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#stinewriting Christine Bialczak Fan of... Grief love Lyrics Memories Music Song Lyrics Sundays

Country Music: Song Lyric Sunday

Jim is the host of Song Lyric Sunday and this week the theme is Country Music https://jimadamsauthordotcom.wordpress.com/2023/01/21/what-is-country/

When I was in high school I had a boyfriend who said he liked country music and I said that I did not because it sounded like “suicide music”. I don’t think that was my name for it, probably something I heard. Anyhow, what I thought of country music was whining women about the guy who did them wrong, yada yada yada. He introduced me to Hank Williams and Alabama, to name just a couple favorites. Well, after this I was open to hearing more country music.

In college, I worked in Disney World for a semester on the college program. There was a bar, I think closer to Cocoa Beach than Lake Buena Vista, called Rodeo. I only went once or twice but I wanted so badly to learn line dancing. I never really did.

Now I do still listen to country, but mixed in with other stuff. After losing my first husband I listened to a song every day on the way to and on the way home from work that helped me cope.

Lyrics

I got rice cooking in the microwave
Got a three day beard I don’t plan to shave
And it’s a goofy thing but I just gotta say, hey
I’ma doing alright

Yeah, I think I’ll make me some home-made soup
I’m feeling pretty good and that’s the truth
It’s neither drink nor drug induced, no
I’m just doing alright

And it’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shining
When I close my eyes
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good
Ah, yeah

It’s been fifteen years since I left home
I said good luck to every seed I’d sown
Gave it my best and then I left it alone
I hope they’re doing alright

Now I look in the mirror and what do I see
A lone wolf there staring back at me
Long in the tooth but harmless as can be
Lord, I guess he’s doin’ alright

And it’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shining
When I close my eyes
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good

Sometimes it’s lonely, sometimes it’s only me
And the shadows that fill this room
Sometimes I’m falling, desperately calling
Howling at the moon, ah-ooh, ah-ooh
Yeah-yeah, oh-oh

Well, I might go get me a new tattoo
Or take my old Harley for a three day cruise
Might even grow me a Fu Manchu

And it’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shining
When I close my eyes
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good

It’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shining
When I close my eyes
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good, ah-ooh, oh yeah-yeah

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Darrell Scott

It’s a Great Day to Be Alive lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

***************************

Then as the days went on and I heard other tunes by other artists this song by Marin Morris became sort of my anthem. She isn’t necessarily considered full country but she fits in there.

Lyrics

I’ve cussed on a Sunday
I’ve cheated and I’ve lied
I’ve fallen down from grace
A few too many times
But I find holy redemption
When I put this car in drive
Roll the windows down and turn up the dial

Can I get a hallelujah
Can I get an amen
Feels like the Holy Ghost running through ya
When I play the highway FM
I find my soul revival
Singing every single verse
Yeah I guess that’s my church

When Hank brings the sermon
And Cash leads the choir
It gets my cold cold heart burning
Hotter than a ring of fire
When this wonderful world gets heavy
And I need to find my escape
I just keep the wheels rolling, radio scrolling
‘Til my sins wash away

Can I get a hallelujah
Can I get an amen
Feels like the Holy Ghost running through ya
When I play the highway FM
I find my soul revival
Singing every single verse
Yeah I guess that’s my church

Can I get a hallelujah
Can I get an amen
Feels like the Holy Ghost running through ya
When I play the highway FM
I find my soul revival
Singing every single verse
Yeah I guess that’s my church

Hey, can I get a hallelujah
Can I get an amen
Feels like the Holy Ghost running through ya
When I play the highway FM
I find my soul revival
Singing every single verse
Yeah I guess that’s my church
Yeah I guess that’s my church
Yeah I guess that’s my church

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Maren Larae Morris / Michael James Ryan Busbee

My Church lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc

#stinewriting Christine Bialczak poetry Compilation Daily Writing Prompt Fan Fiction Fan of... Fandango's One Word Challenge (FOWC) Fiction poems poetry Poetry to enjoy Rag Tag Daily Prompt stinewriting The Cat in the Hat Fan Fiction Three Things Challenge Weekly Writing Prompt Word of the Day Challenge writing prompt Your Daily Word Prompt

The Cat’s Visit: The Cat in the Hat Fanfiction

The Cat in the Hat set off to the house
of the boy and the girl, to give them a rouse
He brought with him toys and three other things
Like books and balloons and tossable rings.
Humidity was high on the warm summer day
and he didn’t think they’d go outside to play
instead they would stay at home in the dark
reading good stories and a bath with a shark.
He’d sit with them quiet and not read them junk
Kids like his friends didn’t want books that stunk.
No audience needed for the Cat in the Hat
He knew about fame and what went with that
Instead he chose quiet with friends like the kids
And stayed until bedtime, when both kids closed their lids.

