Sunday, June 29, 2014

A Song for Sunday- Thinking Out Loud.

And I saved the best for last.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to share my most treasured artist with you, and the release of his new album "X".. Ed Sheeran.

It seems weird that just under two years ago, my friend Emma told me about him, unknown and still an upcoming artist not quite yet popular here in the USA. Boy, look at where he is now!

Ed Sheeran is just.. a truly beautiful individual. Now obviously I don't know him so I don't know how he is up close and personal, but based on his music, personality, and not giving a darn about fitting into the status quo, I am so inspired by him. It gives me joy to see him so successful, and while I'm a bit saddened at seeing him all over in magazines and on iTunes, I'm more pleased to see his music being shared in the world. I think that's more important than calling him "my own aritst." It's letting go and seeing other people inspired by his art and that's worth it.

His new album is perfection, in my book. With just one listen through, I was hooked. Once more, he blows me out of the water with his talent. I cannot even describe how I'm just baffled at the profound awesomeness that is his new album. All of the songs are wonderful and excellently sung and written and so it was hard for me to just pick one! It's such an intimate and personal album, raw and powerful. He has a way of executing feelings so well into song, I just am at a loss for words when it comes to describing my immense respect towards him.

The one I chose to share with you, Thinking Out Loud, is one of my favorites on the album, next to Take it Back, Tenerife Sea, Afire Love.. practically the entire album. I don't think there's an Ed song that I don't like! Anyhow, this song is kind of a bluesy one, getting a bit of jazz on in the chorus. And when he goes into that high chest voice, you can not only hear his passion, but feel it. I don't know how he can be so observing of women, having a way with linking words together but he is a musical genius and I'm so incredibly glad to see the world appreciating him as much as I do.

The album "X" was definitely worth waiting for.

"When your legs don't work like they used to before
And I can't sweep you off your feet
Will your mouth still remember the taste of my love
Will your eyes still smile from your cheeks.."

"So honey now
Take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Place your head on my beating heart
I'm thinking out loud
That maybe we found love right where we are.."



A Song for Sunday-The News.

There's just something calming about a good ole Jack Johnson song. I never really got into that phase, but I did come across this light song on my "Acoustic Bedtime" playlist that I most enjoyed.

It's a really true song, on the slightly sad side. It's specific towards the tragedy that are news stations and the delivery of bad news, but it also goes beyond into making me think about how so much devastation and death goes on in our world and yet we don't bat an eye. I think it's part of society and the change into immunity towards things that are grisly and unnatural. Young children playing video games with unnatural murders and access to all things on the internet. Makes me think.

But I really do like this song- Jack Johnson's soothing voice and honest lyrics, and soft acoustics really tie it well together.

"Why don't the newscasters cry when they read about people who die?
At least they could be decent enough to put just a tear in their eyes
Mama said
It's just make believe
You can't believe everything you see
So baby close your eyes to the lullabies
On the news tonight.."


A Song for Sunday-Stay with Me.

This tune is mint.

It's also part of the Top 40 and while I'm against the typical top 40, I have to hand it to you, this song deserves it. I'm at least glad that great music is becoming popular and not your stereotypical.. crab.

Anyhow, Sam Smith's new song Stay with Me is a tragic love song that tears at my heart, but softly. The lyrics are simple yet profound, and then you come to the chorus and it's like this explosion of soulful choir-like beauty. So emotional. And his voice is like angels.

I'm in love. Plus, the song isn't long, it has that perfect length that leaves you just satisfied.

And he's twenty-two. Talk about talent.

"Guess it's true, I'm not good at a one-night stand
But I still need love cause I'm just a man
These nights never seem to go to plan
I don't want you to leave, will you hold my hand?

Oh, won't you stay with me?
Cause you're all I need
This ain't love it's clear to me
But darling, stay with me.."





Leading Ladies.

It seems strange that just a week ago, we were in the finale of our three weekend performances of "Leading Ladies." Rehearsals began way back in April, and here we are, already at the final curtain call of a successful production.

What to do with my time? It feels strange to be free from all the late night rehearsals.

Let me tell you about "Leading Ladies." Basically, it's similar to the story line of one of one of my favorite movies of all time Some Like it Hot. It's about two has been Shakespearean actors who dress up as two women to inherit an inheritance by THE Florence Snyder of York, P.A. Well of course they fall in love with two other young women, dressed as women themselves and so there's a lot of goofs in that department. 

We had an absolutely fantastic cast and it was a joy to be a part of the show. And what part did I play, you may be curious about? Well none other than cranky old woman Florence Snyder. I don't always act, but when I do, I play a crabby old woman who dies, and then lingers, out of spite. 



Here is a progression of my time spent at rehearsals, and the evolution of my costumes..


















From young to old.. quite a transformation, yes?


"And the play begins!"

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Dripping in Jewels.

There were a lot of musical inspirations for today's ensemble..

"Looking so pretty in pink.." (Jason Derulo's Wiggle)

"Diamonds are a girl's best friend.." (Marilyn Monroe's Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend)

" And we made love to the moonlight.." (Coco O.'s Where the Wind Blows)

Just to name a few!

My sister found this fabulous Gatsby styled headband at the consignment shop for me with rhinestones and jewels galore. I even went so far as to add a vintage rhinestone pin in the middle, making it really roaring from the twenties!

What ever happened to class? To gloves and matching handbags, to being sexy yet leaving some up to the imagination? What happened to high heels and shiny jewelry, to movies with few cussing and respect towards oneself? It's rare to see Hepburns in a Hilton world (by the way, there's a fabulous book you should read called "How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World by Jordan Christy) anymore and it makes me sad. But that doesn't mean there can't be!

Today, I dressed on the fancy side for work. Red lips, flapper headband, and a snugly dress. And to what occasion, people asked? Do we really need an occasion to put on a dress and some jewels? I say it should be any and every day you want it to be!

So here's to class.. to having stars in your eyes, glitter in your veins, sparkle in your DNA, and one helluva dress.

When I say "dripping in jewels", it's a double meaning. For whilst I dripped in jewels, the sky dripped it's jewels all over me.. rain. 






















What I wore: rhinestone beaded Stacey Lapidus headband (used), vintage rhinestone pin (used), hot pink Alaskan made vintage chiffon dress (used), collection of vintage rhinestone bracelets (used), and vintage styled tan MIZ MOOZ pumps (used)

*note- I didn't wear this particular dress to work, oh no! Imagine if coffee were spilled.. shock!

Sunday, June 22, 2014

My Jaunt up Juneau Falls.

Oh it was absolutely gorgeous the other day!

Simply marvelous.

So what better way to celebrate the great outdoors than a scenic hike? Both my grandmas are in town as well and they are some intense hikers; perfect conditions for a hike.

I myself had never been up to Juneau Falls and part of my plans for my last summer here before school involve doing things I have yet to do. Alaska is one vast state and there is so much I have yet to see. Start small, work your way up! Plus, I simply love hikes that have something exciting to see at the end, although I have yet to finish a hike with an ice cream parlor at the top. Hehe.

Anyhow, my excursion up to Juneau Falls is as follows..




Alaska's beauty takes my breath away sometimes. Or maybe it was all of the hills we went up.. either way, it was simply stunning out. 



Model potential right there. 


Tree hugger! Quite literally.


Look at this picture perfect tree frame we found!






Ta da! We made it at last. 













I now know where I get all my model genes from.. like father, like daughter!






Yes. Those right there are from a bear.