Artists who NEED to Collaborate!

Some musicians just make me fangirl. They inspire me to become a better musician, to keep chasing my dreams, to one day become successful (take note of this: "successful" doesn't have to mean "famous!").

Great musicians need great friends. Great friends make great collabs. I'm actually thinking about forming a folk band this year with some of my school friends!

So, here are some artists that NEED to meet up and make some songs together.

1. The Secret Sisters and Eden's Edge

Would you believe how big these two "unknown" bands have gotten? The Secret Sisters are on The Hunger Games album. Eden's Edge is pretty much mainstream. I found out about Eden's Edge through Deas Vail (the lead singer, Hannah Blaylock, is the sister of Deas Vail's lead singer, Wesley Blaylock) but it should have been the other way around! Still, there is some serious talent running in the Blaylock genes. Imagine these two country/folk bands together. Just imagine.   2. The Good Mad and Eden's Edge

Listen to "Follow Your Heart" and then listen to "Too Good to be True" again. I think THIS would be a SERIOUSLY EPIC collab. Maybe just because these are my absolute favorite country bands. 3. The Musical Dorks and Megan and Liz

I don't know why I want them to collaborate. But I do. 4. Measure and Death Cab for Cutie

I am seriously obsessed with "Begin Again" and these two bands' piano rock indie styles (even though neither are very indie anymore!) would just be beautiful together. So come on... why not? 5. Athlete and Coldplay

These bands are both British, creative, amazing, and have got me fangirling every time I hear another one of their amazing songs. Coldplay's new album makes me dance. Their older stuff reaches into my soul, same with Athlete. 6. Kari Jobe and Katie Costello

These two girls sound like angels. 7. Yael Naim and Chad Sugg

I love this world-y feel both songs have. You know, the kind of music that brings you home no matter where you are. 8. Taylor Swift, Hannah Blaylock (Eden's Edge), Wesley Blaylock (Deas Vail)

These three artists. Together. Oh, yes.

Playing Old Songs Like Memories

Ever listen to a song that you used to obsess over and find yourself obsessed again? That's me. One moment I'm, "Hmm... I used to love this song. Let's see if I still do." Next moment, I'm playing air-violin (I have a real one, but why bring it out if I can't play that song on it?) and screaming out-of-tune "I don't need a wallow fa-a-a-a-a-ace. I just need a pla-a-a-a-a-a-ace. I can call a name my own. My anywhere place. My anywhere place..."

So, wanna hear some memories? And just a note: Womens' Music week is next week! The artists so far: Ellie Swisher, He Is We, Katie Costello, Yael Naim, Deas Vail, Megan and Liz, Kiersten Holine, and more or less. It'll be epic. But for now, it's time for some oldies (well, kinda. When I say old, I mean like, as recent as a month ago, haha. Remember, I'm thirteen).

I think this is on the playlist. This was one of my first Deas Vail songs and it remains one of my favorites.

I used to be obsessed with this song. I've got it learned without chords on piano now, and you can check out my lyrics for it.

"Stranger" was my first Katie Costello song, which ultimately lead to the song I was singing above (you'll find out what it was soon). Check out the lyrics.

I love "Anywhere Place" so long. It inspires me to keep making music every time I hear it.

Yael Naim's voice is just amazing--- most of us starting hearing her after loving her hit "New Soul" from all those Apple commercials. Now we love her for her less popular music. You can see the lyrics for this, too.

Many of us first heard this song on a JCPenney commercial for last year's back-to-school sales. Now, I continue listening for a little pick-me-up.

This song is so haunted. I love Evanescence, but this song is probably my favorite over all the others I've heard.

This song brings me back to my human video days... but since I don't wanna cry (RainyMood.Com and "Why" don't mix), I'm changing songs pronto.

Ever heard a song on YouTube and you're jamming to it... and then suddenly you realize you've owned the song for years? That feeling totally describes this song for me. I didn't realize I'd owned the song for over ten years until my parents were playing it. I was one happy chick--- saved me a dollar!

Remember when I was obsessed with this song last year? It happens to be one of my favorite lyric posts.

When I first became a fan of Relient K, this was my song. I have the lyrics written on my HHYMCA gymnastics shirt.

I still love this song. I love Megan and Liz, just don't think I'll say that in public.

