Happy Golden Birthaversary MLW! + Writer’s Update!

Happy New Year!!!
“A new year full of cheer my dear!” 🙂

It has recently dawned on me that today is MLW’s (michelle leigh writes) 8th Birthday/Anniversary. Which I’ve decided to name Birthaversary. It’s crazy to think that 8 years ago, I decided to finally start sharing my writing. I have always been scared to admit that I was a writer. But I’ve realized over the past 8 years that is part of who I am. Even if I’m not posting all the time. Writing will never really leave me. I always come back to it in some way. Being that I am celebrating MLW’s 8th birthday on January 8th, I wanted to do a little GOLDEN birthday inspired post to celebrate.

A GOLDEN BIRTHDAY is when the stars align and you turn the same age as your birthday – (8 on the 8th).

It is said to be lucky. So cheers to some luck this new year. We all know we could use it after 2020.

Happy Birthaversary Michelle Leigh Writes!!!!

I thank you for being my safe place. My heart. My memories.

And although I haven’t posted consistently much, I will still be keeping this blog alive in order to share my writing when I feel to- mostly for the longer pieces. I already have so many Short Story Series on here for you to browse. Otherwise I will be sharing on my writer’s instagram more consistently. So please do follow! @michelleleighwrites_blog (I shared a lot of poetry back in April for “Escapril”)

My most recent Short Story Series “Move” was finally finished in 2020 here on MLW. So I wanted to give that a bit of a shout out!

Feel free to start it from the beginning HERE

FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE!!!

I created a December Series called Writer’s Wonderland over on my writer’s instagram @michelleleighwrites_blog. I’ve been a lot more consistent on that platform. I’ve been sharing a lot of my writing on there this past year! My Writer’s Wonderland consisted of sharing poetry, short story series read a-louds on instagram stories, Short Story Excerpts, and lastly as mentioned in my last post, I wrote a children’s audio book- CLICK HERE TO LISTEN ! 🙂

I also have my New Year inspired Short Story Series Collection HERE too! If you wish to stick to a bit of a holiday theme! 🙂

I’ve learned so much over this past year. I’ve done so much reflection, wondering, healing, and I’ve been so much more open to change. Because the truth is, this past year, we had very little control over what was happening in the world, and that made me really understand that we really only have control over how we handle things. How we react or respond. So breathe, pray, talk it out, feel what you need to feel, play your music loud, dance it out, binge watch all the Netflix, video chat your loved ones, eat the chocolate, drink the wine, laugh. Because the now is important. The present moment is important. However, I also feel it is important to note, that if your present moment isn’t a happy one, know that pain is temporary. Better days are coming. Cheers to a new year. I am sending love and light and many prayers to all of you out there for a safe, happy and healthy year. Stay safe, wear a mask!

And in MLW fashion…I leave you with an inspirational song…

Thanks for reading!

Stay Tuned!

All my love,

-<3-

Michelle Leigh

Tori Kelly Concert Review & Outfit

I know it’s been a minute, and I’m not going to bore you with excuses. Who knows, how many people out there are even out there reading this. Lol. But for those who are, no matter how long I may be MIA for, know, I always come back! 😀

Back in April I got to check another artist off my concert list, when I saw Tori Kelly live.

TK Acoustic Sessions

Set List:

(To the best of my recollection)

Language

Nobody Love

Coffee

Never Alone

Pretty Fades

Actress

I Was Made For Loving You

Take Back Home Girl

Two Places

Keep on Singing My Song (Christina Aguilera cover)

Only Exception (Paramore cover)

Bring Me Home

Thinkin’ Bout You

Suit & Tie (Justin Timberlake cover)

^It’s like she knew I was coming^

Confetti

All In My Head

Paper Hearts

Dear No One

Unbreakable Smile

Kid I Used to Know

Hollow

Your Words

Psalm 42

Sorry Would Go a Long Way

Funny

Should’ve Been Us

Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing

Change Your Mind

* Her guitarist- Mateus Asato was INSANE. His solo was out of this world. And at one point she and her guitarist had this like voice/guitar off. Tori would sing and Mateus would match it with his guitar cords. And then they switched and Mateus would play his guitar and Tori would have to match it with her vocals. INSANITY! Such an amazing duo.

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The Tori Kelly Acoustic Sessions concert was held at a theater so it was a very intimate setting. Our seats were great and the price was so reasonable. Tori took the stage with just her acoustic guitar and her voice, with the help of another electric guitarist. The stage held only a few lamps, and a couch, while the back drop was ruffled theater curtains, the lighting changed coloring with each song.

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It was so incredibly simple, but amazingly profound. Her talent is extraordinary and she is such a sweet soul. As she performed a mashup of old, new, some covers and unreleased music, she also walked us through the story of her journey with music. There was even a moment where she was singing a new unreleased song, about her grandfather (I believe it was “Your Words”) and it was so silent in that theater, you could hear a pin drop. I had goosebumps on and off throughout that whole night! I love when artists chat with you, it just makes you feel like they are your best friend chatting with you in their living room.

