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Music for the Soul: It’s Just About… Life.

April 27, 2013 By markbrodinsky 2 Comments

shot-of-countryWant to know the secret to success, to becoming more, besides gratitude? I’ve found it. Want to hear music that tells a story, makes you smile, makes you cry, or just plain makes you appreciate life? I’ve found it.

If you follow this blog, you know I will get to the point. I’ll tell you why. But first a little history.

I didn’t like Country. I had listened to a couple of twangy, slow, banjo-driven, yodeling songs sung by guys with hats too big for their heads and with lyrics that made you feel like you want to find a new life. It wasn’t very inspirational, or uplifting, or something I could sing along to. I wasn’t alone, I think Country music got a bad rap, for the very reasons I just described. I’m not here to debate the history either, this is my personal perception, wrong or right, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I’m big enough to admit, I was wrong.

Less than 10 year ago, 2004 to be exact, my wife Debbie got a homemade CD from someone, I forget who. She was just starting to listen to country music, but I wasn’t on board. I wasn’t interested for the very reasons I stated above. One day however, we had the whole family in the car, my youngest, Emily was only two-years-old, Sophie my oldest, was four. Debbie put the CD in and I listened to this song titled, Mr. Mom.
It was about a Dad left to deal with the kids, because he got laid off and the wife told him you stay home, I’ll go out and work. Dad thought it would be a breeze. We men know there’s no breeze, it’s like being in the middle of a tornado. Every day. Anyway, the song was silly, cute, catchy and my girls loved it. It also spoke to our current life, or the not-so-distant past of dealing with babies and toddlers. There is a line in there about “bubblegum in the baby’s hair”. My 2-year-old Emily couldn’t say the word yet, so she was singing gubble-bum. I know it’s silly, but even after the 20th time of hearing the same song, we were all still cracking up. I was hooked. If my girls were in and I want to be part of their lives, why fight it?

There was another song on that CD. One that wasn’t silly, but inspirational… Sugarland’s, Baby Girl. The song is all about trying to make it in the music business, I don’t know Sugarland’s whole story, but I can’t help but believe it has to be at least partly biographical for its lead singer, Jennifer Nettles. I didn’t need to hear the real story, because by the end of the song, when she finally finds success, she writes a letter to her parents:

Dear Mom and Dad I’ll send money, I’m so rich that it ain’t funny.
Well it ought to be more than enough to get you through.
Please don’t worry cause I’m alright see I’m staying here at the Ritz tonight.
Whaddya know we’ve made our dreams come true.
There are fancy cars and diamond rings but you know that they don’t mean a thing.
Well they all add up to nothing compared to you.
Please remember me in ribbons and curls, I still love you more than anything in the world.
Love, Your Baby Girl.

I was done. Like I said, I’ve got two of them. I was peeking in the rear view mirror to look at my baby girls listening and sometimes singing along and then driving my mind forward 20 years. I could totally relate to that song. Country music tells a story, it almost always tells a story. And there’s a song for everything in life you will ever experience, happy or sad. I’m not discounting other music.. pop, rock, rap, jazz. I like all kinds, but that year I became a Country fan and if music is the very fabric of our lives, (and you know I believe it is), almost every Country song I hear wraps another thread around my heart. It is truly incredible.

There is no other genre quite like it. There’s a reason rap stars and pop stars and rock stars are appearing on the show Crossroads, and doing collaborations with Country stars, everyone wants to be in on the magic. It’s here to stay. Not that it ever left, it just wasn’t front and center in my life. Country doesn’t make you a redneck, it doesn’t mean you don’t listen to other music, I still do. But you won’t know if you don’t give it a chance.

I challenge you to find the Country channel on your dial, whether it be radio, satellite, or some iTunes songs you have downloaded, and give it a shot. Give it a week, just one week. You have to be fair, one song won’t make you a fan. One week just might. They say, it takes 21 days to form a habit. So give it 21 songs and you will know whether you’re all in, or not. Trust me, it’s worth it.

In fact, I will do you a favor. Down below is a list of 15 songs that touch on every facet of life, from love, to family, to having a good time at the bar. Because Country will take you any place you want to go. The last song on the list, explains what Country Music is all about.

But the real reason is this. And I told you I would tell you why. This blog is a living, breathing thing for me and to share my heart I must share what makes it sing. A Country song can open my heart and mind to amazing insight, to deeper love and can also just make me want to throw a couple back and party my ass off. How is that for range? Love, laughter, or a cold one. The genre has got it right.

And there’s one more reason. Country is just about… life.

(The list is below. Click away, or get in the car and turn it on. Give it a week. Then let me know. The comment box on the blog is always open, so is my e-mail: deblade@verizon.net)

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

(In no particular order, you may have to get past some ads on YouTube for some of them, I’m sorry)
Lonestar, Mr. Mom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_MafqgKOBQ
Sugarland, Baby Girl: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmkdrtoGJHQ
Darius Rucker, It Won’t Be Like this for Long:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at_lUnFjXg8
Zac Brown Band, She Got Whatever It Is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RJrNnRpVHg
Rascal Flatts, Sara Beth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IocHzS2sRJ8
Brad Paisley, Beat This Summer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOJ1WveJRQg
Jason Aldean, Fly Over States: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1GZzucDMlQ
Keith Urban, Only You Can Love Me This Way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YxBy3-HdhM
Blake Shelton, It’s All About Tonight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znyAB7WOvkA
Kenny Chesney, There Goes My Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP-Sxfntdb4
Joe Nichols, Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj2700em-JQ
Carrie Underwood, Don’t Forget to Remember Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmAi_qJoPbU
Eric Church, Springsteen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2gGXlW6wSY
Toby Keith, Not As Good As I Once Was:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldQrapQ4d0Y
Brad Paisley, (Explanation and Song) This is Country Music:

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Comments

  1. Chuck Connolly says

    April 27, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    What about Darius Rucker, Wagon Wheel?

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      April 27, 2013 at 5:54 pm

      Just a sampling… Could never get all the good ones in. Way too many!

      Reply

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Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

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I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

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Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

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Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

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From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

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You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

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I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

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Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

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Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

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This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

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September 24, 2013

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In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

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September 24, 2013

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It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

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November 4, 2013

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This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

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A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

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This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

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There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

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September 25, 2013

 

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From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

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