So it’s that time again folks, the season of music festivals is upon us and these past few weekends has been all about Coachella. I can’t tell you how many Coachella vlogs I have watched. These YouTube vloggers make it look so effortless! Where ya’ll get this $$$? 😉
Coachella– The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is an annual music and arts festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, located in the Inland Empire’s Coachella Valley, in the Colorado Desert.
Hit you with a little Wikipedia info, ya know just in case you live under a rock and don’t get all huffy over the thousands of Coachella posts you’ve been seeing day after day.
We get it, it’s fun. You’re having the time of your life. No need to rub it in. 😉
Let’s be real though, I have to admit- I’m lowkey- totally jealous. FOMO [Fear Of Missing Out] is real, thank you internet.
Not because I want to stand for hours, in a crowd of people in the California desert heat.
But because the whole experience kind of speaks to my flowerchild self.
I LOVE music, I love food, I love FASHION.
And the fashion at Coachella is bohemian and hippie child and I am so with it!
However, I feel like my anxiety would kick into high gear in an environment like that.
I don’t do well in crowded places or in intense heat. So right there I feel like I would have such a tendency to be completely miserable there.
But I do think it’s a really cool idea and could be a cool experience if I worked myself up to go.
I feel like I’d fit right in, with the fashion inspiration.
Here are my favorite Coachella looks, I’ve seen from the YouTubers I keep up with.
Niki is my favorite Coachella look this year. I am OBSESSED with her blue hair. I always said I wanted to do something crazy like this. I’ve dabbled but it’s been a while and now with my job I feel like I can’t experiment like that. Anyway I adore her facial jewels and her nails! I also really love her cool and warm tone color combination.
Ashley has a bit of a more 90’s grunge vibe and I totally dig the black, and monochromatic shades, and the choker. And those glitter freckles! Come on now. I have real freckles and I love them, so I would be all about glitterfying them! 😉
Bethany is my original YouTube Queen. I adore her. And I also love this sheer top she has paired with her denim shorts and the necklace tops it all off!
Love this high low number and I also love Lauren’s heart shaped glasses in the picture below. Her mini space buns are adorable and I love how she’s not afraid to just keep it simple with some distressed jeans shorts and a funky tube top. Can we also just give her wrist full of friendships bracelets a round of applause! That’s commitment. Haha. I love that look of stacked colorful bracelets.
Coachella is known for being the time where over accessorizing is a must. I love accessories and Mia killed it here!Super cool! I freakin’ love that purple ring!
I love Alisha’s gladiator goddess vibe. The sheer overlay she DIY’d makes for the perfect cover-up.
Shay Mitchellon YouTube (Best known for her role on Pretty Little Liars)
Shay is keeping it simple here with jeans and a cropped knit top, but I just love the call back to 90’s denim and her hair…so rad. Yes RAD!
**Vanessa Hudgens- The Coachella Queen**
I feel like Vanessa is at Coachella every freaking year and she always has the best looks. I saw this one and fell in love with her butterfly braids and flash tattoos!
I feel like I would like to experience this at least once in my life. Despite the dirt, sand, lack of real bathrooms/sinks, and the intense standing in crowds on your feet…It has a lot of things I love-music, food, fashion, and cool pic options. Haha. Who knows maybe I’ll be brave one day and go for it! Or ya know just host a Coachella themed party this summer, for the hell of it! 😉
Last weekend I rocked this outfit, and I was feeling some Coachella vibes in there, a little bit…no? 😉
*All images are credited to each girl’s instagram.
You’re pumped and can’t wait to see if Ross and Rachel finally get back together.
But what makes all of that more sweeter?
The musical introduction of course!
The song you know by heart, and involuntarily bop along and sing to as it plays before you dive into the fictional world of your favorite characters.
I love television so much.
I love how you can be catapulted into a world of characters and experience their love and friendships throughout their journey. How you instantly feel like they become your family on that day, at that time. It’s like every week you can depend of them to make your day just a bit better.
And what I’ve learned about my love for television, is that the little bit of an intro matters to me. The song they choose- matters to me.
Because it has to reflect the show’s tone. And the images they place with it too. Of course theme songs are changed, modified, shortened, remixed, throughout the years. But still they set the tone for what’s in store for you and I for one don’t think television would be the same without them.
So let’s talk about some of my favorites- (in no particular order)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
This song was my brother’s and my jam. When we were little every time we would watch the show, the song would come on and we’d just rock out. #IWhipMyHairBackAndForth Girls who wore one or more braids in their hair….you know what I’m talking about.
FRIENDS
What would life be like without this song? Unimaginable. Friends. I’ll Be There For You. You know you clap clap clap when they do, admit it!
This is one of the strictly instrumental theme songs out there, but I still get so happy whenever I hear it! Nostalgia.
The Fresh Prince of Bellaire
“In West Philadelphia born and raised….” Cue the rap props. If you know all the words to this song, dust off your shoulder cuz you are a bonified G. Am I right?
This show is my jam, I watch everyday before work!
Gilmore Girls
Do NOT get me started on my girl Carole King. This song is perfection and it’s like drinking a cup of tea (or ya know coffee coffee coffee) on a cold winter night. It’s just like a big hug!
Full House
If you don’t know this feel good song, where have you been?
