Click here for "Happy" by Pharrell Williams for Despicable Me 2.
Showing posts with label music sunday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music sunday. Show all posts
August 18, 2013
Clap along and be happy
Here's a happy song. No commentary for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism today. Gather your minions, hit play and then clap your hands and enjoy.
Click here for "Happy" by Pharrell Williams for Despicable Me 2.
Click here for "Happy" by Pharrell Williams for Despicable Me 2.
April 7, 2013
Sharing a song
Today's choice for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism comes by way of a Facebook friend. I saw the post, clicked on the link, and voila, I decided to share it too.
I'm not familiar with the show that the clip comes from, "The Yellow Magic Show," but apparently there is quite a following for this Japanese duo, Haruomi Hoson & Miharu Koshi, and the "Yellow Magic Orchestra," that includes them and others. The group's roots were in electronic music equipment such as synthesizers, but this clip is acoustic. I found it charming.
Such a happy song belongs here at Experience Optimism because sometimes we don't need to know the why in order to find it enjoyable. I hope you enjoy "Good Morning Mr Echo" and find it charming too.
I'm not familiar with the show that the clip comes from, "The Yellow Magic Show," but apparently there is quite a following for this Japanese duo, Haruomi Hoson & Miharu Koshi, and the "Yellow Magic Orchestra," that includes them and others. The group's roots were in electronic music equipment such as synthesizers, but this clip is acoustic. I found it charming.
Such a happy song belongs here at Experience Optimism because sometimes we don't need to know the why in order to find it enjoyable. I hope you enjoy "Good Morning Mr Echo" and find it charming too.
March 31, 2013
Happy Easter: It's a beautiful day
It's Easter - the official harbinger of rebirth and renewal. Nothing speaks more to new opportunities for growth and happiness in our lives and that calls for a happy song indeed.
For today's Music Sunday post, please allow me to introduce you to a new release from Michael Bublé, "It's a Beautiful Day."
I hope that you make every day a beautiful day.
For today's Music Sunday post, please allow me to introduce you to a new release from Michael Bublé, "It's a Beautiful Day."
I hope that you make every day a beautiful day.
March 24, 2013
If you want me to participate, call me
Earlier this week I looked at attendance vs. membership issues in service clubs. One of the key points that stood out to me was that we, as service club leaders, have to be connected to our members. Whether we use email, text, Facebook or another social media tool, or that old fashioned medium known as the telephone, we have to communicate with them if we expect them to want to participate. How else will they know what is going on?
In honor of that significant point, I've chosen, "Call Me," by Blondie as the Music Sunday video at Experience Optimism. It's a pretty simple message. Now go do it with your Optimist Club members. Now.
In honor of that significant point, I've chosen, "Call Me," by Blondie as the Music Sunday video at Experience Optimism. It's a pretty simple message. Now go do it with your Optimist Club members. Now.
March 17, 2013
Make your first impression optimistic
Today's choice for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism is "Troublemaker" by Olly Murs, featuring Flo Rida.
As Forrest Gump would say, I chose this video for no particular reason. Well perhaps that's not true. I liked the beat, and the artist, unknown to me until today, is pretty darn cute.
Is that how we choose our music? Is that how we choose those we let into our lives? Are those who are cute and easy to listen to more apt to make friends than those who aren't? All are rhetorical questions for, to some degree, we know it's true. We like to be around those who make us smile and sometimes the first impression is the only amount of time that we get to make a connection.
Optimists should have that first impression down pat. "Optimism, it's all in our name," should open doors to people who are ready to listen and ready to partake. Friends, it's your task to take the next step. Bring your smile, offer up some fun activities, and demonstrate that positive actions can make a difference. Follow these steps and you'll be adding new members to your Optimist Club in no time at all.
And if and when your optimism wanes, and it will, perk up your day with a happy song. Sing along, smile and share it with others - share your optimism. Others need it as much as you.
As Forrest Gump would say, I chose this video for no particular reason. Well perhaps that's not true. I liked the beat, and the artist, unknown to me until today, is pretty darn cute.
Is that how we choose our music? Is that how we choose those we let into our lives? Are those who are cute and easy to listen to more apt to make friends than those who aren't? All are rhetorical questions for, to some degree, we know it's true. We like to be around those who make us smile and sometimes the first impression is the only amount of time that we get to make a connection.
