Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I have the privilege of going to college. Sometimes, I think people forget that not everyone has the means to do this. I am incredibly lucky to be able to go to school in a wonderful, safe, and caring environment. It is the perfect place for me to begin my post-secondary education. The students are diverse, coming from all different part of life. Some right out of high school, and others returning after several years. Some, in there late 70's are returning to fulfill anything they have not yet done, and have always wanted to. The faculty, all wanting to help you become a successful student, and eager to hear your ideas. Anyone can come here, and will be welcomed. There is something for everyone, from your standard Psychology, to Music, to Environmental Studies, Nursing, and not to mention, an amazing Art program (one of the best in the area).
http://www.gcc.mass.edu/about/
I wish I could share with everyone just how wonderful it is to be at this school.
" One of the best community colleges on earth"- Bill Cosby
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
French-
French
Horn
Fries
Kissing
It has come to my attention, that many of my favorite things begin with the word "French"....
Interesting, no?
Ah, yes, the beauty and rich sound of the French Horn, the deep fried wonderlands that are French Fries, and of course, the passionate, slippery feel of a French Kiss. Ahh, Je t'adore.
Monday, February 21, 2011
I think it is a little macabre to create a Bucket List...err, a list of things one would like to do before they die. However, I am going to modify my list and just call it " To do before I am 100"
Let's see:
Go back to London/England, and spend some time there.
Visit France, Belgium, Germany and Austria. ( Specifically Vienna and Salzburg) And Poland ( Auschwitz)
Learn as many instruments as I can, including ( but not limited to): French Horn, Piano, Violin and Oboe.
Have a child. Or adopt a child. Or be a foster parent.
Learn how to ice skate
More to come...this is a much bigger task than I anticipated.
Let's see:
Go back to London/England, and spend some time there.
Visit France, Belgium, Germany and Austria. ( Specifically Vienna and Salzburg) And Poland ( Auschwitz)
Learn as many instruments as I can, including ( but not limited to): French Horn, Piano, Violin and Oboe.
Have a child. Or adopt a child. Or be a foster parent.
Learn how to ice skate
More to come...this is a much bigger task than I anticipated.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Voice
There is something very deep, and unique about the voice.
Singing can bring out every emotion I am capable of.
Currently, I feel like I am trying to find my voice, where it belongs and how to best use it.
My voice teacher assures me that this is a normal part of being a singer. Still, it is hard. Sometimes, people don't give singers enough credit. Being a singer is like being on a roller coaster all the time. We have our moments that are smooth and easy, and suddenly you are going up, down, and twirling around in circles. Or perhaps being a singer, you need to choose what kind of roller coaster you are on. You need to find where you are comfortable, still be able to challenge yourself, but understand your limits. There lies the journey. Finding your voice. So often I think to myself....Is my voice best fitted for show tunes? Or do I have enough stamina for Opera? Is it a choice? How do you know? How can I test out these waters and know for sure?
Unlike other instruments, I can't put my voice back in its case. I use my voice every day. I rely on it. It is my ultimate tool. This alone can cause stress and damage to my throat. And to top that off, I have acid reflux- the ultimate nightmare for singers and performers. When everything seems to be fighting against you and your voice- how do we cope?
Some voice goals:
Allow. - Allow myself to sing whatever style/genre/composer/language.
Recognize.- Recognize any "bumps in the road" (reflux problems, technical work..etc)
Understand.- Understand the problems that have come up, and figure out a plan.
Embrace.- Finally, embrace what I am capable of doing, and acknowledge the work and effort I have done.
Singing can bring out every emotion I am capable of.
Currently, I feel like I am trying to find my voice, where it belongs and how to best use it.
My voice teacher assures me that this is a normal part of being a singer. Still, it is hard. Sometimes, people don't give singers enough credit. Being a singer is like being on a roller coaster all the time. We have our moments that are smooth and easy, and suddenly you are going up, down, and twirling around in circles. Or perhaps being a singer, you need to choose what kind of roller coaster you are on. You need to find where you are comfortable, still be able to challenge yourself, but understand your limits. There lies the journey. Finding your voice. So often I think to myself....Is my voice best fitted for show tunes? Or do I have enough stamina for Opera? Is it a choice? How do you know? How can I test out these waters and know for sure?
Unlike other instruments, I can't put my voice back in its case. I use my voice every day. I rely on it. It is my ultimate tool. This alone can cause stress and damage to my throat. And to top that off, I have acid reflux- the ultimate nightmare for singers and performers. When everything seems to be fighting against you and your voice- how do we cope?
Some voice goals:
Allow. - Allow myself to sing whatever style/genre/composer/language.
Recognize.- Recognize any "bumps in the road" (reflux problems, technical work..etc)
Understand.- Understand the problems that have come up, and figure out a plan.
Embrace.- Finally, embrace what I am capable of doing, and acknowledge the work and effort I have done.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Just a thought...
Isn't it wonderful to be who you are? No, really...think about it. If you had to make a list, and on said list, you had to write down things that make up "you", what would be written? Would you be proud of the list? What sort of things would you like to add to your list?
