It's a natural thing in life to have ups and downs. Even within a day, something can turn around (positively or negatively). Especially when things don't go as expected, it can be really hard to escape from the negative head space, from that tiny, evil voice inside your head saying all the bad side of things you're thinking. Shouting them, even. The best way to conquer that little voice, I've found, is to, first, recognize that IT is the one talking, not your actual head and heart. Then, fight back, struggle through, whatever it takes to just keep going in spite of that little voice.
Hope for the best and do the hard work it takes to get there. Reach out to friends and loved ones when it's too hard to try alone and remember that you're never truly alone in your struggles.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Showing posts with label 365 Project. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 365 Project. Show all posts
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
This Thing I Like 2
Today, I'd like to mention the music group The Wailin' Jennys.
They're a trio of women who sing in tight harmonies, with a folksy, bluegrass style that sometimes delves into British or Irish folk song. I've been listening to them pretty much all day today - they're great for public transit (at least in my opinion.) Arguably, a lot of their music can sound the same if you're casually listening. However, their musical styling and - especially - the lyrics of their songs are both strong pulls towards their originality.
It's great music for winding down after a long day, or maybe mixed in as a part of a road trip CD. They're everything that's good about "just a little bit country." Read more here: The Wailin' Jennys on Wikipedia
Love&Harmony,
Erin
They're a trio of women who sing in tight harmonies, with a folksy, bluegrass style that sometimes delves into British or Irish folk song. I've been listening to them pretty much all day today - they're great for public transit (at least in my opinion.) Arguably, a lot of their music can sound the same if you're casually listening. However, their musical styling and - especially - the lyrics of their songs are both strong pulls towards their originality.
It's great music for winding down after a long day, or maybe mixed in as a part of a road trip CD. They're everything that's good about "just a little bit country." Read more here: The Wailin' Jennys on Wikipedia
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Montag
I'm working on catching up on Downton. Monday night was episode 4 for me and I've still got to get episode 5 in before next Sunday!
I am so relieved for Anna and Mr. Bates. But of course his attitude at the end of the episode is disturbing. Of course he knows it was actually the valet... Maybe, though, he doesn't have murder in mind??
Yay for a new lady's maid who isn't crazy! At least... I don't think so... It's hard to tell if she is keen on Thomas' demands for her knowledge/alliance or not. She is certainly the most normal of the 3 that have been on the show though. I like her sewing skillz, too.
Poor Alfred! But Daisy sure was cute at the end of the episode - all smiley because he would still be around. Maybe he'll start to see her worth since she helped him so much?
I feel for Lady Mary. She really did have something stirring in her heart. The sneak-peek for the next episode, though, possibly holds hope. And Lady Edith -- something is going on there in London. Is her man in Germany yet?? I'm confused...
And so many Maggie Smith quips! Best!!
All in all, a pretty good episode. Most of the Anna-Bates angst is resolved (thank goodness) and that was the truly heaviest part of this week. Looking forward to another one later this week!
Love&Harmony,
Erinn
I am so relieved for Anna and Mr. Bates. But of course his attitude at the end of the episode is disturbing. Of course he knows it was actually the valet... Maybe, though, he doesn't have murder in mind??
Yay for a new lady's maid who isn't crazy! At least... I don't think so... It's hard to tell if she is keen on Thomas' demands for her knowledge/alliance or not. She is certainly the most normal of the 3 that have been on the show though. I like her sewing skillz, too.
Poor Alfred! But Daisy sure was cute at the end of the episode - all smiley because he would still be around. Maybe he'll start to see her worth since she helped him so much?
I feel for Lady Mary. She really did have something stirring in her heart. The sneak-peek for the next episode, though, possibly holds hope. And Lady Edith -- something is going on there in London. Is her man in Germany yet?? I'm confused...
And so many Maggie Smith quips! Best!!
All in all, a pretty good episode. Most of the Anna-Bates angst is resolved (thank goodness) and that was the truly heaviest part of this week. Looking forward to another one later this week!
Love&Harmony,
Erinn
Monday, February 3, 2014
Getting Settled and SUPERBOWL
For me the harder part of moving is unpacking. Until my bed made it here today, I was having the hardest time picturing the layout for my side of the room. (Side note -- yay comfy new bed!!!)
I'm still not settled completely in, but it's much better than it was 12 hours ago. It will likely be a process of several days. And, you know, school.
