Monday, September 30, 2013

Don't Make Me Think. (Special post)

The title speaks for itself. Don't Make Me Think... but personally, I'd add a pretty please because I am basically begging you. There is almost nothing worse than visiting a website and being completely lost in a sea of links, text, and irrelevant information that I want to make go away. We've all been there and for some reason, it happens a lot more often than it should. And most of the time, it's the one thing I'm truly looking for that I can't seem to find. Why? Because I have no direction, nothing is making sense, and my all-time favorite- there is way too much to choose from.

I am so glad that Steve Krug wrote this book. So many of us need it, and I'm not just talking about some of the awfully confusing websites I've visited. I'm talking about all of us that have a website, are creating a website, will create a website, etc. Krug said "most of what I do is just common sense." And I have to say I agree. But I think a lot of the times when you are creating a website, it's hard to be on the other side of the screen, as the individual who knows nothing about the content you're displaying. There are times when things seem so obvious that they scream "Click Me", when in reality, they just don't.


"There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home." Looks like little Dorothy was right, even though she wasn't quite referring to a website's home page. Krug mentioned the importance of the home button, which is basically like my best friend when I visit a website... even the websites I am already familiar with. I know Krug also mentioned the back button as the most-used feature of web browsers, but my click back home definitely beats the back button; although it doesn't surprise me that the back button is the most popular action while surfing a website. But for me, clicking that over and over gets me more frustrated than starting fresh from mi casa (my house). Home is the heart of the webpage. If I land there, I can find anything I've ever dreamed of. And if I can't, you're just not doing something right.


As I read Don't Make Me Think, I thought of all the sites in all the land that have given me trouble after another. More specifically, it was a listserv site that I had to visit often during my position as secretary of an organization. It was probably one of the worst websites I've ever been to. I quickly realized that making a website easy to browse through is extremely important. I wasted a lot of my life trying to figure that website out... like a lot. And If I'm being completely honest, that website just made me feel plain stupid and I'm almost positive that's not the way you want your visitors to feel. But, if for some reason you just can't manage to make your site easy to comprehend at first glance, at least have really, really great directions to make it as clear as clear gets. Well, the listserv website did have directions. I'll give them credit for that. But they were most certainly not clear. In fact, they confused me even more because I couldn't even figure out what directions matched the action I was trying to complete. Lets talk about a headache. Anyways, I finally taught myself how to navigate through that website by the middle of the semester. And just like that, I was deemed a genius.


Usability is the word of the day. If your website has that, you're already off to a great start. It doesn't take much to satisfy me when it comes to websites. I just need some fun colors and to know where I'm going before I click it. And if not, at least let me get back where I first started.... back home. Pretty please.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Look What You've Done.

Nothing Was the Same... at least not for Drake. This post is dedicated to him and his new album (hint hint: the italicized words), and everyone else who goes through experiences that change everything. 

Photo: spin.com



Drake- Look What You've Done

It’s like ’09 in your basement and I’m in love with Nebby
And I still love her but it fell through because I wasn’t ready
And your back hurt, and your neck hurt, and you smoking heavy
And I sit next to you, and I lecture you because those are deadly
And then you ash it and we argue about spending money on bullsh*t
And you tell me I’m just like my father, my one button, you push it
Now it's "F*ck you, I hate you, I'll move out in a heartbeat"
And I leave out and you call me, you tell me that you're sorry
You love me, and I love you, and your heart hurts, mine does too
And it's just words and they cut deep but it's our world, it's just us two
I see painkillers on the kitchen counter, I hate to see it all hurt so bad
But maybe I wouldn't have worked as hard
If you were healthy and it weren't so bad
Uh, maybe I should walk up the street, and try and get a job at the bank
Cause leave it up to me, J, and neeks, we're probably end up robbing a bank
Then Wayne calls on my phone, conversation wasn't that long
Gets me a flight to Houston in the morning
Oh it's my time, yeah, it's on
He's thinking of signing me, I come home
We make a mixtape with seventeen songs
I almost get a Grammy off of that thing
They love your son man that boy gone
You get the operation you dreamed of
And I finally sent you to Rome
I get to make good on my promise
It all worked out girl, we shoulda known
Cause you deserve it

Is this sh*t real, should I pinch you?
After all the things that we been through, I got you
Look what you've done, look what you've done
Look what you've done for me now
You knew that I was gonna be something
We stressed out, and you need some, I got you
Look what you've done, look what you've done

