The sentimental love story is pronounced with the lyrics, “I’ve been spending the last eight months thinking all love ever does isbreak, and burn, and end.  But on aWednesday, in a café, I watched it begin again.”  The sentimental nature of these lyrics, as well as the brilliant vocal interpretation of Taylor Swift, establishes this song as a country classic for all time.  

I hope you have enjoyed this “Top 10 Country Music … 2013” list of songs.  Hopefully I have listed a few of your favorites as well as uncovered additional songs you may enjoy.  The vast library of country music is a treasure for us all.  I look forward to another great year in country music.   

You are most welcome to leave comments and to share this list with friends.  Keep an eye open for new “Top 10 Country Music Songs …” in the future.

Thank you.