Happy 2016!

Hello all! Happy 2016!
So far my 2016 is going much like my 2015.
Work, sleep, be sick, repeat.

It's the worst recycling program EVER! A rut I tend to get myself stuck into far too often. I can tell you there has been a pretty big lifestyle change that's already taken place in the beginning of this year. A change that I'm not sure I should admit out loud, but I guess I will. Any of you that follow me on twitter know of my dedication and leadership in the "no pants" lifestyle. It is one of my founding principles. However, this year I have been introduced to the world of the fuzzy onesie and must admit that I, Golden "Pants free" Dean, am a fan. I know...I know...Hear me out...Please don't revolt yet. I still support the utopia of a pants free society as passionately as ever. I've always said, you No Pants at your own level of comfort, and I stand by this. But when the temperature is reaching a high of below freezing, having an ass of fuzzy angelic style warmth, well that's just tops! But fear not! I'm still living a healthy 90-92% pants free life. So I guess a couple of weeks in to this new year has brought at least that one change.

Like everyone else, I have been asked REPEATEDLY, "What are your New Years resolutions?" So far the only answer I have given anyone was "To not die" followed by an awkward amount of silence in order to not be asked again. Setting resolutions is totally fucking worthless. I think this year I will set some goals.

What's the difference in 'Resolutions' and 'Goals'?

Nothing other than a mental block. To me a goal is something I aim for, but to call it a resolution seems...well pretty resolute. It becomes a mandate or a chore. And nothing triggers my childish 'fuck you, I don't give a damn' attitude like a chore. (Trust me, deep down I'm an obstinate disobedient temper tantrum throwing child in a slightly taller package.) 

So please to enjoy some of my 2016 goals...

~See more movies in the theater- there was a time that I saw everything the week it came out, even if no one else cared to see it and I had to go alone. But for a few different reasons I haven't been as dedicated, and I miss the big screen experience. Plus 2016 has some amazing must see movies for a weirdo like myself... Deadpool, Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Fantastic Beasts, Assassins Creed, Star Trek 3, and on and on ...

~Read- I go through phases with reading. As long as its for fun I can't read fast enough. But make it a chore and well....obstinate child. But even when I'm in a phase of not reading I'm still buying as though I'm reading a book a day, which leads me to the situation I'm in now. Huge stacks of books piling up everywhere longing to be read. So it's time to knock that stack down a bit.

~Do more- It can be extremely hard to plan activities when you live with a chronic illness. It's getting harder and harder to travel and having a compromised immune system makes it hard to be around large crowds. Plus when I'm "up" and feeling good I make all the plans, but then the date of the event comes around and it seems that the pain sets in and I just have to forgo my plans. I've got to get better at taking advantage of when my body is in a healthy phase and also take advantage of local adventures.

~Look up- This isn't some spiritual or metaphorical realization but a literal one. I spend so much time looking down when I walk, at work, when I'm out and about, that I miss so much of the world around me and it can become a self imposed isolation. So just by looking up more often maybe I can find ways to engage with the world around me.

~Cook more- I like to cook and I'm not too bad at it but I just don't do it. Instead I exist on mostly heat up frozen or fast food. So not healthy.

So there we have it, 5 goals for me to aim for in 2016. What about you guys? How are you handling your New Year? Join in and let us know. If your goal is cool, I'll probably steal it and do it myself!

-golden (@theonlygolden)

New Year….Fresh Start …..kind of

So I started this post about 12 times and it never sounded right to me and so I deleted it. I do that a lot. I write up this long post that’s supposed to be filled with humor, insight, and a message of some kind then I reread it and go … yeah that’s dumb so I delete it.

I was telling a friend the other day, no one is reading this thing so why is it so hard to write on it? What is holding me back? It’s not like I care if anyone is reading, frankly I’d like to think that you all had better things to do, (please don’t go!) but it would be nice to know someone was interested in my thoughts even if they are a jumbled crazy mess sometimes.

