Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Biking to Banjo

So, my July hobby has had some identity issues. I started out the month with the intention of having biking as my hobby. I secured a helmet from my brother-in-law, and a bike pump from my neighbors (they had an extra) and set off to conquer the world! ...Except for that my front tire won't stay full, even right after pumping it up. =(

Then I had some roommates move in! And with those roommates came many instruments. As such, my hobby for the second half of the month is the banjo!

Here are two videos of my first attempts, mostly so I can look back later and see how I've progressed. Don't mind my pajamas and bed hair - I just got up. =P



Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Safe and Sound

I have two songs to wrap up my day with. "Safe and Sound" from the Hunger Games soundtrack, and "Count Your Blessings." The first one because one of my friends was telling me creepy stories about her time working in a hospital at night, and I was nervous to drive home alone. I prayed a lot. And tried to focus on happy things. And when I got home, "Safe and Sound" came into my head.

The second one is because I received comfort today as we sang "Count Your Blessings" in Institute. I've mentioned that there's some very uncertain situations in my life right now. And since it's about dating, I feel silly talking to people about it. I feel like people inwardly roll their eyes. Anyway, we sang "So amid the conflict whether great or small, do not be discouraged, God is over all." He's over things like cancer and callings, but He's also over dating situations. He's got it all under control, and He'll help it happen just the way it needs to, with plenty of growth and learning for those involved. I can trust and not be afraid. "God is over all." What a happy feeling! He cares about my "small" and seemingly silly challenges. He'll help them turn out beautifully.

"Count your many blessings. Angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey's end."

Thursday, February 13, 2014

No Twenty-Something's

Recently I've prayed a lot to find friends. This week I've had some great friends to spend time with, and have been very social. I had to laugh though, when I realized that none of my friends this week are in their 20s. My friends here that spent time with me this week include my  17-year-old brother, the Bradshaw's (in their 50s), my friend Guy (early 30s), and my friend/teacher/mentor Gerry (36ish). And tonight I'm having a sleepover with the sibs.

I'm glad I wasn't more specific, because these are some pretty great friends. I may be more specific in my prayers about finding someone to date... My own decade is preferable for that. =)

Anyway, the last few days have been good. Tonight I was able to rock out to "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" at my guitar/piano lesson. Therapy right there! It was nice to goof off, get a little bit of anger out, and improve musically all at the same time. =)

On a different note, I want to come closer to Christ. I thought a lot about the Second Coming yesterday during a conversation with Guy, and I just want to do everything in my power to feel ready and secure in my relationship with Divinity. 

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Willing to Try

I just wrote my best song yet. =) Would you like to read the lyrics?


It’s not the critic who counts,
Not the cold and timid souls.
It’s the ones who know defeat
But still press forward to their goals.
The ones who give their all
In a good and noble cause
Are the ones with no regrets,
Even if there’s no applause.

I must be willing to fail
If I ever want to grow.
I must be willing to guess
If I ever want to know.

Peace comes from the inside,
It comes to those who try,
Who are afraid to sing,
But will not let their music stay inside.
So give it a try,
And fail, win, or die,
Just don’t leave the music inside.

I must be willing to fail
If I ever want to grow.
I must be willing to guess
If I ever want to know.

Facing my fears,
Reaching for gold,
And in the process,
I’m healing my soul.
It’s okay to be me,
And believe in my dreams,
And I’ll work until they’re my own.

I must be willing to fail
If I ever want to grow.
I must be willing to guess
If I ever want to know.

So give it a try,
And fail, win, or die,
Just don’t leave the music inside.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Gold



This song is my obsession of the day. You know one thing I really like about it? It's a love song that is not selfish. Instead of "I can't live without you. Please don't leave me," it's "You're awesome!!!!!!" It's a secure, non-selfish, non-desperate love song. I like that. I like that a lot.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Survey (to help me with my songwriting)

I'm doing a survey to help me in my songwriting in the future. It's also for one of my classes. Please help me out by clicking the link and taking the survey! =)

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PBQX7PK

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Nothing to Say

I can't think of anything to blog/journal about! Today was a fairly standard day. But on the other hand, it wasn't standard, because nothing memorable happened!

Slightly memorable: 

Got to play the piano before Institute and got to play around with some pretty fun chords and transitions. 

