Music Gifting...

Music is everything…it is how I was raised.  Sometimes a song can take you right back to a special place that is pure happiness.  For me, one of those places is sitting in the back seat of my Grandpa’s silver Mark V…turbine wheels…smooth maroon leather seats…playing with my beloved “ducky” (who was kept in that particular car for me) while he played groovy tunes for me.  It was the best.  I always knew how to groove.  Head swaying to music is a sign of a good soul…and you are born with it.  I miss him every single day…his hugs…his stories…his belief that I should be a big boss someday and write novels too.  I remember always playing music for him… “Grandpa…what do you think of this?”  He was the coolest and I think the only music he didn’t like was the Trance stuff that “sounded like I was building something in my room”.  The music was never too loud.  He got it.  He played the saxophone…he was full of soul.  He always slipped me money for music and understood the urgency of needing to get to Sam Goody or Tower Records. 

One of the greatest feelings is when you find new music that speaks to you.  I was driving around this morning…summertime vibes…windows down…and something new came through the airwaves.  It made me wish that I could share it with Grandpa.  Sitting together…with a quadrophonic sound system surrounding us.  Grooving. Chatting.  I could catch him up on all of the things.  In this moment as the music wraps around and holds me…I know he is here with me…and he thinks everything is copacetic.

The Things That Matter...

I believe in signs and omens...I believe that you are not handed anything that you can't handle...I believe that you should trust the process...I believe that you should do what you love...I believe that I needed a good swift kick to remember all of these things.  We all have moments when you feel a little bit lost...but the key is not to dwell there to long.  You have to remember the things that matter.  The things that matter to you...and then all else will work its way out.  I know the things that matter to me...my family...love in my heart and soul...writing...music...soccer...beer...walking for miles...staring at trees and/or water...dates with Gym...and travel.  These are the things I need to consume myself with...not my job.  My job is the thing that allows me to enjoy all the things that matter.  I had briefly forgotten.

I was watching my favorite local band (19th Street Band) talk about and then sing their song

"The Things That Matter" and it hit me...I'm not really doing all of the things that matter to me.  It took some time to work it through...many scribbles in my journal...a few beers...some music...random epiphany inspiring conversations at my local watering hole...then a decision to put all fears aside...and just do all the things.  So, I am.  I'm going to make time for all the things...and in doing so...I'll have endless fodder for the one thing I love to do the most...write. 

Beer:  Off the Rook - RAR

Music:  I Want to Be Here - Neko Case (Case/Lang/Veirs)

Twas the Night before NanoWrimo... (Word Count = 0)

So, maybe I won't write a novel in November...but my goal is to write every day.  A story a day.  A story a day that I will post on my blog.  It is something to get my writing going.  That is the point of National Novel Writing Month (NanoWrimo)...to get the words out.  I need to get back to my writing...with some form of consistency.  I don't know what I will write about.  I'm hoping that each short story over the next 30 days will have some common thread to it.  My hope is to let a song inspire me each day to write a story.  Perhaps even a baby sized beer every now and again too.  I have a plan.  Each morning during my 4 miles...I'll pick a song or ask for song recommendations the evening before.  Then I will spend the my hour on the treadmill plotting and maybe making some notes.  Then...after work...maybe with a baby beer and maybe without...I'll put fingers to keys or pen to paper...and write!!  WRITE!!  I can't wait.  It will feel so good to get my creatives going.  A story a day...for 30 days.  This year I am a Nano Rebel...

In these final days...

My only guide...

I am going to miss all of this...this feeling...in the magical space of before.  The smiles thinking of what is to come because you know something really fantastic is going to happen.  This is the space I am in right now and I'm trying not to take any of it for granted.  It is Thursday.  Saturday is just two wakes away now.  I'm hydrating, resting, stretching, writing, reading, and visualizing.  It is an easy training week but I have been focusing most on my mind.  I'm looking through my training notes.  I'm surrounding myself with inspiration.  All of my training...both for the half and full marathon came from one book that I read in February...Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham.  

