music monday :: st. paul and the broken bones

Ladies & gents, all credit for this post goes to my good friend Sarah. A bunch of us were hanging out at a friend's baby shower on Saturday, and Sarah mentioned she had heard this cool band on CBS. She was referring to this:

Then I said, "I have to blog about this."

Seriously. This band is the real deal. The energy! The soul! The suits! The vocals (!!)! The dance moves! They sound amazing. And they look like guys that I would want to go to brunch with and have eggs and mimosas after watching them play. Let it be known how happy I am that this group of dudes is not just sticking to Birmingham. The whole world needs to hear them. I really do believe that this is the type of music that anyone could hear live and be drawn in, even if it's not your usual genre or you happen to hate music. I think it would be impossible to respond negatively to what these guys are putting out. Plus, how can you be sad while listening to this?!

Here's irony for you: Saturday I found out who they were, and Saturday was the night they were playing a show in my town. TOO LATE. I despise moments like that. Next time I'll be front and center for this!

Amen & AMEN.

friday favorites :: a piece of history

I have been talking about getting a record player FOREVER. Like, years and years ago. I never did because they are pretty expensive and my bedroom is already full of things, so I have no idea where I would put it. 

But something magical happened last weekend. I went to brunch with a friend and we decided to check out this record store around the corner from my house. I'd held off on that idea for a while... because I knew as soon as I set foot in that place, I would fall in love. And I did. The guy that owns the store has the most amazing collection... so much goodness! His store is five years old and I told him I wanted to quit my corporate job and come work there. (Joking, but not really. Little does he know.) I could spend hours in that place, which is what I plan to do soon!

Anyway, I left the store that day with four records. Then I said, "Well, I guess I really do have to get a record player now." Then this happened!

Crappy picture, but you get the gist. Total happiness ensued! 

My roommate asked me why I wanted to get a record player when everything is in mp3 format now. Why would you want this bulky machine with giant discs that you have to buy and store? For me, it's a piece of history.  From the early phonograph, these date back to 1877 when Thomas Edison came up with the invention. The whole chunk of time from the 50's to the 80's, when so much good music was developed, the only way to listen was through records! I grew up listening to my dad's records (he refuses to give them up or even let me touch his turntable to this day). It's the way major music distribution started! We wouldn't even have CD's or digital music without the origin of records. It was a major discovery to figure out how to get music to the masses so they could listen from the comfort of their homes. And records are such a cool preservation of music of a certain time period. They haven't been changed. They have the same sound they did 50+ years ago. Had the record player not been invented, I don't think America would have fallen in love with half the songs we consider to be classics today. My favorites are the old-school live albums... so special to hear actual people of that time clapping and cheering and singing along to a live show! I have a live Johnny Cash album that I'm in love with because I enjoy hearing the people in the background who were present at his concert so many years ago.

So... mp3's are a great advancement of our abilities and an easy way to listen to music. But I buy records because I love being transported to a different time and place, and to remember how it all started.

the great debate.

I read this article about the World Vision fiasco the other day: http://nishweiseth.com/blog/2014/3/these-are-real-kids-you-know. Take a minute to read it before you continue.

I think Christians are so wrapped up in the "I'm right, you're wrong" mentality that it's blinding them from helping a very real need. It makes me a little ashamed to be part of my faith. I am a Christian, in case you didn't know. And when I weigh supporting a child's needs and giving them a future against defending a principle, I choose the kid. Hands down. World Vision is not changing the work they do. They were just trying to give everyone who cares a chance to be a part of it (their decision has now been revoked). Believe it or not, gay people like to help kids too. ;)

I can't speak for everyone, but I feel like the majority of people that are pissed off about WV hiring gay people aren't close to anyone who is gay. I mean, I probably had just one openly gay friend myself before one of my best friends recently told me that he is gay. And now it hits really close to home. While it hasn't changed my core beliefs, it has definitely opened up a recognition in me of how gay people should be treated. (Side note: they are still human beings, not aliens. In case you were confused about that.) While I personally don't support gay marriage, I do support all humans being able to get a job wherever they'd like and having the ability to take part in organizations that they care about, regardless of sexual orientation. Homosexuality is such a media-driven, hot-button issue that Christians feel the need to be "right" about and defensive over. I totally understand defending the Bible and its beliefs. I do the same. But let's face it... 90% of people in America clearly understand and have formed an opinion on this debate already. Denying anyone the right to have a job over it is pointless. And in the end, who is the ultimate decision maker? Because I 100% believe it's Jesus, not you and me. PS - He's going to judge YOU in the end too. Just as much, for all YOUR sins. And me as well. 

