This weekend I celebrated my 26th birthday. My birthday is March 26th, so I turned 26 on the 26th. And this is when I learned I was celebrating a Golden Birthday.
A person’s golden or grand birthday, also referred to as their “lucky birthday”, “champagne birthday”, or “star birthday”, occurs when they turn the age of their birth day.
Oh boy 26, I’m on the other side of the 5, and approaching 30, holy crap! Needless to say, I had such a great time with family and friends. Even my errand running went well! I found all that I needed for my best friend’s upcoming Bachelorette Party. That never happens!
FRIDAY NIGHT was my time to just relax and do a little pampering. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately with everything going on in my life and a lot of things needing to get done all at once, so I really needed this weekend to do my thing and relax.
Started my night off with some Sushi ❤
I’ve also been loving lighting candles.
FUN FACT: the one on the right was a gift from my brother and sister in law. They brought it back from Hawaii for me, it’s a pineapple candle that smells unbelievable and it’s in a coconut!
Spring is here ladies, so you know what that means, time to shave yo legs. haha
I tried this brightening mask, I’ve never done a face mask like this, and it was super strange, I felt like an Alien, I couldn’t move my face haha. But I didn’t hate it.
Gilmore Girls, kept me company during my pamper routine. ❤
SATURDAY NIGHT I met up with my best friends and their fiancés and they treated me to some drinks and desserts. A night filled with great company and great conversation.
I ordered the BLACK BOTTOM BUTTERSCOTCH A layer of bittersweet chocolate lies beneath creamy butterscotch custard, topped with fresh coconut whipped cream, and a chocolate wafer. And a glass of Moscato. It was delicious, I was sad when it was over! 😉
For my outfit, I wanted something comfortable, yet sophisticated. It’s a basic combination. But this picture of Bethany Joy Lenz was my inspiration for sure, (as usual.)
I had these basic pieces already in my closet so I thought, why not?
I love how these bracelets kind of tell my story, they each show important relationships I have in my life. I am M which stands for Me or Michelle. I am a daughter, a sister and a godmother amongst many other things.
SUNDAY NIGHT I started my day with God at church. Can’t go wrong with that. Then later my parents treated me and the family to dinner at one of my favorite hibachi restaurants.
I had the chicken and shrimp hibachi with vegetable fried rice, and a frozen margarita. For dessert I ordered green tea fried ice cream. YES, YES and YESSS! Everything was so delicious, so I was a very happy camper.
For my outfit, I wanted to dress up this plain black sweater dress I had gotten a while ago. And so any excuse I get to rock my leopard faux fur coat (and blue strappy heels) is always A-OK in my book.
*Black, Blue, Leopard…I sense a theme. 😉
Last but not least I ended my night with some blueberry pie, instead of birthday cake, I love pie so this was perfect. My whole weekend was perfect. It wasn’t a crazy rager, but it was exactly what I needed to ring in my golden birthday! 😀 I am blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people who made it that more special. ❤
I also got a bunch of great gifts too, I think I might do a Birthday Haul/What I Got For My Birthday post-Stay Tuned!
New York & Company is a store I shop at when I need something a little on the fancier side. So for my best friend’s Bridal Shower, I went to pick up an outfit. When I walked into the store I was instantly aware of their newest trend- Palazzo Pants. Hello, welcome back to the 70’s ladies.
I had to get a pair and after trying on a bunch of prints, this is the pair I decided on. I have to say I saw these and knew they’d be the ones I’d end up with. #BlackAllDayEveryDay #ICantEscapeIt
My top and earrings are also from NY & Co.
Here is how I styled these Palazzo pants:
I wanted the pants to be the focal point. I love that they were black with a pop of color from the flowers. Because of this, I wanted to pair them with a white simple blouse. I tried yellow, and red, but it seemed to be too much color. This simple white top was perfect. Not only did it blouse nicely when tucked into the pants, but it has that subtle yet unique neckline that spruced the plain white color up a bit.(The top was a bit sheer so I wore a black bandeau underneath.)
For makeup and hair I kept it pretty simple. Kept the eye shadows in the bronze, browns, golds family. That’s usually my go to, because I LOVE GOLDS! As for lips, I did a mixture of a burgundy red (Revlon’s Rum Raisin) and bright orange (NYX Cherry Cheesecake) to form a nice bright coral like red.