Andrew invited our whole house to read scriptures with them. 

I didn't do the homework I intended to. 

One of my professors agreed to move one of our due dates because of General Conference - especially because he's taking days off because of a Jewish holiday. 

Marisa is a lot of fun. =) 

My life is crazy busy, and I'm not sure how long it'll take for me to catch up.

God is good.

I really like orange juice.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Autumn Refrain

It has definitely been awhile. A lot of my journal-ing has been of a more private nature recently. Probably because I've become a lot more social now that school started, and I get uncomfortable mentioning other people on here publicly. But I had a really good introspective beauty-appreciating day last Saturday, and I wanted to share it. It cheers me up when I read it, and I like to share things that cheer me up. =)

   
I had a feeling earlier today when I realized that there is so much going on inside each person and there's no way to adequately express it to each other. I want to enter into other people's hearts and live there for a while, and come to know them intimately. So the song (To Make You Feel My Love - which I heard someone sing at Poetry and a Beverage) seemed to fit, in that way.
I also realized that I smile and laugh with God from time to time. What a wonderful feeling, to know He's not only my Father, but my Friend. And also my God. It's truly amazing. Prayers are definitely answered. =)
It was a perfect fall day. A day that I really can't put into words. Riley and I tried, during the Poetry stuff. But it had the fall feeling that really can't be described. An excitement combined with melancholy, and rest. And unrest. A beginning and an ending at the same time. I don't know. Beautiful and sad and warm and cold. Smells like pencils and rain and spices.
Perfect.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Rock-climbing in the Dark

Went rock-climbing tonight with some friends. By the time it was my turn, it was pretty dark. And just like the time the orchestra stand lights lost power during our outdoor performance of Pirates of Penzance, things went better. I climbed faster and more confidently when I had to feel for holds instead of looking for (and thinking about) them. We played more unitedly and musically and precisely when we could barely read our sheet music. There are many things more powerful, useful, and important than sight.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Spiritual & Singing

Went to my last D&C class of the summer, and my first Institute Choir rehearsal. Both were good, but especially choir. I really like the songs we're doing. Bro. Salmund complimented me on singing with my eyes. =) I asked him about Latter-Day Voices auditions and he said he would love to have me audition, and seemed really excited. =) I figure that since I'm looking for spiritual singing men, the Institute Choir and Latter-Day Voices would be good places to run into them. =)

Didn't run tonight because it was too dark after Institute. I plan on trying in the morning before going to the temple. Tomorrow just may be a really good day. =)

I was happy today. I felt like I was closer to the Lord than I have been in a while. I think going to the temple yesterday really helped! So glad it's close by, and open.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

A portion of my soul

A portion of a poem I wrote today... i.e., a portion of my soul.

...Well, I don't have the swing, and I don't have the fields,
And as far as I know, don't have you.
But I have a porch, I have God, and the world,
And I know that there's plenty to do.
So I'll love, I will give, I'll create, and I'll find
That I will be ready for you.

Give me enough time, but not one second longer --
I'm waiting here for you.

Monday, April 25, 2011

"Swim" & the Gospel

I like to find the gospel in as many songs as I can. I absolutely love when I can back up lyrics with the words of the prophets. So that's what I did.

You gotta swim...
"Where, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men..."
2 Nephi 31:20
Swim when it hurts...
Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”   
Orson F. Whitney, in Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle(1972), 98
You haven't come this far to fall of the earth...
...I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward...  (2 Nephi 31:19-20)
I swim for brighter days, despite the absence of sun...
Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays.
But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come.
In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come.
No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, Sunday will come.
In this life or the next, Sunday will come.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Sunday Will Come"

Crack in the armor...
"...troubled on every side, yet not distressed;  perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) 
I'm not giving in...
"And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in.
Never surrender.
Never allow despair to overcome your spirit.
Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart."
-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Infinite Power of Hope"
I swim...
...so that I might finish my course with joy... (Acts 20:24)
One final quote for today:

"No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations." 
-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Infinite Power of Hope"

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Swim

Heard this for the first time in my Music Therapy Methods class. The words come back to me when I'm having a hard time. And the more I listen to it the more I like it. =) It's awesome. And today, it's a good reminder.


