Title of the Song

My friend, Alan, shared this song with me and I couldn't stop laughing. Had to share it with ya'll.

“Title Of The Song” by Da Vinci's Notebook
From the album “The Life And Times Of Mike Fanning”

Declaration of my feelings for you
Elaboration on those feelings
Description of how long these feelings have existed
Belief that no one else could feel the same as I
Reminiscence of the pleasant times we shared
And our relationship's perfection
Recounting of the steps that led to our love's dissolution
Mostly involving my unfaithfulness and lies
Penitent admission of wrongdoing
Discovery of the depth of my affection
Regret over the lateness of my epiphany

(Chorus)
Title of the song
Naïve expression of love
Reluctance to accept that you are gone
Request to turn back time
And rectify my wrongs
Repetition of the title of the song

Enumeration of my various transgressive actions
Of insufficient motivation
Realization that these actions led to your departure
And my resultant lack of sleep and appetite
Renunciation of my past insensitive behavior
Promise of my reformation
Reassurance that you still are foremost in my thoughts now
Need for instructions how to gain your trust again
Request for reconciliation
Listing of the numerous tasks that I'd perform
Of physical and emotional compensation

CHORUS

Acknowledgment that I acted foolishly
Increasingly desperate pleas for your return
Sorrow for my infidelity
Vain hope that my sins are forgivable
Appeal for one more opportunity
Drop to my knees to elicit crowd response
Prayers to my chosen deity
Modulation and I hold a high note...

CHORUS

Anything Can Be

Listen to the mustn'ts, child.

Listen to the don'ts.

Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts.

Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me...

Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.

-Shel Silverstein

Amen, Shel! I believe that. The sky is the limit! But I forget that sometimes.

My Bible as Literature teacher, Steven Walker, shared this in class the other night. I've been thinking a lot about my dreams and goals as graduation gets closer and trying to figure out what the next step is.

Music is not an easy industry; I know that. You don't just graduate and know what jobs you're going to apply for...it's a different world. I also know that music is inside my heart for an important reason. I just want to do what God wants me to do with music. What is that exactly? Right now I don't know exactly what that is, although I have a lot of ideas of what I want to do. But I do know that if I put God first, work hard and keep trying, God will guide me and give me strength.

The uncertain future can be scary...I think it's natural for us to want to see what's ahead. But sometimes we have to move ahead and try and fail, and then try and try again. I think that's the beauty of life -- God stretches us to become more than we think we can be. He teaches us that anything really can happen, and anything really can be because He created us to do amazing things and He believes in us.

Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.

My Song in the Night

The Lost Get Found -- Britt Nicole

Ok, my friends. I am in love with Britt Nicole's music and I wanted to let you know about her. She is an amazing Christian Contemporary artist and her music just speaks to my heart.

Why do I love her music so much? It's HONEST. Honest about imperfections and weaknesses, but also honest about the truth that God is real and He can heal us and help us with anything.

Check out her new music video below "The Lost Get Found." You can listen to more of her music here. My favorites are "Walk on the Water", "Safe," and "Have Your Way" which you can buy on iTunes.

From the richest to the poorest

Scott and Brian before leaving the MTC

As you may know, both of my twin brothers are serving two-year missions for our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are both serving in Chile. They've been there for two weeks now and are learning so much. Scotty shared a beautiful experience with me today in his email. He said:

"At about 9:30 pm the night before, Elder Killian and I were walking in the street and this drunk woman or baracha stopped us and was really sincere about asking for help to stop drinking. So we set up an appointment to teach her at her home the next day. To make a long story short, we went there to teach her the next day.

We went to Pasaje 1 in Chiloe and found Ana´s home, a little one room shack made of plywood and other scraps that had a sheet for a door. We sat outside on a log and taught Ana about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how it could help her stop drinking. And how nothing is impossible with God as it says in Luke 1:37. She really liked what we had to say and she said she would start praying for Gods help in stopping her addiction.

The lesson was great, but the greater lesson I learned from this was that all people from the very rich to the very very poor, like Ana, need the help of God in their life. I had never seen such primitive living conditions, even here in Chile and I judged Ana before the lesson on the way her house looked. But after the lesson I realized that the size or shape of one's house isn´t important at all and that all people are equal."

That really hit me. From the richest to the poorest, every single person needs God in their life. I know that wherever we are, whatever our circumstances, we all have one thing in common--we need God. I've felt how much I need Him and how much I need His love. When I feel His love, it gives me energy to do anything. It gives me strength beyond my own and it is the best feeling in the world.

