Ross (my almost 21 year old, who moved up to Seattle, WA about a year ago) and I met up in Portland a few months back to spend the weekend together.
We stayed up late talking. We ate good food. We went shopping to find him a new comforter and sheet set. We laughed. We drove out to Columbia City, telling stories as we drove by our old houses, his old schools, where I used to work and a park we used to go to. We went to the movies. We drank coffee. We got him a haircut. And we listened to a whole lot of music - which is something we always do.
Basically, its a never-ending competition when we're together to see who can impress the other the most with their superior taste in music as we take turns thumbing through the playlists on our iPhones. (I used to keep up pretty well in this competition, but as we have both gotten older, he seems to be in the lead more often than not.)
Ross's big score for the weekend was No Harm by Boxer Rebellion.
But I think I may have temporarily taken the lead with Skinny Love by Bon Iver. (I like Birdy's rendition too, but Ross was less impressed by that version.)
And while we were standing in line at Starbucks, Ross said, "I'm kind of embarrassed to admit this one, but I like a song by Bruno Mars." (though he said I was probably too prudish to appreciate it) to which I replied, "That's ok, I've been too embarrassed to tell you that one of my favorite songs is by Bruno Mars too."
No points given for Bruno Mars songs though.
And I guess the competition goes on even when we're not together because every now and then, we call or text each other with song titles too.
In fact, I got a call from Ross on Saturday night, telling me that he had found my new, favorite song and that I had to go listen to it immediately before calling him back.
And with that song, he's currently in the lead again.
Miss you (badly) Roscoe-T.
Such a sweet post! Made me realize how fast they grow up, but never grow out of our hearts. In fact, our hearts grow larger and stronger with their love....we have more memories. What a great way to spend moments....being together....that is what it is all about.
Posted by: janel | March 10, 2013 at 06:40 PM
Love'No Harm' and 'Skinny Love' too, and thanks for the heads up on 'Sideways' - I've added it to my current favourites on Spotify. Can't say I'm with you both on Bruno Mars though! It's Mother's Day today here in the UK, so this is a very timely post!
Posted by: jack | March 10, 2013 at 07:12 PM
I love your posts about Ross. I have a 20 yr old who moved out of our house and started his own life, and its so hard letting him go. But when he comes around to visit, I am one happy momma bear! Thanks for sharing!
Laura @ luckypennylove.com
Posted by: Laura b | March 10, 2013 at 07:17 PM
Love the tunes! Have you ever tried the app Songza? It's a great way to discover some new songs that you wouldn't necessarily trip over otherwise.
Posted by: Pamela | March 10, 2013 at 07:38 PM
Needtobreathe, the outsiders album. best ever. and hi ross!
Posted by: mandy friend | March 10, 2013 at 09:54 PM
yesyesyes i LOVE sideways. also love no harm and skinny love! not so much bruno mars...
Can you recommend more? liking your picks! :)
Posted by: jennifer | March 11, 2013 at 01:16 AM
Try All I want, by Kodaline. Great song and you MUST see the video as well. I have a lump in my throat every time I watch it.
Link to youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtf7hC17IBM&list=PLgZK6re67j-a4rcjjhmIMPm0xBadwuDeT&index=5
Posted by: Joy | March 11, 2013 at 06:59 AM
Love it - what a great pic, such a wonderful time.
Posted by: Nicky from Okotoks | March 11, 2013 at 07:05 AM
Mine moved out, and only lives a short distance away. It's so nice when they come back to visit, we fill them up with food and goodies and send them on their way again.
Posted by: Kelli | March 11, 2013 at 08:12 AM
I've been loving that song since I heard it on Ghost Town with Ricky Gervais. Great one. And I'm a sucker for Locked out of Heaven since he performed on SNL.
Posted by: Holly | March 11, 2013 at 12:57 PM
That song is fabulous, thanks for sharing!
I second anything by needtobreathe.
And my current album on repeat is Night Visions by Imagine Dragons. All good songs, On Top of The World has been added to my running playlist.
And Bruno Mars......I may like a couple of his songs. Just maybe.
Posted by: Leah | March 11, 2013 at 02:27 PM
Aww, he's so grown up and handsome! It has to hurt your heart with him living so far away--I can't imagine... :(
Here's a song for you to check out on You Tube. My nephew, Scott Tucker, has a music video on there with his band: The Orange "Nip/Tuck" Official Music Video.
If I were computer literate, I would paste the link. But I'm not, sorry. See what you think. It's fun music.
Posted by: kat-in-texas | March 11, 2013 at 02:55 PM
I love this a million X a million 2 power. Truly Karen, God is so good. And faithful.
my current love of music which I can no seem to remember anything until I hear a tune; is Darius Rucker. Can't tell ya the name. I don't remember anyone ever. But I love his voice....and words- so good.
Thanks for sharing & I love your sweet son's face when he's with you!
Posted by: Ada | March 11, 2013 at 09:57 PM
Such a sweet post about the special things that we keep close with our kids even as they grow into adults and move away. It's so hard. But I love to read about your relationship with Ross. And you've introduced me to Birdy. I downloaded her album Birdy yesterday and can't stop listening to it! I love No Harm as well. Thanks for the music tips. :-)
Posted by: karen young | March 12, 2013 at 06:22 AM
love the relationship stories; thanks for sharing
Posted by: Michelle | March 12, 2013 at 06:23 AM
Such a sweet post about the special things we keep in close with our children even if they grow into adults and to leave. It is so difficult. But I liked reading about you and Ross.
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