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What an insane talent. It was an incredible show. She is even more incredible live. I am thrilled to be able to check her off my dream concert list. I can’t wait to see her again. Now I have a friend who I made a fan, who I will certainly be taking with me to future shows! I know Tori just wrapped this tour a little bit ago, but with all the unreleased music she was playing, I imagine she’s going to be releasing more, and who knows maybe she will be touring again sometime soon. Catch her whenever you can!

 

***

My Tori Kelly Inspired Look

Leather Jacket

Flannel Shirt

Glitter T-shirt

Black highwaisted skinny jeans

Black booties

Big Curly  hair (cuz Tori Kelly vibes!)

Black nail polish

Hoop earrings

Some fun rings

Cuff bracelet

Medallion Necklace

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I was inspired by Tori’s earlier fashion style. It seems she’s experimenting with more high fashion pieces, sporting more heeled boots and suit ensembles. She’s amazing either way!

 

Visit ToriKellyMusic.com for more information!

*All images are my own.*

(except the Tori Kelly concert poster)

-<3-

 

*NSYNC takes Coachella/*NSYNC Update

Coachella.

For festival goers it’s a time to douse yourself in buckets of glitter.
Body jewelry, funky fashion and stellar Instagram pics.

But for those on the other side of Instagram, well, let’s just say for me, there’s always a bit of fomo. (Fear of missing out.)

In many ways, I feel like I’m a hippie that would fit right in there. Not in the sense that I’m overly impulsive or that I love the outdoors. But in the sense that I’ve always been attracted to flower crowns, tie dye, and peace signs. Deep down, I have a bohemian soul. 

Which is basically Coachella vibes.

I also really love music.

It’s more so the heat and the desert that I don’t think I could vibe with. But I do love the funky fashion. I’d definitely go all out if I ever were to attend.

Needless to say, this past weekend was Coachella weekend 1. And the rumors began.

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Ariana posted a video of *NSYNC in concert, as she stands in the crowd held by her mother as a little girl.

hint hint

Soon after she posted this clip of herself singing and bopping along to “Tearin’ up My Heart” 

As many of you know. I am a COMPLETE and TOTAL *NSYNC Fangirl. This 90s boy band was and still is my jam. And so when I heard Arianna Grande’s new song “Break up with your girlfriend I’m bored”…I instantly recognized her sampling of *NSYNC’s “It Makes Me Ill.” A song off their 2nd album- No Strings Attached. Man that album was epic. I saw them in concert for that album. My first and last *NSYNC concert. Well hopefully not my last. 😉 

Rumors of NSYNC coming to join Grande during her Sunday Night Coachella set started with a few slick tweets.

twitter teaseAriana Tweet

And I knew it was happening. It was very flashbacky to when they were rumored to join Justin Timberlake at the 2013 VMAS. SPOLER ALERT-they did. But I kind of like to block it out, because I was so sad, they were only given a few short minutes. My feels were hit hard. 

So I knew something was going to go down. And conveniently enough YouTube was streaming the event live. So I got to partake in #Couchella.

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Grande took the stage opening with “God is a Woman” and “Bad Idea.” Then early in her set, she brought 4/5ths of *NSYNC out to join her yelling,  “I’ve been rehearsing my whole f*ckin life for this.” JC, Lance, Joey, and Chris took the stage. I figured Justin wouldn’t show, considering he just wrapped his 115 show Man of the Woods tour the day before. Part of me wants to call him a brat. But the other part knows homeboy needs a damn break! 115 shows bro! 115! According to TMZ (super credible I KNOW! 😉 He was just unable to align his schedule with them to rehearse.

The guys joined Ariana singing their “It Makes Me Ill” portion of her song and then they performed “It’s Tearin’ Up My Heart” complete with synchronized dance moves! THAT CHOREOGRAPHY!

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Ariana, I have to give you props girl, you held your own! And it was epic! Those guys still got it. And in typical *NSYNC fashion they all had matching pants and color schemes. MY HEART! I TELL YOU! THESE BOYS HAVE MY LITTLE FANGIRL HEART! I just realized I never really blogged about the recent *NSYNC news within the past few years…I guess this is kind of turning into an all around *NSYNC update. But you bet your bottom dollar, my socials hear all about it on the regular. So please follow me on instagram and twitter for more regular interactions and updates! 😀

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In typical JC fashion he waved to the crowd as they all started to leave, and he said, “Thank you Coachella this has been a dream of ours.” Or something to that affect. I can’t find a DAMN VIDEO to rewatch. And I was an overly tired (it was like 2am on the east coast!) and frazzled fangirl last night. Not to mention the picture/audio/lighting was kind of a hot mess via Live stream. 

As the exited the stage, Joey shouted, “thank you see you next time.” NEXT TIME! GUYS…he said next time! 

Ariana laid on the stage, as she said, “ok I can die now.” LOLOL. We feel you though. 

Grande went on to perform a 90 minute set including more guest appearances by Nicki Minaj, and Diddy. Now I’m not like her biggest fan or anything, but she seriously threw a damn good 90s throwback party. She even played of her old jams from her earlier albums, which I loved! 