When I first started out...I wanted to just walk both.  Now...I walk and run.  I knew immediately as the pages quickly turned that I could do it.  I could complete a half marathon and a full marathon.  And now...I'm just two days away...and I am already forever changed.  Here are a few of my favorite lines...

• It's a mind-set, not miles, that separates those who do from those who dream (pg. 1)

• Everything changes when you decide to train.  Your goals change. Your life structure changes. Your risks change.  Eventually your rewards even change. (pg. 13)

• Anyone, even a mortal like you, who is willing to carve the time out of his or her life and commit to a training program can go the distance. (pg. 25)

• Who you can be doesn't depend on who you have been. (pg. 46)

• At the moment when your body begins to tire, you must make the conscientious decision to think your way to the finish. (pg 98) 

• Getting to the starting line takes more courage than finding your way to the finish. (pg. 171)

• The marathon is 20 miles of hope followed by 6 miles of truth. (pg. 201)

And then there is the music...music...like following soccer...gets me through life and keeps my head on straight.  I created a playlist called "Final Miles" filled with all those songs that fuel me.  They give me energy. They fill my heart.  They infuse strength.  They make me a better me.  Songs that have fueled me since I was a little girl.  Songs that are more recent.  It is all I have been listening too.  When I wake up in the AM. In the car.  At the gym.  When writing.  I am completely immersed.  Here are a few of them and why they mean so much...

• Saint Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion) - John Parr  (When I interviewed for the job changed the course of my career...this song was playing on the radio when I started my car.)

• Dreams - Van Halen  (Probably one of the best songs ever..."So baby dry your eyes, save all the tears you've cried....Ohh that's what dreams are made of.)

• Enter Sandman - Metallica (This is the song that plays when the Maryland Men's Soccer Team takes the pitch.)

• Back in Black - AC/DC (This is the song that plays when Talon takes the pitch before DC United Games.)

• This is the One - The Stone Roses (This is the song that plays when Manchester United takes the pitch.  After Rocky's Fanfare...ahem...which may also be on the playlist.)

• Windy - The Association (This was my first ever favorite song...I heard it on an oldies station when I really little and it became my personal anthem instantly.)

There are many others...because music is my everything...Bob Marley, Kid Cudi, Avicii,  Foster the People, Pretenders, Big Country, Porno for Pyros, Coldplay...and still more. It spans many years of believing in whatever I have set my mind too.  It may take longer than you want it to...but keep the focus...save the tears...spread your wings...that's what dreams are made of!

Kick Start... Word Count = 25,135

Work consumed me for the past week...from last Saturday through last evening...so my word count was stuck at 22K. No noveling for seven whole days...but I was spurred back into the 50K words in the month of July game because of two things. The first was a fun dinner with some camp friends which was just the heart filling energy kick I needed on Thursday Night. The second was this song. I am in love with it...and it is just what my novel needed.

Work Before Play... Word Count = 10,070

Today was perfect. Vera Bradley had their 2011 Fall Launch today. I bought lots of things in Plum Petals...my new favorite pattern and spent some good time with my Vera Girls. I had a fantastic day at work where I felt (as I usually do on a daily basis) so lucky to work with such a great team. I had a good writing session at Panera tonight with some NanoWrimo friends...I got 3K words in...which was fantastic.

As excited as I was to play with all my new Vera stuff, I told myself that I needed to get to 10K words before I could play with any of it. I left Panera with 9,060 words. I came home, brought in my shopping bags from the car and set them to the side. I needed to write before I could play!! I was tired. I was close to stopping. But then...as music always does...a good song came across the ol' iPod Touch...and that 1K words came rolling out. Some really fun stuff actually. Good stuff. I'm back in the CampNanoWrimo Game!!

Here is the song that got me going...in case you are curious.

Get Your Write On!!!

I think it may be an almost "seven month itch"...but I am back in the writing state of mind. I haven't really done a thing since last November's NanoWrimo and the possibility of a summer "Camp NanoWrimo" has me really excited about what I am going to write next. I have been readying myself by doing some reading on writing...I just finished Janet Evanovich's book How I Write and am going to read Stephen King's book On Writing next. Feels so good. Like getting back to the gym. Writing does my soul good. And just like getting back to the gym...I need to get back to writing too. It is time to get back to life...or the next part of my life...a whole new chapter is readying...I can feel it.

