harmony

I’m about to get something permanently put on my body. I never thought I’d ever be sure enough of any one word, symbol or phrase that could hold my attention for the rest of my life. But, it’s time to take some chances. It’s time to struggle past the commitment issues and just do something about it. For the rest of my life, on my left wrist will be the word, “harmony.” It seems so simplistic, but yet it carries never-ending meaning.

I’m 20 years old and I’ve finally observed and reconciled one lesson of life: There is a delicate balance that is universally needed. It takes harmony to maintain happiness. You can only ride the ecstatic adrenaline for so long. And you can only be trapped by serotonin imbalances for so long. Yes- for every positive there must be a negative. But instead of observing those positives as extreme “highs” and those negatives as extreme “lows” I will see them as a working, mutualistic relationship. A harmonious interconnectedness. A beautiful thing.

I’ve also learned how harmony plays a role in relationships. Internal and external relationships are dependent on harmony. There will always be insecurities if you can’t find the appropriate balance, both with others and within yourself.

And last, but not least: Harmony in music. This is what seals the deal for me. Singing harmony is so natural for me. The harmony almost makes itself more appealing and obvious to me than the melody. I’d prefer to leave out the music terminology and theory when trying to explain to someone how to sing harmony, and just tell them to sing what feels right. Odds are, if they have any musical ear, a harmony will be created. It may be a harmony that I would never hear, or it could consist of the basic thirds and fifths that our ears are drawn to. But either way, it’s a powerful factor in the music. It molds the feeling. It creates the story. Harmony is what brings music alive for me. And often times, harmony is what connects me with the people I’m making music with.

Harmony.

I’ll attempt to live, breathe and create it for the rest of my life.

Ying/Yang

I've decided the main characteristic that I need in a man. Screw honesty, intelligence, compassion... I need a man who can pull out the one liners like no one else. I'm a simple girl to please. Hit my funny bone with a predictable side comment or pun and I'll be eternally yours.

I have nothing to write about these days (hence the extreme absence). The drama of last year has calmed. I'm finally balanced and back at it. The pieces I lost are slowly being pulled back and shit is good. I'm as content, harmonious and satisifed as I could be.

Fall is so renewing. Granted, the weather has seemingly decided to skip fall and go right for the white powder (dumb). But despite the harsh temperature drop there's a certain atmosphere that accompanies fall. I'm thriving off it right now. My school schedule is so lax, and junior year has just been a blast from space. I can't get over these amazing people that keep being put into my life. Just when I thought that my friendships can't get any stronger or that there's no possible way I could have any more above average, amazing friends... at least one more person comes along. Someday I'll own a house and invite every one of these friends over. I'd explode from gratification and utter happiness if I was ever able to have them all in the same room. There's a large part of me that is still just emotionally drained and it's not fair to these new friends of mine who are deserved of more emotional intensity than I can give them at this time. But for now the emotions will stay in that hidden little part of me. They're safe there, and I've never been one to bottle things up for too long so I'm not worried about them overstaying their welcome.

Sphhhhatttt else? Hmmm. My big brother still hasn't been able to make it over here from Chi town. I miss his ass. I hate hate hate seeing such strong parallels between him and this other guy I know...

John Mayer has a new CD coming out soon. It better not be super lame and dumb. November 11th. Don't let me down, JM. I defend you too much these days.

Langhorne Slim has found his way into my daily ear. He's a rip roaring lyricist.

That oughts do the trick for now...

Homework calls.

While in this state.

I've been dreaming of writing.

Living.

Processing.

Correcting.

I've been dreaming of falling.

Helplessly.

Stuck.

Torn.

I've been dreaming without you.

I've been living without you.

Confusion.

Sarcasm.

Love.

I've been dreaming of composing.

Lyrics.

Lines.

Endings.

I've dreamt of the future.

Hidden.

Unknown.

Hopeless.

I've been dreaming.

Laughing.

Loving.

Free.

I've been dreaming.

I've been dreaming to write.

I've been dreaming of falling.

I've been dreaming without you.

I've been living without you.

I've been dreaming of composing.

I've dreamt of the future.

I've been dreaming.

I've never truly dreamt before.

Excessive.

I realize this is excessive... two posts in one day... two posts in 6 hours? 

Holy crap- FREAKAZOID.

I've had a rough one, and I figure it'll be good for me to vent to the unresponsive internets. My head and heart have been filling with memories lately. I've been allowing too much nostalgia in, and not focussing on what's happening now. This is weighing me down. 

