Jump

So it's Leap Day!  The 60th day of 2016 is 2/29/16, the first Monday Leap Day since 1988.  It was a Funday Monday, meetings at work, Jack & Jill Cream Showcase on my lunch break and ended with a celebration of retirement for a cherished colleague at work.  How neat that he is taking the "leap" into retirement on Leap Day!  Then, after work, life was filled - Band, softball, chatting with friends. Now I need to leap into some work that needs done before tomorrow :-)  But, while I am working, enjoy this song that is not leap themed, but it's close....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwYN7mTi6HM

Near the Cross

Ahhhh, Sunday.  We needed this day.  Actually, the 59th day (2/28/16) of 2016 was far more relaxing for Anna and me than it was for Alexa and Sarah.  Alexa had Church, Field Hockey, and then Basketball in rapid succession and Sarah was her chauffeur (OK, I drove to Basketball!)  Anna and I got to sit through a moving Baptism ceremony and there was a lot of great music.  I know Lent is a period of reflection and, in many cases, sadness, but I love the Lenten Hymns.... and here is one of my favorite.  It talks about the Cross and, hence, God and how the Cross can "Help me walk from day to day, With its shadows o’er me."  We all need help walking sometimes, from day to day... and hence, this week's Hymn of the Week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZCA5oB1W6k

Strawberry Fields Forever

I found out early on 2/27/16 that Feb 27th is National Strawberry Day.  So, on the 58th day of 2016, after a long day filled with basketball (rec and Penn Quakers) and hanging out with friends from the Band and having an awesome time, we celebrate music of a different, amazing Band, the Beatles.  I love their music and I love this song.  So, in honor of National Strawberry Day, I give you, the Beatles!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsziB3cBGKI

I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing

We had a great evening on the 57th day of 2016.  Because 2/26/16 was the Fundraising Concert for Anna's choral group, ChildrenSong.  I am so glad that Anna is enjoying her time in this group and I am so thankful for the teachers that work with these kids.  The more music a kid can have in their lives growing up, the better.  In fact, maybe it would be better if we taught the world to sing?  You agree?  :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlR0KElxxVg

Here Comes the Rain Again

If it seems as if I have been obsessed with the weather lately, well, maybe I have.  It has been so strange in February, and Day #56 of 2016 was no different.  2/25/16 was the end of the 8th week of 2016, the year is almost 1/6th over.  And today, it was raining again in the AM as I drove to work. And there was flooding still from last night and all I could think was, "here we go again!"  And then, to be honest, I thought of this song, from the Eurythmics, and I smiled.  You all know I love the 80s. So, on a dreary day, let's brighten it up with an 80s song, about the rain, again!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzFnYcIqj6I

Windy

Well, well, the 55th day of 2016 was just as strange, weather wise, as the day preceding it.  Temps in the 60s and driving home in near-tornado force wins made the commute interesting.  And now, as I get ready to go to bed on 9/24/16, the sound of thunder, the flashes of lighting, and the howls of the winds (again) fill my senses.  I think the only appropriate song of the day is this one.  With thanks to "Oldies 98" :-).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPYT9Vyu62A

Scenes from an Italian Restaurant

It must have been because I dedicated yesterday to a Sun Song, but the 54th day of 2016 was a rainy, dreary day.  And I had a lot of meetings again and was pretty wiped on the way home.  But 2/23/16 perked up when, driving home, I heard this song on the radio.  Yes, it was the Billy Joel Channel again (I really appreciate that this cropped up in conjunction with my song-of-the-day theme!).  Billy first explained his inspiration for piecing all of these different songs together into one recording, and even tipped his hat to the Beatles as having inspired him as well.  The song just made me happy, and set the mood for an excellent evening, spent with family.  We had a great dinner together, not in an Italian Restaurant, this time, but I am sure we will go soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUz48xw_OiM

Aquarius (Let the Sun Shine In)

The 53rd day of 2016 was a beautiful.  It was sunny and warmer (50s!) on 2/22/16.  Sadly, I spent most of my day in windowless rooms, in meetings.  But the few times I got to go outside, it was nice. This is another song that reminds me of my dad and mom's record collection!  But it also reminds me of when I did the lighting for Hair! on campus.  Fun times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06X5HYynP5E

Bring Many Names

It's easy to get inspiration for the hymn of the week when one is also able to be the liturgist in a church service.  And, on the 52nd day of 2016, that was what I got to do.  Yes, I was the Liturgist at Old First on 2/21/16, and it really got me reading the scripture, and the quotes that Michael provided and got me thinking about the message this morning.  I like it when the message includes an imagery that is not the stereotypical patriarchal view.  And the thought of God as a mother hen, taking care of her chicks (i.e. us) is an image that is attractive to me.  It made me think of this hymn, that also has multiple imageries of God.
* Strong Mother God
* Warm Father God
* Old Aching God
* Young Growing God
* Great Living God
It does not matter how you conceive God (or, whether you do at all), I love that Old First still has a place for you in its pews.  A great start to a great day, and now we end with a great hymn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRCTwSCA-xU

