The Passionate Pursuit of Delight

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Hip Moms

Mother’s Day is this weekend. Are you ready? Do you have something for your Mom that she will love? No worries if you don’t. I have put together a list of ideas that any cool Mom would love to get. Best of all, all of these items are available on Amazon and with Prime 2-day shipping you will have a day or two to spare.

If your Mom loves to ready but hasn’t pulled the trigger on an eReader yet get her the Kindle Paperwhite AND show her how to download ebooks from the library. Rock star status guaranteed.

This Stylish Tote is perfect for the Mom has to haul all her stuff around all the time.

A Lap desk is a necessity for Mom’s who write, edit, or love to spend time surfing.

A pretty notebook is ideal for the Mom who has great ideas bursting from her brain all the time. Help her upgrade from sticky notes and the back of receipts to a pretty place where all her thoughts can be captured in one place.

Unbreakable Insulated Wine Glasses. Duh, this is a no-brainer. You probably ought to order an extra set for yourself too.

Unicorn Pool Float is the ideal Mother’s Day gift. You know she would never splurge on this for herself but she is secretly hoping someone will gift it to her.

Facial sheet masks are all the rage right now. Have you tried them? No only do they leave your skin feeling incredible smooth and hydrated but they also have the added benefit of looking creepy enough on that everyone will leave Mom alone while she has one of these on. Win-win!

What have I missed? Let me know if you have other ideas for Mother’s Day gifts for hip Mom’s. I will add them to the list. If you are making brunch for Mom this weekend, here are a few recipes that you might want to consider.

This post contains affiliate links

Good Woman Playlist

Good Woman Spotify Playlist Graphic

Here at Hello Fun Seekers we take music seriously. But, the playlist we share today is more serious than most of what we have shared on this site.

Today’s playlist is dedicated to all the women who have stood up and told the truth about what happened to them. Truths that they have kept to themselves for a long time.

I want to commend my friend Courtney for compiling this playlist called Good Woman. She honors the rage and hope we feel as more instances of sexual misconduct come forward. To women, we hear you, we believe you, and we are here for you.

If you haven’t heard, this week, former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar is in court listening to impact testimony during criminal sentencing.  One hundred women who he abused over the last two decades are expected to testify. The CNN article following today’s proceedings can be found here.

Here are Courtney’s words and songs.

“…He didn’t account for the fact that the scared little girls would become brave, fearless women who would turn the tables and see him rot in jail.” Jacob Denhollander via Twitter (husband of gymnast Rachael Denhollander)

 

This playlist is a good one when you are feeling that combination of rage and pride and hope and more rage when you hear woman after woman coming forward to tell their stories of abuse by men in positions of power and the structures that kept them silent, and empowered their abusers for so long.

My current source of rage/pride/hope/rage centers around the biggest crime currently in sports history. Over 150 women and girls including Olympic and world champion athletes are coming forward with stories of decades long abuse that has been hidden and enabled within USA gymnastics and Michigan State University.

The Songs

The playlist starts out with the classic “Endangered Species” by Dianne Reeves, followed up by empowering anthems by Alicia Keys and Nicki Minaj, Sia, Janelle Monae, and Erykah Badu.

In addition to the anthems, there are songs that celebrate being tender, vulnerable, and sometimes broken like “Better Son/Daughter” by Rilo Kiley, “Tenderhearted” by Sara Watkins, “Jenny Lynn” by Katie Herzig, and “Good Woman” by Cat Power. These traits are often mistaken for weakness, but without which, there can be no real strength.

The playlist concludes with Brandi Carlile’s new song “The Joke” in which she tells us she’s seen how this ends, and the joke’s on them, and Kesha’s “Praying” which was inspired by her experience being abused by her producer at Sony.

This playlist helps me to remember there are far more heroes than villains in this story: Aly and Lynn Raisman, Rachael Denhollander, Maggie Nichols, McKayla Maroney, Lindsey Lemke, Kaylee Lorincz, Marcia Frederick, Gabby Douglas, Sarah Jantzi, etc.

It also reminds me of how grateful I am for all of the strong women in my life.

#timesup

 

 

Best Children’s Books by Age

Holiday Book Guide for Kids

I love giving the gift of books. Curling up with a books has always been my happy place. This is one trait that I am happy to have passed on to my daughter. Now, she is a librarian at New York Public Library (NYPL for those in the know).