Gavin… oh dear Gavin, I thank you for this and for being the introduction to the show that single handedly shaped my writer’s soul. Hearing this song now, takes me back to watching this story unfold nearly every week with my best friend at my side as we tried to navigate middle school, high school and even the early stages of college. 9 Years people, 9 years, that’s commitment.
The OC
Who else wants to live in California? They make it seem so nice. 😉
Seth Cohen is my spirit animal!
Degrassi
“Whatever it takes, I know I can make it through!” Positive Messages! You know before they hit you with a shit ton of teenage drama. 😉 #ILOVEDSHAWN
The Walking Dead
If you read my blog you may know that The Walking Dead and I have suffered a recent break up. After Glenn’s death our relationship just wasn’t the same and I needed my space. But any time I hear our song, it just brings me back. Another instrumental, but it is so damn eerie, and it is so damn good! Those violins get me every time!
So Little Time
I cannot even tell you how this song can transport me back into time. Put me on a beach in a long sweater and some capris. Girls you know what I’m talking about, watch that intro!
Gossip Girl
Simple, but so effective. Whispers Whispers Whispers. “That’s a secret I’ll never tell, you know you love me. XOXO Gossip girl.”
City Guys & Hang Time
These two shows may not ring a bell with anyone. But they were my Saturday mornings! I don’t even really remember what channel they were on, but I loved them and I still remember their theme songs until this day.
Theme songs are so important. I know that not all shows have them, or need to have them. But if they do, they have to be good, because years and years later they will stick with you and remind you of beautiful memories. As I wrote this post, the nostalgia was so sweet.
*I do not take credit for any videos, or music used.*
DISCLAIMER: Welcome Home is not a real motion picture nor does it have a soundtrack coming out. This is just me living in my fictional happy writer’s world. Where I pretend and where I run the show. As a kid I used to say “Make Pretend” all the time. Make Pretend you’re a princess who slays dragons. Make pretend you’re a ballerina who bull rides. Make pretend you’re writing a screenplay and you get to pick the actors, and release a soundtrack and commentary that people have been anxiously awaiting. The options could be endless. So let’s “Make Pretend.” Enjoy!
So I know that my posts have been kind of out of sync with the usual schedule, but I’ve been a bit frazzled lately. There’s a lot going on and I tend to get overwhelmed fairly easily. You ever just need to take a beat and check yourself? As someone who deals with anxiety often, I noticed I have to do that, in order to keep my sanity and keep up with everything that I have to do. Because of the bustle that surrounds my world lately, the blog inspiration has been lacking. I struggle when this happens, because I hate posting just to post.
But with that being said I thought maybe it’d be cool to give you a little blog update. I have some fun posts in mind, it’s just a matter of getting my shit together and writing them.
I HAVE NO TIME! I’M TIRED! I’M STRESSED! I WANT TO SLEEP FOR A YEAR!
Rant over. 😉
Coming your way we have the Welcome Home “Soundtrack” and Author’s Commentary. If you haven’t read Welcome Home you can start it from the beginning HERE.
Also I am attempting to dive into a new short story series….I’m still working on the title (I have a bunch of variations that I can’t decide on) but here’s a quick little sneak peek at the summary-
Liam Whitmore is a wealthy business executive who goes through the motions of working in his corporate world day after lousy day, making deals and kicking ass at it. However he often feels uninspired, and unable to do what he really loves. Until one day he meets a younger woman named Aria Lenz, struggling to become a dancer. Her simplistic yet driven nature strikes up a spark of inspiration in him, and he makes it his mission to get to know her. Little does he know, it’ll be the hardest “transaction” he’s ever had to make. They’re worlds apart- will he finally get through to her, or will his fire fizzle?
There- it’s out in the universe. So I have no choice, now I HAVE to get writing. Haha.
“Presenting the new Mr. & Mrs. Oliver King!” Dave announces as Oliver and Melanie walk out through the back door of Melanie’s childhood home and into the backyard draped in a silk white tent, candles and white roses everywhere. Slow graceful music being played by a harpist. Smiles shining on the faces of the bride and groom. Family and friends stand as they cheer loudly.
“Wooo, it’s about damn time!” Cassie screams as everyone laughs along.
Oliver and Melanie make their way over to the center of the yard, where a wooden dance floor lay, as their song begins to play.
It’s all over
And it’s only beginning
We’re beginning to finally see one another
We grow stronger We grow stronger for breaking
We grow stronger for breaking apart together
Lover, find me underneath the covers
We will stay here until we discover
All that we have to give to each other Til forever
How you move me How you move me to love you
I keep choosing to love you again every morning
Lover, find me underneath the covers
We will stay here until we discover
All that we have to give to each other Til forever….
Grace and Charlie watch smiling on as Grace holds Molly, who watches her parents with a bright smile.
Melanie looks up at Oliver.
“What?” he says.
“Nothing.” She says smiling.
He gives her a glare.
“Wow, that really is annoying, my apologies Mrs. King,” he smirks.
Melanie’s lips curl into a big smile.
“Mrs. King. I really love the sound of that.”
“Not as much as I do.”
“Did we really do it? Did we really just get married? Finally!” she says excitement beaming through.
“Hey better late than never, right?” he says smiling as he kisses her.
“Thank you for waiting for me, I know it wasn’t easy.”
“You’re my forever. Plain and simple. There was no way I was letting you go.” He says swaying them to their song as she places a kiss on his lips.