Time Passages

Today, the 51st day of 2016, was my dad's 72nd birthday.  But there were many other reasons for me to note the passage of time on 2/20/16.  Alexa and her friends played in the Penn Band's Honor Band at the Palestra...making me realize, once again, that high school (and then college) are on the horizon. I spoke with a fellow Band alumna, who has questions for me because her son is starting at Penn in the Fall.  Along with the basketball ceremonies this week, today was a capstone of all the different changes in our lives that are coming, some a lot sooner than others, but all coming nonetheless. Passages of time, Time Passages, makes me think of Al Stewart and that makes me think of my dad. I used to listen to his albums all the time and Al Stewart was in the collection.  Lastly, as we got back from the game, we looked into the sky and saw the bright moon!  Another connection to my dad, who loves the moon and likely has pics of tonight's beauty on his FB page tonight.  Happy Birthday, Dad!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm6TsYypBpY

I Wanna Dance with Somebody

It's Day #50 of 2016, 2/19/16 is time for my favorite song of all time.  The second Whitney Houston song in three days, and a good one.  Tonight was the OMAYSC Blue and Gold Dance and, as I sat in the hall with my fellow chaperones, I realized how much fun I have providing a safe space for the kids to come and dance with their friends.  Tonight was even better because they could bond with their Blue or Gold team and compete to gain points in the competition.  I will miss these days when they are over, but, for now, I will just sit back and enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH3giaIzONA

High Hopes

To continue yesterday's theme, a mix of emotions occurred on the 49th day of 2016.  Reminded of my Babba's 100th anniversary of her birth, which just passed last week, seeing her picture reminded me of all the good times we had at her house.  But 2/18/16 was also a red letter day in two manners. Firstly, as you can see from my FB feed, it was the last EVER game for Alexa and her 8th grade compatriots on the Middle School Basketball Team.  A hard fought win against a talented opponent. And I am glad they won and I am proud of their season, but I sure will miss the coaches, players, and parents we will leave behind as Alexa starts High School Basketball next year.  And we have high hopes for her and her classmates there.  AND, as they do each season, about this time, the Phillies reported to Clearwater, well, the pitchers and catchers did, and many other players as well.  And, while I have no delusions of contention for them in 2016, I DO also have high hopes for what they are building and hopes that the team will do better than last year and be fun to watch.  So, with a nod to Owen Murphy (and he knows why), today's song of the day is High Hopes.  Ol' Blue Eyes singing with a bunch of kids - perfect!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-bD0ZG5_2w

I Get So Emotional

There were 48 cupcakes on the 48th day of 2016.  Because 2/17/16 was the last home basketball game for Alexa and the Middle School Girls Basketball Team of Collingswood.  And, of course, I teared up a bit (will probably tear up more tomorrow when the 8th graders play their last Middle School game ever) as the game ended and as Alexa and her 8th grade teammates walked off of the Colls MS Court for the last time.  Next year will bring High School, and the larger gym, and, for some, different schools even....so I reflect tonight on what a great experience Alexa has had playing on the Colls MS Basketball Team.  I am thankful for her coaches: Coach Mason, Coach Lange, Coach Cal, and Coaches Nancy and Tara.  I am thankful for the wonderful teammates she has had on this team over the past three years.  And I am thankful for the parents I have met along the way and the community we have in the stands as we watch our kids on the court.  And I am proud of Alexa and the season she is having this year, really showing offensive and defensive progress.  And I am proud of the feedback I get about her on-court smarts and the fact that she looks after teammates, especially the 6th graders.  I am proud of the young woman she is becoming, but also a bit melancholy that Middle School is almost in the rear view mirror.....so, tonight, this Whitney Houston song (amazingly the first one to appear this year, but definitely not the last) is apropos my feelings.  Because I DO get so emotional.....baby!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjL8aGaNdsU

Changes

So, today was day #47 and I like 47, it's going to be my age soon, it's prime, so this should be a good day, right???  Yes, 2/16/16 was pretty good.  We had some CRAZY weather, though.  20s yesterday followed by high 50s today, fog, a thunderstorm with 40 mile an hour winds, followed by cold.  As a friend said on FB, "Go Home, Mother Nature, You're Drunk!"  All of these weather changes made me think of this song, maybe it's because I enjoyed Lady Gaga's tribute to Bowie at the Grammy's. But here is another awesome David Bowie song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2Kyl0HP1T0