I feel and see His love in the sunshine, in the warm smile of a friend, in the wind, the colors of the autumn leaves, music, in learning, in the taste of chocolate :) and in so many things! Heavenly Father reminds us how infinite His love is for us. He is all around us--we just need to seek Him and we will find Him everywhere.

This is one of my favorite songs ever put to a beautiful video. Take a minute to watch it and to reflect on how you feel God's love every day. Feel free to comment and share your thoughts.

Lessons Learned from Tinkerbell

True fact: Sometimes you just need a good girls’ night. I had a much needed girls' night yesterday with one of my best friends. We ordered pizza, talked about boys, and watched Tinkerbell. (Another true fact: I love pizza. And I might have eaten a lot of it yesterday.) LOVED this movie! It’s clean, great animation, great music and an awesome message = that equals my kind of movie! Definitely worth watching.

Sometimes I think I’m like Tinkerbell...let me explain. Tink is a tinker – she fixes things. But she didn’t feel like that was important in comparison to the other fairies that got to go to the main land when seasons changed. So she got some other fairies to teach her their talent, but it didn’t work. She spent so much time looking at others gifts but she was neglecting her unique and important talent, and what she really loved deep down.

But she finally realized her talent for fixing things. When she was using her talent to help others, she was happy. She was just being herself.

I think it’s very easy for anyone to be like Tinkerbell was, but we don’t have to be just like so and so. I am unique. You are unique. We each have something so important to offer. And I know God will help us as we find our gifts and He’ll help us know how to use them.

If you don’t want to watch the whole movie, here’s a clip from it that I love. It’s at the climax of the movie where Tink is trying so hard to prove herself to the other fairies, but then she discovers…well, you’ll just have to watch…

“Your talent makes you who you are. You should be proud of it.”-Tinkerbell

Thanks, Tink. I needed the reminder.

School is cool. Homework rules?

School is in session! I've been doing homework all day--listening to Haydn, Gluck, Stamitz, Mozart, and other amazing composers for my music history exam. Some of their pieces can sound so similar on the test so I listen over and over. My favorite is John Gay's..."My heart was so free, it roved like a bee!" haha It makes me smile. Maybe I should use language like that in my songs....hmmm...

I love learning and stretching myself and my classes are definitely doing that this semester. I haven't posted in a while but will do better. In the meantime, here are links to my weekly music blogs for MormonTimes.com which I absolutely love writing. Here are a few of the most recent ones--check em out! If you're looking for fresh new music, you might find something you like there. :) Loves!

On tour with Truman
Lowe does 3rd tour with David Archuleta
Faith-promoting music from fellow Christians
Musicians, community combine for great cause
Summer showcase finalists seek to uplift

Make You Feel My Love [cover]

Thanks everyone who came to the Hammer Hands LIVE Playlist Concert Tuesday Night! It was one of my favorite shows ever, and that's because YOU guys are awesome. My friend, Chris, recorded "Make You Feel My Love" from that night so I wanted to share it with you. It's one of my favorite romantic songs. I remember first hearing it at the drive-in in NY when I saw "Hope Floats." Thank you Bob Dylan for writing this gorgeous song!!

Natachia Li joined me for a couple songs on the cello and it was so beautiful. I love the warmth and depth the cello brings. Hope you enjoy this and that you're doing well!

Brian Regan Ab Workout

I'm home in Montana for a few days and my family and I have been watching some Brian Regan videos. He is hilarious. Watching his videos is a great ab workout too ;) Here's one of my favorites...

Writing for Mormon Times

Some of you know I write music articles for The Mormon Times. I've been meaning to post links to them on here for a while. So here are the links to some of my articles if you want to check em out:
Summer Jam West emphasizes building a strong music community
Summer Showcase voting closes Aug. 15
Summer Jam West calls on all Utah talent
Showcase: Songs that deserve a listen
Tuesday night summer concert series
Summer Showcase's Chelsey Stallings
The power of art centered in Christ
Summer Showcase: Something for everyone's musical taste
The Mormon Times' Showcase contest: A hop towards the hip

Good People doing Great Things

On Monday, I read an article in the Daily Universe about a humanitarian group called Rising Star Outreach. They started a mobile medical clinic to help treat those affected with leprosy and they also started a school for children who come from leprosy-affected families. The article really touched me - there are people all over the world using their blessings to do good things and help others. That is what it's all about! I want to be a part of that. These things are what make life truly meaningful.

