Seeking Optimist Playlist!

One month ago today I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Without much warning….  And damn. This was not in my playbook. I’m only 42?! Not me… not possible. But it was. And it brought me to my knees.

Today, with a lot of support and care, I am standing tall again and this past Thursday I went through my second round of chemo. No picnic but I’m okay and so far, the doctors are all very pleased by how well I’m doing. I give it up to the blend of Western meds and Eastern treatments I’m embracing. Including a lot of walking and yoga and more mindful eating habits.

I’m easing back in to my job at Nike but taking it day by day and extremely grateful for all the people who have not just looked me in the eye but gave me big ol’bearhugs of welcome and strength. My hair has fallen out almost completely now but I’m sporting what I hoped was a sassy wig/scarf combination that would minimize drama and attention.

Axl in better days...

(However, I think it actually makes people start humming “Sweet Child of Mine” as I pass by.  Maybe not such a bad thing?)

But now here’s a short story of another rocker that is higher on my list than dear Axl. Eddie Vedder is what I consider a sublime poet of our time (and lets face it, he’s still hot. Axl not so much).

Mr. Vedder

My two favorite songs of late were ballads on Pearl Jam’s most recent album, Backspacer, called “Just Breathe” and “The End.” (See lyrics at the bottom of the post. Much better to hear the real thing though.)

When all this went down I couldn’t help but wallow in the thought that Eddie somehow wrote these words just for me. Cue to me in a huddled puddle of anger and sadness. It was good catharsis for a while but then my older sister Erika came for a visit (bless her). She wanted none of it. Between these tracks and the constant wail of Colin Meloy from The Decemberists (house band/husband Dan’s fave), it was all too much for her.  And for those of you that know Erika, you don’t mess with her when she’s got a big sister plan. She said to me, “That’s it. We need a new playlist.” Her suggestions already started to push me to a new place of hope and openess… “I Will Survive” was the obvious first suggestion, with Cancer “doing me wrong” of course instead of a man.

Flash forward to a few days ago when my 10 year old Hadley queued up another Pearl Jam Backspacer song on the Sonos called “Amongst the Waves.” She declared it her favorite and after listening closely I think she’s got it all right for me. (apropos lyrics are listed, again, at the bottom of the post. But check the real deal song too for it’s uplifting, groovy tempo). This, I declared would be the second song on my Optimist Playlist.

So now to you. Everyone has asked what they can do and I’m saying Help! I need you oh-so-creative and hip friends and family! Give me your suggestion for what should make it onto the ultimate kick-cancer-in-the-ass-‘mixtape.’

In the words of Eddie (last time I’ll plagiarize I promise), “whisper in my unknown future’s ear” and give me some more good words in the form of song suggestions for my playlist (post in the comment section below, perhaps?). I’ll think of them as my special Power Songs that I can punch in on the low days when I need a boost. And, please do know that I AM riding high amongst the waves thanks to all of your strong shoulders.

XO_KHP

 

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53 Comments

  1. Dan
    Posted April 28, 2010 at 3:52 pm | Permalink

    Who would have thought you would look so beautiful without hair? You may start a trend.

  2. Reshma Taufiq
    Posted April 28, 2010 at 10:18 am | Permalink

    For the sake of putting myself out there, I love the movie Chasing Liberty. I heard this Itallian pop song on it and I loved it. I didn’t know what it meant. Its perfect for the Optimist playlist.

    Vivi Davero – Giorgia

    Questo e il prezzo che
    Questo mondo impone a noi
    Di vivere senza certezza alcuna
    In bilico nel blu, disperati amanti che
    Non hanno mai trovato amore puro

    Piegati alle regole del tuo mercato
    Mi pento, mi dolgo per questo peccato
    Ma quando respiro mi accorgo che esisto davvero
    E stiamo isolati in cerca di gloria
    mediocri e muti e senza memoria
    ma guarda l’estate e tornata speranza ancora

    Ti prego
    Vivi, vivi, vivi davvero(x2)

    Questo e il prezzo che
    Questo tempo impone a noi
    Velocemente vivere una vita
    Il frutto del peccato una donna l’ha mangiato
    Adesso io vorrei un pezzo di torta

