It was 52 weeks filled with road trips and coffee shops and new friends and learning you can still eat out at fun restaurants if you stop eating out at crappy ones.
It was 365 days of laughter and gritting my teeth and discipline and understanding the beauty of the unplanned.
It was a year of sabbath for a very weary heart.
This is a little recap and celebration of chasing rabbits again in 2015.
2015 will be different. Not because I have concrete plans, but because I don't.
However, there's something missing at these graduation ceremonies...a great class song. Not an alma mater, but an actual song that some trio of capped and gowned graduates sings in harmony to canned music over bad speakers.
When I graduated high school, my classmates chose a song written a decade earlier. Not a classic ode to change or hope or wisdom.
They chose The Theme from St. Elmo's Fire.
THE LOVE THEME.
That's not all. There were lyrics for our capped and gowned singers. We laughed until we had to cry And we loved right down to our last goodbye We were the best I think we'll ever be Just you and me For just a moment We chased that dream we never found And sometimes we let one another down BUT THE LOVE WE MADE Made everything alright We shone so bright For just a moment
YOU GUYS?!?!
I respectfully request a do-over. I nominate and unanimously choose "What'd I Say" by Ray Charles.
This song was originally composed at the end of a concert in 1958 when Charles and his orchestra had 12 minutes left to fill. Both the lyrics and music were entirely improvised on the spot.
Life Lesson #1: Sometimes your best work will happen when you throw out the business plan and the marketing strategy and just do it.
Charles doesn't begin singing until a minute and 30 seconds have passed.
Life Lesson #2: Be slow to speak, and quick to listen.
The song is almost seven minutes long. Most songs played on the radio at the time were two and a half minutes. Radio and record executives balked at the length but Charles stood by every second.
Life Lesson #3: What you create or your choices won't always make sense. That's okay.
Billboard magazine initially gave "What'd I Say" a tepid review: "He shouts out in percussive style ... Side two is the same." Charles' label, Atlantic Records, pushed the single despite a lack of critical acclaim. Within weeks, the track topped out at number one on Billboard's R&B singles chart, number six on the Billboard Hot 100, and it became Charles' first gold record.
Life Lesson #4: Not everyone will be on your team, but the ones who matter will be.
While the Beatles were developing their sound in Germany, they played "What'd I Say" at every show. When Mick Jagger sang for the first time with the band that would become the Rolling Stones, he performed a duet of "What'd I Say." The Animals, Steve Winwood, the Beach Boys, and Van Morrison counted the song as a major influence on why they were interested in music. It's been covered by Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, Sammy Davis, Jr., Jimi Hendrix, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Billy Joel, Etta James and Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Life Lesson #5: Leave a legacy. What was your class song? What would you add to a graduate's playlist?
Previously... I host a podcast with Knox McCoy called The Popcast. It is the Brad Pitt of podcasts: solid, dependable, hard-working and charmingly humorous. More specifically, The Popcast is a weekly argument / conversation about all things pop culture.
In this week's episode (#40), it's a musicpalooza.
We answer questions like:
Who will own the summer music scene?
What are the all-time favorite summer songs?
Why do we listen to the specific music we listen to?
If Miley Cyrus never existed, who would have taken her place?
Each week or so I post things of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.
1.Classic Movies in Miniature Style. As part of his graduation thesis, Murat Palta decided to blend traditional oriental motifs with contemporary western films. Pop culture art is a favorite. Particularly when it features such delights as Star Wars, Inception, and Kill Bill. 2. The Popcast. This month on our pop culture podcast, Knox and I tackled the Olympics, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, House of Cards, Jimmy Fallon, Pharrell, Valentine's Day, True Detective, The Oscars, Alec Baldwin, Canada, Seth Meyers, Boycotts, The Super Bowl and much more.
3. Rapper's Delight. The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon debuted this month. Jimmy's wheelhouse is viral video content. Don't hesitate to check out his Lip Sync Battle with Paul Rudd or The History of Rap 5 with Justin Timberlake. My personal favorite is Brian Williams' Rapper's Delight.
