Happiness, When It Sticks...

... is a rare and precious thing.

The past week or so has smacked of happiness, whether it be visiting a college friend and her family to celebrate the holiday, or deciding that I really needed a week-long break from The Pipeline, or celebrating the new gig on the horizon, or reconnecting with old friends who will pick you up from the airport, which, as you tell the stranger on the plane next to you, "never happens."

And all of it feels sort of miraculous, like an actual pretty good year has come to a fine close. How do you measure it? In money earned, or in relationships strengthened? Mahatma Gandhi was once asked if he'd rather have 300 rupees or 300 friends. He chose the friends. I'm feeling suddenly wealthy right now. If you're reading this, thanks.

I can get a straight job, I've done it before
Never mind I'm working hard, it's who I'm working for

Someone hit the big score, they figured it out
that we're going to do it anyway
even if it doesn't pay- from 'Everything is Free'

Happiness, When It Sticks... Year 2010 Soundtrack

Nina Simone, 'Ain't Got No'... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUcXI2BIUOQ

Akron/Family, Last Year... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVMaUP0Ca3E

Incedibad, 'On a boat'... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avaSdC0QOUM

Gillian Welch, 'Everything is Free,' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFle2YoQwWg


Past defining year songs and albums:

Jeff Buckley, Hallelujah,' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4

Flaming Lips, 'Do you realize'

Tracy Chapman, Fast Car

The Sadies, Anna Leigh

Iron and Wine, Our Endless Numbered Days