I used to love this song so much--- still do! VersaEmerge is one of my favorite mainstream bands ever! I wanna be like Sierra one day!

Everyone loved this song at one point in their life. It's one of those songs that all you remember is screaming "everything everything will be alright alright!" but you never really looked it up. For me, I've known the song since I was like, three, and it's followed me my whole life.

Who doesn't like this song? It is seriously the only 30 Seconds to Mars song that I know, and I am in love with everything about it (except for the crowd. Good thing this version cuts out all that crap).

"Let mercy come and wash away WHAT I'VE DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" This song never gets old. It just doesn't.

This song has been an inspiration for over three years now. Kris Allen was (or is) the worship pastor at a friend's uncle's church, so of course I was happy when he won American Idol. I know he didn't write this song, but it's still very inspiring.

I remember when this song first came out and I was freaking out because I knew it was time for a new album! Then I got an autographed poster. And the CD. And a wristband. And there's an obsession.

I would link to my lyric post, but the lyrics are kindsa right there, so...

This reminds me of the Yellowcard lyric, "My worst pains are words I cannot say."

Who doesn't love this Joe Nichols song?

"There is life in the desert."

This song has suddenly become super popular since it was on the Spider-Man movie. Johnny Cash was supposed to sing it with them (it's an oldie).

Will be my last dance at my wedding.

My favorite FFH song ever.

Remember "Growing Pains"? Love, love, love.

Everything You Need to Listen to This Summer!

It's finally here. So, what should you listen to? You heard about bands that are great to get ready for summer, and now here's an updated list of SONGS you need to hear to get you in the summer-y mood. And don't worry, lyric posts are on the way! During the week of Nationals I'll probably have about five lined up to publish that week. And the week before I have a somewhat-pageant... yes, this girl is running for Greene County Princess! But here are some awesome songs that you might want to put on your iPod, especially if you're due for some new songs. (I know I am!)

Everyone needs motivation for a good workout, especially when jogging in the heat.

The clock-ticking is depressing... it mkaes me think of the music video when the kid is inside of, must I say, a SCHOOL.

The video makes me so excited to go the park and play beach volleyball with some friends...

I'm thinking of Phoenix an dI don't know why... maybe because it randomly pops in my mind and I wanna go back...

Nothing's better than guitar int he summertime. And the song is great "because I know that You love me..."

Again, there's that amzing guitar...

The piano reminds me of a swimming pool. FUN FACT: "Lovers in Japan" was the first song I ever learned on guitar.

The drumming and bass... amazing. Deas Vail wows everyone???

Yes. EVERY. ONE.

Even just Wesley (lead vocals) can wow the world.

Isn't the song sooo happy? Voted #1 best song to listen to during 1st period by... me.

This can also get you in a happy mood *sarcastic*...

Summer: the ultimate party.

Boyce Avenue... really hot.

I love Halocene. Remember when I was all sad because Relient K was in Phoenix the day after my stay for NFAF? Turns out, so was Halocene. Now I'm super depressed--- I could have been a fan way before now!

Summertime... "ain't no sunshine when she's gone, 'cause she's always gone too long any time she goes away."

Halocene again... but this time it's a Yellowcard song. I never say this about any cover, but dang... this is SO much better sounding than the original! Who's ready to hit the beach?

Landon Austin is so freaking hot... sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hot... Combine Chad Sugg and Chris Martin and Mat Kearney and there he is. His beautiful voice, attractive looks, weirdly combed hair, and intense, raw talent. Usually I minimize videos when watching them, but I just have to look at him... it's addictive.

Who wants to play soccer? That sport brings bad memories, but oh well.

I love this girl... Yael is so talented, and this song brings a warm feeling of being around family and friends.

Who's thinking of the 90s when they hear this song? Am I the only one? 90s music is the heart of summe rmusic... I either think this song sounds like it because I was born in the 90s or because the band started in the 90s.

"Ignoble" definitely has a home-y, but very sad feel.