5. Ellie Holcomb: I've always enjoyed the music of Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors. Drew's wife (and one of the "neighbors") Ellie Holcomb released her first full-length solo album this month, As Sure As The Sun. It is special. Not only was it a Kickstarter baby, but it's good music. Each song is like a page torn from a journal of a person wrestling with God and faith and trust. It hit home. 6. Stormscapes. I live in "tornado alley" in a city full of trees so it's rare to see the beauty in storms. Last summer, Nicolaus Wegner camped out in South Dakota and Wyoming and captured thunderstorms and supercells at their fanciest.
7. My Life in Middlemarch. Rebecca Mead writes a book that's part memoir, part literary criticism and part Eliot biography. This exquisite novel made me fall in love with that high school required reading and believe it to be more than I recall.
8. Sean Lowe's I Am Second. I'm a fan of this particular Bachelor. His video and Annie Downs' take on it confirms why.
9. The Americans.In the aforementioned Popcast, Knox has tried without fail to have me fall for this 1980s cold war spy drama on A&E. I finally caved when the first season went up on Amazon Prime. After a 4 day binge, I was completely hooked. The KGB is just a wallpaper for this tumultuous drama about a marriage in crisis. So good. Not suitable for all grandmothers.
10. This Old Man. Roger Angell wrote this frank piece for The New Yorker about living in your nineties. Here's just a sample of the goodness:
But I believe that everyone in the world wants to be with someone else
tonight, together in the dark, with the sweet warmth of a hip or a foot
or a bare expanse of shoulder within reach. Those of us who have lost
that, whatever our age, never lose the longing: just look at our faces.
If it returns, we seize upon it avidly, stunned and altered again.
11. Unlikely Simultaneous Historical Events. A list that will make you furrow your brow. Includes: The first wagon train of the Oregon Trail heads out the same year the fax machine is invented.
My Favorite February Tweets
Frozen: A cautionary tale about isolating an extrovert based on the special needs of an introvert sibling.
— Rachel Callahan (@ObjectivityRach) February 4, 2014
Life is 10% what happens to me, 75% how I handle it, and 15% how I share it on social media.
— Jared Hollier (@JaredHollier) February 5, 2014
"My current stage of life is much better/worse than yours and here's why..." -Majority of today's viral blog posts
— Cindy Warren (@cindy_warren) February 13, 2014
David, you're the John to my Aeryn. The Wash to my Zoe (please don't die). The Rory to my Amy. The Daryl to my Horton Scout 125. #makeyoutey
— Ruthie (@bogueandweejer) February 14, 2014
Note: I included this because each of those pairings is truly the most romantic. And I was proud I knew them all.
If I was blind I could tell who the hot girls in the nail salon were by how boring their stories are
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) February 18, 2014
Ironically, the more camo you wear, the more people see you.
— Corey Boyd (@CoreyBoyd) February 19, 2014
"Haha you're way fatter than you thought!" -stairs
— Amber Krogel (@amberkrogel) February 21, 2014
Twitter: where we gather to complain about our Facebook friends.
— Laura McClellan (@laura_mcclellan) February 21, 2014
Tip: NOTHING worse than tweets about how cool your life is. Everybody hates that and resents you for them. *Sent from the #Oscars stage
— andy lassner (@andylassner) February 27, 2014
Linking up with the delightful Leigh Kramerto share what I loved in February.
Each week or so I post things of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.
Last month, I loved much and loved it well. It's easy when the weather outside is frightful AND you're unemployed to consume a lot of stuff.
Sherlock Season 3: It's odd when an entire season of a show can begin and end in one month but when there are only 3 episodes it's doable. But they were good ones. You can watch this season on pbs.org and the previous two seasons on Amazon Prime.
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee:I didn't discover this gem until Tina Fey was a guest. Now I've binged them all. I adore chatting with people who are funny during regular conversation. Jerry Seinfeld is the king of this. My favorite conversations include Chris Rock, Seth Meyers, and surprisingly Alec Baldwin.
I Have Decided: My pastor led a message series about the four best decisions you can make in 2014. It was surely goodness and mercy.
One Word 2014: My word for 2014 is "waffle." I ordered this necklace to stay focused. It's scented.
The Goldbergs: I recommended this ABC sitcom to everyone last month. If you were aware of the 80s, then you can watch any episode and be transported. Writing Music: Camping out in coffee shops means musical inspiration that doesn't necessarily lead to dance breaks. Enter artists like The Album Leaf, Olafur Arnalds, Dustin O'Halloran, Explosions in the Sky, Goldmund, Christopher O'Riley, and David Jalbert. Here's a link to my "Writing Right" playlist on Spotify.