There's so much of me that's desperate to see that side again. So much of me who wants to reach out to you. I want to tell you what I see in you now, and hope that you may not want to be that person. I want to grab you by the hand and care for you.

But, I know it's not good. 

For you or I.

Have you ever wondered when there comes a point where you just "give up"? Is there ever a point that someone just doesn't deserve the love you're willing to give anymore? 

I don't think there is. I don't think I could ever rationalize the theory strong enough to convince myself that you're undeserved, or that I'm unwilling. 

Everything is splendid. But, I'm internalizing the past. Placing blame. Looking for explanations. 

It's probably just something that is happening today, and tomorrow I'll forget all about it. I won't dwell, but I can't forget. 

I got a little bit of lonely mixed in with all this busy. 

And that's throwing me off.

I feel so strong. So, we'll just call today, "A bad day." 

Tengo gusto de armonia.

Sugarfree had our second Dunn Bros gig this past weekend. I'm still amazed by how much fun it was. There was an overwhelming sense of love and appreciation that I've never felt before. Here I am, playing music with one of my favorite people in the world, and an amazing musician, surrounded by an entire coffee shop of our "fans." 

They're fans of us, and our music. And that means a lot.

My nerves and anxiety weren't present.

My excitement and enthusiasm couldn't be stopped.

And the music always felt right.

So it terms of a Saturday night, I rate it: A Success. 

Everything inside of me is getting anxious for warmer weather and outside time.

I miss bon fires. I miss camping. I miss running water. I miss sun tanned faces and blonde hair. I miss freckles. I miss driving with the windows down and the tunes blasted. 

I'm getting restless. 

Not too much to say... 

I like music and want sunshine. 

Why Love... of course

Happy Valentine's Day (belated).

I hope you all had a lovely day of worth and sincere appreciation for the ones you love. 

I was able to see the majority of people I love most this Valentine's Day... maybe not in the predictable context... but there was a visual sighting, nonetheless. 

Usually I get all "hopeless romantic" around this lovely February 14th time... but this year I haven't been hit by the girly bug. I have enough love from people around me to even be tempted by loneliness, right now. 

There are a lot of things I'm missing out on. But, there are a lot of things that I'm able to experience that people in relationships are missing out on as well. It's all a matter of timing, and comfort. Right now- I'm comfortable being the single girl I am. I'm not sure how long this comfort will last... but I'll soak it up while I can. I know I'm "ready" for a relationship, and I've seen enough ups and downs observing others to have an idea of what a good one takes. 

I'm willing to risk a lot for that potential... but not until I meet someone who I think is willing to ride that ride with me. 

So- on this Valentine's Day- all of my love goes to my friends and family... and with confidence I can say that this is really no different than any other day. 

Step on the love train... if you're like me... there's no getting off.

As long as there are people, there will be love.

Night Two.

Two nights in a row? 

Yes- Please.

I'm falling into things. They're just happening. 

I'm happy. 

I smile more.

I cry less.

I'm being challenged... and I'm growing.

I'm hiding my anxieties. I don't know why I wasted so much time acknowledging them in the first place.

I poured out my heart to one trusted youth pastor, and all of a sudden my insides feel good.

I think I have a crush on a boy.

Or- I think a boy has a crush on me.

I don't think I'll ever do anything about it... but I can't picture myself turning down a chance to get to know him. It's flattering (right, liv?).

I think Ula and Olivia are the only ones who read this... which makes me happy to know. Because Ula and Olivia are more than enough. And by Ula, I mean "Max." (tee hee).

A part of me is missing a part of 'someone' else... but I'm trying to deny it and force the feeling away. But, I do miss our conversations and heart felt relationship. Maybe one day we'll want it back.

I've decided that if I could have any power over my body I would design a remote control that turns on and off the female menstrual cycle. Jack and I were talking about this today. But, it would be so nice to have control over it. If I had a lazy day where I know I had nothing that needed to be done- I'd deem that day "period day." And, I'd just have to make sure that I get in 3-5 of those days a month. That'd be nice.

I'd never name my kid: Ida.

I like the names Harmony and Oliver.

And Connor ; )

ps. doesn't that picture/phone thing look like a person?

What would you name it ?

I'll go listen to music and fall asleep now.

Pigeons.

