Music

My 2019 Projects Update

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

List of Projects

(I want to finish this year)

Move -MLW Short Story Series

MOVE poster

This series first premiered on MLW June of 2017. And there are currently 13 Chapters posted. But I haven’t updated since January of 2018. So it’s been quite a while. LONGEST HIATUS EVER! I just recently gathered my notes on this project, and re-read all the chapters. I am working on Chapter 14 and Liam and Aria’s loves story will continue soon, I PROMISE! This is my priority project!

Start from the beginning- Read Chapter 1- HERE

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?

Crazy Stalker Love– MLW Short Story Series- COMING SOON!

This was a story I thought of during the fall of 2018 and it is partially written and saved on my computer but needs some serious love. I did announce it on the blog, that this was coming. I think it will be featured on MLW after “Move” wraps. It needs to be finished and put into Chapters. 

Summary: Henley Hendrix is a badass who doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do. She has always had an intense and complicated history with her ex boyfriend Hunter Stone. Some may even go as far to say, that his love for her has always exceeded any normal standard. They have a painful past that she just can’t seem to get over, but she also can’t seem to let him go either. While selfishly hanging onto their intimacy, in the mist of her on again/off again relationship with Hunter, Henley starts seeing a new, dark, mysterious Mr. Perfect. But everything isn’t always as it seems to be. *There are a bunch of other interesting characters that get thrown along for the ride too. 

NaNoWriMo Project loosely Titled “Afire Love”

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Summary: Sadie Sullivan has always been a romantic at heart. But she always plays it safe. Err on the side of caution, is practically her motto. After all, you can’t fail, if you don’t take any risks right? But what happens when a handsome acquaintance challenges her to face her biggest fear of all…falling in love?

On my instagram, I gave daily NaNo updates, and I shared some Sneak Peeks of my book on there throughout the month of November 2018. I also gave a hint that my two characters face a similar struggle these two characters faced in General Hospital. 

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Dante & Lulu (GH) They faced quite a number of struggles so which one do you think I am referring to? 

This book needs to be finished, edited ALOT, and formatted. But I past my 50,000 NaNo word count! So that’s a plus!

Television Pilot

I have been writing scenes for this show since I was in high school, which for a time frame, has been over a decade. I have notebooks, and loose papers, and saved documents all over the place. I started to work on the pilot episode back when I said I would, but the world I’ve created in my mind has become so big, that I can literllay see seasons of stories unfolding. So to narrow down the lives of these characters to the very beginning, has just proven to be quite hard. Last Update.

I will not give away much on this. This is a big one. But I will give you a sneak peek of a mock poster I made with my #dreamcast. I totally know all these pictures are old. This is just who I imagine my characters to look like. 🙂 [Sorry the title is a secret for now! Have to keep some secrets!]

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Tori Kelly, Bruno Mars, Kris Allen, Demi Lovato, Katelyn Pippy, Joshua Jackson

Special Self Publishing Project– not going to give away the title but let’s just say I’ve been writing it for the past 6 years and probably long before that too. I will just give you a little tiny hint-  Faceless Man. 

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As you can see I have quite a few projects on my mind. They tangle up and I just don’t know where to start. And then I get another new idea and start writing that, and then I stop and get distracted and thrown off track of writing anything all together. It’s definitely overwhelming. But my goal is to finish all of these projects by the end of this year. I need to learn to finish what I start. I need to get my stories out of my mind and onto paper and into the world. It’s the only way these characters are going to leave me alone. 😉

 

Wish me luck and a bit of magic!

 

To my fellow writers out there,

how do you start what you finish/deal with balancing multiple projects?

 

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-

 

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

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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-

 

 

“Magic” Playlist 2019

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Magic is my 2019 Mantra word. And with every good planning cycle, there should be music that accompanies that feeling. Magic is a feeling, an alien/galactic/ feel good vibe and so are these songs. Many having to do with Magic, or just a magical feeling. Enjoy!