Now I realize that without posting these crazy random thoughts people have the option of rejecting or embracing my thoughts so that’s where I come in. I need to post these thoughts and see where the chips fall. You’d think not having an audience it would be easier to throw random things up on this thing and see what happens. However it’s not that easy.  This blog, writing in general used to be something that made me smile, made me reflective, and yes in some instances cry like a small child. I often wonder what happened.

I don’t want this to be another post where I tell you that more posts are coming, so I’m not going to go there. What I am going to try to do is strive to post even when I think they are silly or stupid or jumbled and dumb and force myself to write something even if it’s only once a month. Cause I’ve gotten lazy in so many aspects of my life, cleaning seems to be non-existent, there’s a Christmas present I’ve been meaning to mail since mid Dec still sitting unwrapped on my floor, and sadly I’ve checked my work e-mail more times on this holiday than I’d like to admit.

So … here’s my obligatory New Year’s Resolution post, but instead of calling it that I’m going to call it things I’d like to change about 2016.

1.     I’d like to see more movies not just say wow that looks good I should go see that then never go see it. That was on my list last year and it was an EPIC fail but this year I’m going to really try to make this more of a priority

2.     I’d like to spend more time actually TALKING to Golden not texting. Our different work schedules haven’t allowed for a 2 or 3 hour gab fest lately and I hope that changes. I miss our talks, she makes me laugh harder than any human on earth.

3.     I’d like to visit Golden more than once a year, it’s just not enough. I want more farting around time with her, more fun in our lives. I think we both need it, oh and her cheeseball. I really really really want a cheeseball. Sure I could make my own and have on a few occasions but hers are better. If nothing else i'm going to the Damn Zoo this year!!!! Mark it in your calendar! Nothing is going to stand in my way this year! NOTHING!!!!  

4.     I’d like to lose some weight, which would require me to be less of a slug. At the end of a long work day I’m just spent and don’t want to move, and on the weekends I think this is my only down time so I want to just lay here and do nothing cause Monday will be here soon !

5.     I’d like to exercise more, even if it’s just walking around the block to clear my head. Again my issue becomes that by the time I get home it’s 7, then I eat dinner and it’s late and so I don’t do it. Maybe I can come up with a plan for this. I already get up at the crack of dawn maybe 30 minutes at the start of my day would be good, then again 30 more minutes in my bed would be nice too.

6.     I’d like work to not be all consuming of my energy. Last year was INSANE work wise. I won’t bore you but know I took a total of 4 days off all year and most of that was spent at DragonCon. I know my boss wants me to take more time and he’s going to try and make it so that I don’t feel I’m carrying the weight of my dept on my shoulders, we’ll see how that works out for me. The last 2 weeks haven’t been any indication of a change but hey it’s a new year and I got a Christmas Bonus for those efforts so …. Yippie!

7.     I want to spend my money on things that make me smile more. Fun goofy things that I don’t really need but I want and not feel guilty about it. I work hard and deserve to play hard too … right?!

8.     I want to go to more concerts/shows/life events this year. I am tired of reading about everyone else having these epic memories. That also requires me to get out of my comfort zone a bit as the world has become a really scary place.

9.     I also hope for more music from some of my new favorite artist, Maddie and Tae, Haley and Michaels, The Springs, etc., I’m ready for the world to find out about them cause they are that good. Maddie and Tae got 2015 but there’s room on my radio for all of them. Come on Country Music make it happen.

10.  Speaking of Haley and Michaels I want to finish my story that I started a while back, if only cause I think Shannon and Ryan deserve to get out of that Airport :D That’s a big goal of mine for the next month or so. Ha!

So there you have it.

None of these are really promises or things that will change the world but things I felt you needed to know. We’ll talk more soon I’m sure, in the meantime have a fantastic 2016 filled with good times and few Butt Slams ... that's right I'm trying to bring that back.