Slip Sliding Away

The 46th day of 2016 was surreal in many ways.  First, we were awoken at 3:30AM on 2/15/16 by a faulty smoke detector (thank goodness it was a false alarm) and had a hard time getting back to bed and also an even harder time waking up.  Then I spent the whole workday in the basement of the Franklin Building and, when I surfaced, ice pellets were falling from the sky....I slipped and slided to the Band Room for Rehearsal and, when it was over, it was still icy outside.  The drive home was even more treacherous once I left the highway for the local roads.  Two ordeals - one involving fire (that was not) and one involving ice (that was).  And, in both cases, I am thankful and feel blessed to be in my warm, safe, and non-slippery home!  Slipping and sliding had me thinking of Paul Simon as I traversed the dangerous streets tonight....and hence, this day's song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_H-LY4Jb2M

What Wondrous Love is This?

It's the 45th day of 2016 and we have returned to the Sunday Hymn of the Week slot for today's Song for Sweet 2016.  2/14/16 is Valentine's Day and Pastor Michael spoke, this morning, about our use of the word "love."  We say we love many things (Michael used the baseball example, and I really do love baseball!) but the love that we have for each other and the love we have for God (and that God has for us) is a stronger word that the same word (love) that describes my feelings about the Phillies. And, of course, Michael is right!  I am thankful every day for the love I have in my family, and the blessing that are showered upon us.  Would that everyone can feel the same way!  So. the hymn I picked for this day/week is about love.  And, appropriate to the Lenten season, about love so great, that sometimes it is sacrificial.  But no focus on sacrifices today, just a focus on love, love, love...and the wondrousness of it all!  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g26dbNJYJI

Cupid

It's Day #44 of 2016.  Palindromic days are usually good days, and 2/13/16 was no exception! Day was spent with Sarah travelling to watch the kids in their sporting events.  And, when we were done, and the kids were out doing their own things (babysitting and a sleepover), we did what any married couple would do......we went back to where it all started, the Penn Band, and watched the Penn Women's Basketball Team beat Cornell and move to 18-3 overall and 7-0 in Ivy play!  And, as I told one of my FB friends in their comment section, I would not have had it any other way!  What a way for us to spend our 21st Valentines Weekend together.  Kids, Music, Together!  I am glad that Cupid drew back his bow and let his arrow flow to bring Sarah and me together.  So the song of the day is from Sam Cooke, it's an awesome song from an awesome artist for an awesome day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieVZQKrAf4w

This is the Time

The 43rd day of 2016 ended in a melancholy fashion.  We gathered, on 2/12/16, in Fagin Hall to remember our student, our friend, our classmate, who has left us far too soon!  It was comforting to be among the loving, supportive communities of Penn, Penn Nursing, and HUP, but it was both uplifting and heartbreaking to hear stories of a life lived well, but lived far too short.  It made me think about taking each day as it comes, and making sure that we remember the times we spend together and cherish the memories and those with whom they are made.  I love this song, again from Billy Joel, and it speaks to how I am feeling tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHWUMEwZ5GI

Tell Her About It

I am not a hater of Valentine's Day.  But I do think it's a corporate shill creation so that people will buy flowers, cards, candy, and teddy bears.....And, I admit, that, on the 42nd day of 2016 I succumbed to the created holiday and had a surprise sent, for Valentine's Day, to my honey on 2/11/16.  I pick days other than 2/14 when I send a V-Day gift because it's hard to surprise Sarah, so, when I can, I try!  But, just with many holidays, I feel it is important to take the spirit of Valentine's Day (telling those that you love, that you love them!) on beyond the holiday.  So, when they least expect it, "give them every reason to accept that you're for real!"  With thanks, again, to Billy Joel, thus today's song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd4E9ePUrok

The Promise

2/10/16 is the 41st day of 2016 and is Ash Wednesday. And, on this day, I got this Creed, via email, from my Brother in Law.  It is an EXCELLENT message for the Lenten Season and is a promise to, instead of "giving something up" for Lent, instead to strive to be a better person and make the world a better place.  I love this message so I am sharing it on my FB page today.  And, when I think about promises, I think of this awesome song from a lesser known 80's band, When in Rome.  Enjoy, and feel free to join my Brother in Law and me on our promise during Lent, and beyond!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HI_xFQWiYU

When The Saints Go Marching In

Although I have never been to Mardi Gras, I like to view from afar.  And, on the 40th day of 2016 (kinda cool that Lent, a 40 day period, starts tomorrow, after the first 40-days of 2016!), I watched from afar (on FB) as many of my friends celebrated in style.  2/9/2016, Fat Tuesday, Doughnut Day, Mardi Gras!  So here is a nice song that I think of when I think if Mardi Gras and good ol' NOLA! Has a really nice tuba part too!  :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q0zZ0VdlUM