Next, I wanted a sleek, yet slightly messy high ponytail with some curls to frame my face. Added some bold big gold hoops for earrings, paired with gold bangles, and some bold rings with turquoise and green accents.
I don’t have any links to these rings- The one of the left was my grandmother’s and the one on the right I bought from someone at a garage sale.
On my nails I had Essie’s “Penny Talk.”
And for shoes, I kept it simple with some basic Mary Jane type black pumps. That chucky heel made them much more comfortable.
Got these suckers on clearance for $15! #WhatAFreakinSteal
The whole outfit is funky yet still sophisticated. I have this habit of wanting to funk up every outfit I wear! Lol. My best friend told me I look like a sophisticated flowerchild. And guess what, I’m ok with that. It’s completely accurate and exactly the look I was trying to achieve. 😉
I was so excited about rocking this outfit. It was super comfortable. Perfect for all my maid of honor duties! I would definitely recommend the Palazzo pant trend, here’s alinkto all the different prints New York & Company has to offer. Take a look!
Stay Tuned for when I style this little number for her Bachelorette Party coming up! 😀
So I know that my posts have been kind of out of sync with the usual schedule, but I’ve been a bit frazzled lately. There’s a lot going on and I tend to get overwhelmed fairly easily. You ever just need to take a beat and check yourself? As someone who deals with anxiety often, I noticed I have to do that, in order to keep my sanity and keep up with everything that I have to do. Because of the bustle that surrounds my world lately, the blog inspiration has been lacking. I struggle when this happens, because I hate posting just to post.
But with that being said I thought maybe it’d be cool to give you a little blog update. I have some fun posts in mind, it’s just a matter of getting my shit together and writing them.
I HAVE NO TIME! I’M TIRED! I’M STRESSED! I WANT TO SLEEP FOR A YEAR!
Rant over. 😉
Coming your way we have the Welcome Home “Soundtrack” and Author’s Commentary. If you haven’t read Welcome Home you can start it from the beginning HERE.
Also I am attempting to dive into a new short story series….I’m still working on the title (I have a bunch of variations that I can’t decide on) but here’s a quick little sneak peek at the summary-
Liam Whitmore is a wealthy business executive who goes through the motions of working in his corporate world day after lousy day, making deals and kicking ass at it. However he often feels uninspired, and unable to do what he really loves. Until one day he meets a younger woman named Aria Lenz, struggling to become a dancer. Her simplistic yet driven nature strikes up a spark of inspiration in him, and he makes it his mission to get to know her. Little does he know, it’ll be the hardest “transaction” he’s ever had to make. They’re worlds apart- will he finally get through to her, or will his fire fizzle?
There- it’s out in the universe. So I have no choice, now I HAVE to get writing. Haha.
“Presenting the new Mr. & Mrs. Oliver King!” Dave announces as Oliver and Melanie walk out through the back door of Melanie’s childhood home and into the backyard draped in a silk white tent, candles and white roses everywhere. Slow graceful music being played by a harpist. Smiles shining on the faces of the bride and groom. Family and friends stand as they cheer loudly.
“Wooo, it’s about damn time!” Cassie screams as everyone laughs along.
Oliver and Melanie make their way over to the center of the yard, where a wooden dance floor lay, as their song begins to play.
It’s all over
And it’s only beginning
We’re beginning to finally see one another
We grow stronger We grow stronger for breaking
We grow stronger for breaking apart together
Lover, find me underneath the covers
We will stay here until we discover
All that we have to give to each other Til forever
How you move me How you move me to love you
I keep choosing to love you again every morning
Lover, find me underneath the covers
We will stay here until we discover
All that we have to give to each other Til forever….
Grace and Charlie watch smiling on as Grace holds Molly, who watches her parents with a bright smile.
Melanie looks up at Oliver.
“What?” he says.
“Nothing.” She says smiling.
He gives her a glare.
“Wow, that really is annoying, my apologies Mrs. King,” he smirks.
Melanie’s lips curl into a big smile.
“Mrs. King. I really love the sound of that.”
“Not as much as I do.”
“Did we really do it? Did we really just get married? Finally!” she says excitement beaming through.
“Hey better late than never, right?” he says smiling as he kisses her.
“Thank you for waiting for me, I know it wasn’t easy.”
“You’re my forever. Plain and simple. There was no way I was letting you go.” He says swaying them to their song as she places a kiss on his lips.
Oliver reaches into his jacket pocket as he holds out a small digital camera to snap a picture as his lips meet his wife’s.