I know that all I need to get started is some good music and a blank page. I always have both so I am ready. I'm going to get my write on and my life on too.

Some songs fueling the soundtrack include the following:

* The Lone Wolf - Kathleen Edwards
* Crossfire - Brandon Flowers
* L.E.S. Artistes - Santigold
* What You Know - Two Door Cinema Club
* Something to Die For - The Sounds
* Driven By Their Beating Hearts - A Silent Film
* Houdini - Foster the People
* Dog Days Are Over - Florence + The Machine
* MoneyGrabber - Fitz & The Tantrums
* Billie Holiday - Warpaint

Note...that most of the above list is thanks to my awesome sister who always seems to know which songs I need to hear.

Panera Magic...Word Count = 22,101

And with the tragic ends that I thought were going to be the beginings...I have had a spurt of novelness on a Friday evening at Panera. It was good run tonight...I enjoyed writing the scene that had been in my mind during the past two years. Good Times. I have the best time writing stuff that is not happy.

My soundtrack for those tragic moments was as follows:

* This Woman's Work - Kate Bush
* This Little Babe - from Benjamin Britton's Ceremony of Carols
* Cry Little Sister - From The Lost Boys(A Dance Track Remix Version I have...)
* Untitled - Interpol

So I'm getting ready to check out of Panera tonight. I earned three whole stickers on my progress chart which made me giddy with NanoWrimo excitement. It was the perfect ending to another busy work week. On a novel high at the moment...

Favorite Day of the Year...

If I was really being honest...I probably have more than just one favorite day of the year...but today is definitely one of them. It is the only day that stands in the way of opening up my laptop...creating a blank page...and writing a new novel (or at least a crappy first draft of one). At midnight...November 1...the journey begins. Novel writing!! I am so excited!! Halloween...is kind of a side note for today. The real celebration is that it is the last day before I become entranced in a story that I hardly know at this point. Characters who are vague notions in my mind. I will be driven by word counts. Inspired by songs. Clocking lots of hours at Panera. Today is the pre-game show...filled with anticipation before I take the field.

The only real planning I have done is to start my notebook for this year...which is a cute Vera Bradley notebook (in Java Blue) that one of my good friends gave me for Christmas last year. I have also started my NanoWrimo 2010 play list...which is filled with songs that I think are going to help me write this year's novel. That is if I think that I am actualy going to write the novel that I think I am. The muse has a way of messing with that..and that is one of the most fun aspects of novel writing. You can't possibly know where things are going to go. Not if you are doing it right!!

There has been one story baking in my brain for so many years...I want this year to be the year that I turn it out of the pan and onto the page. We will have to see...

Next Version of Novel...Complete!!!

With a few days to spare before I embark on another National Novel Writing Month adventure on November 1, I have finished the next version of my current work in progress. I am on cloud nine...and I have an amazing song from Sons of Anarchy to thank. It is called Girl from the North Country...written by the brilliant Bob Dylan which was covered by Lions for the show. Genius. I love music. I love writing. It is a magical day!!! I did it. I freaking finished it!!!

New Name...Winston!!!

In perfect writing style (after over 50K words) I realized that the name of my main boy character just didn't quite work. In chatting with my sister about it...she suggested changing it to Winston. Which...sounded really good. Winston Nixx. Who may or may not be a punk rocker. ;) I know right??? I keep saying that I was inspired for this book while my sister and I were at the Ulalume Festival which MTV filmed...so I can go back and watch the moment when my novel was born. It may or may not have been during a performance of Dead By Sunrise.

The crowning moment of when my girl hero character (Ruby) meets her guy (Winston) was sort of based loosely on one of those pivotal life moments that happened to me at that show. And the rest as they say, is creative writing history. At the time, getting a phone call from work during a rock show was maddening. But in reality, it helped to create and fuel my NanoWrimo 09 novel. So I am thankful I guess, it is a process, and everything does happen for a reason.

