on the open road || a mix tape

     Before I get on with tonight's post, I really have to acknowledge the incredibly touching and tender responses that have been coming in since my last post. I feel so honored you guys to have such beautiful souls with such big hearts following along here with me here♡. Every one of you who have taken the time to comment, to open up, and also to give so much encouragement. If you haven't had a chance to take a look at the post, I hope you can at least read through the comments section. So many touching experiences and perspectives have been shared, and in so many different circumstances, yet all of us can relate to each other. It's really incredible. Alright moving on now:)

     It's been about a year or so I think since I've posted a playlist for you guys, which makes me even happier about sharing this current list of mellow favorites! For those of you who are fairly new, I've been sharing a playlist feature dubbed 'Mix Tapes' on here for a few years now, usually once a month. Music has always been so important to me, but honestly, my favorite music was too mentally derailing to listen to for a while. I've slowly been getting back into the type of slow stuff that I love to listen to regularly, and this group is A+.

     I've decided to use these songs for my February/Valentine's Day playlist, even though they're not all about love and not all particularly happy for that matter, but they do calm my spirit and help me feel. I'm also calling this my 'open road mix', because every time we take trips lately this is my go-to. We've been driving a lot the last couple months, and I've realized that family car rides really are the greatest! We're all within ear shot and can talk or sing songs together as a family, but no wrestling matches can break out because no one is buckled next to anyone else.haha Richard and I can hold hands and talk and catch up with each other as much as we want. We get to see new things and sometimes eat fun foods or snacks. I can read or write or work on my laptop if I want since Richard is always the driver, and we always either have a fun destination/adventure ahead, or we're headed back home after a trip which always feels awesome as well. 

     Anyways here is the playlist. As you can see it's not my typical 'mix tape' playlist with 14-16 songs like those old classic cassettes, but this is even better with 55 songs and nearly four hours of music right? haha 

     How do you feel about road trips with your people? Are there any special tricks or things that help them go smoothly for you? It was our last trip that I realized it's really my favorite time with my family. Maybe it was a combination of quiet/contented children and the peacefulness I felt at the time, or maybe it was the time of day that made it all seem perfect. The sun was setting slowly behind us as we drove smoothly with the flow of the winding road. The trees along the side of the highway were breaking up the rays of light sending slashes of shadow across the road ahead of us. I could hear Ellie reading quietly to herself in the second seat, and when I looked back I had to smile at how contented the kids were. John was turned slightly and resting his head against the window as his heavy eyes stare out the window, Sophie was blinking heavily trying to fight off sleep, and the youngest two girls were both fast asleep in their car seats. I turned back to face forward and leaned my head on Richard's shoulder. Amos Lee was on at that moment and Rich was softly singing along with him. I love the warmth in his low voice. Even having gone nearly 8 years without hearing it, there was so much familiarity when we talked again for the first time last Fall. How I love my little clan.

     Well that's all for now I guess.haha As always I'd love to hear if you found any new favorites or had fun hearing old ones, and I'd also love to know if you have any recommendations based on this list that you think I should check out. I LOVE new music. And don't forget to share your road trip tips! :)

    Thanks so much for reading friends,

xoxo

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