If You Don't Like Blues Music, You're Wrong

How do I help someone understand why I love blues, jazz and soul, so so much?  This type of music gets personal.  It gets gritty, and sarcastic, and passionate, and seductive at times.  It is exactly the roller coaster I want to ride.

I used to live in Utah, and I met someone there who proceeded to introduce me to Blues dancing.  I just looked at her, bewilderment and gratitude swimming in my eyes, and stuttered to her, "this is a real thing?"

She just smiled, and began to teach me.

Thank you Laura.

I have since attempted to teach my husband how to dance to blues music, and he actually catches on pretty well.  I'm grateful he tries, because it really is therapeutic for me.

If you are curious what blues dancing looks like, take a gander:

It is very much like a tango, but, just, so much more fun.

That being said and shown, here is a list of some really fantastic tracks.  Blues, jazz, and fusion.  For listening and dancing alike, in no particular order:


1. The Big Bang - Katy Tiz
2. My Boy Builds Coffins - Florence and the Machine (THIS version)
3. Sexy Silk - Jessie J
4. Grounds For Divorce - Elbow
5. Damn Your Eyes - Alex Clare
6. Skyfall - Madilyn Bailey
7. Volcano - Damien Rice
8. Poison - The Silent Comedy
9. Layla - Eric Clapton
10. Damn Right, I've Got The Blues - Buddy Guy
11. Til The Casket Drops - ZZ Ward
12. Bottom of the River - Delta Rae
13. Get Back Temptation - Ollabelle
14. Eyes On Fire - Zeds Dead RMX - Blue Foundation
15. Who Will Comfort Me - Melody Gardot
16. Broken - Lauren Hoffman
17. Got My Mojo Workin' - Asylum Street Spankers
18. Knockin' - Carolina Chocolate Drops
19. Really, any rendition of St. James Infirmary.
20. Black - Kari Kimmel
21. Feeling Good - Michael Buble
22. Relax My Beloved - Alex Clare
23. Dreaming With a Broken Heart - John Mayer
24. Cyclone - Ernie Halter
25. Bartholomew - The Silent Comedy
26. Cold Turkey - Anthony David
27. Breathe Me - Sia
28. Ain't No Sunshine - Lighthouse Family
29. My Discarded Men - Eartha Kitt
30. Summertime - Renee Olstead
31. Sinkin' Soon - Norah Jones
32. Inside Out - Imelda May
33. Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) - Nancy Sinatra
34. Skin and Bones - David J. Roch
35. The Garden - Mirah
36. Come Together - Joe Cocker
37. Le Ballet - Celine Dion
38. Stay With Me Tonight - Emma Wallace
39. Blues 2.0 - Fruteland Jackson
40. Me and Mrs. Jones - Michael Buble

P.S. My ultimate favorite song to blues dance to is Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer.  Ugh.  Perfection.

Prove You Wrong

I expect a lot of myself.  I mean, a lot.

It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean I inevitably disappoint myself frequently.  But here is the thing, I know what I am capable of, and that is encouraging.  Because I am capable of anything, honestly.  I've seen myself do things I was certain would be impossible.  This has made me far more daring, open, and passionate about my pursuits.  So far, it's done nothing but good for me.

Here's hoping it continues.

I have hit a point in my life, where I stand on a precipice.  Looking over the edge, I am greeted by a plethora of smells, sounds and feelings, but can not see the bottom.  Only darkness.  Do I jump into nothing, to possibly gain everything?  Or am I too gullible to see the certain demise opening it's maw wide open to devour me?  I can't stand here forever guys.  

The thing is, turning away would go against the whispers of my heart.  I can't leave these questions unanswered.  If I fail and get burned, I know who will be there to bring me back.

So, that's what's been on my mind lately.

Times like these, I rediscover myself.  We always think we have ourselves figured out, don't we?  Will I ever really know what makes me tick?  If I don't know, my husband doesn't have a prayer.

I've started to sing again.  I forgot how I much I love it.  Someone told me I sound like Norah Jones once.  It might be one of the best compliments I have ever received.  I doubt the truthfulness of it, but still.  If beautiful, beautiful Norah and I were ever to meet, there's a conversation piece?  I'd humiliate myself.  Let's be honest.

