I had a moment of crisis last night when she was playing my song [ok, not MY song, but, you know, my song] – do I experience the moment or do I video it so I can hear it over and over again? [And, of course, I wanted you to get to see it too.]

I went video. You’re welcome.

Such a fun night… but my mind couldn’t help but rewind to March of 2010, the last time I saw Ingrid in concert. About ten of the gals loaded up and headed to the show in Knoxville. A handful of our guy friends were with this tour and so we just went into total groupie mode and drove to see the show… and honestly, to see them.

The night was perfect. The weather, the gals, seeing our boys, seeing the show. All of it.

Since that picture two years ago, three have gotten married, the two that were already married have had babies, and we have all lived and grown and stayed connected.

Only five of us made it to the show last night. But in the pitch black dark, we took a picture together.

Because Ingrid reminds us that we have history together.

When I moved to Nashville, one of the losses that I mourned so deeply was the loss of people knowing me and having “remember when” moments. And it took time to build those, but they are here. I’ve lived here almost four years now. And we are full of remember when’s.

Ingrid sang a lot from her new album last night, which I love. But it tugs at the deepest place of my heartstrings to hear her old stuff. It reminds me of a really beautiful and challenging relationship from 2010. I can hear our conversations between the lines of the songs from that old album, I can see the girls walking down the street in Knoxville, I can almost feel the tears from that season coming back.

History doesn’t always have to feel good to be appreciated. And last night was a reminder that the sweetest things in friendship are built by time.

. . . . .

Do you find that to be true? What else builds friendships?

. . . . .

This is an amazing cover by Ingrid. Enjoy.

But before I tell you about that, I gotta tell you about this.

Going shopping.

So my dear friend / stylist Amber Lehman and I popped down to the mall last week to find all the clothes for the photo shoot. We had, in the words of people other than me, a wicked good time. We laughed, we tried on outfits, we matched belts to dresses and earrings to tops.

And I bought red jeans. I AM SO TRENDY.

I can’t even get started on the discounts I got from Macy’s. Pretty much, I practically robbed them.

[The thing that will keep me out of jail after writing that sentence is "practically." I didn't really. I just got some serious sale prices.]

Amber and I high-fived and walked out of Macy’s and, as happens often in Nashville, Amber saw a friend.

As soon as said friend spoke in her cute southern drawl, I was like, “this girl is gonna be my friend.”

[Yep, that's how I make friends. I force them into it.]

Her name is Joanna Smith. She had been shopping. So had we. Amber loves her. I love Amber. That’s pretty much all I needed to suggest BFF tattoos.

She declined. Weird.

One of these things is not like the other…. meaning somebody [wearing green] doesn’t dress very fancy on a normal day. And she probably should. Also, same somebody [wearing green] has got to learn to curl her hair like everyone else does in this picture.

Amber started telling me about Joanna’s current single on country radio called “We Can’t Be Friends” and I was all, “Oh girl, I do not have time in my life for a song with that title.”

Obviously meaning that songs like that feel true x a million to me right now.

[Sigh... guy/girl friendships in your 30s in the 2010s are a complicated hot mess. At least, for me.]

So after Joanna and I decided that BFF tattoos were unnecessary but a friendship had definitely begun right there outside of the Macy’s, I came home and listened to her stuff.

Y’all.

Dang.

First of all, Amber styled this video for “Gettin’ Married” and when you watch it, you will say, “yep, that is a hilarious song and that Joanna is a doll and duh she and Annie were born to be friends.”

Then I listened to “We Can’t Be Friends” and sheesh. Her voice is supes beautiful and the lyrics are great and I could not like her sound more.

So what I’m saying is you should probably buy her EP and call your radio station and request her music and cheer for her forever.

Seriously. Isn’t Nashville the coolest town? I. Know.

[Also, I own red jeans. That needed to be stated again.]

You guys.

This album.

I can’t quit it. And it is brand new.

And I’ve got some serious dance moves going on when I listen to White Flag. It’s my favorite of the non make-me-cry variety on Stories To Tell.

If you’ve read From Head To Foot, you know that it was this yahoo who wrote the kindest preface an author could ever ask for. He’s a good dude.

BUT.

That’s not why I’m telling you about his music.

I’m telling you about this CD because it matches the weather and it is some of the best tunes that Dave has ever put out and I don’t know how he does it, but every single album is better than the one before. I think he uses magic. Seriously. The Potter kind.