These images show some great summer memories for everyone. The song is "Take My Hand" by The Cab. You can also see some graduation images (0:12, 3:21, 3:29), and if you're a senior, well. CONGRATS!
~~~~
Well, have a nice summer. I will be posting WAY more often during the summer months and will be sure to update you on my discoveries of new bands and new songs to keep you happy this summer:)

Yesterday, Three Years Ago...

Three years ago, three years ago...

...THIS BLOG BEGAN! And thus, this blog began many other blogs. A gymnastics one, a 4-H one, a school one, a reporting-turned-art one that got deleted in STEM Foundations class, a pro-life one which is the newest one with the smallest amount of publicity. And I am also the newest member of the JAM Adventures blog.

This blog, and more importantly its readers, has done so much for me. The blog because without it, I wouldn't have discovered my love for writing fiction and newly I have discovered my love for poetry and songwriting. If you see my second post and then this one (I will not link to the first because it is really pitiful), there is a pretty big difference that I hope you can see. With the second post, you can pretty much infer that I was in the fifth grade and I was. Didn't know much about blogging, I just knew I wanted to do it. And that helped me improve in grammar, in which I am suffering a B in Language! Yuck! But then again, I did skip the eighth grade and move up to freshman Language in seventh grade and this year I had to go back to eighth. And how do the readers help? Whenever I'm feeling down, just in the perfect time I receive a comment from one of you, and it makes me feel suddenly much happier. I do want more followers, but I kinda like the title I have for myslef, the indie blogger.

So, here are my top 3's!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fave band
1. Deas Vail (indie rock/alternative/Christian)
2. Coldplay (alternative/pop)
3. Local Natives (indie rock/folk)

Fave solo artist
1. Taylor Swift (country/pop)
2. Katie Costello (indie pop)
3. Yael Naim (indie folk/pop)

Fave cover artist
1. Megan and Liz
2. Boyce Avenue
3. Cimorelli

Fave music genre
1. Folk
2. Alternative rock
3. Country
(I also like worship and Christian music, but that can fit in all of those categories, really.)

Fave indie rock song
1. "Monday" by The Sea and Cake
2. "Wide Eyes" by the Local Natives
3. "Life in These Little Boats" by Deas Vail

Fave indie folk song
1. "Airplanes" by the Local Natives
2. "Go to the River" by Yael Naim
3. "Come Home" by Yael Naim

Fave indie pop song
1. "Anywhere Place" by Katie Costello
2. "Oh, Imagine That" by Max and Simon
3. "Ships in the Night" by Mat Kearney

Fave alternative song
1. "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World
2. "Over My Head" by The Fray
3. "Dare to Believe" by Boyce Avenue

Fave country song
1. "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars (no, they're not racists)
2. "Size Matters" by Joe Nichols
3. "Best Days of Your Life" by Kellie Pickler

Fave mainstream pop song
1. "Liar Liar" by Christina Grimmie
2. "Far Away" by Tyga and Chris Richardson
3. "Old School Love" by Megan and Liz

Fave orchestra song
1. "Mombasa" by Hans Zimmer
2. "Time" by Hans Zimmer
3. "Doctor Who Opening Credits" by BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Ben Foster

Fave metal song
1. "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence
2. "Again" by Flyleaf
3. "My Heart is Broken" by Evanescence

Fave instrument
1. Acoustic guitar
2. Electric cello
3. Piano

Role model
1. Laura Blaylock (from Deas Vail)
2. Kendall Jenner (she's a Kardashian, sorry...)
3. Ann Marie Calhoun (a rock violinist who has done a performance at the Inception premiere with Hans Zimmer, Johnny Marr, and Lili Hadyn)

Hair inspiration
1. Amy Lee (from Evanescence)
2. Lili Hadyn (her hair is super curly)
3. Miley Cyrus (crappy singer, but her song "When I Look at You" is beautiful)

Fashion inspiration
1. Taylor Swift
2. Laura Blaylock
3. Liz Mace (from Megan and Liz)

Fave tele show
1. Doctor Who
2. Switched at Birth
3. The Lying Game, I guess

Fave movie
1. The Help
2. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Disney/Walden)
3. Inception

Fave book
1. "Beatle Meets Destiny" by Gabrielle Williams
2. "The Harvest of Grace" (reviewed but I don't feel like posting a link) by Cindy Woodsmall
3. "Pretty Little Liars" by Sara Shepard

Fave blog
1. Timmerie's Blog
2. Drew's Blog
3. Mid-Morning Sunset

Fave blog of mine
1. This one:)
2. Gymnastics IS Life
3. Eighth Graders Anonymous
And my newest one is my pro-life blog, Life in Technicolor!

My main talents
1. Writing short stories and novels.
2. Music, which would be Vocals/Guitar/String Bass/Piano. I've been singing for two years, playing guitar for nine months, string bass for one year (very small amount of practice though), piano for four years however I am just now working on chords.
3. Collaging. If that's how you spell it. I put magazine papers on EVERYTHING--- I have a composition notebook that has a whole bunch of stuff on the out and inside covers, plus my wall if full of posters, all perfectly aligned with each other, I try to make them perfectly straight, and not one poster is one hundred percent next to the other. Can't wait for freshman art class this year!

My fun facts
1. I am supposedly in the seventh grade
2. I am thirteen years old and 5'9" and the second or third tallest girl in my class
3. I was a cheerleader for three years and the best tumbler on my squad. I'm also a former gymnast. I miss gymnastics soooo much. So now I do human videos and I still get to spot and base stunts.

My aspirations
1. Be a famous journalist and novelist
2. A member of an indie rock or folk band, preferably as the guitarist or lead vocalist
3. Be a pastor's wife!!! I know for sure that's on my list... prayed about it at Ohio Youth Convention 2011!

If you know me, you know...
1. I love Jesus with all my heart and will give up ANYTHING for Him. "I wanna live, but I would die for You." -Fireflight
2. I have gone through a few things in the past, but I have learned to give it all a 'whatever' and move on
3. I write because I want everyone to have the chance to be as happy in life as I am!
~~~~~~
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Y.B.M.L.a.Y!