The president of Rising Star Outreach, Becky Douglas, said, "It seems like if you just lift your hand to help your fellowmen, God multiplies what you do by a thousand."

This morning, my friend Tiffany called me and told me there's a fundraiser tomorrow night for an organization who helps people affected with leprosy. The organizations for this fundraiser are Promethean Spark and Rising Star Outreach -- both are doing great things to help leprosy-affected individuals in India. Tiffany's friend is in charge of it and a couple of the musicians dropped out last minute so she asked me to play at it. I'm excited to get to play and hear more about the great things people are doing. If you're in the Provo, Utah area and can come, please do and spread the word! Here's the info:

Date:	Thursday, August 13, 2009
Time:	7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location:	Tahitian Noni Auditorium
Street:	333 West River Park Drive
City/Town:	Provo, UT

Price:

Suggested $10 dollar donation

Two of my BESTEST friends

They will always be my little brothers but they sure have grown into amazing men!

My twin brothers, Brian and Scott, go into the MTC (Missionary Training Center) tomorrow where they'll be for two months. Then Scotty's going to the Santiago Chile Mission and Brian's going to the Osorno Chile Mission for the next two years.

I'm SO proud of them. It's funny looking back and remembering when they were babies and would love to play in the toilet...it was HILARIOUS. Now 19 years later, here they are going to share something that they have come to know for themselves is true, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with the people in Chile.

Thinking of that makes me look at little babies in a whole different way. Each baby grows up and has such great potential to change the world for the better.

I'm definitely going to miss my brothers while they are gone the next two years, but I'm more excited for them. They are going because they want to go and because they know Jesus Christ is their Savior and they want to share the beautiful message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone.

I talked to Brian and Scott on the phone tonight to say goodbye. I already gave them a zillion hugs when I saw them a week ago. :) Their advice to me for the next two years? Flirt. Hahaha my brothers. I love everything about them. They're two of my bestest buds in the whole wide world.

Scooter and I

Brian the lion and I (...and Scotty's waving arms in the background)

Yay for family and color coordination ;)

Counting Our Blessings

One of my favorite blogs is Paul Cardall's blog. He was born with CHD and has been waiting for a heart transplant for a while. His faith and perspective have really inspired me. One particular post really has helped me look at things with a better perspective - click here to read it.

Sheahan Family Dance Party

I got to go HOME to Montana last weekend. All of my family was home and it was heavenly. Whitney just got back from teaching English for a year in France and we are soooo happy to have her back.

Main reason for going home: my brothers spoke in church before they go on their missions to Chile. They both did a wonderful job. I'm so proud of them and sooo excited for them. They will be amazing missionaries.

The Sheahan Family dance party was definitely one of the highlights of the weekend. Whit learned this fun dance to a song called "Cupid Shuffle" while she was in France. So here we are getting our groove on. You'll see Whitney, my Momma, Brian, Scott, and I and then my cute cousin Alyssa, and my Aunt Natalie. You should buy "Cupid Shuffle" on iTunes and then learn the dance from us here and have your own family dance party! Wicked fun and a decent workout! Scooter went a little crazy at the end of this one and broke the dance up with his monkey moves... =)

Grateful

I'm grateful I can completely trust in my Heavenly Father who is so real. I may not be able to see Him, but I know He's all around me and He hears me. I'm grateful I can get on my knees and ask Him for help. I'm grateful He knows what's best for me and that He is shaping me.

I'm grateful for my family who support me and give me strength to follow my dreams.

I'm grateful for the freedom to dream; the freedom to try and fail, and get back up and try again. I'm grateful to be able to grow and become who I want to be.

I'm grateful for love. To love, to be loved, to be surrounded by love. I love love. :)

I'm grateful for you. Yep.

I'm grateful to live in this beautiful country and for my freedom. I know it has not come without a price, and I'm so grateful to be here and to have so many amazing opportunities.

I'm grateful to know where freedom comes from. It comes from our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is why we can choose. He is why we can be free of sin. He is why our weaknesses can become strengths. He is why we always have a best friend no matter what changes go on in our lives. He is why there is always hope.

What are you grateful for?

Kermie & Cookie Monster...

I love Sesame Street.

There's No Such Thing as Perfect People

This is one of my favorite songs by my favorite artist, Natalie Grant. I saw her in concert last summer at the Utah State Fair and took this sideways video. I've looked back on it in moments for the beautiful reminder it gives me and that I often need. It's called "Perfect People." I love these lyrics:

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scarred
Lift up your heart
And be amazed and be changed by a perfect God.