The Power of Habit: Charles Duhigg's NYT bestseller is worthy of your time. It forced me to think about how I can better accomplish my goals by taking a close look at my habits. It was a fast and fascinating read.
One Direction Auto-Tune: No video has made me laugh this hard in a long time. And I watch a lot of videos.
The Popcast: This month on our pop culture podcast, Knox and I tackled the Golden Globes, Grammys, Bachelor, Woody Allen, American Hustle, Miley Cyrus, Ron Paul, Scandal, True Detective, Drake, Anonymous Commenting, Richard Sherman, Anna Kendrick, Arby's and more.
Short Term 12: Not only the best movie I watched this month but in my top list of all time. It's the story of Grace, a supervisor at a foster-care facility for at-risk teenagers. The movie took South by Southwest by storm and is up for three Independent Spirit awards. It wrecked me in the best way.
Be sure to check on elderly neighbors to make sure they are warm and also delete the 25 stacked toolbars on their Internet Explorer 7.
— pourmecoffee (@pourmecoffee) January 4, 2014
Someone else's booger is currently lodged under my fingernail, if you were on the fence about becoming a parent.
— Katherine H (@grass_stains) January 5, 2014
Unbelievable! Your weather app looks like my weather app! (Replace "weather app" with latte, burger, airplane, sunset, or baby.) #instagram
— samdavidson (@samdavidson) January 5, 2014
I will not let anything that will ultimately mean nothing keep me from experiencing what means everything. #21daysofprayer
— Chris Hodges (@Chris_Hodges) January 7, 2014
You can find anything—ANYTHING—on the internet. Except a lyrics site that doesn’t look like it was designed in 1995 by a 7th grader w/ ADHD.
— Tiffany Dorrin Olsen (@NotThatOlsen) January 8, 2014
I want y'all to know there's a showing of Antigone at my house right now because mandarin oranges have seeds.
— Erin Moon (@erinhmoon) January 17, 2014
Forget the to-do list; decide who you want to become. God's a lot more interested in shaping our hearts than organizing our days.
— Love Does (@lovedoes) January 18, 2014
Just heard a Cranberries song, and suddenly I was in my Camaro with the t-tops out, clunky shoes on, and 6 tiny clips in my hair. #ninetiesg
— Gretchen Bush (@Gbushmomma) January 20, 2014
Based on all the Laura Ingalls Wilder in my feed today, Little House books are Southern girls' main references on surviving snow.
— Elizabeth Hyndman (@edhyndman) January 28, 2014
Linking up with the delightful Leigh Kramer to share what I loved in January.
This is my adorably young and precious friend Maranda. She and I share a love for mascara and live music.
We recently caught an up and coming folk band as they passed through town.
If you'd like to relive our experience, simply turn your shower on hot, wait 20 minutes and then blast Mumford's The Road To Red Rocks (Live) while sitting on the edge of your tub.
Your September amphitheater experience in the South is complete.
The first thing I noticed was the venue was a rewrite of "Where The White Things Are."
The second thing I noticed was how many concert pet peeves kept peeving up around me. As always, I am here to guide you and me as we try to interact with humans in public. Here 9 tips for concert-going etiquette.
Wear Clothes. The kind that cover dainty parts...all of them. However, pause before wearing the band t-shirt. Especially if you just purchased it at the show.
Dance If You Wanna. Although I've reached the age where I prefer to sit at concerts, I don't begrudge the person who's so moved by an accordion that she must get her sway on. So I don't ask someone to sit and neither should you. I might pray for it, but I don't ask.
No Throwing. At this Mumford concert, I purchased a bottled soda. The cashier opened it and then threw the cap away. Apparently, concert-goers have made a habit of throwing items at the stage and the venue staff are trying to limit the options. WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?
No Throwing Up. I can't imagine why a musical event is better after 47oz of beer, because it's not.
Use your Eyes. How many of us go back and watch the 90 minutes of video we captured with our phones? If you raised your hand and own more than 2 sci-fi/comic shirts, then it doesn't count. Watch the live thing you paid to watch. Plus, no one's become famous for recording the video of Beyonce's hair stuck in a fan. I promise.
