Song Lyric Sunday – Travelin’ Soldier by the Dixie Chicks

This is the first song I thought of when I posted the theme, so I’m going to just run with it, even if it is a bit obvious.  I was a huge Country Music fan back in the early 2000’s when this song came out.  I also loved the Dixie Chicks and still do, whenever I hear them.

This song is a heart-breaker, but so beautiful in its simplicity.  I also love Natalie Maines’ voice and the harmonies the they create.

If you haven’t heard the song, I do hope you enjoy and have a good little cry on me today!

Written by: Bruce Robinson
Lyrics found at AZ Lyrics

Two days past eighteen
He was waiting for the bus in his army green
Sat down in a booth in a cafe there
Gave his order to a girl with a bow in her hair
He’s a little shy so she gives him a smile
And he said, “Would you mind sittin’ down for a while
And talking to me?
I’m feeling a little low.”
She said, “I’m off in an hour and I know where we can go.”

So they went down and they sat on the pier
He said I bet you got a boyfriend but I don’t care
I got no one to send a letter to
Would you mind if I sent one back here to you

I cried
Never gonna hold the hand of another guy
Too young for him they told her
Waitin’ for the love of a travelin’ soldier
Our love will never end
Waitin’ for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone when the letter said
A soldier’s coming home

So the letters came from an army camp
In California then Vietnam
And he told her of his heart
It might be love and all of the things he was so scared of
He said, “When it’s getting kinda rough over here,
I think of that day sittin’ down at the pier.
And I close my eyes and see your pretty smile.
Don’t worry but I won’t be able to write for awhile.”

One Friday night at a football game
The Lord’s Prayer said and the Anthem sang
A man said, “Folks would you bow your heads
For a list of local Vietnam dead.”
Crying all alone under the stands
Was a piccolo player in the marching band
And one name read but nobody really cared
But a pretty little girl with a bow in her hair

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The Song Lyric Sunday theme for this week was to post a song about the military.  Please feel free to click the link, read the rules and post one of your own.

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Song Lyric Sunday Theme for 5/28/17

I always feel a little guilty when I post a theme that has to do with a U.S. Holiday, since I know that I have followers from all over.  However, my life drives my blog and the themes for SLS, so I suppose I shouldn’t feel too guilty about it.  I will try to make them not so obvious, though, so that everyone can feel included, whether you celebrate the holiday or not.

I was just very happy to have a long weekend… I started looking forward to this extra day off a long time ago and I can’t even believe it’s finally here.  If it sounds like I’m slightly desperate, it’s because I had started to feel that way at work the past few weeks, but hopefully things are starting to slow down a little bit.

One can only hope anyway.

This all sort of leads us to our theme this week.  I was originally going to do a memorial type theme, but since my niece just graduated from high school (holy cow!!) and is planning to go into the military, I want to create a theme around the armed forces.  I truly respect what they do, even thought I don’t always agree with the politics behind it.  I’m sure there are times they don’t either, but most of them don’t sign up for politics, they sign up to fight for their country.

So, our theme for Song Lyric Sunday this week is to post a song about the military.

As always, you can go your own way and post a song that has nothing to do with the prompt.  We’re all here sharing our love of music and lyrics, and most of all, having a great time!

If you would like to suggest a theme, I am open to suggestions.   Please either pop it in the comments or send me an email at helenvahdati@yahoo.com.

Here are the “rules”:

• Post the lyrics to the song of your choice, whether it fits the theme or not
• Please try to include the songwriter(s) – it’s a good idea to give credit where credit is due and it’s honestly just a simple Google search
• Make sure you also credit the singer/band and provide a link to where you found the lyrics
• Link to the YouTube video, or pull it into your post so others can listen to the song
• Ping back to this post or my own Song Lyric Sunday post
• Read at least one other person’s blog so we can all share new and fantastic music and create amazing new blogging friends in the process

Feel free to use the Song Lyric Sunday badge by copying it into your post or add it to your site to show you are participating.

Song Lyric Sunday – The Diary of Jane by Breaking Benjamin

Breaking Benjamin is one of those bands that reminds me of my daughter.  We used to listen to this album when I drove her to school in the mornings.  It didn’t happen every day, but when it did, we usually listened to this album.

I find that when I’m down, I tend to turn to their harder, darker music.  It’s not necessarily soothing, but it finds a way to fill the void, so to speak.

This is one of those songs that makes me think of my depression, especially on a day like today when I’ve been struggling.  I can’t imagine what it’s like to be on the outside looking in on someone who has thoughts that are so far outside the realm of reality.  My hubby asked me today what I was thinking and I told him he didn’t really want to know, but then I ended up telling him anyway.  Even to my own ears, they sounded pretty awful.