Melanie lets out a small laugh against his lips as she notices.
“Hey, once a photographer, always a photographer,” he says with a chuckle.
“By the way did I mention how perfect you look,” he whispers to her.
“Maybe once or twice,” she says smiling, “You look very handsome yourself,” she pulls him by the collar into yet another kiss as glasses clink for them to do so.
Melanie stands up at a podium, her eyes fall down to the pages before her. She begins to read aloud-
She runs. She’s a runner. Fierce. Independent. Stubborn. The weight of heart shattering tragedy had now taken the life out of her…out of her will to move forward.
It was a day like any other. She was 5 months pregnant, engaged to the man she loved and settling into a quaint little apartment in the place she called home- Philadelphia.
Everything seemed to be falling into place. She was happier than she ever thought she could be.
She walked into the doctor’s office, the man she loved by her side.
Making plans for years to come.
Pure joy radiating through her.
And then just like that, life changed forever.
She had lost her baby boy.
Lost.
Like a misplaced set of keys.
One minute there. The next not.
And in that moment she didn’t feel the same.
She didn’t know what to do.
Where to go.
She was broken, and no amount of love or support could fix her.
She needed time.
Time to grieve, time to be angry and place blame.
Time to heal.
So she ran.
The decision to leave was something she never intended.
One day it just got to be too much.
The familiarity too much to take, the signs, the symbols.
Blue. Baby blue. Everywhere.
Home was tainted.
The home she loved her whole life, was now something she dreaded.
The man she loved with all her heart was now the face of a tragic heartbreak.
She packed her bags, and left a note in a sealed envelope.
“I’m sorry. I’ll love you forever.” It read. Her engagement ring set upon the paper.
Thought was not calculated.
Reason and logic unheard of.
Her heart was fighting just to beat.
Melanie smiles simply as she closes the book.
“Thank you,” she says walking off the stage.
Everyone claps, as women can be seen wiping tears from their eyes.
Billy runs up to the podium, hugging her tightly he steps up to the microphone.
“That was the first passage from our newest budding author Melanie King’s first novel, entitled “Operation Forever,” a story about a heart wrenching tragedy that somehow turned into a ray of hope. A journey through her metaphorical operation on her once damaged heart where she finally realized that her forever, her home was in front of her all along and in the eyes of the man she loved. Melanie will be happy to meet you in the back in a few minutes to sign some copies for any of those wanting to join her. Thank you for coming,” he says smiling as everyone claps.
Melanie stands in the back nook of the book store, breathing a sigh of relief, tears springing slightly.
“Mommy!” she hears, turning she smiles as Molly rushes in, she bends down scooping her into her arms.
“Hello love bug!” she says kissing her cheek.
Oliver stands there looking on, a smile in place.
“Hey, I’m proud of you.”
Melanie looks up at him, “Me too,” she smiles.
“You okay?” he says coming in and reaching for her.
“Yea. I’ve got my family.” She says smiling.
Oliver leans in and kisses her softly.
“You know, it’s difficult to read and to relive but I’m better because of it. I had so much bottled up for years and that stopped me from going after what I really wanted and who.(she says smiling up at him, as he places a peck on her lips.) Writing this book, was kind of like me getting my freedom back a little.”
“Good for you babe, I think it was something you really needed to do. I’m glad you did it.”
She smiles.
“It means the world to me that you and Molly are here with me, I love you so much.” She says kissing him again.
“Ew!” Molly says looking on as she giggles.
Oliver and Melanie look at her and laugh.
“You think that’s funny,” Oliver says as he starts to tickle Molly, whose giggle erupts into a laughing fit, Melanie holding her as she joins in on the tickle fight.
Billy knocks on the door.
“Ms. Molly, do you need me to save you?”
Molly giggles, “Yes.”
Billy smiles and walks in.
“Oh Mrs. King, your fans await you. I’m already hearing some buzz. Women are saying how much they can relate and how it’s as if you’re speaking from their hearts too.”
“That’s incredible.” Melanie says.
Melanie smiles as she gives Molly a big kiss and hands her to Oliver, and then leans in to give Oliver a kiss on the lips.
“Good luck, (he kiss her) I love you. We’ll be right here waiting for you.”
“I love you so much,” she kisses him once more before walking towards the door.
“Love you mommy!” Molly screams.
“I love you, love bug.” She smiles as she blows her a kiss and walks into the crowd that awaits her.