This is Not The Voice. If everyone is singing along to Katy Perry's Firework, by all means, join the chorus. But if she's strumming a song she wrote at 15 that you only know because you're a grade A groupie, please refrain from back-up. This is Not The View.Once the show has started, your opinion on the government shutdown, your ex you ran into at lunch or the pants the drummer is wearing are not interesting topics to your neighbors. Keep the chatter to a minimum. This also goes for yelling. When Mumford introduced a guest musician from Nashville, a woman three rows back yelled "EFF TENNESSEE." Classy.
No Babies. Let's not bring a little one to the show and let's not try to make one while we're there.
Be Considerate. Just remember that people can see you and hear you and smell you. Act accordingly.
What would you add to the list? What on my list is ludicrous? Have you seen Ludacris in concert?
Each week or so I post things of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.
This week's episode of my new pop culture podcast with Knox McCoy tackles life changing topics such as the war on emojis, Lindsay Lohan predictions and Kanye West as artist and j-hole. Knox and I had the biggest fight we've ever had. We may recover.
I've written about being a Mary Poppins fan. A new Disney movie Saving Mr. Banks follows MP author P. L. Travers as she meets with filmmaker Walt Disney during the production of her grand novel. The trailer above has me primed and ready for this Christmas season release.
Georgia Tech sophomore, Nicholas Selby, brought down the house in less than 2 minutes at this freshmen event.
John Mayer released a new album this week, Paradise Valley, which I like quite a bit. I also want to like John Mayer again. I'm following the 7-Step Plan to Not Hating John Mayer Anymore. It's working.
Jessica from Meet the Buttrams wrote A Letter For My Children. I don't have kids and it wrecked me.
I will always love you thoroughly, even if it is imperfectly. Even when my heart wants to explode just from the sight of you sleeping, I can’t love you the way you were created to be loved.
Favorite Instagram
...via Erin Moon (erinhmoon). This is how a parent should document their child's life.
Favorite Tweets
The only unforgivable sins are murder and spelling it “should of" — Brian Gaar (@briangaar) August 15, 2013
sometimes you just have to leave the piles of clean clothes on your bed and sleep around them. it's why I have a queen size bed. — Molly Gentry (@mollsabeth) August 20, 2013
I'm convinced my mom just walks into the cable company each month, says "Fox News and Judge Judy" lays 20 bucks on the counter, and leaves.
— Nick Flora (@NickFlora) August 21, 2013
What have you recently read or seen or listened to that you've loved?
P.S. We have two winners from last week's Popcast Giveaway!
Each week or so I post things of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.
One of my Internet favorites is Amanda Williams. She's smart, witty and honest - an ideal person combo. She recently wrote a powerful post "Finding God in a Little White Pill." A friend once told me she was praying through her depression. I replied that my Mom was praying through her high blood pressure. She immediately countered "Blood pressure is something to take seriously. She should see a doctor." See how I verbally trapped her like a close friend? The brain is an organ just like the heart. We believe God uses doctors and medicines to heal us. Why don't we believe that for every part of us?
Speaking of our health... Healthcare is a BIG deal in America. Most often the discussion centers on who should pay for healthcare. Journalist Steven Brill decided it was time to steer the debate to the more important question: Why are healthcare bills so high? He wrestles for the answer in his recent feature "Bitter Pill: Why Medical Bills Are Killing Us." This is not for the faint of heart - it's 1 article with 24,105 words. Every word is compelling.
If I could follow only one person on Instagram, it would be Tyler Tarver. He takes fantastic shots and then adds perfect captions - an ideal IG combo. He and I agree on math, Lost, Ryan Gosling, and ADD. We do not agree on which Disney Princesses would last the longest in the Hunger Games. He was kind enough to invite me on his Talk Hugs Podcast to tackle this and other pressing issues. Also check out Tyler on Twitter and Facebook.
Meeting your child for the very first time can be just as powerful and life-changing as when someone meets their child in the delivery room.There are no unwanted children, just unfound families.
To learn more about adopting from foster care, visit Adopt-US-Kids.
The first cassette tape I ever owned was a gift from my parents. It was Amy Grant's The Collection. I literally wore it out from singing Sing Your Praises to the Lord at my 34-key keyboard. And although I'm fairly certain Jesus was compelled to mute me, it's a lesson He's still trying to teach me.
