#A Bluegrass Christmas

[frontporchjunkie]

Watched a bluegrass Christmas Tonight I recorded it. I really like the movie

[technofinch]

Everyone invite me to your holiday parties I have a carefully curated playlist of Christmas music that's actually good

[simplysedusa]

My Main WIPs

The Best Years of Our (Resurrected) Lives

After a hostage situation gone awry during a field trip, many of the Townsville citizens agreed to have the beloved Powerpuff Girls taken out of public school to ensure the safety of their peers. From the ages of 9 to 15, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup Utonium were homeschooled by Professor Utonium. With many of Townsville's most notorious villains locked away indefinitely, crime in Townsville has managed to calm down (mostly). This leaves the girls' main concern to be one of their toughest arch enemies ever, The Rowdyruff Boys, who the girls haven't had a run in with since they were seven years old.

Unbeknownst to the girls, the Rowdyruff Boys had their own troubles. With Mojo being a permanent resident at Pokey Oaks Penitentiary, and HIM disowning the trio, the boys were truly on their own. Desperate, starving, and weak, Brick, Butch, and Boomer managed to literally fall onto someone else's doorsteps. Years after living in a group home and completing their house arrest, their caregiver, Marie, pushes the boys to integrate into society by enrolling them at Townsville Central High.

A year later, Principal Green invites the girls to TCH in an attempt to pacify the concerns of students, staff, and loved ones who still feel unsafe around the boys. Forced to face one another, the six super-powered beings make amends, all while dealing with regular, human high-school issues, former and new enemies out for their blood (in both a figurative and literal sense), and uncovering the corrupted underbelly of Townsville's politics and how it all connects to some of the major villains to have ever roamed the streets.

Main Ships: Lowkey still don't know tbh but I'm thinking either Bluegrass (Bubbles x Butch), Cotton Candy (Blossom x Boomer), and Christmas Ornaments (Buttercup x Brick) OR Blues, Reds, and Greens (or I might just post two very different versions of the same story lol).

Also, the boys might get two moms and Princess Morbucks redemption!

All Grown Up (Kinda)

The City of Townsville has had its ups and downs, but without the superhero sister triplets, The Powerpuff Girls, the city would be left in ruins. Thanks to the construction of Townsville's newest, tightest, and strictest prison, TBA, many of the severe, repeat offending villains can be forever detained, leaving the other reformed villains to live amongst the innocent. Mini Dynamo robots invented by Professor Utonium take on the tougher, more difficult jobs for the cops. So where does that leave the girls? Retired. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup's main concerns now are their own personal problems. Blossom's in grad school, still somewhat unsure of what she wants to do after and struggling with her serious, long distance relationship. Buttercup, a former Olympian, had recently been barred from competing after her cheating scandal, which also resulted in the loss of her brand deals, forcing her to move back home and take a teaching job at their younger sister's middle school. Bubbles, while the most secure in her personal identity outside of her sisters, overworks herself with her activism and charity and her entertainment gigs, with barely any time to herself. Or to spend with her sisters, only God would know how long it's been since the three have been in the same room for longer than five minutes (without arguing).

The Rowdyruff Boys, on the other hand, are doing quite well for themselves. Boomer, a rather populated ghost writer and producer, stars his own subsidiary music label. Butch opens his own gym, while still DJing at the club they all own. Brick owns an apartment complex that doubles as a restaurant on the first two floors, where tenants can work to pay in labor if needed, and also recently opened a theater. Their days of attacking the Powerpuff Girls are over, thanks to the deal they've made with HIM. Every night, once a year, the Rowdyruff Boys must complete a favor in exchange for their freedom and they must not speak of their deal to anyone. So long as they don't get caught, they're in the clear.

Fate, however, decides to have the six reunite. And while the interactions were much calmer and more civil than anticipated, the timing couldn't have been worse. Former, now rehabilitated villains have been found murdered, with messages left behind for both the boys and girls. Now, the six will have to work together to find the culprit, all while learning how to "adult".