Enjoyed watching the Seahawks CREAM the Broncos (really, were they actually at that game?) at Kristina's Superbowl party. I mean, the game itself was mostly exciting because we got so many touchdowns. But hanging with all the friends was what made it memorable. The Bronco scarf shenanigans... that is all.
Matt is out of town for most of this week, auditioning for several different things. The rain/low clouds out here screwed up his travels for a while, but he made it to KC by about 11pm. I'll be thinking of him a lot this week. <3
Love&Harmony,
Erin
I'm still not settled completely in, but it's much better than it was 12 hours ago. It will likely be a process of several days. And, you know, school.
Enjoyed watching the Seahawks CREAM the Broncos (really, were they actually at that game?) at Kristina's Superbowl party. I mean, the game itself was mostly exciting because we got so many touchdowns. But hanging with all the friends was what made it memorable. The Bronco scarf shenanigans... that is all.
Matt is out of town for most of this week, auditioning for several different things. The rain/low clouds out here screwed up his travels for a while, but he made it to KC by about 11pm. I'll be thinking of him a lot this week. <3
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Ch-ch-ch-Changes (Sat 2-1)
Change is so, so good.
At least in this case. I am so happy and excited to be in my new apartment with James and Lauren.
Pros:
- Roommates//people I can talk to and be friends with!
- A big comfy bedroom where I don't have to store my dishes/food/bathroom stuff as well.
- A beautiful, airy, light living room.
- The rooftop balcony.
- Common spaces.
- Bathroom attached to bedroom.
- Friendship.
- Did I mention living with friends?
The only major con is that the kitchen is kind of odd - no oven (but I'm already used to that), and not a ton of storage space. But there are solutions to that and everything else outweighs those details!
In other news, I have amazing, amazing, AMAZING friends at the Conservatory. Moving out/in was done in less than an hour. Mr. Reisenthel came to help me rent a truck and be the real adult of the situation. But 7-8 school friends (plus my wonderful man Matt) came as helping hands. The many hands make light work phrase is so incredibly true! And it really goes to show that the people at this school are legitimately kind, caring people (I think I know one person who as said he actually enjoys the physical labor of moving things.) I'm looking forward to throwing a post-moving pizza and beer party soon as a thank you!
Happy for changes!
Love&Harmony,
Erin
At least in this case. I am so happy and excited to be in my new apartment with James and Lauren.
Pros:
- Roommates//people I can talk to and be friends with!
- A big comfy bedroom where I don't have to store my dishes/food/bathroom stuff as well.
- A beautiful, airy, light living room.
- The rooftop balcony.
- Common spaces.
- Bathroom attached to bedroom.
- Friendship.
- Did I mention living with friends?
The only major con is that the kitchen is kind of odd - no oven (but I'm already used to that), and not a ton of storage space. But there are solutions to that and everything else outweighs those details!
In other news, I have amazing, amazing, AMAZING friends at the Conservatory. Moving out/in was done in less than an hour. Mr. Reisenthel came to help me rent a truck and be the real adult of the situation. But 7-8 school friends (plus my wonderful man Matt) came as helping hands. The many hands make light work phrase is so incredibly true! And it really goes to show that the people at this school are legitimately kind, caring people (I think I know one person who as said he actually enjoys the physical labor of moving things.) I'm looking forward to throwing a post-moving pizza and beer party soon as a thank you!
Happy for changes!
Love&Harmony,
Erin
For Friday
I'm behind because of moving this weekend -- Friday night was literally just packing things up and trying not to panic about not feeling done. I guess I was pretty successful because Saturday morning was a cinch.
Not sure why I feel the need to explain myself or be apologetic about missing posts. That's the beauty of posting things to the internet; the off-chance that someone, somewhere is expecting to read this gives the illusion of accountability. I think I also feel some sense of obligation to my past-self and resolutions list. Is that a form of guilt? Letting myself down via past expectations of success? Aka disappointment, I suppose. At least this is a mild case. :)
Important Friday 1-31 Things:
- Signed the lease for the place with James!!!
- Walking really fast in not-great shoes led to a weird, large bit of rubbed-loose skin on my heel... wahh it kind of hurts. Not sure what to do about it.
- Day off from teaching voice lessons.