There are two pigeons that spend day in and day out seated upon a door. They may not know I exist, but I know they do. They may not read my mind or emotions, but I somehow expect them to. Since August 27th, those pigeons have been around. That's almost 6 months. Those pigeons have witnessed 6 months of my life at a closer view than most others. They don't know what's been going on. I don't really know what's been going on. All I know, is that there's a lot to be said for simply sticking by someone. It's a dedication that not many are willing to offer. But, I appreciate those two pigeons in their simplistic lifestyles. This all sounds lame, I know... But, I wish I had two pigeons to follow me through life for as long as possible. Two pigeons who will perch on my door for no other reason than it's where they belong, and want to be. They always have the option of flying away. They do fly away. But they always return. I don't need to see them to know where they are. They're just two pigeons. But they've given me proof of something I need.

I like those pigeons.

"Hold my head inside your hands. I need someone who understands. I need someone, someone who hears. For you I've waited all these years."

I like song lyrics. India Arie's new CD came out this week and it's quite brilliant [go figure]. I wish I had more time to dedicate to analyzing song lyrics and meaning and motivation. I suppose I could make time. But, school work has been dominating me. No, school has been kicking my ass. I can handle some discipline and academic motivation in my life, but the amount of time and stress I've put into textbooks this week will never bring out the best of me. I need some spunk. I'm missing some spunk. I think I'll blame it on lack of music that's been happening. After all,  "music is what feelings sound like." 

I've restricted passion in my life.

I don't know why I'm doing it.

I don't know when I'll change it.

I'm putting up walls.

Maybe it's good?

Maybe it's needed?

But- it's not me.

But, where to put the passion?

People?

Music?

School?

I choose all.

And I'll always fall short. There's no harmony in passion. I'm full of contradictions. I am starving for passion, but tied to harmony. 

I want to challenge myself. I want someone to challenge me. I want someone to care enough about me that they'd be willing to challenge me. I want to feel cared for. I know I am. But I want to 'feel.' I can't feel when my mind is in a textbook. I can't sing when there's a sheet of music in front of me. But I can't remove the sheet. 

I want to cry when I sing. I like crying when I sing. I want to throw down the wall and let it out again. But I may not be ready. I've never been one to protect myself. Why am I trying to start now? 

All I want is a bon fire.

All I want is stars.

All I want is a best friend to give all to.

All I want is a picture of you to hang on my wall.

All I want is to feel the salt burn them.

All I want is to pray.

All I want is to hear your voice singing a harmony.

All I want is grass on my skin.

All I want is dirt mixed with water from melted snow.

All I want is that feeling of the three of us.

All I want is Lake Koronis.

All I want is to feel you.

All I want is to be uncomfortable.

All I want is the growth.

All I want is armonia.

All I want is a river.

All I want is never ending, breath taking, laughter.

I'm socially aware. 

That may not mean much to you, but it's explaining a lot of things internally for me. That simple statement is answering so many internal conflicts. 

"all at once-rushing from the sub pump-or so the story goes-balance we won't know-we will see when it gets warm" 

I'm ready to play music at a coffee shop.

I'm ready for the adrenaline. I'm ready for the vulnerability. I'm ready to force connection.

I don't have money anymore. I spent it all for great causes... so I'm okay with it.

I never listen to my own songs. So, why record them? 

I've been skipping 'our' songs. 

This is too abstract.

But that's just my social upbringing and culture talking.

Screw that.

I want goosebumps.

Why do they call them goosebumps?

I'm scared to let my full self out to some people. And I no longer think that's a bad thing. Not everyone wants it. And I don't want to give it to the undeserved.

I think that if I went to live music once a week, by myself, in a coffee shop, with nothing but a pen and paper I would be a stronger person. 

I can't multi-task when music is involved. I can only be. I can observe me. But I can't apply me... when there's music. 

"River Rise, carry me back home. I can not remember the way. River Rise, carry me back home. I surrender today... I was always a charmed flower child. I would sit for hours and listen to the sky." 

I think this is plenty for now. This is how my brain works. I'm sorry for the lack of explanation in most of what I said. No, I'm not. 

February Changes.

Waz Up?

I've been observing a lot of changes lately. I haven't been pushing myself to make these changes, but more so realizing that they're happening and remaining comfortable with it. 

Comfort. Comfort. Comfort.

I have a feeling this comfort may not be lasting for too much longer. I've never really been one to stay 'dormant' in my life... I like to meet new people and challenge myself into growth. But I think what needs to be done right now is to rekindle with the old people. Place faith in friendship and love once again. My feelings of 'friendship' have been so detrimentally challenged these past few months that this will be a much harder goal than it may seem.

But, I want it to happen.

It's kind of been happening on it's own and I can only pray it continues to.

That's the other thing: Prayer.

