Cut to the Quick

My heart tightens up whenever I hear these songs:

1| Sister Winter, Sufjan Stevens

2| Stay or Leave, Dave Matthews

3| Kingdom Come, Coldplay

4| I Have Loved You Wrong, the Swell Season

5| Say It to Me Now, Glen Hansard

6| Strange Fruit, Billie Holiday

7| The Wolves (Act 1 & 2), Bon Iver

8| A Rush of Blood to the Head, Coldplay

9| Older Chests, Damien Rice

10| Cath, Death Cab for Cutie

11| The Stone, Dave Matthews Band

12| Let It Die, Feist

13| Satisfied Mind, Jeff Buckley

14| Timshel, Mumford & Sons

15| Rain, Patty Griffin

16| The Dress Looks Nice on You, Sufjan Stevens

People Do Good

{Today I thought of 3 of the best things other people have done for me. I'll think of 3 more tomorrow, and 3 more the next day, and 3 more all the days ever.}

1.My 21st summer, my friend's friend made me a mixed CD of Patty Griffin songs. She didn't make it for me because she wanted to introduce me to some good music. She said, "Oh, that's rough. She needs Patty Griffin." She knew I had a broken heart. Patty Griffin's music, and that particular mixed collection, has been one of the most cathartic experiences of my life.

2. A kind old principal gave me a job I wasn't certified for. He felt I was qualified. I'm forever grateful to him for placing me in my element.

3. Some people affect you in a way that changes your life, or the way you live your life. One of my dearest friends challenged me to love people with my heart, to see and hope for the best in people, and to love people not because I want to be loved, but because I can love.