I asked her to put together a list of recommended books for kids of all ages. Not only are books a gift that keeps on giving but they are also super easy to wrap. Ha! So, check out this list of NYPL librarian recommended books for kids of all ages on your list.

Ages 0-5

Edible Colors: See, Learn, Eat by Jennifer Vogel Bass
Sometimes broccoli is purple! Sometimes cherries are yellow! Learn about food and colors in this board book with gorgeous pictures of unusually colored foods.

Cozy Classics: Pride and Prejudice by Jack and Holman Wang
It’s never too early to start reading classics, according to the folks at Cozy Classics. These board books drill the plot of famous works like Pride and Prejudice down to one word per page next to adorable felt characters.

Round is a Tortilla by Roseanne Thong
Learn about the delicious ingredients found in Mexican cuisine while also reviewing shapes!

I Want To Be in a Scary Story
Little Monster wants this picture book to be a scary story…but not too scary of course.

Ages 5-13

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsberg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy
Learn about the importance of standing up for what you believe in while also learning about the childhood of RBG.

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Simi
A little unicorn raised by narwhals discovers that there are more creatures just like him on land. Is he a sea unicorn or a land narwhal?

Lumberjanes Vol 1-5 by Noelle Stevenson
It’s friendship to the max and girl power in this series about a freaky summer camp where things are just a bit odd: three-eyed foxes, yetis, and other mystical creatures roam the woods.

Booked by Kwame Alexander
The soccer enthusiast in your life will love this novel-in-verse about school and family struggles while trying to be the best out on the field.

Ages 13-19+

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This gritty drama has been at the top of the New York Time’s Best Seller list for months for a reason: timely and gut-wrenching it holds nothing back as Starr Carter explores questions about race relations in America today.

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus
The Breakfast Club meets murder in a thrilling novel of lies and secrets. Five students enter detention, only four are alive by the end. As they take turns telling the aftermath of the murder, it’s clear that each one has a secret to hide. But don’t forget, someone is lying.

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
A dark and twisted tale: each generation queen triplets are born, separated, and raised apart to hone their abilities. The queens will re-meet when they are 16: the last one alive gets the throne.

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
An unexpected romance blossoms when an Indian family traditional values collide with two teens’ aspirations.

Be sure to check out the Hello Fun Seekers Holiday Gift Guides for:

Holiday Gifts for Coffee Snobs

Holiday Gifts for Coffee Snobs

Hello friends! This post was written by my friend, Chris Millar, who is a coffee lover and was willing to share his expertise to assist us with holiday gift ideas for those hard to buy for coffee snobs. Enjoy!


If you’re considering a coffee gift for someone, they likely fall into one of two categories; coffee appreciator or coffee snob. In each case, the trick is to learn about the recipient and their coffee habits. Why do they like coffee? Is it the caffeine? Is it the taste? Is it the ritual? How do they drink coffee? Keurig? Starbucks? Third wave café?

The coffee appreciator could benefit from almost everything on this list, while the coffee snob can be a much more challenging recipient of coffee-related gifts. The clearest path to success is to help augment their existing brewing process at home with good gear that works everywhere… at the office, traveling, camping, etc.

The Brewer

Everyone knows a French press will brew a better cup than Mr. Coffee. That’s fine, but most French presses are prone to breakage (I’m looking at you Bodum) and awful to clean up. Vacuum sealed water containers are all the rage these days, but this concept hasn’t filtered down to most coffee gadgets.

French Press

Thermos Vacuum Insulated Coffee Press

The best pure French press money can buy. It stays warm and won’t break due to its vacuum sealed construction.

Ideal recipient: Anyone with a glass French press, no press, or want an amazing secondary / travel brewer.
Size: 34oz
Price: $32

Press Plus

Espro Press

All the advantages of French press, and none of the dis-advantages. This will produce a cleaner cup than French press. It has a smaller serving size and upgraded looks.

Ideal recipient: The person who likes the idea of French press, but doesn’t like the downsides.
Size: 18oz
Price: $100

Quirky Press

AeroPress

The AeroPress is a little quirky, but can produce an incredible cup of coffee. It excels at making bad coffee taste decent due to its low brewing temperature.