I'm great at humiliating myself.

In other topics, it has come to my attention that I have, in fact, some semblance of a readership?  My manager (Well, ex-manager, enjoy California, Josh.  And your stupid beaches too.) told me the other day that he spent 3 hours reading my blog a couple weeks back?  And then again, an old childhood friend confessed she follows my blog closely?  Shucks, ya'll.  I'm both flattered and self-conscious.  What else is new.

I'm listening to some really fabulous music at the moment.  For those of you who don't know, I have a very real, very serious love for blues music, blues dancing, soul, etc.  Throwout to my husband, who was sweet enough to learn to blues dance for me.  He claims he can't dance.  But, oh.  He can.

In any case, I am contemplating putting together a playlist and publishing TWO posts tonight.  Because if you don't know blues music... you just, you should.  That is all.  Soothes my soul, period.  If you have a soul, it will soothe yours too.

Oh, I'll probably be back.

Stay riveted.

You Win Some, You Give Up Some, You Love More.

Here you go
All alone,
Making butterflies show
First it's slow.

Then you take my hand,
Let me cry,
Flick the insecurities off my shoulder.
You smell nice,
And your chest is warm.
And your heartbeat speaks to me.

Oh darling, it's been a long day.
We work too hard
Didn't we have dreams?
Still there, tucked in the corner.
In a box that whispers at night.

You tell me we can open it anytime.
I can do anything,
Or so you insist.

I can't hide the grins.
They fight for control of my features.

My lips taste salty, but now somehow sweeter.

Fingers twist my hair,
Soft forehead kisses.
You gently promise the world
With every intention of delivering.

I am selfish, for needing you so.
You know I am selfish, but pretend I am a saint.
What a nice gesture.

Your cheeks poke mine.  Little scruffy prickles.
Giggles and jokes.
Tickling, which you know I hate.
I pretend to be mad.
Maybe I am a little mad.

It isn't fair, how easy you make life to be.
Can we stay here, above the earth forever?

Hold me dearest, until morning.
Oh, I love you.

Do You Feel Neglected?

Should I bother apologizing for my absence?  Who reads this anyway?  To my minimal (albeit sincere) audience, I have returned.  I promise to never leave you for so long again.  I've been doing some changing and self-improving.  I hope that is acceptable.

Let me catch you up.  Apologies for the impending ramble.

It's been a little less than a month since my last depressive episode, which is amazing.  And it didn't last longer than 24 hours.  I am learning a lot of different ways to master my demons, and remember what I really am capable of.  I am starting to embrace things about myself that I once abhorred.  My husband is happier as a result of me being happier, and I have even noticed things about my son I did not could not before.

Living in an apartment with more than 1 tiny window is a plus.  Not that I won't miss the cave we lived in before but... No, I do not miss the cave.

I have a sense of purpose.  I think it stems from a few things.  Renewed determination to finish my book.  My new job.  My husband's everlasting reassurance and confidence in me.  Taking time to feel comfortable in my skin.

I guess I stopped caring.  About the wrong things, I mean.

Sometimes, I still struggle with caring too much, but baby steps.

#iamenough

Sometimes, I list things that I think are flaws within myself, and mentally turn them into strengths.  Today, I found myself hating the fact I share so much about myself so easily.  Sometimes to people that I may not know incredibly well.  But that just means I am genuine, and have nothing to hide.  I never leave a conversation regretful of what I said, but of how it was received or translated.  I still think too much of what others think of me.  That one will still take some time.

And on that note, Hubs sent me off to work this week with another hickey, and I've worn a scarf 3 of the 4 days I've been to work.  Summer in AZ does not lend itself to scarves, and it's been sweltering.

I hope that confession made you smile.

I enjoy making people smile.

I missed this.

Blog, you always listen to me.  If I could hug you and invite you over for dinner, games, and a movie, I would.

Let's ramble and rant more often, yes?

Also, it is my bestie friend's Tana's birthday today.  And she is beautiful years old.  But seriously I think she is turning 24... 23?  Freak Tana, how old are you?  I'm the worst best friend ever.  Here are some adorable pictures of us to make up for it:

Whe-ell, it's late.  Goodnight.  It's good to be back.
I leave you with this thought.  It's a gem I've enjoyed lately.

