For the last few days I have been pondering – and quite amazed, really – about how powerful our minds are.  What do I mean?  Well, never mind that our BRAINS keep our hearts going, make sure we breathe, etc.  But my focus has been more on the fact that so many things can trigger reactions in us.  Wow, I am not making sense……

For example, it totally amazes me that a certain smell can trigger very real memories.  Many peeps tell me when they smell cookies baking it reminds them clearly – vividly –  of a memory from their childhood.  For me its garlic; whenever I smell garlic I think of my Mom making a pasta/olive oil/garlic meal we called “Macaroni I Owe Ya”.  Phonetically, it sounds very Italian, but it really was very cheap to make.  My mom would laugh that us kids liked it so much because, as she would bemoan, “I only made it when money was tight!”  (Get the “I owe ya” part?)  But wow, yummy.  So ANYWAY, that image of her making it (which really was when I was REALLY young), is very vivid when I smell garlic.

And some people, when they get home, even as adults, are “conditioned” by their minds to do certain things.  Like, kids who usually had a snack and drink waiting for them after school often are thirsty or have the munchies when they get home.

Another thing that I’ve noticed is this – when you need to go potty, you say “okay, better go”.  No big deal, you have it under control.  But for me, the very moment I stand in front of the toilet, about to undo my pants for the deed, I REALLY REALLY need to go.  It’s like my mind is already telling my body “hey, you get to go now, it’s gonna be great, and it’s about time”.  The urgency meter goes WAY up at that point.  So, the few moments that I am fiddling with my button and zipper is HORRIBLE, because I am physically fighting my mind’s control over my body, who thinks “hey, let’s let this thing go!” and I am like, “NO MY PANTS ARE STILL ON!!”  I have tried to “trick” my mind, but dang it, it never seems to work.  So, like thousands before me, I do the “Oh my gosh I am gonna pee my pants” dance, hoping that will muddle the mind impulses long enough to allow my pants to be removed…….

I shared this verbally with D, and she laughed at me.  Hmmmmm.  My intellect must intimidate her…….

Gina OUT!

So yeah, I have great pride in our country, the men and women who have died to make it what it is today, and I am proud of the men and women who are in the armed forces today.  Words really cannot express my gratitude – and even though this country is not perfect, I am proud to be an American!  I still believe it is the best place to live in the world.

On that note, here is a special Memorial Day song, which is from one of my favorite bands and also a great example (in my opinion) of an “American” Song.  And the hair?  Very American……

By Uh Huh Her.  You should check them out.

Still sick.  Stick grumpy.  So yeah, I am normal.

Here’s another song – I actually wrote it in December and no lyrics.  Only listen if you want to, by clicking here.

So I am fighting shingles or some other horrible virus that enflames my nerves that causes pain and itching on my body.  Sigh.  So to distract myself, I wrote a song today.

Of course, I am singing again and I ain’t no Kirstie, but I hope you enjoy.  To hear the song, click here.

by the glorious Led Zeppelin!  Ah, I love this band…..

You need coolin’, baby, I’m not foolin’,
I’m gonna send you back to schoolin’,
Way down inside honey, you need it,
I’m gonna give you my love,
I’m gonna give you my love.

[Chorus]
Wanna Whole Lotta Love [X4]

You’ve been learnin’, baby, I bean learnin’,
All them good times, baby, baby, I’ve been yearnin’,
Way, way down inside honey, you need it,
I’m gonna give you my love… I’m gonna give you my love.

[Chorus]

You’ve been coolin’, baby, I’ve been droolin’,
All the good times I’ve been misusin’,
Way, way down inside, I’m gonna give you my love,
I’m gonna give you every inch of my love,
Gonna give you my love.

[Chorus]

Way down inside… woman… You need… love.

Shake for me, girl. I wanna be your backdoor man.
Keep it coolin’, baby.

by Faith Hill.  To have the need for this song really, really rocks.

If I could grant
You one wish
I’d wish you could see the way you kiss
Ooh, I love watching you
Baby
When you’re driving me crazy

Ooh, I love the way you
Love the way you love me
There’s nowhere else I’d rather be
Ooh, to feel the way I feel with your arms around me
I only wish that you could see the way you love me
The way you love

It’s not right
It’s not fair
What you’re missing over there
Someday I’ll find a way to show you
Just how lucky I am to know you

Ooh, I love the way you
Love the way you love me
There’s nowhere else I’d rather be
Ooh, to feel the way I feel with your arms around me
I only wish that you could see the way you love me
The way you love me

You’re the million reasons why
There’s love reflecting in my eyes

Ooh, I love the way you
Love the way you love me
There’s nowhere else I’d rather be
Ooh, to feel the way I feel with your arms around me
I only wish that you could see the way you love me
The way you love me
The way you love me

Ooh, the way you love me
The way you love me