Music 101

So I think my kids should get an early start at knowing great music. I've been compiling a list of those artists I think my kids should know. For instance when people become bigtime singers they always say,"Oh, we always used to listen to ......growing up" So here's my list. Let me know ones I missed.
Carol King
Stevie Wonder
Nina Simone
Dusty Springfield
Kansas - not my pick, fyi, thanks Les
James Taylor
Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac - while brushing their teeth tonight Eden was sing "in the middle of my room I did not hear from you" and Aksel chimes in "Stand back, stand back." funny.

Gladys Night & the Pips
Nick Drake
Marvin Gaye
Righteous Brothers
Jackson Browne
Ella Fitzgerald
Etta James
Patsy Cline
Johnny Cash
Dolly Parton
Allison Kraus
Smokey Robinson
Prince
Sarah Mclachlan
Jeff Buckley
Mahalia Jackson
Bob Dylan

Most of these are vocally driven and stood some test of time. We have a 10 hour drive coming up in August so we will take the time to educate our kids on what good pop music sounds like so when they are teenagers they don't have to pretend they like something that is just bad music.

The Most Masculine Hymn Of All Time...

Reginald Heber, (April 21, 1783 - April 3, 1826) was a Church of England bishop, now remembered chiefly as a hymn-writer. In India, Bishop Heber laboured indefatigably - not only for the good of his own diocese, but for the spread of Christianity throughout the East. He toured the country, consecrating churches, founding schools and discharging other Christian duties. Among his well known hymns is Holy, Holy, Holy.

The Son Of God Goes Forth To War

The Son of God goes forth to war, A kingly crown to gain;

His blood red banner streams afar: Who follows in His train?

Who best can drink his cup of woe, Triumphant over pain,

Who patient bears his cross below, He follows in His train.

That martyr first, whose eagle eye Could pierce beyond the grave;

Who saw his Master in the sky, And called on Him to save.

Like Him, with pardon on His tongue, In midst of mortal pain,

He prayed for them that did the wrong: Who follows in His train?

A glorious band, the chosen few On whom the Spirit came;

Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew, And mocked the cross and flame.

They met the tyrant’s brandished steel, The lion’s gory mane;

They bowed their heads the death to feel: Who follows in their train?

A noble army, men and boys, The matron and the maid,

Around the Savior’s throne rejoice, In robes of light arrayed.

They climbed the steep ascent of Heav’n, Through peril, toil and pain;

O God, to us may grace be given, To follow in their train.

Series of Hymns

I have been reading some hymns and will post them. I admire many things about hymns. They are difficult to sing and take time to learn. They cause us to discipline our mind to comprehend the truth being sung. They are beautiful poetry. Here is the first.

Gilbert seems like a cool cat, wiki him and read his bio. Seems like someone with whom I would love to have coffee. And he's hot.

O God of Earth and Altar
by G. K. Chesterton:

O God of earth and altar, Bow down and hear our cry,

Our earthly rulers falter, Our people drift and die;

The walls of gold entomb us, The swords of scorn divide,

Take not thy thunder from us, But take away our pride.

From all that terror teaches, From lies of tongue and pen,

From all the easy speeches That comfort cruel men,

From sale and profanation Of honor, and the sword,

From sleep and from damnation, Deliver us, good Lord!

Tie in a living tether The prince and priest and thrall,

Bind all our lives together, Smite us and save us all;

In ire and exultation Aflame with faith, and free,

Lift up a living nation, A single sword to thee. Amen.

Leslie Makes The Best Dinner!!!

Yum

This is our Central Market, the oldest public market in the country. It is beautiful in it's architecture, produce, and people.

Enjoying My City

Today we took a big walk to Market. Along the way I noticed all of the iron work so I took some pics of it. I love it.

These Are The Days To Remember

Found Some Old Pics Pre Digital Era. Enjoy.

The Best Sandwich I've Ever Had

Grilled Fresh Moz With Home Grown Tomatoes, Fresh Basil From My Back Yard, With Chicken On That Yummy All Grain Bread From Costco.

It's Over!!!

The crazy part of this Summer is over. Last time I blogged was right after Leslie's Bday, since then my grandfather passed on to see his creator, Eden had a birthday, we had our anniversary, father's day/reunion with my Ma's side of the fam, and Eden's dance receital. Done.

For Eden's birthday we went to Duth Wonderland. It's a kids amusement park. Very relaxing for me (no sarcasm needed). It really was pretty chill.

At the Family Reunion we had homemade mini-golf by a wheat field.

Eden's receital was priceless. Well $10 bucks a pop, but Eden dancing her little ballet routine infront of a 1,000 or so folks doing her best was priceless.