    Piegati alle regole del tuo partito
    Nessun pregiudizio e mai stato sanato
    Raccontami quello che fai per dormire la notte
    Illusi e delusi dal senso di colpa
    Costretti da una morale distorta
    Ma fuori c’e un mondo di anime salve davvero

    Ti prego
    Vivi, vivi, vivi davvero
    (vivi) il cielo su di noi
    (vivi) la strada siamo noi
    vivi davvero

    Vivi, vivi, vivi davvero(x2)

    Feeling dancing
    Get out more(x2)

    Get out more
    Vivi, vivi, vivi davvero
    (vivi) il cielo su di noi
    (vivi) la strada siamo noi
    vivi davvero

    Vivi, vivi, vivi davvero(x6)
    I buoni e i cattivi
    I vinti ed i vivi
    Non c’e ideale che valga una guerra
    Combatti ogni piccolo e grande tormento
    Ed esci di fuori a gioire di ogni momento

    TRANSLATION (or summary of trasnlation)
    Vivi – Live!
    Davero – Always

    Another song I love that reminds me to flight through anything

    Fighter – Christina Aguilerra

  3. Kristi Jo
    Posted April 28, 2010 at 9:18 am | Permalink

    I LOVE your beautiful bald head. LET IT SHINE!!!

    p.s. I kind of liked the blonde bomb…but I have other photos of some great Kerri hairdos that I’d be willing to share. :-)

  4. Shea
    Posted April 27, 2010 at 11:34 pm | Permalink

    K-
    I am so glad I got on FB tonight, haven’t been on in a while. Your blog is such a great way to communicate your journey with all of us who wish we could be there to help in any way possible. Keep up the beautiful writing, it is truly inspirational.
    It seems as though all my fave songs are covered here – let me second Dan’s choice of Cake’s version of “I Will Survive”.
    XOXO
    Sheazo

  5. Posted April 26, 2010 at 2:07 pm | Permalink

    Hey Kerri!!!

    Well I’m glad to hear you getting that body in gear to fight Breast Cancer. After reviewing all my songs, I realized I must be depressing – they are all riduculously angst ridden so I turned to Jessie’s 2nd favorite song and we are giving it to you:

    3 Little Birds – Bob Marley

    linsten to it on grooveshark

    Her first favorite song is Micky by Toni Basil – but don’t tell anyone.

    I love you and miss you!

  6. Alison Rabschnuk
    Posted April 26, 2010 at 12:16 pm | Permalink

    Kerri,
    I’m so proud of you for seizing your diagnosis by the horns and putting cancer in its place. Your strength, positive outlook and the love of your family and friends will see you through this challenging time. Here are my contributions of uplifting songs:

    Bouncing Around the Room – Phish
    Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
    I’m Free – The Soup Dragons
    Spinning Away – Brian Eno & John Cale
    Tribute (Right On) – The Pasadenas
    Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae
    Be Thankful for What You’ve Got – Massive Attack
    Alive & Kicking – Simple Minds
    See the World – Gomez
    It’s My Life – Talk Talk
    You’re gonna Go Far, Kid – The Offspring
    Race for the Prize – The Flaming Lips

    I’m thinking of you often.
    Love and health,
    Alison

  7. Christina Kniffin
    Posted April 25, 2010 at 12:53 pm | Permalink

    Hi Kerri, this is Christina (Fran & Steve Phinney’s daughter). I am sending lotsa warm positive vibes your way. I have a playlist for you that is about 45 songs long. Here is a pared down list for now (I’ll talk with steve about getting the rest of the music to you soon. Here’s what i have for you thus far. Stay strong, many people dearly love you!: Brightblack Morning Light “Everybody Daylight”, CocoRosie “Rainbowarriors” & Deborah Harry & Perry Farrell “The Patience Bossa” xoxo

  8. emma
    Posted April 25, 2010 at 9:08 am | Permalink

    hi momma, these are some happy songs that i like
    ” you keep hanging on” glee cast
    “i got a feeling” black eyed peas
    “favorite girl” justin bieber