Optimists should have that first impression down pat. "Optimism, it's all in our name," should open doors to people who are ready to listen and ready to partake. Friends, it's your task to take the next step. Bring your smile, offer up some fun activities, and demonstrate that positive actions can make a difference. Follow these steps and you'll be adding new members to your Optimist Club in no time at all.
And if and when your optimism wanes, and it will, perk up your day with a happy song. Sing along, smile and share it with others - share your optimism. Others need it as much as you.
March 10, 2013
Is it desperation or optimism?
"If you're lost and alone or sinking like a stone, carry on. May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground, carry on."
It's a rather desperate song with an optimistic refrain that caught my attention this week, but it wasn't the lyrics that drew me in. It was the music, melodious and triumphant. "Carry On," by Fun starts out with a slow piano lead-in and the lyrics tell a sad story of life throughout, but then the drum comes up and lets the listener know that all will be okay in the end because we move forward. We carry on.
Optimists rejoice. This song is about what you do every day. Carry on.
It's a rather desperate song with an optimistic refrain that caught my attention this week, but it wasn't the lyrics that drew me in. It was the music, melodious and triumphant. "Carry On," by Fun starts out with a slow piano lead-in and the lyrics tell a sad story of life throughout, but then the drum comes up and lets the listener know that all will be okay in the end because we move forward. We carry on.
Optimists rejoice. This song is about what you do every day. Carry on.
February 25, 2013
Get Moving Monday
The music is vaguely reminiscent of the Wii dancing game that came with the original Wii Fit package, but the characters are much more engaging. Not to mention, I'm a huge fan of the Let's Move Campaign to get children off their seats and active.
Do this now: Get up off of your seat and join First Lady Michelle Obama and Jimmy Fallon in the "Evolution of Mom Dancing." Since I'm too late for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism this week, we'll just call it the Get Moving Monday edition. There may not ever be a repeat; but then, one never knows.
Do this now: Get up off of your seat and join First Lady Michelle Obama and Jimmy Fallon in the "Evolution of Mom Dancing." Since I'm too late for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism this week, we'll just call it the Get Moving Monday edition. There may not ever be a repeat; but then, one never knows.
February 17, 2013
Playing for Change: Daylight
Adam Levine and Maroon 5 share the spotlight and the profits with "Daylight (Playing for Change)."
Playing for Change is a music project that brings musicians together from across the globe. All profits from their work go to a nonprofit foundation that builds music schools for children around the world.
I became an Adam Levine fan as I watched him on The Voice, but I'm genuinely impressed with all that he does to share his talents to make the world better for others. I wouldn't have known about this project without his involvement and it so fits with the Optimist International mission of helping children reach their full potential that I wanted to share it with you.
Currently, there are 8 programs that are funded by the foundation. It serves communities in Ghana, Nepal, Rwanda, Mali and South Africa. Its mission is to create positive social change through music education. In addition to providing a "creative alternative to the struggles that many of these children face daily," Playing for Change creates jobs. Each school belongs to the community and they use local teachers and labor for the buildings. Community members are the administrators. Whenever possible, the instruments are made by local artisans with local materials.
Some say it takes a village to raise a child. I say it takes a village to accept change. Playing for Change shares the universal language of music in an effort to affect change, bring peace to communities, and peace to the world.
Playing for Change is a music project that brings musicians together from across the globe. All profits from their work go to a nonprofit foundation that builds music schools for children around the world.
I became an Adam Levine fan as I watched him on The Voice, but I'm genuinely impressed with all that he does to share his talents to make the world better for others. I wouldn't have known about this project without his involvement and it so fits with the Optimist International mission of helping children reach their full potential that I wanted to share it with you.
Currently, there are 8 programs that are funded by the foundation. It serves communities in Ghana, Nepal, Rwanda, Mali and South Africa. Its mission is to create positive social change through music education. In addition to providing a "creative alternative to the struggles that many of these children face daily," Playing for Change creates jobs. Each school belongs to the community and they use local teachers and labor for the buildings. Community members are the administrators. Whenever possible, the instruments are made by local artisans with local materials.
Some say it takes a village to raise a child. I say it takes a village to accept change. Playing for Change shares the universal language of music in an effort to affect change, bring peace to communities, and peace to the world.
February 10, 2013
You're my sweetheart
"I belong with you; you belong with me. You're my sweetheart."
That's the part I sing along to every time I hear the Lumineers perform "Ho, Hey." It seemed the perfect refrain for a Valentine's Day week post. The performers sing of companionship in this perky ditty and when you love somebody, what you want most is their time. Let this be a reminder to give those that you love your time with your full heart and attention. And soon, you might just want to sing along too.
