A Bed of Songs & Stories

Oh October how I wish you were here already.  My girl reinvented herself once again and I must have it.  All of it.  And you are the only thing I'm waiting for so please hurry.   I just hope this will come to me as it always has in the past.  I must absorb the music that helps me breathe.  A new set of songs that will talk to me during a lonely train ride.  Sip tea with me when I try to resist coffee and find a way to make things sweet without sweetner.  Let me lean back and have it catch me and beautify the ugly within me.  Be my art that supports me when I'm feeling blah and uninspired.  Walk the 5 blocks with me and not rush me as I take my time to appreciate what made it great and will make it great again.  Click to preview the talented Tori   All images courtesy of Google

My first week of work in a new city and the 20 lessons I learned (or relearned): Change will occur in steps over time, but I have to give it time. Public transportation isn’t bad as long as I know where I’m going and actually get there. iPods, iPhones and reading material is the best source of company when I don’t want company. Old songs never get old. It’s ok not to know all the answers and to ask for help. If I want to know more, I have to read more. Note-taking is a skill not to be taken lightly. Walking is fun if a good coffee shop is around the corner. Invest in more flats especially stylish ones. A car is an expensive alternative in a busy city. Working in downtown means loud distractions just outside my office window. Little green plants seem manageable on a window sill. Bringing lunch saves money. Sharing lunch makes friends. A big bag can hold a lot of stuff. I still absolutely hate grocery shopping. I still absolutely love cold weather. It’s ok...

"Somewhere Down the Road" - Barry Manilow I'm not surprised that Playlist couldn't find you. You're a classic, but luckily not one that gets so overplayed you'd wish to be forgotten. Though you exist, there doesn't seem to be a video that accompanies you that would do you justice. A cheesy Karaoke sing-a-along could only go so far and I don't know how much more mystic waterfalls and dusty roads I could take. And though Barry sings you well, his live versions can be somewhat distracting with the many hairstyles from the 70's, 80's and today. Plus, the close-up of his audience's reaction is something I could do without because you're not just a ballad to me. You're not just one of your many tug-at-the-heart melodies of the past. It doesn't involve everyone else's perception of you. It doesn't even involve a video, but this one will have to do. It's a story that couldn't have been sang in any other way. A p...

It's been a rough two days, but not because I was having second thoughts about being in this new city. I think something stronger than life is testing my patience and unfortunately, I'm not doing so well. It's hard not to let one bad experience ruin my whole mood, but it did. I tried to refocus my energy, but I'll be damned if I lose a battle to a no-nothing prick with an aggressive temper. In the end I got my way, but for some odd reason I still wasn't satisfied. Surprisingly, I felt like I still lost because I let what shouldn't have mattered, matter greatly and to top it off I wore that anger on my sleeve. I saw myself from the outside, but didn't know how to shake it off and I knew that if I didn't shed away what irked me that the person who did nothing to cause it would be the person I would take it out on. My ability to rub my negativity onto others usually works like a charm. I do this because I still want to be mad and it's a cinch to...

"A Thousand Years" - Christina Perri One of the hardest things to accept is change. Yet as the countdown draws to a close, I'm looking at this as the easiest. I know that in a few hours I will be making my final trip to work and even though I left before, this time I know it's definitely permanent. Not only because I no longer see myself going backwards for no reason, but because I'm moving in a completely different direction for an extremely good one.

"...All I can say is I thank GOD that we were able to receive our training from your team. You are extraordinary in your own rite. Whatever it is that is next on your list I pray for the best for you. I thank you again for everything and please, if it not to much to ask, please send me ;) your contact information going forward. You never know we may be out there or you here. Have a great last week and please know that you are a gem. -Erica You make me take a deep breath, and then a sigh. Hope this move is all for the good, and brings many blessings your way. In your words "you rock", please don't lose touch. Wonderful meeting you. -El I was saddened at your news. I am sure you will be sorely missed. Good Luck to you for the future. -M. I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT!!!! What the flip?!!!! I’m just blown away!! -Angelica Aww sorry to hearing you are leaving. I'm sure you will continue to serve in some capacity. It was a pleasure meeting and working with you please stay in ...