-marcy (@beaslma)

What I Believe ……

I believe in a lot of things, many things that have shaped the person that I am today. Some of these beliefs are listed below …..

I believe if you work hard, you will be rewarded for it …. Eventually.

I believe that if you are running late you will not only hit every single light but will also likely need to stop for gas.

I believe that good friends are hard to come by, and great friends are even harder to come by so hold on to them as hard as you can.

I believe that I’m going to regret not learning to crochet from my mom, tho I don’t believe that enough to change it, sadly.

I believe the more urgent the need to print the more horribly the printer will either jam or not work at all.

I believe the people who put so much effort on religion need to open their book a little more and realize that it’s just a book. It’s a great guide to life but it’s not the only guide you should follow. Especially if you are only picking parts of it to follow.

I believe this election cycle is going to kill me, I also believe that we have let Trump last too long. If anyone else were saying what he is saying they’d have been done by now.

I believe that Hillary should take a Trump speech verbatim and say it on the stump and watch the world implode around her. Then at the press conference about it just play the trump speech and stand there starring at the press like “come at me now!”

I believe technology is fantastic but is also killing us slowly from the inside out don’t believe me next time you are at a Restaurant leave the phone in your pocket and look around. You’ll be one of the few without that box in your hands, including small children.

I believe my family is the most important thing to me on earth, yet sometimes I also wish they’d leave me alone sometimes. Then again that’s why they are family.

I believe that I should spend more time with my friends, however I also like alone time and alone time often wins. I believe one day I’ll regret that.

I believe that Golden's body is one day going to push her to her breaking point and that's going to be a long drive to hold her hand and talk her through it. It may even require a plane ticket. 

I believe in the Great Pumpkin and until Linus is proven wrong I’ll continue to do so.

I believe in Santa, cause frankly a fat man who brings me gifts is not something I want to risk by not believing in it.

I believe everyone has a talent, it just takes some of us longer to find how to harness it.

I believe everyone should give blood, as often as they can, and if they can’t give blood for whatever reason they should at least support financially the Red Cross

I believe that Golden is the strongest most wonderful person I know. She deals with more in an hour than most people deal with in a lifetime. She's my hero. 

I believe in Auburn and love it, it’s kind of a rule when you get accepted to Auburn but I’ve felt that way all my life, always will.

 

I believe these are my beliefs and in no way reflect the beliefs of this blog, Golden or anyone else, tho it wouldn't surprise me that we didn't share some of these beliefs cause well she's awesome and my beliefs are as well. :D 

I believe my nephews are two of the smartest young men in this world. I believe I had very little to do with their education, but I will take credit for it as my awesomeness had to rub off on them at least a little bit.

I believe that I wrote this when still half asleep and if you had read that post you really would have been moved to act or care, however I farted around (had dinner, took out the trash, played some games) and forgot the majority of what I mentally wrote in my head. I believe that happens to me far too often and it makes me sad.

There are many more beliefs that I have but the thing that amazes me about the last week or so is that I’ve NEVER believed in something enough to die for it. I can’t even fathom what that has to feel like. Don’t get me wrong I’m not condoning anything that’s happened, it makes me sick to my stomach and scares me like you’ll never understand but it does fascinate me more than I’d like to admit. What in the world do they tell these guys to convince them this is how their life should play out ? How lost do those people have to be that this sounds like a viable option ? Why isn’t that something we are trying to fight in this “fight against terror?” I think that’s the hearts and minds we need to “win” or at least understand better if this fight is going to be won.

The events of the last month or so are textbook examples of why I don’t like large crowds, of why I have to sit where I can see the door when out in public and why most people see me out in public and think I’m having a horrible time, even when I’m not.