Major Minus

Major Minus

They got one eye watching you,
One eye on what you do
So be careful who it is you're talking to.
They got one eye watching you,
One eye on what you do,
So be careful what it is you're tryin' a do.

And be careful when you're walking into view.
Just be careful when you're walking into view.

Ooh ooh ooh!
Ooh ooh ooh
Ooh...
Got one eye on the road and one on you---
Ooh ooh ooh!
Ooh ooh ooh
Ooh...
Got one eye on the road and one on...

They got one eye watching you,
One eye on what you do
So be careful 'cause nothing they say is true.
But, they don't believe a word,
It's just us against the world
And we just gotta turn it up to be heard.

Hear those crocodiles tickin' 'round the world.
Hear those crocodiles tickin', they go, tickin' 'round the world.

Ooh ooh ooh!
Ooh ooh ooh
Ooh...
Got one eye on the road and one on you---
Ooh ooh ooh!
Ooh ooh ooh
Ooh...
Got one eye on the road and...

You could hear them climbing the stairs.
I've got my right side fighting while my left hides under the chairs.

Ooh ooh ooh!
Ooh ooh ooh
Ooh...
GOT ONE EYE ON THE ROAD AND ONE ON YOU---
Ooh ooh ooh!
Ooh ooh OOH
Ooh...

Got one eye on the road and one on YOU!

God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen!!!

It's Christmas day! Yay! I am having a great Christmas! It's so much better than last Christmas. It still feels like a normal day because snow just doesn't wanna fall on the Miami Valley this year, does it? We haven't had a white Christmas since that ginormous storm back in like, '04 or something. So I don't even dream of white Christmases anymore, because I know that in Dayton, Ohio; they just don't happen.

I got an iTunes card as my favorite gift this year. (and a new computer for the whole family--- you know what that means? No more Microsoft Word 2001 {or something like that}--- We're updating!!!) I downloaded eighteen songs and still have $5.47 left... hmm what should I buy? I know I have to keep at least one dollar so I can buy my "Behind the Scenes" (Francesca Battistelli) performance track for Fine Arts.

So, the first thing I did was buy "Christmas Lights" by Coldplay. This song is just so true. Like:

"When you're still waiting for the snow to fall, it doesn't really feel like Christmas at all."

In Dayton, it never feels like Christmas!!!!! Which is weird, I mean, HELLO, I live in a pretty cold climate. But oh well. Welcome to Ohio...

But this song also means, may it sound like pun was intended, hope. "Christmas night, another fight. Tears, we cried a flood." Sounds like a pretty sad Christmas Eve... no one would feel like celebrating Christmas. But...