Hats off, Grande. From one fan girl to the next, thanks for reuniting the band for a night.

Also that night gave us these…these pics are slaying me…

[All images are collectively from Ariana, JC, Lance, Joey, and Chris’ social media accounts. I do not take credit!]

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Anyone catch that “One more time?” comment Lance left on Ariana’s Instagram. Could it be they guys are returning to perform again with her this weekend at Coachella. Probably Not. Lol. Cuz well, it’s Easter. Time for Fam time! 😉 

And low and behold he noticed! My heart got so happy seeing him acknowledge the performance! And seeing all the guys seeing he acknowledged it and chatting in the comments!

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Love seeing these guys together and supporting each other, it’s my favorite thing.

Lance Bass talks how the performance collaboration came to be…

Last time we had our boys together was around this time last year; (April 30th- “It’s gonna be may” day to be exact) to receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And it was a freakin’ magical time. I watched the entire livestream like a giddy little school girl! 

 

NSYNC star

One Year Anniversary Coming Up!

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Oh yea THIS happened too! JT brought the guys with him!

Not to mention the guys kept releasing new capsule *NSYNC merch last year. I totally bought t-shirts! They even had a pop up shop in LA…Man if I lived in the area, I would have moved mountains to get there. Lance also just produced a documentary called The Boy Band Con- The Lou Pearlman Story. I haven’t seen it yet, but I know JC, Chris, and Joey are all featured in it. All of this gives a fangirl some hope. Yup…still waiting on that official reunion album/tour announcement. Don’t they know the universe is just waiting for it. I mean even Lance Bass recently said-

They really do seem like they genuinely love each other and wish the best for each other, but I also think the are just waiting for the perfect time to come back. I blame JT, maybe now that he’s back from a crazy hectic tour, he could hang out (in the studio) with some old friends. 

Ok ok, sorry. I know I rag on JT for being the reason *NSYNC hasn’t reunited, but make no mistake that dude is my homie. I love him. I support him. I’ve seen every show, bought every record. I’m in it. I’m his fangirl just as much as the band’s. Much love for all 5 guys!  

Holding out for hope, guys. 

Until next time.

Signed, 

*NSYNC Fangirl ❤

 

*I do not take credit for any images, videos, music, clips, used.*

-<3-

A Love Poem from the Faceless Woman to the Faceless Man

 

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I often wonder if you’re ever thinking about me.

Do you wonder what color my eyes are?

If I’m close to my family?

How I take my coffee?

If I drink coffee at all?

I wonder if you spend your days looking, searching, waiting, praying for us to meet.

For me to trust you with all my dreams.

To have someone always on your side to battle your doubts.

To cuddle on the couch with a glass of beer or wine.

Do you get glimpses of our future?

How many kids we have?

If we live in a big house?

City or country?

Writing our love story in your mind.

Proposal story and our wedding day.

Sometimes it’s so much to bare, isn’t it?

This unknown person you promise to spend your life with.

“I love you and I haven’t even met you yet.”

Have you ever thought that?

So much love to give.

We worry.

Time lines ahead of us.

Clocks ticking.

Loudly at times.

Birthdays coming in like a Warning Sign.

Friends?

Married.

Kids.

And you feel like your failing. 

Sometimes that “happy ending” feels so far away.

Like it’ll never happen.

And in that moment, I hope you feel me right there next to you.

Even if I’m miles and miles away,

or not far at all.

Either way, two souls.

Time will come.

And we’ll one day call each other home. 

See you soon, love.

From the Faceless Woman, to the Faceless Man.

 

 

*I do not take credit for the image used.* 

 

Fun Fact: Just as I finished writing this poem, Justin Timberlake’s song “Soulmate” came on my “Magic” titled Spotify playlist. Hmmm? Universe, I see you. 😉 

-<3- 

Fangirl Report: MAN OF THE WOODS Concert Review & Fashion Update

Back during #BLOGTOBER I did a post titled Fall Fashion: Concert Style where I showed my outfit inspiration for Justin Timberlake’s MAN OF THE WOODS tour.

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I was supposed to see him, back in October but he had to reschedule due to bruised vocal chords. So I just went recently on January 31st. Which just so happened to be Justin’s 38th Birthday so that was a fun treat! Not only did we get an amazing show, but we got to spend his birthday with him. This time we got to sing to him for a change. 😉

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My concert morning prep…

My best friend and I got there a little before the opening act ended so we got to hear him a bit. His name is Franceso Yates, and he was definitely good vibes. Not to mention his curls are cool and he was rocking this cool silver sparkly bomber jacket. 3 years ago he lent his vocals to SUGAR (2015), yes ya’ll probably know Suga Suga by Baby Bash and Frankie J (2003) but Yates makes it work too! His voice is damn good!