©2022 CBialczak Poetry

#stinewriting Blog Christine Bialczak poetry Fan Fiction Fan of... One Word Challenge Photo Challenge poems poetry Poetry to enjoy stinewriting The Cat in the Hat Fan Fiction TheCatintheHatFanFIction Thursday Inspriration Weekly Writing Prompt

Thursday Inspiration: Cold

NEWEPICAUTHOR

Jim is the host and gave us this picture and the word, cold. Here goes…

Poor, cold cat (Cat in the Hat fan fiction)

And now he was back. The Cat in the Hat
And even though cold, he ne’r worried bought that
He worried ‘bout green cheese and even green eggs
He worried ‘bout spiders and all of their legs
He came well prepared, that Cat in the Hat
He came with some bug spray and his big baseball bat
He told the kids stories that his pop told him
Even ‘bout working, which sometimes were grim
But he smiled and nodded to keep the mood light
Or else these two kids would end up in a fight
Then mom would be mad that the Cat came to call
She’d make him leave quick with his stories and all
She’d make him run far and tell him not to come back
‘Cause common sense manners their mom did not lack
She’d tell him to stay away far from her house
“I’ll call the police! You dirty old louse!”
So the cat kept on walking, even now in the snow
‘Cause home was the only place he knew to go. 

©2022 CBialczak Poetry

#stinewriting Blog Christine Bialczak poetry Fan Fiction Fan of... poems poetry Poetry to enjoy stinewriting

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

To one of my favorite writers and great inspirer. I wish I could have met you! https://www.seussville.com/educators/dr-seuss-birthday/

The Cat in the Hat and the Lorax too
sat with the guy who invented it all
today was his day and when he arrived
everyone laughed and they had a great ball.
They ate cake and ice cream, Heavenly Hash,
popcorn, salty chips and soda galore
Seuss was encouraged by the attention
Happy to know they didn’t think him a bore.
Singing loud and with all the effect
this whole party was getting real fun
when it was over and day turned to night
they all realized the party was done.

©2022 CBialczak Poetry

May Fan-Fiction live on!

#stinewriting Blog Fan of... Music Song Lyrics Sundays stinewriting Sunday Writing Prompt Weekend Writing Weekly Writing Prompt

Song Lyric Sunday

NEWEPICAUTHOR

https://jimadamsauthordotcom.wordpress.com/2021/11/13/life-expectancy-at-birth/

 This week the theme is songs that feature the lyrics of either Birth, Death, or Life. https://jimadamsauthordotcom.wordpress.com/2021/11/13/life-expectancy-at-birth/

The song I chose for this week is a favorite of mine. I used to sing it at karaoke at the Elks Lodge when my dad would bring me for dinner. I usually got a good laugh out of the folks there, as many of them were used to hearing Tony Bennett or Nat King Cole. It was fun. It is more about death than anything except if you pay attention Wanda finally found life! I guess I also loved this song because my mom’s name was Wanda!

Dixie Chicks Lyrics https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/dixiechicks/goodbyeearl.html

“Goodbye Earl”

Mary Anne and Wanda were the best of friends
All through their high school days
Both members of the 4H Club
Both active in the FFA

After graduation Mary Anne went out
lookin’ for a bright new world
Wanda looked all around this town
and all she found was Earl

Well, it wasn’t two weeks
after she got married that
Wanda started gettin’ abused
She put on dark glasses
and long sleeved blouses
And make-up to cover her bruise

Well, she finally got the nerve to file for divorce
She let the law take it from there
But Earl walked right through that restraining order
And put her in intensive care

Right away Mary Anne flew in from Atlanta
On a red eye midnight flight
She held Wanda’s hand and they worked out a plan
And it didn’t take them long to decide
That Earl had to die

Goodbye, Earl
Those black-eyed peas?
They tasted all right to me, Earl
You’re feeling weak?
Why don’t you lay down and sleep, Earl
Ain’t it dark?
Wrapped up in that tarp, Earl