Later that night…
Oliver sits in his office, at his desk as he edits photos.
Melanie peeks her head in, wearing a sweet little night gown, “Hey babe you coming to bed?”
Oliver looks over his shoulder, his eyebrows raise “Well hell, don’t you look sexy.”
Melanie crosses her arms, looking off to the side as she huffs his compliment away.
“I’m sorry, have you not seen yourself?” he says walking over to her, his hands finding her waist.
“It makes me happy how you can still be this attracted to me even after all these years, this body has had a baby, you know. It’s never going to look the same.”
“Same or not, you are still the sexiest woman I have ever laid eyes on,” he places a kiss on her lips.
“I try,” she smiles rolling her eyes dramatically, a smile on her lips.
“Baby you don’t have to try,” he smirks tightening his grip on her waist.
“Well in that case, do you think you can do your sexy wife a favor and actually come to bed at a decent time tonight? ”
“Yeah that can be arranged. I’ll be in, in just a bit, just trying to decide on some photos, come here look at these with me,” he says taking her hand and walking her over to his desk.
Melanie smiles as Oliver sits and scoots out his chair to allow her to sit on his lap, her arm draping over his shoulders.
Oliver starts clicking through photos.
“This one is my favorite, it’s everything I love in one picture, my whole world right there,” he says as it lands on a picture of Melanie and Molly.
Melanie looks at it, she smiles brightly, her eyes tearing up, “Aw. I love that one. I love you,” she says cupping his face and kissing him.
“We made a cute kid, huh?” he says looking up at her.
“Yes we did. She’s perfect.”
“That’s because she looks like you.” He says smiling up at her.
“She looks like both of us.” Melanie says kissing his cheek.
“She is perfect though, look at how happy she is,” he says pointing to a smiling Molly.
“She is. We’re doing ok, I guess, huh?” Melanie says looking down at him.
“I think we’re doing great. I think moving home to Philly was the right call. We’re still close enough to the city but we both are pretty much able to work from home.”
“I agree. We’ve made quite a life for ourselves.”
“That we have,” he says kissing her bare shoulder. “Besides when Mommy and Daddy need some sexy time, it’s nice to have the grandparents nearby to babysit, ” he says placing a kiss on her lips.
“Speaking of…sexy time…when are we going to make another one of these beautiful babies? Doctor gave me the all clear.” Melanie says her eyes shifting to meet her husband’s.
“Oh.” Oliver says smiling, his eyebrows raising, as his hands fasten around her waist.
Melanie starts to get up off his lap, as she moves his hands off her.
“See now where are you going?” he says turning in his chair.
“Follow me and find out.” She says a playful smile on her lips.
Oliver smirks as he stands and follows.
Melanie stops at the doorway, turning back she says, “On second thought, I’m kinda tired, rain check? Good night!” She runs from the room.
“Get over here girl,” he says rushing into the hall and sweeping her up in his arms, “You can’t walk away from me after saying a thing like that.”
A giggle and a shriek escape her as she wraps her arms around his neck accepting his kiss.
Nearby on the walls of their hallway you can see pictures of their life together.
Slideshow below displays all the gallery photos in the KING home. 😀
Happy. Content. Full. Living.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Melanie and Oliver fall onto their bed as a copy of Melanie’s book lay on their bed side table, next to it a pamphlet that reads-
COMING SOON! The New York Art Exhibit Presents- Oliver King’s “Home” Collection.
A photo of him and the girls on the cover.
“Shhh we’re gonna wake Molly,” Melanie giggles.
“It’s ok, I plan on keeping your lips right here,” he says kissing her deeply as he removes her silk robe tossing it to the side. “I love you so much,” he whispers against her expectant lips.
She pulls away and looks up at him.
“I love you too, you’re my home, that’s never going to change. No matter what life throws our way, I know we’ll be able to handle it, together.”
Oliver smiles at her lovingly.
“Don’t you forget it….So let’s make another baby, huh?” He says smirking.
“Yes please,” She says laughing as she reaches for him.
Melanie and Oliver continue kissing into the night.
Hello, I’ve been waiting for you
I didn’t know if you’d recognize my voice
Cause I’ve been whispering your name again and again
I‘ve been imagining this day and I’ll never be the same
Welcome home Welcome home
It’s so good to see your face
Welcome home
-The End-
*I do not take credit for any images, gifs, videos,
music used in my edits or otherwise.*
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed!