Oliver reaches into his jacket pocket as he holds out a small digital camera to snap a picture as his lips meet his wife’s.
Melanie lets out a small laugh against his lips as she notices.
“Hey, once a photographer, always a photographer,” he says with a chuckle.
“By the way did I mention how perfect you look,” he whispers to her.
“Maybe once or twice,” she says smiling, “You look very handsome yourself,” she pulls him by the collar into yet another kiss as glasses clink for them to do so.
Melanie stands up at a podium, her eyes fall down to the pages before her. She begins to read aloud-
She runs. She’s a runner. Fierce. Independent. Stubborn. The weight of heart shattering tragedy had now taken the life out of her…out of her will to move forward.
It was a day like any other. She was 5 months pregnant, engaged to the man she loved and settling into a quaint little apartment in the place she called home- Philadelphia.
Everything seemed to be falling into place. She was happier than she ever thought she could be.
She walked into the doctor’s office, the man she loved by her side.
Making plans for years to come.
Pure joy radiating through her.
And then just like that, life changed forever.
She had lost her baby boy.
Lost.
Like a misplaced set of keys.
One minute there. The next not.
And in that moment she didn’t feel the same.
She didn’t know what to do.
Where to go.
She was broken, and no amount of love or support could fix her.
She needed time.
Time to grieve, time to be angry and place blame.
Time to heal.
So she ran.
The decision to leave was something she never intended.
One day it just got to be too much.
The familiarity too much to take, the signs, the symbols.
Blue. Baby blue. Everywhere.
Home was tainted.
The home she loved her whole life, was now something she dreaded.
The man she loved with all her heart was now the face of a tragic heartbreak.
She packed her bags, and left a note in a sealed envelope.
“I’m sorry. I’ll love you forever.” It read. Her engagement ring set upon the paper.
Thought was not calculated.
Reason and logic unheard of.
Her heart was fighting just to beat.
Melanie smiles simply as she closes the book.
“Thank you,” she says walking off the stage.
Everyone claps, as women can be seen wiping tears from their eyes.
Billy runs up to the podium, hugging her tightly he steps up to the microphone.
“That was the first passage from our newest budding author Melanie King’s first novel, entitled “Operation Forever,” a story about a heart wrenching tragedy that somehow turned into a ray of hope. A journey through her metaphorical operation on her once damaged heart where she finally realized that her forever, her home was in front of her all along and in the eyes of the man she loved. Melanie will be happy to meet you in the back in a few minutes to sign some copies for any of those wanting to join her. Thank you for coming,” he says smiling as everyone claps.
Melanie stands in the back nook of the book store, breathing a sigh of relief, tears springing slightly.
“Mommy!” she hears, turning she smiles as Molly rushes in, she bends down scooping her into her arms.
“Hello love bug!” she says kissing her cheek.
Oliver stands there looking on, a smile in place.
“Hey, I’m proud of you.”
Melanie looks up at him, “Me too,” she smiles.
“You okay?” he says coming in and reaching for her.
“Yea. I’ve got my family.” She says smiling.
Oliver leans in and kisses her softly.
“You know, it’s difficult to read and to relive but I’m better because of it. I had so much bottled up for years and that stopped me from going after what I really wanted and who.(she says smiling up at him, as he places a peck on her lips.) Writing this book, was kind of like me getting my freedom back a little.”
“Good for you babe, I think it was something you really needed to do. I’m glad you did it.”
She smiles.
“It means the world to me that you and Molly are here with me, I love you so much.” She says kissing him again.
“Ew!” Molly says looking on as she giggles.
Oliver and Melanie look at her and laugh.
“You think that’s funny,” Oliver says as he starts to tickle Molly, whose giggle erupts into a laughing fit, Melanie holding her as she joins in on the tickle fight.
Billy knocks on the door.
“Ms. Molly, do you need me to save you?”
Molly giggles, “Yes.”
Billy smiles and walks in.
“Oh Mrs. King, your fans await you. I’m already hearing some buzz. Women are saying how much they can relate and how it’s as if you’re speaking from their hearts too.”
“That’s incredible.” Melanie says.
Melanie smiles as she gives Molly a big kiss and hands her to Oliver, and then leans in to give Oliver a kiss on the lips.
“Good luck, (he kiss her) I love you. We’ll be right here waiting for you.”
“I love you so much,” she kisses him once more before walking towards the door.
“Love you mommy!” Molly screams.
“I love you, love bug.” She smiles as she blows her a kiss and walks into the crowd that awaits her.
Later that night…
Oliver sits in his office, at his desk as he edits photos.
Melanie peeks her head in, wearing a sweet little night gown, “Hey babe you coming to bed?”
Oliver looks over his shoulder, his eyebrows raise “Well hell, don’t you look sexy.”
Melanie crosses her arms, looking off to the side as she huffs his compliment away.
“I’m sorry, have you not seen yourself?” he says walking over to her, his hands finding her waist.
“It makes me happy how you can still be this attracted to me even after all these years, this body has had a baby, you know. It’s never going to look the same.”
“Same or not, you are still the sexiest woman I have ever laid eyes on,” he places a kiss on her lips.
“I try,” she smiles rolling her eyes dramatically, a smile on her lips.
“Baby you don’t have to try,” he smirks tightening his grip on her waist.