"The victim mindset dilutes the human potential.  By not accepting personal responsibility for our circumstances, we greatly reduce our power to change them."
-Steve Maraboli

Quiet Murmurs [in my head]

Some days I wish the world to be quiet.  Just enough for my head to be properly sorted.

I have reached a point in my life that has made clear my role in the world.  I suppose I don't quite know how to take it and proceed.  I feel as though I have a profound understanding of my potential, without the means to act on it.  Have you ever felt that way?  Is it heavy for you to carry as well?  Or perhaps you have found a way to let him/her free.  I do hope you will tell me if that is the case.  It is getting awfully cramped in this heart of mine.

I feel as though I am intended to carry out something important, but what, I don't know.  I feel like poor Bilbo.  Unknowing until someone interrupts my morning and points me in the right direction.  Although I have a sinking feeling my push will not come from a wizard in a grey cloak.  Wishful thinking.

Thoughts, thoughts.  It is quiet and dark outside, and my mind is a bottomless pit.

Tumbling like Alice.  Deeper down the hole.

Curioser and curioser?

No rabbit in a waistcoat.

Just cold feet stuck between a couch cushion.

Feeling listless.

But it is peaceful floating here.

I did my taxes yesterday, and it went much better than I anticipated.

What a comfort.

Now I have to find us a new apartment before the fall.  Closer to the school Josh is transferring to.  But not too far.  I found one I like, but my love is not quite convinced yet.  Fingers crossed.

My son is getting so big.  I keep wondering when we should start number two.  Not in the next year, perhaps, but the next?  I don't want them to be too far apart.  

*sigh* I suppose money will be the main decider.

vomit.

I wish we still adhered to the medieval bartering system.  I would make off like a king.  

"Please good sir, for this glorious 2 bedroom apartment, accept my offering of a mini fridge, 4 unused chemistry books, and this delicious casserole as compensation for this month's rent."

"Well young lass, that would be most generous, if it weren't for the stain your child has seemed to embed into the carpet."

"Then perchance I throw in this adjustable desk lamp?  We have a few to spare."

"Aye, that will do.  Another month then!"

It would be easier, and less hassle than throwing yard sales every few months for all the crap we seem to accumulate.

Then again, I assume my landlord would have use for our crap.

But this is also MY pretend world.  I do what I want.

Oh, I really love the song that just came on.

Pardon me, but I must go.

I leave you now, to lay on my back, stare at the ceiling fan, and lose myself in a whimsical melody.

Bullying: Stop It

There are a few things I have seen recently that have ignited some very intense feelings.

This article and this video.

Bullying has played a very profound role in my life, and I know firsthand how absolutely devastating the effects can be.  It can make you question everything; make you question yourself.  It makes you wonder if you deserve to be happy, when everyone else has decided you don't.  Few things offer up such misery as bullying.

If you look at where society is today, bullying is the easiest thing to do, and there are thousands of outlets to do it through.  The internet, texting, calling, physical violence, emotional manipulation, discrimination, blatant lack of support or encouragement, gossiping, judging, overstepping boundaries with malicious intent... I could go on for a long time, but we all understand the idea.

I was bullied for years before I finally was able to see the abuse for what it was.  I would tell myself that they were joking, and it was all in the name of humor.  I would tell myself they were my friends, or that I was simply not up to scratch with their superior charm and wit.  I was mistaken, dimwitted, part of the fun.  Whatever way I could rationalize things in order to feel like I was not a victim.

Because once you realize and accept what is going on, you can't take that realization back.

And oh, does it sting.

I was quite involved in school from a very young age.  Clubs, leadership positions, extra credit, teacher's pet.  I was bubbly and social and very willing to trust.  A complete open book.  From where I sat, I had done nothing to provoke an attack.

But isn't that often the case?  The attack strikes the one least prepared for it.

Even today, it is difficult for me to look back at ages 11-17 without a slightly bitter taste in my mouth.  Honestly, I don't know when that will go away.

