Archive for December, 2011

countdown to Christmas…#1

December 23rd, 2011

We have arrived. You know, either I really love The Temptations, or their singing of holiday tunes is just that good. I vote for both.

video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on December 4, 2009 by westphillysoul

Merry Christmas everyone! Enjoy this time with your loved ones…I’ll see you in the new year!!!

You’ll go down in history,

~ M

countdown to Christmas…# 2

December 22nd, 2011

Surely you don’t think I can go without Nat King Cole on this list? A true classic.

video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on December 17, 2010 by NatKingColeVEVO

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow,

~ M

 

the countdown to Christmas…# 3

December 21st, 2011

I think people slept on Vanessa Williams as a singer. She has a nice voice and her singing on this Christmas ditty is worth remembering.

video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on December 12, 2008 by 38106chick

Baby, it’s cold outside…

~ M

the countdown to Christmas…# 4

December 20th, 2011

The O’Jays. Grab something (or someone) cuddly and let Walt and Eddie croon to you.

video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on October 6, 2010 by Thenicekid0618

Because it’s a special time of year,

~ M

the countdown to Christmas…# 5

December 19th, 2011

We’re halfway through and I’m going with a classic for # 5. It is the impeccable and stylish voice of none other than Nancy Wilson. I love Ms. Nancy’s voice…it is soothing and enchanting. Her version of What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve is one of my favorites.

video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on December 19, 2009 by LittleMissLounge

Welcoming in the New Year,

~ M

sunday morning, listening…

December 18th, 2011

During this time of year, everyone seems to get so caught up. There are dinners to plan, parties to attend, gifts to buy. It is so easy to forget and move through these days without spending some time being still and listening. This Sunday morning, I’m up early and listening…to the silence.

It is during these silent moments, when my ears hear nothing, that I hear what I need to hear. It is in the silence that I find clarity. When the world keeps turning, when life continues to happen, I find comfort in the silence. I am reminded of my purpose, and reconnect with my focus on ensuring I’m living up to my destiny.

I fall short. I don’t think I’ve done all that I can do. But everyday that I get that touch and open my eyes, I am given a gift of a new day. This new day means that I can try once again. This new day means that I can continue walking. This new day means one more chance to be. I am chosen; God has favored me and that is the most humbling, beautiful thing I can even imagine. So who am I to not keep on living, keep on being, keep on listening?

I’m listening this morning. And my heart is full. I am in love, and love is in me.

I’d rather have Jesus,

~ M

the countdown to Christmas…# 6

December 18th, 2011

This song reminds me of the times that my family gathers. I imagine my aunts, my mom, and my granny in the kitchen whipping up tasty treats with this song playing in the background. It is full of joy, and gently reminds us why we celebrate Christmas. Let’s listen to Soul Holiday by The Sounds of Blackness.

video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on April 14, 2010 by SoundsBlacknessVEVO

Time to celebrate,

~ M

the countdown to Christmas…#7

December 17th, 2011

Up next is something a little different. I always hear this song in the mall during the holiday season, and it always makes me snap my fingers and sing along.

Plus…it’s George Michael. Enough said.

video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on October 25, 2009 by WhamVEVO

Last Christmas I gave you my heart,

~ M

the countdown to Christmas…#8

December 16th, 2011

Christmas doesn’t begin until I hear Let It Snow by Boyz II Men. It has been that way ever since Christmas Interpretations was released; I have full faith that tradition will continue. And when I hear Let It Snow, my mind kicks into Christmas gear. I make myself and The Boy big mugs of hot chocolate and stoke up the fireplace and sit and listen to the entire album. I usually lose The Boy around the second or third song…this year, I’m not even sure if I can get him to sit through the first.

But I’ll still be there, by the fireplace, candles lit, Boyz II Men crooning softly. Since I put Let It Snow on the list last year, I have to choose a different song…and I choose Who Would Have Thought. Whew…those harmonies!

video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on November 17, 2009 by Perdecat3

This feeling will never go away,

~ M

 

the countdown to Christmas…#9

December 15th, 2011

I love O Holy Night. What I don’t love is that so many try to sing this song and they simply do not have the vocals to pull it off .

Well, Celine Dion does a fabulous rendition…but I’m choosing Mimi for this one. Mariah Carey gives me chills when she sings (or at least, she used to). When she hits that note way up in there around the 3:26 mark, I just want to jump and cheer. It is that good.

video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on November 7, 2009 by MariahCareyVEVO

O Night Divine,

~ M