I'm learning more and more how imperfect I am. Sometimes seeing your imperfections, especially on those days when they seem to be completely up in your face, is scary and not fun. But that is why God is perfect. That is why He sent His Son to make a way.

We don't have to be perfect. God is and His love is unconditional. But we must learn to trust God and let Him change our hearts. I know He can and He will. No matter what mistakes we've made in the past or will make today or tomorrow, He can change us to be more like Him.

I have felt Him change me. I know it is not wishful thinking. It's real. We are never stuck the way we are. We were created to be something better, something more than who we naturally are. It is only through our Savior. I know it can't be done on our own.

There was a time in my life where I did feel stuck. But that was a complete lie and deep down, I knew there was a way. It just takes giving your heart. Since then, I have learned that no matter where I am, God can take the broken pieces and heal. Not just part way or temporarily, but can completely heal.

So come just as you are. If you're hurting, if you're broken, if you need healing, if you need forgiveness, if you need grace, if you need redemption, He is the perfect, the perfect God.

Listen to the entire song, "Perfect People" and other beautiful songs by Natalie Grant here.

Learn more about our Savior, Jesus Christ here.

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

My Dad is AWESOME. He has taught me so much about working hard and being diligent. In high school, I would go to him all the time with questions and we'd spend hours working on math and physics problems together. He is such a hard worker and SO smart. He's a nuclear engineer and right now is away working in Florida on a project and often works 10-12 hour days! He is amazing. My Dad has always been so supportive of me following my dreams. I know I wouldn't be where I am without all of his incredible support and love.

One of my favorite memories with my Dad is when I broke my ankle in high school playing soccer. Our team went to state and so my Dad drove me all the way to State Championships. And in Montana, where everywhere you go is at least three hours away, it was a long drive. But it was so much fun to just be with my Dad. He is wonderful.

Here's a little tribute video we made for you. Wish we all could be together today but know we all love you so much. Mom, Whit, Brian, Scott and I are so grateful for you, your love, and all you do for us. Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Brand New Song - "Crush"

At the Hammer Hands Live Playlist Concert @ the Tahitian Noni 6/9/09. Featuring Ryan Innes and Jordan Rose on djembe.

If You've Never Failed, You've Never Lived

I remember when I opened my letter from the School of Music in March 2007 after waiting weeks to hear back after auditions. I didn't get in. I was full of all kinds of emotions. I was bummed, I was confused, I was unsure about what to do next...but I remember getting down on my knees and praying. And that was where I found the strength to turn this "failure" into something.

After that prayer, I read Mormon 5:23 in the Book of Mormon: "Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll?" I remember feeling this incredible peace come over me that was definitely a gift and answer from God. That was when I started writing the song, "In Your Hands" that's on my album. Not getting in made me dig deeper and realize that writing and creating music is my passion. And if it meant auditioning again the next year or doing it some other way, then so be it.

As you may know, the director of the Media Music program, Ron Simpson, called me in about three weeks after that. He told me a spot had opened and they wanted me in! I felt that same peace from God and I know that it needed to happen that way. I learned way more from failing than I would have learned if I made it in in the first place. So when I stumbled on this beautiful video, it reminded me not only of that experience, but just that life is about failing and succeeding. We learn from both. Failure is nothing to be afraid of. It's part of life and part of really living. It means we are taking risks; it means not being satisfied with being mediocre; it means trying something new that stretches us; and it means recognizing even more that we are in God's hands. He is shaping us as we give everything we have. Those experiences are what mold us and help us to be the kind of people that can make a difference in this world and help lift other people.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~Mark Twain

What makes you alive?

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

~ Harold Thurman Whitman

Things that make me alive:
1) Following my dreams no matter what people say - giving it my all even if I fail. And then learning to get back up again.
2) Having deep conversations with people that open my eyes and inspire me.
3) Being around people who make you want to be better.
4) Discovering new things about the world. Traveling, meeting amazing and unique people everywhere you go.
5) Living the gospel and learning to rely on my Savior more each day. Feeling and allowing the change that Christ can make in my heart makes me feel alive. I realize that He loves me despite all my weaknesses and imperfections. And He helps me find who I really am and become more of who He made me to be.
6) Writing songs and digging down deep to express something and being completely honest with how I feel. And then being able to share it and connect with other people through music.
7) Listening to music that touches my soul. Like the first time I heard Natalie Grant's song, "In Better Hands" and Mandisa's song, "God Speaking."
8) Eating French food (specifically, crepes. Yum!). :)
9) And as you can probably tell, bright colors. And finding the good in everything that I can and noticing God's hand in my life breathes life into me. I'm not always the best at it, but I'm trying and learning.