Note: This advertises itself as an espresso maker. Without getting into the science, it is not.
Ideal recipient: Someone who wants a no-frills great cup of coffee and despises the clean-up of French press.
Size: 8oz
Price: $30

Siphon

Hario Technica 5-Cup Coffee Syphon

The absolute fussiest way to make coffee. This will bring out the very best from a coffee.

Ideal recipient: The snob who has everything (but not this).
Size: 20oz
Price: $70

The Grinder

Grinding just before brewing is a critical step in great coffee making. This can be compared to buying pre-ground black pepper vs fresh ground black pepper. Most grinders are actually choppers, and they pulverize coffee to create a bitter cup. A good ceramic burr grinder produces an even grind and can be found at shockingly affordable prices.

Manual

Manual Ceramic Burr Grinder

If it plugs into a wall, it won’t be better than this until you get into the $150 range. This is not only one of the best grinders around, but it’s also hand powered so it’s amazing for camping. I love the idea of getting this for someone who may have a lesser electric grinder at home, but may want that really good cup on the weekend with just a little bit more work.

Ideal recipient: Someone who never wants to compromise even while on the go. Someone who needs a second good grinder. Someone who loves the ritual of making coffee.

Price: $14.99

Plug In

Baratza Encore

The Encore is consistently ranked the best value in high-end grinders. It’s got everything one would need, and nothing they don’t; ceramic burrs, timer, and proven longevity.

Ideal recipient: Someone who’s starting to flirt with the idea of coffee better than bulk Costco coffee.

Price: $140.00

Espresso

Baratza Vario

The Vario is the gold standard of home grinders. Even the Encore above will struggle with producing a grind fine enough for espresso. This can do it all.

Ideal recipient: Someone who plans on going off the deep end into the high end coffee world.

Price: $480.00

The Coffee

Buying coffee for a coffee snob should be done with extreme caution. It’s like trying to pick out knives for a cook. It’s well-intentioned, but can end up being thrown away or never used. If you’re thinking of grinding before giving, skip this section completely. No one wants (or should want) pre-ground coffee.

Entry Level

Winco Single Origin Organic Light Roast

Hello Fun Seekers Coffee

If you’re lucky enough to live in the Pacific Northwest, you can get it locally. You can order online if you’re not. Make your own container (think Mason jar + label), and throw this stuff out like candy to your closest friends and family.

Ideal recipient: The Costco bulk coffee lover. The caffeine lover. Someone who could use a change of pace from their normal coffee routine.

Price: $6 / LB

Next Level

Blue Bottle Coffee Subscription

It’s a small investment, but a 3 month coffee subscription shows someone you love them.

Ideal recipient: Someone who will appreciate nice coffee, but isn’t too snobby.

Price: $15 / LB per month

Ultimate

Heart Roaster Coffee Subscription

The pinnacle of coffee subscriptions. Even the most discerning coffee drinker will appreciate this coffee coming into their house regularly.

Ideal recipient: Someone you want to make love to.

Price: $23.50 / LB per month


Thanks so much, Chris! I have added a few of these items to my holiday wish list this year. Coffee lovers, what are your favorite coffee related gifts to give or receive?

Note: This post contains affiliate links. 

Snow Tracks Spotify Playlist

Snow Tracks Spotify PlaylistPhoto by Aaron Burden

My friend Courtney is back with another Spotify playlist for your listening pleasure. I’ve been listening to it nonstop for the last week. She is a musical genius!

Winter in four acts, a playlist

“In all the world there is no desolation more complete than the polar night. It is a return to the Ice Age— no warmth, no life, no movement. Only those who have experienced it can fully appreciate what it means to be without the sun day after day and week after week. Few men unaccustomed to it can fight off its effects altogether, and it has driven some men mad.”

Alfred Lansing, Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage

Snow Tracks

Act I: Your own little ice age

The first act features songs full of loneliness and isolation, along with literal ice and snow. Jessica Hoops sets our stage perfectly with the her haunting voice and strange melody singing of Wyoming winter  in her song “Snowglobe.” Radiohead follows with a warning of ice age coming in “Idioteque.” A couple of real gems in this act include Brandi Carlile’s “Josephine” where she longs for a past cold and dark December, and Laura Marling’s “Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)” where she sings of saying goodbye to her love amidst falling snow. The act concludes with “Ice Age” by David Byrne and St. Vincent. I love this song more each time I hear it.