- Attempted to watch Sherlock while packing - couldn't focus and had to turn it off. :/
- Yep, that's it.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Not sure why I feel the need to explain myself or be apologetic about missing posts. That's the beauty of posting things to the internet; the off-chance that someone, somewhere is expecting to read this gives the illusion of accountability. I think I also feel some sense of obligation to my past-self and resolutions list. Is that a form of guilt? Letting myself down via past expectations of success? Aka disappointment, I suppose. At least this is a mild case. :)
Important Friday 1-31 Things:
- Signed the lease for the place with James!!!
- Walking really fast in not-great shoes led to a weird, large bit of rubbed-loose skin on my heel... wahh it kind of hurts. Not sure what to do about it.
- Day off from teaching voice lessons.
- Attempted to watch Sherlock while packing - couldn't focus and had to turn it off. :/
- Yep, that's it.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Thursday, January 30, 2014
This Thing I Like 1
I'm thinking "Things I Like" will be a recurring post. Woohoo!
This week: Tara Stiles' Yoga Videos
I've been sticking to my New Year's yoga resolution! So far (well since getting back to school), I've been morning yoga-ing it up three times a week. It makes for a centering start to the day. Depending on how fast I'm moving in the morning, I pick a 5-10 minute video, roll out my mat, and get going. It's nice because I've learned enough about yoga to be able to function on my own but I still need guidance in terms of a routine. Of course, it's not the same as going to a class, but it's definitely cheaper and I can pick my focus for the day (strength, flexibility, energy, etc.)
Tara's channel has a large variety of videos, ranging from small 3-4 minute clips to entire 50 minute work outs. I have yet to do one of those, but I'm looking forward to trying once I settle into my new place. Her pace is steady, but not too slow and she always gives a range of options for making poses more challenging (as most good yoga teachers do, in my experience). If you're A) Reading this and B) Looking for a Youtube yoga channel, I recommend Tara Stiles! And thanks to my BFF Haley for the original recommendation.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
This week: Tara Stiles' Yoga Videos
I've been sticking to my New Year's yoga resolution! So far (well since getting back to school), I've been morning yoga-ing it up three times a week. It makes for a centering start to the day. Depending on how fast I'm moving in the morning, I pick a 5-10 minute video, roll out my mat, and get going. It's nice because I've learned enough about yoga to be able to function on my own but I still need guidance in terms of a routine. Of course, it's not the same as going to a class, but it's definitely cheaper and I can pick my focus for the day (strength, flexibility, energy, etc.)
Tara's channel has a large variety of videos, ranging from small 3-4 minute clips to entire 50 minute work outs. I have yet to do one of those, but I'm looking forward to trying once I settle into my new place. Her pace is steady, but not too slow and she always gives a range of options for making poses more challenging (as most good yoga teachers do, in my experience). If you're A) Reading this and B) Looking for a Youtube yoga channel, I recommend Tara Stiles! And thanks to my BFF Haley for the original recommendation.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
I Can't Not Sing
What can you not not do?
What would make life incomplete if you couldn't do it?
What is your passion?
Have you found it yet?
What will you do with your one wild and precious life? (Mary Oliver)
I will sing my song.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Moving
Other than the vaguely satisfying (and fleeting) feeling of getting organized... moving sucks.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Love&Harmony,
Erin
On Letters
I was all ready to blog last night when I got home but I was suddenly sidetracked by a beautiful, regular old envelope at my bedroom door. The beautiful part was the return address: Megan A.
Letters from friends and loved ones are something special. In a time when sitting down to compose an e-mail starts to feel like too much work for some folks, knowing that someone took the time to hand write and mail a letter is really special. Like I've said before, it's like getting a hug in the mail. :). I keep written correspondence with a couple old friends from home and it brightens my day to hear from them. Even if the stories have already been shared on social media. And sometimes we even save stories solely for letters. I hope my far-future kiddos will get to experience this same sort of joy. (One of many reasons the post office is important!!)
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Escaping Boundaries
Today's audition ended up being a challenge. A little bit in the technique/singing area, but even more so in the acting area. The woman in charge of hearing the auditions asked if I would "play" with my second piece (Gretchen am Spinnrade, Schubert). She basically gave me permission to do anything I wanted with the idea of having a complete mental breakdown while singing. The accompanist suggested drawing inspiration from Market Street. :)
The result was both expected and liberating - I let go of the sound, the technique came on its own and everything felt more free. I'm not sure if this makes sense exactly, but it's like the truth of the song started to come from within me and was expressed in my completely letting go. Like, crawling on the floor letting go, hands in my hair, on my face... you get the idea. And the expression of truth came from every part of me, not just my face, my eyes, my voice, etc.