The Lumineers have been nominated in the Best New Artist and Best Americana Artist categories in the Grammy Awards that will appear tonight, February 10, 2013. They believe their best chance of winning will come in the Best American Artist section. You have to agree, the song does sound vintage USA. Good luck tonight.
That's the part I sing along to every time I hear the Lumineers perform "Ho, Hey." It seemed the perfect refrain for a Valentine's Day week post. The performers sing of companionship in this perky ditty and when you love somebody, what you want most is their time. Let this be a reminder to give those that you love your time with your full heart and attention. And soon, you might just want to sing along too.
The Lumineers have been nominated in the Best New Artist and Best Americana Artist categories in the Grammy Awards that will appear tonight, February 10, 2013. They believe their best chance of winning will come in the Best American Artist section. You have to agree, the song does sound vintage USA. Good luck tonight.
February 3, 2013
Back it up and get active
My third word that I have chosen to live by in 2013 is active; however, sadly, I have not been living up to my resolution. Yet. This week, my Music Sunday choice at Experience Optimism is supposed to help me change all that.
I can't think of a song that I've heard in a long time that encourages movement more than "Back it Up" by Caro Emerald. It inspires me to get active. I hope that it does the same for you for one of the greatest and easiest ways to promote health and well-being is to move.
The The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a day for adults, 60 minutes for children, at least five days a week. According to their website, it shouldn't be considered a daunting task. Walking and stretching are some simple solutions. Find out more here.
Insurance providers Blue Cross Blue Shield have encouraged schools to help children be more active with "Get Active, Get Fit."
First Lady Michelle Obama endorses the "Let's Move" program for fitness.
Now I need to take my own advice, pick one and get active!
I can't think of a song that I've heard in a long time that encourages movement more than "Back it Up" by Caro Emerald. It inspires me to get active. I hope that it does the same for you for one of the greatest and easiest ways to promote health and well-being is to move.
The The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a day for adults, 60 minutes for children, at least five days a week. According to their website, it shouldn't be considered a daunting task. Walking and stretching are some simple solutions. Find out more here.
Insurance providers Blue Cross Blue Shield have encouraged schools to help children be more active with "Get Active, Get Fit."
First Lady Michelle Obama endorses the "Let's Move" program for fitness.
Now I need to take my own advice, pick one and get active!
January 20, 2013
Tears of happiness
Jason Mraz usually makes me smile and that's generally why I choose a song for the Music Sunday post at Experience Optimism. However, today my smile is bittersweet with "93 Million Miles."
Jason sings of his mother, father, and experiences near and far, arriving at the conclusion, you can always go back home. For many, "You can always go back home," isn't necessarily true. Times changes, places change and people move on and sadly, ultimately, die.
Home stays in the heart, but is only a memory; and I find it to be one that brings as many tears as it does smiles. Open your heart and mind, share your tears and smiles, and memories with "93 Million Miles" by Jazon Mraz and then consider this quote from Elie Wiesel, "Memory feeds a culture, nourishes hope and makes a human, human."
Jason sings of his mother, father, and experiences near and far, arriving at the conclusion, you can always go back home. For many, "You can always go back home," isn't necessarily true. Times changes, places change and people move on and sadly, ultimately, die.
Home stays in the heart, but is only a memory; and I find it to be one that brings as many tears as it does smiles. Open your heart and mind, share your tears and smiles, and memories with "93 Million Miles" by Jazon Mraz and then consider this quote from Elie Wiesel, "Memory feeds a culture, nourishes hope and makes a human, human."
January 13, 2013
Mindfulness: The Stop Practice
My three words to live by in 2013 are share, mindfulness, and active. Last week on Music Sunday at Experience Optimism, we looked at what sharing means to me with Gavin DeGraw's "Soldier" and I promised to look at my other two words in a future post.
Today's post brings us to my second word: mindfulness. I'm not at all into meditation and I don't, at least at this point, practice yoga. However, last year as part of my work with the Idaho Occupational Therapy Association, I attended a half-day seminar on mindfulness. I learned how being more aware of our surroundings and our bodies would bring balance to our lives. I believe such balance brings happiness. It can also bring peace.
I was heartened to find this exercise on YouTube today because it demonstrates the balance that I hope to achieve. "The STOP Practice," is a simple way to begin to understand mindfulness. Please try it.
According to research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, mindfulness is known as a therapeutic intervention to relieve stress. Through practice, mindfulness can help the areas in our brains grow to develop better memory and learning skills, and alleviate depression. Read "Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density" to learn more about its properties and possibilities.
