“The Sound of Sunshine” by Michael Franti & Spearhead is the reason for most of my smiles lately. Give the sunny song snippet a spin!
![Yeah, yeah, the title sucked me in. It’s received fairly good reviews and title aside, it fits my mood right now. I’ll read it.
… and with a tag-line of “It’s not the breaking up that kills you, it’s the aftermath,” who could resist? [cue SAD SONGS playlist]](http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7y65aRNJx1qz6e55o1_500.jpg)
Yeah, yeah, the title sucked me in. It’s received fairly good reviews and title aside, it fits my mood right now. I’ll read it.
… and with a tag-line of “It’s not the breaking up that kills you, it’s the aftermath,” who could resist? [cue SAD SONGS playlist]
Eons ago in a newly created world, two yet undefined forces were allowed the honor of choosing what physical form they would take. The first force chose to take the form of a flawless, sparkling, blue diamond. The second force chose the form of a budding, dew drenched, red rose.
Throughout the centuries they would vie for the title of being the unmistakable symbolism for love.
After years of experiencing, expressing and representing love, both unrequited and devoted, their paths crossed near the same point at which they had originally taken their forms.
The diamond became crass and attacked the rose, bitterly pointing out that the rose was a fragile, weak symbol, dependent on others to survive and in the end, far from timeless, dying within days of being plucked.
The rose, usually silent, came to its own defense for the first time in centuries.
“Much of what you say is true. I am dependent on the sun and rain for my survival, but if you are not aware of those things that bolster and inspire you, you will become foolishly self-centered and mistakenly believe that you and you alone control your destiny.
“And it is true that many have picked me and not in the name of love, but look at yourself - many have given you simply for the materialistic value attached to your glimmering. In the end, after my petals have dried and faded, at least I am a scent and a memory, while you are admired not for the love you represented but for the clarity of your cut and the value of your carats.
“And lastly, it is true that while you are forever … eternal .. I die. But the warmth of a springtime sun and the richness of the soil that surrounds me will make me new all over again and while you are the same always, day in and day out, I am constantly reborn.
“But most importantly, the decision I made a long time ago resulted in me being a living, growing, sensitive form of life.
“And your decision, my friend, has turned you to stone.”
| — | H. Jackson Brown, Jr. |
I need to get there. Soon.
I’ve been listening to a lot of her music the past couple of days.
“The world will never again be innocent enough to produce another Tammy Wynette.” - Rosanne Cash
Forget the most #1s, concert receipts or career longevity - let’s talk about the best overall average. The equation was simple enough: Determine all career/life releases as compared to the number of those releases that topped the charts. This brings in to play hits as well as misses and careers cut short are equal to surviving veterans. When the numbers game replaces paparazzi, pretend and promotion, we’re left with simply the best batting average:
The Ladies of Pop: It’s no surprise that Madonna comes in at #1, what is surprising is #10 - Olivia Newton-John. She had a hot run in the early to mid 70s that helped. Gaga’s inclusion certifies her current popularity but her placement signifies that not everything she’s done has glittered like gold.
The Ladies of Country: Carrie Underwood’s #1 ranking may be challenged as career years develop. Reba & Dolly have a one-for-one battle going on with Reba’s recent “Consider Me Gone” barely edging out Parton. The surprise? No Patsy Cline on the list. Big hits, ultimate voice, legendary presence - but her overall averages left her just outside of the top ten.
The guys are next …