The second cassette I ever owned was a gift to myself. It was Cyndi Lauper's She's So Unusual. I think my mom generously chose to ignore the meaning of songs like She Bop in order to let her little girl dance like a crazy person while singing Money Changes Everything. Another lesson Jesus is still trying to teach me.
But some of my favorite music memories are found in 1994 to 1995. I whipped together a Spotify playlist including 30+ of my favorites from that time.
I wanted to learn to play the harmonica because of John Popper. I wanted to wear all black and be sad because of Dolores O'Riordan. I was willing to date someone with my same name because of Jamie Walters.
To this day, Babyface's When Can I See You makes me want to curl up with Häagen-Dazs and pine under the duvet.
Since I didn't want to be the only one musically reminiscing, how's about a giveaway? I will give away music moolah to TWO lucky winners to the digital music vendor of your choice: iTunes, Amazon, or GooglePlay. Winners will be chosen randomly.
The only thing you have to do to enter is follow the easy instructions in this handy Rafflecopter box.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Just like the box instructed, answer the question: What song makes you musically flashback in the best kind of way?
Let's just pretend it hasn't been a month since I wrote last. Okay? Okay.
I awoke Thanksgiving morning with a grateful heart and motivated mind.
I decided my favorite tree, pictured above, needed some tending. More specifically, IT'S POOPED ALL OVER MY YARD.
I resolved to rake some leaves and headed outside. I stood on the porch and realized it was cold enough for my pajamas to be insufficient.
Back inside.
I picked out a hoodie and headed outside. I stood on the sidewalk and realized it was quiet enough to need a distraction.
Back inside.
I conjured up a Spotify playlist and thirty-five minutes later, I headed outside.
Rabbit Sidebar: This "Rake The Leaves" playlist below is one of my better mixes.
And #2 is where this story really begins. Have you ever listened to V.I.C.'s Wobble and NOT ACTUALLY WOBBLED?
Me neither. When he commands "big girl make em' back it up" I must obey.
Fast forward to leaves piling up, neighbor kids frolicking and me wobbling. Wobbling so intensely that one jump turn made me miss the concrete scalloped sidewalk paver.
I went down. Hard.
I was wounded. I was whimpering. I was face down in my recently acquired pile of leaves.
Fast forward to this tweet:
May have to go to doc about possible broken foot. I’ll need you to help brainstorm a fake story to replace the real one. #nocomment
— Jamie Golden (@JamiesRabbits) November 22, 2012
So...there's that.
What about you? Any embarrassing injuries in your past?
Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.
Listen - Boys of Summer Edition
I could spend every day propped up in a porch swing, sipping iced coffee, and listening to music.
If only real-life could mimic my summer playlists - littered with boys.
Here are 5 albums that have been on repeat this season, making me sweat. IT'S THE HUMIDITY, MOM.
Alex Clare - The Lateness of The Hour:A Brit with a deep rich voice. Sold. This album is a solid blend of electronica and R&B. And then there's that voice.
Usher - Looking 4 Myself:I've loved Usher since Yeah and Caught Up - ahhh, the 2000's. This album is not just another warm-up for Friday clubbin'. YES I CLUB ON OCCASION. Usher's falsetto, his collaborations, and that thump will get you clubbin' too. Or cleaning the house with a lil' more shake.
Matthew Mayfield - A Banquet for Ghosts: I'm always loyal to Alabama musicians - The Civil Wars, Alabama Shakes, Lionel Richie. Matthew Mayfield is a singer-songwriter who came into his own on this album. Rock with a smidgen of folk. And then there's that raspy, comforting voice.
Ed Sheeran - +: I discovered Ed Sheeran when his song "Fall" was featured in the proposal scene on Cougartown. Don't judge. It was love at first listen. Another Brit who makes acoustic pop better because he sings it. And although he's a ginger, it appears you can trust him.
Tyrone Wells - Beautiful World:Tyrone and I met on Pandora after that beautiful matchmaker thought I might fancy him. I did. I do. He just released this EP and it's wistful and hopeful and romantic - traits that aren't too shabby .
I want to know what albums you have loved this summer. In order to motivate your disclosure, how about a giveaway?
WINNERS UPDATE: Lindsey M. won a 3-month subscription and Ann. H won a 1-month subscription. Email jamiesrabbits@gmail.com to collect your swag!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I'm giving away TWO prizes. One winner will get a 3-month subscription to Spotify and another will get a 1-month subscription.