It's like '06 in your backyard and I'm in love with Jade
And I'm still in love, cause when it's that real, it's when it doesn't fade
And my father living in Memphis now he can't come this way
Over some minor charges and child support that just wasn't paid
Damn, boo-hoo, sad story, black American dad story
Know that I'm your sister's kid but
That still don't explain the love that you have for me
I remember sneaking in your pool after school dances
Dam* your house feel like the Hamptons
For all of my summer romances
I never really had no one like you man this all new shit
Made the world I know bigger, changed the way that I viewed it
Had all this fighting going on at the crib
You would calm me down when I lose it
Told you I think I'm done acting, I'm more in touch with the music
You said either way I'll be a star, I could go so far
Talked to me, you got to me
Then you tossed the keys and loaned me your car
Yeah, just a young kid in a drop-top Lexus
Hopin' that I don't get arrested
Just another kid that's goin' through life
So worried that I won't be accepted
But I could do anything, you said that, and you meant that
You took me places, you spent that, they said no, we went back
Checks bounce but we bounce back
I put all the money in your accounts back
And I thank you, I don't where I'd really be without that,
It worked out man, you deserve it

Is this sh*t real, should I pinch you?
After all the things that we been through, I got you
Look what you've done, look what you've done
Look what you've done for me now
You knew that I was gonna be something
We stressed out, and you need some, I got you
Look what you've done, look what you've done

The simplicity of this song... this will forever be one of my favorite Drake songs for that. Typically, his songs have a ton of distracting musical elements, most featured with a handful of vocally overbearing artists (in comparison to him). But not this one. This is his story and it doesn't seem to take much, or anyone else to tell it. Well, minus the sweet voicemail at the end from his grandmother... which is a gem. I think what I admire about this song is his ability to reflect so clearly on the past, connecting all of the most influencial string of events and relationships that led him to where he is today, especially with his loved ones. This is a thank you letter to them... giving them credit (especially his mother) for making him the person he is today in some way or another. Being able to send his mother to Rome and return money to his uncle are amongst some of the most precious changes for him... trying to reward them for their sacrifices, because without those he realizes he wouldn't be where he is now. This song is so closely connected with Nothing Was the Same because he goes back in his head -pre-Drake, back when he was only Aubrey Graham and Jimmy on Degrassi- taking notice at how different life is... really focusing on the positive things that have come from his success.  If you know anything about Drake, it's that this definitely isn't your typical guy. His success has obviously brought a ton of good in his life, which he acknowledges in this song, but it has also created and changed situations, feelings, and relationships in a way that isn't so ideal. He never fails to remind us of that. In his song "Fear", which is another favorite of mine, he ends with " And my uncle ain't even messaging me, And him missin' in my life is kinda messing with me, I hope this isn't one of them forever things, It's funny how money can change everything." Now I assume this is the same uncle he wrote about in "Look What You've Done." There is a pretty big contrast in the relationship, here. Now that Drake is a star, he doesn't have the same relationship he once had with his uncle. It's things like this that Drake consistently emphasizes in his songs. It just so happens that this song has a similar significance with the last post I did for Taylor Swift's "The Lucky One." I was just trying to do un poco (a little) something special in honor of the release of his third album. If you haven't already, check out Nothing Was the Same on iTunes. I can guarantee he'll be a singin' and a rappin' about how nothing really is the same... and "Look What You've Done" is that one little savior that reminds me of that, and that sometimes, that can be life-changing. 

Monday, September 23, 2013

The Lucky One.

Let me start off by apologizing in advance for the excessive number of Taylor Swift songs I may or may not post. She is without a doubt my absolute favorite musician, and stranger. So talented, so captivating and weird, so down-to-earth, so real. She is a rare species. And to me, that's written all over her.

You might be surprised when you find out that I've chosen a song that doesn't recount one of  her many romantic experiences (which counts for about 90% of her songs). I wanted to go with a song that was a little different from her norm. "The Lucky One" is actually recounting someone else's life story. I'm almost positive it's non-fiction because let's be honest, since when does Taylor Swift write songs from her imagination? She just doesn't. To my knowledge, Taylor Swift has never actually confirmed who the mysterious character she is referring to in the song, but nearly every article on the internet predicts that Joni Mitchel is "the lucky one". Once you read/listen to the song, I'll tell you why that's completely believable.