No matter how devoted my faith, I've always put a low emphasis on prayer. I've never had much need or desire to do it. I went to Mexico last summer and witnessed such extreme outcomes of prayer that it almost sincerely put me in a stage of disbelief. But, I am falling deeply and quickly into the beauty of prayer recently... It started in England. I would pray for the smallest things... for people on my mind... for situations I was worried about. I'd be a fool if I didn't recognize the peace that I've felt since I've began this 'prayer streak.' I think it's because I'm constantly acknowledging things as they're happening, and realizing then the lack of control I really have over so many situations in life. I've been living in the present so much more. It's thrilling. My heart isn't tied down and my social network is once again expanding. 

I've been thinking more about social stuff/relationships. I think I'm ready for something. A relationship of sorts? I won't go looking for it... I never have and I probably never will. And eventually, that may just be where I fall short. I feel like I might have some potential in what I have to offer to some boy out there... but I can't spark enough confidence to attempt. I know that I will never be one of those girls who gives up their lifestyle and friendships to spend countless hours with the lova' boy... I can't do that. I refuse to do that. I pity the girls who do that.

I didn't really wanna go down that route.

Subject change? 

I've been thinking about 'goals' and my 'future' and where I want to be.

I have immediate goals... such as... complete homework to the best of my ability, cry when I need to but smile all the other, put as much of me as possible into my friends without a selfish thought, succeed in a stronger faith in God, myself and as generic as possible- life. 

But what about long term goals? What do I really want to be when I grow up? I was talking to my friend who is also a psych major and she has these ambitions. She wants to start a women's clinic in Africa. She has direction. She has motivation. And therefore, her work along the way is that much more enjoyable because she knows where she's going with it. I wish I had that. I wish I knew if I wanted to a job focussed on my psychology major, or a job focussed on my religion major. My heart keeps coming back to the cognitively disabled... or "mentally handicapped." They're a hidden passion and love of mine. I know my life would be fulfilled if I was helping and learning from these people every day. I think I have the patience, and I know I have the love.

I'd also love to just travel. 

No destination.

Just my bff, Olivia and I... a suitcase in hand... meeting new people along the way... Meeting up with Maried when she's living in Italy, visiting Ula in Poland, and Abby in Africa. 

I want to be cultured.

I may not even want to live in the U.S. for my entirety. I'm pretty sure of that. 

Oh gosh. 

Too overwhelming.

I'll break out in a nervous sweat if I start thinking about future endeavors in any greater depth.

I think I'll try and 'blog' more frequently. I'll continue to lack structure, but I'll just let my general thoughts go wild.

Yeah.

Wild thoughts.

Oh- and I'll probably HAVE to put a picture on every post I make. So, deal w/it.

Little light of understanding

Long time, no talk. 

What a life that's been happening. What a change that has been occurring. What destruction of trust that has shown itself. And what adaptation that has taken place.

I'm back on my feet I suppose you could say... But they're not the same two feet I've been standing on previously. These feet hold bigger secrets, yet carry heavier pride. I've successfully picked myself up from a relational disaster, I suppose you could say. I misplaced trust and I misplaced myself... but shit happens. I've just had an overload of learning and development... and I'm sure it's not over yet. 

Once again I've learned more about myself through every experience that's been thrown at me. I guess in the past few months I have learned the love/hate relationship that comes with being an empathetic and sincerely caring person. I've learned the beauty of time on relationships and self healing. And most of all, I've taken to appreciating 'the little victories' as Matt Nathanson would recognize it. I've also been trying to pay a higher attention to balance. I used to think that life was better living off of the ecstasy of emotions and people and excitement taking place at specific times in your life. But, lately I've appreciated the balance a lot more. If you devote too much hope and energy into one source you're bound to fall harder when the thrill dies. I'm not downgrading the weight and necessity of passion in life, but rather suggesting that after experiencing a time of complete and utter passion- I wish I would've had something to fall back on. I wish I would've balanced myself out with other people instead of put so much hope into one person and their influence on me. I've been making "cautious, deliberate mistakes" (from The Last Five Years musical). 