[Kidding. He's just gifted. It's different than magic.]

This is literally the best way that you can use $10 today.

Also, Dave is about to tour it up for the next few weeks and you will be all shades of happy if you get to go. And he’ll give you a special high-five if you say, “I’m friends with AnnieBlogs” when you meet him after the show.

So.

Recap.

Buy the record.

Go to a show.

High-five.

Amen.

If it doesn’t, please follow these steps:

1. Pull out a calendar – it can be physical or on your computer.

2. Put your finger on today, Friday, February 24th.

3. Say out loud, “TODAY IS FRIDAY.”

4. Then say, “Self, what part of the week is now upon us?”

5. Then say, “THE WEEKEND. LET’S DANCE!”

6. Then watch this again.

You can get all of Ben Rector’s music on iTunes and I heartily recommend it. Let him sing you all the way to Sunday and then let’s meet back up right here Monday.

Sound good?

[See what I did there? "SOUND good" when I'm talking about music? You're welcome.]

. . . . .

See. Here’s what is about to happen.

Both the … Ahem, all the men that read my blog are going to leave because we are talking about Disney. But I’ve really got my hopes up that as the lay-deez load up the comment section today, a few dudes will add their thoughts as well. Seriously. Guys. Do it. Please?

On to the post…

The other day I needed a pandora station that meant nothing to my adult sensibilities. I needed not to run across a song that elicited any emotional response. [Sister was spent - you were there.]

So I typed in “Disney songs” and for the next six hours [no joke], I enjoyed some of the dearest songs of my childhood. And I began to think about which of the Disney songs are my favorite.

Hence. This Top 5 Friday list- my favorite Disney songs.

. . . . .

1. Lavender Blue

When I wrote a eulogy for my grandmother’s funeral, I wrote about ballet dancing in her sewing room to this song. And it has held a special place in my heart ever since.

. . . . .

2. Part of Your World

All I have to say is, “Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat…” and you could probably finish the rest of the song. Great great song. It’s just one of those that every American knows.

Also Ariel? She had gadgets and gizmos of plenty. But who cares? No big deal. She wanted more.

[You're welcome.]

. . . . .

3. Stay Awake

All. Time. Favorite. Disney. Movie. And this is just one of the many wonderful songs from this musical. Another favorite is “I Love To Laugh” because I, in fact, love to laugh. This song also makes me think of my favorite family whom I don’t get to see anymore. [We tried to skype one time while I was in Scotland and I couldn't stop crying.... so... that's unfortunate.]

. . . . .

4. Beauty & the Beast

Do you love or do you love? I know. It’s the jam. Angela Lansbury is amazing.

. . . . .

5. A Whole New World

Don’t you dare close your eyes.

Also, for realz- does it still amaze anyone that Steve from Full House is the voice of Aladdin? 8th grade Annie thought that was the coolest because as the oldest of 3 daughters, I TOTALLY related to DJ Tanner. Probably still do. Candace Cameron Bure, let’s be friends.

And now we’re totally off topic. Welcome to what it is like to be in my head. [read: obnoxiously ping-pongish]

. . . . .

Things I’m not going to tell you: how my 3rd grade boyfriend sang “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” to me in the lunch line, how “Not in Nottingham” makes me tear up, or how I wished my name was “Truly Scrumptious.”

YOUR TURN!

What are your favorite Disney songs? I know I left out a ton of gems… oh the stresses of only being allowed to pick five. 

Not share in the “burn-me-a-CD” kind of way. People in this town do not look to kindly on that. I don’t want to get shunned in the streets.

Instead, I will list for you some new stuff I’m listening to and show you how to purchase that for yourself. Were you to choose to listen to it on Spotify or Rdio before you buy it, well… I have nothing to do with that. I’m not the boss of you.

This music isn’t all necessarily new in 2012, it’s just new to me in 2012. So there’s that.

[And let me say that I'm not sure 100% of these songs have 0% cuss words... I honestly can't remember. So listen with some discernment, mainly because I don't have time to word check every single song on these albums. Thank you and carry on.]

. . . . .

The Head And The Heart … I get to hear this band in March with my Besty Betsy and I am  happy about that. If they were a math equation, they would be

Mumford & Sons + a girl – a banjo + piano – keyboard

Because I’m a musical mathematician, that’s why.

. . . . .

Easy by Rascal Flatts … Sometimes a song says a thing perfectly, and I haven’t even broken up with anyone lately. I just like dramatically singing in my car. [You're welcome.] Also, I LOVE Natasha Bedingfield’s part.

