growing up free.

I think growing up is an interesting adventure for everyone. As I'm sure with every sibling rivalry, being the youngest and the only girl meant that I was not only stupid because I was too young but I was also stupid because I was a girl. I could never say the right thing, listen to the right music, or intelligently contribute to any conversation. Of course, this isn't true - or so I keep telling myself. I think I've been able to do a few things right in my time. And, in the end, my brother's were able to "convert" me to their favorite music (kinda)!

I like to think I listen to a wide variety of music. Looking at the playlist I often play, I have Ace of Base and All-American Rejects, Aretha Franklin and the Beatles, Rent and Hairspray, Bon Jovi, High School Musical, Shania Twain, etc. I listen to everything. Laugh at me if you will, but some of the most relaxing music that I love to listen to the most is Celtic Woman. It's old people music (or so my brothers continually tell me) but those girls have outstanding voices. They are so pure and quiet and peaceful.

Before my dad passed away, my parents had offered to host my cousin's wedding reception. As a hostess gift, my cousin and her husband gave my mom two tickets to the Celtic Woman concert. My mom, dad, and I had gone to their first concert a couple years ago and my mom has been dying to go again. They are phenomenal in concert. While there, the released their song: O, America.

Music: William Joseph

Words: Brendan Graham

O, America you’re calling,

I can hear you calling me:

You are calling me to be true to thee,

True to thee… I will be.

O, America no weeping,

Let me heal your wounded heart:

I will keep you in my keeping,

Till there be… a new start.

And I will answer you, and I will take your hand,

And lead you… to the sun:

And I will stand by you…do all that I can do,

And we will be… as one.

O, America I hear you,

From your prairies to the sea,

From your mountains grand, and all through this land,

You are beautiful to me.

And… O, America you’re calling,

I can hear you calling me:

You are calling me to be true to thee,

True to thee… I will be.

And I will answer you, and I will take your hand,

And lead you… to the sun:

And I will stand by you… do all that I can do,

And we will be…as one.

O, America you’re calling…

I will ever answer thee.

The lyrics are what I'm all about too. I am so sick of people recently complaining about this, that, and the other; about how the world is going to hell in a hand basket and America is going to be the one leading. The US has so much to offer and I am so thankful to be living here. I love the freedom I am able to enjoy and I applaud those with the courage to fight for those freedoms. The land is beautiful and the opportunities wonderful (although currently dwindling).

I am proud to be American.

*end rant and end random post*