Stay Tuned for my Welcome Home “Soundtrack” & My Author’s Commentary!
Ed Sheeran left us for a bit. But he is back and making us feel all the feels. Here are my first random thoughts during my first full listening party. Join me as I try and make sense of them all. Also I discuss some of my favorite lyrics. Ed does this amazing job of creating lyrical masterpieces.
You can stream Divide on Spotify and on Ed’s YouTube channel. Or BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT!
Eraser
Rapping like old times
Great guitar riff
Sway-it’s dancing and a description for how I feel inside
African Safari vibes
Fav Lyrics:
“I think that money is the route of all evil, and fame is hell.”
“And I found comfort in my pain.”- Heavy
Castle on the Hill (previously heard)
A song about his home
That Rasp!
“Whohoo”- love that note!
Fav Lyrics:
“And I miss the way you make me feel, it’s real, we watched the sunset over the castle on the hill.”
“Had my first kiss on a Friday night I don’t reckon I did it right.”
“I was younger then, Take me back to when.”
“One friend left to sell clothes. One works down by the coast. One had two kids but lives alone. One’s brother overdosed .One’s already on his second wife. One’s just barely getting by. But these people raised me, And I can’t wait to go home” – I adore this storytelling section and that last line is the beauty. Home is made of people who affect your life and help you to create who you are.”
Dive
Different
“Woo Yeah!”- my audible response a few seconds into it! Pretty sure I was snapping along too.”
Sexy/Sassy
Deep Vocals
Guitar solo- Yes! That’s going to be BADASS live on tour.
Tears
Fav Lyrics:
“Maybe I came on too strong, maybe I waited too long…”
“So don’t call me baby. Unless you mean it. Don’t tell me you need me. If you don’t believe it. So let me know the truth. Before I dive right into you.”- Just let me go, I’m feeling all the feels. SO DAMN GOOD! #Goosebumps
Shape of You (previously heard)
All kinds of HELL YES!
I heard this song and it was an instant favorite, still is.
Total Dance Jam
POP
Chanty and I love it! Love those drums!
Would be a kick ass Zumba song!
Fav Lyrics:
“The club isn’t the best place to find a lover. So the bar is where I go.”
“I’m in love with the shape of you. We push and pull like a magnet do. Although my heart is falling too. I’m in love with your body. And last night you were in my room. And now my bedsheets smell like you. Every day discovering something brand new. I’m in love with your body. Oh I oh I oh I oh I- I’m in love with your body.”
“Come on be my baby, come on…” Clap along Sing along? YES Please! Slay ED, SLAY!
Perfect
Ballad
Lyrics! So sweet
Love letter
It’s got that oldies vibe
Fav Lyrics:
“Cause we were just kids when we fell in love. Not knowing what it was. I will not give you up this time. But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own.”
“When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath. But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight.”
“Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know.”
“Kissed her on the neck and then I took her by the hand Said, “Baby, I just want to dance”
“And then she kissed me like there was nobody else in the room.”
Happier
Soft
Tells a story
Chanty- “hay ya hey ya hay yea”
Beautifully heartbreaking.
Fav Lyrics:
“I saw you in another’s arms. Only a month we’ve been apart. You look happier.”
“Ain’t nobody hurt you like I hurt you. But ain’t nobody love you like I do.”
“But ain’t nobody need you like I do.”
“Everything’s reminding me of you.”
New Man
Creeping- He admits it.
Jam
Swag
Jamaican
Sunglasses—-YES #truth
DJ-mixer/rap style YES!
There’s always the F-off song. This is it.
Fav Lyrics:
“But still, I’m just keeping it real, still looking at your Instagram and I’ll be creeping a little I’ll be trying not to double tap, from way back, cause I know that’s where the trouble’s at.”
“He wears sunglasses indoors in winter at nighttime, and every time a rap song comes on He makes a gun sign, says chune, boydem light up the room.”
Hearts Don’t Break Around Here
Daises. Baby. Lately. Roses. LOVE THIS.
Beautiful.
“Oh Yeah yeah yeah yeah”- I love this! I feel like he does this all the time and it love it!
Fav Lyrics:
“Took my heart upon a one way trip. Guess she went wandering off with it. Unlike most women I know. This one will bring it back whole.”
“Love the way that you conquer your fear.”
“She is the lighthouse in the night that will safely guide me home.”
What Do I Know?