It’s hard to be in a dark place and not know how to find my way out.  I can only imagine what it’s like for him to watch me suffer in that place.  He’s been a gem all day and I’m truly grateful for his love and support.

If you didn’t already know, I truly love this band and I do hope you enjoy!

Written by: Benjamin Burnley, Aaron C Fincke and Mark James Klepaski
© Walt Disney Music Company

Lyrics found at AZ Lyrics

If I had to
I would put myself right beside you
So let me ask
Would you like that?
Would you like that?

And I don’t mind
If you say this love is the last time
So now I’ll ask
Do you like that?
Do you like that?

No!

Something’s getting in the way.
Something’s just about to break.
I will try to find my place in the diary of Jane.
So tell me how it should be.

Try to find out what makes you tick.
As I lie down
Sore and sick.
Do you like that?
Do you like that?

There’s a fine line between love and hate.
And I don’t mind.
Just let me say that
I like that
I like that

Something’s getting in the way.
Something’s just about to break.
I will try to find my place in the diary of Jane.
As I burn another page,
As I look the other way.
I still try to find my place in the diary of Jane.
So tell me how it should be.

Desperate, I will crawl
Waiting for so long
No love, there is no love.
Die for anyone
What have I become?

Something’s getting in the way.
Something’s just about to break.
I will try to find my place in the diary of Jane.
As I burn another page,
As I look the other way.
I still try to find my place in the diary of Jane.

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The Song Lyric Sunday theme for this week was to post a song with the name of a person in the title/lyrics.  Please feel free to click the link, read the rules and post one of your own.

Song Lyric Sunday Theme for 5/21/17

As evidenced by the fact that I haven’t posted anything on the blog this week, it’s been a rough one.  Work is absolutely insane right now, which gives me zero time to think and unwind.  Not only that, by the time I get home, I’m exhausted.  I’ve also had some teenage drama to deal with and some lingering health things.  I’m honestly not sure how I made it to Saturday.  I guess that’s why I feel exhausted and entirely without motivation today.

But, I did manage to make it to my computer to post a theme, albeit a bit late in the day.  I can’t say a whole lot of thought went into it.  I literally scrolled through my iTunes and came up with the theme after eyeing one particular song (that you will definitely see on the blog tomorrow morning).  I hope you all have as much luck with the theme as I did.

So, our theme for Song Lyric Sunday this week is to post a song with the name of a person in the title or lyrics.

As always, you can go your own way and post a song that has nothing to do with the prompt.  We’re all here sharing our love of music and lyrics, and most of all, having a great time!

If you would like to suggest a theme, I am open to suggestions.   Please either pop it in the comments or send me an email at helenvahdati@yahoo.com.

Here are the “rules”:

• Post the lyrics to the song of your choice, whether it fits the theme or not
• Please try to include the songwriter(s) – it’s a good idea to give credit where credit is due and it’s honestly just a simple Google search
• Make sure you also credit the singer/band and provide a link to where you found the lyrics
• Link to the YouTube video, or pull it into your post so others can listen to the song
• Ping back to this post or my own Song Lyric Sunday post
• Read at least one other person’s blog so we can all share new and fantastic music and create amazing new blogging friends in the process

Feel free to use the Song Lyric Sunday badge by copying it into your post or add it to your site to show you are participating.

Song Lyric Sunday – Amaranthine by Amaranthe

I wrote about this band in February when I saw them in concert.  I didn’t know much about them when I went, but my niece and her cousin love them.  For the most part, I stood back and watched my niece enjoy the hell out of the concert, but there were a few songs I absolutely fell in love with and this is one of them.

From the moment I heard it, I wanted to know what the hell the word meant.  I finally found myself looking it up one day a few weeks ago and found the following on the Mirriam Webster dictionary site:

“Long ago poets conceived of a flower that did not fade and christened it amaranth. The appellation is rooted in the Greek words amarantos, meaning “immortal” or “unfading,” and anthos, meaning “flower.” The word amaranthine emerged as an adjective of the imaginary flower and subsequently of anything possessing its undying quality. Amaranth also names a real plant, an herb that some consider a weed and others grow for its colorful leaves and spikes of flowers.”

I thought that was so beautiful and have loved the song even more since reading it.

I wanted to dedicate it to my Mom and to my brand new husband.  Mom, I know we’ve been through a lot, but I will always love you!  And to my soul mate, my husband (I honestly can’t stop saying it), I have only hope and joy for the future that awaits us, and I love you more than I can say, now and always.

I hope you all enjoy!