I'm noticing a pattern these days. I think that boys around the age of 18-22 experience a phenomenon that must be recognized. I've done a fairly strong job of making friends with boys of high intelligence, both intellectually and socially. However- this past year or so the majority of these respectable men have all experienced a same crisis. What comes next in their search for an adult life? Where do other people fit into your path of manhood? What steps are needed to mold into a responsible and respectable man? What areas of yourself do you leave behind and what do you bring with? There's this light switch that flips on in these boys I know. All of a sudden their lives must be analyzed. They must make rash decisions and more importantly they must be able to place confidence in their decisions... I don't feel comfortable naming or quoting specific situations, but I'll do my best to compare the two boys in particular that I'm thinking about. The first one is brilliant, talented and an above average male college student. And the second is exactly the same. They both placed high value in their relationships and were able to maintain a selected amount of friends who they trusted and respected. They were able to grow. They discovered new things about themselves through the people surrounding them, as often happens. But then- when everything seems great- something inside them shoots off a warning. I'm not sure what it is. I speculate it's some sort of identity analysis crisis situation or something? But eventually they have the ability to find such extreme discomfort in the comfortable that they run, they question, they freak. The people providing comfort and love before are no longer enough. Something is missing, and apparently the only answer is to take a selfish and independent journey to find oneself. I wish I could explain this better... It's funny that I've been so intimately affected by it twice now, within a short period of time, but I guess I still don't completely understand it to communicate it in theory. Or maybe I'm just trying too hard to search for an answer to legitimize why these two boys I love would so willingly hurt me? But, there are more little men out there who I can see thinking and behaving the same way. No longer is the world perceived as an adolescent. Now the world must be looked as though you're a man. But, how do men make decisions? How many people are men willing to hurt? Where do men place their faith and trust? 

Same goes for ladies, I'm sure- but it's a whole different battle. 

Anywho.

I've recently returned from a two week long trip to England with my college choir. It's funny how being in vulnerable situations faces you to react significantly quicker than you would in normal, day-to-day life. You can't run away from your thoughts or questions as easily. You have to face the question as often and as frequently as you can so that you can answer it as quickly as possible. It's so easy to notice a problem... and then over-think it, and analyze it, but then never react and try something. I admire people who can just react, with some hesitancy, and then make an assessment as to what comes next. I suck at thinking about people too much. It's my down fall. I'm trying this new thing out lately- It's called focussing on me. So far- the outcomes have been astounding. Two weeks away from my daily pressures and relationships have allowed me two weeks of up-close-and-personal time with myself. And those two weeks away came at the opportune timing... when my love for myself was at an all time low because my main source(s) of love had vanished. But- I'm back and rearing to go. I really like the idea of starting anew. Even in religion and Christianity one of my main attractions has been renewal of self and life style and relationships. I don't know any fool who wouldn't want that... 

So- I feel like I've taken to a new road lately. 

I'm piecing a lot together.

The only thing I have to do next is figure out what I want to do with my life.

Easy as pie. 

Day Dreams

Hola a mis amigos del mundo. 

It's been a stressful week over here, and my brain is going nuts, life is off the wire. And to top it all off, this is probably my most intense academic week as well. I can't find balance. But, I'll keep chuggin through. 

So, while being a good little student and attending classes today my mind was wondering into deeper thoughts of what I was being taught. 

In my New Testament class today we learned about a passage in Philippians known as "The Christ Hymn." I feel like it really sums up most of my reasons for belief and what I believe to be important factors in life and God's teachings. So, here we go... Philippians 2. 

"If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus..."

Yeah. So far, out of my minimal interpretative and closed reading Bible studying I would say that this is a large summary of all I value. Compassion and sympathy, love, humility, self-sacrifice... Oh, HELL YEAH! I wish Paul would've written this letter to me. 

After learning more about this passage and Paul's relationship with the Church of Philippians I started thinking about my church and the relationships I've formed growing up in that congregation. The deeper I go in life, and the deeper I go in forming new relationships, the more it comes back to my church community. I can't help but recognize the correlation of the ones I love the most and where I initially started my relationship with them... mi iglesia [my church]. Why is that? Is it simply because I've known these people for the longest; and they've seen me through my maturity and growth? Or is it because of the setting I've known them from? I think there's a fair amount of truth in claiming that my love for these people may be solidified because I know they have been taught a love similar to the one that I value. A love that we were taught, and have almost all applied. The largest handful of people that I have as examples and leaders in my life are those I've seen most Sundays and Wednesdays of my adolescence. It could just be that my connection to all these loves are simply because of the time and energy I've put into them. But, I feel like a spirituality that's unexplainable and probably unprovable is an underlying tone in all of these relationships. My bestest friend in life right now is a boy I grew up in church with. We've seen ups higher than I imagined possible, and we've seen downs lower than I'd ever want them. But, somewhere there's always been love and patience. I don't know how he's put up with me all of these years... when I look back on all of our struggles I can't help but just laugh at how ridiculous we've both been... more, I. But, we're both still hanging on. We know what forgiveness does for a relationship. We know the importance of loving someone, unconditionally, and accepting them for who they are and who they want to be. Sounds a lot like some teaching we may have received in the little days of Sunday School, doesn't it? I have multiple other relationships that are similarly strong and based on these virtues that originated at this establishment. The number is high and outweighs all of my other social scenes. Maybe it IS because we can all recognize this "same mind" and "same love." ?