I LOVE Spotify. So much so that I cut my coffee budget to pay for it. That's love. You can also have a free account which is how we started dating.
We're now 2gether 4 ever.
Spotify is a music streaming service that comes in all shapes and sizes, available for PC, Mac, home
audio system and mobile phone. Wherever you go, my music follows me. My favorite kind of stalker.
Note: Although I fancy Spotify more than I can type in small italics, they don't know the first thing about this giveaway.
Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.
Mother's Day Edition: I asked my Mom to share her favorites today. Please note: The views expressed herein are hers and do not necessarily represent the views of me.
Read
When I asked my Mom about her favorite book, she answered "The Bible." So yes, she played the Jesus card. But truth be told, it really is the book she reads the most. And not in a mean I-know-more-than-you way but in a I-need-God-because-this-place-is-crazy way.
Watch
My mom adores feel-good movies. Her favorite is Dragonfly starring Kevin Costner and Kathy Bates (trailer above). It's about a grieving doctor who is being contacted by his late wife through his patients' near-death experience. I think the "Kevin Costner" part is the clincher. She also recommends the following:
Sports: Remember the Titans. Denzel Washington.
Time Travel: Frequency. James Caviezel AND Dennis Quaid.
PG-Oh My: The Thorn Birds. Richard Chamberlain.
Cartoon: The Little Mermaid. Obviously we part ways on this one.
Listen
Have you ever seen those black and white clips of girls screaming when they saw Elvis? Then you've seen my Mom. We actually both love this particular song the best - Bossa Nova Baby from the album Viva Elvis.
What might you recommend to me and my mom this week?
Chickadees, Monkeys, Ninjas, and Betrothal Hearts make for a cake poppin' good time. Note: I only show you the ones that look good.
My dear friend Allison got married in Shreveport, LA. It was a divine Southern shindig so everything was monogrammed and included cheese.
Rabbit Sidebar: The highest rated restaurant in Shreveport on Yelp is Church's Chicken. Make a note to your traveling self.
Warm weather means ridiculous nails. I love it. If you want to be inspired, make sure to follow @xoxo_trina on Twitter. Her fingers always look divine.
When Goldfish are BOGO at Publix, I spend 9 minutes staring at the shelves. It was harder to choose a college major.
I had an IN-REAL-LIFE meet with blogger Andi Cumbo in Tuscaloosa. She flew down to continue research on her upcoming creative nonfiction book - You Will Not Be Forgotten - about the people who were enslaved on the plantation where she was raised. We sat by the river and I introduced her to fried pickles and white BBQ sauce. I assume her life is better now.
This song was gifted to me by Jessica from Meet The Buttrams. Listen here:
It's been the soundtrack of my life this month. More on that tomorrow.
So what about you? April - snazziest or dumbest month ever?
Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.
Read
My friend and blogger Katherine from Grass Stains sent me a link to excerpts from the new book Darth Vader and Son by Jeffrey Brown. The book imagines what may have happened if Vader had played an active role in Luke's life. The samples slayed me, so I bought it. No regrets for a geek like me. Here's one of my favorites.
30 Rock will always be one of my favorites. It made me like Alec Baldwin as an actor. It taught me the song Muffin Top. And there are clips like the above from this week's episode "Murphy Brown Lied To Us." This episode also included the following conversation after Jack wants to matchmake Liz Lemon to a man named Kevin:
Lemon: I’m going to stop you at Kevin. Has anyone ever known a good person named Kevin?
Jack: Kevin Garnett helped me move once. Kevin Costner cooked me dinner
after a bad breakup. Kevin Sorbo introduced me to his podiatrist.
Listen
I fell for Eric Hutchinson when Entertainment Weekly told me I would if I listened to his live album Sounds Like This. I left that on repeat and attempted to clean my house in-between the soul breaks. His new album, Moving Up Living Down was just released and he does not disappoint. He's a nice mix of folk and pop and sounds like Jason Mraz and Gavin Degraw which I don't hate. But you might. But we can still be friends. I've included his single, The Basement above.
Recommending Disclaimer:
I don't suggest anything because I get it free or because I have some
sort of illicit relationship with Darth Vader or Tina Fey. I save
all of those questionable dealings for UPS drivers.
Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.