I used to LOVE crowded football games or going to a mall filled with people during the holidays all laughing and enjoying themselves. Then people happen. Someone upset with the Government decides to blow up a random building in Oklahoma, someone on a mission decides to shoot up a movie theaters, schools, malls, it just felt as if the places that were supposed to be safe were becoming fewer and I didn’t know how to handle it. Sometimes I still don’t. It’s not unusual for me to get home from work on a Friday and not move my car until Monday when it’s time to go back to work.

I wasn’t always like this. I wasn’t always skittish or afraid especially in large crowds. I tend to sit back and observe what’s going on around me, not really looking for trouble so much as if trouble does happen I’ve already come up with about 45 different plans on how I can get out or how I can flip the table and use it as a shield. I’m fully aware that if shit really did go down half of those plans would likely go out of the window. I’d either be the person who freaked out and died that way cause I couldn’t think fast enough to survive or I’d be the person who died cause I was over thinking and not moving fast enough, or the person who would fight until there was no breathe left to fight with, especially if I thought there were other people around me counting on me to get us out.

Things are changing in this world and it’s not all good but I do BELIEVE that as long as we get up, we go out, pay attention to what’s going on around us, and we keep moving things will be ok. So as we move towards the holiday season I hope everyone has a safe, happy, and wonderful holiday with friends, family, and loved ones.

-Marcy

@beaslma

2015 Christmas TV Specials Calendar

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!! Happy Freaking Holidays!!!!

As I've said before my favorite thing about the holidays is sitting down to watch a good ole fashioned Christmas TV/Movie special usually with a bowl of popcorn and my mom sitting nearby. I like to make a Christmas TV/Movie Specials calendar so I don't miss a single moment of my favorites both those that I've watched a million times and those that are new favorites.

As you all know Hallmark, and ABC Family have been showing Holiday Specials since no joke JULY. That’s right people July, I mean how insane is that? I just couldn’t buy into the program tho until now. I'm ready to throw on some flannel jammies, pop some popcorn and cry my eyes out. Every year my beloved animated specials are being shown fewer times and early (The Grinch was on this past Sunday ... wait ... what?!) Thank goodness for ABC Family who is keeping the stop motion animation alive and well, they are showing some of the goodness throughout the day... every day ... literally.  

As I said ... Hallmark, Lifetime, and ABC Family have been vomiting Christmas specials since everyone was still popping fireworks so those channels didn’t get as much love as they usually do. If something had to be cut for room on that particular day those channels got cut first. If say ABC family was showing 3 great shows in a row I only listed one and figured while watching it you’d be alerted to the others, unless it was a show I wanted to see cause that’s right it’s all about me you are just invited in the car.

That said if I don’t have the channel I didn’t include it … again cause it’s about me. There are some great specials on the Hallmark Mysteries and Movie (or something like that) Channel or the Inspiration channel, and other specialty channels like that so check those out if you are lucky enough to have those channels. I don't so those channels can suck it!

This calendar comes with rules ... not quite as ridged as a Mogwai but still rules that need to be mentioned. 

First . . .  a few guidelines:

• NO messages about taking Christ out of Christmas, it’s just a really long word and using X-Mas allows for more shows on the already full calendar.

• Thanks for your understanding.
• For those that don’t understand feel free to move on and forget that this calendar exists. 

• I live in the central time zone, the times on this calendar reflect that, adjust accordingly.

• That said unless otherwise stated the times are PM

• This calendar does not focus on established show “Christmas special episodes” so watch out for those … I did however add a great episode of Psych cause my best friend loves it and she asked nicely.
• This calendar contains shows I want to see, so a mixture of adult themed shows/movies and kid themed shows/movies are represented. Some are classics and some are new, so PLEASE be mindful of what is on before you sit the kids down with popcorn to watch.

• Don’t call me cause your little one watched some holiday movie on Lifetime or and now has “questions”. . . . that’s your mess not mine.

• Please NOTE: The Disney version of a Christmas Carol (AKA the computer animated Jim Carrey version) is a little dark and can be scary (much like the original story btw), you might want to check it out before you and little man/lady plop down with popcorn and a blanket to “watch a classic.”