“Well in that case, do you think you can do your sexy wife a favor and actually come to bed at a decent time tonight? ”
“Yeah that can be arranged. I’ll be in, in just a bit, just trying to decide on some photos, come here look at these with me,” he says taking her hand and walking her over to his desk.
Melanie smiles as Oliver sits and scoots out his chair to allow her to sit on his lap, her arm draping over his shoulders.
Oliver starts clicking through photos.
“This one is my favorite, it’s everything I love in one picture, my whole world right there,” he says as it lands on a picture of Melanie and Molly.
Melanie looks at it, she smiles brightly, her eyes tearing up, “Aw. I love that one. I love you,” she says cupping his face and kissing him.
“We made a cute kid, huh?” he says looking up at her.
“Yes we did. She’s perfect.”
“That’s because she looks like you.” He says smiling up at her.
“She looks like both of us.” Melanie says kissing his cheek.
“She is perfect though, look at how happy she is,” he says pointing to a smiling Molly.
“She is. We’re doing ok, I guess, huh?” Melanie says looking down at him.
“I think we’re doing great. I think moving home to Philly was the right call. We’re still close enough to the city but we both are pretty much able to work from home.”
“I agree. We’ve made quite a life for ourselves.”
“That we have,” he says kissing her bare shoulder. “Besides when Mommy and Daddy need some sexy time, it’s nice to have the grandparents nearby to babysit, ” he says placing a kiss on her lips.
“Speaking of…sexy time…when are we going to make another one of these beautiful babies? Doctor gave me the all clear.” Melanie says her eyes shifting to meet her husband’s.
“Oh.” Oliver says smiling, his eyebrows raising, as his hands fasten around her waist.
Melanie starts to get up off his lap, as she moves his hands off her.
“See now where are you going?” he says turning in his chair.
“Follow me and find out.” She says a playful smile on her lips.
Oliver smirks as he stands and follows.
Melanie stops at the doorway, turning back she says, “On second thought, I’m kinda tired, rain check? Good night!” She runs from the room.
“Get over here girl,” he says rushing into the hall and sweeping her up in his arms, “You can’t walk away from me after saying a thing like that.”
A giggle and a shriek escape her as she wraps her arms around his neck accepting his kiss.
Nearby on the walls of their hallway you can see pictures of their life together.
Slideshow below displays all the gallery photos in the KING home. 😀
Happy. Content. Full. Living.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Melanie and Oliver fall onto their bed as a copy of Melanie’s book lay on their bed side table, next to it a pamphlet that reads-
COMING SOON! The New York Art Exhibit Presents- Oliver King’s “Home” Collection.
A photo of him and the girls on the cover.
“Shhh we’re gonna wake Molly,” Melanie giggles.
“It’s ok, I plan on keeping your lips right here,” he says kissing her deeply as he removes her silk robe tossing it to the side. “I love you so much,” he whispers against her expectant lips.
She pulls away and looks up at him.
“I love you too, you’re my home, that’s never going to change. No matter what life throws our way, I know we’ll be able to handle it, together.”
Oliver smiles at her lovingly.
“Don’t you forget it….So let’s make another baby, huh?” He says smirking.
“Yes please,” She says laughing as she reaches for him.
Melanie and Oliver continue kissing into the night.
Hello, I’ve been waiting for you
I didn’t know if you’d recognize my voice
Cause I’ve been whispering your name again and again
I‘ve been imagining this day and I’ll never be the same
Welcome home Welcome home
It’s so good to see your face
Welcome home
-The End-
*I do not take credit for any images, gifs, videos,
music used in my edits or otherwise.*
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed!
Stay Tuned for my Welcome Home “Soundtrack” & My Author’s Commentary!
Ed Sheeran left us for a bit. But he is back and making us feel all the feels. Here are my first random thoughts during my first full listening party. Join me as I try and make sense of them all. Also I discuss some of my favorite lyrics. Ed does this amazing job of creating lyrical masterpieces.
You can stream Divide on Spotify and on Ed’s YouTube channel. Or BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT!
Eraser
Rapping like old times
Great guitar riff
Sway-it’s dancing and a description for how I feel inside
African Safari vibes
Fav Lyrics:
“I think that money is the route of all evil, and fame is hell.”
“And I found comfort in my pain.”- Heavy
Castle on the Hill (previously heard)
A song about his home
That Rasp!
“Whohoo”- love that note!
Fav Lyrics:
“And I miss the way you make me feel, it’s real, we watched the sunset over the castle on the hill.”
“Had my first kiss on a Friday night I don’t reckon I did it right.”
“I was younger then, Take me back to when.”
“One friend left to sell clothes. One works down by the coast. One had two kids but lives alone. One’s brother overdosed .One’s already on his second wife. One’s just barely getting by. But these people raised me, And I can’t wait to go home” – I adore this storytelling section and that last line is the beauty. Home is made of people who affect your life and help you to create who you are.”
Dive
Different
“Woo Yeah!”- my audible response a few seconds into it! Pretty sure I was snapping along too.”
Sexy/Sassy
Deep Vocals
Guitar solo- Yes! That’s going to be BADASS live on tour.
Tears
Fav Lyrics:
“Maybe I came on too strong, maybe I waited too long…”
“So don’t call me baby. Unless you mean it. Don’t tell me you need me. If you don’t believe it. So let me know the truth. Before I dive right into you.”- Just let me go, I’m feeling all the feels. SO DAMN GOOD! #Goosebumps
Shape of You (previously heard)
All kinds of HELL YES!