. . . . .

Give Us Rest by David Crowder Band … I absolutely love this band. So so much. This is their final album and they do not disappoint. Thirty four tracks? Cut it out.

. . . . .

Deluxe Companion by Mumford & Sons … Don’t roll your eyes at me. I know I already own the recorded album and I just purchased the live album. I am a sucker for all things Mumford. You know this. And the live album? Well. It’s different. Sorta. Ahem.

. . . . .

Amen by Eden’s Edge … Two weekends ago I was strutting through the airport and I could not get this song out of my head. Thanks to the magical technology of Anita iPhone and an iTunes gift card, I bought this song right there in the terminal. Oh 2012, you’re so cool.

Also, this is a great song. [I like country music. Sue me.]

. . . . .

Kopecky Family Band … I’m spending a little time spinning this beauty today since I’m going to their show tonight. Me thinks it will be a nice time. I haven’t been to a proper concert since returning from Scotland [except Christmas stuff], so it will be great to hear live music.

. . . . .

Reason To Sing by All Sons & Daughters … I dig this band. They work hard. They make great worship music. I think we’ll be singing their masterpieces for many years to come.

Fun fact. When I type “sons” into my iTunes, I get to listen to this album and then Mumford. Not mad about that.

. . . . .

All My Devotion by Kristene Mueller … welp. This worship song plays a few times a day in my life. It’ll ruin you [in a good way].

“Take it all, take it all. Just give me Jesus.”

Phew… I want to mean that every time I sing it. So I’ll sing it until I do.

. . . . .

What are you listening to right now? 

. . . . .

There is no reason why I love these songs. I just do. Do I feel a smidge of shame? Maybe. But do I turn the station when the radio plays one of these? Absolutely not.

These are the Top 5 songs that I love dearly, even if it isn’t cool to love them. These are the songs that I remember singing as a child, or as a teen, and knowing that they would follow me into my adult life and be in my heart forevermore.

Don’t judge me. Celebrate with me. Watch the videos, relax into the music. Realize that in days gone by, there was some interesting songs being made that WE ALL STILL LOVE. Okay? Okay. Proceed.

1. Islands in the Stream

Dolly + Kenny = a win. Every time.

. . . . .

2. Fancy

Don’t even get me started. You know how I feel about Reba. If you haven’t read this post from when I stood beside Reba, do it. And mourn with me.

. . . . .

3. I Just Called To Say I Love You

The first boy who thinks to call me and sing this chorus will have my undying affection.

. . . . .

4. Uptown Girl

I grew up singing this song with my Mom. [Uh, dear Mama, do you care that I just told the Internet that you had a thing for Billy Joel in the 80s? Would you like me to also mention that you loved Tom Selleck from Magnum PI?

No? Ok. I won't then.]

. . . . .

5. To Be With You

Right? Who is with me? You know you loved this song. You KNOW you did. You still love it. You still do. It’s okay. This is a safe place. No judgement here.

Also, the key change at 2:30? That’s the stuff that magic is made of.

. . . . .

YOUR TURN!

Go ahead. Fess up. What are some songs that are your guilty pleasure?

. . . . .

Tis the season, y’all. Tis.

So let’s talk about our favorite Christmas songs. There are Many. Sundry. Piles. Zillions. I know. And you are going to put some in the comments that I’m gonna smack myself in the head and say, “Ugh. Yep. I should have put that in my Top 5.” But alas, you win. You always do.

So here are my top 5 favorite Christmas songs as best I can recall at this particular moment.

1. Oh Come All Ye Faithful

Dear Mariah, quit giving me goosebumps. Thanks.

2. White Christmas

I always found the ballerinas to be strange in this scene. But the song is so lovely.

3. Christmas Time Is Here

I hear this song, and I feel like it is the last day of school before Christmas holidays and I’m 10 years old and I can’t wait to eat a candy cane on the bus ride home. Nostalgia, thou art a strange friend.

4. Feliz Navidad

Members of the Downs family have been known, in the past, to furiously dance to this song. I’m just saying.

5. Mary Did You Know

It just makes me tear up every time. “…this child that you delivered will soon deliver you….” Goosebumps all over again.

. . . . .

YOUR TURN!

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs??

Congrats to Jenny for winning the beautiful print from Bit O Whimsey! Remember the rest of us get 10% off our purchase using the code ANNIEBLOGS2011 until October 31. Getcha some.