• Keep an eye out for additional shows/movies that pop up throughout the month as networks change their lineups.
• Feel free to add your own specials and traditions to the calendar that’s what it is there for.
• For you stay at home mom’s they run specials all day long and for the most part my calendar focuses on the after work hour times since that is when I can watch.

• That’s right it’s all about me!

A few programs of note:

• 50^th Anniversary Special about A Charlie Brown Christmas – ABC Nov. 30^th -  a special talking about the greatest Christmas special ever created followd by the actual show. A must viewing if you have little people in your life, even if they aren’t in the room. Repeats on Dec. 24^th
• I can only find A Christmas Story during the TBS Christmas Day Marathon so make sure you work it into your Christmas celebrations. Last year it was on several times ... this year it's sparse .. I hope the channels just haven't finalized their line ups yet.

• Bless you Ted Turner, you crazy old man, may this tradition live forever!!

• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, one of the best movies ever, comes on several times this year. If you don’t know the joy of Chevy Chase finally getting the lights to finally work…well I feel sorry for you and your family and the people that know you because you are missing the joy in your life. Correct that this year please!
• IT’s A Wonderful Life – Dec. 5^th on NBC Repeats on Dec. 24^th
• The “boys” in my life informed me that DIEHARD should have been on the calendar …. boys are silly … however and I couldn’t find it showing anywhere so yeah there’s that. 

A few programs of note that are not “Christmas” related but interesting enough to make the calendar include:

• To Kill A Mockingbird – NBC – Nov. 28^th – a must viewing at least in our house.
• The Wiz – NBC Dec. 3^rd – with the ever ahmazing Queen Latifah
• CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute – Dec. 6^th – it’s nice seeing that in a world full of insanity there are some people out there trying to do good and are being recognized for it. NOTE: I don’t understand why they have already announced the winner, if you don’t want to know stay away from CNN.com. Either way it’s a really inspirational night so check it out.
• Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show – Dec. 8^th on CBS – a dear friend of mine loves this and insists that it go on the calendar every year, she’s the boss.

Anyway, the intention of this calendar, much like the Halloween one is to get your family to pause and spend some time together making memories. In this season where we spend so much time rushing around we forget to enjoy the down time and enjoy the family time. Great specials come and go and if we don’t watch they will go forever.

Today’s “classic Christmas special” may be next year’s no show on the calendar. That’s the other reason for this calendar, if we stop watching they will stop showing. So just because you have The Grinch (which is not on this calendar nearly enough (NOTE: I can’t tell if it’s animated or the movie anymore and I’m NOT ok with that!) on your shelf or the Charlie Brown Christmas (which comes on twice this year), take the time to watch it with your family as it airs so that it will air for years to come.  I can name a ton of specials that no longer come on cause we stopped watching ... Garfield, the Chipmunks, the Smurfs, the Flintstones, The Nutcracker, Casper, the Gift of the Magi, etc.,

So here's the 2015 calendar, you should be able to save it and zoom in and out without losing too much readability. You are best printing it 11X17 if possible.

 

So sit back, laugh, smile, and cry (some of these are sad, I mean who doesn’t cry when George Bailey is standing next to the tree with Mary and his friends are coming in to save the Bailey Savings and Loan, oh no did I give the end away ?!) and have a good Drunksgiving, a full Thanksgiving, and a safe BlackFriday, so that you can enjoy this fun and have a wonderful Christmas!

Marcy (@beaslma)

Hey, what's up, hello!

Argggghhhhh!

You ever have that feeling that your life is just a real game of wack-a-mole? I know I've been MIA for quite some time now. It's been hard to write. And I'm sorry that my first time back is a bitch and moan post. I've been fighting for my right to live, these past few months. Ok so it's not really that dramatic. I have been going months of being undermedicated because my insurance company has been refusing to cover the meds that my rheumatologist wants me to have.

