Part II:Reader's Choice Top 5 Special Editions 2013:Holidays, Triumphs Over Tragedies, & Resilience

Thought for the Day: Last week I shared 5 of the Top 10 Special Editions 2013: Celebrating Holidays, Triumphs Over Tragedies, & Resilience. Today I am sharing the Top 5 (actually 6 since there was a tie for 5th place) in special editions. It really gives an overview of the past year. I was thrilled to have encouraged one of my interns to write a post about her experiences on Dec 14th, 2012. I write 99% of my posts, but some of my interns wanted the opportunity to write on my blog. Claire Freeman a psychology student who was my Human Resources intern last summer wrote the post which had the most page views in this category.

Tied For #5: Special Edition: Wake Up Washington: Part II Putting Congress On The Couch 10/10/2013

Tied for #5: What If Wednesdays: What If An Hour Could Change Your Life? 2/13/2013

#4 Thanksgiving Thursday: How A Mechanic Made My Day 11/28/2013

#3 Memorial Monday: How Driving A Truck Helped A Bereaved Father Cope 5/27/2013

#2 Monumental Mondays: Honor A Veteran & Help Wounded Warriors Reach Higher Ground 11/11/2013

#1 Throwback Thursday: Sandy Hook Revisited: Where Were You Last December 14? 6/20/2013

Saturday's Songs for the Soul: The Song Remembers When by Trisha Yearwood

Thought for the Day: As I went through my mental songbook for today's post I recalled a song I heard in Nashville by songwriter Hugh Prestwood. It is a wonderful story song about how songs can take us back to significant moments in time. When I searched for it on YouTube, I found 2 versions. The rendition by Trisha Yearwood is powerful & beautiful. I also included Prestwood's performance at the famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville on April 5, 2013 during Tin Pan South Songwriter's Festival. His performance in the round with Even Stevens and Lari White, brings back memories for me of the great intimate performances by hit songwriters in the round (I saw Lari White there with her husband Chuck Cannon a few years ago & was able to speak with them after the show.). I decided to share both for your weekend enjoyment. What songs bring you back to special moments in your life?

Saturday's Songs for the Soul: Brad Paisley Singing "He Didn't Have to Be"

Thought for Today:  Tomorrow is  Father's Day. Often we neglect the step-dads who filled in for their step-children day in, day out as the dad they didn't have to be. They are like the beautiful shining light in the above photo. Many children of divorce or who's fathers have passed away are afraid that it is disloyal to their "biological" fathers to give them any love, respect or gratitude. Often they don't seem to notice or appreciate that constant light they have received from their step-fathers until they are grown & have children of their own. I decided to make this e-card & play a song for them.

Saturday's Songs for the Soul: Steve Seskin Hit Songwriter Making a Difference

Thought for the Day: I am enjoying finding great songs by songwriters that I have met & learned from. Today, I picked songs by Steve Seskin, a hit songwriter & amazing songwriting teacher from California. His songs have been covered & become number one hits by a variety of country artists. The subject matter that he has succeeded in conveying in the hits is often surprising for country music. He can make grown men cry. Don't Laugh at Me (Written by Steve Seskin & Allen Shamblin) was 1st a a country hit, by Mark Wills. Then, as a hit by Peter, Paul & Mary it became the centerpiece for the Don't Laugh At Me Operation Respect. All of the proceeds from the song go to programs in schools across the country to teach children to respect differences & prevent bullying. 
     The 1st time I heard the song, I Think About You, written by Steve Seskin & Don Schlitz, on a country radio station, I was surprised. It became a hit for Collin Raye. Pay attention to the words & you will see why. The third song, Use Mine, written by Steve Seskin & Lisa Drew, will pull at your heart strings as it weaves the story of a relationship between a father & his son. I'll Always Be There for You, the fourth song, written by Steve Seskin & Odie Blackmon, is heartfelt look at a very difficult decision for any woman & her family. Life's a Dance, which I did not include is another beautiful inspirational song. You may want to check it out as well. All of the clips are of Steve performing them live at house concerts.
     I hope you enjoy listening to the music of one of our nation's great songwriters. Next time you hear one of his songs on the radio, you will know who the man is behind the music.  Come back tomorrow for Sunday's Comic Strips taking a lighter look as psychology & on Monday for Motivational Mondays post about my experiences in Washington DC. Have a great weekend!