Windows to the Soul

Here is a quirky fact about me.


I am an organ donor. When that fatal day occurs, by all means, take whatever you need-  it's not going to do me much good anymore. I do have one caveat, however- you can't have my eyes.


A person's eyes say so much; they give you away, express love, sadness, excitement, etc... I also truly believe that they are the window to the soul. If I loose my window... well, you see where my crazy mind takes me... anyway, I digress....


The other window to the soul? Music.


I know that everyone enjoys music, but I truly love it. It totally speaks to me, changes my mood, and expresses things in a way that I never could. I may not watch a lot of TV, but I always have music on. Since I have had cable installed in the new house, the only thing I have turned on has been the music channels way up the 800's. Music truly provides a soundtrack to your life. How many times do you hear a song from way back when, and it that second it provides a rush of memories so vivid that you can actually see it... you can remember exactly where you were in that moment, who you were with, what you were feeling, possibly even the smells of your surroundings. Music is powerful, and for me, something that I could never live without.


I think this is why I totally exhibit signs of OCD when it comes to some songs and/or bands. For example, during our annual Girls Weekend in Chicago a few years back, we saw a band called Red Wanting Blue at Ballydoyle's pub. They were beyond amazing, and in that moment I connected with their music (to all my WMU friends, imagine the first time you heard "The Freshman" - the original version- by The Verve Pipe... same thing...) Their songs are heartfelt and moving, while still being edgy. As with all great bands, you need to experience them live to get the full effect. I down loaded all of their albums and listened to them for months straight. OK, I still do.


Most recently, I have two other new obsessions. The first is Adele. If you have not heard her album "21" do yourself a favor and get it. Now. You can thank me later. The first 100 times I listened to the album it made me think of some of my favorite college moments, like when Rose would blast Alanis Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill" from her room in the sorority house (ahhhhh....who could ever forget those days??? : ) She sings songs of love, loss, strength- all with the most hauntingly beautiful and soulful voice. And she is 21. Amazing. I barely remember what I was doing at 21... Please see reference above of "sorority house".


And this brings me to my other obsession... Mumford and Sons. The album is moving, and deeply spiritual, but don't let that sway you. Of course there is Little Lion Man, but the song that speaks to me even more is The Cave. This is the song of my life in this moment... here, now.




"It's empty in the valley of your heart
The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears
And all the faults you've left behind


Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I'll take mine
Now let me at the truth
Which will refresh my broken mind


Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it's meant to be


And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again"




I blasted this song over and over again once I hit the Georgia state line on the drive from Michigan. I did it again during the 15 minute drive from closing on the house to going to meet the movers, crying my eyes out the entire time. Dramatic? Perhaps, but this is what music does for me... at a time when maybe I can't put into words everything that I am feeling, I know that there will be a song that will do it for me.


Thanks, music. You rock.