Check this routine that I've been on since June. The doctor that has known me for over 11 years writes a script. The script goes to my insurance company. (Now at this time let it be known I have a very well known, nationally recognized insurance provider. It's not something fly by the seat of your pants, late night commercial scam company.) The insurance company denies me coverage on the script. They prefer me to try a cheaper med, that I've tried in the past (I had a horrible reaction to it. It wrecked my body.) But it was awhile ago and insurance feels I may not have the same reaction to it. My doctor petitions the insurance company to accept the script. We wait. And...they refuse.*whack-a-mole* So my doctor researches and tries another script. It goes to the insurance company. They deny the script. Doctor petitions the insurance company. We wait...they refuse. *whack-a-mole* So my doctor researches and tries another script. It goes to the insurance company. They deny the script. Doctor petitions the insurance company. We wait...they refuse.

 

You see the pattern here?

For four months. Four months without meds in my system to help stabilize a progressive illness. (If I'm being honest I have to put some blame about this on my doctors head too. She knows me and my body well enough to know not to do this)

You know what the insurance company doesn't have a problem approving and covering? Pain meds. Pain meds that I wouldn't need if they would cover the meds to help me not develop pain. That's fucking shameful in and of itself. But finally on the fifth try my insurance company approved a medication! *wack-a-mole* So I call the pharmacy to get everything set up and I'm informed that my insurance company has approved this medication at 100% repay. Meaning I pay for everything upfront and the company will pay me back 4-6wks later at 100%. So. How much is a one month supply of this medication? $3,988.00. Because who the fuck doesn't have $4,000 just laying around each month? *slowly raises hand*

So what now? that's right .... *Whack-a-mole*.

I contacted the drug manufacturers and applied for their underinsured program. But because I have insurance from a popular company I'm not a priority. All this time still no meds in my system other than the pain meds that they are willing to cover each month. I did eventually get approved and am now on this medication. I'm having slight reactions against it but I fought too damn hard to get it so we are just monitoring everything.
*whack-a-mole*

It's starting to build up in my system and that's a good thing. But the damage of not being properly medicated for months prior has taken it's toll. I've weakened myself to the point of last week managing to mess up my vertebrae pretty severely. *wack the next f-ing mole*

My doctors have been trying to get me to go on disability since I was 25 and I keep pushing myself to work. For a few reasons. I've worked because I enjoy working, being useful. But also to have good insurance to help cover the things I need for my illness (yeah fucked up huh?). But mostly because this...As long as I keep struggling, I'll be ok. But the moment I stop, I'll sink. But I guess at that point I'll have no more moles to whack.

 

So hopefully going forward I will have more energy and strength to be more involved with the blog. But I promise just because you may not be getting regular posts from me doesn't mean I'm not thinking about you guys and gals. And it definitely doesn't mean that I may not pop back up when you least expect me. I'm kinda like the blog version of the Spanish Inquisition.

--Golden @theonlygolden

 

Happy Halloween … here’s free Music!!!!!

First off ….. I hope you and your family had a fantastic Halloween filled with fun, laughter, costumes, candy and tricks or treats depending on how you swing. I’ve seen some really awesome costume pictures posted, and not quite as many pumpkins posted but I can’t say much cause for the first time in years I haven’t carved a pumpkin this year either. To say the last week of my life was insane is a HUGE understatement. 10-14 hour work days were not fun at all.

