1st Day of Christmas - The Countdown Concludes.

Just listen . . . Need I say more.


Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

3rd Day of Christmas

The Nativity and "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant

The first time I saw Breath of Heaven played in sync with the Nativity produced by the LDS Church, I was absolutely in awe.  I almost cried due to the spirit of Christ that it emulates.  The music follows the movie perfectly, but to my knowledge, it wasn't planned to be played together.  Anyway, I hope today's gift from me to you of the 12 Days of Christmas will bring the real spirit of Christmas--Jesus Christ's birth--into your heart and mind more fully. 

Merry Christmas!

PS: Tomorrow's song for Christmas is my absolute FAV! Plus, don't miss Christmas day's song; it will amaze you!  I was amazed.  Can't believe there is only 2 days left of my 12 Days of Christmas.  It has come and almost gone so fast.

4th Day of Christmas

Celine Dion - Oh Holy Night

Six years ago, I lived in Taiwan. During Christmas time a group of my friend's and I performed at a shopping mall singing Christmas songs.  I was chosen to sing a solo of this song.  Admittedly, I was terrified to sing in front of a bunch of strangers.  I practiced a lot because I'm not the best of singers.  I sang well in the end, granted not as good as Celine Dion, but portrayed the spirit of Christmas through my menial efforts.  Ever since then, I have adored this song.  It delivers the message of the Jesus Christ's birth perfectly.  I hope that you all can adore Oh Holy Night as much as I do. 

5th Day of Christmas

Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas

Ok, how can you not like this song?  It was for a good cause, and it has incredibly great 80's musicians in it like Bono and Sting. Hehe. Hey, that's not the only reason why I like the song.  The best part, other than Bono and Sting, is Boy George with the cool aid colored red hair.  He does his eye makeup better than I do--that's sad.  Interesting little tidbit for you, I was two years old when this song came out.  Gees, I have little crushes on men (Bono and Sting) who way older than me.  Could that be construed as weird?  :) 

Question: What was one of your favorite Christmas memories and why?

One of my favorite memories was the year that my brother and I tried to catch the elves that were helping my parents wrap presents in their bedroom.  We put a broom under the door to wrangle the little guys in.  They were very elusive and difficult to see. :)  My dad ended up pushing the broom out and it hit my brother in the eye.  That was not the reason why I liked it, though.  I really felt bad for my brother.  Regardless of my brother getting hurt, we had fun. 

6th Day of Christmas

Celtic Woman - Carol Of The Bells


Today's gift of musical cheer for the my version of the 12 Days of Christmas includes the energetic song Carol of the Bells.  I found this incredible version of it by Celtic Woman.  The violinist is amazing.  The singers are angelic.  Enjoy!  And more songs to come tomorrow and up to Christmas Day. Christmas Day's song is my most favorite.  It brings a tear to my eye.  You won't want to miss it.
So, I asked this question yesterday on my post, but I want to ask it again; what do you want for Christmas?   

7th Day of Christmas

Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You
Great song, eh? Peppy and rockin song for sure.  The coolest part about the music video is the two dogs running around in the snow with reindeer ears on.  I am a sucker when it comes to dogs. I love them!
Well, dear followers and friends, here is what I asked my parents to get me for Christmas:

Despicable Me DVD - LOVE this movie.

The last two books of The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare.  I read the first book last month and loved it.  Great ending to hook you in for the rest of the series.

And Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.

Can't wait to watch the movie and devour the books.  It's funny cause I know exactly what I'm getting for Christmas already. Didn't even have to snoop. :)

What do you want for Christmas?  Can't wait to hear about your Christmas wish list.  Merry Christmas again!

8th Day of Christmas

Sarah Brightman - Ave Maria

OK, who doesn't like Sarah Brightman? If you don't then I implore you to listen to this song. You'll change your mind for sure--hopefully. Years ago, I worked at a music store and they had all of these demo CD's that they were giving away to the employees. I leafed through them in hopes of finding something I knew or liked. I found nothing that interested me very much except for one CD that caught my attention--Sarah Brightman's album Eden.  The album cover is what made me take it home.  It was so intriguing in it's striking red and black.  The music had to be just as good. I was dead on right.

Of course, I'd never heard anything by Sarah Brightman except for her perfect vocal range in The Phantom of the Opera.  Well, Eden was taken home, listened to, and adored.  I've enjoyed her music since. Thanks be to the free demo CD and the person who designed the cover. (BTW, Talk about great book covers that make you buy them.  I hope mine is just as good so people will buy it. Hehe) Well, some years after the demo CD steal, I got to see her in concert at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. She was exquisite. She was real, standing right there, singing her glorious music. Oh, yeah, probably the best concert I've ever seen, and I've seen to A LOT of concerts.

Anyway, back to the point at hand.  Six years ago, I lived in Taiwan.  It was Christmas, I was away from home, and my friend's mom sent me a holiday CD for Christmas.  It was graced with Eve Maria by Sarah Brightman.  Since then I think I've listened to the song at least a hundred times or more. Seriously.  I share it with you now in hopes that it will bring Christmas cheer into your holiday season.  Again, Merry Christmas and enjoy the song.  