I heard this song and it was an instant favorite, still is.
Total Dance Jam
POP
Chanty and I love it! Love those drums!
Would be a kick ass Zumba song!
Fav Lyrics:
“The club isn’t the best place to find a lover. So the bar is where I go.”
“I’m in love with the shape of you. We push and pull like a magnet do. Although my heart is falling too. I’m in love with your body. And last night you were in my room. And now my bedsheets smell like you. Every day discovering something brand new. I’m in love with your body. Oh I oh I oh I oh I- I’m in love with your body.”
“Come on be my baby, come on…” Clap along Sing along? YES Please! Slay ED, SLAY!
Perfect
Ballad
Lyrics! So sweet
Love letter
It’s got that oldies vibe
Fav Lyrics:
“Cause we were just kids when we fell in love. Not knowing what it was. I will not give you up this time. But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own.”
“When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath. But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight.”
“Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know.”
“Kissed her on the neck and then I took her by the hand Said, “Baby, I just want to dance”
“And then she kissed me like there was nobody else in the room.”
Happier
Soft
Tells a story
Chanty- “hay ya hey ya hay yea”
Beautifully heartbreaking.
Fav Lyrics:
“I saw you in another’s arms. Only a month we’ve been apart. You look happier.”
“Ain’t nobody hurt you like I hurt you. But ain’t nobody love you like I do.”
“But ain’t nobody need you like I do.”
“Everything’s reminding me of you.”
New Man
Creeping- He admits it.
Jam
Swag
Jamaican
Sunglasses—-YES #truth
DJ-mixer/rap style YES!
There’s always the F-off song. This is it.
Fav Lyrics:
“But still, I’m just keeping it real, still looking at your Instagram and I’ll be creeping a little I’ll be trying not to double tap, from way back, cause I know that’s where the trouble’s at.”
“He wears sunglasses indoors in winter at nighttime, and every time a rap song comes on He makes a gun sign, says chune, boydem light up the room.”
Hearts Don’t Break Around Here
Daises. Baby. Lately. Roses. LOVE THIS.
Beautiful.
“Oh Yeah yeah yeah yeah”- I love this! I feel like he does this all the time and it love it!
Fav Lyrics:
“Took my heart upon a one way trip. Guess she went wandering off with it. Unlike most women I know. This one will bring it back whole.”
“Love the way that you conquer your fear.”
“She is the lighthouse in the night that will safely guide me home.”
What Do I Know?
Campfire
Children talk
Backup Vocals- Chanty/Hums
Loving the chanty vibes
The world needs this song right now- Election inspired I’m sure
Fav Lyrics:
“I’m just a boy with a one-man show.” –Ain’t that the truth Ed! 😀
“Love can change the world in a moment.”
“Spread love, understanding, positivity.”
How Would You Feel (Paean) (previously heard)
Paean: a song of praise or triumph. (Ed has said this was written for his girlfriend) Gosh I can’t- how freaking sweet.
That Piano ❤
This is most like the ED SHEERAN we’re used to.
LOVE
Vulnerability
Human
Wanting/ Needing Acceptance
Guitar Solo @ 2:57 crushes your heart. It reminds me of John Mayer playing “Gravity.” This has to be Mayer. I’m gonna check on this. Yup. Thought I read that somewhere, and even so I spotted it just by listening. Has to be this song that he played on.
Further confirmation…
Fav Lyrics:
“We got questions, we should not ask but-.”
“How would you feel if I told you I loved you?”
“Taking my time- spending my life. Falling deeper in love with you. So tell me that you love me too?”
“Oh I’m in pieces, it’s tearing me up but I know. A heart that’s broke it’s a heart that’s been loved.”
“Hallelujah- you are an angel in the shape of my mom.”
“When God takes you back he’ll say Hallelujah you’re home.”
Barcelona *Instant Fav
Up beat
A good change of pace from the prior heartbreaker
Saxophone
Breathy chant/beat box beginning
Sexy
One man band
Flutes/whistles
Guitars
Rasp!
LOVE
Spanish- YES!
Mamasita/sangria
Tropical
Feel good
Would be awesome live on tour
Dance anthem/Sing along
I want to go to Barcelona with Ed Sheeran right now.
Fav Lyrics:
“Well get up up on the dancefloor, move, it’s a Saturday night. I fell in love with the sparkle in the moonlight. Reflected in your beautiful eyes, I guess that is destiny doing it right.”
“You’re like something that God has sent me. I want you baby-solamente.”
Bibia Be Ye Ye *Instant Fav
Bibia Be Ye Ye- means All will be well/Everything will be alright
Only Ed can jump from an ethnic tropical vibe to a river dance vibe and make it work.
Fav Lyrics:
“From her snow white streak in her jet black hair. Over sixty years I’ve been loving her. Now we’re sat by the fire, in our old armchairs. You know Nancy I adore ya.”
Save Myself
Piano & Vocals
Letter to self
Sadness
Oddly Inspirational
Fav Lyrics:
“They gave me the heartache and in return I gave a song. It goes on and on.”
“So before I save someone else, I’ve got to save myself.”
“Human beings are destined to radiate or drain.”
“Before I blame someone else, I’ve got to save myself.”
“Before I love someone else, I’ve got to love myself.”