I ask you, fellow Christians: what exactly do you think denying gay people jobs is going to do? It is not going to make your faith stronger. It is not going to help anyone, gay or straight, come closer to the Lord. It isn't even going to benefit you except that you get to shout your opinions to the world! Here's what it will do: make non-believers more resistant to the gospel, make a large number of people wary of Jesus, fuel hatred, and satisfy your need to tell everyone who will listen that homosexuals are the worst kind of sinner. That really helps the situation (sarcasm). Isn't it a good thing that more humans on this earth want to help people through organizations and other resources rather than stand idly by? Frankly, I think we need all the help we can get, no matter who is giving it.

I totally get standing up for what you believe in. Again, I openly say that I believe that homosexuality is wrong according to the Bible (which I believe to be true), and according to my personal beliefs outside of Christianity (faith aside, I think men and women are made to be together and there are no alternatives). Are you aware that there are a ton of Christians out there struggling with being gay? I will absolutely stand up and say that these people ARE STILL CHRISTIANS. They still believe in Jesus. They still have biblical morals and good hearts and do not condemn you for your sins like you do them. They are fighting a battle within themselves that is probably 10 times harder than anything the average person has had to face. And I know your next question is, "What about the ones that call themselves Christians but aren't struggling over being gay... they just think homosexuality is 100% okay?" To that, I say this: Jesus is the only one who can outright refute this and judge anyone's heart; it is not our job (nor are we called!) to continue telling gay people that they are awful sinners; and you are entitled to defend your beliefs, but let it go once you have been heard and understood by the person you are talking to (whether you agree or not). Guess what? They are going to make their own choices and form their own opinions, just like you do. Where in the bible does it say, "go relentlessly after the sinners and take away their rights until they believe exactly as you do?" (Yes, I know it does say to hold your Christian brothers accountable if they are out of line. But at some point you have to trust that they have listened and heard you. The rest is up to them. I firmly believe that and it goes for all people, not just gay. I also don't believe in cutting people you care about out of your life simply because they have made decisions that you disagree with - unless the decisions are dangerous and makes them unsafe to be around.)

I know that a lot of Christians out there will wholeheartedly disagree with what I'm saying. There are those who think that we should be fighting to defend God's word against homosexuality for all it costs. But let me tell you: THERE IS A COST. The cost of people running away from Christ because of you. The cost of innocent children losing support and a future, in this instance. The cost of people hating the church and everything it stands for. You may not care about that, since the bible states "you will be persecuted for your beliefs" and that may validate your choices. But I would rather live in a world where I can kindly state my beliefs when warranted, while accepting every person (gay or straight) without telling them they can't get a job, or they can't volunteer somewhere, or they can't come to my church.

That's where I stand.

what they wore :: fringe!

I can't be sure why this trend is coming back... But surprisingly, I like it! A lot of 70's vibes going on with fringed jackets and such. I myself have wanted a fringed bikini for summertime. (Never have I ever said those words. I'm aware of how dumb it sounds.)

Maybe visuals are better than me trying to explain this:

See? Cute! If you agree, the first four are via forever 21 and the awesome jacket is free people.

On the hunt for more fringe!

music monday :: tallhart

Happy Monday, friends! (Said no one ever. But today really is okay!) If you were to look in my iPhone notes, you would see a never-ending list of bands I want to check out. I take note whenever I hear a random song on TV that grabs me, a blogger suggests someone they like or a friend tells me, "You have to listen to this band." Most of the time I stalk a lot of people on PureVolume (a tradition that goes back to my young college years in my friend Cait's parent's kitchen. Good times).

ANYWAY. This band has been rolling around in my iPhone notes for some time, and I finally got around to listening to their stuff. I instantly got that feeling I hate where I go, "UGH! I could have been listening to them for months already!" That band is Tallhart.

One thing that gives them instant credibility in my mind is that they are working with Max Bemis on their music. I love hearing about anything Max does (he's part of Say Anything and is married to Eisley sister Sherri DuPree Bemis). But connections aside, Tallhart stands out on their own. They have been going strong since 2012, driven by their indie-rock sound and gorgeously written lyrics. The first track off their 2013 album, "We Are the Same", immediately captured my attention with its beautiful electric parts and mixed vocal background harmonies. This is the kind of stuff I love!

Here's what I'm talking about:

Tell me that doesn't captivate you in the least and make you want to hear more. They're on Spotify and you can get their albums here.

journal day #5

Onward with Danielle's Journal Days! This one is keeping it real.