You gotta swim
Swim for your life
Swim for the music that saves you
When you're not so sure you'll survive

You gotta swim
And swim when it hurts
The whole world is watching
You haven't come this far
To fall off the Earth

The currents will pull you
Away from your love
Just keep your head above

I found a tidal wave
Begging to tear down the dawn
Memories like bullets
They fired at me from a gun
Cracking the armour, yeah

I swim for brighter days
Despite the absense of sun
Choking on salt water
I'm not giving in
I swim

You gotta swim
Through nights that won't end
Swim for your family, your lovers
Your sisters and brothers and friends

Yeah you gotta swim
For wars without cause
Swim for these lost politicians
Who don't see their greed is a flaw

The currents will pull us
Away from our love
Just keep your head above

I found a tidal wave
Begging to tear down the dawn
Memories like bullets
They fired at me from a gun
Cracking the armour, yeah

I swim for brighter days
Despite the absense of sun
Choking on salt water
I'm not giving in
I'm not giving in
I swim

You gotta swim
Swim in the dark
There's no shame in driftin'
Feel the tide shifting
And wait for the spark

Yeah you gotta swim
Don't let yourself sink
Just find the horizon
I promise you it's not as far as you think

The currents will drag us away from our love
Just keep your head above

Just keep your head above
Swim

Just keep your head above
Swim

Just keep your head above
Swim

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Many the Miles



This song is how I've felt for a couple days. It pretty much sums up a lot of my life pretty well.

Most poignant lines:

"...surely something has got to got to got to give
Cause I can't keep waiting to live"

"There's too many things I haven't done yet,
Too many sunsets I haven't seen."

"How far do I have to go to get to you?
Many the miles,
Many the miles."

Monday, April 11, 2011

I See The Light

I've learned a lot in the last couple days. There are some things I've started to "see the light" about. And they're probably too personal to share in detail with the entire world on a website. =) But I feel like a lot of it is represented in, among other things, the themes in the movie Tangled. Right before this scene, Rapunzel is telling Flynn she's afraid of her dream (of seeing the lanterns) not being everything she's expected it to be. And she's also afraid that it WILL be everything she expected, because what do you do then? And Flynn/Eugene says something like "You find another dream."

For me, it's as if I got lost in the woods, and haven't even made it to the lanterns yet. But I will. I was too afraid of my "lanterns" not being as amazing as I was hoping they would be, so I stopped trying to find them. Or maybe I never left my tower. Well, enough of doing that! I'm going to find my lanterns, and they'll be just as awesome as I was expecting them to be, and once I've done that, I'll find a new dream. And there will always be enough dreams to chase. There's no end to the happiness that I can have if I want it, and if I'm willing to do what it takes to find it.


And P.S. - I have a new favorite Disney guy. I haven't been this twitterpated by an animated movie since I watched Anastasia. =)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Improvisation

"Music...can at the same time belong to the patient's world and be part of reality perceived by the senses of hearing, seeing, and touching." (Alvin, 1966, p. 138)

Audible, visual, tangible thoughts. =) I love music.


I love the smile on his face as he plays. =) I hope to someday play and improvise with the same freedom, and the same lack of fear. Let my joy show. Allow myself to feel joy. =)

Thursday, March 17, 2011

My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee


I was reading in 3 Nephi 22 today and thought of this song. I love it so much! These lyrics are beautiful. And then when you realize that they are from the scriptures, its amazing! These aren't the words of men, just trying to be comforting. These words are from God. HE is the one that promised us these things. =)

I don't understand some of the things happening in my life right now. But I know God loves me. Even if I'm not very good at feeling it right now. I still know its true. I've just got to hold out faithfully and soon I'll be able to recognize it easily again. =)

Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Broken Road

Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

It's amazing what God does with our lives. Whether our pain was a trial we needed to go through, or a bad choice we made, or a choice someone else made that hurt us, He turns it into something beautiful and leads us to happiness we couldn't even comprehend. Pretty sure that's one of the most amazing miracles I can think of. =)

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

We Will Rock You

In my Methods class, my professor had us change the words to the verses of "We Will Rock You" to words about ourselves. This was the verse I wrote, and sang for the class:

Ali, you're a good girl, nice girl, not expected to be controversial,
But you got a lot to say,
Just trying to find a way
To help everyone see that there's a need for change.

And then the class joined in on the chorus. It was therapeutic. =)