The cops came by to bring Earl in
They searched the house high and low
Then they tipped their hats
and said “Thank You, ladies, if you hear from him let us know”

Well, the weeks went by and spring turned to summer
And summer faded into fall
And it turns out he was a missing person
who nobody missed at all

So the girls bought some land
and a roadside stand
Out on Highway 109
They sell Tennessee ham
and strawberry jam,
And they don’t lose any sleep at night
‘Cause Earl had to die

Goodbye Earl
We need a break
Let’s go out to the lake, Earl
We’ll pack a lunch
And stuff you in the trunk, Earl
Well, is that all right?
Good! Let’s go for a ride, Earl.
Hey

Well, hey hey hey
Ah, hey hey hey
Well, hey hey hey

#stinewriting Blog Fan of... Song Lyrics Sundays stinewriting Sunday Writing Prompt Weekend Writing

Song Lyric Sunday

Written for Song Lyric Sunday where the theme is Heavenly Bodies, Planets, Moon, Sun, Stars suggested by King Ben’s Grandma.

This came to mind because I love the song and I remembered it from A Star is Born!

“Shallow”
(from “A Star Is Born” soundtrack)

[Bradley Cooper:]
Tell me somethin’, girl
Are you happy in this modern world?
Or do you need more?
Is there somethin’ else you’re searchin’ for?

I’m falling
In all the good times I find myself longin’ for change
And, in the bad times, I fear myself

[Lady Gaga:]
Tell me something, boy
Aren’t you tired tryna fill that void?
Or do you need more?
Ain’t it hard keeping it so hardcore?

I’m falling
In all the good times I find myself longin’ for change
And, in the bad times, I fear myself

I’m off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I’ll never meet the ground
Crash through the surface where they can’t hurt us
We’re far from the shallow now

[Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper:]
In the sha-ha-sha-ha-low
In the sha-ha-sha-la-la-la-low
In the sha-ha-sha-ha-ha-low
We’re far from the shallow now

[Lady Gaga:]
Oh, ha, ah, ha
Oh-ah, ha
Oh, ha, ah, ha

I’m off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I’ll never meet the ground
Crash through the surface where they can’t hurt us
We’re far from the shallow now

[Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper:]
In the sha-ha-sha-ha-low
In the sha-ha-sha-la-la-la-low
In the sha-ha-sha-ha-ha-low
We’re far from the shallow now

I also want to do justice to the earlier version with another beautiful song

“Evergreen”

Love, soft as an easy chair
Love, fresh as the morning air
One love that is shared by two
I have found with you

Like a rose under the April snow
I was always certain love would grow
Love ageless and evergreen
Seldom seen by two

You and I will make each night a first
Every day a beginning
Spirits rise and their dance is unrehearsed
They warm and excite us
‘Cause we have the brightest love

Two lights that shine as one
Morning glory and midnight sun
Time we’ve learned to sail above
Time won’t change the meaning of one love
Ageless and ever evergreen

#stinewriting Blog Fan of... Memories Song Lyrics Sundays stinewriting Weekend Writing Weekly Writing Prompt

Song Lyric Sunday

Song Lyric Sunday where the theme is Devoted, Faithful, Honorable, Loyal, True suggested by Lady A.
hosted by Jim :https://jimadamsauthordotcom.wordpress.com/2021/09/12/well-its-true/

I am not new to Song Lyric Sunday as a reader, but I am as a participant. Having fun with it last week I wanted to join in again. Here is my take on the theme…the first song that popped into my head

“Give Me One Reason”

Give me one reason to stay here
And I’ll turn right back around
Give me one reason to stay here
And I’ll turn right back around
Said I don’t want to leave you lonely
You got to make me change my mind

Baby I got your number, oh, and I know that you got mine
You know that I called you, I called too many times
You can call me baby, you can call me anytime
You got to call me

Give me one reason to stay here
And I’ll turn right back around
Give me one reason to stay here
And I’ll turn right back around
Said I don’t want leave you lonely
You got to make me change my mind

I don’t want no one to squeeze me, they might take away my life
I don’t want no one to squeeze me, they might take away my life
I just want someone to hold me, oh, and rock me through the night

This youthful heart can love you, yes, and give you what you need
I said, This youthful heart can love you, oh, and give you what you need
But I’m too old to go chasing you around
Wasting my precious energy

Give me one reason to stay here
Yes and I’ll turn right back around
Give me one reason to stay here
Ooh and I’ll turn right back around
Said I don’t want leave you lonely
You got to make me change my mind

Baby just give me one reason, Give me just one reason why
Baby just give me one reason, Give me just one reason why I should stay
Said I told you that I loved you
And there ain’t no more to say

https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tracychapman/givemeonereason.html

#stinewriting Blog Book Blitz! Children's books Education Fan of... Merchandise New Books! R&R Book Tours stinewriting

New Book!