We all encounter challenges on a daily basis. You may consider yours something small, like having enough time in the day to accomplish everything you set out to do, or it may be a bit bigger- perhaps something you have to overcome mentally or emotionally, or even a struggle when dealing with a difficult person. Whatever the case, take a look at your daily life- what would you say is your biggest challenge? Or if you have a past struggle you were able to overcome, how did you do it? This week, write about a challenge you currently deal with on a day to day basis, or discuss one you managed to get past.

I am the first to say I am a flawed person. I know, we all are. But I am a true "wear your heart on your sleeve" type. I have an unfiltered heart. You will know when I'm sad, mad, super happy, tired, hungry, etc. Being real and honest (I'm never a BS-er) is something that I like about myself. But my biggest challenge is keeping that under wraps when I really need to. For example, at work. I have, on more than one occasion, gotten a lecture about showing frustration. What can I say... when I get frustrated, the world will know it. And it's rarely for a stupid reason. Usually there is a very legitimate reason for it. But there are times and places to keep that quiet and just move on, and I struggle with that. I've been working on it and so far, I think I'm improving. I've been stopping in the moment and taking time to think, "How do I really want to handle this?" I'll never be fake, but I am trying to think about my reactions before they happen. 

What's your daily challenge?

what they wore :: getting creative

ignore the blur. my room was super dark.

This morning, I stood in front of my closet without a clue of what to wear. I get up at 6am, for the record. Not the prime time for decision making. I'm often half asleep and the first thing I do is check the weather. If it's 30 degrees or less? Layer up with leggings and tall socks under my work pants. Cute, right? At least no one can see my snowflake leggings when I don't even bother to change out of my PJ's. (I have to walk to my building... tights are not going to cut it.) If it's above 35? Rejoice! I can wear normal clothes again! Such was the case this morning.

I'm on a kick where I'm trying not to buy new clothes unless I need to. First, let me say that there is nothing wrong with shopping if you have the budget to support it. I am personally trying to be more money conscious. I don't even know where today's outfit came from, except I was standing in my closet thinking, "Today would be a lovely day to wear my leather boots now that the snow has melted." The next thing I know, I'm picking out a summer dress (!!) and throwing a cardi over it. I added some super comfy leggings, the best boots in the world, and my gold rings.The above result was better than expected!

So today's WTW advice is: Sometimes you should just stand in your closet and make random decisions. It could turn out okay. :) I have a feeling I'll be wearing a lot more summer dresses with cardigans thrown over them. Take that, winter!

the talk :: transition

Today has been hectic. I can only assume that's to make up for the lazy snow day I had yesterday. And that's why I'm blogging at 7pm instead of 7am. Le sigh.

I'm in a period of musical transition. I'm writing and trying to put another record together, although it's been a struggle and I haven't recorded anything in ages. There's a lot of self-doubt and criticism going on in my head. That criticism is both the best and worst thing for me. I read this quote a few days ago:

"there is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing."

- Aristotle

Well said, dude.

I can't avoid criticism because I am my own worst critic. But I am also my best. I applaud myself when I write a good lyric or two. Not because I am self-centered, but usually because I am so relieved I actually did something worth hearing (in my own mind, of course). That feeling is often short lived. 

I put my record from 2012 up on Bandcamp today. It's the only album I've written that I don't hate. If you listen to it, you may say, "good grief, that's depressing." It comes from a very real year of my life. The tagline in my profile says "music from the heart, for the heart." That is the epitome of what I do and how I write. Despite bad recording quality, a lone acoustic guitar, and non-perfect vocals, these songs are me. Do me a favor? Just listen to the words and if the rest seems okay to you too, well great. :) And if you start listening and you hate it, at least listen to "Been Here Before", "Break", or "Wounds". (Especially "Wounds".) Those songs are straight from my unfiltered heart.

PS - harmonies are my most favorite thing.

music monday :: london grammar

It's snowing outside yet again, and it's March. Something is very wrong with this picture. I'm begging you to get here, Spring!

Do you guys ever listen to bands for a while, forget about them, then remember them again? No? Just me? Okay then. Today is one of those situations.

image via google

I started listening to London Grammar a couple years ago, and somehow forgot about them until now. There is no good excuse for this, since they're excellent! They have such a unique sound and I always think they're a wonderful blend of new & classic. Hannah, the lead vocalist, is the closest you'll ever come to replicating Florence + The Machine. She's so unreal. They just put out their first record in 2013, though songs were released before then. 

