My Top 12 Albums of 2012 (In Ten Words Or Less...)

As you will see from this list...I may not be as varied in my musical tastes as I once was but I think this is a good cross-section of what my listening ears are enjoying these days. Here are my Top 12 albums of 2012 (plus some honorable mentions thrown in at the end) in ten words or less.

If you are so inclined...I have created a public playlist on Spotify. Please listen and enjoy.

1. Some Nights - Fun.

 Simply that. Fun. that doesn't get old.

2. Babel - Mumford & Sons

Lyrical and percussive intrigue in every song.

3. Gossamer - Passion Pit

Sarcastic, cheeky, and will make you dance.

4. The Carpenter -  The Avett Brothers

Songs you can hang your hat on.

5. The Peace of Wild Things - Paper Route

Beautifully crafted electronic rock from another world. 

6. The Lumineers - The Lumineers

Just try NOT to sing along. 

7, The Temper Trap - The Temper Trap

Layered vocal styling and 80's beats combine for excellent listening. 

8. Port of Morrow - The Shins

As usual, they deliver intelligence via melody and harmony. 

9. Rooms Filled With Light - Fanfarlo

Slightly off the beaten path ala Beirut.

10. Battle Born - The Killers

Sweeping synths and anthems abound.

11. Bloom - Beach House

Ethereal ear candy that gets better each time you listen. 

12. Transitions - El Ten Eleven

Instrumental power duo...sounds like eleven.

Honorable Mentions: channel ORANGE - Frank Ocean, There's No Leaving Now - The Tallest Man On Earth, Blunderbuss - Jack White, Passion: White Flag - Passion

Thanks for your time and attention! Merry Christmas y'all!

Tim

Excellent Ending (a day late)

Jadyn has been learning about how to write stories at school and she has taught me that each story needs a bold beginning, a mighty middle and an excellent ending. So although the end of November has left me exhausted with very little reserve this is my attempt at an excellent ending. 

Since I dedicated a day of thanks earlier this month to our newest family member I thought these last few days should be about the rest of the members of my little nuclear family. I couldn't be more thankful for the people God has placed nearest to heart.  I also could never say enough of my love for them so these will just be the briefest mentions of one thing I have come to appreciate about each of them.

Day 27- A High Maintenance Son

A few months into Isaiah's little life we realized that we had gotten a little more than we had bargained for. (It didn't help that Jadyn had been a "non-baby") He didn't sleep for the first 18 months of his life. He was what I described as "needy". He needed to be held, rocked, talked to, sang to, etc constantly. And now that he is 3 years old, he still needs to be held, rocked, talked to, sang to, etc at times and I love it (but he sleeps now praise God). I hope that as he grows he will continue to need me to show him love.

Day 28- A Super Sensitive Daughter

Jadyn may not have inherited very many of my physical genes but she has definitely inherited my emotional genes. Although at times it can be rough I am so thankful that she cares so deeply. I believe it makes her a compassionate and passionate little lady. It also means that I "get her" in a way that others don't. I hope to help cultivate this precious part of her as time goes on and not stifle it.

Day 29- An "All-In" Husband

If you've met my husband you know he doesn't generally do things half way. When he is into something, he is into it. This means that he is able to have intense focus on certain things and really excel at them. The focus has evolved since we met, going from music to sports to politics to inclusive thinking, with many things in between. Right now he is passionate about inclusive education and raising awareness as well as providing resources. If you haven't checked out his website you need to, right now. Think Inclusive 

Day 30- Last List of Love

people that have read my posts, commented on them and encouraged me to keep going, that Tim still makes me laugh out loud, new co-workers, my welcome back banner at work, limited time ice creams (like the peppermint one I just ate), shopping on-line, Christmas cards coming in the mail, when friends know exactly what you need without you having to tell them (thanks Erin), funny new sitcoms, my nativity collection, the smells of the season like our cinnamon broom and fresh cut Christmas tree, Advent season, Friday and Saturday movie nights at work complete with movie theater popcorn, good books that don't make me think too hard, kisses, fresh food, hot showers, my boots from Nashville, healthcare, electricity, cute cloth diaper covers, being tired enough to fall asleep right after my head hits the pillow, coming home from work thinking that I did good work for the evening, laughter   

I'm glad I had the opportunity to see this month through. I've learned a lot about seeing the good in things I wouldn't normally see the good in. I hope the things I've learned stick. I am happy to report that our daily thankfulness seems to have affected our children in a positive manner. Isaiah approached Imogen the other day and kissed her on the forehead, looked her in the eyes and said ever so softly "I'm thankful for you". What more could I ask for? May I learn from his example and tell the people in my life I am thankful for them right then and there, every day throughout the year.

The Finished Product