PS: More songs to come all next week with the best of the songs on Christmas day!

9th Day of Christmas & Important Writing Update

Coldplay - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

I really like Cold Play's songs Yellow, Clocks, The Scientist, Viva la Vida, and Life in Technicolor II. Lead singer, Chris Martin has a distinct voice that draws me in, and the accompaniment makes me want to dance. Their version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is like warming myself in front of a crackling fire in my pajamas with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. The song warms me to the soul by illuminating the pure nature of peace. I love it. I hope you do as well. Merry Christmas again.

Now on to other news. Officially, I'm home from my writing sabbatical. I'm back to editing with a renewed sense of awe of the written word. I studied a couple books that I mentioned in a previous post. They were eye opening, inspiring. I'd highly reccomend them. Now, I feel better equipped to take on the daunting but exciting task of editing. The decision to take an editing break was quite possibly the best idea I've had in a while. To be honest, I was burned out. I was sick of editing. I was ready for my new project, but the manuscript was unfinished. I had to find something to enlighten my mind and create a new bond between me and my manuscript. And happily I can say that it worked. IT WORKED! I will scream in the streets now, "It worked!" I'm totally back in business with ideas and new ways to polish it for submission. Yes, these ideas will in some ways drastically change things, but totally for the better. That's a huge part of writing--making it better. Wish me luck dear followers.

Announcement time! I've planned to complete this crucial edit by the end of January. I tell you all so you can keep tabs on me. Hehe! No seriously, keep tabs on me. Ciao till tomorrow, the 8th Day of Christmas! Yes, I'll still post something on Saturday and Sunday for your listening pleasure in the spirit of Christmas.

10th Day of Christmas

Wham! - Last Christmas

Ok, the video for this song is pretty much cheesy in every way possible. Just don't be confused, I DO NOT have a little crush on George Michael like I do with Sting and David Bowie. George Michael instantly makes me think of Arrested Development. Just remember, there's always money in the Banana Stand. Hehe! If you don't get that, you'll have to watch Arrested Development to understand.
Tangent . . .
Anyway, the first time I heard this song on the radio I fell in love with it. Yep, and it has to be the Wham! version, no other version will suffice. Enjoy the song and possibly the creepiness of the video. I might think you weird if you do though. Oh, yeah, don't grow out a mullet because of this song. They are so 80's and should stay in the 80's. Have another great day!

11th Day of Christmas

Sarah McLachlan - River

Oh, Sarah McLachlan has a beautiful voice. I've loved her music since the first time my ears were graced with her musical creations. Anyway, I love her Christmas album "Wintersong," this song is featured on it. Interesting fact: When Sarah released her "Surfacing" album, I loved her super short hair, so I had my hair cut exactly the same. Did it look good? Maybe. It was really easy to do in the morning though.
Anyway, we're one day closer to Christmas. I hope that our hearts are open to the true meaning of Christmas--the birth of Jesus Christ. Emulate his example by giving and loving during this season, but more importantly, continue to share those characteristics throughout the coming year.
Have a great day!

12th Day of Christmas

Sting - I Saw Three Ships

So, like David Bowie, I have a little crush on Sting. I actually call him Stingypooh--my term of endearment for him. I even call my Mom and Dad Momsipooh and Dadsipooh. Hence, "pooh" at the end of a tittle or name is a term of endearment. It's like Winnie the Pooh! But I really like this song, and Sting's voice is glorious to start with, but putting it to this song is even more amazing. I couldn't find a video that actually shows Sting in all his numminess but that's ok. The pictures shown in the video well represent the true meaning of Christmas; that is even better. Enjoy and Happy 12th Day of Christmas.

12 (13) Days of Christmas - Day 13

Bing Crosby & David Bowie - The Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth
I have a little crush on Mr. David; however, David and Bing sound just amazing together in this song. Enjoy!

My 12 (13 - Christmas Day included) Days of Christmas includes some of the Christmas songs that I really, really like. Tune in every day from now until Christmas Day to see what I'll post next. Merry Christmas everyone.

Remember . . .

Starting Monday, December 13, 2010 my 12 Days of Christmas will commence. Well, actually, it will be 13 Days of Christmas but that includes Christmas Day. I have something extraordinary planned for Christmas Day. Every day from December 13 until Christmas Day something special will be posted on my blog. Look forward to whatever it is . . .

So You Want to Write a Novel

When I started writing my novel, I'll admit, I sort of had a small, tiny, minuscule idea it was going to be easy, but after having written for almost a year now and researched the industry—A LOT—I found out it isn't easy. It takes a lot of work and a lot of hours at your computer. Gees and I’m not even to querying yet. Anyway, this video cracks me up because it's not a piece of cake to write a book. Enjoy, but most importantly enjoy your wonderful Thursday! Remember, tomorrow is Friday and that is just delicious!

BTW, look forward to my own version of the 12 Days of Christmas coming soon. Of course, it will start 12 days before Christmas. That is typical Julia, stating the obvious! :)