As I mentioned Ed had left us for quite a bit, but as he echoes in first track “Eraser.”- “Welcome to the new show I guess you know I’ve been away. Where I’m heading who knows. My heart will stay the same.” And I think that describes this journey perfectly. He’s always Ed, no matter the chances he takes, he’s still that talented one man show, we all know and love.
My first initial thought was this album is love- all the colors of it. Current. Past. Present. Heartbreak too. He’s storytelling, and at times he finds inspiration in other people’s stories too. Which is such a beautiful thing.
He’s still his usual self, he still has killer lyrics and rap moments, still hits those riffs, still has those guitar ballads, still rocking that epic loop pedal. But then there are the different elements. We get some more production in this album, we get a bunch of different instrumental sounds- violins, whistles, etc. He’s experimenting without losing what makes him so unique and special. And I love, love, LOVE how he mixed a bit of the Irish vibes and the Spanish vibes in one album. He had mentioned he was traveling throughout the writing process of this album and I feel like that shows in all the unique sounds and lyrics he created.
I also really like the track list placement. The order of the songs flow really well. The sad songs are followed by upbeat songs, the travel inspired songs are clustered, and then we get a bang of an introduction with Eraser and the sweet love letter to oneself at the end. What a beautiful message. You can also see this album is a reflection of where Ed is at in his life. Or so I would think. It’s quite different than the others.
Granted we get our Ed, but he’s softer, raspier, more hopeful, and there’s a maturity. He keeps themes of love, home/family, and parents, as he has in the past, but I also love how children has become a theme. He’s probably looking into the future and where he’s going to be soon- married with kids. Soldier on Ed, whatever you do, we’ll follow and listen.
16 tracks Ed. 16 tracks. Solid. Epic. Welcome back, sir. You are killing the game. You are truly a talent- a one man show. Here’s hoping I’ll get to see you on tour this time!
Last night was full of beautiful long dresses, sparkling jewels, and a dapper host in Jimmy Fallon. But the true inspiration were in the messages within the powerful speeches given by some of the most talented women in this industry of film, tv, and music. As a writer and someone who feels that creative pull and that need to be artistic, these words sung out into the world by the women I admire, in a field I hope to have embrace me in my future, were taken to my soul and felt. They were inspiring and they were hopeful.
Viola Davis presented Meryl Streep with the Cecil B. DeMille award. Her speech was funny giving us insight into their friendship, yet powerful as she explained how much Streep has meant to her and her career.
“Her artistry reminds us of the impact of what it means to be an artist, which is to make us feel less alone.”
“You make me proud to be an artist. You make me feel that what I have in me — my body, my face, my age — is enough.”
Meryl Streep‘s acceptance speech was about having empathy in the face of this world we live in today, as she criticized Donald Trump, calling his real life faults a performance that broke her.
“Hollywood is crawling with outsiders and foreigners, and if you kick us all out, you’ll have nothing to watch except for football and mixed martial arts, which are not the arts.”
“We have to remind each other of the privilege and the responsibility of the act of empathy…As my friend- the dear departed Princess Leia said to me; “Take your broken heart, make it into art.”
Emma Stone‘s speech was about perseverance in the face of rejection.
“This is a film for dreamers and I think that hope and creativity are two of the most important things in this world and that’s what this movie is about. To any creative person who has had a door slammed in their face either metaphorically or physically… to anybody anywhere really who feels like giving up sometimes, but finds it in themselves to get up and keep moving forward- I share this with you, thank you so much.”
It’s times like these when you see that sometimes, Hollywood breaks the mold, and special gems are born to shed a light and pave a way.
And onto the fashion…
[I don’t care about brands they could wear Target for all I care…but these gowns were gorgeous…so if you really want to know who they are wearing, I’ll leave that to E!’s Fashion Police. ;)]
Mandy Moore in stunning navy. She was the first one I saw who really made me fall in love with the fashion of the night. The neckline is something different for her I think but she still looks absolutely classic. The earrings match perfectly and I love her simply sleek middle part.
Emma Stone sparkling in stars. She never disappoints, ever.
Gina Rodriguez, my Latina queen. She is my favorite of the night. This dress was like poetry in motion as she walked on that carpet- the tassels just swayed. And what a beautiful color against her gorgeous skin tone. SLAYED.
Also on the sparkle trend is new comer and young actress Millie Bobby Brown. What a little sweetheart! I love her sleek hair and her bright lip, I love that she still kept herself looking her age in a cocktail length dress.
Hailee Steinfeld. Can we just take a moment. Anyone who rocks a flowy lavender number, just gets me. What a red carpet steal! And the top and netted plunging neck line make it edgy.
Lily Collins was next on my favorites! I adored this entire look. Her hair, her makeup is AMAZING, and that dress. Total princess. She came for the best dressed Trophy.
This one never changes. Her face is still as young and fresh as the 90’s- #NeverBeenKissed. I love her beachy waves, and her smokey eye, I love her dark nails and her dress is just BADASS. It’s still really feminine but funky, in that Drew Barrymore way. What a class act.
The yellows were also a bit of a trend, here we have Viola Davis sporting a bright yellow and Reese Witherspoon in a pastel/baby yellow. Both beautiful, both stunning. Viola Davis is someone who I cannot quite get over when I see her on screen. Every time she speaks, I am willed to listen. Reese Witherspoon is a heart, she’s a Hollywood gem and I will never not love her and her sweetness.