My two loves combined this month....writing and music. As I get ready to write the last chapter, I will be looping one song: Kid Cudi - Pursuit of Happinesss. Funny thing is I am pretty sure that was the song he was performing when I got the call from work. I didn't figure it out until yesterday...and I think...in many ways...it is kind of what my novel is about.

DMB Moves Me.... Word Count = 41,038

There are just some songs that get me writing...tonight it was Dave Matthews Band - Warehouse. It is one of my favorites because it has a mix of emotions mashed together. It switches directions...like a story. And then you add some sax action...and it is perfection. I could spin thousands of stories off of this one song. It is that good. Between this song and Stay or Leave...I could live on repeat forever.

Merrily We Roll Along..... Word Count = 40,172

Considering that I only wrote on Sunday, I did very well this weekend. I am trying not to think about how many words I would have now if I had written on Saturday too. I am hoping to get a lot of words in over the next week...the holiday will really help. I am tired and will probably head to sleep soon. I have a long day tomorrow and am hoping that I will still have some energy tomorrow night to write. November always flies by and I know that I will miss it when it is over. I have lots to do, so much so that I am feeling anxious, but I am trying to just push those thoughts aside.

Random Thought Insert - I am totally loving my net book by the way. It is so handy to just throw into my bag or walk around the house connected and able to write any time I feel the urge.

Another Less Random Thought Insert - I must admit that my obsession with the New Moon soundtrack has resulted in some unexpected turns in my novel. I love the wallowly hallow sounds of several of the songs. My current favorites are Rosyln, Possibility, and Hearing Damage. Have a feeling they will all be in my head tomorrow even though I am at work. After getting the soundtrack, I am so wanting to see the movie again. Isn't that silly?

Hit the Wall...

I hit the wall yesterday...438 lousy words. GAH!!! But today will feel better and therefore I will write more. You have to be in "that place" to churn out the words...and I just wasn't there. I think part of it was that I ended my writing on Friday with the scene that first appeared in my head for this novel. I think I was kind of sad that it was over. I know, that is crazy isn't it?

I have been purchasing some music off of iTunes and I know that will help. Music is the juice for me. Curious as to what will stir me today as I get lost in noveldom? Here is a short list -

* UB40 - Rat in Mi Kitchen

* Passion Pit - The Reeling

* Beck - Cellphone's Dead

* Train - Hey, Soul Sister

I have been kind of worried about all of the stuff I have to do for work, but I have decided to put it aside. I can do it at the office tomorrow and Tuesday. All weekend I have been having these work related nightmares during sleep and naps, which has jarred me a bit. Maybe I should build that feeling of dread into my novel or something. I think the thought of work is crushing my writing life...and I need to just push it away. I need to be writing. I have to be writing.

Out work thoughts...out I say!!

Bands Who Helped Me Today... [Word Count = 6,054]

I am live from Panera Bread where the NanoWrimos of the 270 Corridor gather to write...hitting hour number four and I am feeling quite accomplished. My goal was 10K today and I am sure I will not hit it, but it was fun to have something to shoot for. I am in love with my new laptop...it is so lite and cute!! Perfect timing as I embark upon this new adventure. I was reminded how much I love the music on my old ipod nano that has seen me through 3 or 4 NanoWrimos...I can't really remember. Thought I would take a few minutes to jot down the bands/artists that really got me going today - -

* Coldplay (of course!!!)

* Interpol (forgot how much I love them...especially when writing about cute boys)

* Paco

* Heavy D and the Boyz

* INXS

* Kelly Osbourne (One Word Remix is an anthem for me....)

* The Bravery

There were countless others...but these sparked the most memorable moments of writing today. You never know...I may get in another 1K or so tonight when I get home. But mostly...I need to rest up. Early day tomorrow and Board Meetings!!

A Song to Match My Mood...

This weekend has been one of thinking about things. I haven't really stopped to do that much. I haven't had the time. I think I am closing in on something...and this song seems to be the anthem.