Main Ships: Blues, Reds, and Greens

Professor Utonium is also married and has a biological daughter and step-son.

Also, the Rowdyruff Boys might get two moms.

Mean Boys

Elmer Sgloo had never attended a real school after his monstrous rampage through Townsville. But at the ripe age of 17, his parents felt that now was the best time for Elmer to reintegrate with his peers at Townsville Central High. While the Powerpuff Girls are more than happy to show him around on the first day, he catches the attention of the most infamous, dangerous, and out right belligerent triplets to ever live in Townsville; the Rowdyruff Boys. No one has ever had the opportunity to infiltrate their small circle, but after accepting their rather casual lunch invitation, he becomes the Powerpuff's newest pawn to spy on the boys, and investigate their newest weapon, a "Burn Book" crafted from the depths of hell.

Main Ships: Still unsure, I'm almost certain it'll be Reds, Blues, and Greens with Elmer x Julie Bean (she's the Aaron Samuels equivalent), but I think Elmer x Brick would be a cool plot twist (or I'm considering making it one-sided on Brick's end). Idk, it's my newest idea, I'm still working out the details.

Wrapped In A Bow (title pending lmao)

Blossom Utonium's...friendship with Princess Morbucks had never made sense to anyone, not even her sisters. Their intense, competitive nature had led everyone to believe that they hated each other's guts. But ever since high school, the two were peas in a pod. Blossom supported Princess's interest in robotics and was the perfect study buddy, while Princess was the devil on Blossom's shoulder, encouraging her to let loose and have fun.

And once Princess learns that Blossom got into her dream school for grad, she's right at her side in her flying Gucci modded heels, begging for one night out on the town. Clubbing, partying, and drinking were more of her sisters' forte, but Blossom eventually agrees to one night for the hell of it.

What she hadn't expected was a run-in with Brick Keane, another former arch-nemesis of hers, who tags along with the girls.

She wakes up the next morning with articles and videos trending of the three redheads having the time of their lives, and the guilty parties laid next to her naked on her left and right. Possibly dating one former villain was scandalous enough, but two former villains could be quite a handful. Blossom's mostly pristine reputation is now in danger, and if there's anything Blossom cared about, it's about how she's perceived. Could she make this work?

Main Ships: R3ds (Blossom x Princess x Brick), maybe Greens and Blues, but I'm also considering other ships to explore outside of them.

[haveyouheardthisband]

[musicandmuffins]

JUST A SONG - 03:15

[thorn-enterprises]

A Smoky Mountain Christmas: Where Nature Meets Melody

As the crisp air settles in and the first flakes of snow dust the Smoky Mountains, a magical transformation takes place. The festive season envelops the landscape, turning it into a winter wonderland filled with holiday cheer and timeless traditions. A Smoky Mountain Christmas is not just about the stunning scenery; it’s also an experience woven with the sounds of seasonal music that resonates through the valleys and hills.

The Smoky Mountains offer a breathtaking backdrop for the holiday season. From the twinkling lights that adorn cabins to the majestic snow-capped peaks, every corner becomes an enchanting scene. Families gather around fire pits, sipping hot cocoa while sharing stories and laughter. For those who love the great outdoors, hiking through the serene, snow-kissed trails offers an unparalleled chance to connect with nature.

Music of the Mountains

The spirit of Christmas is best captured through music, and in the Smoky Mountains, traditional carols intertwine with folk melodies that echo the region’s rich cultural heritage. Local musicians often host festive gatherings where bluegrass harmonies and Appalachian folk tunes fill the air. The sound of banjos, fiddles, and acoustic guitars creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for cozy evenings spent with loved ones.

Additionally, many towns in the area—like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge—host holiday concerts and musical events. Visitors can enjoy live performances featuring holiday classics reimagined with a mountain twist. The blend of music with the spectacular scenery creates a sensory experience that brings the joys of the season to life.

A Smoky Mountain Christmas isn’t complete without the unique traditions that define the region. From festive parades featuring local artisans to Christmas markets showcasing handmade crafts, there’s something for everyone. Attending community events, such as tree-lighting ceremonies, brings families and friends together, fostering a sense of belonging and warmth.