  9. Allison Sheniak :)
    Posted April 23, 2010 at 5:19 pm | Permalink

    Kerri, what a smart idea to create this playlist! Music is best medicine. And thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us… looking forward to seeing you and the family next week when Matty and I visit. xoxo Allison

    Here are a few of my suggestions…

    I’m Every Woman by Chaka Kahn but I prefer the Whitney Houston version
    Learning to Fly by Pink Floyd
    Fearless by Pink Floyd
    Stronger by Kanye West (for the swagger)
    Faith by George Michael (imagine watching George Michael’s tush shakin)
    Laughter in the Rain by Neil Sedaka (just because it is happy)
    Thunder Road by Bruce Springsteen (because he is THE BOSS!)
    Details in the Fabric by Jason Mraz
    Take the Time by The Freddy Jones Band
    Jump in the Line by Harry Belafonte (good song to dance around with the family!)
    Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder (80′s classic)
    Bulletproof by La Roux (my new workout song)
    Don’t Stop Believin’ by Glee Cast
    Up! by Shania Twain
    Drive by Incubus
    All Fired Up by Pat Benetar
    Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

  10. Mike Gottberg
    Posted April 23, 2010 at 3:41 pm | Permalink

    For the song list… I’m sure some of these have already been mentioned, and some from DEEP in my collection;

    Hold Your Head Up – Argent
    Sole Survivor – Asia
    Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head – BJ Thomas
    No Matter What – Badfinger
    Good Vibrations – Beach Boys
    Here Comes the Sun – Beatles
    All You Need is Love – Beatles
    Hey Jude – Beatles
    Sgt. Pepper/With a Little Help From My Friends – Beatles
    Getting Better – Beatles
    Lean on Me – Bill Withers
    Presence of the Lord – Blind Faith
    Wonder of it All – Blue Cartoon
    Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
    Carry On – Crosby, Stills & Nash
    Don’t Stop – Fleetwood Mac
    Miracle – Foo Fighters
    See the Light – Green Day
    I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
    You’ve Got a Friend – James Taylor
    Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye
    You Get What You Give – New Radicals
    I Won’t Back Down – Tom Petty
    Beautiful Day – U2
    Walk On – U2
    Miracle Drug – U2

  11. Papa Dew
    Posted April 23, 2010 at 1:33 pm | Permalink

    Hey, Bela fleck and the Flecktones, Flight of the Cosmic Hippo.
    Always makes me grin.

  12. Kathy Gotberg
    Posted April 23, 2010 at 11:38 am | Permalink

    Hi Keri Dan and girls,
    Do you remember me (us) Cathy Vanderzicht’s family that stayed with you and Dan.. it was 10 years ago since your oldest is now 10.. wow how time has gone gone gone… I love your blog Cathy passed it to me. May love and peace surround you….
    Our family is grown Paul is 27 now working for a video gaming company called Insomniac and thrilled, Brandon is 23 living in Phoenix going to motorcycle mech school and happy, and Katie the baby is 15 in high school and being a typical teenage girl.. Mike and I are happy and trying to find our way…
    Please say Hi to Dan and know we still hold the memories made at Mayers Chuck with you both high on our vacation list… I will pass to Mike and I am sure you will hear from him too..

    Much love with thoughts and prayer,
    Kathy Gottberg

  13. Kate
    Posted April 22, 2010 at 8:37 pm | Permalink

    Also have to second Hadley’s Journey pick. Awesome!
    Much love and big hugs,
    Kate

  14. Kate
    Posted April 22, 2010 at 8:30 pm | Permalink

    I love the blog! So glad it is up and running. I think the playlist is missing Barry Manilow (you would expect nothing less…), so I’d like to add “I Made It Through The Rain” and “Copacabana”. Copa has no real meaning but somehow makes me laugh and I know you know the words, even if no one likes to admit it.

    Another one from recent Canadian experience, I Believe by Nikki Yanofsky. It was the 2010 Olympics theme song and got us all going.