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1. Starchild– Level 42

2. Do You Believe In Magic– Aly & AJ

3. If That’s Not Love– The Naked Brothers Band

4. Some Call It Magic– Raven-Symone 

5. 24K Magic– Bruno Mars

6. Just My Imagination– The Temptations

7. Imagine– John Lennon

8. Don’t Stop Believin’– Journey

9. Walking On Sunshine– Aly & AJ

10. A Whole New World- Lea Salonga, Brad Kane 

11. Colors Of The Wind– Tori Kelly

12. Colors Of The Wind– Judy Kuhn

13. Disney Medley– Rachel Talbott

14. Bird Set Free– Rachel Talbott

15. Crazy for You– Rachel Talbott (Spotify)

16. Call of the Wild– Bethany Joy Lenz

17. Start It Up– Bethany Joy Lenz

18. Magic– Coldplay

19. Shadow and a Dancer– The Fray

20. Delicate– Taylor Swift

21. Alien– Britney Spears

22. Don’t Dream It’s Over– Crowded House

23. Superstition– Stevie Wonder

24. Do Your Thing- *NSYNC

25. Style– Taylor Swift

26. Starlight– Taylor Swift

27. Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing– Tori Kelly

28. Stars Tonight– Lady Antebellum 

29. Vibe– Fly By Midnight

30.  Fireflies– Owl City 

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So what is your 2019 mantra word?

Do you have a playlist to enhance your vibes?

 

*I do not take credit for any images, music or lyrics used.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

2018 Highlights- Year in Review

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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!)
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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-

NaNoWriMo Update- Days 1-5

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

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Day 1

Word Goal: 1,667

Word Count: 1,680

*Extra 13 words!

Day 2

Word Goal: 3,334

Word Count: 3,376

*Extra 42 words!

Day 3

Word Goal: 5,001

Word Count: 5,172

*Extra 171 words!

Day 4

Word Goal: 6,668

Word Count: 6,875

*Extra 207 words!

Day 5

Word Goal: 8,335

Word Count: 8,376 

*Extra 41 words!

 

Notes/Things I’m learning along the way:

My first 5 days of November NaNoWriMo, went surprisingly well. I have a notebook, I dedicated to Nano. Filled with summaries, plot points, dialogue pieces, character names and backstories, my daily word goal tracker, and other helpful tools for this month. I created Daily Reports to keep track of things- like how I progress, if I meet my word count goal, if I exceed it, the times I write, how long it takes me. I also keep track of any distractions that may have come up and where I left off (including character intros, and recurring ideas) and a note for maybe where I want to go next. So that when I pick back up for the next day, I wouldn’t have to re-read everything before.

I noticed that if I block out the hours of 9-11 AM, I can clock in my word count in about an hour and a half. I usually have my head phones playing some simple instrumental music, sitting at my kitchen table, and maybe making a cup of tea before. So far that’s my writing routine.

It has worked rather nicely for me and I am proud to say, I am making great progress, for this being my first “unofficial” go at NaNoWriMo!

I wanted to throw a quick update up here (it was supposed to go up yesterday) but things have been kind of crazy lately, so today it is!

For more day to day Nano updates follow me on Insta!

 

Happy Writing!

Is any one else participating in NaNoWriMo or taking on the 30 day

challenge on their own? How’s it going?

 

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

-<3-

 

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 31- Exciting Announcement!

michelleleighwrites 3 Comments

Day 31. I made it! I can’t believe I blogged everyday for a month! I feel so accomplished. I was due for this challenge, since I basically went on a 2 month hiatus over the summer. 

For today I intended on posting a Halloween themed short story. But I’m still in the mist of writing it, and it’s not super Halloween related so I figured rather than stress myself out all night trying to rush to finish it, I will just finish it when I can and post when it’s ready. My stories always end up being longer, than I ever anticipate. 

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However, as I mentioned in my Fall Bucket List-  I will be participating in NaNoWriMo. What, you ask? NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month.

It’s basically the month where writers challenge themselves to write about 2,000 words everyday for the entire month of November- clocking in at 50,000 words. Resulting in the idea that you will then have written the first draft of a novel in a month.

There is a whole community of writers who have been doing this for years. I am a newbie. I never even knew this was a thing. I’m not much of a reader, so I’m a bit reserved about writing a book. 

But I figured why the hell not? I love all different types of forms of writing and I’ve dabbled in many. Why not try a book? So often I doubt myself without actually giving myself the chance to fail or to learn something knew about myself. When you really break it down, I just love to tell stories. 