 

Set List

Filthy

Midnight Summer Jam

Lovestoned/I think she knows interlude

Sexyback

Man of the woods

Higher Higher

Senorita

Suit & Tie

My Love

Cry Me a River

Mirrors

*Happy Birthday Sing Along*

Drink You Away

Until The End Of Time

Morning Light

What Goes Around…Comes Around

Say Something

Montana

Summer Love

Rock Your Body

Supplies

Can’t Stop The Feeling

I felt like this concert has been quite a long time coming. In fact we just passed the year mark on of when MAN OF THE WOODS was released and when Justin performed the Superbowl Half time show. I had wanted to see JT a while back when he was first in the U.S., but I just couldn’t swing the date, and so when he came back I was on a mission to get tickets. So my best friend and I got t-shirts, I had my outfit all ready, and my nails strategically painted to match his album cover colors (as you can see in the Concert Style Blogtober post). But then it was rescheduled for January, so it was another 3 months added to the waiting game. Needless to say, because of all the holiday craziness, it went by quick. Of course the date landed on the COLDEST day of the year, my winter coat’s zipper broke just before I left the house, (so I had to wear a less warm coat but the one I actually bought for the concert to match my outfit lol) and my best friend was battling the start of a cold and her purse strap broke coming out of the Uber on the way into MSG. So we fought some stupid little inconveniences along the way, but it was COMPLETELY worth it! #CHEERSTOINSANLEYEXPENSIVEUBERSANDCABS It felt so good to be there in that arena with him. It’s been a while. It felt like it was all meant to be. I love you JT, you were worth the wait! 

JUSTIN WAS INCREDIBLE! His talent never ceases to amaze me. He came back from that vocal rest like a boss. He can still sing, dance, and own any stage! And he is extremely good at making it so that he can work the entire stage and say hi to all sides. Our seats were pretty good, probably the closest, I’ve seen him so far. Although for his stadium tour with Jay Z, we had really good seats too! One of these days I hope to meet him, maybe even swing some VIP tickets, but I just can’t fathom those prices. Besides I like the option of sitting occasionally! Lol. #GRANNY #BIGPURSEDONTCARE

Justin did all his usual hits, but played a good amount of his new stuff too. It’s cool how his songs are so different live, like you feel every instrument. I love how he did his work on the NI Maschine for “Say Something,” and he just kind of like created this whole unique sound. It was really cool to see. 

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The whole show was visually stunning. The fog rolling in, the grass coming up during certain scenes to add that woodsy feel. The lights, the screens that projected Justin for all to see, but at  times told a story through it’s stunning rain visuals during “Cry Me A River,” and trees and the sun shining during his Man Of The Woods songs. It was all so right. 

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There were so many highlights, so many moments where he joked with the crowd, so many great live versions of songs that never get old. That clap and sing along in Mirrors, never gets old. And Can’t Stop The Feeling was so amazing live and such a great, feel good song to end on. However, I think if I HAD to pick, my highlight had to be when he sang “Until the End of Time.” There was a campfire set up. A real fire pit, with wooden seats around it, as his dancers re-enacted a campfire scene as he played the soft sweet song. This song is one of my favorites live, because this is the cell phone song. The lights sway back and forth, and you try to hit his notes in the sing along part of the song. Such a moment. 

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The only downside was that I know I had seen an earlier version of a setlist that included “Let The Groove Get In” and “Flannel.” Two of which are my favorites. So I was a little bummed when he didn’t play them. “Soulmate” would have been cool, that song has become a favorite of mine too! But we did have a whole Birthday sing a long, so they probably had to take out a few songs to allow the time for that. I thought his Birthday show would have been like crazy! Like maybe a special guest, or something. I also thought he would do the whole fake out end and then come back out, but he didn’t. I’m so used to that! Lol. But when the lights come on you know it’s over. I guess I just wasn’t ready to leave.

You know what else I noticed, he didn’t have many breaks. He didn’t worry about changing outfits constantly either. He made a few changes, but they were super quick and kept in theme with his laid back woodsy vibe. He is the man of the woods, is he not? He didn’t talk too much with the crowd like I’ve seen him do in the past, didn’t really chat about the songs or give some heart felt speech about what the slow jams were about or why he wrote them. He used to do this a while back. Instead he let the music talk. Which I understood. He has 5 studio albums under his belt and only about a 2 hour slot to perform! He can’t do EVERYTHING! Even so, he is a true talent. A class act. He is so good. When I got home I mentioned how it’s a pain to go to a concert on a week day, and my mom said to me, “well this is it, right? I mean you can’t keep going to his concerts.”  And I said, “Um, what? Yes I can! And I will.”  I may be getting older, he may be getting older, but as he said before he took his shot before he performed “Drink You Away,” he “Ain’t done yet!” And as long as he’s singing, I’ll keep listening! Concerts can be transcendent. They can be such amazing experiences, especially when you are that much of a fan of the artist. Especially when you get to go with your best friend. I’ve grown up listening to Justin. So no, I’m not quitting  now. Looking out at that audience it was an incredible mix of men, women, of all ages, and even some little kids. I was proud to see how far he’s come and how many generations his music has touched. He may not have chatted constantly but he was very adorable when he thanked us for spending his birthday with him, “best birthday ever,” he said just before leaving the stage. So what it all comes down to, is that the concert was cool, classic, and absolutely amazing and we got to spend his Birthday with him, and that’s the coolest thing ever. Happy Birthday JT! 