Hell, I don't know. 

I really hope that this theory continues as I go through life, because these people are the ones who will help me the most as I choose my life, or react as it comes. 

I realize the exact opposite of these claims can be made as well. I would guess that there are many people out there who felt more judged in their church than anything else. Which angers me gravely. The ideal of a church is acceptance and love. The ideal of most religions is acceptance and love. Boo judgement and boo church's that exemplify that. I'm sorry to you... 

A certain someone had me thinking non-stop about music as well today. 

What does it mean to me now? How has that changed from previously? Do I want it to continue changing or is this a beyond satisfying place to be?

Music is the answer for me right now. It's helping me identify myself in ways I'm not sure I would've been able to identify elsewhere. I've had music in my life, again mostly beginning at my church, for as long as I can remember. I did the whole piano lessons thing... (not for very long, and not very well, but... lessons were had), I joined choir in 6th grade and have yet to leave it. Sang throughout middle school, continued in high school... ended up doing "well" [whatever the hell that means] and now, here I am, getting ready for a college choir tour to England and Wales, in January. Choir is a lot of my musical mold. There are aspects I'm grateful for, but also training that I'd rather be ignorant of. I wonder what choir would've been like for me in another country? A country that wasn't individualistic? In America, we're so focused on individual talent and doing our own individual, absolute best. There's a sense of pride in the independence of knowing we can sing a part well, on our own. But where's the harm in depending on the group as a whole? You can lead the way all you want, in tempo and in pitch, but if the rest of the group is keeping a group tempo and pitch you are getting nowhere, and benefiting no choir. It's a group. It's a trust. It's great. 

I'm learning that's what I want music to be, and what I want more of my life to be. There's a certain amount of individualism that's needed, especially in our society, but the idea of a communal understanding is gorgeous. 

Music has also given me confidence by identifying my insecurities. I would've never guessed a year ago that I'd EVER play any of the songs I've written for ANYONE. But now, here I am... preparing for potential gigs consisting only of originals. Scary. I never would've thought I'd have the confidence to do that. But, music has enlightened me. It's allowed me to recognize that there are things that I can do that will be beautiful, even if only to me. It's given me confidence in my emotions and expression. Music will never again be an experience lacking spirituality for me again. We've become committed, music and I. We're dating. 

I'm falling pretty hard for him too. It's hard for me to have music in 'the background' at all now. I have to focus on it, I want to focus on it. I want to feel it. I'm so fricken lucky to have a best friend who is one of thee most talented, and admirable musicians I've ever met. And then on top of that, to have a whole realm of friends with extreme talent and passion. Ahhh... but music is so vulnerable. SO VULNERABLE... especially in the voice, I've noticed. Everyone has their own voice, and everyone perceives voices differently. You never know who's gonna like what you sound like, who will like the vulnerable creation you're creating. Takes a lot of confidence to ignore that step and to just make music because it's enjoyable to you. 

I think it helps to have someone who shares the passion.

Safety in numbers, right?

Music has been a huge release to me. It's the deepest I've ever felt for it. It's the most comfortable I've ever felt for it. It makes me appreciate simple things in life. I think I would feel simply the most happy sitting next to a campfire with a guitar in hand, a cello in my best friend's hands, a french horn in my other best friend's hands, and a breathtaking voice in my Puerto Rican lover. Ah. That'd be life for me. A weekend of that, and all my internal conflicts would be resolved and every desire for love would be filled. 

Music and Love.

Sigh.

I'm a broken record.

I need to go camping.

But it's snowing.

My life needs a camping trip. A weekend surrounded by glory. yummy. 

News. News. News.

I just purchased my tickets to see this beautiful man premiere in the new James Bond flick, "Quantum of Solace" on Thursday at midnight.

Thank God for Daniel Craig.

Physical Attraction and Love.

We're surrounded by a world of lust. We're mammals with desires, instincts, urges. But somewhere lost within our societal influences, our evolution proves our deepest desire... 

to be in love.

I watched a video today in my Social Psychology class that went into psychological depths of physical attractiveness and our chemical reactions... I won't be able to remember much about the chemical stuff... neurobiology is not my thanggg... Sorry. 