I wasn’t sure I could do BLOGMAS (Blog everyday for the entire month of December) last year, but I did it. Which gave me the courage to then conquer BLOGTOBER this year! And I was committed and here we are at Day 31! I learned about NaNoWriMo a few months ago, so I started to jot down a few ideas for a book. I have a pretty decent notebook full of charcters and plot points, dialogue lines, some research. I know I have along way to go, there is still some things I don’t know, but I just didn’t have time to really dive into planning, what with doing BLOGTOBER too. 

In hindsight, doing that is a bit of a bitter sweet notion at this point. Today, I am so relieved to be done, but I know tomorrow, I’m starting a whole new venture of writing everyday. However, BLOGTOBER was really good practice for that. I kind of started my own little writing routine, and now I’m excited to get into my new story for this book idea.

Granted I have my reservations, I know there are already a bunch of days that it will be difficult to write but, I’m just going to really give it my best go. I always identify with being a writer, but I don’t write as often as I should. So by accepting these challenges, I am willing myself to write. To be the writer, I want to be. To let people know, that, that is what I am. And to accept that as a part of my life. 

So often I let my writing slide, because I have other obligations. But I’m learning when to choose myself and my writing. I’m learning when I can let it slide and when I know I have to say no. I wrestle with the balance, but I will never be a writer if I don’t try. 

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to officially sign up with the NaNoWriMo site, so I decided I was going to just to this thing on my own, just for the first time. Then if I find I want to try again next year, then I will register and join the online community.

So here’s the plan- Tomorrow is Day 1. I plan to get up early and write for two hours, and hopefully clock my first 2,000 words in. I don’t really plan/plot out too much, when I write. I guess I’m a pantser in that sense, or a mix of both a plotter and a pantser.

I just started following this Author/YouTuber when I was doing some NaNoWriMo research, she explains the whole Pantser/Plotter thing really well in her How To Outline Your Book video. 

I will plan and construct a timeline, when I feel like things aren’t adding, up, time frames, and flashbacks. Things like that. That’s when I know I need to sus out some logistics and plan ahead. Other than I that I just go with the flow and see where the story takes me. 

So that’s what I’m going to do. NaNoWriMo here we come!

I’m coming for you November!

DISCLAIMER: Michelle Leigh Writes will return to it’s regular Monday & Thursday posting schedule. 

Happy Halloween Folks!

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And Cheers to a new writing adventure!
Wish me luck!

 

*NaNoWriMo images from the official site.

I do not take credit for those or for the video used.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 24- Fall Fashion: Concert Style

michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

Justin Timberlake’s style for his MAN OF THE WOODS show is very laid back. So for my concert look tonight, I wanted to mirror that same vibe. Comfortable, yet stylish. 

As you can see he wears a lot of , flannel, leather, denim, black. There are some earthy tones and outdoorsy pieces, so camouflage is a pattern that pops up a lot too. And I’ve seen he mostly rocks sneakers or boots. He also mixes patterns at times too. But the usual basis for the outfit is a graphic tee. 

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JT tees

In fact he has a clothing collection with the brand Levi, called Fresh Leaves

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=AmRVbdsyBbY

And a sneaker deal with Air Jordan…these are sold in limited locations. 

*JT concert merch is available HERE!

Because I wasn’t a fan of any of the few t-shirts left on his website, I opted to find my own shirt and to put together my own outfit using simple pieces I already had in my closet. #GOTTASAVEMONEY #ADULTING I am hoping they are selling some concert tees there though. I really wanted one online, but it’s no longer up. 😦

I found a JT shirt with the album graphic on it in Target for cheap and ordered one each for me and my best friend. 

So the concert tee is the main focus of the outfit.

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I painted my nails- black, white and orange- the colors of the album cover, which is the graphic featured on the t-shirt. 

IGNORE MY MESSY NAILS IN THE FOLLOWING SHOTS…I took all of this before I cleaned them up. 😉

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Currently I am torn between two outfit ideas. Either some black pants or jeans, a red/yellow/white flannel, and a leather jacket or oversized denim jacket over top the tee and the flannel. I opted to rock either my combat boots or my white & black Michael Jackson boots. Depending which outfit I end up choosing.

I’m also keeping my jewelry pretty simple- some gold hoops (not sure which size I’m rocking just yet), two gold chains for a layered affect, 4 plain gold rings, and a cuff like bracelet. With a yellow purse too, to tie in the colors of the flannel. 