This is the kind of holistic training this summer program offers. It was definitely a non-traditional audition for me and I have no idea whether it was really "good" or "bad." But I am certainly intrigued and hopeful about getting in now.
My broader point, though, is what holds us back from full freedom of expression when performing (in any capacity) and why do we let it? It wasn't scary to go that far with it (really, it was quite fun!); more like it felt strange because it's not something I would have ever considered appropriate in an audition setting. And maybe crawling on the floor is a bit much for a more traditional audition. However, it certainly beat singing as passionately as I could while feeling awkward about what to do with my hands. Regardless of the outcome from today, I've learned even just a little bit about escaping the audition/performance boundaries we make in our heads.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
The result was both expected and liberating - I let go of the sound, the technique came on its own and everything felt more free. I'm not sure if this makes sense exactly, but it's like the truth of the song started to come from within me and was expressed in my completely letting go. Like, crawling on the floor letting go, hands in my hair, on my face... you get the idea. And the expression of truth came from every part of me, not just my face, my eyes, my voice, etc.
This is the kind of holistic training this summer program offers. It was definitely a non-traditional audition for me and I have no idea whether it was really "good" or "bad." But I am certainly intrigued and hopeful about getting in now.
My broader point, though, is what holds us back from full freedom of expression when performing (in any capacity) and why do we let it? It wasn't scary to go that far with it (really, it was quite fun!); more like it felt strange because it's not something I would have ever considered appropriate in an audition setting. And maybe crawling on the floor is a bit much for a more traditional audition. However, it certainly beat singing as passionately as I could while feeling awkward about what to do with my hands. Regardless of the outcome from today, I've learned even just a little bit about escaping the audition/performance boundaries we make in our heads.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
The Best Compliment
The best compliment I get after singing in church is that it helped enhance the mass for at least one person. That is how I know that I am truly serving. Just reflecting about that after mass tonight.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Singing Revelation
I think I found my "big girl voice" today, or at least the way to finding it. My highest notes had vibrato and no strain, my middle notes felt full and velvety. And nothing has ever felt so easy. Like the voice was bursting from me, with such an exciting feeling of having something to say and express. And it all came back to breath, the balance of breath and pressure (support), the "placement" of each, and the bodily understanding that they are both related but not simultaneous or directly connected with each other. Breath drives all and the muscles/support follow almost instantaneously. But the breath isn't controlled -it is inhale; the intake of breath must be a natural extension of the exhale/presence of support.
Sorry if this doesn't make much sense. I'm mostly working through my teacher's philosophy and self-application. It's been a singing revelation kind of day. Post-lesson, I've never had a better practice room session in my life.
Here's to finally leading to sing (and hoping the lesson sticks!)
Love&Harmony,
Erin
P.S. I realized also that my boyfriend and roommates are essentially weird music conservatory versions of the guys in New Girl. I think I'm dating Nick. Weird and hilarious and weird.
Sherlock Quickie
A quick review on Sherlock before I pass out!
Woohoo I finally watched it! Plenty of angsty, nail-biting suspense, just like I like it. The only thing that really got to me was the first 30ish minutes. I get and even liked the way they reintroduce Sherlock to Watson's life and his reaction was perfectly natural. But all of the quick "cool" shots - it certainly felt like more than normal - ended up feeling slightly gimmicky. Does anyone agree with me?
Looking forward to next week!
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Woohoo I finally watched it! Plenty of angsty, nail-biting suspense, just like I like it. The only thing that really got to me was the first 30ish minutes. I get and even liked the way they reintroduce Sherlock to Watson's life and his reaction was perfectly natural. But all of the quick "cool" shots - it certainly felt like more than normal - ended up feeling slightly gimmicky. Does anyone agree with me?
Looking forward to next week!
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Feels Like Monday
First day of spring semester of my Masters degree... A blast of reality in the face. It was fine; I didn't have anything particularly difficult today. But jumping in to classes combined with the excitement/overstimulation of seeing everyone again had me worn out by halfway through the day.
The biggest plus sides were morning yoga and making brownies with the boyfriend tonight for decompression.
Here's to spring semester!
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Downton!
A day late on Downton because of work/friends/practicing/etc. But I made the time to watch it tonight, no matter how much I regret it with my early back-to-school morning. :) Keeping this review short.