Second off …. FREE MUSIC!!!! Loyal readers know I LOVE music and if it’s free then it’s even better. A few years ago a friend of mine came into town for Bayfest (RIP Bayfest) and before Eric Church hit the stage The Springs hit the stage. I LOVED it. They were a fun group to watch live and I immediately came home and bought their EP off Itunes. I’ve been watching them from a far ever sense. By far the best song from that album was Stand for those who can’t … and Summer all year long. :D

This group has gone through some changes but at it’s core is their need to get their music out there for the fans, with 7 free songs available on their website, some of which were on their EP. In 2014 they released a 12 track “CD” released on Itunes. Worth every penny. They are growing with every track they create, and every song they cover on YouTube. Seriously check out their version of

Tim McGraw’s Meanwhile Back at Mama’s and you’ll fall in love with this group https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-sGU26A5L0

Another good one is their cover of the Florida Georgia Line song “Dirt”.      https://youtu.be/0pNMW7IGNNI   

(I really wish these were one the 7 or even on the CD but oh well that’s why I have you tube right?! :D

They’ve done it again. So who are the Springs Band? They are a country group, now a duo, consisting of Stewart Halcomb and Holly Helms, I mean my bad Stewart and Holly Halcomb (they recently got married) who are both Alabama natives. Stewart was born on Halloween (10/31) and as a gift to the fans they released not only 7 new songs but a brand new website. Check it out here ..

http://www.thespringsband.com

They are asking for feedback on their new songs so I thought BLOG POST (I’m a multitasker after all) !!! :D so here goes … Like with my review of Start Here by Maddie and Tae I’m posting my initial reaction to each song as I listened to it for the first time, then I refine my “critique” as I listen a few more times. It’s my belief that when you listen to music for the first time you hear the words but not the melody, or vice versa. Then after a few listens you start taking in the entire track. :D

I love that so many of these tracks are original to this band, after so many covers it’s nice to hear their voice come out on these tracks! :D

As Long As I’m With You

I really like this song I do … I like the melody, the harmony they create and I like the idea behind this song, I do NOT however like they “hey” in the middle of the lyrics of the chorus, I guess at a live  show it’s a good place to introduce audience participation, but it just takes away from what they are trying to do with the song.

Everybody Runs

I LOVE THIS SONG!!!! Any song that paints a picture into my head from the first lyric makes me happy. I like how it showcases the range of Holly without blowing out my ear drums to do it. Upon my second or third listen I was already singing along with this one. I could TOTALLY see this as a Highway Find, I hope someone at the Highway hears it and makes that happen. I’ve done my part by tweeting the Highway (I assume that’s how a Highway Find is … well found …) I wish they had a spot on their site where you could really recommend Highway Finds.

Hey Time

This is another that I’ve heard before, they posted it on youtube (if you have exclusive access … which I do) and both versions are perfect. I love the melody of this song, it reminded me of Amen written by Bryan White, performed by Love and Theft and as I’ve said before any songs that makes me think of Bryan White is a winner in my book. This one showcases the talents of Holly and was written by Holly and Stewart with their friend Daisy Mallory.

I Just Might

Not gonna lie I’ve heard this one before. They posted it somewhere (Facebook maybe?) and I loved it. I like having a more “professional” version of it cause it showcases Stewart so well.

I Just Wanna Know

This song perfectly showcases the harmony that happens when Stewart and Holly sing together. That makes me happy. Can we talk about how the fast tongue twisterness of this track just really works with this song. (that’s right I said Twisterness). Gotta love a good harmony. When this track starts immediately think of Garth Brook’s song but I can’t put my finger on which track. Something about the guitar riff makes me thing of the Garth Brooks song. I wish I could remember which one it was cause it is distracting me from this song.

One Thing

This is a really great “beat bullying” song but with a new twist. I’d tell you most but you need to hear it. It’s more about celebrating what makes you different than about what the “bully did” at least to me.

Good Night

This one starts off very aggressive … it also feels me with anxiety cause it’s basically a list of everything that can go wrong in a day … however what I love about is the message that anyone can make any day better for someone else. The right word at the right time, a hug, a smile it all makes a difference. Giving someone a smile in a store, telling a coworker good job on a project they are working on, anything could literally make their day better and this song is a good reminder of that. Thank you Holly and Stewart for this track … it made me smile and that is always a good thing.