To truly embrace the spirit of the Smoky Mountains, take a moment to enjoy a local holiday music festival. Whether it’s the sound of a choir in a quaint chapel or the lively strumming of musicians in a park, these events encapsulate the joy and camaraderie of the season.

In summary, a Smoky Mountain Christmas is a remarkable blend of natural beauty and heartfelt music, where the spirit of the season comes alive. Whether you’re hiking through a snowy forest or dancing at a holiday concert, the magic of the mountains and melodies will leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return year after year. So, embrace the festive atmosphere, and let the music of the Smokies fill your heart with holiday joy.

[tookishbynature1]

Had a great time at the Christmas gig and didnt conpletely fuck up my solo yay! Even though the sound set up was not great and our jacks/mics kept cutting out 🫣 😂 Can't wait to do it again next year.

[randallfranks]

Christmas Time's A Comin' - In the Heat of the Night Cast and Bluegrass ...

Of all my producing experiences, I am proudest of this accomplishment, to bring together a legendary list of bluegrass performers with the cast of a hit TV show. I missed a couple of legendary acts that I wanted to be part but were not able to participate. But this was the very first recording of its kind historically for bluegrass music bringing together Jim & Jesse, Ralph Stanley, Jimmy Martin, Mac Wiseman, The Lewis Family, Chubby Wise, Josh Graves, Doug Dillard of the Dillards, Blue Grass Boys Wayne Lewis, Buddy Spicher and Randall Franks all on one tune. Enjoy Christmas Time's A Comin' https://youtu.be/B4KCSKMODD8 Get a physical CD for charity at https://RandallFranks.com/store or download on Itunes or Amazon.

[lifetimemoviereview]

A Bluegrass Christmas (UPtv 2024)

A Bluegrass Christmas (2024 TKTK) 📺.  Stream/Watch the Movie (Ad): Subscribe to the Lifetime Movie Club Cast: Amanda Jordan, David Pinard, Shaun Johnston Director: Marco Deufemia Writer(s): Chris Dowling ➡️    Check out our Youtube Channel: Lifetime Uncorked: Lifetime Movie Reviews 🎧   Listen to the Lifetime Uncorked Podcast: Listen Now 🍷  Support the show with a $5 tip:…

[onenakedfarmer]

Currently Playing

Various Artists CHRISTMAS TIME'S A-COMIN' A Hillbilly Christmas

Compilation Release: 2020 Contents Released: 1940s-1960s

[steddieas-shegoes]

At ten years old, Eddie’s mama gets a raise at work just in time for Christmas. This is the same year Wayne works enough to set aside almost $200 for Eddie’s Christmas presents.

Eddie doesn’t know this, and he’s a kid who knows better than to expect more than a few things in his stocking and one or two “bigger gifts” -usually books or tapes- so it’s a surprise when his stocking is overflowing and there’s a huge box under the tree Christmas morning.

Even more surprising is that it’s labeled from Santa, and Eddie hasn’t believed in Santa for nearly three years despite everyone in his classes still believing. He bounces on his feet while he waits for Wayne to get his coffee, for his mama to finish making their special hot chocolate.

The year he gets his first guitar is also the year he finds out his mama can sing like a rock star.

It’s the year he finds out Wayne used to play bluegrass at a bar back home and probably could’ve made it big if he was willing to leave his sister.

It’s the year Eddie finds out he can play by ear and uses it to his advantage to learn all his favorite songs as soon as he figures out the chords.

And for years, he is quick to pull out his acoustic to learn something new, even when he manages to buy his electric with money from helping fix cars at the shop where his uncle’s friend works.

After he saves Hawkins, and his hands stop shaking enough for him to play, he asks Steve to bring his acoustic to the hospital so he can entertain himself. Steve shares a look with Wayne, then his mama.

“It, uh, didn’t survive…everything.���

Nothing broke his heart quite like hearing that.