"My father says almost the whole world's asleep. Everybody you know, everybody you see, everybody you talk to. He says only a few people are awake. And they live in a state of constant total amazement."
~Joe Vs. The Volcano

What makes you alive? Comment and let me know!

Mystery Man in San Fran

The Smartest Eight-Year-Old I've Ever Met

I met the smartest eight-year-old I've ever met on Saturday. Sometimes I get to go play my music at the soup kitchen while people eat. It's probably my favorite place to play...I leave with a lot of good memories and a reminder to be grateful for my blessings. It's a less formal "show" and people just come talk to me in the middle of my songs. I love it! So I sang there on Saturday evening and met some wonderful people. This one guy came up during "Handshake," and started making up his own version of the song, Indian style. It was great. :) He said next time I come, he's going to write a song for me and him to sing together. Watch out for that one! :)

I have a soft spot for 8-yr-old Ann. She's smart and beautiful. Her eyes shine with determination to do great things with her life. Her heart is pure and innocent, but she hasn't had an easy life. I found out Ann's parents divorced when she was four, so that's been really tough for her. Just talking to her for 15 minutes, I could feel that Ann is a very special and valiant daughter of God who was sent here to make a difference. She opened her heart to me and told me about her dreams. She said, "Sometimes people fight about such silly things. I don't get it. But I want to help people and change that." She told me about a boy at school who got in a fight over a bag of chips, and she said, "It's not worth it to fight! Especially over chips! And the kind of chips he had were a disgusting kind too!" :) Seriously, this 8-yr-old has a heart of gold. I was so impressed that at such a young age, she was trying to figure out how she could make a difference. She wants to go places and she has big dreams. But with the fire she has inside her to go places, she will get to those dreams and beyond. Ann really made me think about my own dreams. Am I doing everything I can to make them come true? How can I make a difference?

Thanks, Ann, for reminding me about using each day for the things that really matter. I know that each one of us has a purpose in being on the earth at this time and things that Heavenly Father has specifically sent us here to do. We are here to make a difference - to love deeply, to change lives, to take risks and grow and learn. It's never going to be a piece of cake. But finding our purpose and living to fulfill that is more rewarding than anything else.

Memories on Marco Island

I haven't posted for a few days cuz I was in FLORIDA. We stayed on Marco Island and it's gorgeous.
Favorite memories on Marco Island:
~Parasailing with my brothers and seeing dolphins
~Watching the sunset with my mom almost every night. I could watch the sunset over and over. God is an amazing artist. It's so cool how every night it's different and breathtaking.
~Going down the water slide at least 50 times with my family
~Collecting sea shells early in the morning with Mom and Dad
~Seeing starfish for the first time! (besides in pictures and movies)
~Our crazy parasailing guides who told me to "don't move - seriously don't move!" when I was getting out of the boat, pretending there was something dangerous in the water that I was about to be attacked by. Scared the living daylights out of me until I realized they were joking. Whew! Boy were they jokesters (and good at it too)! :)
~Alligators! There were tons in the everglades and brave little turtles were all around them too.
~My brothers and Dad eating alligator tail. Yuck! But interesting. They said it tastes like chicken. I like chicken but I'm not so sure about this alligator tail.

I highly recommend going to Marco Island. Beautiful, relaxing and renewing. Here are a few pictures...

Scott and Brian on the boat after parasailing

This is a very common part of the vacation where Brian and Scott wrestle each other. Boys and wrestling...I just don't get it. :) But gotta love em!

Dolphin!!! Mr. Flipper! I was so excited! If I had to be an animal, I would be a dolphin. Why? They're smart, cute, jump in the water, and are pretty much at the top of the food chain! I bet now I've convinced you to be a dolphin...

Brian & I parasailing

Those shadows are the clouds...you might have figured that out already.

Scooter and I parasailing. When we came down they dunked us in the water a little! That was my favorite part. So fun! They said they would have gotten us more if Scotty didn't have the camera with him. Oh well! Next time. Parasailing made me want to go skydiving. Are you game?