See what I mean? Get their album, If You Wait, and their EP, Metal & Dust. You won't be disappointed. Also, happy St. Patrick's Day! (a.k.a. an excuse to drink Guinness. As if you need an excuse.)

friday favorites :: iPhone photos & IKEA beds

Is anyone else extremely excited that it's Friday? It's just been a long week. I have a weekend full of plans and seeing good friends, so I'm anxious to get that started! And I keep forgetting that I need to make time to read the books I've been getting out of the library (or use up my two renewals, which is what usually happens). Sigh. My busy life. RECAP!

1. My friend got her second kitten, who insists on sitting on your shoulder and curling around your neck. // 2. These back roads that I grew up on will always be my favorite. I went home to see my dad and we had pizza. // 3. My corgi puphew Ripken! He's getting so heavy. I spent the day with him and Cali. // 4. Visiting my pup Misty that passed away in September. We always bury our pets in our woods so we can go see them. I've been missing her lately.

5. Ripken naps like this. Seriously. // 6. Cali and Ripken are always snuggling. Well, more like he squishes her and she doesn't mind. // 7. This IKEA daybed was a bitch to put together. Laura worked on it for close to 10 hours without stopping; when I got home she was ready to quit but we figured it out and it's done! (PS - IKEA manuals suck.) // 8. This is my work face as of late. Interpret as you will.

That daybed is the most important picture of them all. I can't believe how long it took Laura to put it together... and trust me, she is so good at those types of things. She always convinces me not to give up after step 1! This time, she was ready to quit and I had to be the motivator. Well, more like that thing was just pissing me off by not giving clear instructions, so I had to defeat it. I know you need your manuals to be internationally legible, IKEA, but for crying out loud, would some words be too much to ask for when the project is complicated? Sheesh. But now that it's done, this is going to be our reading room! Super feminine with florals and pretty pictures. The bed is going by the window, of course, and it's going to be so nice to sit there with a cup of coffee and get into a good book. I'm also planning on writing some new music in that very spot. It helps to get out of my own room sometimes. I'll post photos when it's all finished!

Also (random), I was doing some research on how to keep my iPhone battery alive longer. I'm pretty iPhone savvy so I know a lot of the tricks, but this article had a lot more that I didn't know. I wanted to share in case you guys are having the same issues. Worth checking out:
http://www.zdnet.com/how-to-improve-your-iphones-battery-life-updated-for-ios7-7000014902/

And here are some tunes to get your weekend going!

journal day :: #4

First things first: do you guys have any crazy phobias that give you anxiety? If so, we will be best friends. I have an incurable fear of spiders. A lot of people do, I know. But yesterday I became increasingly aware that my anxiety over those gross little insects has reached a whole new level. I was driving home from work when a not so small one showed up on my window RIGHT NEXT TO MY FACE. And I didn't have anything around to smash it except my parking passes (the kind that sit on your dashboard), which I decided were not big enough. Of course, I couldn't take my eyes off it in case it decided to get on me (shudder)... and the result of that was smacking the right side of my car into one of those concrete barrier wall things. Two thumbs up for stupidity in that motion picture. (And yes, I am aware that I could cause danger to others on the road by freaking out like that again. I don't plan to react like that in the future if I can help it!)

ANYWAY!

The fourth journal prompt from Sometimes Sweet is up!

If you had unlimited resources, what political or social issue, or area of scientific or medical exploration would you fund? Do you have a cause that is dear and near to your heart that you'd put your time, energy, and money into if you had the means? Tell us about it, along with a bit of background explaining where you're coming from.

I had to think a lot about this one. I am very inclined to say cancer research or something of that nature because 1) it freaks me the heck out to think I could be that sick, and 2) I know people who have been sick. Because I love music so much, though, I would want to incorporate that into a cause. If I could put all my time, energy, and money into one thing, I think it would be using music to help the sick. There have been studies that show that music is great therapy for all kinds of issues that people face. The American Music Therapy Association is a great resource. This may not fall under the direct category of funding social issues or medical exploration, but I believe music creates a positive impact on the brain and emotional state for so many individuals and can help them through their sickness or trauma. You could say I want to help all kinds of causes :) But I would love to give all the energy and money in the world to helping the discouraged and ill using one of my favorite things.

On that note...

what they wore :: baublebar + 100th post day!

I've made it to my 100th post here in this space, and I'm really grateful to you guys for reading! I've been a blogger for eight or so years; it's been mostly personal but this new space is something I've been wanting to do for a long time. Thanks for your support!