Taylor Swift- The Lucky One


New to town with made up name
in the angel city chasing fortune and fame
And the camera flashes make it look like a dream

You had it figured out since you were in school
Everybody loves pretty, everybody loves cool
So overnight, you look like a sixties queen
Another name goes up in lights, like diamonds in the sky

And they'll tell you now you're the lucky one
Yea they'll tell you now you're the lucky one
But can you tell me now you're the lucky one
Ooh, ooh, ohhhhhhhh

Now it's big black cars and riviera views
and your lover in the foyer doesn't even know you
and your secrets end up splashed on the news front page

And they'll tell you that you're lucky but you're so confused
'Cause you don't feel pretty, you just feel used
And all the young things line up to take your place
Another name goes up in lights, you wonder if you'll make it out alive

And they'll tell you now you're the lucky one
Yea they'll tell you now you're the lucky one
Can you tell me now you're the lucky one
Ooh, ooh, ohhhhhhhh, oh oh oh oh oh oh
Ooooooh, ooooooh, ooh ooh oohhhhh

It was a few years later I showed up here
and they still tell the legend of how you disappeared
How you took the money and your dignity and got the hell out

They say you bought a bunch of land somewhere
Chose the rose garden over Madison Square
And it took some time but I understand it now

'Cause now my name is up in lights
but I think you got it right

Let me tell you now you're the lucky one
Let me tell you now you're the lucky one
Let me tell you now you're the lucky one
Ooh, ooh, oohhhhhh

Yea they'll tell you now you're the lucky one
Yea they'll tell you now you're the lucky one
Let me tell you now you're the lucky one
oh, oh, oohhhh
oh, oh, oh, oh

Can you find the lucky one?


If I had to write the main idea for what this song is trying to shed light on, it would be this: We all have this idea of what fame is and what it entails, but the truth is we have no idea. Now if you're still questioning the prediction that this song is about Joni Mitchell, here's where the rumors come from:

1. "New to town with a made up name" Joni Mitchell's real name is Roberta Joan Anderson. This isn't major evidence considering many musicians come into the business with stage names. But it definitely narrows down the list.

2."It was a few years later I showed up here" Joni Mitchell retired from the music industry in 2002. Meanwhile, Swift showed up on the music scene around 2004/2005.

3. "And they still tell the legend of how you disappeared" Not only is Joni Mitchell legendary in the world of music, but her disappearance from it and the reasons for it remain a big question in Hollywood. 

4. "How you took the money and your dignity and got the hell out" In a 2002 interview with Rolling Stone, the very same year Joni Mitchell unofficially "retired", Joni Mitchell referred to the music industry as a "cesspool," expressing her dissatisfaction with it and the direction in which her career was going. In addition to this, two distinctive things that Swift. 1) I've never known Swift to cuss in a single one of her songs. FOUR ALBUMS.... NONE. Unless I've happened to miss one in some less popular song on a deluxe edition version of an album. To me, this expresses the passion behind the action. When I think of "got the hell out", I think of removing  myself from a situation that is threatning and absolutely no good, and doing it as quickly as I can. I think a lot of people can refer to Joni Mitchell's disappearance from the music industry as pretty abrupt. This may represent that. 2) Swift gave Joni complete possession of her dignity by saying "your dignity", but referred to "money" in a general sense, with no specific possessor. Now the money is obviously Mitchell's, as well. But I think this is Swift's way of emphasizing how that the money wasn't what was important to her. It came with the job (and of course, it allowed her to live a comfortable lifestlyle, which is important) but it wasn't what motivated her. But her dignity... that was hers and she was going to keep it above anything else.

5. "They say you bought a bunch of land somewhere, chose the rose garden over Madison Square." No one knows exactly where Joni Mitchell went off to after her retirement, but we know what she left behind. Not every artist can sell out Madison Square Garden. But those that can... are the few, the proud. And Joni Mitchell was amongst them. I think giving up Madison Square Garden is a huge choice, in which a lot (and I mean a lot) of people would question. Even myself. But maybe she would've had to sacrifice more by staying.

And now for the most powerful part of the song.

 "And it took some time, but I understand it now. 'Cause now my name is up in lights, but I think you got it right."

This line goes back to the main idea for the song. At this point in the song, Swift had already incorporated herself into the song. Before being thrust into the craziness of the music industry, Swift admits that she couldn't understand why Mitchell would just disappear and give up her dream. But now that Swift has gained all the fame that Mitchell once had, she understands. It's almost natural to have an idea of what fame is as a spectator. All we see is the success, the dinero (money), the recognition, the glam, and so many other things that look so appealing to the world. In fact, it's very hard to see anything else when all of those things are at the surface. But that's just it... it's all on the surface, which doesn't leave much room for true understanding. 

