Lovely Lyrics: Golden Dream

May 27 is a big day for me.

While it is my birthday,

it also marks a very important anniversary in my life.

Ten years ago today, I became an American citizen.

Absolutely one of the BEST days of my life.

Golden Dream
from The American Adventure at Epcot

America, spread your golden wings,

sail on freedom's wind, across the sky.

Great bird, with your golden dreams,

flying high, flying high.

Restless one in a world of change,

keeping dreams aloft in the rain.

Spirit free, soaring through the clouds

of time, of time. 

America, you must keep dreaming now,

dreaming the promised vow of your pioneers.

America, keep on flying now,

keep your spirit free,

facing new frontiers.

Spirit free, you must keep flying now,

reaching to touch the sky

on the winds of change.

Oh, restless one, search for brighter days,

soaring through stormy skies

with our head held high.

America, spread your golden wings,

sail on freedom's wind, across the sky.

Great bird, with your golden dreams,

flying high, flying high!

Music by Robert Moline

Lyrics by Randy Bright and Lynn Hart

Happy Tails to you!

Lovely Lyrics: It's Fun to be Free

Well, the semester is FINALLY over.

Between Duchess passing away in April and Ginny’s back surgery in March, I was not sure I was going to make it.  Seriously.  That is not me being dramatic…those of you who know me understand that I truly am a glass-half-full/silver-lining/the-sun-will-come-out-tomorrow person.  But I have been very sad for a few months now and it has been a struggle to keep up with readings and papers when all I have wanted to do is curl up on the couch with my little dogs and cry.

Thankfully, I have had the support of two amazing friends who have cheered me on, commiserated about work and stress, and most importantly, loved me when I was devastated about the loss of Duchess.  Thank you, E & M!  You are wonderful!  <3

I would not have finished everything without C, who, as always, was a constant source of support and encouragement.  The million little things he did every day to make things easier on me are too numerous to list, but I thank my lucky stars every day to be married to such an amazing human being.

I’ve now got two weeks off before my summer class starts and during that time, I’ll be gaining a sister as my brother is getting married on May 31.  I can’t wait!  I also get to co-teach a class for pre-service teachers in July and August, so I am really looking forward to that.

I am going to enjoy this little break, catch up with people I’ve neglected for four months, and sleep.  A lot.

The title sums up my temporary sense of freedom!

It’s Fun to be Free

from Epcot’s World of Motion Pavilion

It's fun to be free

To be on the move

To go anywhere with ever a care to

Do all you've wanted to do

It's fun to be free

It's fun to be free

To be on the move

You go where you please

With comfort and ease to

See all there is to be seen

It's fun to be free

It's fun to be free

To be on the move

To go for a hike

Whenever you like

Do all there is to be done

It's fun...

To be free!

Music by Buddy Baker

Lyrics by X Atencio

Happy Tails to you!

Lovely Lyrics: You'll Be in My Heart

Happy Mother’s Day to the three most important women in my life – my mom, my mother-in-law, and my grandma.  You are amazing role models and provide me with such love and support.  I am so fortunate to have you to inspire me.

Mom:  What you have sacrificed for my happiness over the years is immeasurable and the adventures we have shared have created indelible joy-filled memories I treasure every day.

Mom-in-law:  You have given me the greatest gift possible – the best husband in the world!  How blessed I am to have two fabulous moms!  I love you more than you’ll ever know.

Grandma:  To have had a childhood filled with your presence was a gift.  To still have you now is priceless.  Thank you for creating immense happiness in my life!

You’ll Be in My Heart

from Tarzan

Come stop your crying

It will be alright

Just take my hand

Hold it tight

I will protect you

from all around you

I will be here

Don't you cry

For one so small,

you seem so strong

My arms will hold you,

keep you safe and warm

This bond between us

Can't be broken

I will be here

Don't you cry

'Cause you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart

Always

Why can't they understand

the way we feel

They just don't trust

what they can't explain

I know we're different,

But deep inside us

We're not that different at all

And you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

Don't listen to them

'Cause what do they know

We need each other,

to have, to hold

They'll see in time

I know

When destiny calls you

You must be strong

I may not be with you,

But you've got to hold on

They'll see in time

I know

We'll show them together ‘cause

You'll be in my heart

Believe me, you'll be in my heart

I’ll be there from this day on,

Now and forever more

Oh, you'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

I’ll be with you

You'll be in my heart

Always

Always

I'll be with you.

I'll be there for you always

Always and always

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

I'll be there for you always

Always

Music and Lyrics by Phil Collins

Happy Tails to you!

Lovely Lyrics: The Time of Your Life

Pixar excels at storytelling, and their 1998 film, A Bug’s Life, is a perfect example of the magic they create.  It is a fantastic movie, but for some reason I cannot comprehend, it seems underrated by many people.  Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kevin Spacey, David Hyde Pierce, Denis Leary, and Dave Foley, among many others, provide fabulous voices for the colorful characters, and experiencing the world from the vantage point of insects through the beautiful animation is awesome.

This song was a favorite of my Kindergarten students and whenever I hear it, I picture them standing on the carpet in our classroom in a huge circle, holding hands, and singing at the top of their lungs.  Such happiness!

The Time of Your Life

from A Bug’s Life

Was a bug, little bug, hardly there

How he felt, what he dreamed, who would care?

Without any evidence

(His flaws were many)

He was full of confidence

(Some people haven't any)

Didn't have much common sense

(It's highly overrated)

He just knew that he'd come through

It's the time of your life, so live it well

It's the time of your life, so live it well

We may only go 'round just one time

As far as I can tell

(He could be wrong about that)

It's the time of your life

It's the time of your life

It's the time of your life, so live it well

Like us all, he started small, then he grew

When the time came he knew what to do

He knew in order to succeed

(They'd have to work together)

He turned a rock into a seed

(And they were changed forever)

Then they had the strength they'd need

(To get through stormy weather)

Do or die you gotta try

It's the time of your life, so live it well

It's the time of your life, so live it well

We may only go 'round one time

As far as I can tell

(He could be wrong about that)

It's the time of your life, so live it well

Isn't it a bit surprising

How our fortunes ebb and flow

And only to the enterprising

Does the magic fortune cookie go

Believe me

It's the time of your life, so live it well

It's the time of your life, so live it well

We may only go 'round one time

As far as I can tell

It's the time of your life

It's the time of your life

It's the time of your life, so live it well

Music and Lyrics by Randy Newman

Happy Tails to you!