Sunday Soundtrack: Summertime’s Calling Me

One thing about living in Florida is that we stay warm pretty much all year. And even though this winter’s weather has been weirdly warm, I know it won’t last. I’m hard at work on the second Dogwood Mountain novel, this one set in summer, so I have hot days and firefly nights and ice cream on my mind. Going to college in South Carolina taught me to love beach music....
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Sunday Soundtrack: New Year’s Edition

So it’s not Sunday. That’s fine. None of us can remember what day it is at the tail end of the year anyhow. Since it is a fresh new year, this tune reflects what I’ve decided my word for the year will be: intention The past few years have been bumpy, what with children leaving for college, growing older, school drama (listen to teachers, folks), and the rocky political...
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Sunday Soundtrack: “Southern Accent”

It’s not a requirement to love Tom Petty if you’re a Floridian. It’s baked in. We absorb it from the sunshine and from the feel of our bare feet in the sandy soil. He may have spent decades on the west coast, but his true self was proclaimed every time he published a song through Gone Gator Music. Sorry, California. He’s ours and always will be. We’re just a little...
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Sunday Soundtrack: Stay High

No, it’s not what you think—but do you, if you feel inclined! This solo outing by Alabama Shakes lead singer Brittany Howard is a tribute to great dads. And since my own Daddy had his birthday this week, I thought it very appropriate for today. Artist, actor, and funnyman Terry Crews is a perfect choice to lead the folks of Athens, Alabama through this uplifting song....
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Sunday Soundtrack: Higher Ground

I adore nearly every version of this Stevie Wonder classic, but this one by Playing for Change has been on repeat lately. PFC is a group dedicated to inspiring the world through “the common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.” Keep reaching—and...
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