Final thoughts …. I love how this group complements one another perfectly and yet also know their strengths and how to showcase each other at the right time on a single track. I love the way they blend together. Each track they release they grow as a team, they are better as artist because of it. I can’t wait to hear what they do next.

So there you have it. Those are my thoughts on their new music but what I LOVE about music is that you might feel entirely different about these songs. So check out their new website, get their music, and then tell them what you think about their music and wish Stewart a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! (they are super active on social media) . . .

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TheSpringsBand

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesprings/
Instagram:  https://instagram.com/thesprings/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thespringsband
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thespringsband
ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-springs/id890654834

Happy Halloween!!!!! I hope you got more than Rocks, unlike the kids here who were stuck at home due to the weather :( boooooo Mother Nature!!!!!

Marcy (@beaslma)

Have you enjoyed October ?

I know .... I know .... we suck. It's been a while since we posted but it's October, my favorite time of the year, and my waking minutes not spent working have been spent watching some horror movie awesomeness.

Some of my favorites have included the Halloween series, but not the 3^rd one or the 1^st one that Rob Zombie did, tho I admit the 2^nd Rob Zombie Halloween IS one of my favorites. He totally tanked the first one, he even admits that so I’m not scared he’s going to come after me about that, but he redeemed himself, in my opinion, with the 2^nd one. If you haven’t seen it you totally should.

It’s been fun watching old classics again like The Shining, the Curse of Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Little Shop of Horrors, Poltergeist, and the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which isn’t really a classic but a darn good movie.

It’s been fun watching old favorites too like the Addams Family, Casper, Hocus Pocus, anything by Tim Burton, Toy Story of Terror, and of course It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. It’s not Halloween without watching it at least once, but if you can swing watching it more than once you will be happier because of it.

I do however admit I've slept through more of these movies than I'd like to admit. I remember as a child being terrified by some of these movies, staying up late at night cause I couldn't sleep with the image of Michael Myers burned into my head. Yet as of late I lay down to watch one of these shows/movies and I’m really into it and then boom I’m waking up and the movie is over... it’s annoying really. The question is am I falling asleep cause they are boring now or am I falling asleep after a long day and it’s totally justified. Either way I don't like it!

For the record it’s not just movies, I’ve fallen asleep or struggled to stay awake for hour long dramas, or crappy “terror” related shows like Scream Queens on Fox, or American Horror Story Hotel on FX. I just can’t with either of those shows. I gave up on Scream Queens about 3 episodes in. It wasn’t entertaining, it wasn’t cleaver, it wasn’t something I wanted to be a part of, and when it first started I totally wanted to be a part of it. I wanted it to be good. I’m about an episode away from giving up on AHS too because it’s just … well gross. It’s not scary, it’s not even something that makes me jump, I spend most of the episode thinking well that’s not how something like that would happen or thinking about how many diseases must be spread in that hotel on a daily basis.

It's not even sexy, which is sadly what I think they are going for, it’s just … gross. I will however say that Lady Gaga has impressed the heck out of me. I am not a fan of her music, but it’s cause I don’t like repetitive music and her songs seem to be 6-8 lyrics repeated over and over and again to a technoish beat. I just can’t with that kind of music, it makes my brain feel it will seep out of my ear, and frankly I like my brain where it is at the moment, so I'll pass. I admit it .... My name is Marcy and I'll never be a club kid. However I admit that LG has embodied the character she has been given and you have to give her credit for that.

I hope you have all enjoyed your October found some new moves/shows to enjoy and took some time to enjoy the good weather with your family if not there’s still time. Go carve a pumpkin, go on a walk, watch some good TV and relax, that’s what this time of the year is all about.

PS we are going to get back to posting more frequent, we may even attempt the 27 days of thankfulness again, tho I make no promises. I do wish we could get some chatter going on this blog, otherwise it becomes more of a diary that isn’t really about me and that seems to be stilly. So join us …. Let us know you are out there.

-Marcy