Gina G. Smith » music

Winter Trees by The Staves

ginagsmith — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:00:50 +0000

I’m not sure when there will be snow in our forecast again. It’s been a pretty mild winter so far in these parts. So, I’ll post this on a day that’s sunny and nearly 60. (As homeschoolers, these end up being our “snowdays” anyway. Hate to waste all that sunshine!) It’s music that is just too good to wait for snow in order to share. I first heard about The Staves here, on Today’s Letters. (Thanks, Emily!) You can get a couple of free mp3 downloads on their site when you sign up for their newsletter. Yay! Free music!

Birds and Things

ginagsmith — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 07:00:35 +0000

If you haven’t seen this yet, just watch and be amazed. It almost makes me want to cry. (Okay, maybe it has made me cry once or twice. But I’m pregnant, so that’s not saying much. I cry about a lot of things these days. Sue me.) If you love birds, this is up your alley. Even if you’re not a bird enthusiast, it’s still breathtaking. The little giggle at the end is just how I would have reacted if I were there…that is, if I wasn’t already crying.

HT: Doug Wilson

More info about murmuration…

Speaking of birds, our musician buddy and fellow ornithologist Eric Peters needs your support in creating his newest album, Birds of Relocation. We’ve heard bits and pieces of some of his new stuff and can’t wait to hear what comes of this project. Let’s make it happen! Only 4 more days…

One more thing. I found a link, via Pinterest for a bird book that I decided we must have. It’s available for free download to Kindle and other mediums through Project Gutenberg.

So, there you have it: a Monday post from me. Don’t call it a comeback…

Just Because It’s Fun

ginagsmith — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 07:00:14 +0000

I know I posted this video on my blog a couple years ago, but when this site launched, somehow it got lost in the transition. We pull it up every once in a while just for inspiration and because it is so fun! And then we get out our watercolors. Today we’ll be painting a couple of these adorable pictures that Molly linked to on her Facebook page. (She’s always linking to really great stuff. You should “like” her!)

Standing the Test of Time

ginagsmith — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:03:25 +0000

I’ve been reminded a couple of times recently of the beauty of friendships that stand the test of time and how comforting it is to be in the company of someone you haven’t seen in forever, but it still seems like only yesterday.

How lovely it is to rest in the fact that a friendship you treasure is as solid and true as the moment it began. No “why haven’t you called?” or “why didn’t you tell me…?” Just a meal, some laughs, some hugs and a genuine, “I love and miss you.” I’m certainly blessed in the friendship department, new and old, past and present. So very thankful.

Once again, there is a song from Sara that says it all perfectly. If you don’t have an album of hers, this is the one to start with. (And then you should go get the rest. Yes Sara, you have a true fan in me…)

Twice as Good

When I am down and need to cry till morning
I know just where I am going
When I’m in need of sweet commiseration
To speak out loud

Raise a glass to friendship and to knowing
You don’t have to go alone
We’ll raise our hearts to share each others burdens
On this road

With every burden I have carried
With every joy it’s understood
Life with you is half as hard
And twice as good

With my good news you’re dancing on the table
Babies born to celebration
The joy of life oh what a sweet communion
Shared with you

I know we’re growing older
Can you imagine what that will bring?
It’s all a mystery to me now

But this one thing

Will be half as hard, and twice as good

Wisdom

ginagsmith — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 07:00:32 +0000

I’ve got more music for you today. This is another one that is older but has been on repeat a lot lately, maybe because I just need this message so badly every day. You’ll find it on this album, by Jill Phillips.

Wisdom

Humble yourself before the Almighty
That’s where you find true wisdom
Make it your first step, make it your last thought
Lying in bed when the day’s done

Hear it calling out your name in the busy streets in the center of town
Who will turn their face to truth and then live it out?

Wisdom is greater than any fleeting
Pleasure that money brings you
Answers will come to those who pursue
The pathway to life that few choose

Hear it calling out your name in the busy streets in the center of town
Who will turn their face to truth and then live it out?

Knowledge awaits you filling your arms
With more than they ever could grasp
Blessed are you who hunger for truth
And keep your eyes fixed on what lasts

Hear it calling out your name in the busy streets in the center of town
Who will turn their face to truth and then live it out?

Muffins, anyone?

