All I Don't Want for Christmas

What a pretty sad thing to realize. For this first time in all the years I can remember, there is not one single new vinyl album or CD that I would add to my Christmas list. And I've got a pretty wide range of musical taste. Even glancing at the I-tunes store for ideas brought up absolutely nothing. Once you eliminate content that has explicit lyrics, the pickings get even slimmer. I don't dislike Taylor Swift, but I don't own a single song. Ed Sheeran? I'll pick and choose as I go. Sort of burned out on Christmas music- and if I never again have to hear All I Want for Christmas is You, I'd be ok with that. (I do like early Mariah Carey.) So, what's a guy to do? What would you suggest I give a listen to?

Ed Sheeran Rocks the City

Taylor Swift has done so much to benefit musical artists and fans that you could write chapters upon chapters about her as an artist and businesswoman. Music editors and sociologists will be talking about her impact for years. But I know very few of her songs. I'm not her target audience. 

I'm not Ed Sheeran's target audience either. That said, there are a few hits I own and know well. Apparently, the folks of Denver are more than aware, as the beloved red headed entertainer filled the field of the Denver Broncos football team last night.

Although delayed by a lightning storm until 10pm, Sheeran played for 2 hours with a set list of 27 songs. Everything from Thinking Out Loud to Shape of You to Sing to Perfect- one of my very favorite songs. Pretty impressive. I'm sure his forthcoming and much talked about "Autumn Variations" album will contain many more songs I'll be adding to my collection. This time, it's on his own custom label, "Gingerbread Man Records". Gotta love the name!

Due to a variety of reasons, I did not go to this concert. These photos are from my youngest son who is quite the fan- long before Ed became well known. He paid quite a bit of money to go. Was it with it? He'd definitely say yes.

I Believe in Yesterday

While enjoying the Lufthansa film festival during a flight for work, I made the decision to watch Yesterday, a fantasy tribute to the Beatles. If you're a lover of the Fab Four or of music in general, this is truly worth your time.

Jack Malik is a hardworking but overlooked performer who discovers that the entire world has no idea who the Beatles are- except him. In a moment of weakness, he decides to further his career by performing their songs and claiming them as his own. As you'd imagine, this catapults him to fame and brings with it a host of problems.

Himesh Patel is perfectly cast with a pleasing voice and engaging presence, and Lily James is every bit as lovely as when she donned Cinderella's slippers. Don't be fooled by the ads- Ed Sheehan plays himself in more than a cameo, showing his fans he really can take himself with a grain of salt- and the film gives him some of the best one liners ever.

Paul McCartney must be pleased with this work of love, and so will you.

35th Anniversary

Forgive me for a self-indulgent post that is designed mostly for my wife. But our children and grandchildren will enjoy it later. Today is our 35th wedding anniversary, and so in honor of that. I thought I would share a few photos which tell our story.

But first, a story in song for my wife. The beautiful "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran captures what's been in my heart from the very beginning. I haven't been as moved by a song since I was a kid. (Stephanie, this song feels as if I wrote it for you.):

I found a love for me
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight

Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own
We are still kids, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect
I don't deserve this
You look perfect tonight

We had our photos taken before the wedding, but I remember sneaking away for a few moments just the two of us. How I can see you in my mind like it was yesterday. Just as beautiful as you are today. Little did we know what we were getting into! You married perhaps the world's quirkiest man. Yet, through all the good times and the hard ones, God has been so good to us!

Our first apartment. Country Woods in Brea, California.

Upper level on the right side.

Happy days in that apartment- just you and me.

It may have been exactly on our 1st wedding anniversary that we found out you were pregnant. I know we were in Florida at Disney. This was the role I always knew you were meant to play- Mom. And you did the role of parent way better than I ever did. Still do.

Our first home purchase.

Our eldest son and daughter were born here.

This photo was taken about 20 years after we lived there.

That wall was only a fence into a courtyard, filled with lush shrubs and flowers.

Broke but happy. Two more coming soon.

Life took us away from our parent's homes and lives, but we loved our time in Northern California. It was almost like starting fresh. Little did we know Colorado was on the horizon. Trading the beach for snow? That couldn't have been what I agreed to!

Our first Colorado winter...

...and almost a year later.

(Nope, I'm probably not moving from our house until I have to. So, no photo necessary.)

The world's four best kids.

Career changes galore for me, and you went back to teaching at just the right time. I wouldn't trade these decisions, but I know there's been times when it has been hard on you. Thank you for doing all this with an incredible amount of grace and steadfastness. I know you, and you would all attribute it to being obedient to what God called us to do, but I'm grateful. Certainly, our children have to see you as a role model- and rightly so- but they also have to see two parents who so love Jesus and want to honor Him with their lives. Now, our grandkids get to watch that as well. And I'm thrilled that so many of them have chosen to follow Jesus as well. Even at such a young age, their parents are raising them well!

Lavender fields in France.

One of the absolute delights in our lives has been discovering the world together. Funny, how when my career changed, I thought those days were over, but in reality, we've done more traveling than we ever thought possible. And taken our young family on some pretty great adventures. 

The Mediterranean Sea.

Paris st Christmastime.

Italy for our 25th!

One of our favorite places just calls for a bottle of wine.

Exploring Germany.

Of course, there's been many other places near and far as well as the ones above- and I hope and pray there are many more adventures ahead for us. That "bucket list" is pretty endless. My wanderlust in fairly insatiable. 

Our parents certainly modeled incredible marriages for us.

As our parents celebrate 60 plus years of marriage, my only hope is, should the Lord grant, we'd get to do the same. I've often taken our life together for granted. But I'm finally waking up. Sorry it's taken so long. I love you so- and I am so thankful for who you are and for all of the things we've been able to share. Many more than I can say, and many more that I would never share publicly. I love you more than I may ever say...