. . . . .

Happy Friday! Each Friday, we like to list 5 of our favorite things. Play along!

When I decided to move to Nashville, I made a playlist. I ran through that thing a bazillion times. It seemed that every time I heard those songs, courage rose up in me. They were the gas in my tank. I’ve added a few since then, new ones that speak to my soul. So today, I want to share with you, in no particular order, the….

TOP 5 SONGS THAT MAKE ME BRAVE

1. Always by Switchfoot 

Favorite lyric: “Hallelujah, I’m caving in. Hallelujah, I’m in love again. Hallelujah, I’m a wretched man. Hallelujah, every breath is a second chance.”

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is enough to have a quiet time over. Jon Foreman’s lyrics do that to me a lot. Like, a lot.

. . . . .

2. You Won’t Relent by Misty Edwards

Phew. This one is great for reminding me that God is the One pursuing, the One moving things [people], the One who truly does all the work. In brave moments, it’s good to remember who is in charge. [Answer: not you.]

Favorite lyric : “Come be the fire inside of me, come be the flame upon my heart.”

[cheesy video. My apologies. All the ones of Misty were 10 minutes long... oh Jesus Culture. You and your long worship songs. ]

. . . . .

3. Vision of You by Shane & Shane

Favorite lyric: “And may the vision of You be the death of me.”

Pre-Nash, I used to sing this. And weep. Every time. That line meant the world to me. I needed to say that to Jesus- I needed my desires to die to His until they could live in sync with what God had for me. It’s so funny to me, even now, three years later, I hear that lyric and tears come to my eyes.

Because I still need a vision of Jesus to be the death of me.

. . . . .

4. After the Storm by Mumford & Sons

My friends are laughing right now. Because they know what you are about to learn what they all know. I absolutely adore Mumford & Sons. You can read about it here. Obsessed? That’s too strong a word. But barely.

This song soothes. When things feel too hard, I turn here and I think about God.

Favorite lyric : “There will come a time, you’ll see, with no more tears. And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears. Get over your hill and see what you find there. With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.”

. . . . .

5. Don’t Get Comfortable by Brandon Heath

I like Brandon. He’s a great guy. But I don’t listen to tons of his music. However, when I was packing up my house in 2008 [long before I liked him and thought he was a great guy], I found this CD. I played it. And this song moved me. Majorly.

Favorite lyric : “I am gonna move this mountain, then I’m gonna move you in. Yesterday, this is not yesterday. You were standing on My shoulders. Now you’re standing on the edge.”

. . . . .

And because I am always going to tell you something funny versus saving my pride, I’m here to confess that this song was on my list too.

Don’t judge me. I was ready, set, but I didn’t want to go. Also, I’m disheartened that I couldn’t find a video with Miley, because that’s the version I own on my iPod listened to sometimes.

. . . .

YOUR TURN!

What songs push you towards courage? 

Share on, friends, as many or as few songs as you like. 

. . . . .

Also, happy 30th birthday to my sister Tatum! Woot. Welcome to the 30s. You’re gonna love it. Being 30 is way cooler than people in their 20s want you to believe. Love you!

Apparently.

I never swore I’d be interesting.

But. I did try to be honest and interesting [mildly] in my most recent (in)courage post – The Challenge of Packing. I’d love if you would pop over there and tell me your thoughts. [Also- the last line is missing a word... I've told the important people. It shall be fixed.]

[You know I have the privilege of writing for (in)courage, right? Pretty much, it's a dream.]

Also. Because I love you, I’ll give you some insider deets. I did manage to pack too many hoodies, very little fleece [you are welcome, Amber Lehman], and a pair of shoes that don’t belong to me. [More on that next week.]

This is also funny: EVERY DAY I worry about repacking and making everything fit, especially since I’m coming home at Christmas and I want to bring gifts. Apparently I love to worry about things that matter NOT AT ALL right now.

I found one thing that I want to bring home that I absolutely can’t. Out Of The Blue. Gracious. I saw them perform yesterday and it was an absolute pleasure. So for your weekend, I present to you a song by the boys that will not fit in my suitcase, no matter how hard I try.

P.S- anyone who knows the Stoltzfus family- doesn’t the lead guy look like a missing Stoltz brother? I. KNOW. I thought so too.

P.P.S- totes sorry about missing Top 5 Friday. Why don’t you read back on some oldies and play along today?

P.P.P.S- Happy weekend.