One More Chapter
A twenty two year-old's view on life, death,
and Taylor Swift conspiracy theories
and Taylor Swift conspiracy theories
The other day all English majors were required to attend an orientation session. It was, as expected, very boring as it was just a series of speakers telling you things that, for the most part, you already knew. Then a woman took the stage to talk to us about internships. After the countless monotonous presentations we had just heard, her booming voice and sarcasm was like being splashed with ice cold water. I immediately recoiled from her, thinking she was rude and obnoxious and didn't have anything productive to tell me. I was wrong. She started off on what seemed more like a journey through her stream-of-consciousness rather than an actual story. I started to tune her out and focus of the odd man ceaselessly twitching to rows in front of me, but suddenly she said something that caught my attention. "You're eighteen and nineteen years old" she told us, "you aren't supposed to know what you want to do for the rest of your life." I looked up at her again. "Only 2% of people in this world actually grow up to be what they wanted to be when they were a child. That leaves 98% who have no idea what they want, or think that they do, then end up realizing they don't once they experience it." This is so me, I thought. "The only way you can know if you really love to do something is to do it. So that means we have to do a little stumbling and bumbling until we get to where we want to be." I smiled. She' completely right. I thought for the longest time that I wanted to be a chef when I grew up. I would make these "experiments" with my sister that were actually just all the spices we could find in the cabinet and a dash of water and much more than a dash of food coloring. We forced my parents to eat it sometimes. Those poor parents. I'm surprised they didn't get violently ill. I grew up always wanting to help my mother in the kitchen and prepare dinners. Soon I was bumped up from plastic butter knives to metal butter knives, then the slightly sharper, dinner knives, paring knives, and when I reached high school I was practically using a butcher knife to do everything - just because I could. I went to a vocational high school and studies Culinary Arts and Pastry/Baking Arts for four years. I loved it, it was the best decision I made, but it made me realize that this wasn't what I wanted in life. I still absolutely love to cook and bake and prepare food for my family and friends, but I now know that I could never work in a kitchen as a career. You have horrible hours, you smell awful, there is perpetually a mysterious substance under every fingernail, and it is absolutely exhausting. Plus, I want to celebrate Christmas and Easter and other such holidays with my family and not be stuck scrubbing grease off of grills instead. So, when college application time rolled around, I knew it was time to do a lot of thinking. I was sitting at my computer editing my dance studio's commercial for their annual recital, when it clicked. I made videos all the time, ever since I was about four or five. I obsessively watched special features on my DVD's and I knew more about movies than almost any of my friends. When I watched The Oscars every year I almost cried because I wanted to be there so bad. Soon I began looking into film schools instead of culinary schools and I had to tell my parents the changes that would soon be coming. Telling my mother that I no longer wanted to be a chef like I thought I had for sixteen or seventeen years was hard for me, because I knew she really wanted me to. When we toured some culinary colleges (just for good measure) she would tell me that this was where she wished she had gone to school. It made me feel like I was taking away something from her. But it was my life and I needed to do what was right for me. I also knew that I now had the option to major in English. I have always loved English and it's always been my favorite subject in school, but I never thought that I would be able to major in it in College. This was mainly because more culinary schools only have baking, cooking and serving, but also because I just didn't think that I was good enough at it. But now I was free to major in whatever I so pleased, and I really wanted to write. So here I am, at Umass Amherst, majoring in Communications (with a concentration in Film Studies), English (with a concentration in Fiction writing) and Journalism while minoring in French and getting my certificate in Film Studies (which is different than my concentration...I know, it's a bit confusing). And now that I have done some stumbling and bumbling, I have found where I was meant to be. And if somewhere down the line I find that I have enough money to open up a cupcake shop with Victoria Carrier, so be it, because that sounds f***ing awesome. So don't worry if you don't know what you want to do in life, you need to try things out before you could ever know such a thing. Thank you for reading, Amanda Lucille Song of the DayStubborn Love by The Lumineers