I invite you to join me for a quiet version of Music Sunday with The Stop Practice exercise and we'll get back to rock, pop, rhythm and blues and the music that strikes my fancy, imagination or memories next week.
Today's post brings us to my second word: mindfulness. I'm not at all into meditation and I don't, at least at this point, practice yoga. However, last year as part of my work with the Idaho Occupational Therapy Association, I attended a half-day seminar on mindfulness. I learned how being more aware of our surroundings and our bodies would bring balance to our lives. I believe such balance brings happiness. It can also bring peace.
I was heartened to find this exercise on YouTube today because it demonstrates the balance that I hope to achieve. "The STOP Practice," is a simple way to begin to understand mindfulness. Please try it.
According to research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, mindfulness is known as a therapeutic intervention to relieve stress. Through practice, mindfulness can help the areas in our brains grow to develop better memory and learning skills, and alleviate depression. Read "Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density" to learn more about its properties and possibilities.
I invite you to join me for a quiet version of Music Sunday with The Stop Practice exercise and we'll get back to rock, pop, rhythm and blues and the music that strikes my fancy, imagination or memories next week.
January 6, 2013
What sharing means to me
Following Chris Brogan's lead, I've chosen my three words to live by in 2013. The first is share and this song, "Soldier," by Gavin DeGraw speaks to what the word really means to me.
On the social web, sharing is currency. We share tweets, links and posts. In real life, sharing often means giving something with or without expecting something in return.
However, for me, to share is a responsibility that moves both way. One has to be willing to share and another has to be willing to accept that consideration.
On the popular sitcom "Big Bang Theory," socially awkward Sheldon Cooper struggles with the concept of gift-giving by making sure that he reciprocates at an equal value. The responsibility isn't, as Sheldon sees it, to give a gift in return, but rather to accept the gesture graciously.
This video celebrates the acts of sharing and accepting. Both are worth celebrating.
On the social web, sharing is currency. We share tweets, links and posts. In real life, sharing often means giving something with or without expecting something in return.
However, for me, to share is a responsibility that moves both way. One has to be willing to share and another has to be willing to accept that consideration.
On the popular sitcom "Big Bang Theory," socially awkward Sheldon Cooper struggles with the concept of gift-giving by making sure that he reciprocates at an equal value. The responsibility isn't, as Sheldon sees it, to give a gift in return, but rather to accept the gesture graciously.
This video celebrates the acts of sharing and accepting. Both are worth celebrating.
My other two words are mindful and active and we will explore them in the coming weeks; but today, please enjoy Music Sunday at Experience Optimism with the brave and encouraging "Soldier."
December 30, 2012
2012: a year of good times
When I started the Music Sunday segment on the Experience Optimism blog, I didn't expect it to turn into a Billboard top music chart. It began with a peaceful and pretty a capella song from Perpetuum Jazzile, a song that appeared in my Twitter stream. At the time, I imagined that I would create an occasional post for unusual songs and then I would share a story about why the song interested me. That's a lot of work.
I'm not afraid of work, but really, unless you are a musician or DJ, should music be work? No, it should be fun; but surprisingly, it wasn't until abut mid-year that I found myself listening to and enjoying the Top 40 radio station, usually in my car. Face it, those songs are fun to sing along with; and while I still enjoy classic rock and the songs that I grew up with, I'm in the mood for new sounds, new words, new descriptions of the world we live in and a new vision for the future.
Let me tell you, if the videos on YouTube are any measurement, that vision can be rather strange and the reality can be lonely. However, music remains the same through the years, it's entertaining and soothing, depending on your mood.
As this blog is about optimism and happiness, I've decided the final Music Sunday video for 2012 is "Good Time" by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepson. I mean, seriously, the reason for its inclusion is right in the title.
As we end one year and begin another, plan to have more good times in your life. Be sure to add music to the mix because, well, it just feels good.
Just for the record, according to Billboard, the #1 single for 2012 was Gotye - Somebody that I used to know (feat. Kimbra).
I'm not afraid of work, but really, unless you are a musician or DJ, should music be work? No, it should be fun; but surprisingly, it wasn't until abut mid-year that I found myself listening to and enjoying the Top 40 radio station, usually in my car. Face it, those songs are fun to sing along with; and while I still enjoy classic rock and the songs that I grew up with, I'm in the mood for new sounds, new words, new descriptions of the world we live in and a new vision for the future.