I loved this quote from Mr. Carson this week:
"The business of life is the acquisition of memories. In the end, that's all there is." What a beautiful thought.
YAY EDNA IS GONE! Although, is it really that easy, Tom?? I'm a tad skeptical...
Edith, your aunt said it, but girl I hope you're not pregnant. It would just be the luck of your cards for Mr. Gregson to be stuck in Germany and you stuck with an out-of-wedlock child. Ooh boy.
Grr racism.
Mary, I hope you don't regret it. But maybe it's not over!
My heart is breaking for Anna and Mr. Bates. Everyone knows something is wrong with Anna -- when will two and two come together?
Poor Daisy.
Next up -- Sherlock!
Fin.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
I loved this quote from Mr. Carson this week:
"The business of life is the acquisition of memories. In the end, that's all there is." What a beautiful thought.
YAY EDNA IS GONE! Although, is it really that easy, Tom?? I'm a tad skeptical...
Edith, your aunt said it, but girl I hope you're not pregnant. It would just be the luck of your cards for Mr. Gregson to be stuck in Germany and you stuck with an out-of-wedlock child. Ooh boy.
Grr racism.
Mary, I hope you don't regret it. But maybe it's not over!
My heart is breaking for Anna and Mr. Bates. Everyone knows something is wrong with Anna -- when will two and two come together?
Poor Daisy.
Next up -- Sherlock!
Fin.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
For Sunday
I can't say I know all that love is,
But I know you fill a part of my heart
That I never knew was there
Until you came into my life.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
But I know you fill a part of my heart
That I never knew was there
Until you came into my life.
Love&Harmony,
Erin
Sunday, January 19, 2014
For Saturday
The joy of exploration is exponentially expounded when enjoyed with a friend. :)
Said goodbye to Anna today. It was such a great week getting to know this place I have been living in for 4-5 months already. Plus it was nice to have a roommate to talk and laugh with for a change. :)
We made it an early morning to catch a ride on the iconic cable cars and made our way out to the wharfs again. We ended up near Hyde Pier (I think?) and checked out the old boats out there. Pre-Golden Gate Bridge the bay used a ferry system. Which makes sense, but I'd never seen anything about it. The sun and water and marina were all really lovely. We meandered closer to Fisherman's Wharf for lunch and a little souvenir shopping before heading back to my place. Then it was hi-ho to the airport we go!
It was a great week and I am so appreciative that I was able to spend quality time with a really wonderful and caring friend. Our adventures opened my eyes a little more to the better parts of the city and have given me a friendlier outlook on it.
Here's to friend-venturing!
Love&Harmony,
Erin
For Friday
Anna and I slept in today, given our late night hanging at Matt's house and our early rising throughout the week. We got into town about noon for me to take care of a couple things at school and then headed to afternoon tea at Dartealing Lounge. Anna found a pretty great deal on travelzoo.com for a $30 voucher for tea for two.
Dartealing Lounge is located in SOMA (South of Market) and is absolutely amazing. We walked in and our jaws dropped from the Pintrest-worthy perfection. We tried a Mint Lavender tea, as well as a blend called Purple Gems, which was essentially blueberry and absolutely scrumptious. The finger sandwiches and teacakes were also so yummy and very filling for how petite they were. The tea service we ended up ordering might be a little pricey for some, but with the online deal it was very worth it. The ambiance and decor are delightfully pretty and relaxing. And our waitress was very friendly. I highly recommend a visit to Dartealing and I will certainly be back!
At about 3pm, Anna and I bussed over to the Mission District. We rested in Mission Dolores Park for a bit, then wandered where our feet took us. We admired the murals adorning the walls of the Womens' Building, which were stunning. We also found Clarion Alley, which is a prime example of the mural art that the Mission is famous for. The entire alley is covered in murals - some with a revolutionary feel, others serving as memorials to recently-passed community members, as well as some simply beautiful artwork (though I'm sure there is some meaning I don't know about.)
We were able to meet up with Matt and a couple of Anna's friends for dinner and a bit of bar hopping. At the rainbow-flag Latino bar Esta Noche, I played my most decent round of pool (well the second game at least...) when I sank 4 balls on a row. It was very exciting! It was a good time meeting Anna's friends who live in/near the city and of course spending some quality time with Matt, whom I hadn't really seen for a month.
And that was our Mission adventure!
Love&Harmony,
Erin
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