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After writing my previous post on the "10 Artists You Should Be Obsessed With" I realized that I had left out some really awesome artists that deserved recognition, so here they are: 1. The Civil WarsThis dynamic duo has unfortunately called it quits not too long ago, but not before releasing some amazing EPs and albums. Their singer/songwriter sound is absolutely magical and completely pure. You may know them from the collaboration they did with Taylor Swift for the song "Safe and Sound" from the first Hunger Games movie. It is probably my favorite Taylor Swift song, and it is clear that these two had a huge hand in the making of that song. If you give these guys a chance, I promise you won't regret it. Songs you probably know by them: - "Poison & Wine" Songs you should know: - "Oh Henry" - "I Had Me A Girl" - "The One That Got Away" 2. The Temper TrapI'm not sure how I didn't put these guys in my first post, I must have had a momentary mind blank. This band is a must-hear for music lovers everywhere. They're songs are all epic and overwhelming with an amazing blend of vocals and instrumentals. I have heard nothing like them before; they are truly one of a kind - and in the best way possible. Songs you probably know by them: none Songs you should know: - "Sweet Disposition" - "Resurrection" - "Drum Song" 3. Walk The MoonThis is one of my favorite bands to listen to during workouts. Their upbeat rhythms are amazing and all-encompassing. They are the perfect indie band to blast on long road trips with all your hipster friends. But don't worry, they have a mix of both fast-paced and more calm songs, so there is sure to be something for everyone. Plus, they certainly are an adorable bunch of boys. Songs you probably know by them: - "Anna Sun" - "Tightrope" Songs you should know: - "Jenny" - "Shiver Shiver" - "Iscariot" 4. A Fine FrenzyI think that a Fine Frenzy is definitely underrated. Personally, I go through phases with her music where I will listen to it all the time then stop for a while, but it's always refreshing when I get back into it. Her pleasant sounding voice isn't anything over unique but very pleasing to listen to and will always leave you satisfied when you hear one of her songs. I feel like her songs are perfect for a hot summer day, if that even makes any sense at all. I think that when you listen to her you will understand. Perhaps it is because her voice kind of reminds me of a peaceful walk through the woods. 5. Bon IverAlright people, before you go around saying "I love Bon Iver! You've got to listen to him!" you need to go onto YouTube and look up a video in when he says his name (which is actually Justin Vernon) because you are probably not saying it right. Bon Iver is one of the absolute most unique sounding artists I have ever come across. For some he is just a little too unique, but for me he is amazing. Granted, he has two kinds of songs: completely organic and untouched magic, and the ones that are full of synthesizers to create a strange effect of the voice. He is in by no means trying to hide the fact that he is using vocal synthesizers, in fact, he is calling attention to them. But those songs are not my favorite. When he sings completely by himself, just him and his guitar his talent shines through and you fall in love. It sounds like he recorded his albums in a little log cabin in the middle of no where....which he did. by himself. Songs you probably know by him: - "Skinny Love" (he's the original singer of this song, you probably know the Birdy version) Songs you should know: - "Blood Bank" - "For Emma" - "Towers" - "Babys" Well, that's all for now! Thank you for reading, Amanda Lucille Song of the DayPreparedness by The Bird and The Bee I want to start listening to this band more because I love this song. Who knows, maybe they'll make it onto the next list I make. 1. The LumineersThere is literally no one like this band. Honestly, they have one of the most unique sounds I have heard in a really long time. When my father and I first stumbled into this dynamic trio (and yes, my father and I usually discover artists together for we have pretty much identical musical tastes...for the most part) we were a tad thrown off by the strange sound they consistently brought to their songs. It is almost like listening to them in a crowded, artsy cafe during an open mic night, but in a good way; a really good way (especially the song "Classy Girls" which is meant to sound like it was recorded in a bar, or at least that is my take on it.) Anyways they are a band that everyone will love with a perfect blend of slow and up-beat songs on their debut album The Lumineers. Even my sister had learned to love them. Songs you probably know by them: - "Ho Hey" - "Stubborn Love" Songs you should know: - "Slow it Down" - "Big Parade" - "Flowers in Your Hair" 2. Gabrielle AplinGabrielle Aplin is a more recent discovery of mine and I am a bit obsessed. She has such a