I have featured Baublebar before in jewelry-related posts, but I wanted to give them a feature all their own for this week's What They Wore. I rarely walk out of the house without one of their rings on, so here we go!

I'm a little obsessed with their stacking rings. And that chevron ring is often my favorite daily wear! I've got my eye on that knot next!

The bold colors and designs they use for their statement necklaces are divine!

 This is one of my favorite new additions... they are doing personalized necklaces with your name, state, initials, whatever! I think the state ones are so awesome. These necklaces would make a great gift for your best friend! (Or any lady in your life, really.) Get yourself on over to Baublebar and pick up something cute! Did I mention you get 15% off your first purchase after you sign up for their email? And they do wedding styling as well. Too great. 

Here's to rings + sparkly things!

* this is not a sponsored post. all opinions are my own. all images from baublebar.com.

tuesday isn't supposed to feel like monday

You know... sometimes you get to sleep in and do your makeup properly and wear a dress for the first time in months and put on your cool leather boots. And sometimes work decides to be super frustrating and not love you back and the coffee maker breaks and you get home three hours late. (Those last two aren't directly related.)

Today was crazy, hence why I'm blogging way later than usual. But here are the good things... the things way more worth mentioning. I think it's important to end the day reflecting on the good instead of the bad.

1. I successfully made turkey avocado burgers for dinner.

2. I got a super cute new iPhone case.

3. I have enough money to pay my bills and live a fun life. I take this one for granted way too much.

4. Music usually fixes all.

5. I am so excited to take a hot shower and relax. 

Speaking of showers: my hair is wet in the above picture. It doesn't usually look so... stringy. ;)

And on that note, hope your Tuesday was way more awesome than mine. As Miss Stacy from Anne of Green Gables would say, "tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it."

xo,

Sarah 

music monday :: armon jay

Happy Monday, loves! Is it just me, or does Monday sometimes surprise you and you wake up feeling great even after going to bed at midnight? I got out the door on time and I usually feel like I threw on some clothes without even looking... but seeing as the weather is getting warmer (!!), I am no longer buried in three million layers. Plus, I got free  Dunkin Donuts iced coffee this morning (always blueberry). This is a Monday for the record books, my friends!

And to start your Monday off with a bang (or an acoustic guitar), today's feature is Armon Jay.

image via google

I listened to this guy's record all weekend, and let me tell you, it was the perfect background for so many things. Reading, cleaning my room, blogging, etc. Not that he should ever be considered background music... but you know, sometimes it's nice to find an album that you can listen to without it being distracting from other things going on. But I did listen to it without distractions as well, and I am super excited to see him play with Noah Gundersen in a couple of weeks! Armon writes with intention, has a great voice and just makes me want to listen to him for hours on end. (I did exactly that on Saturday.) He speaks the stories of his own life in his music, and I love it. You can read about his background here, and listen to his stuff on Spotify.

Stick your headphones in your ears at work today and treat yo self!

a saturday post?! what the.

If you've been following Life Into Words for a while, you know that I have never posted on a Saturday. That's because my Saturdays are usually busy, out with friends and not thinking about blogging. But today is a new day, my friends!

Today I'm watching my best friend's pups while she and her husband go to an all-day family thing a couple hours away. Not only do I love hanging with dogs, it's forcing me to just stay in one place and not run myself ragged this weekend. Hallelujah! Just look at that sweet face up there. Isn't he the cutest corgi you ever did see?! 

This morning I'm catching up on some blog reading and one of my most favorite new blogs is Feel + Flourish. These two ladies met via Instagram and Facebook and became close friends. How awesome is that? As a person who has some very dear friends as a result of meeting them just once and establishing an instant connection, I love this story. And now they have the loveliest blog... go check them out!

{Side note: why do I always forget to drink water when I decide having a bottle of wine is necessary on a Friday night? Real talk.}

If you're in or around MD like me, you are rejoicing in this 50+ degree weather! Please please please stay this way and let's be rid of the 30 and below for good. My poor, spring-craving heart can't take it!

Have the best weekend, I'll see you for Music Monday! Here's a tune to hold you until then.

friday favorites :: letting it be

I wake up an hour later than usual and get ready with the sun out. It's nice not to use my car's headlights for once. I put on some music and start my drive, not rushing because I don't have to. It's bitterly cold outside but I walk the extra couple of blocks and back for some good coffee. I've been drinking the office coffee for weeks to save money, but today is the kind of day you need "real" coffee for.