I had to include a black dress in here….because well let’s be honest, black is never going to be replaced by anything else. It’s chic, it’s sophisticated, it’s sexy, and so is this gown that Kristen Bell is rocking. I love her understated hair and that smokey eye/nude lip makeup combo. It really was the way to go, she really let that sparkle talk. #ThatNecklineTho Also I love how it is long sleeves and her diamond cuff bracelet lies on top of the sparkly sequins. Paired with that black velvet clutch…now you have a fashionista. I have a new found love for all things velvet. Hello 90’s.
And last but not least, I wouldn’t be a fangirl if I didn’t acknowledge that Jimmy Fallon is adorable and did great (what with the 12 minutes of air time he actually got, haha) and Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel actually walked the red carpet together. What? Is this new? In all honesty it made me happy. Earlier I joked as I said “You know you’re getting old when you are actually happy to see your ultimate celebrity crush happy and walking the red carpet with his wife.” Haha. Although “Trolls” didn’t win, it looks like Justin and Jessica won the night as cutest couple. 😀 (Although how bout Ryan Gosling being such a gentleman and thanking Eva Mendes in his speech! #SWOONINGEVERYWHERE)
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are a major miss in these clashing patterns, and Biel shows how the night’s daring low-cut trend can backfire at the Golden Globe Awards on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
*I do not take credit for any images, links to videos/other articles, or videos used.*
My current obsession has been Shawn Mendes’ new album Illuminate (deluxe).
It kinda has a really familiar favorite vibe to me. Like a John Mayer, Kris Allen, Ed Sheeran vibe. Which I LOVE! He’s definitely matured artistically-writing wise and vocally. And his lyrics are still beautiful…sexier, but beautiful. Lol.
Here are my current favorites-
Fav “Ruin” Lyrics
Do ya… do you think about me? And do ya… do you feel the same way? Yeah And do ya… do you remember how we felt? ‘Cause I do. So listen to me, baby.
And do ya… do you think about me at all?
And I’m not tryna ruin your happiness, But darling, don’t you know that I’m the only one for ya? And I’m not tryna ruin your happiness, baby, But darling, don’t you know that I’m the only one?
Do I ever cross your mind? Do I…
Do I ever cross your mind? Do I ever cross your mind? Do I ever cross your mind? Do I ever cross your mind?
Fav “Treat You Better” Lyrics
I know I can treat you better than he can And any girl like you deserves a gentleman Tell me why are we wasting time On all your wasted crying When you should be with me instead I know I can treat you better Better than he can
I’ll stop time for you The second you say you’d like me too I just wanna give you the loving that you’re missing Baby, just to wake up with you Would be everything I need and this could be so different Tell me what you want to do
Fav “No Promises” Lyrics
Oh no we don’t need to overcomplicate it Cause I’ve been here once before don’t even say it
Baby please no promises Cause we won’t keep our promises And I know the consequences So baby please, baby please no promises
I’ve never been a fan of heartbreak So tell me what you want Take my hands across your body We don’t have to hold on
Fav “Lights On” Lyrics
*Um Dang Shawn Mendes….smooth criminal you, how old are you dude?
Damn, you look so good with your clothes on And I’m not trying to come off too strong But you know that I can’t help it Cause girl you’re beautiful
And I can’t deny I want your body But I’m a gentleman so I’ll be The one who takes it slowly Cause girl you’re so beautiful
I wanna love you with the lights on Keep you up all night long Darling I wanna see every inch of you I get lost in the way you move I wanna love you with the lights on Hold you ’til the nights gone Darling I wanna see every inch of you I get lost in the way you move I wanna love you with the lights on
Fav “Hold On” Lyrics
Stop, take it in And I breath for a minute I think too much when I’m alone I never win when I Keep all my thoughts inside So I pick up the phone
And my dad said “Shawn, stay with me Everything will be alright I know I haven’t seen you lately But you’re always on my mind”
I don’t know what You’re going through But there’s so much life Ahead of you And it won’t slow down No matter what you do So you just gotta hold on All we can do is hold on, yeah
Seriously which girl isn’t going to wish these songs were written for her? Or want a guy to write songs like this about her? I can’t. Just so good. Funky, sexy vibes. Cool guitar moments. A+ Mendes. You are one to watch out for!
TV. My heart.
This week’s How To Get Away With Murder…hit me with another doozy.
Connor and Oliver. These two are killing me with this break up. Although I want them together forever, this storyline could be really good. This push and pull between the two characters. The sexy tension. YAY! Drama. It seems like Oliver doesn’t know what he wants. He breaks up with Connor, but he still tells Connor there’s no rush to move out, still wants to work with Connor, still wants to walk over to their job together, still tries to make Connor feel better about his difficult case, still cooking for him and wanting to celebrate his first case win, he still cares. And when Connor finally agrees to give Oliver what he wants and says he will start packing, Oliver objects in tears. What the hell is going on?