We all know the rule of symmetry. Everyone's heard that we're attracted to individuals with symmetric faces. It's proven and accepted... yeah yeah yeah... 

We're also attracted to pheromones that are produced by a special someone of interest. There's been studies done where women will actually smell the sweaty T-shirts of men who had been playing basketball... then these women will proceed to analyze which smell they're most attracted to. And sure enough, the pheromones that women often get the most excited over belong to men with the strongest immune systems. How the hell? And why the hell? I don't know. It's part of our evolutionary instincts to find the most 'attractive' person, who would then be obviously the best suit to raise children and a family with, and continue the beautiful human life. 

It still seems strange that my Chick-Flick influenced subconscious would find attraction levels based on healthiness and who would bone the best, and make the best lookin' hijos. But, I guess that's where the basis for our attraction comes from... Who has the best genes. 

One of the anthropologists who was making this video gave her theory of a 3 step attraction process. The first step is lust. Pretty self explanatory. I feel like this step is too heavily stressed in the World around us. We're expected to act on these urges. I would guide not to recognize these desires as often as they arouse. Lust is misleading in our goal of ultimate love. Other mammals with these lustful desires can pull it off. They're capable of sexing all over the place and making babies, because that is more so their 'purpose' in the circle of life. But we're these radical beings... and we're exceptions, as always. Somewhere in lust you must factor in future, which I believe to be almost impossible if we're truly just acting on lustful instincts. The step of lust doesn't get us far in our goal for love. After lust comes the romantic interest. You know... that puppy love stuff. Who doesn't want this stuff? It's great. I think this is probably when most of the chemical interactions going on in our body happen. Because to me, romantic interest means further sexually... which means more chemical alterations. Some lovely thing called the caudate nucleus is activated when we're in love. There is literally a change in our brain, similar to the effects a drug such as cocaine may have on us. The dopamine levels in our bodies are highly elevated, and as many of us have probably experienced... we have one attention, one focus: the lover. This explains our desires to be with that person all the time. It's nearly impossible to focus attention elsewhere. I'm a big fool for the idea of romantic love, but have potentially only really felt the chemical changes in my body for a couple recent weeks in my life. They were great. Unexplainable, powerful, all that good stuff. We all have a desire to fall for someone. We want to be swept off our feet and into someone's love embrace. It's an addiction... I mentioned this in my last blog, even. I'm addicted to love... we all are. So, what comes after the romantic interest stage according to this woman? Long Term Attachment. This is just simply the commitment stage. Pffftttt. It's an oxymoron for me to say "simply the commitment stage," isn't it? This is the time in our biological lives when we decide that we're ready to raise children together. So... we commit. I'm a cynic to this idea, right now in my life. I'm debating and playing roles in my head as to what I would want commitment to truly mean in any relationship I'm in. I'm a big fan of growing as a person, and with other people. And I think it's ignorant to not notice growth that may take place apart from that other committed person. Relationships are important to me, and I think ideally I'd like to make that commitment. But, realistically I'm hesitant. You can make the commitment, but you also must commit to yourself. How much of yourself can you ultimately give up? Shoot... "give up" was a bad choice of words. You know what I mean though... Have you heard of "The 7 Year Itch"? This is the time when attraction generally begins dwindling. Evolutionarily this would be explained with the idea that you and your lover would now have a kid around the age of 6 or 7 and you know now that the child is at a better place to witness and live a break up... Eventually attraction may only be holding on by the offspring, and their happiness. My parents must've had the seven year itch... I was about 5 when their divorce was going through. I'm fine. I fit the mold. I can see this... and in some ways, I can respect it. I respect my parents' love and care for each other, and themselves to recognize things that may have no possible positive solution. I respect that they let each other go, and broke their commitment to one another. We're so focussed on divorce rates in this country being negative. And, I do agree. It's sad that relationships are so often weak, and divorce may seem like the "easy way" out. I could never look at it that way... but I can see how the majority can and do. Divorce isn't always bad. Marriage before a certain point is bad... Premature, and immature marriages. If you lose the itch, you lose the itch. No blame pointed. If there's someone better, there's someone better. It's your choice. Bleh. Hits close to home, this junk. 

But anyway... What else did I learn from this video that I thought interesting? OH! I think it's pretty obvious that what we notice men to be most attracted to is visual phenomenon. In the courting sphere, they're focussed on appearance... which could be affected by things as small as dialated pupils, to something as obvious as "a nice rack." Women however, are more attracted to memories of a man. I was glad to hear this, because I would agree, 100%. Women are attracted to men who they have memories of high morale situations, and good times. Or, they purposely remember times when the man messed up, and put that in the back of their heads somewhere as possible justification of sorts in the future. 