pleasant-sounding voice that I can't seem to get sick of. Her song "Home" was recently featured as Song of the Day on my last blog post. That song was played countless times by me over the past week or so. It just overwhelms me at how beautiful it is and I always feel a bit nostalgic when I hear it. I know it wouldn't seem like you would want to feel sad when you hear a song, but any song that can spark an emotion within me, I absolutely love. Art should have to ability to move those who experience it, and Gabrielle Aplin's music does just that. Songs you probably know by her: none Songs you should know: - "Home" - "Keep Pushing Me" 3. Ed SheeranYou all knew this was coming. Ed Sheeran is by far my favorite artist and has been for the past year or so. He is still just as amazing as the first time that I heard him. He is an amazing singer, rapper, guitarist and who could resist an adorable ginger with a British accent and with sick tattoos to boot?! He's pure perfection. But seriously he is an amazing artists. I think what I love most about him is his lyrics. A lot of people know that I am a fan of super romantic and lovey-dovey songs/movies/books/etc. and Ed's no exception. His songs are sweet and romantic and best of all, they are respectful. Ok, I know I sound like a grandma right about now, but I just hate it (well, hate is too strong a word) when songs are all about objectifying women for the pleasure of men. We are not sexual objects! Anyways, Ed's songs are beautiful, meaningful (usually) and just pure bliss to listen to. Songs you probably know by him: - "The A team" - "Lego House" - He also wrote "Little Things" by One Direction Songs you should know: - "Give Me Love" (this is my favorite song by him and possibly my favorite ever) - "Autumn Leaves" - All the rest 4. Florence + The MachineGood ol' Florence Welch. She was one of the first "alternative" artists that I got into back when her hit "The Dog Days Are Over" came out on the radio. It was love at first sound. I immediately borrowed my friend's CD and ripped the whole thing to my computer. I didn't think it was possible to have an affair with music. I still don't think it is, but this CD was as close as it came. Then her second album Ceremonials debuted by senior year of high school and it was like I fell in love all over again. It's really hard to explain just how amazing Florence + The Machine is, you honestly must just hear her for yourself. She is one of the most powerful and just downright epic singers I have ever heard. She rarely has a nice calm song, though some do start out a nice, quite melody, until they reach their inevitable climax and blast your ears with powerful, unedited beauty. My dance studio was a big Florence fan and we probably did at least two songs by her every year. I can hardly wait for her next release. Songs you probably know by her: - "Dog Days are Over" - "Cosmic Love" - "Sweet Nothing" (with Calvin Harris) - "Shake it Out" Songs you should know: - "Spectrum" - "Kiss With a Fist" - "No Light, No Light" - "Howl" - "Blinding" 5. OneRepublicThis is a more recent obsession, though we all know OneRepublic has been around for a while. I have always had a liking for their music, but their newest album, Native, is mind-blowing. Like, seriously. It's like an entirely different band. Songs you probably know by them: - "Counting Stars" - "Secrets" - "Apologize" - "Feel Again" Songs you should know: - "I Lived" - "Preacher" - "Something I Need" - "What You Wanted" 6. BirdyWe all need to be obsessed with Birdy. She is one of the craziest cover artists I have ever heard. Well, strike that. She was a cover artist but her most recently released EP, Wings, is all original songs. What makes her covers so unique and stand-out is that she plays the piano more beautifully than almost anyone I have ever heard, and in addition her voice is hauntingly unique and will make you stick with her from the first moment you hear her. Songs you probably know by her: - "Skinny Love" Songs you should know: - "Fire and Rain" - "Wings" - "People Help the People" 7. Of Monsters and MenHow cute are these guys?! Plus, they're from Iceland so their names are amazing. The lead male singer is Regnar while the lead female singer is Nana. I'm sure you've all heard their chart-topping hits, but not many people have actually taken the time to hear their other amazing songs. Their harmonies are awesome and their sound is so pure and authentic. A lot of the time I feel like I should be sitting around a campfire performing in some sort of ritualistic dance...idk, that sounds crazy haha. I can't explain it - just listen to the song "Your Bones" and you'll know what I mean. Songs you probably know by them: - "Little Talks" - "Mountain Sound" Songs you should know: - "Your Bones" - "Dirty Paws" - "From Finner" 8. Mumford and SonsOk, I know you think you know Mumford & Sons, but chances are you don't. There is so much more to them than just those few hits they had that, let's face it, have gotten old and over-played. A lot of people think that