Hello, 2011.

ginagsmith — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:57:13 +0000

I’m just not quite ready to jump back into blogging full swing yet. But I’m still here, putting together some goals for myself for the coming year. I’ll probably be adding to that list up until 2012, in fact. Just taking a less hasty approach to this sort of thing gives me a chance to make realistic, reachable goals. It’s hard for me to do that while the holidays are still buzzing with activity.

But I did want to share a song that I have recently re-discovered. Sara seems to provide an endless vault of encouragement for me and many others, I’m sure. What a blessing she is!

Stir My Heart

If time were ever to wear you away
If circumstance should blind me
If age should bring a dark night on my soul
If fear and doubt should bind me

Please stir my heart
Take me back to the fire
Bring to me a recollection of joy
Renew my first desire

If pains and trials come to me
And I cannot stand strong
If fools adjust my theories
To believe Your truth is wrong

Please stir my heart
Take me back to the fire
Bring to me a recollection of joy
Renew my first desire

I swear it never will happen to me
But how can I know
For Peter swore the same to Thee
O, hear the cock crow

Please stir my heart
Take me back to the fire
Bring to me a recollection of joy
Renew my first desire

I was driving the kids somewhere this past week and singing along wholeheartedly with this song and I noticed my daughter watching me in the rear view mirror. It was neat explaining to her that songs can be prayers. She had never really considered it and since she’s learning to pray more from the heart, I think it probably broadened her idea of what constitutes a prayer.

And really, when do our hearts NOT need a little stirring?

And the Green Grass Grew All Around

ginagsmith — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:49:38 +0000

Is anyone else playing catch-up today? I really don’t have much to write about. I’m too busy with laundry and cleaning. Life goes on, though. Doesn’t it? The grass just keeps on growing. However, here are a few little tidbits:

I’ve done a little reading this past week. These books are quite entertaining and I’m waiting on the final one to get here from Amazon, so I can know what happens! It’s been fun to read something purely for my own enjoyment–it had been a while. (Note: these are for older kids, not littles.) Yet another reason for me to get all my stuff done today, so I’ll be ready to dive right in once it gets here. I hear there might be a movie in the works. I’d pay to see it.

We love listening to this guy on Pandora. We haven’t yet been disappointed. I remember hearing Jump Up on Sesame Street once. We were all hooked and haven’t stopped being delighted since. It’s great for getting chores done, playing games, dancing, just whatever.

Made this a couple weeks ago. Pics to come eventually. It was easy and fun.

New to me site that inspires creativity and love for the home, and the beautification thereof.

For not having much to say, I’ve prattled on long enough. I’ve got work to do. Happy Tuesday!

What’s Better than a Promise?

ginagsmith — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 07:00:24 +0000

I’m pretty sure that most young couples who get married have no idea what they are getting into. You can’t imagine when you say your vows how it will be to actually put them into practice. For richer, for poorer? Check. In sickness and health? Yep. For better, for worse? We’ve had our days.

Sara always says things so precisely.

better than our promises
is the day we got to keep them
I wish those two could see us now
they never would believe how
there are different kinds of happy

Yeah…different kinds of happy. It’s all good.

**and hubby elaborates on those sentiments here. sweet boy.

Little Sack of Sugar, I Could Eat You Up!

ginagsmith — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:10:08 +0000

If you’ve got a baby around (and even if you don’t presently), you’ll relate to this song. Listen and enjoy! Oh, and here are all the lyrics, silly and fun.

Jiggle, jiggle, jiggle, jiggle,
Tickle, tickle, tickle, tickle,
Little sack of sugar
I could eat you up.

Hee, hee, hee,
Little sack of ‘taters.
So pretty, pretty, pretty
I could eat your toes…

Pretty little hoe down
And a one eyed frog
So pretty pretty pretty
I could gobble you whole

Second Chance, Don’t Miss It.

ginagsmith — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0000

For my local friends, this is for you. Eric Peters is coming to our area! Hooray! If you missed it back in December, now is your chance to stop living with regret. Bring your family and come enjoy some great music at a great price. (free!) If you live in the Beckley area, go here for details. If Huntington is closer for you, then by all means: this is your best bet.

Either way, you should take my friendly advice and go hear some music! And if you still need convincing (as if I’m not convincing enough) you can go visit my husband’s blog where he has posted a video every day this week of some songs from the last concert here in Beckley.

This is Eric. In my living room. Drinking coffee from my Sarah Groves coffee mug. For real.