Blogging Experience

This was my first real experience with a continuous blog. I thought that it was really interesting and a great way to get to know some great people. We all knew that teaching was an interest but it was nice to talk about other passions in life. This experience made me realize that it is healthy to stay well rounded. Even though teaching is so important, it is not all I am. What did you think of your blogging experience?

FOOD

I will write about my other passion...FOOD. We had an amazing meal tonight! One of our best friends is a Chef "in training". He is working at Little House Bistro in Semmes. Let me just say how cool it is to have someone around that can make my favorite foods from scratch. Tonight we had chicken fettuccine with homemade alfredo sauce and baby asparagus tossed in garlic. Oh yes...the bread...focaccia that we dipped in olive oil and fresh herbs. It was wonderful! If you had a chef friend...what would you ask him to make for you?

"Name that Tune"

After my previous post about TV theme songs, my husband and I were talking about our favorites. He told me that he used to play a game with his friends called, "Name that Tune". A person says, I'm thinking of a song...can you guess it in 3 notes (or more)? The person hums it to the other person so he or she can guess. We played it last night with TV show theme songs. It was pretty fun!

TV Theme Songs

Most everyone loves to watch TV and we all have our favorite shows. Producers go out of their way to put a catchy song or tune to a great show. I'm willing to bet that most of you (if not all) could easily recall American Idol's theme song. Another show whose theme song has always stuck with me is the Beverly Hillbillies. Although I haven't seen that show in years, I can still sing every word to the song. What is your favorite theme song? Please share.

The Voice

The singers throughout The Voice competition did not "wow" me but I thought that the end result was good . The singers that remained were talented in their own way. The remaining contestants were Dia, Beverly, Javier, and Vicci. Each person really did possess a unique quality. I thought that Javier deserved to win the competition. His original song, Stitch by Stitch was catchy and memorable. Let me know what you think if you have been following the show.

Change in Thought

I know this blog is about music but I want to talk about food for a moment. Last Thursday I found out that I am 5 weeks pregnant. A few days later, the sickness started. I have had the hardest time eating and feeling sick at the same time. I have no taste for anything. Lately, I have been watching the food network because I love food. I will call my husband and ask him to pick up something that " I think" I want but when I begin eating it....it is a major let down. What is happening to my taste buds? I thought you were supposed to crave food when you are pregnant, not turn it down.

TV SHOW: The Voice

I would really like to know how everyone feels about the show The Voice. Initially, I was pretty excited about the show, but it really pales in comparison to American Idol this year. When the show started, it was advertised that these talents were amazing and would outshine the American Idol contestants. In my opinion, I do not feel that this is the case. I just laugh at all the positive comments that the judges give even to the worst performers. Where is the honesty? These judges have Grammys for crying out loud! Just let me know what you think.

A Sentimental Song

I recently found out that I'm pregnant with my first child. I can't describe how many emotions came over me and my husband when we realized it. It's amazing! Lately, he is convinced that we are having a boy. He only wants to look at boy "stuff" and boy names. I'm so scared that he will be disappointed if its a girl. Of course I found a song that just brightened my spirits. This song is called All American Girl by Carrie Underwood. It's so sweet. Take a listen.

Worship

One aspect of music that I consider very important in my life is worship. What is worship? It is not about entertainment or self gratification. It is what we were created to do as God's people. One definition of the word worship is "To love somebody deeply: to love, admire, or respect somebody or something greatly or perhaps excessively or unquestionably". Worship is really a lifestyle but one way that I worship God is with my music. My husband and I lead worship at our church. This time of worship is very valuable to us and truly fulfills us as individuals and as a couple. Worship is something that I give to God whole heartedly. Please click on the link below to check out a great worship song.

Your Great Name by Natalie grant

John 4:23-24
"But the hour is coming, and now is here,when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth."

Great New Artist

I just came across a very interesting new artist by the name of James Vincent McMorrow. His style is folk. There are some beautiful harmonies created by other musicians and singers that are in the band. His lyrics are very thought provoking and I'm still trying to figure out the meaning of some of them. James McMorrow is from Ireland and you can definitely get a sense of that background in his music. I look for this band to become big in the US pretty soon. Check it out by clicking on the artist's name.

Musical Inspirations

What kind of music inspires you? For me, it is music that moves me emotionally. This can be accomplished through heartfelt lyrics, a unique sound, or a simple melody. There are few bands today, in my opinion, that have accomplished all three of these. Some of my all time favorite Christian bands include Shane and Shane, Kari Jobe, and Jars of Clay. Each one of these artists completely capture me with their unique sounds and meaningful lyrics. Shane and Shane is particularly special to me because they inspired my husband to begin playing acoustic guitar. Of course, I love the Beatles and think that they were and still are the best band that ever was. Their music has proved to be timeless and influential to many current artists. Ray Lamontagne is another awesome artist who possesses a one of a kind sound. He writes directly from his life experiences and his background is truly inspirational. Mr. Lamontagne is one of six children raised by a single mother. They grew up extremely poor, but he describes his childhood as very happy. All of these artists have inspired both me and my husband to pursue music artistry. Please click on the artist names to take a listen to my favorite artists. Maybe one these artists will become your favorite too!

Hangout Fest 2011

The Hangout 2011 in Gulf Shores was great! My husband and I went with some friends for the weekend festivities. The concerts included performances by Cee Lo Green, Foofighters, Amos Lee, Brandi Carlisle, Cas Haley, Avett Brothers along with many others. The artists that I listed are some of my personal faves. Of course, there were all genres of music at the fest but we went to acts that were of interest to us . I must say that the Foofighters put on the best show! They are awesome performers. Cee Lo Green also came out to perform with the Foofighters-so cool:) Although my style of music is mainly acoustic folk, I enjoyed the different sounds from all these artists. Click on the artist names to check them out for yourself!

My First Post

My name is Jennifer Howard and this blog will be dedicated to something that I love: music. I am a singer and my husband is a musician/songwriter. Currently, we play music for our local church, but our dream is to one day use our talents on a larger scale.

In the coming posts, I will be discussing various artists that have inspired me and events that I've been able to attend.

Please share in the comments some of the artists that you enjoy or that have impacted your life.

Thanks.