"The Lucky One" is that one little savior that reminds me that no one has it all, no matter how it looks or seems. My mom always says "It's always easy to sniff out all of the qualities, resources, skills, and things that others have that you don't have. You're only focused on the things you lack that are positively reflecting in others. But you don't know what they lack. " Famous people are human, therefore they have the potential to experience everything we do. That's been made clear. They have fears, they experience loss, they get rejected, they lose games, relationships, privacy, their lives; they sacrifice, they worry, they need something to believe in, they need family & friends, support, and love... exactly the way we do. And just to be clear, money doesn't buy happiness. Money buys you things, friends, and directs your monetary concerns in an alternate direction. Nothing else. If this were true, some of the 20th century's most wealthy and famous people wouldn't have ended their lives (Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, etc). 

So, I guess the real question is: Who is "The Lucky One"? Not as in whether it's Joni Mitchell or someone else. But, who is considered to be the lucky one in this life? I think whoever finds overall happiness in their life is the lucky one,  because not everyone finds that... famous or not. 

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Honeymoon Avenue.


Lagos, Portugal. 2013

In Lagos, Portugal, love thrived. It never stopped, not for one second of the short 48 hours I was there. This is my Honeymoon Avenue. Where love has no stop signs, yields, or yellow lights... where the only destination is the end.

Ariana Grande- Honeymoon Avenue


I looked in my rear view mirror and
it seemed to make a lot more sense
than what I see ahead of us
ahead of us, yea

I’m ready to make that turn
before we both crash and burn
‘Cause that could be the death of us
the death of us

Baby, you know how to drive in rain
and you decided not to make a change
Stuck in the same old lane
going the wrong way, oooh

I feel like my heart is stuck in bumper to bumper
traffic, I’m under
pressure ‘cause I can’t have you the way that I want
Let’s just go back to the way it was
When we were on Honeymoon Avenue
Honeymoon Avenue, baby
Coastin’ like crazy
Can we get back to the way it was

Hey, what happened to the butterflies
Guess they encountered that stop sign
And my heart is at a yellow light
a yellow light

Hey, right when I think that we found it
well that’s when we start turning around
You sayin’ baby, don’t worry
but we’re still going the wrong way

Baby, you know how to drive in rain
and you decided not to make a change
Stuck in the same old lane
going the wrong way, oooh

I feel like my heart is stuck in bumper to bumper
traffic, I’m under
pressure ‘cause I can’t have you the way that I want
Let’s just go back to the way it was
When we were on Honeymoon Avenue
Honeymoon Avenue, baby
Coastin’ like crazy
Can we get back to the way it was

They say only fools fall in love
Well they must’ve been talkin’ about us
And sometimes I feel like it aint the first
I could be wrong but I know I’m right
We gone be lost if we continue to fight
Honey I know
we can find our way home

I feel like my heart is stuck in bumper to bumper
traffic, I’m under
pressure ‘cause I can’t have you the way that I want
Let’s just go back to the way it was
When we were on honeymoon avenue
Honeymoon avenue, my baby
Coastin’ like crazy
Can we get back to the way it was

When we were on honeymoon avenue
Honeymoon avenue, baby
Coastin’ like crazy
Can we get back to the way it was

Baby, you know how to drive in rain
and you decide enough to make a change
Stuck in the same old lane
Going the wrong way
I feel like my heart is stuck in
Traffic I’m under
Pressure, pressure
Let’s just go back to the way it was
When we were on

Let’s just go back, back, back


I think our greatest fear in love is that it will end. And a lot of times, it does (or so we think), along with a lot of other things we build around it: happiness, satisfaction, confidence, sometimes even our entire world. But the truth is, love never ends... not true love. That kind of love is unbreakable, even if the relationship wasn't.

....what does end is feelings. Caring. Infatuation. Committment. And sometimes that can hit us just as hard. It comes straight from your blind spot and steers you off the road. What I love about this song is that Grande decided to present her relationship and emotions through a driving experience. It captures the unpredictability of love... and driving.

There's nothing worse than watching someone slowly disappear right in front of your eyes. Especially when you have so much faith in what you have with them, and there's absolutely nothing you can do to save it. When a relationship starts to fade, head in the wrong direction, and gets invaded by doubts and desperation, we always go back to all the feelings and memories we had when we were happy and what seemed like a magical, everlasting place. We always want those moments back, more than anything. The chorus grasps this perfectly:

 "I feel like my heart is stuck in bumper to bumper, traffic, I'm under pressure cause I can't have you the way that I want. Let's just go back to the way it was, when we were on Honeymoon Avenue."