What should be beautiful memories are tainted by feelings of discomfort and misunderstanding, as well as that unfair feeling of being judged prematurely.

All any kid wants at the time of their life is acceptance and reassurance that they are ok being who they are.  How often does that happen?

I could write a book, in all honesty, about heartwrenching memories of abuse and wrongdoings towards me in my adolescence.  But what would that accomplish?

I started typing this, unsure of what my ultimate goal was, but I think I know now.

I type this in the small, infinitesimal chance that someone out there will run into it and know they are NOT alone.

That all those people who whisper and giggle and torment in an effort to forget their own insecurities... they don't matter one bit.  That you, within your suffering, are capable of finding peace.  You have to know, that I know, that there is no such thing as a worthless person.  You are loved, and wanted and admired by someone.  You have talents the world can't wait to see, and you are going to make it.

Be patient, and kill them with kindness.  Because someday your abusers will have no choice but to see things as they are, and what will their eyes be opened to when that day comes?

Don't become one of them.

Don't cry, (although feel no shame when you can't help it), find your strength, and walk out that door without a care in the world.

I care so much about you, though I don't know you.  You are not the only one who suffers.  Remember you are NOT your insecurities.

I send you all my hugs.
And I do believe that it is possible
For the bullying to stop.

Why Are Emotions So Stupid?

Blog, sometimes I get caught up, and forget you exist.  Forgive me?  I will always come back, I promise.

I always wanted to start a blog with personal intentions.  Just a private home among the constant thrum of the internet that would be privy to my mind, and could offer a semblance of sanctuary.  Maybe I should get back to that.

My mind needs a sanctuary.

Which is why I've decided to make it a little more private.  I have always been able to express myself through writing much better than speaking, and I know it might also make sense to just keep this blog to myself... but I just feel like maybe that is my problem.  Maybe I try to hard to shut certain parts of myself up.  Theories.

So I now find myself going back to the original blog I always wanted.  Personal, flawed, and sharable with a small audience.  Yes, I do like it better this way.

My life right now I feel is so full of Pros and Cons, but still feels so jumbled.  Maybe I should try to separate the positive and negative.  Bad stuff first.  I'd rather end on a good note.

LIFE CONS
I am so sick and tired of being sick and tired.  First the flu, then a cold, now my allergies are on the fritz.  I am also really dehydrated, and that means every time I stand up, little black spots keep obscuring my vision.  So I am sitting here with a water bottle, drinking until I hate it, and praying Landon does not wake up anytime soon.  Really though, this has been going on for days, and I just want to feel normal.  I even had to leave work early on Saturday because I could hardly stand.

And speaking of work... anyone ever work retail?  I have been with my job for 2 years now (props for that though.  That is the longest I have been anywhere!), and I like it infinitely less than I did when I started.  No matter how many of us "oldies" there are, the New Person turnover keeps rotating, exhausting us all with newer and newer less capable people to teach.  Most days I just take it upon myself to get a good job done, and shut out the stupidity.  Customers are rude, hours are long, and breaks are few.  But what choice do I have?  My boys have to eat, and bills gotta get paid.

And I have grown to hate that feeling.  The feeling that as much as I hate certain aspects of my life right now, they are not very changeable, because everything that is happening is necessary to progress to the next step.  Who could have known how far apart those steps would be?

I hate living in The Cave.  That is what I call it in my mind.  Because that is exactly what it is.  I live in a basement apartment with a single window that barely illuminates one room.  For a girl who often struggles with depression, it is not the most opportune living arrangement.  But it is the cheapest one, which often settles any decision.

I hate not being able to be a full time student, as I always pictured myself being at this point in my life.  I hate having to wait to pursue the dream I have only had since I was 7.  All that is available to me right now is maybe, maybe 1 online class at a time.

I despise the fact that money runs the world.