He pretends it’s okay though, doesn’t want his mama and Wayne to feel worse than they already did about everything.

He tables his emotions until he’s alone that night, shortly after dinner when everyone goes home to get some rest before the next day of volunteering, and cleaning, and visiting.

He’s woken up in the middle of the night by the door opening, and even though the person coming in is trying to be quiet, the door creaks from the building settling funny during the “earthquake.”

“Steve?”

Steve turns and even in the dark, Eddie can see his blush.

He’s holding something.

Something big and guitar shaped.

“What have you done?”

Steve walks over to him and gently sets the guitar case in his lap.

Eddie opens it and sees a gently used acoustic with Eddie’s name now engraved on the side.

“Steve.”

“You can have nice things. You should have nice things. We don’t have many options right now, but at least you won’t get rusty.”

Eddie cried.

Steve held him.

And after Steve wiped his tears away and kissed his forehead—which was something they’d be talking about as soon as Eddie could focus on something other than the guitar in his lap— he played slower songs, songs that even Steve could recognize, until a nurse realized Steve was here past visiting hours and kicked him out.

When his mama saw it the next morning propped by his bed, she smiled knowingly.

“I see the boy followed through.”

“What?”

“He asked me all kinds of questions about guitars and what your old one looked like and if a used one would be okay. Don’t know how he found one so quick.”

“He’s pretty determined when he sets his mind to something.”

“I think he’s set his mind on you, baby.”

Eddie thought maybe she was right.

[technofinch]

I need to know more about the bluegrass Christmas music specifically! Is there a playlist online? Any specific artists/albums you recommend? 👀

oh friend you're in luck there are SO many delightful bluegrass Christmas albums

My first recommendation if you find yourself with an abundance of time between the hours of 6 and 9 am eastern time is Knee Deep in Bluegrass, which is just a delightful little radio show run by a passionate and knowledgeable member of the bluegrass community (this is not a paid endorsement I prommy)

In terms of albums, Emmylou Harris has a classic country/old time Christmas album

Christmas in the Mountains is a compilation album & a good mixed bag of different artists to explore the genre

And of course I'll selfishly include the link to my own playlist because I am nothing if not a vain little creature

[illdowhatiwantthanks]

Home for the Holidays

Casey Novak x autistic fem!reader Warnings: some explicit language, mentions of sex, mostly just fluff on fluff on fluff Prompt(s): From novelbear, thank you! 😊 Word Count: 2.3k

Summary: You bring Casey home to meet your parents and siblings. Adorableness ensues.

Casey's leg bounced up and down as she stared out the passenger window of the rental car. You were only a half hour away from the Nashville airport, and already the crowded city streets had given way to fields, barns, and the occasional herd of cattle on a hillside. Bluegrass played softly through the speakers. You sighed contentedly, knowing just when to turn, just when to slow around a curve, just when to watch for deer crossing the road. You were almost home. Casey let out a shaky breath and you took her hand, pulling it to your lips for a quick kiss before lacing your fingers through hers. "Casey," you sang, trying to get her out of her head. She didn't answer.

"Honey, you're gonna be fine."

"God, I hope they like me," she muttered, her breath fogging up the car window.

"Of course they'll like you. What's not to like?"

"Oh, I don't know," Casey replied sarcastically, throwing up her hands. "I'm a lawyer. I'm blunt as shit. I probably swear too much. And I'm fucking their little girl."

"Okay, first of all, I'm not little. I'm almost thirty. So that'd be a dumb thing for them to care about." Casey said nothing. "Secondly, you're the only person I've ever brought home. If anyone's gonna be scared, it's them! They don't want to scare you off. Chances are not good that I'd ever bring someone home again." Casey bit at her fingernails. You batted them away from her mouth. "Quit with that, you just got them done."

"I'm just saying it's a lot of pressure!" she said, pulling at the strings of her hoodie.

"This is a lot of pressure!?" You laughed. "You made me meet your parents two months in! And you gave me one day's notice!"

"Yeah, but they live in the city, so it wasn't a big deal. I see them all the time. And it wasn't Christmas."