And as for Connor, I’ve never seen him so vulnerable, and emotional. He pours his heart out and gets clobbered. And that kiss was perfect. (Another thing- Oliver still kissed Connor back) I wanted to cry. My heart broke. Also I’ve never seen Connor so unsure of himself. He’s pretty cocky and pretty confident and for his personal failure to be affecting his professional obstacles shows just how much he had grown to rely on Oliver always being there. As for why they are breaking up, I really don’t buy Oliver’s crappy reasoning, because if he’s “been thinking about it all summer.” why the hell did he pretend to be Connor and decline Connor’s Stanford acceptance. If he wanted space, he would have had it. Tons of it. But he didn’t want to move and he didn’t want Connor to either. So I think there’s something else going on. And I think Oliver loves Connor just as much and Connor loves him. I just hope that they are both okay. I hope Oliver’s health status hasn’t escalated and he isn’t breaking it off with Connor to spare him or whatever. And I also hope that Shonda Rhimes doesn’t screw us all and kill one of them off, like we know she loves to do!
So I guess I’ve of made a habit out of checking in on some fierce female artists, I’ve kind of lost tabs on. First it was Alicia Keys and now I am just re-discovering and realizing that JoJo had put music out that I didn’t even know about, or didn’t give the proper listen to. So here’s my JoJo playlist.
Playlist:
Starting with a few throwbacks, because let’s face it when JoJo first started she was basically my same age when I was in middle school and I thought she was a QUEEN! #LeaveGetOut #BabyItsYou #SangItOutLoud #AtTheTopOfMyLungs
Marvin’s Room (Female Version-Drake Cover) *This I remember!
**For more on JoJo’s music and acting career…CLICK HERE
**Also watch JoJo discuss her problems with releasing new music through her previous label for the past 10 years, and the struggles she’s overcome to do just that. She expresses that those experiences only helped her to create her latest project.
*2015 (Tringle)*
When Love Hurts
Save My Soul
Say Love
*2016 (Mad Love)*
F*ck Apologies
From 2012 on, I hadn’t really heard all of her new stuff. But boy am I glad I finally have….because it is seriously good and just as soulful (if not more) than I remember. I am super stoked to hear her new album!
JoJo’s newest album Mad Love is out October 14th, 2016!!!!!!
*I do not take credit for any images, music, or videos used.*
I remember hearing something stirring up about Alicia Keys starting up her own #NoMakeupCampaign a while back, and I just now recently saw it in action at the 2016 VMA’s, and can I just say…. SHE. LOOKED. FLAWLESS. RADIANT. BEAUTIFUL. It was inspiring.
GET IT GIRL.
I could have just stopped there and I would have already made my point.
But in typical rambling fashion, you know a michelleleighwrites post is never short. So let’s talk.
After seeing how amazing she looked on that red carpet, I wanted to dive into the story behind this movement. So I found and read a few articles that dug a little deeper.
The most powerful thing I found was Alicia’s essay she penned for Lena Dunham’s online feminist newsletter “LENNY,” entitled “Time to Uncover.” Her reasons for making such a bold choice stem from her own insecurities. Like many of us women out there, including myself, we have this intense pressure we feel to live up to a standard of beauty that the media inflicts upon us from a very young age. And the older you get, the more serious the impact can feel. I used to rarely ever wear makeup. Other then if it were a holiday or special occasion, I was usually make up free all the way up until my college days. And even then, I didn’t go the whole crazy route that you see makeup artists or beauty guru’s go nowadays. Don’t get be wrong I LOVE watching those videos just as much as the next girl, and I do think makeup can be this incredible artistic expression. But sometimes I just sit back and think “How much stuff are you putting on your face?” Even personally, when I sit down to do my makeup, sure I’m more of a drugstore makeup girl, but sometimes between the concealer, and the foundation and the powder and the primer, by the time I finish, it feels like it took me forever.
Watch Alicia discuss her movement in a radio interview with HOT 97- [@ the 2:05 mark]
Ever since I started working more regularly, and having to come face to face with more people each day, I’ve started doing a regular simple makeup routine. It doesn’t take too long and I like the outcome. But I’ve felt more of that pressure to have to put makeup on lately. I have started to really feel like I have to cover up my acne scars, blemishes and under eye circles. And I used to never really feel like that. I would just wash my face, moisturize and go. What happened to that? That freedom?
In Alicia’s interview she notes that going makeup free and sporting her bare face for all the world to see has been “a beautiful challenge.” Stating that the movement is about being yourself. She emphasizes that she doesn’t want this to be “taken the wrong way,” it isn’t an anti-makeup campaign it’s just a campaign to encourage women to feel beautiful in their own skin, “to be free, to be who you are, to be yourself.” She also states that she believes in being “perfectly imperfect.”
Alicia’s words-her message, has really resonated within me and I think it’s having an impact on many people. Even though I’ve seen she’s gotten some criticism, I am a complete supporter. Her husbandis as well.
Alicia’s newest video-no makeup-and gorgeous.
Alicia has said that this raw real no makeup movement was inspired by a photographer who was shooting her new album artwork. The photographer wanted to shoot her as is, free of makeup, just from the gym, in a head scarf.
Further explaining that the realness of her appearance will balance out with the realness in her new album. I haven’t come across an album release date, but I will certainly be checking up on it, once it’s out!
Do your thang, Alicia. We get it. And we’re here to join. I know I am. Everything I’ve seen about her lately is filled with such beautiful messages, and inspirational good vibes. She seems so centered and happy, even though she admits to still working on things, aren’t we all? There is so much positivity she exudes that it’s beautiful to watch and it inspires. There’s a rich realness there and it’s freakin awesome that she’s from New York too!
*I do not take any credit for any music, images, videos used.*
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Michelle Leigh Writes 