Campfire
Children talk
Backup Vocals- Chanty/Hums
Loving the chanty vibes
The world needs this song right now- Election inspired I’m sure
Fav Lyrics:
“I’m just a boy with a one-man show.” –Ain’t that the truth Ed! 😀
“Love can change the world in a moment.”
“Spread love, understanding, positivity.”
How Would You Feel (Paean) (previously heard)
Paean: a song of praise or triumph. (Ed has said this was written for his girlfriend) Gosh I can’t- how freaking sweet.
That Piano ❤
This is most like the ED SHEERAN we’re used to.
LOVE
Vulnerability
Human
Wanting/ Needing Acceptance
Guitar Solo @ 2:57 crushes your heart. It reminds me of John Mayer playing “Gravity.” This has to be Mayer. I’m gonna check on this. Yup. Thought I read that somewhere, and even so I spotted it just by listening. Has to be this song that he played on.
Further confirmation…
Fav Lyrics:
“We got questions, we should not ask but-.”
“How would you feel if I told you I loved you?”
“Taking my time- spending my life. Falling deeper in love with you. So tell me that you love me too?”
“Oh I’m in pieces, it’s tearing me up but I know. A heart that’s broke it’s a heart that’s been loved.”
“Hallelujah- you are an angel in the shape of my mom.”
“When God takes you back he’ll say Hallelujah you’re home.”
Barcelona *Instant Fav
Up beat
A good change of pace from the prior heartbreaker
Saxophone
Breathy chant/beat box beginning
Sexy
One man band
Flutes/whistles
Guitars
Rasp!
LOVE
Spanish- YES!
Mamasita/sangria
Tropical
Feel good
Would be awesome live on tour
Dance anthem/Sing along
I want to go to Barcelona with Ed Sheeran right now.
Fav Lyrics:
“Well get up up on the dancefloor, move, it’s a Saturday night. I fell in love with the sparkle in the moonlight. Reflected in your beautiful eyes, I guess that is destiny doing it right.”
“You’re like something that God has sent me. I want you baby-solamente.”
Bibia Be Ye Ye *Instant Fav
Bibia Be Ye Ye- means All will be well/Everything will be alright
Only Ed can jump from an ethnic tropical vibe to a river dance vibe and make it work.
Fav Lyrics:
“From her snow white streak in her jet black hair. Over sixty years I’ve been loving her. Now we’re sat by the fire, in our old armchairs. You know Nancy I adore ya.”
Save Myself
Piano & Vocals
Letter to self
Sadness
Oddly Inspirational
Fav Lyrics:
“They gave me the heartache and in return I gave a song. It goes on and on.”
“So before I save someone else, I’ve got to save myself.”
“Human beings are destined to radiate or drain.”
“Before I blame someone else, I’ve got to save myself.”
“Before I love someone else, I’ve got to love myself.”
As I mentioned Ed had left us for quite a bit, but as he echoes in first track “Eraser.”- “Welcome to the new show I guess you know I’ve been away. Where I’m heading who knows. My heart will stay the same.” And I think that describes this journey perfectly. He’s always Ed, no matter the chances he takes, he’s still that talented one man show, we all know and love.
My first initial thought was this album is love- all the colors of it. Current. Past. Present. Heartbreak too. He’s storytelling, and at times he finds inspiration in other people’s stories too. Which is such a beautiful thing.
He’s still his usual self, he still has killer lyrics and rap moments, still hits those riffs, still has those guitar ballads, still rocking that epic loop pedal. But then there are the different elements. We get some more production in this album, we get a bunch of different instrumental sounds- violins, whistles, etc. He’s experimenting without losing what makes him so unique and special. And I love, love, LOVE how he mixed a bit of the Irish vibes and the Spanish vibes in one album. He had mentioned he was traveling throughout the writing process of this album and I feel like that shows in all the unique sounds and lyrics he created.
I also really like the track list placement. The order of the songs flow really well. The sad songs are followed by upbeat songs, the travel inspired songs are clustered, and then we get a bang of an introduction with Eraser and the sweet love letter to oneself at the end. What a beautiful message. You can also see this album is a reflection of where Ed is at in his life. Or so I would think. It’s quite different than the others.
Granted we get our Ed, but he’s softer, raspier, more hopeful, and there’s a maturity. He keeps themes of love, home/family, and parents, as he has in the past, but I also love how children has become a theme. He’s probably looking into the future and where he’s going to be soon- married with kids. Soldier on Ed, whatever you do, we’ll follow and listen.