Act II: Ethereal

The songs in act two move beyond the snow globes to the heavenly, and otherworldly. Katie Herzig begins this act and the connection to the other side with “Lost and Found,” followed by “All This and Heaven too” by Florence + the Machine. Then “Reverie” from season 1 of Westworld by Ramin Djawadi gives you a moment to ponder as you watch the delicate snow falling outside. This act ends with “Otherside” By Perfume Genius.

Act III: Madness

In this act, everyone loses their minds and starts believing they are wolves. There are songs about running through the snow covered forest as a wolf, having wolf mothers, and losing all sense of humanness, changing from skin to fur, and reverting to instinct. Songs in this enjoyable act include Blitzen Trapper’s “Furr”, Fleet Foxes “White Winter Hymnal”, Bon Iver’s “The Wolves (Act I and II)” Sea Wolf’s “Whitewoods” and First Aid Kit’s “Wolf.”

Act IV: Melt

The final act includes three songs that bring us back to earth, back to human, and have us looking forward to the end of winter starting with Freelance Whales’ “Winter Seeds.” Then Sara Bareilles’ and Ingrid Michaelson’s “Winter Song” remind us that winter is temporary, and finally, the act and the playlist conclude Sia’s wonderful remake of “California Dreamin’”

I hope this playlist helps you enjoy the long, cold, and beautiful winter season.

Courtney

CourtZionNP

Be sure to check these playlists from Courtney too!

 

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Cooks

Gifts For Cooks

Happy holidays! I don’t know about you but I am most definitely not a get up early, fight the crowds, Black Friday kind of shopper. For me, I prefer to sit on my comfy couch, with a cup of coffee and my laptop to make a dent in my holiday shopping list. For more on how I keep track of my shopping list, check out this post.

You know who these people are on your list. They always know the best places to eat, they subscribe to multiple food magazines, and would rather be in the kitchen than pretty much anywhere. Food is love for these folks. Food is love, people.

Here are few gift ideas than any foodie would love to find under the tree. Or, maybe you are like me (not much of a shopper) and you tend to buy things for yourself during the holidays when you are shopping for others. Whether you are buying for someone on your list or yourself, here are few of my favorite kitchen essentials.

Instant Pot

The gift that is on everyone’s wish list. If you have one you know how fanatical devotees are, if you don’t have one, take it from me, the Instant Pot is a game-changer.

Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer


OXO Good Grips Mandoline

The tool that makes slicing pretty much anything a breeze. I love to slice veggies paper thin. You can take credit for your incredible knife work, no one will be the wiser.

OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer


Enameled Dutch Oven

If the fancy French brand is out of your budget, this enameled cast iron Dutch oven by Lodge is a great alternative. I have one of these and use it several times a week.


Lodge EC6D43 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Island Spice Red


Cast Iron Skillet

I was SO hesitant about investing in a cast iron pan, I held out for years because I was intimidated by the care and upkeep. But, once I got one and started using it, there was no looking back. I love my cast iron pan and with a little bit of tender loving care it keeps getting better with age.


Lodge L8SK3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet


Immersion blender

The ultimate soup-maker! I use this immersion blender every single weekend while making a pot of soup. It does a great job blending and it so much easier to clean than a blender.


Cuisinart CSB-75BC Smart Stick 200 Watt 2 Speed Hand Blender, Brushed Chrome


 

Baking Sheets

Every cook needs at least a few of these baking sheets. These heavy-duty baking sheets help ensure even cooking whether you are roasting veggies or baking cookies.

Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet

Are there any kitchen tools that you are hoping to find under the tree this holiday season? If so, let me know in the comments below.

Note: This post contains affiliate links

October Chill Spotify Playlist

October Chill Spotify Playlist

Photo by Nathan Riley on Unsplash

Listen up all you creepers, Courtney is back with a super spooky Spotify playlist. The October Chill Spotify playlist will ensure that the chill in the air matches the chill running down your spine. So, grab a cozy scarf and something warm to drink and prepare for goosebumps.