"Oh, don't even start. You were so butthurt when I went home for Thanksgiving without you."

You pulled down your street, houses twinkling with holiday lights, and waved at a neighbor walking a dog.

"Who's that?" Casey asked.

"I don't know."

"You just wave at people you don't know?!"

"Here? Yes. In New York? No."

You pulled to a stop in your family's driveway and grinned at their decorations–a giant pride flag, made entirely of Christmas lights.

"Wow," Casey said, gawking at the display.

"What can I say? They're aggressive allies."

You sat silently in the car for a moment, then took Casey's hand. "You ready?"

You nearly leapt out of your seats as two hands slammed on the driver's side door.

"Y/N!!! Come on, come on, come on!"

You smiled big, eyes sparkling, stimming quickly at your ears and shaking your head. It was your baby brother, Eli. Not such a baby anymore–16 years old. You threw open the car door and he barreled into you, squeezing his arms around your neck as tightly as he could.

"Who's here?!" he said, bouncing up and down with his hand on your shoulders. "Y/N's here!!!"

Casey watched you from a distance. You'd told her all about your youngest siblings–the twins. That they were, quite literally, one in millions. Fraternal twins, both born with Down syndrome. Casey knew, from you, that Eli loved Mario Kart and Les Misérables and called once a week to sing "One Day More" with you. She knew Winnie was a hotshot in the local Special Olympics basketball league (even at 4' 10"), a budding artist, and "kind of a bitch right now," as you'd told her on the way over.

"Can you say that about someone with Down syndrome?" Casey had asked.

You'd scoffed. "People with disabilities can be bitches just as much as anyone else."

Now, as she watched you with your brother, she got it. She got it when you said that they were your favorite people in the world which, until now, had made her ridiculously jealous. She got it when you said that you would give up everything to take care of them when your parents weren't able to anymore. Your face was alight with so much joy, so much connection. Connection that Casey knew you didn't get many other places, aside from her. And she knew then that she'd give up everything for you to have that, even if it meant moving to help you take care of your siblings when the time came.

When you and Eli finally separated, he turned his attention to Casey.

"Hi, Eli!" she said, bending down to be a bit closer to his height. "I'm Casey."

Unlike Winnie, who could talk the ear off a donkey, Eli was mostly non-verbal. He had autism, too, like you, and for this reason, you'd always felt a deeper connection to him. You knew you weren't supposed to have favorite siblings, but Eli was yours. So when he decided to use his limited words to talk with Casey, it was a big deal.

He looked first at Casey, then at you, and asked, "Girlfriend?"

You nodded, beaming. "Yep! Yeah, Casey's my girlfriend."

He stepped closer looking Casey over. After a moment, he seemed to decide that he liked her.

"Casey, big squeeze," he said, and wrapped his arms around her waist. Eli pronounced her name "kissy." You thought your heart might explode. She patted his back and looked to you for a translation.

"Big squeeze means he wants you to hug him as tight as you can. Like, really tight, to the point that you're afraid you might hurt him." She obliged and he laughed in her grip. When she let him go, he patted her on the back and jogged inside.

"It helps with, uh, autism stuff. The deep pressure," you explained.

"Does it help you, too?" Casey asked as you took your luggage out of the trunk.

"What?"

"The big squeeze. Do you like those, too?"

You smiled at her, quick and bright. "Yeah. Yeah, I really do."

"Come here." She pulled you into her and squeezed as hard as she could, using every muscle in her body to put pressure on you, flexing so hard you could feel her shaking. Your body, on the other hand, felt light as a feather, as if all the stress, all the tension in it was seeping out. When she let you go, you sighed happily, your body tingly. You felt almost high.

"Yeah, we're gonna do a lot more of that," Casey decided, observing how much you'd relaxed.

Tennessee wasn't cold, not like New York, but the warmth from inside hit you hard anyway. "Come on," Eli urged, impatiently motioning you toward the living room, where you knew your parents would be sitting. You helped Casey out of her coat, then took off yours, hanging them by the door.