I have two meetings to run at work today and I have to stay later than usual. My eyes feel itchy from sporadic crying during this crazy week: on behalf of a husband and wife I recently met who just lost their new baby girl, because my job is insane at times, because of things that remind me of the past, because I miss my dog, and because you just have to let it out sometimes. (I'm not normally a crier.)

Tonight I'm going to take some time to let it be. I'm going to drink wine with my best friend and cuddle with her pups. I'm going to get out in the nice weather we're supposed to have tomorrow and enjoy the sun. I'm going to relax and read a book or two. And I'm not going to stress over things I can't control or people I can't change. 

^ this is currently my favorite thing about Fridays.

throwback thursday :: journal day 3

This is the second journal of the week in effort to get caught up with Danielle's prompts... some people blog while on vacation, but apparently I'm not one of them! :) 

They say hindsight is 20/20, and with good reason- looking back at something always gives us a better view. We're often able to really see how our choices and decisions then shaped our today, and examine what we would have done differently given the chance. When looking back though, we often look way back, but for this exercise stay a little closer to present time and look back just 12 months. If you could go back just one year, what would you tell yourself? What advice would you offer about everything you've experienced?

Oh, my gosh. Nearly a year ago (10 months currently), I was at my old job and had no idea how my work life got so out of control. If there was one thing I could change, it would be that environment. I was there for three years, and the first two were fine. The third took a turn for the worst. There was a girl there that made life hell for me for personal reasons, and my boss did nothing to help me. I was severely underpaid. Not to mention the office environment was completely unhealthy, and I didn't even realize that until I left. Leaving was such a bittersweet thing since I had been there for several years (two of which were not bad at all) and did have a lot of great people in my life as a result. If I could go back, I would tell myself that no job is worth making you have an unsatisfying life, and no one should ever have the right to disrespect you and get away with it. I would offer myself advice about dealing with people, and about standing up for yourself even if it's to your superiors. But all bad roads lead to a good one if you look for it, because today I am getting paid a lot more to do a job with a title I actually like in a much better place.

And on that note... I used to listen to this song a lot at my old job. Music gets you through.

what they wore :: deadburydead

Listen. I have a thing about t-shirts. In middle school, I was the queen of those JC Penney tees with weird slogans. In high school, I still did that but with cooler slogans (not even). Then in college, I wore my favorite band tees (I still have all of them). After becoming an "adult in the real world", I decided to get rid of the t-shirt obsession and wear real clothes. It's been going well for the past six years, thanks for asking!

All that being said, I still can't resist a super comfy and fun t-shirt. When I stumbled upon deadburydead, I was so excited. I love their styles and their "grown up" slogans! I have this one and it's my favorite thing to wear under my leather jacket:

all photos via deadburydead

I could never pass up a chance to wear The Smiths lyrics. And while these tees are a tiny bit on the expensive side because of all the hard work they put in to make them (totally justified), they do have deals frequently. That's when I take advantage! Here are some of the other items from their shop that are catching my eye at the moment:

Check out their site and keep an eye out for deals! I seriously love their work.

And for your listening pleasure:

* this is not a sponsored post. all opinions are my own.

the talk :: journal day 2

I'm behind on the Sometimes  Sweet journal prompts because of my vacation... but this is one that I definitely want to participate in! 

We all have songs that really mean something to us. Often just hearing it can take us right back to that place and we are able to re-experience the memory associated with the song. Sometimes good, sometimes bad, but either way music has the ability to really draw things out of us and evoke deep emotion. Choose a song that has a particular meaning to you. Tell the story of the memory associated with the song, sharing as much detail as you can. Take us there; let us experience it with you.

I have shared my story before about how my love of music came to be, and a lot of that has to do with my time in college and a friend of mine. "Hold Nothing Back" by Copeland evokes such strong memories for me. It was first introduced to me by a friend who is an incredible musician. He played a huge part in showing me different kinds of music, and my taste in music completely changed in that. 

My fondest memory of this song is my friend and I sitting on a hill in our college courtyard, him playing the song on an acoustic guitar and me feeling like I had to know this band that wrote such a great piece of music. It sounds strange, but it really did pave the way for me to find myself as a musician and be influenced by something other than pop radio. It's a special memory for me. The chords, the lyrics, the feeling I get when I remember sitting on that hill... I feel like it was the beginning of a journey for me. Now I find myself writing a music blog, writing and recording my own music, and playing music for other people. That all has to start somewhere, and for me, it started on a grassy hill with a good friend.