  15. Bec
    Posted April 22, 2010 at 5:03 pm | Permalink

    Being an eighties karaoke queen I have to add:

    Jump (for my love) — Pointer Sisters
    Walking on the Sunshine — Katrina and the Waves

    I am sending you all my love and energy.
    Bec x

  16. Alistair
    Posted April 22, 2010 at 10:52 am | Permalink

    KHP,

    Here goes…

    Florence + The Machine — “Dog Days Are Over” & “You’ve Got the Love” (we just saw this band at Coachella and they absolutely rocked it)

    Arctic Monkeys — “I bet that you look good on the dance floor”

    Band of Horse — “Weed party”

    The Beastie Boys — “Intergalatic”

    Weezer — “Island in the sun”

    50 Cent — “In da club” (!)

    Happy to burn any or all of this (and more) to a disc for you. Just say the word.

    Thinking of you….

    Much love!

  17. Phaedra
    Posted April 22, 2010 at 7:30 am | Permalink

    Oh, what I wouldn’t give to have that first mix tape from way back… I don’t even remember what was on it, but I do remember playing it over and over as we trekked back and forth down 6th Ave. – many moons ago…

    Okay, being the only true DMB groupie you know, you have to have The Best of What’s Around, Lie in our Graves and Why I Am (cuz it’s a kick ass song). And just because I can’t resist… Eye of the Tiger!!! More to come… :-)

    Love you, ~P

  18. Jenny
    Posted April 21, 2010 at 8:37 pm | Permalink

    Kerri! This blog makes me love you even more. Thank you for giving us a way to share in this with you and support you. Keep the assignments coming! Alistair wants to send his own song list (he’s so cool you know) but I have no musical vanity so here you go:

    Electric Feel (MGMT)
    Yeah Yeah Yeah (LCD Soundstage)
    Stronger (Kanye West)
    Thin Line (Indigo Girls)
    My Dick (Mickey Avalon… it will make you laugh)

    Much love to you and the fam. xoxoxoxo

  19. Cassy
    Posted April 21, 2010 at 8:16 pm | Permalink

    Kerri, My Lovely forever Friend, I was so thrilled to get your email! Thank you for sharing
    yourself at this time. My heart is with you. Steve and I think of the 4 of you often. You are a very
    strong person and I know that this ‘experience’ will just be another chapter in your life story
    that you will write while setting in that old rocking chair when your old and gray.
    A song that I heard recently is for you——-Elton John,
    Love, Steve and Cassy

  20. Hadley Pack
    Posted April 21, 2010 at 7:04 pm | Permalink

    mom, other than “amongst the waves” I think two great songs are “Don’t stop believing” by, Journey and “Into the ocean” by, Blue October. I <3 u!

  21. Bill
    Posted April 21, 2010 at 3:53 pm | Permalink

    Hip Hop by Dead Prez is a good Rap song to throw in there to change up the beat. I hope you have an assistant to sort through all song suggestions for you!

  22. Posted April 21, 2010 at 2:54 pm | Permalink

    Hi Kerri,
    I work in Nike Golf Sports Marketing. Got your name from Bill Wyland at Sellwood Yoga. I met him when I lived in San Francisco (so did he at the time) at Bernal Yoga where I was a student. I’m a 3 year survivor of stage 3-B non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Would love to connect if you are interested. I ran the NYC Marathon 1.5 years ago with Team LiveStrong and “sold” my playlist to anyone willing to donate to LiveStrong. Each song cost $100 and I asked to know why they selected a certain inspirational song for me to run to on marathon day. When their song played, I got to think about them, what they mean to me in my life, and think about them for 3-4 minutes of my marathon race.
    I’ve been where you’re at now. It is tough. But OHSU is great and so is your attitude. Wishing you peaceful hearing, and my “ear” if you ever need someone to listen…someone that has walked in your shoes.
    Be well :) Amy

  23. erika
    Posted April 21, 2010 at 1:14 pm | Permalink

    I forgot about Michael Franti. How could I? He’s so amazing. You have to take the kids to see him some day. He does the best kids acoustic concert and he is not bad to look at either :)

    Here are a couple of my favorites of his:

    Say Hey
    Have a Little Faith
    Everyone Deserves Music
    What I Be

  24. emily
    Posted April 20, 2010 at 5:00 pm | Permalink

    kerri – love this! glad the social strategy is up and running so we can keep up!

    top of my “happy” playlist for work is “new soul” – yael naim.

    and in keeping with all your walking, maybe you should get some rollerskates out in sellwood – “brand new key” by melanie always makes me laugh.

    xxoo

  25. kerri
    Posted April 20, 2010 at 4:56 pm | Permalink

    Thank you friends for the wonderful response and sending such great song suggestions. Music is so powerful! I’m loving the range and spirit across all the comments and am working on my short list from everyone. I will post it soon on my optimist playlist here…

    This will carry me through. (And big sis Erika much happier!)