What I Wore: 

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My Target JT T-shirt- Black tank underneath

^ tried to link, but I don’t see it available anymore 😦 

A Flannel because well the song and the woods! lol

Jeans

Tan Boots

I had on pretty simple jewelry- a brown snakeskin cuff, two gold thin rings, big gold hoops, a black tattoo choker, and two gold necklaces for a layered effect. I also painted my nails a natural brown from Essie called- “Clothing Optional.”

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I basically went for a chill, laid back, woodsy/90’s vibe. LOL. My makeup was subtle warm tans and blush tones, and my hair I kept simple in a low bun and some curls to frame my face.

20190131_212208 Flannel by JT

Right behind my left pocket
That is where you’ll feel my soul
It’s been with me many winters
It will keep you warm
Ooh, here’s my flannel
The character’s in the way you wear it (the way you wear it)
It takes your shape while you keep it on (all you gotta do is keep it on)
May we live for many winters
Keepin’ each other warm
And may we live for many winters
Keepin’ each other warm

Read the full lyrics HERE

Listen to the full song HERE

And yes I did treat myself to some concert souvenirs- a tee and a concert program. They were selling the t-shirt I couldn’t find anymore on his merch store website, so I was excited. At first I wasn’t going to buy anything because between the ticket and the cabs,  I was already spending so much $$$! But then I realized I have a concert tee from every show I’ve seen of his. And I’m a major graphic tee wearing girl, so I had to. So I picked this one (it has another image of him and man of the woods written on the back, with all the tour locations.) And I splurged on a program too, because I have never bought one of his programs before. So I figured I should own at least one. I mean I am a self- proclaimed JT fan girl, right? Hey I don’t do this often, you got to live a little, right? 😉 The t-shirt was $40. The program was $25, in case any other fangirls or boys are wondering about prices! 

Well there you have it, another JT Fangirl report from yours truly. 

Until next time.

*All images are my own except JT’s album art picture at the beginning of the post.*

-<3-

 

 

6 Years and Counting! Happy Birthaversary MLW!

January 8th, 2013.

A girl with a need to share stories that float in her brain, characters that have heartfelt discussions, poems, music/tv/movie reviews, fan girl stories, fashion, the list goes on. Today marks 6 years since I created Michelle Leigh Writes. It took years to work up the courage to publish my work online. Here I am 6 years later, keeping that little train rolling along. I am very proud of that fact.

However, the thing is…this year was a bit slow on posting content. As I review this year’s post history I can see there weren’t very many. Inconsistency strikes again! And sadly, I ended up taking 2 months off completely during the months of June and July, (which I don’t think has ever happened in all my years of blogging.) I guess you can call it a summer hiatus. But it mostly was a mix of lack of inspiration/my blog account was having some issues. But when I think about it, those are excuses, if I really wanted to write and post, I would have figured out a way. But the more I didn’t, the more I got comfortable just not posting at all.

But then the fall came, and inspiration struck. Besides I knew I needed something to kick my butt into gear again. So I challenged myself to do #BLOGTOBER. And I did, I blogged for the entire month of October, it was a fun filled time of Fall goodness! Then November came and I decided to give #NaNoWriMo a shot. Writing 1,667 words a day for the entire month until you get to the goal of writing 50,000 words at the end, which equals the length of a book. And I DID THAT TOO! But then the holiday craziness kicked in and my posting slowed once again.

I took a look back at my posts for 2018. Let’s do a little bit of a run down shall we?

January 2018- 10 posts

February 2018- 5 posts

March 2018- 5 posts

April 2018- 2 posts

May 2018- 2 posts

June/July 2018- 0 posts

August 2018- 1 post

September 2018- 1 post

October 2018- 31 posts (#BLOGTOBER)

November 2018- 4 posts

December 2018- 1 post

Total Number of posts: 62

*****

Now some boring math- if I were to have been consistent with my 2x a week posting schedule…

2 posts per week

About 8 posts a month

12 months in a year x 8 posts a month = 96 posts in a year.

96-62= 34 posts under.

Sad face. 

No matter the amount, I’m still excited to be celebrating 6 years online. I think it’s a big accomplishment for the girl who stressed at just the idea of posting her work for others to see. Naturally,  I baked some treats to celebrate. #GEEK #NOSHAME #DELICIOUS

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For these mini brownie bites, I used a good ‘ole Betty Crocker Milk Chocolate brownie mix, the oil/eggs/water it required, and a package of hot chocolate and mixed it all together in a big bowl. I sprayed the pan with some cooking spray, then I put it in the oven @ 350 degrees for 15 minutes. After they cooled I removed them from the mini cupcake pan with a plastic knife and got to decorating. I used a bit of Nutella as frosting, added some festive sprinkles, and a mini marshmallow! They are so cute and taste DELICIOUS! 