Honeymoon Avenue is that one little savior that reminds me that love is ever changing... whether it's growing, at a stand still, or in the worst condition its ever been. Relationships change. People change. And so do their minds regarding how they feel, what they want, etc. You can't spend your time wishing for something back that is long gone, or even someone that is driving off into the distance. I've done it, and it's more exhausting and upsetting the harder and longer you hold on. You can't try to convince someone to feel what they once felt, or even what you want them to feel. I've found out that dating can be such a game sometimes. Everyone is getting their pieces in order, trying to figure out their next move. We move our pieces all around, vying to be one step ahead of the other person. We make moves based off of moves we assume the other person might make. We analyze, underestimate, and overanalyze some more. It's literally like driving in a big circle, but taking different streets.... a cheap trip to nowhere.

 I think as young adults in our early 20's, we are so hopeful and so willing to open our hearts to people. We love so hard and often don't get the same back in return. I am not in any way saying to give up on love or the person you're dating. You should fight for who you love. I will always be a firm believer in that. I'm guilty of it myself and I think that's something to be proud of. But let them prove themselves to you. Give them the time and space to fight for you. Most of the time that's done without you having to do nada (nothing). Believe me when I say that everyone wants to be on Honeymoon Avenue... not just you, or Ariana Grande. Everyone. So let them get in their car and find it... find you.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Vienna

Welcome to Vienna! Well, not really, but no pasa nada (no worries), we'll get there. In the meantime, here's some inspiration.
Photo: Daily Mail
(Just make sure you listen to the song while you read the lyrics. It has twice the impact. I pinky promise.)


Billy Joel- Vienna

   

Slow down, you crazy child
You're so ambitious for a juvenile
but then if you're so smart
tell me why are you still so afraid, mmm

Where's the fire,
what's the hurry about?
You better cool it off before you burn it out
You've got so much to do
and only so many hours in a day

But you know that when the truth is told
that you can get what you want
or you can just get old
You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through
When will you realize
Vienna waits for you

Slow down, you're doing fine
You can't be everything you want to be before your time
Although it's so romantic on the borderline
tonight, tonight

Too bad but it's the life you lead
You're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need
Though you can see when you're wrong
you know you can't always see when you're right

You've got your patch on
you've got your pride
but don't you know that only fools are satisfied

Dream on but don't imagine they'll all come true
When will you realize
Vienna waits for you

Slow down, you crazy child
and take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while
It's alright
you can afford to lose a day or two, ooh
When will you realize
Vienna waits for you

And you know that when the truth is told
that you can get what you want
or you can just get old
You're gonna kick off before you even get halfway through
Why don't you realize
Vienna waits for you
When will you realize 
Vienna waits for you

I'm taking it back with this one, all the way to good ole '77. I heard Billy Joel's "Vienna" for the first time on the movie 13 Going on 30. I was probably about 13 or 14 when it initially caught my attention, which still surprises me all the time. I guess I've always had a love for older music (hint: this won't be my only oldie). I instantly fell in love with this song for the melody, but I've come to appreciate it more for the lyrics. When I was a teenager, I don't even think I could see half the picture this song paints. I remember always thinking, "What's so special about Vienna?" That was over seven years ago, and up until about a month ago, that same question went unanswered. I remember searching 'Vienna' on Google Images, waiting for some extravagant pictures to pop up that dang near resembled another planet. That didn't happen. Don't get me wrong, the pictures I found were beautiful, but they weren't unlike anything other gorgeous pictures of dream destinations that I had seen. I was convinced there had to be some other definition for Vienna that would make everything crystal clear. Turns out that no, Vienna really just is Vienna. But the meaning behind it is now claro (clear) as a crystal.

After less than one or two minutes of research,  I found out that Vienna was actually a metaphor for the rest of your life. Ah, the final piece to the puzzle. But wait, why? Luckily, Wilkepedia had the exact quote from Billy Joel's interview back in 2008 with the New York Times, which had the backstory behind the metaphor. You should check it out if you're interested, but I'm not going to post the long quote if you don't care to know as bad as I did.