    Much love to you all.
    Kerri

  26. Coco
    Posted April 20, 2010 at 4:44 pm | Permalink

    Kerri, remember the ‘Hero’ from David Bowie? that’s the song I will play for you! — You can be hero for everyday! love.

  27. Mindy
    Posted April 20, 2010 at 4:38 pm | Permalink

    You know us beancounters….we aren’t very musically inclined nor are we very creative! Going to have to think on this one.
    I can tell you one of Papa’s favorite on life….try not to laugh at this one….Miley Cyrus “The Climb”. Gotta be strong. Just keep pushing on. Keep on moving. Keep climbing. Keep the Faith. Papa says it all about the climb and all about life experiences!

    Love you Bigger Than Heaven! You are constantly in our thoughts and in our hearts!
    xoxo Mindy, Ken and Hadley & Emma’s “Boys”

  28. Dalla Johannsdottir
    Posted April 20, 2010 at 3:19 pm | Permalink

    Congratulations Kerri on your new blog!
    You have a lot to share and I look forward to reading your blog and laughing (mostly) and crying (maybe just a little) with you through this journey.
    I know miracles can happen (like during the difficult pregnancy of Eyja) and it helps a lot to smile and stay optimistic through difficult times. Seeing your beautiful smile on this site makes me feel confident that you are on the right track.

    Hugi says you should listen to rock music, performed by Elvis Presley!

    I send you lot of power and well wishes from volcanic island,
    your icelandic friends forever, Dalla, Hugi, Stirnir and Eyja.

    Kjartan also sends his regards from Shanghai.

  29. Kristi Jo
    Posted April 20, 2010 at 10:36 am | Permalink

    Ok….going way back….”Holiday” by Madonna, “We are family”, “These boots were made for walking” and from our SF days….anything on Joshua Tree by U2

    love you!

  30. Posted April 19, 2010 at 5:26 pm | Permalink

    Loving your post. I think on any yogini optimist’s playlist should be some tracks from MC Yogi. It is hard not to move around and laugh when listening to him.

    Since you will be going on many journeys to an inner temple on a golden path that leads to your soul, let’s shout out for some obstacles to be removed:

    “Ganesh is so fresh chillin on his throne / surrounded by incense fruit and gold /
    with a heap of sweets piled in his bowl / he guards the gate and protects the threshold /
    when your blessed by Ganesh than you can travel / on a sacred journey to an inner temple /
    he paves the path that leads to the soul / & he’s known for removing all obstacles / now some may think it’s illogical /
    a myth or it’s just philosophical / but Ganesh makes everything possible / because elephant power’s unstoppable /

    chorus

    Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Om

    Ganesh is the god of wisdom loved by children / known for blessing homes that we live in /
    the lord of all creatures with divine features / inspiring the minds of yogi’s & truth seekers /
    he’s the son of Shiva and Parvati / he’s got an elephants head and a fat belly /
    with a snake for a belt to hold up his pants / he rides on a mouse and he loves to dance /
    with a lotus unfolding inside one of his of his hands / and an ax to attack all ignorance /
    a broom to remove any hindrance / and a noose to reduce all selfishness /
    he writes the pages that the sages chant / dropping ancient vedic science so we can comprehend /
    all the many ways that we can transcend / jai to Ganesh he’s a yogi’s best friend /

    chorus

    Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Om

    I pray to Ganesh to take away the stress / and pave the way into a place that’s blessed /
    centered in the chest where the breath is felt / when your blessed by Ganesh than the stress can melt /
    he destroys the knots that confine your thoughts / he dissolves the walls & he breaks the blocks /
    he unlocks the door to the sacred core / & he guards the gate at the pelvic floor /
    the benevolent elephant wise and intelligent / at the base of the spine he’s the earth element /
    he’s the ruler of the muladhara chakra / his brother rides a peacock and his names is Skanda /
    he’s the son of Uma and Mahadeva / I offer this puja to my homie Ganesha /
    to the son of Parvati and Mahesh / dedicated to Ganesh cuz he’s so Fresh /

    chorus

    Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Om”

  31. lori
    Posted April 19, 2010 at 4:55 pm | Permalink

    Summertime, Will Smith

    More later!