Read
My family is always kind enough to indulge my mediocre habits by eating cake pops, modeling for photo shoots and reading this blog. One way they doted on me at Christmas was gifting me with a subscription to Popular Photography magazine. After 3 meager issues, my judgment call is...swoon. Whether you are a less-than-amateur like yours truly or a pro, it's a handy resource. It's been a perfect guide to equipment, software, how-to, and inspiration. It's also pushing me to bring my Instagram photos of Cheez-its to the next level of artistry.
Watch
I know I might be beating a dead horse by asking you to watch Invisible Children's video/movie about Joseph Kony especially since it's been the chatter of The Internets all week. But I'm asking you to watch for a reason chased by a disclaimer. I attended a conference this week where the editor of The Chronicle on Philanthropy shared research that Generation Y/Millenials are the most generous generation both in volunteer time and dollars based on their current meager earnings (Mark Zuckerberg is a delightful outlier.) This video simply serve as more evidence of that truth. Now for the disclaimer: I am a big fan of Invisible Children but I AM disappointed by the percentage of dollars that goes to work on the ground in Africa (less than 33%). Support IC in word and deed and then consider giving your actual cash to organizations such as Samaritan's Purse, Charity Water, or Mocha Club who have a impressive reputation of putting almost every dollar into direct service. Learn more about any nonprofit's "financial credibility" by visiting Charity Navigator.
Listen
This week I have all kinds of musak on repeat in Spotify. Have I mentioned I don't buy music at all anymore because of that delightful little service? Love.
Where We Meet by Tyrone Wells. I discovered Tyrone when he popped up on my Dave Barnes Pandora radio station. Pandora thought I might like him. I did. I do. His newest album does not disappoint. This is one of my favorite tracks: I Can't Save You Now.
If you're reading this on Sunday, don't forget to enter my latest giveaway. Ends tonight!
This lil' gathering is the brain child of Bryan Allain, a really fantastic blogger who has a heart for hustlers.
The good kind.
Here's the 411 about this unique conference:
1-day experience designed specifically for writers, artists, entrepreneurs, ministry leaders & small business owners to learn what it takes to build a killer tribe. From inspirational stories to practical how-to's to successful case studies, you'll walk away equipped and encouraged to extend your reach, find your fans, & build your tribe.
Let me be clear. I don't think I fall into any of the above-mentioned categories. Unless you count my work meeting doodles as art. AND THEY ARE VAN GOGH FANTASTIC. However, I know I've met some of the cooler people on the Internets via Bryan and his tribe efforts, so I have no doubt it will be a fabulous shindig.
Seriously, I have so little doubt about the potential for greatness that I bought and paid for TWO conference passes. One for me and one for a rabbit reader.
Since I know some of you already have your KT ticket or the conference may not squeeze into your calendar, I'm also giving away 2 gift cards - one to iTunes and one to Amazon.
WINNING FOR ALL!
Or three of you.
You can earn a truckload of entries for this giveaway by spending time in the box below jumping through some relatively easy rabbit hoops. You have until this Sunday to enter to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway Since you did all that work in the box, feel free to leave no comment. OR you could tell me about something you're looking forward to and then I can be jealous.
Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate. Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.
Listen
My affection for karaoke in my kitchen has led to a love of cover songs. There's something about a great artist paying homage to another great artist that makes me want to sing out loud like a not-so-great artist.
Here's 10 of my favorite covers.
1. The Civil Wars covering Disarm by The Smashing Pumpkins
2. Katy Perry covering Black and Gold by Sam Sparro
3.Lady Antebellum covering Learning to Fly by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
4. Brooke Fraser covering Sounds of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel
5. Bon Iver covering I Can't Make You Love Me/Nick of Time by Bonnie Raitt
6.Kelly Clarkson covering I Know You Won't by Carrie Underwood
7. James Blake covering Limit to Your Love by Feist
8. Eva Cassidy covering Fields of Gold by Sting
9. Vampire Weekend covering Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac
10. Adele covering Love Song by The Cure
Bonus Rabbit: Sara Bareilles covering Single Ladies by Beyonce
What covers do you love?
I need to know so I can ignore the inclination to put money in savings and spend it on more music.
P.S. Did you enter the Roku giveaway? It ends tomorrow. I'm serious.
Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate.
Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.