Let me tell you, if the videos on YouTube are any measurement, that vision can be rather strange and the reality can be lonely. However, music remains the same through the years, it's entertaining and soothing, depending on your mood.
As this blog is about optimism and happiness, I've decided the final Music Sunday video for 2012 is "Good Time" by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepson. I mean, seriously, the reason for its inclusion is right in the title.
As we end one year and begin another, plan to have more good times in your life. Be sure to add music to the mix because, well, it just feels good.
Just for the record, according to Billboard, the #1 single for 2012 was Gotye - Somebody that I used to know (feat. Kimbra).
December 23, 2012
Warm wishes for a White Christmas
It's a classic Christmas song and while I try not to fall back on traditional holiday songs for Music Sunday, I couldn't overlook this version of "White Christmas," performed by CeeLo Green.
I became a fan of CeeLo while watching The Voice, but for different reasons than one might imagine. Yes, he's talented, genuine, a little quirky and has, as I've said before, an impeccable voice; but I like him most because he reminds me of my brother. There is something about the way he holds his mouth and when he smiles, combined with his stature, it has Mike written all over it. So CeeLo, you're easy for me to love. And Mike, my brother, you are missed.
Merry Christmas everyone. I hope it's white.
I became a fan of CeeLo while watching The Voice, but for different reasons than one might imagine. Yes, he's talented, genuine, a little quirky and has, as I've said before, an impeccable voice; but I like him most because he reminds me of my brother. There is something about the way he holds his mouth and when he smiles, combined with his stature, it has Mike written all over it. So CeeLo, you're easy for me to love. And Mike, my brother, you are missed.
Merry Christmas everyone. I hope it's white.
December 16, 2012
Video, not so much, but this song is hot
"Locked Out of Heaven," by Bruno Mars, is my pick for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism this week. Funky, cool and sexy are just some of the words that come to mind as I listen. All trite, I know, but nonetheless, I just want to rock this song all night long.
I'll admit, I'm not such a fan of the video, but that's what iTunes are for, right? I hope you enjoy.
I'll admit, I'm not such a fan of the video, but that's what iTunes are for, right? I hope you enjoy.
December 9, 2012
Keep your head up!
Perhaps this song isn't representative of the holiday season that is December, but "Keep Your Head Up," by Andy Grammer certainly keeps with the positive feeling that I hope this blog offers to its readers. With lines like, "You'll turn out fine," and "Only rainbows after rain," you know that he is selling optimism with his upbeat tune. A tune that, by the way, makes me think of summer and since I'm more of a summer person than a winter one, it makes me happy.
I hope you enjoy today's pick for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism.
I hope you enjoy today's pick for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism.
December 2, 2012
Sharing Gangnam Style, why not?
A billion views. As I write this, "Gangnam Style" has been played nearly that many times on YouTube. Some describe Korean rapper PSY's hit as a "painfully catchy" tune. Okay, I'll go along with that. Not much more to be said other than I can't ignore the sensation. To do so would ignore the relevance of sharing that makes social media influential in our current culture.
Go ahead and do it. Get up off of your seat and gallop along with PSY for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism. And if you want to be part of the sharing culture, I hope you'll tweet the link out to your friends and followers because you know it is the right thing to do.
Go ahead and do it. Get up off of your seat and gallop along with PSY for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism. And if you want to be part of the sharing culture, I hope you'll tweet the link out to your friends and followers because you know it is the right thing to do.
November 25, 2012
We are never...
Eighty-three million views and counting. That record deserves being shown as the Music Sunday video of the week at Experience Optimism, don't you think? Not to mention that "We are never getting back together," by Taylor Swift just begs for you to sing along.
Show a little attitude (whatever!) and enjoy. It feels good. And don't fret over that failed relationship because someone will come along that rocks your world and if they don't, just know that it's okay to be single because with friends, you are never alone.
November 18, 2012
Be a champion!
Some songs empower you to try more, do more, and to be more. This is one of them: "Hall of Fame" by the Script with Will.I.Am.
I think it is a perfect song for Optimist Clubs to play at their meetings and projects. The message is one that we share with children as we encourage them to live up to their full potential. "Be a champion," is another way of saying be your best. And that's all we expect from anyone
Be your best, do your best and you will succeed.
I think it is a perfect song for Optimist Clubs to play at their meetings and projects. The message is one that we share with children as we encourage them to live up to their full potential. "Be a champion," is another way of saying be your best. And that's all we expect from anyone
Be your best, do your best and you will succeed.
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