all their songs sound the same but I am here to tell you this is not true. Yes, all their songs have very heavy banjo and other string instruments, but that is just their sound - and it works for them. The more you listen, the more you hear that each song is very unique and completely amazing. And, similar to Ed Sheeran, The Lumineers and Of Monsters and Men, they are absolutely adorable. Songs you probably know by them: - "Little Lion Man" - "I Will Wait" - "The Cave" Songs you should know: - "Broken Crown" (my favorite song by them) - "White Blank Page" - "Awake My Soul" (another favorite with some absolutely amazing lyrics!!) and so many more. 9. Ingrid MichaelsonIngrid Michaelson was the first artist that my father and I realized we both loved. I heard a song in the movie Bride Wars by her and said aloud, "I wonder what this song it, it's so pretty!" and my father answered simply, "The Mountain and The Sea by Ingrid Michaelson, I have the whole album". And so started my exploration of my father's expansive musical collection. Last year, or maybe it was the year before, my father and I went and saw Ingrid in concert in Providence at this little whole-in-the-wall place where you literally ordered snacks from a giant whole in the wall with a microwave in it so they could pop your popcorn. It was amazing. She was amazing. It was like one big party with her, her husband (her husband is Greg Laswell, another amazing artists that you should definitely check out) and the audience. She was pure bliss. Songs you probably know by her: - "Be Ok" - "The Way I Am" - "You and I" Songs you should know by her: - "Fire" - "The Chain" - "Are We There Yet" - "So Long" All the rest... 10. PassengerMost people have heard of Passenger's most recent hit, "Let Her Go", that has been on every radio station 100 - 200 times a day. While I still love it, it is getting a bit old. But my sister heard this song and immediately went and bought his other albums. So became obsessed and soon, since he is like a wonderful mix of Ed Sheeran and The Lumineers, I did too. Plus, again, he's adorable. His voice is just so unique and, as I'm sure you've figured out by now, I love it when artists bring something fresh and new to the table. His songs have a huge range as well from soft and sweet to rather "spicy" as one could say about his song "I Hate" that is rather opinionated - but in a funny and agreeable way. And did I mention he's adorable? Songs you probably know by him: - "Let Her Go" Songs you should know: - "Holes" - "I Hate" - "No Diggity/Thrift Shop Mashup" Ft. Ed Sheeran Thank you for reading! Hope you discovered some new, amazing artists, Amanda Lucille Song of the DayNo Diggity - Thrift Shop Mash-up with Ed Sheeran and Passenger 3/5/2014 0 Comments Home is Where the Heart IsIf there is one quote that has always stuck with me it is the one spoken by Jude Law in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. This film was based off of the first three novels in the Series of Unfortunate Events book series, but this quote exists only in the film. Jude Law, playing Lemony Snicket, says: "Sanctuary... is a word which here means a small, safe place in a troubling world. Like an oasis in a vast desert or an island in a stormy sea." This is something that I have thought about often throughout my life. Especially after my parents went through their divorce. It made me really begin to understand the difference between a house and a home. For too long I saw the house that I had grown up in as my home when in reality it was now just a home. When my mother left and things began to change, it no longer felt the same. I wasn't happy. I didn't feel like I was returning to my sanctuary when I returned from dance or school. After a long time I realized that the place I felt truly at home was when I was surrounded by my friends and family. These people and their love was home. It was not simply a building, it was where I found sanctuary. And I found sanctuary in my friends and when I visited with the rest of my family. We all find sanctuary in many different things, and therefore the word home means something different for everyone. I tend to find it frequently in nature, and even in just my hometown. MY heart belongs to Princeton, and I feel at my happiness when I go for long walks through the beautiful trees and forests of Wachusett Mountain (except not in the Winter). I have found my home in people and places and knowing this brings me great comfort. I think the key to happiness is just finding your sanctuary and finding your home and surrounding yourself with it. Thank you for reading, Amanda Lucille Song of the DayHome by Gabrielle Aplin |
About This Blog:I started this blog as a way to challenge myself to write more over the 2014 year, but it has blossomed into so much more than that. I use it to let people in on what's happening in my life, talk about things I find important and to spread the news about amazing people, places and art. Archives
November 2017
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