Lyrics written by: Olof Mörck, Jake E. Lundberg and Andreas Solveström • Copyright © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc
Lyrics found at Google Play Music 

Time
Is the reason why we fight to stay alive
Until the morning comes

It’s a strife
But the shimmer in your eyes just makes me know
That you and I belong

And you can light the dark all by your own
So let us show the world our love is strong

Like a sign
Like a dream
You’re my amaranthine
You are all I needed, believe me
Like we drift in a stream
Your beauty serene
There’s nothing else
In life I ever need
My dream, amaranthine

Time
Goes by as day and nights are turning into years
But I’m lying in your arms
It’s the place
Where I know that I am closest to your heart
Where the dark is torn apart.

I know you feel the same as I inside
It feels like in a dream where we can fly

Like a sign
Like a dream
You’re my amaranthine
You are all I needed, believe me
Like we drift in a stream
Your beauty serene
There’s nothing else
In life I ever need
My dream, amaranthine

It’s a strife
But the shimmer in your eyes just makes me know
You’re my amaranthine

Like a sign
Like a dream
You’re my amaranthine
You are all I needed, believe me

Like a sign
Like a dream
You’re my amaranthine
You are all I needed, believe me
Like we drift in a stream
Your beauty serene
There’s nothing else
In life I ever need
My dream, amaranthine

 

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The Song Lyric Sunday theme for this week was to post a song with a flower in the title/lyrics.  Please feel free to click the link, read the rules and post one of your own.

Song Lyric Sunday Theme for 5/14/17

I honestly can’t believe that we are half way through May.  What a crazy, wonderful year it has been.  I always start having these kinds of thoughts when all the normal holidays come around and it feels like we just barely did it.

Oh, just a quick note.  If you haven’t noticed, I finally took the plunge and decided to pay for my WordPress account.  I also didn’t want to use my “old” last name as my domain, so it has changed.  I didn’t pay to have the old domain redirected, so you will need to update how you access my blog – it is now “helenswordsoflife.com”.

So, tomorrow is Mother’s day, and I suppose I could make it really simple for everyone, but I was already thinking of a theme.  I think we can fit mothers into the equation, if you really work at it, and I’ll give you a bonus if you do.  (You know, imaginary cake or candy or whatever your heart desires, because after all, it’s imaginary!)

Our theme for Song Lyric Sunday this week is to post a song with a flower in the title and/or lyrics.

As always, you can go your own way and post a song that has nothing to do with the prompt.  We’re all here sharing our love of music and lyrics, and most of all, having a great time!

If you would like to suggest a theme, I am open to suggestions.   Please either pop it in the comments or send me an email at helenvahdati@yahoo.com.

Here are the “rules”:

• Post the lyrics to the song of your choice, whether it fits the theme or not
• Please try to include the songwriter(s) – it’s a good idea to give credit where credit is due and it’s honestly just a simple Google search
• Make sure you also credit the singer/band and provide a link to where you found the lyrics
• Link to the YouTube video, or pull it into your post so others can listen to the song
• Ping back to this post or my own Song Lyric Sunday post
• Read at least one other person’s blog so we can all share new and fantastic music and create amazing new blogging friends in the process

Feel free to use the Song Lyric Sunday badge by copying it into your post or add it to your site to show you are participating.

SoCS – Speaking different languages

I’ve always been fascinated by language.  It’s probably one of the reasons I love writing so much.  Words are beautiful, in any language really.

Did anyone else out there watch The Arrival?  The hubby was pretty bored through the movie, but I found myself entranced with the alien’s language and also how the main character went to so many lengths to understand and communicate.  I believe we all could take a lesson from that.

Perhaps we should think of another person as having a whole different language, because if you really think about it, their language and how they speak is laced with their past experiences, their own beliefs, which is so different from everyone else.  I think we could all try harder to understand each other, rather than assuming we are all speaking the same language.

My hubby speaks 3 different languages, and English was his third.  He used to tell me all the time that the reason we misunderstood each other is because he had all those languages floating around in his head and sometimes things didn’t come out right.  I was inclined not to believe him, especially in the moment of wanting so badly to understand and be understood.  But the longer we are together, the more I know it’s true.

There are certain things in the Persian language that I simply don’t understand.  My father-in-law stayed with us for three months this year, and there were things he said and did that I found out-right offensive, but to him, he was actually giving me a compliment.  He is the sweetest, most giving man, so I knew he wasn’t trying to give offense, but it was still hard to see beyond the moment.

I’ve always wanted to learn another language.  It just takes a lot of work and I’ve never made the decision to put the work into it.  I’m starting to think it might be a necessity, now that I’m part of a family who speaks another language when they get together.  My father-in-law tried so hard to speak English when he was here, but he’s old and can’t hear very well and there were times he would be speaking English and right in the middle of the sentence he would switch.  Then he would look at me like I was supposed to understand and respond.