I’m thrilled to share the beautiful cover of another exciting Botanic Hill Detectives mystery! This one is called Walnut Street: Phantom Rider and its coming late this Fall!

Subscribe to Sherrill’s newsletter to learn more about the books and receive news about release dates etc.

Walnut Street: Phantom Rider (A Botanic Hill Detectives Mystery)

Expected Publication Date: November 9th, 2021

Genre: MG Mystery/ Middle Grade (For fans of Nancy Drew type mysteries)

Objects of value have been disappearing from the Mayfield family’s rural California horse ranch. The Botanic Hill Detectives—Moki Kalani, Rani Kumar, and twins Lanny and Lexi Wyatt—are hired to come for a week to investigate.   

Legend has it somewhere on the Mayfields’ forty-acre property is a long-lost gold mine. It was supposedly staked by thirteen-year-old Ben Mayfield’s five-time great-grandfather, “Papa” Mayfield, in 1875.

Adding to the excitement, a nervous Ben reveals a frightening secret to the detectives. At the ranch, he alone has seen a threatening black-clad figure on horseback whom he calls the Phantom Rider. Who is this mysterious person? Is he responsible for the thefts? Where is the lost gold mine? And what’s going on in the nearby, snake-infested ghost town of Rainbow Flats? The four intrepid detectives aim to find out.

Coming Soon!

About the Author

Sherrill Joseph will be forever inspired by her beautiful students in the San Diego public schools where she taught for thirty-five years before retiring and becoming a published author.

The author has peopled and themed her mysteries with characters after her own responsible, role-model students, of various abilities, disabilities, races, cultures, and interests. She believes that children need to find themselves and those unlike themselves in books for developing accepting, anti-racist world citizens.

Sherrill is a native San Diegan where she lives in a 1928 Spanish-style house in a historic neighborhood with her adorable bichon frisé-poodle mix, Jimmy Lambchop, who blogs.

Her books are recipients of two Gold Awards from Mom’s Choice Book Awards, a Gold Award from Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, three awards from Story Monsters Approved, and numerous other children’s book awards. She is a member of SCBWI, the Authors Guild, and Blackbird Writers. Watch for many more adventures with the Botanic Hill Detectives!

Sherrill Joseph | Newsletter | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Cover Reveal Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

#stinewriting Answer the questions Fan of... Fandango's Provocative Question stinewriting

Fandango’s Provocative Question #116

So, are you ready? Have fun, and I encourage you to elaborate on your answers and why you answered them the way you did.

I know it’s a little late but I love answering questions!

  1. Best sandwich? I have two: Bologna and American Cheese on Wonderbread with a tiny bit of mayo and Peanut Butter and Fluff on Wonderbread.
  2. What’s one thing you own that you really should throw out? I don’t know if I can cut it down to one thing…I save everything to “repurpose”.
  3. What is the scariest animal? A shark
  4. Apples or oranges? apples definitely!
  5. Have you ever asked someone for their autograph? The characters at Disney World…
  6. What do you think happens when we die? We go to a place where all the spirits live in peace
  7. Favorite action movie? Does Aladdin count?
  8. Favorite smell? buttered popcorn
  9. Least favorite smell? poop
  10. Exercise: worth it? Only if I feel and see results
  11. Flat or sparkling? sparkling of course!
  12. Most used app on your phone? Tri-Peak Solitaire or Bitmoji
  13. You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life: what is it? “It’s a great day to be alive” Travis Tritt https://youtu.be/2kwCc5uqJv4 This song has gotten me through some of my darkest days.
  14. What number am I thinking of? two
  15. Describe the rest of your life in 5 words? Happy with hopefully less stress.

Find the questions here: https://fivedotoh.com/2021/05/05/fandangos-provocative-question-116/

©CBialczak 2021