I can't figure out how to rotate this pic. Hmm.


"Have you ever watched a sunset and felt you could not breathe? What if it's Him? What if it's God speaking? Who knows how He'll get ahold of us. Get our attention, to prove He is enough. He'll do and He'll use whatever He wants to. To tell us, I love you." -Lyrics from one of my fave songs called "God Speaking" written by Ronnie Freeman, performed by Mandisa. You can listen to it here. I brought my ipod and listened to this song while watching the sunset. God is in everything. He created so many amazing things for us to enjoy and also so that we remember Him. I know He loves you and me.


"As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made." ~ D&C 88: 7

Cool Blog - Give Away Today

A few weeks ago I discovered this really unique and cool blog. There was an article in the Daily Universe about this blog called "Give Away Today." They give away something (or sometimes several things) every single day! Pretty rad, right?!

Anyone can enter - usually each person can enter up to three times a day (see the instructions on their site on how to enter). It's really simple to enter and is totally worth it. Plus you get to learn about unique things that you might be interested in and not know about otherwise...unique clothing stores, photographers, jewelry, music, etc. Three of my CDs are going to be given away as part of their Mother's Day give away next Friday. You should check out the site here...who knows, maybe you'll win something!

Bird busts a move to Ray Charles

My Dad sent me this, and it made my day. This bird knows how to groove! You gotta check it out (and pick up some new dance moves).

Old Pics & Memories

I was looking through a few of the pictures on the computer at my home in Montana and these (below) made me smile. It's funny/crazy how fast we grow up, huh?

My talented cousin, Sherelle, took these pictures (the one above and the two below) when she was visiting us one morning. She's amazing! You should check out her blog here: My Crazy Life

Model pose=one hand in the pocket. Ow ow! :)

This is a signature pose for the Sheahan family. Love it! I don't know if I can get my Mom and Dad to do this pose, though. I'll have to try.

It would take a lot of bribing to get my brothers to do this pose now. Glad I got it while I could!

No Place Like Home

Welcome my dear friends! I'm excited to start blogging. I've wanted to start a blog here for a while. Finals finished up last week and now I'm back home in Montana visiting for a few days. What better time to start a blog than with a slow internet connection! :) It's really not that bad, but compared to the internet I have in Utah...it's like a cheetah vs. a turtle.

There really is no place like home. Here are just a few things I love most about home in Montana:

1. Momma's cooking. For breakfast today she made a peach strawberry smoothie and it was heavenly! (In my opinion, way better than Jamba Juice.)
   
2. My water bed. My Dad built this water bed for his Dad before he passed away, and it's been my bed since I got out of my crib. I love feeling like I'm sleeping on the ocean! When I was little and I couldn't sleep, I imagined I was out on the ocean. (there were no sharks, of course). Somehow that helped me relax and get to sleep.
3. My best friends live with me. Not all my family is here...one of my best friends is in France (my sister, Whit - I miss her lots!), and my Dad's away at work for a little bit (who I also miss tons but get to see next week!). But to have my brothers and my mom be my roommates is the best! Family is the best.
   
4. My dog, Penny...have to admit I've missed her! Even though she is a little crazy and eats everything in sight, she makes me happy.
   
5. My 80 year old neighbor was wearing a hot pink jacket the other day and it just made me smile. My neighbors here are so friendly and warm.
6. The creek right behind my house. I love listening to the sound of water.
7. The piano. We have a piano that I can play whenever I want! At school, I usually have to go to campus to play. But it's just right there! Love it.
   
8. Seeing old friends. I got to meet up with my friend, Justin, for dinner last night, and I'm meeting my friend, Jane, for lunch tomorrow. Catching up on life with someone you haven't seen in a while is wonderful!
   
9. Going for walks with my mom. My mom religiously walks our dog morning and evening. I love going with her and just having mommy/daughter time. Nothing better!
10. People here drive ten below the speed limit (not all, but a lot of them). Which sometimes is not my favorite thing when I need to get somewhere (it's the complete opposite of Utah driving where everyone seems to drive ten over the limit), but in a way it says a lot about Montana. People aren't in a rush. They enjoy life and take it as it comes. Everyone waves at you as they drive by (the little finger wave on the wheel which is kind of funny). And people are just warm and friendly. If you haven't been to Montana, I recommend it. Here's a quote about Montana that I like:

    "I am in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection, but with Montana it is love, and it's difficult to analyze love when you're in it." -Steinbeck's "Travels with Charlie"