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So needless to say I’m not super stoked about last year’s posting history. But life happens. Technical glitches happen. And time passes far too quickly. So I am not going to dwell on it all, and scold myself for it, because let’s be real, I do not need that kind of negativity in my life! Instead I will be trying to keep my schedule afloat and inspire new and interesting content, and bring you many new, fun short stories and writing projects. I have a lot I want to work on this year!   

On the Brightside! Even though my posting hasn’t been as consistent as I would have hoped, I did complete two major writing challenges for myself in 2018. And even though my #NaNo story wasn’t posted to MLW (because it’s a book I’m working on and will take time to finish and edit and all that) I did write a lot! Which is always the goal. I realized I don’t always have to write to post. I can just write and lengthen my art. Any writing is good. But I do plan on coming back, I always do! This blog is my special place. My safe place for the written word. So thank you. Thank you for reading!

Take a look at my past Celebratory posts:

2013- Hey there…and welcome ❤  – First post ever!

2014- “Secret” Society, “Resolutions”, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! + (My 1st VLOG)

2015- Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary?

2016- Dear 2016, + Happy 3rd Anniversary!

2017- Happy 4th!!!!!!!

2018- Cheers to 5 Years! Happy Birth-a-versary!

 

Follow me on Social Media!

(I have a lot of #NaNo updates on Insta!)

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

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STAY TUNED!

And God Bless.

Happy 6th Birth-a-versary to my blog baby michelle leigh writes! 

 

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FUN FACT! On this day in POP power couple history, Justin & Britney debuted their Denim ensembles. Today makes 18 years! Haha. I never knew my Blog baby’s Birthaversary shared this special day! 😉 

 

*All photos (except the JT & Britney pic) are my own.

-<3-

 

 

 

 

2018 Highlights- Year in Review

This past year, I actually didn’t end up using a memory jar. It kind of became more of a flower vase and I forgot about it. But as usual, instagram and this blog were definitely helpful in my yearly reflection.

Here are my 2018 Highlights

(in no particular order)

Justin Timberlake released his new Album Man of the Woods and I bought tickets to see him in October. (However as you may know from my fangirl report the show was postponed due to bruised vocal chords. It was rescheduled for January 31st (his birthday) so let’s hope it sticks and I get to start my 2019 off with my fav babe!) He also released a summer single too- Soulmate. It’s fire!

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MLW turned 5 years old! This blog has been with me through so many ups and downs. I have taken month(s) long hiatus’ and have gone MIA many times, and I’m sure it will happen this year too. But I always come back! And it means a lot to me to have this outlet. To have “a safe place for the written word.” We also got our own domain this year-michelleleighwrites.com
happy 5th

I took up Jewelry Making in order to teach a class at work and I realized I do really enjoy it. For some one who loves accessories and loves jewelry, it’s cool to have pieces that I created myself. When people say that’s so pretty, I can say “Thanks, I made it!” I’m hoping this year to get my own Jewelry supplies and make a hobby out of it!

 

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We started many new family traditions, now that we have a 6th person at our  usual table of five. My baby niece turned one and she’s learning so many new things, it’s so amazing and so exciting to watch her grow. Holidays are sweeter now that she’s here and we were able to celebrate many of her first holidays this year too. And as usual so many other special family moments with our extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. I also got to take my mom to see Summer (the donna summer’s musical) and help out with a mother’s day photoshoot for my sister in law, my brother is a photographer and he wanted me to shoot some behind the scenes footage for him, so that he could make a montage video.) 

Jack & Elizabeth’s Wedding on When Calls The Heart. This show is so magical. (Except SPOILER ALERT the actor playing Jack decided to leave and so they had to kill off his character just shortly after the characters got married. So Elizabeth was left a pregnant window. It still breaks my heart so much. But I’ve been watching reruns on Netflix of earlier seasons of their courtship and I can’t help but love this show. It is so full of strength and hope and grace. And these women are fierce as they come.) Despite the heartache, the wedding was absolutely beautiful and when it comes to TV viewing parties and themes, I can be pretty “extra.” I learned to sew in order to make my own custom WCTH tee and had a cup of tea and some pie in honor of the special occasion. I still don’t have the Hallmark channel so I totally bugged my brother and watched at his house.  The show did the wedding right, they even had a invitation that you can rsvp to, pick your meal choice and request a song. Hallmark still has a full wedding album up too. Such beautiful pictures, Elizabeth looked gorgeous and their vows were breathtaking. 

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^In other tv related news (because you know me, I’m a TV fan girl) I fell in love with the show The Resident on FOX and the Netflix film- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (it’s getting a sequel!) 
To all the boys

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I had a lot good times with friends (fell in love with a new tea spot, tried hot pot for the first time, had a few brunch meals, tried frose, and braved karaoke, etc)-work friends, high school friends, old friends, new friends! Caught up with some middle school friends I haven’t seen in a while. We actually were able to get in two visits this year, so we are doing really well, considering we are all always so busy- one is a mom and one is always traveling, so I’m so happy we made it work! My best friend got married and I was one of her maid of honors, so we got to do all the things-the shower, the bachelorette party (which was epic thanks to me and my co maid of honor), the rehearsal, and the wedding. It was all magical! And they are a beautiful couple.