"Those. Christ. Mas. Lights, light up the street, down where the sea and city meet. May all your troubles soon be gone. Oh Christmas lights, keep shining on!"

Even if you're having a bad Christmas, guess what??? Think about it like this: You're celebrating Christ's birth--- there's no reason to not be happy! Jesus is alive (still)! He was born so we could have new life! So that when he died on the cross that fateful Friday (and people wonder why I love Fridays... hmm...), we could be separated from sin and set apart to serve God. So you can choose to be an atheist or whatever if you want, you were born with free will. But, remember what this day really is. And ask yourself:

Why do YOU celebrate Christmas???

Is it for getting gifts? Do you like giving the gifts? Are you like me, someone who likes to try something new every year? (Making homemade cards for everyone in my half of the grade---that's twenty-seven kids---was intense this year. Super difficult.) Well, here's MY question for YOU:

If you don't believe in God, why do you celebrate Christmas? Because that doesn't make sense to me, just being honest. I wouldn't celebrate a holiday for someone I don't believe in. Maybe you're a kid and your parents believe in God so you celebrate it anyway, and I understand. But I don't see how someone can celebrate a holiday for someone they don't believe in. Christmas has become a holiday for just giving and receiving. But remember what the ultimate gift is, who gave their life for you...

"I think you've forgotten who really defeated the White Witch, Peter."

-Lucy, Disney/Walden's "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian"

Don't forget who Christmas is really about, alright? Merry Christmas, y'all. PEACE!!

Best Indie Song of 2011

Hello! You know I like indie music because I'm always blogging about Deas Vail, Katie Costello, and Yael Naim. Well, you should know at the very least.

So here are your options for voting!

AND DON'T FORGET TO VOTE! We have had a huge decrease in voting this year.

"The Right Mistakes" by Deas Vail is probably my favorite song off the album. It was my favorite from the start.... no, "Desire" was. But this one is like, classic. And you know that OHMIGAHITSJAMES guy that posts like, a whole bunch of Deas Vail videos? Yeah, he went to Phoenix this year! For Fine Arts, just like I did!

"Stranger" by Katie Costello is so ghostly... so creepy... but amazing! Katie has a way with words that really creep me out. Her voice is beautiful and yet still so creepy. They chose the perfect episode of "Switched at Birth" to play this song that got her more publicity! "Anywhere Place" was also featured on the show. If you like Regina Spektor, you're really gonna like Katie Costello.

"Go to the River" by Yael Naim... ah, this girl is slowly moving away from the title "indie"... Her song "New Soul" has been blasted on several Apple commercials. Her song "Come Home" was also on "Switched at Birth". This one is my favorite of hers. Now I really wanna dance toward a river... however, Mad River is not nearly half as peaceful...

"Cemetries of London" by Coldplay--- best Coldplay song ever, yet I'm stuck with only Mylo Xyloto on my iPod... should have bought Viva La Vida, I know (I have "Viva La Vida" the song, but not the album).

The first thing you might say is: "Coldplay--- there is NO WAY they are an indie band!!!" And you're right. They are one hundred percent mainstream, no doubt about it. But this song is probably one of their least popular. Besides... I love this song.

It's so creepy. Yesterday I watched this thing on the History Channel about, guess what? London! I've always wanted to go there, but now I'm not so sure. Let's just say this: The song "Cemeteries of London" is awesome. But watching a show about the REAL cemeteries of London? Uh, creepy.

London's history is dark. And this song goes along with it all too closely. Like:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"In the night they would go walking 'till the breaking of the day..."
History Channel:
Body snatchers would steal bodies from their graves in the nighttime.

"Through the dark streets they go searching..."
History Channel:
Ever heard of Sweeney Todd??? He's fictional, but still.

"So we go down to the river where the toiling ghosts spring..."
History Channel:
The sewers of London sent all their deadly waste down to the river. It protected London from a Cholera outbreak! Yay, London!

"We go underneath the arches..."
History Channel:
All the murderers hid in the underworld... like the sewers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
But my favorite line is:

"God is in the houses, and God is in my head, and all the cemeteries of London. I see God come in my garden but I don't know what He'd say, For my heart, it wasn't open. Not open. Singing la la la la la la eh..."

REMEMBER TO VOTE!!!!!