Im going to give it a shot now.
Actor
Laugher
Honest
Singer
Performer
thinker
dreamer
student
friend
Goofy
Strong ( I can dish it out)
Sensitive ( but can't take it)
emotional
concrete
confident
That was a lot more difficult than I was expecting. Generally, though, I like my list. I would like to be able to add "teacher" and "musician" someday.
Isn't it wonderful to be who you are? No, really...think about it. If you had to make a list, and on said list, you had to write down things that make up "you", what would be written? Would you be proud of the list? What sort of things would you like to add to your list?
Im going to give it a shot now.
Actor
Laugher
Honest
Singer
Performer
thinker
dreamer
student
friend
Goofy
Strong ( I can dish it out)
Sensitive ( but can't take it)
emotional
concrete
confident
That was a lot more difficult than I was expecting. Generally, though, I like my list. I would like to be able to add "teacher" and "musician" someday.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentines Day Poem
Roses are red ( among other colors...)
Violets are blue ( are they really?)
I got a Hedgehog today
BEAT THAT.
Violets are blue ( are they really?)
I got a Hedgehog today
BEAT THAT.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Yankee Candle
I love Yankee Candle.
For those of you out there who know not of the magical, amazing, smelly-good structure that is Yankee Candle; let me fill you in.
I will begin with my favorite rooms at Yankee Candle, and work my way through the building.
One room, my favorite, has a massive Christmas tree in the center with beautiful tree ornaments all around it. It is surrounded by little caves off to the side full of goodies for around your home during The Holidays. Santa's, Christmas pickles, Bavarian traditions....the list goes on and on.
Another favorite room has snow falling on the sides of the walls, and little villages lit up from " New England Village" to " Christmas in the City". These adorable, tiny little figurines are incredibly sweet, and reminds me of my Grandma. This room also has a train that goes runs through it, twisting and turning around the circumference of the ceiling.
And so we continue, into The Bavarian Castle rooms. Thrones, motes, traditional Bavarian steins. You name it, it's there. These rooms are full of character and fun. I saw a candle today called "Edelweiss"- and I was so tempted to purchase it- at a whopping 25.00 a candle.
While these rooms have magic in the air, others have become very traditional, selling Pandora charms, Vera Bradley, and other big name products. This takes away from the sweet charm that I love about Yankee Candle....but, I must say...they have a huge selection if you are a handbag person. Of course they have also added several food options; fudge, popcorn, candy apples, nachos....etc. All which scream tourism. However, if you can overlook these flaws and focus on the beauty of the rooms I mentioned above, you too will fall in love with Yankee Candle.
Oh, and there are Candles. Lots of them.
For those of you out there who know not of the magical, amazing, smelly-good structure that is Yankee Candle; let me fill you in.
I will begin with my favorite rooms at Yankee Candle, and work my way through the building.
One room, my favorite, has a massive Christmas tree in the center with beautiful tree ornaments all around it. It is surrounded by little caves off to the side full of goodies for around your home during The Holidays. Santa's, Christmas pickles, Bavarian traditions....the list goes on and on.
Another favorite room has snow falling on the sides of the walls, and little villages lit up from " New England Village" to " Christmas in the City". These adorable, tiny little figurines are incredibly sweet, and reminds me of my Grandma. This room also has a train that goes runs through it, twisting and turning around the circumference of the ceiling.
And so we continue, into The Bavarian Castle rooms. Thrones, motes, traditional Bavarian steins. You name it, it's there. These rooms are full of character and fun. I saw a candle today called "Edelweiss"- and I was so tempted to purchase it- at a whopping 25.00 a candle.
While these rooms have magic in the air, others have become very traditional, selling Pandora charms, Vera Bradley, and other big name products. This takes away from the sweet charm that I love about Yankee Candle....but, I must say...they have a huge selection if you are a handbag person. Of course they have also added several food options; fudge, popcorn, candy apples, nachos....etc. All which scream tourism. However, if you can overlook these flaws and focus on the beauty of the rooms I mentioned above, you too will fall in love with Yankee Candle.
Oh, and there are Candles. Lots of them.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Let's just imagine....
Mmm...can you feel the Suns warmth on your skin? Can you see the tree's full with their green canopy? I can hear children laughing and playing in the streets. I can feel cool breezes every now and again. I can smell the freshness in the air. I think the best place to be in June is Vermont. Even in the middle of Winter, I can close my eyes and let my mind wander to memories of June. Not too hot, not yet humid. A perfect blend of everything.
One of my favorite things to do is sit in the middle of this HUGE hill in my town, put a blanket down, and look up at the sky with one of my best friends. It grounds me, and for one moment, I am not distracted by everything in life. No cell phones, no Facebook...no technology. Just me, my friend, and our surroundings. Vibrant green grass, perfect pastel blue skies, cotton clouds, and the freshest air. It is a good place to think; or not to think. It simply is. It is so organic, so easy.
And so, in roughly 4 1/2 months, I can go to the hill, and be.