"Mom, Dad!" Eli yelled. "Who's here!?"

Your parents walked into the kitchen, absolutely beaming at you. They'd never say it, but they'd given up on you dating. You just hadn't been interested. They'd gotten used to the idea that you could be happy without a relationship, after years of you sending them articles about asexuality. But you could tell they were happy to see you in love.

"Hey, y'all," your mom said, wrapping Casey in a huge hug that took her off guard.

You smiled as your dad did the same to you, kissing the top of your head. "Hey, sweet pea," he whispered. "Glad you're home."

Casey cleared her throat and reached out to shake your dad's hand. His biker-style beard and imposing height always made him seem scarier than he really was. "Mr. Y/L/N, it's very nice to meet y–" Once again, she was cut off by a bear hug.

"Welcome," your dad said, nearly smothering her. "We're so glad you're here."

"Where's Winnie?" you asked, looking around.

"Upstairs on her iPad." Your mom rolled her eyes. "Want me to get her?"

"Nah. She'll figure out I'm here eventually."

You all made your way to the living room, where Eli promptly got on his own iPad, put his headphones on, and proceeded to perform a series of silent, choreographed dances in front of the Christmas tree. Casey watched him, amused and delighted that neither you nor your parents seemed to find this out of the ordinary at all.

"How was your trip?" your dad asked, lowering himself into a seat next to your mom.

"Good," you said, taking Casey's hand in yours when you noticed she was picking at her fingernails again. "The airport wasn't even too bad."

"I bet it'll be a shit show tomorrow..." your dad mused, thinking about Christmas Eve flights of years past.

"So, Casey," your mom started, clearly eager to get to know the only person who'd ever managed to turn your head. "Tell us about yourself. Y/N says you're a lawyer?"

"That's right." You squeezed Casey's hand as she spoke. "I'm an Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan DA's office. I prosecute cases for the Special Victims Unit."

"Special Victims?" your dad asked. "Like victims of assault?"

She glanced at your brother who shimmied in the background. "Uh..."

"He can't hear," you told her.

"Yes. Assault, rape, sexually-motivated homicide, child abuse, things like that."

"That's gotta be such a hard job," your mom empathized.

"It's admirable work." Your dad nodded approvingly at Casey, and she seemed to relax a bit. "Those pieces of garbage deserve to rot in hell. But jail's a start."

You rolled your eyes. Your dad was a passionate man, with a tendency to turn more aggressively passionate at any mention or hint of violence toward women and children. Come to think of it, Casey reminded you of him in that way.

"I couldn't agree more," Casey told him.

"You met playing softball?" your mom asked, clearly trying to redirect the conversation.

Casey's face brightened. "We did!" She wrapped an arm around your shoulder and you leaned into her, blushing a little. Your parents shared a glance; they had never seen you this close to anyone. "We're on the same rec team. Y/N's the catcher and I pitch."

"Still got that catcher's gear?" your dad joked, winking at you.

You shot him a glare. "I know I'm not that much taller than I was when I was twelve but, no, Dad, the gear from my middle school team doesn't fit anymore."

"Ooh!" he exclaimed, sitting up and pointing at Casey. "Has Y/N ever told you about her softball nickname?"

"No, she hasn't," Casey said, smirking at you.

"I coached her team when she was little. She played catcher, of course." Your dad leaned forward, as if he and Casey were in on a delightful secret together.

"But she would jump forward to grab the ball," he continued. "Which was obviously a terrible idea because–"

"She's gonna get hit," Casey finished, nodding.

"Exactly. She was really good, but she always jumped out and we kept telling her, 'You can't be pouncing like a tiger, you're gonna get hurt.' And one day, sure enough, she leaned forward and bam! She was laid out. Thank god she had the helmet on, or it probably would've cracked her skull."

Casey laughed, but placed a hand absentmindedly on the side of your head, as if checking to make sure you really were okay, all these years later.

"After that," your dad chuckled. "Word got around with other parents and the girls on the team, and they started calling her El Tigre. For the rest of her softball career–El Tigre!"