Christmas Lights: Bring It On!

Christmas spirit... if it were an Olympic sport, I'd be out for the gold medal. And at my school, there are some weird kids. That means crazy competition. For Christmas spirit.

Nobody is as creative as I am. Making personalized Christmas letters for everybody in my half of the eighth grade, singing even while angry, asking everyone what their favorite color is. Who would have thought I'd have competition.

This seventh grader had the nerve to be awesome and do something different. Something cooler than I knew was possible.

So, picture me, just walking to my cubby as I see... Christmas lights. "What the heck?" I thought, thinking maybe I was still groggy from the bus ride. So I walk back to Cal's (not full name) cubby and there it is, Christmas lights LINING HER CUBBY. What the heck, I know. I didn't even know it was possible to put Christmas lights--- that HANG ON HOUSES---in a school cubby. But it is. She attached it to a battery somehow... she must be in robotics or something. I thought it was ingenius. And did I mention she had a photograph of herself hanging off the lights? Almost like she was saying, "Beat THAT, Hope!" So, I confronted her at lunch about my discovery.

I asked her if she'd be alright if I had tried to outdo her holiday spirit. And ha ha... SHE SAID YES! We have similar personalities (I know her because I interviewed her for a project where we could interview some of the younger kids), and great minds think alike. We're both extremely creative, so I'm almost scared about where this could be leading. Let's just say...

Two girls enter the games. Only one will survive to tell the story.

And right now... I don't know if the survivor is me. This girl is serious about Christmas. But so am I. So here's what I say.

Dear Cal,
You may have Christmas lights and I may not be talented enough to do that, but guess whose idea it is to put a Christmas tree in her cubby? And snow? And snowmen? These are the Christmas games, and every addition to the spirit must be better than the last. Else, you're setting yourself up for some serious drama. Can you handle the heat? Or, should I say, snow? You'd better hope so.

Let the flames begin.
Xx_Hope_xX

OMIGAH it's HOPE!

Thanksgiving time means....

More stuff.
More blogging.
More writing (and finishing up the last chapter and epilogue of "Unspoken"--- yay!).
More food.
More music.
More time with me and my dog (I am petting her with my left hand and typing with my right at this moment).
MY FAMILY IS COMING TO MY HOUSE!!!! FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!

About the stuff...
So, for my birthday, I got the entire "Dark Kiss" collection from B&BW, plus a shimmer mist that I'm wearing right now. I also got a beginner's guitar book, and I'm not a beginner so I know most of the stuff in the book, but it shows how to read music and I don't wanna learn that but it will be handy when I start playing cello. I got some guitar picks... not as thin as my lucky guitar pick so I can't holepunch them (bummer), but they'll be handy, too. I got some body sprays that smell REALLY GOOD and I'm putting them in my cubby at school--- one for when I first get off the bus, one for after lunch, one for after P.E. My favorite gift was a pair of headphones--- I NEEDED THEM! They're Sony headphones, and it took awhile to get used to the different kind of sound, but they're worth it alright. Earbuds never worked for me... one bud always popped out or something crazy like that, and even though they're more convenient, I'm a music geek that cares about the sound more than anything, so headphones are the thing for me. (note: listen to "Time" by Hans Zimmer with headphones instead of earbuds and it's magical!)

About Unspoken...
I'm working on the last two chapters in the rough draft. The book is moving by quarters. It's supposed to move by school quarters, but I'm really behind because my school's first quarter ended waaay at the beginning of this month, so I need to pick up the pace. Then, for quarter 2, I am taking out a few chapters and typing it up. For Quarter 3 I will have some friends and maybe some teachers proofread it and then I will revise it. For Quarter 4, I will start getting ready to publish and getting in touch with Morris Self-Publishing. And in the summertime, the book will be set to release. Then I will begin work on "The Interstate," and start the process all over for freshman year. My sophomore project will be "On Death's Edge." Then, I'll probably take a break to focus on my junior and senior years of high school and work on my music career. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

FOOD!
I love food soooo much! In fact, I will be posting a recipe on here really soon! Possibly today! And I just noticed today is Thanksgiving, so have a happy one. I'm thankful for Church's Chicken. And no, I didn't get to eat it Tuesday. And I was really looking forward to it.