 

*NSYNC got their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, on “It’s Gonna Be May” Day (April 30th) and it was broadcasted live for all to watch. I totally did, and I may or may not have bought a few *NSYNC merch tees, they are being sold in stores like target, and spencer’s/hot topic, but also on *NSYNC’s official site! The guys were also on Ellen!

So I was kind of in fangirl heaven!

I hosted a 90’s theme Girls Night In for my best friend, as our own little bestie send off before her wedding. It was A BLAST. I love nostalgia and I LOVE the 90’s. Butterfly clips, chokers, and blue eyeshadow, OH MY! 😉 

90's party

My family participated in our first Alzheimer’s walk in honor of my Grandma who passed away in February of 2017. We all had t-shirts and it was a beautiful day, honoring someone we all really miss and love. We raised well over what our goal was! Thanks to my Aunt and Uncle who organized it all, and to all who donated. Our hearts are full! 

I did BLOGTOBER– blogged the entire month of October! My fall was so full of all the Halloween, Pumpkin things!

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I participated in my first ever #NaNoWriMo– National Novel Writing Month (November) October and November were very busy for me, it made me really proud to be able to write so consistently and meet my goals. 

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I continued writing my short story series- Move that I started at the end of 2017, but still have to continue and finish it this year. I also started another short story series that has yet to be finished and posted- tentatively called Crazy Stalker Love. (STAY TUNED! for all of the stories to come!)
MOVE poster

Crazy Stalker Love Sneak Peek-

I had a list of over 60 great memories for this past year, so I guess it was a really good one. So I can’t complain. But in the interest of time, I chose a few. Thanks for the memories 2018, I am very blessed. I look forward to all the magic ahead in 2019.

Happy New Year friends!

May all your hopes and dreams come true!

Stay Tuned for much more content this year.

So many stories to tell!

-<3-

December Favorites

Hey friends,

I know it has been a bit since I last posted. And quite frankly I should have known better than to expect that I could actually hop right back into my usual two week posting schedule after blogging for the entire month of October and then working on my first ever NaNoWriMo project all throughout November. See more on this HERE.

Don’t get me wrong, I definitely miss blogging! But since NaNo wrapped I kind of just threw myself into holiday mode with the determination to actually get things done earlier this year and not have to rush all over on December 23rd.. I have to say, of course there were some hiccups and there are a few last minute things to take care of this weekend, but for the most part I did pretty good. And just in case you were wondering, I was able to cross quite a few of my Winter Bucket List items off my list! 

Normally around this time I would have posted way more holiday related content. And I can’t believe I haven’t yet. Christmas Eve is literally only 2 days away! I haven’t even started to plan out my 2019 goals yet either! And my full experience with #NaNoWriMo has yet to be written. I’ve gotten ahead of some things, but remain behind on others! You know what they say, life happens! Lol.

So I thought that for today’s random Saturday post that I could maybe do a little bit of a December Favorites. Show you some things I’ve been loving this December. This is such a festive time, and there are so many things I am loving lately. 

Holiday Favorites

Christmas mug with some hot chocolate or festive tea

My aunt bought me this mug from Burlington, and it has become my favorite for this holiday season. I love the hippie camper truck vibes, how adorable is it?

mug life

Christmas music

These are the songs I have to listen to every year! They just put me in the best spirit. And it never fails, O Holy Night by Celine Dion makes me cry every time. Gets me EVERY time. 

Christmas movies- Lifetime

Now I haven’t seen them all, but this channel has been on my tv non-stop. All the feel good, romantic Christmas vibes. I am here for it! So here are some of my favorites…

Noel- I cannot say enough good about this movie. It is incredible. 

The Christmas Contract

Poinsettias for Christmas

Snowed Inn Christmas 

Love at the Christmas Table 

Four Christmases and A Wedding

Hometown Christmas 

Christmas Pen Pals

A Christmas Arrangement

A Star for Christmas 

Christmas on the Bayou

The Spirit of Christmas 

All About Christmas Eve

A Christmas Wedding Date 

A Gift Wrapped Christmas 

…and the list goes on, because there are SO many!

 

Check your local listings!

 

Favorite scent

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My best friend was burning this in her house when I visited her and I fell in love with the scent from Bath & Body Works. I had ordered this mini one and burned it so quickly, that I just had to go out and buy the big size. It smells like a Christmas tree and it is perfect for anyone who has a fake tree, and misses that pine scent. I know I love it! And it’s made with essential oils so the scent is just so crisp and clean. 

Favorite treats

Every holiday season Entenmann’s has it’s holiday gourmet cookies with the chocolate coated bottoms and sprinkled pop’ems. So anytime I see them, I have to pick them up, because they are my favorites! 

Yes I was drinking tea in my new Christmas camper mug, eating my festive cookies, while watching a Lifetime Christmas movie. #LOVE 

 

So there you have it, my December Favorites!