Your cheeks were burning as Casey and your parents laughed together, but your heart was warm, too.

"Okay, okay," you said, "I'm gonna go say hey to Winnie." You looked at Casey. "You want to come?"

"Sure!" she said, standing next to you and placing a hand on the small of your back as you moved toward the stairs. You looked back at your parents to see them watching you intently, holding hands, nearly bursting with happiness. They liked her. You could already tell.

As you emerged upstairs, you gently grabbed Casey's waist and pressed her lightly against the wall.

A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "I thought we were going to see your sister."

"We are," you said, standing on your tiptoes to kiss her softly. You felt her body melt into yours, the stress of the day dissipating. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay first."

Casey sighed contentedly and brushed your hair behind your ears. "I'm good. They're really nice people, your family. They really love you."

"Yeah, well," you scoffed. "Wait until you meet this one."

You knocked on Winnie's door and threw it open when she called, "What!?"

Winnie sat at her desk in all her diminutive glory, Special Olympics medals hanging from a cork board and Usher's "Yeah!" blaring from the speakers.

"'Sup, nerd," you said, standing in the doorway.

Winnie gaped, looking from you to Casey.

"What are you doing here, Y/N?" she finally said.

"Uh, it's Christmas?" you responded.

Winnie pointed at Casey. "Who are you?"

You could tell that Casey was holding back laughter. "I'm Casey."

"You're Y/N's friend?" Winnie asked, leaning back and swiveling in her desk chair.

"No, I'm not her friend. I'm her girlfriend," Casey said as the two of you took a seat on the edge of Winnie's bed.

Winnie seemed to think very deeply about this. "Her girlfriend?"

You both nodded.

"Like, when you have a crush?"

You blushed.

"Yep," Casey nodded, patting your leg. "I have a big crush on Y/N."

Casey shot you a cheesy grin. She was loving this.

Winnie smirked and waggled her eyebrows. "Do you kiss!?"

"Oh my god," you groaned, rubbing your forehead.

Casey on the other hand, seemed to be living for this conversation.

"Oh, absolutely," Casey told her. "I do kiss Y/N. I love to kiss her."

Winnie scoffed and turned back to her desk, fiddling with her iPad.

"What about you, Winnie?" Casey continued, crossing her legs and getting comfortable. It blew your mind that Casey seemed to be getting along with Winnie so well. Or maybe Casey just liked pushing people's buttons. God knows, Winnie was nothing but buttons to push these days. "Do you have a girlfriend? Or a boyfriend?"

The look of absolute condescension on Winnie's smug face finally drove Casey to the edge. She burst out laughing. "Why are you looking at me like that!?"

"I don't have time for that," Winnie said. "I have to work out." She pulled up her sleeve and flexed her bicep.

"Damn!" Casey exclaimed, standing up to squeeze Winnie's arm. "You are strong!"

Winnie pulled her sleeve back down. "Yeah, I know."

"I hear you're really good at basketball," Casey said conspiratorially, squatting down next to Winnie's desk. "I'm more of a baseball girl myself, but you wanna play tomorrow?"

"Yeah!" Winnie exclaimed, genuinely excited before she remembered she was too cool for us. "But I'll win."

Casey raised her eyebrows. "That's some big talk."

Winnie shrugged. "I can't help it that I'm the best."

"You got me there."

You gestured to Casey and she followed you to the door.

"Y/N can't play, though," Winnie added, glancing back at Casey.

"Aw, why not?" Casey protested. "I love playing with Y/N."

Winnie shook her head. "She is really bad."

"Ouch, Winnie," you said, glaring at her.

Casey cracked up again, and you elbowed her in the stomach.

"Good night, loser," you called as you shut Winnie's door.

"Good night, dork!" she yelled back.

Casey had tears in her eyes from laughing so hard.

"See?" you whispered to her. "I told you. A little bitch."

Casey grabbed your face in her hands and pressed her forehead to yours. She kissed you quickly, then laughed, a wide grin on her face.