More music!
I've been looking everywhere possible for tracks for all my Fine Arts Festival stuff. Right now, I'm working on my Spanish vocal solo, "How Great Thou Art", Carrie Underwood's version. It's actually really easy--- It is the first song I've ever done in high key, but despite that the Spanish lyrics are quite simple to memorize. I am also looking for songs for my ASL solo, and am currently torn between "Desire" by Deas Vail and "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" by Relient K.

For my normal vocal solo, I am trying something else new. It's not in Spanish, and it's not in high key. BUT! For the first time ever, I am doing the music--- myself! I'm playing guitar along with my vocals! The song is "Something Beautiful" by NEEDTOBREATHE. This is gonna be interesting. It's pushing my range a lot, like on one part I have to go really low, and I'm not gonna take the easy way out and sing it the normal way--- I want people to hear how low my vocal range really is! I don't want people to hear the same baby that sang at Fun Arts in sixth grade. I don't want people to hear the same little kid that sang a song in low key and had to stop and catch her breath in the middle of a verse in seventh grade at the Fine Arts District Festival. I don't want people to hear the girl who had to sing soprano notes in "Excuses" every time the lead vocalist wasn't there before Nationals. I want them to hear the message the song has.

Also, if you want, go check out "Take My Hand" by The Cab. I had it on replay for around three hours last night and am still not tired of it! And check out "Go to the River" by Yael Naim. She's an indie folk artist, but trust me, you've heard a song or two by her (like this one that was on a lot of Apple commercials: "I'm a new soul...").

And, I'm working on a cover of "Lovers in Japan" by Coldplay. I've got the guitar chords down, all except for G. I don't think I'll post it on YouTube, but maybe. Besides, I don't wanna be one of those annoying commenters that say "I don't think anyone will see this but someone will see this..."

Good news!
My family is coming to my house this Thanksgiving! Yay! I can't wait for them to see my guitar and ferret calendar (don't ask...) and string bass/cello and autographed Deas Vail poster and random church pew... yeah. Excited.

So... see ya later.

*~~~ImagineThat~~~*
Hope!

My Autumn Playlist

I didn't have time to post the recipe I invented, so here's what's playing on my iPod this season!

1. "Paradise" by Coldplay. Me and my friends were jamming to it at lunch when unexpectedly, while dancing, I accidentally shook my iPod and it shuffled. I screamed "NOOO!" and they said I looked like the Devil, no less the Baby of Shame.
2. "Christmastime is Here" by Vince Guaraldi Trio. This is the instrumental that Coldplay is attempting to play at the end of "Charlie Brown" and they failed that part epically.
3. "Charlie Brown" by Coldplay. Despite the failed attempt to play the above song, this song rocks! I love the "light a fire..." part!
4. "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" by Coldplay. Love the lyrics.
5. "Major Minus" by Coldplay. I love the acoustic guitar, vocals, bass, guitar lead... Not sure what I like.
6. "Be My Escape" by Relient K.
7. "Desire" by Deas Vail. While waiting for the bus one day, I had just received the album and just as Laura started saying, "mm..." the bus pulled around the corner! I knew it would be a good day!
8. "Excuses" by Deas Vail. Forget the six month band thing. I hate this song, but at the same time I have to love it. Gosh, I miss band practices... Gosh, take me back to Phoenix already.
9. "For Those Who Wait" by Fireflight. Beautiful...
10. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Rascal Flatts. I like Christmas music--- don't be a hater!
11. "Make Your Move" by Third Day.
12. "Time" by Hans Zimmer. You know why this blasts on my iPod. I'm joining my school band if and when we get one, and this song is why I might do cello! However, I really wanna play the saxophone, so I Don't know...
13. "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" by Relient K. 'I watched the perverbial sunrise coming up over the pacific end. You might think I'm losing my mind but I will shy away from the specifics.'
14. "The One I'm Waiting For" by Relient K. I love the 80s vibe it gives off!
15. "Common Sense" by Deas Vail. Only song that can make me sad and happy at the same time.
16. "Strawberry Swing" by Coldplay.
17. "Lovers in Japan" by Coldplay.
18. "Run Away" by Megan and Liz. It totally describes how I've been feeling in this beautiful season of autumn.

"We live in the shadow of the fall..."
-Selah, 'Unredeemed'.