    Thinking of you! Keep on keeping on.

    Lori

  32. Terese Jackson
    Posted April 19, 2010 at 4:30 pm | Permalink

    Kerri, so good to see your smiling face! I love your new look. The optimist would say, “Wow, how easy to take care of, huh?” I’m so glad you have this blog to stay in touch with you and your progress. One song I’m thinking of and it may be very simplistic and easy for Rod Stewart or me to say, but I like his version of “Smile”.

    Keep up the good “work” of staying strong. Love and hugs to you, Dan, Hadley, and Emma. Let me know if I can do anything.

    Terese

    PS I loved the Oregonian article on your wonderful house. How cool was that!

  33. Robert & Isaac
    Posted April 19, 2010 at 3:39 pm | Permalink

    Ike and I love to shake to Orchestre Baobab.
    It’s positive upbeat afrobeat.

    Here’s a podcast you can download of their concert:

    http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91597883

  34. Josh
    Posted April 19, 2010 at 3:11 pm | Permalink

    I cannot think of any other song than Guns & Roses “Sweet Child of Mine” after reading the blog and seeing Axl’s picture. In your next post you could put a pic of Bret Michaels, though.

    My only recent audio acquisition is the Flobots.

  35. Dawn
    Posted April 19, 2010 at 11:47 am | Permalink

    I love the first post and can’t wait to read more. Dylan’s suggestion of Flight of the Conchords is great. I have just two:

    This will be our year – the Zombies – it’s a great old song that makes me optimistic. I just saw the OKGO version in another post, so check ‘em both out and find the version that suits you.

    Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive – Aretha Franklin. Her version is sublime and sassy.

  36. Kathleen
    Posted April 19, 2010 at 11:02 am | Permalink

    Kerri – Love the picture – you look great! I thought I just had to send you Whispering Hope (lots of versions – Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, etc.). It was one of Grandpa Brown’s favorites and we often sang it in the car when we were kids. You are the epitome of hope and happy endings! We love you and are with you in our thoughts each and every day!

    Love you,
    Kath, Roy and Grandma

  37. Leah
    Posted April 19, 2010 at 9:34 am | Permalink

    Kerri!!! Thank you so much for the blog so that all of us who love you can keep tabs on you. I am struck (again) by how brave and open you are and of course by how many people love you. I want to know what I can do (I know, “get in line”) even if it is come and take the kiddos to Sellwood Park or bring Marley over for a dose of baby love.

    I really like Wavin Flag and anything by the Somalian rapper K’naan. His personal story of growing up on the streets and making it all the way to major rap star is super inspirational. Marley loves him as well (ABCs is our favorite). My true favorite artist is Michael Franti & Spearhead (check out We Don’t Stop & See You in the Light and see if you aren’t hooked). I will keep my ears open because I am always looking for music for spinning.

    I am aching for a way to help/chat but I know you must be innundated. Just know that I love you and am so inspired by you and that I absolutely KNOW that you are going to be WELL + fabulous and (is it possible?) even better because of this.

    All my love,
    Leah

  38. Posted April 19, 2010 at 8:58 am | Permalink

    So, this is the first one I thought of:

    “It’s Only Life” (by the Feelies). Which is awesome and says you can either party or hide away. A deep message, but you can dance to it.

    But then, I thought maybe you just need some happy fun happy la la music so you’re just thinking about happy fun happy la la things.

    Which brings us to “Ladies of the World” by Flight of the Conchords. You’ll laugh. You’ll smile. You’ll learn geography.