*All images are my own.*

Have a Very Merry Christmas and  Happy Healthy New Year!

-<3-

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 30- Fall 2018 Bucket List Update

Earlier in BLOGTOBER I posted my Fall 2018 Bucket List. [SEE HERE] I love fall, I love getting into the spirit of the season, and I love me a good to do/bucket list. 

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UPDATE!

So as Halloween rolls in. I wanted to check my progress on my trusty ole to do list.

There were 14  or so items on the list, and I was able to check off a good chunk of those this month!

Pumpkin Picking. CHECK

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Decorate for Fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving. CHECK

My house is festive AF!
Pumpkin Carving. CHECK

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Buy pies, jams, ciders, and other fall drinks/treats. CHECK

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Trick or Treat with my niece…

After tomorrow…CHECK

Watch Hocus Pocus & Halloweentown. CHECK

Some things I added along the way- like watching tons of fun Halloween movies including House of Wax, and listening to spooky soundtracks like MJs Thriller on a loop.

Others like the JT concert was actually postponed til January- which hey is out of my control. But I am READY!

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I wasn’t able to get to the movies as I wished. But life gets busy, what can you do? I did buy a cheap copy of Halloween so maybe I’ll watch it tomorrow night.

I didn’t make it to Apple Fest again this year, because my family got super busy. But truth be told I was better off, since I ended spending quite a pretty penny at the little shop at the farm we went to for pumpkin picking.

Fall fashion has been a bit of a bust, I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t gotten a chance to swap out my summer clothes for my fall clothes. And because the weather has been so unpredictable I just never know. Let’s hope November is a bit more “fashionable. Lol.

My pumpkin party and wine & cheese party ideas didn’t happen this month but I’m hopeful for next. My best friend and I are trying to set up our pumpkin party. And to be honest, I’m dying to host a wine and cheese party myself! 

As for NaNoWriMo- I am still planning to do this, however it doesn’t start til Thursday so stay tuned for an update on that. November is going to be insane. But I am interested to see how this works. 

Fall isn’t over yet…November will be a time to conquer the rest…especially finding those Thanksgiving recipes and who knows maybe dye my hair purple? Haha. I know it costs a lot and it is a big commitment- I had my blue hair for ages. So when I do it, it has to be the right time. Stay tuned for that too!

Happy Fall All!

Did you get to check all the fall things off your bucket list? 

See you tomorrow for our final #BLOGTOBER POST! 

Working on a short story as we speak! The plan was to get half up today and the last half up tomorrow, but it’s taking longer to write than I expected. And it won’t be ready before midnight, so hang tight. Whether it’s done by tomorrow or night, I will still post it eventually.

 

*All images are my own.*

-<3-

#BLOGTOBER Day 26- “Head Over Heels” Commentary

This was a short horror script I wrote back in 2015. Unfortunately like many of my scripts, it was never filmed. However, being that it is Halloween and I am a writer, I thought it’d be fun to at least share the script with you. You can read it in full form in yesterday’s BLOGTOBER post HERE

Which brings us to today’s post…

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MY WRITER’S COMMENTARY

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*FYI Check this Rom Com out, it’s so damn good!
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*I do not take credit for any images/gifs/movie posters/movie trailers used.*

-<3-

 

ALSO FAN GIRL REPORT SIDENOTE: Due to bruised vocal chords Justin Timberlake has had to postpone a few of his tour dates. My Wednesday night show, sadly was one of them. I was all set, rushed home from work, was going to eat, change and head out, when I got an email and voicemail from Ticketmaster. And then I saw J.T.’s instagram post. I missed it earlier, because I was working. But what can you do, at least I saw it before I got ready to leave my house. I have to admit, I was bummed. I was so pumped to see him live. It’s been a while!

I had a show rescheduled, back when he first toured for the Justified album. My first time ever seeing him live, solo. There was a crazy stage accident and people were injured and equipment was damaged and they had to cancel it. I was so upset. I was probably about 12 and I was hysterical crying when I saw it on the news.

My older cousin was supposed to take me, so she was like I will take you wherever you want to go, we can do whatever you want that day and you can bring whoever you want. She’s the best! So I wanted to go to Build-a-bear (Is 12 too old for that? Probably but whatever, til this day that is the only Build-a-bear I have. This coming from a girl who played with Barbies til she was like 14, Lol #DONTJUDGE!) I brought my best friend and we all went to the mall, and it was a great day! 

Needless to say, we made it to the concert…and it was freakin’ AMAZING!

And this one will be too. Being that ya know I am having to #ADULT these days, I totally understood the need for JT to have to postpone. He needs to take care of himself first. Health and Safety first always. The new date is going to be on his 38th Birthday- January 31st, so I am super stoked for that! Rest Up JT, see you in January! I just can’t wait! Ah #FANGIRLIFE!

So Stay Tuned my fellow fangirls, full concert outfit and concert review COMING IN THE NEXT YEAR, haha. Book Review too! 😀