Autobiographical CD 2011: Playlist & Cover Art

Want a sneak peek at my finished autobiographical CD for the year? This is one of my favorite creative exercises because it combines lots of different mediums. Choosing the songs is one of the most enjoyable parts, and it's gotten even easier thanks to Pandora. We have it on constantly at our house and it's easy to bookmark favorite songs for reference later. (Did you know it's only $30 to listen commercial free all year?) Throughout the year, I jot down titles that I think apply and then I comb through them to assemble into the finished mix. This year the theme and flow for ordering the songs came together in a single afternoon, but usually it's far more laborious.


I made these beautiful envelopes using templates from Paper Source and a beautiful Cavalini & Co wall calendar. The gorgeous antique botanical prints of butterflies on the outside inspired me to do some watercolor caterpillars for the CD booklet. Since this mix is all about admitting that you aren't quite where you thought you were and longing for transformation, the caterpillar seemed perfect. The heavy watercolor paper, saturated color, hand lettered interiors and fancy labels all make them feel special, unique and luxurious.

You can see and download the whole playlist on Amazon right here. My explanation for why I chose each song is there as well. What is the best mix you've ever given or received?

Two to Tango- Pearl Bailey
You Don't Know Me- Ben Folds
That's All- Clare & The Reasons
Kona Moon- Hui Ohana
So Sorry- Feist
'Deed I Do- Lena Horne
Chico Gospel- MaMuse
I want you Tonight- Sydney Bechet
I'm Lazy, That's All- Pearl Bailey
Why Worry- Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris
Sweet Pea- Jasper & Veronica
Home- Edward Sharp & the Magnetic Zeroes

Autobiographical CD 2011: Thinking about Home

Home by lineanongrata on Etsy

I've just finished my latest autobiographical CD. This has become a ritual I enact whenever I feel ready to sum up the recent experiences of my life. It began when I was living in New Mexico at the suggestion of my dear friend Jessica, who has been making them ever since high school. I've made six or so and each has it's own flavor, just as each year of life does. (Think of that Frank Sinatra song "A Very Good Year".)

This year, the selections seems to be all about the challenges of married life, but as I listened through my old mixes, I found another thread that runs through every one: Home.

When Eric and I came across the Swahili word "Kazana" in Kenya, it touched the heart of the matter. It means "To Make a Home". We both felt that this was exactly what we were doing by marrying. We created a home that is not a place on earth, but a sacred bond between him and I.

This year, the CD closes with the tune "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Here are some of the lyrics that sum up that sentiment perfectly.

Alabama, Arkansas,
I do love my Ma & Pa
Not the way that I do love you

Holy Moley, Me-oh-My,
you're the apple of my eye
Girl, I’ve never loved one like you

Man, oh man, you’re my best friend,
I scream it to the nothingness
There ain’t nothin’ that I need

Well, hot & heavy, pumpkin pie,
chocolate candy, Jesus Christ
There ain’t nothin’ please me more than you

Ahh, Home
Let me come Home
Home is wherever I’m with you

La la la la, take me Home
Baby, I’m coming Home

I’ll follow you into the park,
through the jungle, through the dark
Girl, I’ve never loved one like you

Moats & boats & waterfalls,
alley ways & pay phone calls
I’ve been everywhere with you

That’s true

We laugh until we think we’ll die,
barefoot on a summer night
Nothin’ new is sweeter than with you

And in the streets we're running free
like it's only you and me
Geez, you’re somethin' to see.

Ahh, Home
Let me come Home
Home is wherever I’m with you

I'll be sure to share photos of my cover art and the entire playlist soon. My friend Gwen is sending out copies of her mix for 2011- pop over and check it out! Which songs sum up this year for you?