  39. Erika
    Posted April 19, 2010 at 7:17 am | Permalink

    One more you have to have:

    Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo

    His version is so great. Brings me back to those Hawaii days of our youth with big ‘ol Hawaiian guys and tiny ukuleles.

  40. Erika
    Posted April 19, 2010 at 7:12 am | Permalink

    Here’s the song that spoke to me in my yoga class and made me think you needed it to be on your new playlist:

    Beth Orton’s version of O-o-h Child

    There are lots of version of this song but Beth Orton’s voice turns it into the lullaby I would sing to you if I was there AND could actually sing.

    In reference to Mom’s post above. I think we were dancing to Van Halen’s, “JUMP”. Definitely now on the list.

    Love you and love the blog!

  41. Christy
    Posted April 18, 2010 at 11:47 pm | Permalink

    Kerri’s gone ‘social’, watch out now! What a wonderful way to stay in touch with the many friends and family that care about you.

    Now onto the good stuff….here are my picks for your optimist playlist:

    I won’t back down– Tom Petty
    Waiting on a Sunny Day–Bruce Springsteen
    The Best of What’s Around–Dave Matthews Band
    La Vida Continua–Spam All Stars (just go with it. it’s optimistic. promise.)
    The Sound–Human Highway
    Your Smiling Face– James Taylor
    This will be our year– OK Go
    Go Your Own Way– Fleedwood Mac
    Take It Easy–The Eagles
    Listen to the Music–Doobie Brothers
    Send me on my way– Rusted Root

    Rock it!

    xoxo-
    Christy

  42. B-E
    Posted April 18, 2010 at 10:30 pm | Permalink

    Hi Kerri, I’m a friend of Kelli’s and think of you both a lot and of the journey you are currently on.
    To help with your playlist, I’ll suggest some strong Aussie stuff:

    Cold Chisel – “When the war is over” and “You got nothing I want” (Must be played loud and scream when singing)
    Gabriella Climi – “On a mission”
    Daryl Braithwaite – “The Horses”
    Hoodoo Gurus – “Miss Freelove 69″ (because it’s fun!)
    Hunters & Collectors – ‘Holy Grail’ and ‘Throw your arms around me” (Awesome voice)
    Jet – ‘Are you gonna be my girl’
    John Farnham – “Everytime you cry’, ‘Help’ and the essential ballad ‘You’re the voice’ (Loud and strong)
    Little River Band – ‘Hang on, help is on the way”
    Mark Seymour – ‘Home again’
    Noiseworks – “Hot Chilli Woman’ (Lead singer has survived open-heart surgery and wears the hottest leather pants, so gorgeous)
    Paul Kelley – ‘Darling it hurts’ ‘To her door’
    Pete Murray – ‘Saving Grace”
    Rockmelons – ‘That word L.O.V.E”
    Vanessa Amorosi – ‘Shine’
    Ben Lee – “Catch my disease” (It just makes you smile!)
    INXS – “Kiss the dirt”
    Anything by Crowded House – They were awesome!
    Split Enz – “Message to my girl” (They are from NZ but we adopted them, as we do, like Russell Crowe)
    Silverchair – “Straight Lines’ (Lead male singer survived anorexia, at a young age of 19)

    I could go on and on, but this eclectic mix might help. Love to see what you choose.
    My thoughts are with you, your family and your support network.

    So from across a wide brown land and over the Pacific to you.

  43. Mom
    Posted April 18, 2010 at 10:02 pm | Permalink

    I’m totally impressed, K(&K&E) and sing good tunes every day for you. I picture you and grandpa Brown dancin to Van Halen in your San Francisco Garage apt. Maybe about 1992? Xoxo Mom

  44. Dave Manke
    Posted April 18, 2010 at 9:29 pm | Permalink

    Hi Kerri,

    Good call with the upbeat soundtrack, a few songs that brighten my day:

    Wastin Time: Kid Rock
    Shake your rump: Beastie boys
    Crazy game of poker: O.A.R
    Sir Psycho Sexy: Red Hot Chili Peppers
    Life goes on: Beatles
    Flag/pole sitter: Harvey Danger
    Come on over: Christina Agiulera
    Bust a move: young mc
    Smack my bitch up: prodigy
    killin in the name of: Rage Against the machine
    Pappas gotta brand new bag: James Brown

    I cant come up with anything past 1999..thats when i was cool!