Great is Thy Faitfulness

On the 39th day of 2016, even though it was a Monday, I spent more time in Church than I did on the two Sundays combined.  Because, on 2/8/16, we had our combined Admin Team meeting with the Elders tonight and we discussed many important issues that will shape the future of the Church's facilities.  And, honestly, I am not sure how it will all end up, but I am sure it will be OK.  Why?  Because I have faith that we will be guided to make the right decisions.  I know that may sound a bit "pie in the sky" but I enjoy having faithfulness about the Church's administrative issues.  I am not unrealistic, by any measure, but great is my faithfulness in this regard.  And, thus, the Hymn of the Week is decided.  Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3sd1Z75j7A

We Are the Champions

I know it's Sunday, but we interrupt the Hymn of the Week (we will delay until tomorrow) to, on the 38th day of 2016, to choose a song related to the Superbowl.  And, during the game on 2/7/16, not only was I happy that the Denver Broncos (and Peyton) won (and, are NFL champions), but I am also really happy that we got to continue our traditional gathering with friends from a former job long ago, and from College as well.  Hanging with friends and having a great time watching the game, talking about life, and critiquing the commercials makes me feel like we were the champions as well.  It also helps that Sarah and the girls swept the $0.25 per box pool we had at our house, and we won a fundraiser pool pot as well.  CHAMPIONS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY

Shop Around

The 37th day of 2016 was a shopping day.  Because, after basketball and errands on 2/6/2016, Anna and I went to BJs to stock up for our Superbowl Party.  So, I figured, the song of the day should be a shopping related song.  And then, actually, I found out there are not a lot of songs about shopping that I would pick to be a Sherr Song of the Day (or any at all, for that matter).  BUT, I did find this song with the word "shop" in it....and it IS a song I have always enjoyed.  NO, I am not looking for a woman.  Have no fears, I live with as many as I can handle :-).  But, I do like this version of the song and American Graffiti has an amazing soundtrack!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVX9RCPdOk8

Pressure

As I arrived in the parking garage on the 36th day of 2016 I was a little distracted.  2/5/2016 was filled with lots of important meetings and deadlines that needed to be met as we move closer to a deliverable at work.  And then, this song came on the radio (yes, still the Billy Joel Sirrius/XM channel).  And, I was feeling a little (OK, maybe more than a little) pressure as I prepared to get ready for the day, but, frankly, hearing the song made me feel better and made me smile. Happenstance?  Not sure.  Message from afar telling me to relax, probably!  BTW, as is usually the case. everything went well and I finished the tasks I needed to complete.  1,2,3,4 PRESSURE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyv905Q2omU

I'll Be There For You (Friends)

Once again, Facebook has made up a holiday.  The 35th day of 2016, the end of the 5th full week, was their 12th Birthday and they stated that 2/4/2016 would be known as #friendsday.  So, of course, I took the bait and posted my stock FB Friends Video and it did get me thinking about how awesome my friends set is.  I depend on my friends for support in so many ways and they are always there for me.  And I know I try to also be there for them in any which way  I can be.  It made me think of this song, from one of my favorite TV shows of all time (yes, FRIENDS!)  I liked this song so much, that I actually own the entire CD from the Remembrants from which this single was released.  So, to all my friends out there in FB land (and to the many who are not on FB), THANK YOU!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uaNr5y1tkU

Homeward Bound

It was a long, rainy, crazy day on the 34th day of 2016.  2/3/16 was long and tiring (I have no idea, we were all tired in the office today, maybe it was in the HVAC system....) and then, as I was ready to go home I found out Sarah had a flat tire :-(.  Wednesdays, with our crazy schedule, are probably the worst day for this to have happened.  But, by 9:30PM, all of the activities were over (thank God for Aunt Jackie who saved our skin) and we were all Homeward Bound!  Things got better when we were all together at home.  They usually do!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z9wd9bS1FM

The Weather Girls

2/2/16, Groundhog Day!  The 33rd day of 2016 and, apparently, the groundhog did not see his shadow and our winter will supposedly be shorter.  That is, if you want to take weather forecasting advice from a small mammal....it made me think of weather predicting and this song got into my head.  And THEN there was a long conversation involving my H.S. class, discussing our 30th reunion coming up <GULP>!  And I recalled that the first time I heard this song was on a Masterman Class Trip to France, when we were in a dance club....this solidified my choice of the Weather Girls for this song of the day.  And, do they have some NEWS for you!  And a forecast just as reliable as one from a groundhog!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5aZJBLAu1E

Orinoco Flow

Life got a little stressful on the 32nd day of 2016.  Frankly, I am glad that 2/1/2016 is over.  Honestly, nothing bad (long-term) really happened, but I felt stressed much of the day nonetheless.  I am exhausted and need to get to sleep.  So, for the song of the day, here is another stressbuster from Enya!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTrk4X9ACtw