One of my favorite things to do is sit in the middle of this HUGE hill in my town, put a blanket down, and look up at the sky with one of my best friends. It grounds me, and for one moment, I am not distracted by everything in life. No cell phones, no Facebook...no technology. Just me, my friend, and our surroundings. Vibrant green grass, perfect pastel blue skies, cotton clouds, and the freshest air. It is a good place to think; or not to think. It simply is. It is so organic, so easy.
And so, in roughly 4 1/2 months, I can go to the hill, and be.
Friday, February 11, 2011
What I wouldn't do to have this.
I have played the Recorder, Violin, Clarinet , French Horn and Piano.
In 3rd grade, we were required to play the Recorder in Music Class, and I don't even know how many times I must have made my mom listen to "Hot Cross Buns".
Then I moved on to violin. I learned to play " Twinkle, Twinkle little star"...and moved on because I didn't click with the violin teacher. Or maybe I didn't want to practice. Yeah. Probably both.
In 4th grade came Clarinet. I was very excited to learn clarinet, and I had my own because my Godparents daughter had played and they had it and gave it to me. I learned a lot of tunes, and some fundamental theory, and then, at recess one day, this giant 4th grader landed on me and broke my wrist. So, I was not allowed to play my instrument. So, I stopped paying attention in band and eventually stopped playing and quit.
I focused on singing and my voice from 4th grade through 9th grade. Then, one day, our band teacher at my high school told me and my friend that we would make excellent horn players. And before I knew it, I was sitting down with the band teachers learning arpeggios and learning about how to play this instrument. I loved it. I clicked with it. I wanted to practice, I wanted to learn. I even convinced my mom to buy me a t-shirt that said " Id rather be playing my French Horn". I even took private lessons with my elementary school band teacher. Sadly, with everything high school throws at you, combined with bad choices on my behalf due to alchohol and drug use, I slowly began to stop practicing. My schedule wouldn't allow me to be in band, and I had to give my Horn back. It was sad, but I had no other choices. I have loved French Horn ever since then. I promised myself that when I had the money, I would rent a horn and continue to learn and play.
If you are unfamiliar with the gorgeous sound of this instrument, do yourself a favor and check it out.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Embrace who you are.
I am not super skinny. I don't have huge breasts. I am not tall. I do not have long flowing locks.
OH WELL!
Instead I am curvy, chubby even. I have small breasts. I am short. I have short hair.
I embrace them all. Life is too short to not love who you are or what you look like.
Beauty is individual.
I refuse to compare myself to women who are tall, big chested, tall...etc. If that makes them feel good about themselves, and they love who they are inside and out, then that is great. But to everyone who may not be a 5'8, skinny blond supermodel..... just be you. Everyone has beauty.
If you feel beautiful, you will look beautiful. Do not ever let anyone tell you that you are not beautiful!
love yourself. inside and out.
I am not super skinny. I don't have huge breasts. I am not tall. I do not have long flowing locks.
OH WELL!
Instead I am curvy, chubby even. I have small breasts. I am short. I have short hair.
I embrace them all. Life is too short to not love who you are or what you look like.
Beauty is individual.
I refuse to compare myself to women who are tall, big chested, tall...etc. If that makes them feel good about themselves, and they love who they are inside and out, then that is great. But to everyone who may not be a 5'8, skinny blond supermodel..... just be you. Everyone has beauty.
If you feel beautiful, you will look beautiful. Do not ever let anyone tell you that you are not beautiful!
love yourself. inside and out.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Ever have those days where you just think to yourself " What in the hell is happening?" or " Why can't I get this right!?"
This seems to be a recurring theme with me this week.
Why do certain actions happen?
What is the point of failure?
Do we learn more from failing than succeeding?
And if so, how do we get back on track after a major fail?
Which leads to another question.....How do we categorize a fail? What is failure?
How do we cope with failure?
I can't help but cry when I feel like I have failed. Cry, cry, cry....all day long.
When you feel weak, it is hard to do anything. I need a stronger core.
Yeah.
This seems to be a recurring theme with me this week.
Why do certain actions happen?
What is the point of failure?
Do we learn more from failing than succeeding?
And if so, how do we get back on track after a major fail?
Which leads to another question.....How do we categorize a fail? What is failure?
How do we cope with failure?
I can't help but cry when I feel like I have failed. Cry, cry, cry....all day long.
When you feel weak, it is hard to do anything. I need a stronger core.
Yeah.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Stressful Things:
wanting to do certain things, and knowing you cant
parents
relationships
friendships
uncomfortable beds
lots of homework
snow
snow storms
snow blizzards
ice
college textbooks
showers that have temperature issues
showers with no water pressure
not having a job
being a full time student
Nice Things:
chocolate
quilts
jewelry
leggings
music
theater
- It's just one of those days.
wanting to do certain things, and knowing you cant
parents
relationships
friendships
uncomfortable beds
lots of homework
snow
snow storms
snow blizzards
ice
college textbooks
showers that have temperature issues
showers with no water pressure
not having a job
being a full time student
Nice Things:
chocolate
quilts
jewelry
leggings
music
theater
- It's just one of those days.
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