Ah... attraction.

Great stuff. 

I've never had a boy love me, so I'm not sure where my heart really lies in all of this stuff. But, it's fun to think about before I have to experience and deal with it first hand. I've paid close attention to relationships my friends have, one relationship in particular, and have pulled out many things from them that I would inspire to, and that I would never want. Sadly enough, not too many of my friends really have positive relationships going down, in my opinion. My roommate is livin the life... that's for sure. But, other than that... the relationships I see daily are not what I would desire.... But I like knowing that : )

I think I'm going to call it a night. Two blogs in two nights? 

Something's wrong with me...

Night World.

Unorganized Chaos

Hello Hello Hello [I think it's appropriate I keep a theme of 3 in every posted blog. I feel like 3 is a good number... We've got the trinity, the 3 amigos... but anyway, on with this nonsense]. 

I hope that people (most of which non existent) reading this won't be insulted by the lack of order and organization that is to come. I have no motivation as to what to write and no deep dark insightful World understandings to publish. I guess I'll just talk about whatever is hidden in my subconscious. That's always awkward and vulnerable and entertaining.

With our recent election of the gorgeous, the inspirational, the beacon that is Barack Obama my thoughts are instantly drawn to hope. Hope is such a powerful force, that is often overlooked by our focus on rationality and reality. Barack Obama is new hope. He's a new vault to put our hearts and trust into. He's just great... exactly what the doctor ordered. Every class I have right now is mostly focussed on people. I'm hoping to double major in psychology and religion and have been finding stronger parallels between the two than I ever would've dreamed of. Our deepest desires as humans... our strongest subconscious pulls... that many-a psychologists are constantly attempting to figure out... and many philosophers are constantly trying to analyze and construct... have been answered in the beautiful simplicity that is faith and hope, and for lack of better definition, religion.

One of the greatest and strongest things we can give to one another is hope and belief. What good is a relationship that doesn't exhibit trust and love for one another? Isn't that what it's all about? We need to have faith that people are capable and potentially even created to be great. We need to encourage all that good ole' fashion love stuff. Can't hurt, right? I'm a little girl who values relationships to points beyond measurable. And the ways of the universe are shifting my tides of comfort that have been so steady and consistent for so long. I would never say that I've "misplaced" my faith in people, but my faith is definitely being tested in a good chunk of people I've put love into. Maybe there's such a thing as loving people too much? I want to deny those thoughts though. I'd like to think that the only possible variable in that equation that could be getting hurt would be the person exemplifying so much love... and potentially just draining themselves. There are relationships that I have put nothing but love and acceptance into that have all of a sudden vanished... and not by my choice. I could fight harder. I could give more. I know I have it in me. But, I'll sit back and let time play these out. I'll continue to have faith in these friends who I know are beautiful people who are just overwhelmed with outward pressures and inward confusion. I'll have hope that they find themselves and convey themselves as accurately and positively as possible... whether that involves my activity and support in their life or not. Maybe that's where a cliche, "if you love someone, let them go" phrase would fit in. Who writes those things anyway? 

I'm addicted to love. 

And no addiction is healthy... But, I feel like this self-inflicted addiction can only be hindering to myself. I can only give too much of MYSELF, and therefore can only hurt me. But it's a beautiful cycle, because giving love also strengthens me. It more than strengthens me. It charges me. I like being charged. I like people who have faith in me. I like people who are capable of loving. AKA EVERYONE : )

Typical.

I would be talking about this.

It's all I can talk about lately.

Maybe that's because it's all that makes sense, and what I'm most confident in.

I'm confident that by giving love... I can injure no one. And injuring no one sounds like a desirable course of action. 

Anyway... I think I was going to connect religion in there somewhere. But, it mostly does it itself. 

Agape love.

Yes, Please.

If nothing else... my dog gives me agape love. She's cool.

I'm just clinging onto hope.

Barack Obama.

:: sigh ::

What a man.

What else to talk about? MUSIC. Music is cool slash my life. 

Actually, I'm gonna call this first ever blog attempt a wrap, and go spend some quality time with my roommate. 

Sorry for sucking at blogging... I'm a noob.

Not another site...

Well, this will mostly be to comment on the wonderful life of Jon McDuffie, but who knows what else may come out of it...

Maybe Rory Cardinal will become president, and I will suddenly feel an urge to post random things about politics?
But that will only be if he can get his blood sugar up!