For my makeup I’m planning to do a mix of fall colors, a lot of golds/oranges/reds.

Similar to this makeup/hair look…

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Except I’m planning to swap out the red lip color for something in the more brown/bronze/peach family. Either I will pick one of the lip colors below, or do some type of mix of colors.

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And as for my hair, I’m going to be adding  some random loose waves with a curling wand, using products like mousse, dry shampoo, and hairspray. 


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There you have it, my JT MAN OF THE WOODS outfit inspo. I am ready to dance and sing my ass off! I will reveal the full look I chose tomorrow! 

Tonight. Fangirl mode. ON.

Stay Tuned for a full Concert Review! COMING SOON!

 

*I do not take credit for any Justin Timberlake images or videos used.*

*All other images are my own.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 23- Fangirl Report: J.T. Edition (Who else?)

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Hello, my fellow fangirls! How the hell are ya? 

I know it’s been a minute since I’ve posted an updated fangirl report on here. But to be honest, as you get older, adulting is a thing and it can totally harsh your fangirl mellow. But that being said after tomorrow…I’ll have some more fun news to report for you!

Tomorrow, I have tickets to see the man, the myth, the legend- Justin Timberlake in his MAN OF THE WOODS TOUR. If you remember, seeing J.T. in concert is on my Fall Bucket List…so I am super happy to be able to check that one off! 

album artwork

It has been a while since I’ve seen him in concert. My Fangirl life is pretty well documented on this blog though. See lists of posts below…

Justin Timberlake’s #MANOFTHEWOODS gives Good Vibes

Justin Timberlake Feb. 2018 Fangirl Report

Filthy Friday

A Message To Justin Timberlake

The Year of Justin Timberlake

Get Ready With Me For, Justin!

And these are just a few. I have a whole tab on the side of my blog just dedicated to Justin Timberlake/Fangirl Reports 

Needless to say, I feel like JT is kind of doing his thing this tour. He isn’t really attending many award shows because he’s touring, and to be honest I haven’t been keeping up with the award shows either. He isn’t really doing many public appearances, again, because he’s touring. And I’m doing life on my end, and we just meet in the middle. Haha. Normally I’m like tracking his every move, but ya homegirl has a busy life now! I feel like I barely have enough time in a day! Haha. Thanks to his instagram I can still keep up. But I’ve learned not everything has to be super urgent. 

Was I excited when his new album came out? 

Yes.

Did I buy it?

Duh.

Did I have a private dance party, alone in my room, at midnight. 

Maybe. 

Do I continue to purchase *NSYNC tees like a psycho?

Um of course. 

[They just released VOL. 2 of the new *NSYNC merch collection. (that doormat tho! haha)]

Did I try to get tickets when they went on sale?

Yup was on Ticketmaster bright and early, and no luck!

So I realized something. If I want to go. I will make it happen. I kept checking back and waited out those damn ticket prices, til I felt the price was reasonable and the seats were decent enough. I love you JT, but I am not made of money bro! Ticketmaster was legit, driving me crazy. But after a while, I finally got my tickets a few weeks ago, and it’s a go for tomorrow!

Me and my best friend are wearing matching t-shirts, I found in Target HERE, and I have my Fangirl To Do/Prep List ready to go for when I get out of work today. #NERD

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Tomorrow is going to be so crazy, I have work, then I have to rush home, change and head out! I am so freakin’ excited though! It’s going to feel like old times. Nostalgia. 

^Me and my best friend…I can’t wait to add a new picture to this! 😀

I haven’t let myself watch too much footage from the concert, because I knew I was planning to go. But I have seen the vibe of it, very campfire, woodsy, earthy. I love it, and I am with it. Although I feel like my obsession with this album isn’t as strong as my others, but this album is definitely feel good, chill vibes. And I’m ready for it. I am getting pumped writing this as I listen to the album, lol. [Flannel is playing right now- has become one of my favorites.] And I’m sure he’s going to throw in the nostalgia hits, #Cry Me A River, #What Goes Around, #Mirrors. Omg I am so ready, you guys! Last time I did a whole vlog situation, but honestly it was very time consuming and I filmed a get ready with me and all that too, and I just don’t have the time for that this year. I’m rushing home to go see him as it is. Besides, sometimes you just want to be in the moment and not worry about having to capture it on a recording device. So as much as I would love to have another JT concert vlog for MLW, I think I’ll just stick to crappy cell phone coverage and my oh so wise words. 😉 But I will of course be doing a concert review!