16 tracks Ed. 16 tracks. Solid. Epic. Welcome back, sir. You are killing the game. You are truly a talent- a one man show. Here’s hoping I’ll get to see you on tour this time!
Melanie sits in the church- still, silent- staring before her. People exiting out behind her.
Oliver walks down the aisle as he nods and shakes hands with family members and friends who pass him.
He sits beside her, taking her hand, her diamond ring sparkling, he lifts her hand to his lips and kisses it.
“Sweet heart, what can I do?” he says looking at her.
Melanie sits staring straight ahead. After a long moment she speaks.
“I keep waiting for all of this to vanish, like a dream. Just poof gone. This is a dream. It has to be, right? Because if it isn’t, this is one hell of a cruel life lesson. What’s the point? Do we not love each other enough? Did we not deserve a child?”
“Melanie, of course that’s not true. It just happened. We can’t explain why.”
“Well someone should be able to. I can’t, you can’t, the doctors can’t, and now what- God can’t? I just want to wake up. I need to wake up,” she says her tears exploding from her eyes, her body shaking.
Oliver’s eyes pool over along with her as he pulls her into his arms.
His grip on her tighter now more than ever, as the smell of incense burn, candles flicker, and white and blue flowers dress the room. A sign off to the side reads- In Loving Memory of baby boy Cody King.
Present Day…
Melanie sits in a brightly lit room, gently rocking in her chair.
“Hey babe…so someone is a little cranky, I think she wants her mommy,” Oliver says walking into the room holding a perfect little pink bundle.
Melanie smiles brightly as she stands up.
“Hand her over, pops” she says stretching her arms out.
Oliver smiles.
“Pay up first,” he says leaning in, Melanie smiles, placing a kiss on his lips before taking the baby.
“Hello, my sweet angel, are you driving daddy crazy, yes you are.” She says in her best baby voice.
Oliver smiles up at her.
“Stay there, don’t move,” he says running out of the room.
Melanie laughs as Oliver runs back in with his camera, he starts snapping away.
“Babe, look up at me.”
Melanie looks up and smiles.
“Molly, baby, hi sweet heart, look at daddy,” he says holding a stuffed animal near the camera to try and catch her attention.
Oliver sits in front of the fireplace, sleeping-his feet up.
Melanie emerges from the nursery, the exhaustion on her face evident.
She sees Oliver and smiles, crawling up next to him as he wakes up.
“She down yet?”
“It was a fight, but yes, finally out like a light.”
“Ah good,” he says wrapping his arm around her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep, pretty sure I came in here for something and then well-,” (he laughs)
“That’s ok, you had her for a while, we’re a team, and it was my turn to tag in. You’re allowed to sneak off for a bit.”
“Really? Can I get that in writing?” he says looking over at her.
“Don’t get too used to it,” She says in her sassy tone bumping into him with her shoulder.
Oliver smirks.
“You know as hard as having a new born may be, and as tired as I am, I am happier than ever, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Melanie looks at him and smiles, “Me too.” She leans up and kisses him. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For being my rock, for loving me as much as you do even though I drive you crazy, and for never giving up on me. I don’t know how you stayed so strong.”
“No biggy,” He smirks shrugging his shoulders.
“I’m serious, I don’t know who I would be or where I would be, had you not dragged me back into life. How did you get through it all? I could barely breathe- let alone be without you and that last part was my own fault.”
“You did what you needed to do to get through it. And I did what I had to do.”
Melanie looks up at him with concern in her eyes.
“Like what?”
“Well, besides pining over you for years…(he laughs, as she rolls her eyes) I went to therapy- a lot of it.”
“You never told me that.”
“I knew you had tried it, and it wasn’t working for you. I figured you didn’t need me preaching about it. But it really did get me through, it made me understand things and see things in a better light.”
“I don’t think I gave it much of a chance. Besides the real thing I needed was you all along. I was just too scared to admit.”
“I knew you would come to me when you were ready. That’s why I never pushed it.”
“You’re amazing,” she says sighing in disbelief.
“Hey, I promised you forever a long time ago, and I don’t break my promises.” Oliver looks up into her eyes, (he pauses) “Marry me?” he whispers.
“Really? You wanna try that again?”
“You sound surprised?” he says with a smirk.
“I guess I just feel like we have some things to resolve before taking that step.”
“Like what?” he says confused.