"Slow down, you crazy child." The first five words probably make up the most useful advice I could ever use right now. As far as I'm concerned, this song was written for my 21-year old self- for the unrealistic perfectionist in me, for the constant anticipator in me; for my fear of what's unknown,  losing all control, being unwanted; my insecurity as a woman, my doubt in my academic and professional ability.... and worst of all, my worry that my life isn't going to turn out how I planned, that is isn't turning out how I planned. This song is for all of these things, and speaks to each of one of them.


This song really brings me back to reality. It makes me realize that I'm trying more than anything to be perfect. You know how they say people's perceptions, opinions and judgements of you can really mess you up? Well, my own perception of myself is what's destroying me. I hear great things about me all the time from people- whether it's my family, best friends, associates, and strangers -yet it's still so hard for me to see what they see: the bubbly, hard-working girl with endless potential and so much under her belt; the girl that is going to make something of herself, no matter what it may be; the girl that will undoubtedly succeed. Compliments and support are gifts from other people, but do they lose worth if you don't truly believe them yourself? There are times when I don't even know who that girl is. Sometimes I pray so hard that I can see myself through other people's eyes just so my heart and mind can take a rest and get what's best for them. I thinks human nature to compete with the people around you and I often find myself wandering just to keep up. But everyone has a different path and I'm going down all the ones that just weren't made for me. But my biggest battle isn't against others. It's a lot easier for me to accept the fact that there's only one of me, and only I will experience the life I've lived exactly how I have and will in the future. I'm at war with perfection and no one knows what that path looks like. I find myself trying very often, and I'm losing.


Vienna is that one little savior that reminds me to slow down and let life happen; to accept my best as good enough and even more importantly... to be okay with it. And maybe, just maybe the plan I had for my life isn't the best one. I listen to this song every day, hoping it will give me peace of mind, even if it's just for the three minutes and thirty-four seconds that it lasts. Maybe one day it'll last forever. I've waited and anticipated Vienna enough to last me a lifetime. It's time to let Vienna do all the waiting.


Sunday, September 15, 2013

Behind the music

So, I bet I can guess exactly what you're thinking. "That one little savior? Huh?" And in fact, you probably only clicked the link to this page to figure out what this was all about. And if there is one thing I know about people (or at least me), it's that we like to know things... and we like to know them fast. Well, here's your chance.

The name blog was inspired by exactly that- my little savior. Her name is música, or music, (& I only refer to music as "her" because my absolute favorite musician is a female). As I was coming up with names for this blog, I thought of all the things music was to me. I ended up with a list full of nouns and adjectives, in which savior was simply the best word for it.


     savior: one that saves from danger or destruction; one who brings salvation 


I know that a 'savior' typically refers to a person, but not in this case for me. I do have a Savior, but He is in a league of his own. He always gets a capital letter. But music, it is my inanimate savior here on Earth. The savior that is significantly less powerful, gracious, and faithful than my heavenly One.


Now, there is a world full of people with likes and dislikes in practically every category that exists on God's green Earth. But I seemed to come up with the one thing that every single person on this planet seems to like: music. Well, and technically that includes food, but I already have a blog about that and I'll spare the world of excessive entries from my fat girl diary.


Through this blog, I want to share with you how and why my little savior has come to take its place in my life, song by song. We all have that one song that we rush to listen to when we are experiencing different things (or the same thing, over and over) and feeling various ways. To me, each song is my savior in some way- whether it rescues me from painful, Sunday afternoon boredom and consistent stress or sets me free from mental imprisonment to a clear, open mind and late-night tears to morning contentment and newfound strength. I will go through a lot of the songs that I listen to most frequently, mainly because they evoke the strongest emotions out of me. The ones that I always seem to find on repeat. But not all of these songs are necessarily my all-time favorites, but the ones I find myself most connected to for so many reasons. Some of the songs recount my experiences so closely that it's scary... others I simply admire their complete honesty, even when I cannot remotely relate. 


I learn a great deal of lessons from songs, like dropping destructive habits and adopting empowering ones (my next post will be a prime example of this). The one thing I take from songs that I cherish more than anything else is the realization that I am not alone... in anything. The best life has to offer- love, appreciation, laughter, hope, forgiveness... and the worst- loss, dissapointment, heartbreak, betrayal, failure. And even more importantly, that none of these things last forever. That sounds so brutal, but it's a privilege. Every experience teaches you something about yourself, other people, and life in general. And often times, the terrible experiences help you to truly appreciate the really, really great ones. And music, music is just there to document it all for you, even if it's through someone else. To reveal your happy ending when you haven't reached it just yet, or when it's nowhere in sight. And being able to foreshadow that... well, that is de oro (golden).