So stay tuned for that!

Fangirl TO DO/PREP List:

Tickets

Pick an outfit- accessories, shoes, jacket, makeup look, hair style- Ugh! I have a few ideas for an outfit but I haven’t really made an official decision yet! #GirlProblems

Clear out cell camera (always getting full, gosh! #memories)

Charge phone

Paint Nails

Listen to JT albums (gotta get them singing skills ready!)#NOVOICEATWORKONTHURSDAY

Directions for venue (just in case I have a mental fart and can’t remember where I’m going, it’s possible! haha)

Chat with bestie/confirm plans

 

Also quick side note: J.T. wrote a BOOK! It comes out literally in ONE WEEK, Next Tuesday, October 30th! And yes I will be buying it. Hey maybe I’ll do a little book review! 😉 Seriously though, is there anything this dude can’t do? 

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*I do not take credit for the JT album or the JT book cover image.*

 

-<3-

 

 

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 19- The Jack-o-lantern

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

When I was a kid, my family and I used to watch Halloween every year together. We would gather on the couch, light our recently carved pumpkin and shut the lights out. The one lonely flame, flickering. My mom loves scary movies and growing up we always watched together, screaming along the way.  Cue the music…

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There was this one specific year we were in the middle of the chilling killing sprees of Michael Myers, when all of a sudden our flickering flame in our Jack-o-lantern shut out. I remember we all gasped, breath held in, until it then re-lit. I think the fact that it re-lit was more scary than it going out in the first place. A draft can come in out of nowhere, but relighting? Now that’s some spooky shit. Pardon my French. 
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We laughed and finished our movie. But for a few brief moments it was super creepy there, and we all felt it. Hey Halloween is a time to get a little spooked, right? Haha. It’s a memory we still talk about today. 

Ah, Halloween memories, with the fam. Good times. 

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Who’s excited for the new 2018 Halloween?…Jamie Lee Curtis is back, bitches!

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OUT NOW!

 

 

 

* I do not take credit for any images or music used.*

-<3-

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 18- Fall Mix [Middle School/High School Edition]

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Back in the early-mid 2000s, to say that my music taste was very different, would be an understatement. Enter Punk Pop. It was a HUGE deal and me and my friends were all in on it! I was into that emo, rock band, head nodding stuff. And our girl Avril Lavigne, she came just when we needed her most. She made ties and stud bracelets a thing! She showed us it was cool to dress different and not always be “super girly” just because we are girls.  

Avril

Avril Lavigne

For some reason, recently this Fall, those old songs are resurfacing and they just give off some Fall vibes. They have that weird emo/ almost eerie feeling to them, so hey I thought why not dive into my old CD collection and share some middle school/ high school favorites with you. [Some were in 2005 which kind of leaked into my high school years, same with some from 2001 that leaked into my middle school years. For instance  bands like Jimmy Eat World, and Foo Fighters were around a while before I started to really love them. I have older cousins and an older brother so I would hear their music, but then I actually began to listen to it myself. Big thanks to #OTH, #TheOC #ACinderellaStory] 😉

 

 

 

Middle/High School Emo Fall Mix [62 Songs]

Let Go-Avril Lavigne [Full Album, I can’t choose!] [2002]

The Middle-Jimmy Eat World [2001]

Sweetness- Jimmy Eat World [2001]

Hear You Me -Jimmy Eat World [2001]

If You Don’t, Don’t -Jimmy Eat World [2001]

Sugar, We’re Goin Down- Fall Out Boy [2005]

Dance, Dance- Fall Out Boy [2005]

A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More “Touch Me”-Fall out Boy [2005]

This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race- Fall Out Boy [2007]

Thnks Fr Th Mmrs- Fall Out Boy [2007]

Helena- My Chemical Romance [2004]

I’m Not Okay (I Promise)- My Chemical Romance [2004]

To The End- My Chemical Romance [2004]

The Ghost of You- My Chemical Romance [2004]

I Write Sins Not Tragedies- Panic! At The Disco [2005]

Nails For Breakfast, Tacks For Snacks- Panic! At The Disco [2005]

Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off – Panic! At The Disco [2005]

But It’s Better If You Do- Panic! At The Disco [2005]

How To Save A Life- The Fray [Full Album, I can’t choose!] [2005] *These guys are my fav, I’ve seen them in concert a few times, and actually met them at The Today Show Concert Series. Super chill guys! 😀 

Niki FM- Hawthorne Heights [2004]

^ there is a really cool tribute by The String Quartet

Hotel Paper-Michelle Branch [Full Album, I can’t choose!] [2002]

Can’t Hold Us Down-Christina Aguilera [2002]

Fighter-Christina Aguilera [2002]

Underappreciated -Christina Aguilera [2002]

Impossible-Christina Aguilera [2002]

Beautiful-Christina Aguilera [2002]

The Voice Within-Christina Aguilera [2002]

Wake Me Up When September Ends- Green Day [2005]

Ocean Avenue- Yellowcard [2003]

Only One- Yellowcard [2003]

Mr. Brightside- The Killers [2004] *Shout out to my best friend, this band was her fav!

Move Along- All American Rejects [2005]

Dirty Little Secret- All American Rejects [2005]

It Ends Tonight- All American Rejects [2005]

Bring Me To Life- Evanescence [2003]

My Immortal- Evanescence [2003]

Numb- Linkin Park [2003]

In The End- Linkin Park [2003]

Seven Nation Army- The White Stripes [2003]

Anthem-Good Charlotte [2002]

Speed Of Sound- Coldplay [2005]

Fix You- Coldplay [2005]

The Scientist- Coldplay [2002]

Clocks- Coldplay [2002]

Viva La Vida- Coldplay [2008]

Perfect- Simple Plan [2002]

Addicted- Simple Plan [2002]

Welcome To My Life- Simple Plan [2004]

I’d Do Anything- Simple Plan [2002]

In Too Deep- Sum 41 [2001]

Fat Lip- Sum 41 [2001]

Best Of You- Foo Fighters [2005] *Oh man my brother and I were obsessed with this song, #REPLAYBUTTON

The Sound Of Settling- Death Cab For Cutie [2003] *Shout out to the best friend again! She introduced me to this band. 

A Lack Of Color- Death Cab For Cutie [2003]

I Will Follow You Into The Dark- Death Cab For Cutie [2005]

Lightness- Death Cab For Cutie [2003]

Boston- Augustana [2005]

Hide And Seek- Imogen Heap [2005]

Snow Patrol- Eyes Open [Full Album, I can’t choose!] [2006] 

Misery Business-Paramore [2007]

CrushCrushCrush- Paramore [2007]

That’s What You Get- Paramore [2007]

 

So I was going to link each song, but I just don’t have the patience for that! Haha, hey at least now I put all these artists/emo bands back on your radar. Go crazy! Feel that nostalgia. You’re Welcome. 😉

All songs available on Spotify, YouTube, etc, and I’m sure hidden in your old CD collection. 

Side Note:

In 2014 I found a post similar to this, where I chat about old I-pod jams– below is a funny excerpt from it…

That awkward moment when you realize you used to be a really big My Chemical Romance fan and wore a lot of black eyeliner, and bought every shirt with a skull on it…wait was I goth that one point in my life? haha #letyourfreakflagflyyy

To be clear I wouldn’t wear the eyeliner to school, and that phase came more when I was in high school…Little Michelle…my 15th birthday party, channeling my…dare I say it…Peyton Sawyer (you know Haley is my girl!) vibes with them curls, black jacket & boots, denim skirt, and skull shirt. Oh and hey OC mix tape! 😉

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It’s so crazy to see how my taste in music varies. If you notice the vibes of The Fray, Coldplay, and Snow Patrol are a little less emo than say Fall Out Boy, and Panic! At The Disco. I would say my taste gravitates more toward the softer rock now. But emo basically stands for emotional, so really if any song inflicts a feeling, who’s to say that one song or artist can’t fit more than one genre. I love music, sure maybe I lost touch with a lot of these bands, you grow up, your life changes, your taste changes. But anytime I hear any of these songs, the vibes are still so good. My music taste is all over the place, and I don’t mind. 

*All images are my own, except the Avril Lavigne Image.*

Were you into Emo as a pre-teen/teen?

Did I miss any of your favorites?

-<3-