    Keep your chin up and keep digging, thats all we can do no matter whats going on in our lives. The blog is a great idea and i know Erin really appreciates it, our thoughts are with you! Best Regards, Dave

  45. Erin Manke
    Posted April 18, 2010 at 8:50 pm | Permalink

    Good for you Kerri! I am happy that you are doing this blog. :) I have always looked up to my older cousins so much and you continue to make me proud to be a part of your family. Cheesy- I know but IT IS TRUE!

    Here is a blog I stumbled on called “Enjoying the Small Things” go to kellehampton.com she has a super positive outlook on life- love reading her blog and looking at her pictures.

    For playlist- here are some of my favorite happy songs from ipod:
    Norah Jones “Sunrise”
    Feist “1234″
    Red Hot Chili Pepers “Sun”
    U2 “Beautiful Day”
    Beatles “Here Comes the Sun”
    Coldplay “Viva la vida” I also like “Sparks” by Coldplay but don’t want to make Erika mad! Might be too slow- but it is pretty!
    Joe Purdy “Washed Away”
    Lenka “Don’t Let me Fall”
    Joshua Radin “Brand New Day”
    Kira Willey “Colors”
    Fisher “Beautiful World” **Despite the unfortunate playing before “Little People Big World/John + Kate/The Duggars***Not that I have ever seen any of thse shows- Ahem-Just saying!- (not a song) see above.
    I also like anything John Mayer despite his love life. AND NO, I DO NOT Subscribe to US magazine.
    “Suga” Flo Rida (SORRY!) But if you want to run (which is what I do to this song- wait I don’t run anymore. I chase 19 month old non stop running/bouncing machine)
    “Say” John Mayer
    “Supermassive black hole” Muse

    Love you Kerri!
    -Erin

  46. Anne
    Posted April 18, 2010 at 7:03 pm | Permalink

    Thanks for posting Kerri – we are thinking of you daily and it’s great to have this way to ‘talk’. Wishing you a great week and hope to see you in JR :)

    Hugs.

    Here are some of my feel good/feel strong songs:
    Sheryl Crow’s Here Comes the Sun
    Stevie Wonder Higher Ground
    REM Shiny Happy People
    Cake Love You Madly
    Michael Jackson Rock With You
    Plain White Tees 1234

  47. nick
    Posted April 18, 2010 at 6:44 pm | Permalink

    “Queen of my Soul” Average White Band

    Sing it baby! N xxxxx

  48. Kristi Jo
    Posted April 18, 2010 at 6:38 pm | Permalink

    LOVE IT!! Of course you would embrace this experience and share it with others. You are simply amazing….simply Kerri! It makes my heart sing to see how well you are loved and how very important you are to so many people. Continue to rise above, we are all rising with you! I love you!

    p.s. awesome site design, you must have an incredibly talented, generous, loving and gorgeous designer! :-)

  49. Anna Cornell
    Posted April 18, 2010 at 6:38 pm | Permalink

    I’m so happy you’re doing this blog Kerri. Thank you for sharing your experiences. And now for some song suggestions. Most of the music I listen to is pretty moody but I do have a few songs that make me happy and I hope they do the same for you. I didn’t do a lyric check but these songs make me run a little faster, sing along, tap my foot or they just make me smile:

    One Way or Another (Blondie)
    Mr. E’s Beautiful Blues (Eels)
    (If You’re Wondering if I Want You To) I Want You T0 (Weezer)
    Love Rollercoaster (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
    Driver 8 (REM)
    If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time (Willie Nelson)
    Buddy Holly (Weezer)
    Australia (the Shins)
    Pork & Beans (Weezer)
    Call Me (Blondie)

    Love you Kerri.
    Anna C

  50. Colleen
    Posted April 18, 2010 at 5:50 pm | Permalink

    Kerri- I’ll be thinking of you often – stay strong! My favorite songs are Cher’s Strong Enough, Bonnie Taylor’s I Need a Hero. Van Morrison’s Bright Side of the Road.

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