“Listen to them, the children of the night. What music they make!”

― Bram Stoker

October is the time to soak up the spookiness all around you. One way I love to amplify the chill in the air is with this creepy, scary, and deliciously evil playlist. This one is perfect to play while getting together with friends for costume parties, carving pumpkins, or just sipping on a hot toddy on your patio while you’re wrapped in cozy blankets and sweaters.

creepy doll

Photo by Rain Wu on Unsplash

The Songs

It starts out with Eel’s “Flyswatter” to cover you in creepy crawly goosebumps. I follow that up shortly with Sea Wolf’s “Leaves in the River.” This song sets the October weather and ambiance stage perfectly. I feel like I am right there with these two walking home from the Halloween party at which they met.

I’ve also included a few songs by the National including “Afraid of Everyone,” “Anyone’s Ghost,” and “Demons.” The National love the dark songs as much as I do.

Ghost latte

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

And speaking of dark songs, I added Johnny Cash’s “I See a Darkness” as well as “Dark Night of the Soul” by Danger Mouse featuring David Lynch. That is a right spooky tune right there. If I had to pick a favorite song on this playlist, I think it is currently My Morning Jacket’s “Touch Me I’m Going To Scream, Pt. 2”, and the one with the best title is of course Sufjan Stevens’ “They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From the Dead!! Ahhhh!”

The playlist has over two hours of tunes perfect for October like Tom Waits’ “Cemetery Polka.” It ends with a truly frightening song by Shivaree from The Kill Bill Volume 2 soundtrack, “Goodnight Moon.” Yeah right, just try to sleep after listening to this one.  Bwa Ha Ha Haaaa……

If you love the tunes that Court is throwing down, be sure to check out her other Hello Fun Seekers playlists:

Tailgating Playlist

tailgate

My friend Courtney is back with another rump-shaking Spotify playlist. Court is a University of Utah football fan through and through. One of the many things that I love about her is that saw a need in her tailgating group and took action which she explains below.

If anyone can rise to the challenge of creating a Spotify playlist that meets the musical needs for a multi-generational crowd, Courtney is the one. So, get your tailgating food packed up and bring along a portable speaker so you and your tailgating crew can enjoy the pre-party before the big game.

 

Courtney tailgating

I’ve been tailgating and attending football games with the same group since 2008 (Sugar Bowl Championship year!) They were tailgating together for years before I joined them. Up until a couple of seasons ago, it was a pretty dialed in operation, with the exception of one thing: the music.

little tailgater

Our group ranges from Baby Boomers to Gen Zers. Every time someone tried to play music, someone else would be complaining, “what is this?? It’s terrible!” And it usually was. I knew I had to do something, but was I up to the challenge? Putting together a playlist that all of these people with varying musical tastes could enjoy for hours?

I wasn’t sure, but Coach Whitt gave me a great pep talk (in my mind) “EVERYTHING YOU’VE GOT! LEAVE NOTHING IN THE TANK! IT’S RIGHT THERE FOR THE TAKING! GO TAKE IT!”

OK, coach!

Tailgating Swoop
The Music in the Tailgating Playlist

What I came up with includes gems for the Baby Boomers by Paul Simon, Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, and Elton John. For the Gen Xers we’ve got stuff by Modest Mouse, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Beastie Boys. For the Millennials I added The Black Keys, The White Stripes, Amy Winehouse, and Beyoncé. And for our Gen Zers, we’ve got songs by Lorde, Imagine Dragons, Alabama Shakes, and Alt-J. On top of those, I added songs sure to pump you up for the big game like Spoon’s “The Underdog” and DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win.”

tailgating gamesNow instead of complaining, we bop our heads up and down while we pile up our plates, shake our hips while we play holy board, dance while we top off our drinks, and tap our feet while we discuss our team’s #throwgame, and whether or not this year, our new offensive coordinator can improve our production.

VICTORY!

It is a true crowd-pleaser with songs sure to get you ready for the big game. I hope you and your tailgating group enjoy! Go Utes!!