The other thing that truly bothers me is watching a French film with the hubby.  He speaks French as well and he can understand what they’re saying, but I have to read the subtitles.  Sometimes he forgets and talks to me during the movie while I’m still trying to read everything.  It kind of feels like he has one up on me, you know?  It’s also interesting to find out how many actors can learn the French words, but they don’t really do it well.  I find myself asking if they’re speaking French well, but usually he will tell me before I can ask.  I think we all just assume that they’ve mastered the language, somehow, because we can’t understand it anyway.

Ah, language.  How I love it!

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Stream of Consciousness Saturday is hosted by Linda G Hill. Today’s prompt is “language”.

  

Friday Fictioneers – The Forgetting

PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

“Dad, what happened to the car?”

“Lucas!  How are you, my son?  It’s so good to see you!”

“Dad, the car?”

Lucas watched his father’s eyes, searching for any sign that he would try and cover up the truth, but all he saw was an innocent joy.

“I’m sorry Lucas, but I don’t know what you mean.”

“Dad, you took the car today, remember?  You went to the store.  Did you hit something?”

His dad’s filmy blue eyes took on a puzzled look.  “Lucas, I honestly don’t know what you’re talking about.  I’ve been here all day.”

Lucas realized, probably too late, that his dad’s driving days were over.

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Friday Fictioneers is a weekly flash fiction prompt where we are given a photo and asked to write a 100 word story – beginning, middle and end.  This one came in at 109 words.

Click on the blue froggy to read other amazing 100-word stories!

Pink – The good (if it can be called that) and the bad

I’ve never been a fan of the color pink.  It most likely has something to do with being a red-head and having people tell me that the color would clash with my hair color and my skin tone.  Some shades of pink look terrible on me, but some actually don’t…. not that I’ve been brave enough to really try it out.

Isn’t it strange how our belief’s from early childhood follow us around all our lives, whether they make any sense or not?

As I was thinking about it today, I realized it wasn’t just the color and the unpleasant childhood memories that had me disliking the color.  I also have this weird belief that it’s a weak color.  I’m one of those women who wants to run with the boys and do what they do and the color pink just makes me think of cute little coddled girls who have things handed to them.

See, not logical at all, but there you have it.

It also got me thinking of the brand PINK from Victoria’s Secret.  I’ve never been a name brand kind of person, but about 10 years ago, I found myself shopping at Victoria’s Secret.  I believe they have the most comfortable bras, so it is the one thing I will allow myself to splurge on; that and the amazing perfume I fell in love with.

I noticed a friend in a pair of sweats one day that looked really comfortable and she told me they were the PINK brand.  I went out and bought a pair shortly after because I am so a sweats and tank top kind of girl.  Now, I’m not the type of person to splash myself with PINK, but you see it everywhere with women these days.  I honestly think it’s tacky.  However, those sweat pants I bought have PINK written right across the butt.  It’s probably a good thing I can’t see it because it allows me to forget that it’s there.  They’re black and super comfortable, so I don’t ever remember until the hubby points it out.

I think it gives him great joy to watch me squirm.

I’ve just realized that this is the good (if it can be called that) and the bad of the color pink, brought to you by yours truly.  I’m thinking I may need to create a better relationship with the color, but I’m getting old and set in my ways.  Besides, I don’t think the color will mind.

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In response to The Daily Post’s Daily Prompt – Pink

Understanding and Acceptance

The events of my life in the past few months have caused me to reflect a lot on what is temporary and what is permanent.  I had a boss once tell me that when I was upset, the best thing to do would be to write it down and put it under my keyboard and then look at it a week later.  He surmised that when I looked at it again, I wouldn’t be upset about it anymore.  I can’t say I liked the guy very much, but in this, he was pretty accurate.

I’m constantly amazed that when something is given enough energy it can become bigger and bigger, but when you set it aside for a while, it becomes something different, smaller perhaps.  It doesn’t necessarily go away, depending on what it is, but when you give something room to breathe, it brings new perspective and new insight.

I’ve also been reflecting on life in general and how tomorrow is not guaranteed.  Trying to live in the moment is difficult, at best, but I believe it’s the best place to be.  It brings a higher appreciation for things when you’re not worried about tomorrow or what happened yesterday.  If only I’d remembered that at dinner tonight…

Sometimes I wonder if this understanding we are all searching for is truly a thing, you know?  Can you ever truly understand another person’s motives for doing something?  But trying to understand seems like it causes even more pain because in the process of trying, you seem to relive everything that happened.  Which, I suppose, is what they call acceptance.   Accepting that you’ll never fully understand.  Accepting that things are okay right now and moving on from here, because no one can go back and change the decisions they made in the past.

In the midst of the chaos that was the last few months, I’ve found a deeper appreciation for life and love and for holding on to those you love and letting them know every single day how much they mean to you.

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In response to The Daily Post’s Daily Prompt – Temporary