Both Sides Now
Joni Mitchell

Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
Clouds got in my way

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all

Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way that you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way

But now it's just another show
And you leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know
Don't give yourself away

I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall
I really don't know love
Really don't know love at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say "I love you" right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I've looked at life that way

Oh but now old friends they're acting strange
And they shake their heads
And they tell me that I've changed
Well something's lost but something's gained
In living every day

I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life
I really don't know life at all

Thursday 13 - Theme Tunes

Maybe it is just me but sometimes as I meander through my days I my very own personal movie soundtrack running through my head. The songs that propel me through the day. The songs that spur writing ideas. The songs that cause a swirl within my soul. You know that feeling...songs that make you feel like you are flying or at least what it might feel like to fly. So, my Thursday 13 this week is a list of a few of those songs that are part of my soundtrack.

Many of them date back to my very beginnings...so I have decided to list them in the order of when they were added to my mind's movie soundtrack. It starts from the earliest time I can remember being obsessed with a song(age 2 or 3?). Hope you enjoy it. Hope there are some on here that you enjoy!!

1. Windy - The Association

2. Spunky Spunky - Bob James

3. Faith - George Michael

4. Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring - Bach

5. St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)- John Parr

6. Dyslexic Heart - Paul Westerberg

7. Appalachian Springs - Aaron Copeland

8. Buddy Holly - Weezer

9. State of Love and Trust - Pearl Jam

10. Tunnel of Love - Bruce Springsteen

11. Waiting Room - Fugazi

12. Kite - Ivy (although I think original version is by Nick Heyward...which is also good!!)

13. Change - John Waite

If you would like to check out other Thursday 13's...have at it by clicking here!!!

Report from the Pavilion - Coldplay

I am a bit late in my follow-up but the Coldplay show on Thursday night was the best one yet. I was having so much fun that I did not take many pictures and those that I took were not the greatest. It is hard to know where to start…other than to say that most my favorites were played. As always, they put on a great show with lots of surprises. They moved from the main stage to a center platform area in the pavilion.

That is where I snapped the glowing head of Chris Martin.


Our seats were in perfect view of the jumbo-tron so this is what it looked like from the front. Coldplay has provided the soundtrack for much of my writing.

The warm summer-like weather was perfect and I was up on my feet groovin' during the entire show. There is something about live music that brings me to life and rejuvenates me. Despite my introverted nature, when the music plays I can't not groove. I have no clue if I look silly or really insane...and I don't really care. And for whatever reason, anytime I am at a show I can't help but think about Joel and Chass. There is no point in not singing out loud and dancing your ass off, in fact, it is kind of like my tribute. You should dance and sing for all those who can't any longer.

It was an absolutely perfect evening and then as the show was coming to a close bursts of confetti hit the air from the front and traveled through the air to back of the pavilion. They fluttered and scattered...a rainbow of color. As they got closer I could see that they were butterflies. How perfect was that?? One found it's way to me and I caught it. A sign....from all the good stuff that flutters around me. A reminder that connections really do last forever.

Thursday 13 - Coldplay Favorites

Since I am so freaking excited about seeing Coldplay tonight, my Thursday 13 list is dedicated to 13 of my favorite Coldplay Songs. Coldplay is one of those bands that totally spurs my writing. There is something about them that gets my brain off into never never land where all my noveldom swirls from. I think upon each of their album releases...a new book idea was borne. So let's end the rambling and share my list!!

1. In My Place
2. Clocks
3. Moses
4. Speed of Sound
5. Til Kingdom Come
6. Life in Technicolor
7. Life in Technicolor II (seems it should be it's own song, right??)
8. Glass of Water
9. Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love
10. One I Love
11. Don't Panic
12. Strawberry Swing
13. Rainy Day

I wish I could list one to grow on...but I won't. But if I could?? It would be Shiver.

If you would like to check out other Thursday 13's...have at it by clicking here!!!

Life’s Movie Moments…

I have had a few I think. You know them, feel them when they are happening. I have even had some that others have witnessed and then told me about. I had one last week. And it is still with me. It had a theme tune and everything. A downed tree caused me to have to drive another way into work. I was driving along with the radio cranked…lost in the reverie of really cool lyrics and sounds. You know how that it is. A song can be as captivating as a person. And then…there he was. One of my novel muses on a morning run. And the music swirled. And my heart did that flippy thing. And I have been on a high ever since…