“Well, for starters I hope you know how much I love you, and I’m sorry for ever making you feel like your feelings didn’t matter…”
“Oh baby, stop it, its ok…”
“No it’s not. Just let me say this…please…it’s been a long time coming, and I cannot become your wife unless we talk about this.”
“Ok well then, hurry up already,” he says with a smile.
“I was selfish. I let my pain overshadow yours and that was not my intention but I let it go on far longer than I should have. I allowed myself to put up walls that created a wedge between us during a time when we needed each other most. I was scared, and broken and I ran and continued running. I didn’t blame you, I blamed myself. And because of that I couldn’t see you, I was stubborn and overly determined to stay in isolation and independence. I want you to know how much I truly regret leaving you and us and how if I could take it all back I would. You have been so amazing and patient with me, just loving me through all this, even after all this time. And I will never be able to repay you for that, I know. I just hope that you know how much I appreciate you and your love and how I know this is the chance of a lifetime getting to be with you and our beautiful baby girl. I love you so much. And I’m so sorry.”
Oliver looks at her, “You know you’re wrong about something- there may be one thing you can do to repay me…”
“I’m all ears.” Melanie says, her eyes fixated on Oliver’s.
“Marry me?” he repeats.
“Does that mean you forgive me?”
“Even though there’s nothing to forgive, I know you, and you won’t stop until I say yes, so yes, I forgive you. Now will you marry me already?” he says his lips inching towards hers.
“You don’t think it’d be like adding fuel to the fire, we’re already so exhausted. Adding wedding planning to the list…”
“I think it’s only right, we’ve got our baby girl, got a beautiful new house, the only thing missing is- the little idea of you finally becoming my wife.” (He kisses her)
“Are you sure you’re ready to deal with me every single day for the rest of your life?” she says looking up at him.
“Do you just not wanna marry me?” he says laughing.
“Stop it, I would marry you right now, in these sweat pants and this old Penn State t-shirt that has your daughter’s spit up all over it, if it meant that I could be your wife.”
“So then what’s stopping us?”
“I don’t know, nothing really. I just- I don’t wanna miss a thing with Molly, these are her first few weeks on earth, everything is just so new, and-”
“You’re a good mom, you know that right?”
Melanie shrugs.
“I try.”
“You don’t have to try, it’s just in your nature. Molly’s lucky to have you.”
“Hmmm,” she smiles, nuzzling into his neck “I needed to hear that.”
Oliver smiles.
“You know we make one hell of team, but she’s already obsessed with you, I can already tell,” Melanie says her eyes rolling.
“What, how?”
“You’re the only one she laughs and smiles for.”
“Are you jealous?”
“A little bit,” she says looking up at him with a grin. “Although I have to admit watching you with her, makes my heart burst, it’s everything.”
Oliver cups her face, and kisses her, laying her back into the pillows on the couch.
“Oliver, Baby… I smell like formula, let me shower first,” Melanie says.
“Mm mm,” he says shaking his head no-continuing to kiss her.
“Ollie,” she says laughing as he kisses her neck.
“You in my old college t-shirt…yea it works for me, (he says his eyebrows raise as he smirks, Melanie laughs) You could be wearing rags and I wouldn’t care.”
“Oh well that’s good, because this begs some resemblance to rags that’s for sure.”
He laughs.
“It’s ok you won’t be wearing it for long.” He says lifting the t-shirt up over her head, tossing it to the side, as she laughs, she wraps her legs and arms around him as he kisses her.
“Marry me?” he whispers again.
“When? And Where?” she says smiling up at him.
He smirks going in for another kiss as he reaches over into the draw of the end table.
He opens a familiar little red velvet box and Melanie’s heart beat quickens.
“I think it’s time this ring is home, where it’s always belonged, don’t you think?”
Melanie nods quickly, tears falling down her cheeks.
Oliver smiles as he takes her hand, and slides the ring on her finger.
“Oh god, you still make my heart race, feel,” she says laughing as she takes his hand and places it on her chest.
“That makes two of us, ” he says placing her free hand over his heart. (Cupping her face, he kisses her passionately, as they slide back into laying on the couch.)
“That ring looks sexy on you.”
Melanie smiles as she kisses him.
“So do you,” she whispers against his lips.
Oliver smirks as he deepens the kiss.
*The conclusion of Welcome Home COMING SOON!
*I do not take credit for images used in my edits or otherwise.*
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Michelle Leigh Writes 