Tailgating playlist

Be sure to check out Courtney’s other playlists

Summer in the Country (A Gardening Playlist)

Summer in the Country Playlist

Photo by MSI Sakib on Unsplash

Isn’t summer a glorious thing? A friend brought me a grocery sack full of apricots from her Grandmother’s tree today. I adore summer for many reasons but one of the things that I love most is that food is growing all around. From this bounty, you barely have to cook a thing. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a treat right off the tree, vine, or plant. I haven’t decided what I will do with those apricots besides eat them right out of the bowl but you will be the first know when I decide.

For the second year in a row, my herb garden is a splendid thing of basil-making beauty. I am about to go on a pesto-making binge. Last summer I made tons of pesto. I froze it in ice cube trays and we enjoyed that summer fresh taste of basil all year long. I think I only have one or two cubes left in the freezer.

Summer in the Country Spotify Playlist

Whether you consider gardening a pleasure or a chore, or maybe you just need some fresh tunes to listen to while you mow your lawn, my friend Courtney is back with another fabulous Spotify playlist called ‘Summer in the Country’.

CourtZionNP

Making playlists on Spotify is something I love to do. I have playlists for different seasons, moods, and activities. I’ll spotlight some of them here on Hello Fun Seekers playlist series. I hope you enjoy!

Last night we had pork for supper

Today’ll be chicken consomme

And a fruit jar full of iced tea

On a long hot summer day

For every day I work on the Illinois River

Get a half a day off with pay

On a tow boat pickin up barges

On a long hot summer day

-Sara Watkins

This playlist is perfect for those long hot days working outside in your garden or yard. I love this playlist so much that I look forward to mowing the lawn and weeding the garden just so I can spend some time with these tunes on my headphones.

It starts out with Sara Watkins’ beautiful voice and fiddle playing “Long Hot Summer Days.” Her voice just sounds like summer to me. Next we have Valerie June singing “Workin’ Woman Blues”, then Brown Bird’s “Fingers to the Bone.” There are a few songs from Old Crow Medicine Show’s album Remedy, as well as songs by Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and of course, Willie Nelson.

I’ve also put in a couple of fiddle solos by Sara Watkins and the song “Be My Husband” by her group called I’m With Her. There are a lot of pistols, criminals, and vigilante justice in this country playlist and it ends violently with Ruby Friedman Orchestra’s “I’m Not Your Friend” which is just so good.

Get your gardening gloves, a fruit jar full of iced tea, and get to work! Hope you enjoy!

Be sure to check out some of Courtney’s other Spotify playlists:

Brand New Day Spotify Playlist

Brand New Day Playlist

Hey party people, the days are getting so wonderfully long! One of my favorite things about June is that the sun rises very early and daylight stays well into the evening. I love to get outside for a walk before work especially when the flowers are in bloom and the grass is green. I find that it helps clear my mind. I also find that solutions to problems often pop into my mind while I am out walking. Plus, I get to check something off my to-do list before 7:00am!

The best part about walking is that all you need is comfy shoes, sunglasses, and some great tunes. My friend Courtney has put together this Brand New Day Playlist for you specifically with morning walks in mind (or evening walks if that is your jam). This playlist is filled with music that will keep you smiling at the sun, the flowers, and the dogs walking by you.

So, without further ado, I turn the time over to Courtney.

CourtZionNP

Making playlists on Spotify is something I love to do. I have playlists for different seasons, moods, and activities. I’ll spotlight some of them here on Hello Fun Seekers playlist series. I hope you enjoy!

“The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us. Thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing. The trees wave and the flowers bloom in our bodies as well as our souls, and every bird song, wind song, and tremendous storm song of the rocks in the heart of the mountains is our song, our very own, and sings our love.”

John Muir

This playlist called “New Day” is perfect for a beautiful morning walk. It’s full of hopeful, joyful songs to wake you up and make you feel optimistic about your day.

The Songs

It includes some old school classics like The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence”, Paul Simon’s “The Obvious Child” (I can’t help but dance when I hear this one) and Van Morrison’s “Brand New Day.” Plus some newer stuff by Bon Iver, The Lumineers, and Sara Watkins.

A couple on this list that are new to me that I can’t get enough of: “Dearly Departed” by Shakey Graves and “Where I’m Going” by the Wild Reeds.

Grab your morning beverage, some walking shoes and your headphones, and have a beautiful new day!


 

You can check some of Courtney’s other playlists:

Brand New Day Playlist

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