Read
Amazon and I have quite the toxic relationship. I buy books. It recommends more books. I buy them too. And all in "one-click." My apologies to my future children who will have to help mommy pay off her debt from that obsolete thing called a "Kindle." One recent rec was The Misanthrope's Guide to Life (Go Away!) by Meghan Rowland and Chris Turner-Neal. A "misanthrope" is defined for English-learners as "one who does not like people." Sadly, this sometimes applies to me, depending on how many items are in your buggy or how slow you're driving in the left lane. Meghan and Chris advise on how to manage all people interactions - parenting, work, holidays, romance, and of course, funerals. This guide is my favorite kind: sarcasm with page numbers.
P.S. This book is a Kindle loaner so if you'd like to borrow it from yours truly for free, then email me at jamiesrabbits@gmail.com.
UPDATE: This delightful book is currently free on Kindle!
Watch
When it comes to TV comedy, it's hard to compete for my affection for shows like Community, 30 Rock, and Parks & Rec. However, New Girl has won me over. The above clip is really what tugs at my heart each week: Schmidt. He is the most lovable "douche canoe" ever. Trust me, they can be lovable - I've dated a few. You can watch the last five episodes of New Girl on Hulu for free.
Listen
When I find myself in the midst of a busy season with tasks and obligations and hairs out of place, I need the occasional 3-minute mental health break. And mental health breaks should always be "dance breaks." Here's my 4 current go-to songs from the psych professional - David Guetta:
David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj - Turn Me On
David Guetta ft. Timbaland and Pitbull - Pass At Me
David Guetta ft. Usher - Without You
David Guetta ft. Jennifer Hudson - Night of Your Life
Recommending Disclaimer: I don't suggest anything because I get it free or because I have some sort of illicit relationship with Jeff Bezos or Rupert Murdoch. I save all of those questionable dealings for Cheez-it truck drivers.
Each week or so I post a readable or watchable and/or a listenable of which I'm fond. You can choose what happens after my recommendation. Ignore, embrace, debate.
Earlier volumes of The Rabbit Recommends can be found here.
Listen
This is the Christmas Music Must-Have Edition.
Rabbit Sidebar: I waited patiently until the turkey was fully digested on Thursday before indulging in holiday music. It wasn't easy to withhold since there seemed to be Santa soundtracks on every corner. I wanted desperately to harmonize with each one of them.
Here's 10 songs to add to your Peace on Earth playlist.
1. Love Is Christmas by Sara Bareilles
This is brand new out of the Bareilles box in 2011. "Love is who we are, and no season can contain it." I would punch a reindeer in the face if that line could be true.
2. Be Born In Me by Francesca Battistelli
This is "Mary's Song" from the new album Music Inspired by The Story (an album I highly recommend you splurge on.) I've always fancied lyrics from the perspective of Jesus' young mom like Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant. But this one? "I'll hold you in the beginning, You will hold me in the end." I'm a wreck.
3. O Come, O Come Emmanuel by The Civil Wars
There is no Christmas song I love more than this. The very reason of the season sung by the reason for duos.
4. Mary and Joseph by Dave Barnes
I could have chosen any song from Dave's album "Very Merry Christmas" and it would have been a winner. But this one is quaint and unexpected.
5. Winter Snow by Audrey Assad
Rabbit Confession: I adore Chris Tomlin's songwriting, but not necessarily his voice. So when he wrote this beautiful conversation with Christ, I sighed with relief that Ms. Assad was chosen to sing lead.
6. River by Joni Mitchell
I first heard this song during an episode of Alias. Sydney learns her childhood was even more messed up than she previously believed. This song plays while Vaughn comforts her. I wouldn't mind Vaughn comforting me. This concept may impact my infatuation with this song.
If this description resonates, then we could be best friends.
7. I Wonder as I Wander by Audra McDonald and Mormon Tabernacle Choir
This is one of my Mom's favorites. Mine too.
8. Carol of the Bells by Straight No Chaser
This songs just screams white gloves and frosted breath to me. And guys who can sing harmony is never a bad thing.
9. Christmastime is Here by Vince Guaraldi
Charlie Brown and Kevin McAllister. Classic.
10. Winter Song by Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles
If you have a dinner party and play this song in the background, then your guests will hug you and drop twenties in your candy dish. The song is that good.
What's one of your favorite Christmas songs? What song will make you want to shoot Santa before the season is wrapped?
