Week of 1/1/2017

"Emotions" by Mariah Carey, off of her 1991 album, "Emotions"

You've got me feeling emotions
Deeper than I ever dreamed of~ 💙

Perfect way to ring in the new year amirite bois 😉 Seriously tho I love this song lol

Retrospective Note 2020: Since this is so far back, here’s some context for those who may have missed this moment. Mariah Carey did a New Year’s performance that went... well, here’s a mini doc about what happened xD

Week of 1/8/2017

"Come to My Aid" by Simply Red, off of their debut 1985 album, "Picture Book"

Why are we liable to die for survival?
Why is our nation divided?

Retrospective Note 2023: I was only beginning to realize at the time that the divided nation we were seeing unfold before our eyes was always divided, and that these things were being brought to light by the brand new presidency, in ways we hadn't seen before. It always has been divided, and those who felt the nation was ever together, are those who have been sweeping our nation's history of prejudice under the rug. I remember even in the middle of these times touting phrases like, "agree to disagree", and, "all lives matter", thinking that simply getting along would fix things. It's sad to think I once thought this way, but that's what being raised in a conservative household does to you. It makes you think the world is just fine, and that anyone who encroaches on that lie, is the enemy. Keep to the status quo. I'd soon learn that things in this world aren't the sugar coated history lessons I was taught, and that for real change to happen, activism would need to take place. The Trump presidency was just one of the many moments that snapped me out of my delusional upbringing, and helped me open my eyes and heart to the ignored problems that so many have been facing for so long. The ground I stand on is much better for it, and it all started with the question in the above lyrics.

Week of 1/15/2017

"Don't Mean Nothing" by Richard Marx, off of his debut 1987 self-titled album

And you wanna scream, but you gotta keep it all inside
When you're trying to make a living
There ain't no such thing as pride~ 💙

I bagged my first voice role over the weekend! :D Just couldn't get this song out of my head!!

Retrospective Note 2023: Sadly the project I was cast in hit development hell, and so, I never was able to record my lines for it, but hey, it was a start just the same. The fact that I took a chance at the beginning of that year to find an opportunity and nail it, really solidified something in me for the first time since I started getting into voice work back in high school. It was a tangible accomplishment, that would lead me down the right path, something I so desperately needed as I wrestled with feeling like I had wasted my life, a notion untrue, but a feeling I felt strongly at the time. I was excited, and though the project didn't come to fruition, I'm still proud of myself for what I did that new year of 2017.

Week of 1/22/2017

"For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield, off of their debut 1966 self-titled album

It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's goin' down...

Retrospective Note 2023: And so, the new president was elected, and it would be a long set of 4 years that would reveal the true colors of our nation in ways we hadn't seen before. The best thing that came out of those 4 years, truly was seeing the country as it really was, and for many, including myself, it was the wake up call that our nation is and always has been, a systemic mess. What we did with that information, time would only tell, but as I look back on the past several years, I like to think that more of us have moved on from the blinders, and are doing the best we can to educate ourselves (especially those of us who walked away from the evangelical/fundie lifestyle), by listening to those who are living these harsh experiences, and being there to help fight and make this country a better place to live in for those disenfranchised by the powers that be. I lived in ignorance for such a long time, but after seeing what unfolded and has continued to unfold, I'm glad I got my act together as soon as I did.

Week of 1/29/2017

"The Boatman" by Levellers, off of their 1991 album, "Levelling the Land"

When I live the life I please
Then I will be a freeman~ 💙

Retrospective Note 2023: It's been six years now since I made this lyrical statement, and I can finally say that I'm on this very path. I'm finally paving my own way, working to thrive by doing what I please, and doing what I love.