"What's this for?" you asked, as if you needed a reason.

"Oh, it's nothing," Casey said, serious, before giggling, "I just have such a big crush on you."

"Ugh, stop!" You pushed her away. "That's so dumb."

"It's cute!" she protested, and you didn't know if you'd ever seen her this giddy. She came up behind you and wrapped her arms around your waist, pressing her face into your neck. "Come on, you say it, too."

You rolled your eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of your mouth. "I have a massive, huge, heartstopping crush on you, Casey."

She buried her face into you, planting kisses up and down your neck as her fingers tickled your stomach. You squirmed and giggled and shushed her as you both headed back downstairs. You didn't want to seem too in love. Your parents would never let it go.

[aibidil]

for reasons I just ended up cleaning and organizing our ancient CD collection which I don't think anyone has touched in over a decade despite it still being on the dedicated CD section of a huge bookcase. Being an elder millennial couple who each had lots of CDs before combining households (going back to the pre-Napster era but continuing through until streaming era, at which point we just stopped buying them), plus both of us having having been involved in theater and music--it is truly a bizarre collection/time capsule.

We own, I think, every Billy Joel album, like ten Belle & Sebastian, something called ORGAN BLASTER!, a harrowing number of Andrew Lloyd Weber double box sets, a pretty nice selection of indie/alt late 00s/early 10s music, TWO Coldplay CDs (??????!), opera, classical, an astonishing number of Paul Simon albums, two different performances of Handel's Messiah and two copies of Troye Sivan's Bloom (how?! I've barely listened to that! It's from a year we no longer bought CDS!), a shocking number of movie soundtracks (Juno! For some reason, Stranger Than Fiction), bluegrass Christmas (that one is a banger), obscure female jazz singers, a large stack of recordings from my high school musicals and choir performances, a solid number of good 90s rock...

I think I just experienced the closest I'll ever come to time travel. What's the strangest thing on your defunct CD shelf? (The question doesn't apply if you still buy and listen to CDS lol)

[thorn-enterprises]

Jingle Bells: A Bluegrass Twist on a Holiday Classic

The holiday season is all about traditions, and perhaps one of the most beloved traditions is the joyful sound of Christmas music filling the air. While "Jingle Bells" is perhaps one of the most recognized songs of the season, it takes on a delightful new character when infused with the rhythm and soul of bluegrass.

Bluegrass music, with its roots in traditional American folk, brings a unique blend of upbeat tempos and intricate instrumental arrangements that can invigorate even the most classic of tunes. When "Jingle Bells" gets the bluegrass treatment, listeners are treated to a lively mix of banjos, fiddles, and mandolins that breathe fresh life into the holiday favorite.

Imagine strumming a banjo, the quick-paced plucking mirroring the joyous jingling of sleigh bells, while a fiddle interjects playful melodies that weave in and out of the main tune. The upbeat tempo and catchy riffs invite listeners not just to hear the music, but to tap their feet, dance, and perhaps even join in on the fun. Bluegrass artists often add their own improvisational flair, allowing each performance of "Jingle Bells" to be a unique experience.

This spirited version can evoke a sense of nostalgia and celebration, reminding us of chilly winter nights gathered with family and friends. The energetic beats and harmonious vocals can transform any holiday gathering into a lively celebration filled with laughter, stories, and unforgettable moments.

One of the beautiful aspects of bluegrass is its communal nature. It encourages participation and joy, turning a simple holiday song into a vibrant communal experience. Whether you're singing along at a festive gathering or simply enjoying the sounds of bluegrass on a cold December evening, this genre adds a warm, folk-infused spin to "Jingle Bells" that is sure to brighten your holiday spirit.

So this season, don’t hesitate to seek out those toe-tapping bluegrass renditions of "Jingle Bells." They might just become a cherished part of your holiday traditions, reminding us all that the heart of the holidays is about coming together, sharing joy, and creating memories that resonate like the joyful notes of a banjo. Happy holidays!

[doyourememberrocknrollradio]

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