BATTLE OF THE BANDS XI Results and The Long Way Home an IWSG post

This post was written yesterday and due to computer problems I was unable to publish it. I can only hope blogger will publish it as written today.

Already 2014 is getting away from me. Today is the seventh of January and I'm pretty late in the day with my BATTLE OF THE BANDS XI Results. That's probably because I was so surprised at the outcome. For the very first time even at my place we have a tie. The final tally, BEFORE my vote is:
       
 Ricardo and Esther        8 votes
 Willie and Norah           8 votes
 
I even had a little help from some new people who stopped by to vote this time.
 
I liked both versions in this BATTLE. The original from the movie 'Neptune's Daughter', by Ricardo Montalban and Esther Williams was fun and lent itself well to the video clip from the movie. It's a cute song, aside from the 'date rape' implications mentioned by one of my voters. BUT, I have to cast my vote for the version by Willie Nelson and Norah Jones. I really like both of these performers on their own, but it is my opinion that they have an incredible chemistry when performing together. Each lends portions of their distinctive sound and technique to the presentation and I think the diverse styles and backgrounds that they come from add an excitement to this tune. All that said, basically it's their version that really moves  me.
 
Therefore, this BATTLE will go to Wilie Nelson and Norah Jones, edging out Ricardo and Esther by one measly vote - mine. I'll be back on the fifteenth of January with another BATTLE OF THE BANDS as I expect will the other participants.

NEXT, I would like to tell you a little bit about my Christmas. I was traveling over the Holidays and spent Christmas in Idaho with family. Christmas Eve I found myself in a strange church, being sung to by a familiar choir, surrounded by many those I love. As I sat there wondering how I came to be at this particular place at this very moment, I realized that sometimes it's necessary to take the long way home.
 
I used to live in Idaho (in actuality I used to live a lot of places), but when I travel back there it's no longer home.There are a lot of familiar places and people, but my time there is done. The family that I have currently living there, no longer need me, but I do know that they still love me. As much as I would like to think that I have something to offer them, they are doing a fine job with their lives on their own. But, it is that love that exists between us that creates a sense of HOME. I suppose this, in part, is what is meant by 'Home is Where the Heart Is'.
 
Truth be told, there are a lot of people and places that hold my heart in the palm of their hand. When I think about it I suppose this is what gives me a feeling of security. Each and everyone of us has a need to be loved. I think this is what gives us a sense of security, especially in times of stress. When we feel insecure about any aspect of our lives all we have to do is draw on that love from those others and we, or at least I,am able to think more clearly, act more calmly, and get on with the necessary decisions in my life.
 
Since tomorrow is the monthly submission for the Insecure Writers Support Group, I'm going to let this little story serve as what I hope might be some inspiration for others. In 2014, it is my hope and prayer for each and everyone of you reading this, that you will draw your security from those you love and who love you. May you find your way home even if you have to take the long way to get there.
 
If you want to know more about the Insecure Writers Support Group and read other posts by Insecure Writers go to the source, by clicking here.