I hate being so far away from my family, because as much as you love people, distance always puts a strain on a relationship.  I feel like some of those relationships are now infinitely more awkward and silent judgments are being passed.  Maybe that is part of what happens as a family grows up and gets married and whatnot.  I don't know.  But none of us are exactly the same, and that should just be ok.  I don't like the feeling that my standards of living are not up to par with other members of the family, when I think we are doing just fine.  You know what it feels like sometimes?  It feels like I am in an art class, and I am working on this painting that is a little different from the other student's work.  Then the teacher walks by and sometimes he says something like, "that is an interesting way to paint that, but let me show you why it is wrong." OR the teacher walks by and shakes his head without saying anything, and makes some sort of dissatisfied noise.  And I can feel the disapproval oozing all the way from his desk.  It seems like once one issue gets resolved, another is bubbling at the surface.  It is hard because I just remember simpler times, when family discomfort just meant that Jon had been teasing me again.

I don't think I realized how much that was bothering me until now.

And I don't know if there is a solution for that one because if someone opts out of chiming in, I'll just know they are disapproving inside their heads anyway.

Maybe.  Ugh.  I don't know.

I mean, I'm not trying to slam my family.  I think they are all perfectly wonderful.  I would just like to be accepted for my differences of living.  It's not like my lifestyle is all that drastically different.

I dunno, I do not mean for this to become a whole post about my deep-seated family insecurity issues.

It's just that, I was raised in a pretty strict, proper home compared to most kids.  Even kids that were the same religion as me.  But now I am grown up, and I think it is my turn to decide what is ok for my family.  And so far, I think I am doing a great job, honestly.  I just don't always think everyone is of that same opinion.

And that's enough of that.

I also struggle on and off with my anxiety and depression, and lately my anxiety has been eeking into my social perceptions, and it is really annoying!  I haven't even been taking my birth control as regularly as I probably should, because when I am on it, my depression feels worse.  Is it bad for me to want to be happy?  It is just hard to take it knowing how much harder it will be to fight those feelings.  I should get it figured out though.  Sometimes I just feel despondent.  I guess I would like to feel clear-headed and healthy.  Currently, that is what I am aiming for.

LIFE PROS

My husband is the bomb, and supports me through everything.  I know there are times where it is really difficult for him to understand why or what I am feeling, but he tries anyway.  He is such a good father, and it is like, my favorite thing to watch.  He works so hard so I don't have to work (as much) and has this borderline annoying happy-no-matter-what attitude that luckily, gets infectious.  He is flying through his schooling the best he can, so that I can have my shot at it, and he is doing SO WELL.  He will be transferring to ASU in the fall, so that means we can move OUT of The Cave, and somewhere with more light and life to be had.  Watching him succeed motivates me more than anything.

My son is honestly, a pretty easy kid, and the older and more interactive he gets, the closer our relationship is, and I love having that connection with him.  At least, even if I fail everything else, I can know I am a great mom, and that he loves me unconditionally.  For now at least.  Wait until he is old enough for chores.  Then we'll talk.  LOL.

I have my little sister coming to visit me for a week this month, and I think that will be good for both of us.  She is graduating high school (ugh, how does that happen?) soon and I am glad to spend time with her before she flies out into the big wide world.  And at the end of the month, I get to spend a few days with (almost) the whole rest of my family, and I think that will give our distance-strained relationships some relief.  When it comes down to it, I love my family more than anything, and I know they love me too.  I feel blessed to have the one I do, and I think we are just a family that is still learning what it means to form our own units.  I also have a new niece and nephew to meet!  Ooooh the baby fever is bad some days, guys.

I guess I will count that as a pro.  I have baby fever, and were it not for living costs and ... ok pretty much money in general, we would be on our way to popping out another one as far as I am concerned.  But since we can not even think about it right now, I use it as motivation to get to a place where we can.  Until then we are taking plenty of precautions. LOL (My spotty use of birth control has been reinforced, so trust me, we are good.)

I get to teach a class two Thursdays from now to a group of women about the importance of choosing happiness.  Sometimes I wonder how qualified I am to speak on that topic, but I think it is a lesson that I myself need to adhere to.  Maybe this lesson will be more for my benefit, but maybe that is ok.  I am having a lot of fun doing the research for it, and maybe it will turn out.

I also am having the time of my life researching/writing my book, and I love it so much.  For now, that is my second baby. :)

Well, my water bottle is empty, and my head feels slightly better.

I have high hopes that today will be a good one.