Something Worth Fighting For

As dorky as I am sure this will end up sounding, I was recently watching Harry Potter and a quote that Harry said at the the end of the movie struck me and refused to let up. He said that even though they had a fight ahead of them they had something that Voldemort didn't, when Ron asked what that might be, he responded, "Something worth fighting for."

I know it is simply a line from a movie that isn't really supposed to begot that much thought or inquiry. Harry and his band of witch and wizard friends are talking about defeating Voldemort, defeating evil and how since Voldemort is alone and without family, friends, love, or any of the things that make living worthwhile he lacks the key component that ones needs to fight, to truly fight with the voracity that Harry and his friends do.

Regardless of this, as I am so often known to do with anything that I watch, I couldn't help but consider this line and what it could possibly mean for us in the muggle world. Those of us who live a life where the only magic that exists does so in much more discrete forms.

So, onto this blog worthy pondering of mine.

Something worth fighting for. Whether or not you have seen the Harry Potter movies you have no doubt heard the saying, but what exactly does it mean to you? To different people it carries with it varied and complex meanings. To soldiers the country they so valiantly protect must be 'worth fighting for'. To teachers molding the minds of children and imparting an age old, or even freshly learned, wisdom must also carry the moniker. To a writer, artist, or musician expressing something that evokes thought, feeling, or something unattainable yet strived for, must also hold this distinct title.

I think that each person must discover that niche for themselves. The one thing that they cannot really imagine not doing and decide that it is something worthy of fighting for. Maybe it will be protecting the people that they love, following a seemingly impossible dream, or simply starting the journey we must all impart on toward self discovery. As it was once famously said, "If you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything." The path to discovery is often the hardest to navigate. It often contains murky waters and unknown signs. Regardless, it seems to me that discovery and true understanding can only be achieved by those who dare to make the leap from the world of light into the unknown of darkness, because only those who truly search for freedom and truth will find anything worthwhile.

Perhaps what you deem worth fighting for has nothing to do with a future career, perhaps you have already walked the maze of self discovery and found your way out the other end. Maybe you definition has more to do with volunteerism or activism.

For instance, in my life so far I have found many things worth fighting for. The innocence of children and their right to hold onto it for as long as possible. The basic civil rights that should be guaranteed to all people regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation. Finding a cure for cancer, diabetes, autism. Helping addicts discover the beauty in the world and change their ways. Shaping the life of a child. Treating all people equal, because regardless of intelligence, power, money, or a multitude of other things no single human being on this planet is worth more in my eyes than another. It is all these things and a multitude of others that would most likely take the rest of the night to list and while I wouldn't mind that so much, it's late and I am trying to watch Doctor Who.

So, now that I have spoken my piece, what do you see as important enough to distinguish with these words? Whatever it is accept it, embrace it, and then change it to the best of your ability, because anything worth fighting for deserves an army to protect it.

Hope to Haiti

In life we are presented with various opportunities. These opportunities are the defining moments in our lives. The moments where we must decide who we are and who we want to be. Sometimes these moments are as obvious as a fireworks show on the Fourth of July, but more often than not they are subtle, indistinguishable, moments that don't seem to mean a lot in the grand scheme of things but will end up meaning more than you could ever imagine. I feel like this is one of those moments for me, only for some unforeseeable reason I'm able to distinguish it before it is merely a distant memory of what could have been.

Four days ago Misha Collins announced his Hope to Haiti project. This project, to boil it down to it's basic core, is an ongoing effort by his charity, Random Acts, to provide relief to the city of Jacmel, Haiti after the devastating earthquake last year. On June 20, 2011, Matt Cohen and forty volunteers who are lucky enough to be the first to raise $5000 will embark on the experience of a lifetime, with Misha Collins joining sometime during the six day trip. During this trip they will build a multipurpose community center that will help feed and house the homeless and hungry children of Jacmel, as well as provide and education for them, and various other things, for the full information please visit: http://www.therandomact.org/wordpress/news/hopetohaiti/

I would love nothing more than to be one of those lucky forty who was able to raise such a large sum of money for such an amazing cause. It is going to sound corny, but I'll say it anyway because it is the truth. It's always been my dream to go to another country and volunteer. It's something that I have been itching to do ever since I knew that people did things like that. I have never been outside of the United States and as far as volunteering goes I have not ventured too far beyond my own community, so for me this would honestly be the trip of a lifetime. It would fulfill the dream of a little girl who for some reason felt the first compulsion to help when watching a show called Tour of Duty about the Vietnam War and has since never stopped dreaming about the day she could finally stretch her wings a bit and maybe teach someone else how to soar.

But honestly more so than that, in fact way more so than that, I simply want to raise as much money as possible for this project. Because it isn't about me, it isn't about my dream of helping others, in fact this project is not about me even a little bit, it's about them. The people who are in desperate need of help that only we can provide. The people who simply want the chance to live a life that is as devoid of pain and hardship as is possible. The people who, quite plainly want a chance to live.

So I ask you, whoever you are reading this (and I sincerely hope someone does) please consider giving to this amazing cause that will shape so many lives. Please help me to help them because they are who matter in this equation, and they need our help.

Here is the link to my page for donations: http://www.crowdrise.com/hopetohaiti1/fundraiser/CarmenYoung

Make the World a Better Place: Take a Look at Yourself and then, MAKE A CHANGE!

As I sit here perusing some of my old posts, I am astonished at lack of depth that encompasses most of them. They are merely the incessant ramblings of a young girl that have no true value. There isn't much meat there, much worth reading if I'm honest. It's not that I don't enjoy what I've written, in fact quite the opposite is true, but sometimes I get too wrapped up in my own writing to bother remembering that I'm not the only one reading it. That I have, in some small (and by that I mean very small since I'm pretty sure only like 3 people read this blog on a regular basis and I'm one of them) way, a chance to touch someones life. And tonight, or this morning rather, I feel like writing something that people read and something washes over them. This innate need to help, to affect change. So the subject of this blog is charity, and I sincerely hope it hits close to home.

In this blog I will focus on three charities that I find particularly compelling (I'll put the link to each website at the end of each paragraph). I'm not asking you to help these charities/organizations exclusively, in fact, please do your own research and figure out which you find most deserving. I'm just offering you a glimpse at a few that have found a way to touch my heart. They are Sophia's Heart Foundation, IS Foundation, and Random Acts. Each of them focusing on different aspects of the same problem. The human condition. I hope you find it in your heart to read through this entire blog, and then go out and be moved by something. Make a difference.




Sophia's Heart Foundation

Mission Statement:"We exist to help mend and heal the hearts of children and families who have been touched by poverty, sickness, disease, broken families and broken dreams."

I was introduced to this charity, as much of the world was, through it's founder Danny Gokey. To make a long story short, he (along with a few others) founded this charity in honor of his late wife, Sophia Gokey, in order to not let her dream of touching the lives of children and making the world a better place go unfulfilled. I feel compelled by this organization because it strives to touch the lives of children and families who society and circumstance have made outcasts. It provides healthy and safe alternatives to being on the streets for kids who would have otherwise had nowhere to go. Just a few short months ago it helped the victims of the Nashville flood, and it's ever growing and expanding. This charity was formed in 2008 and in the short two years since its inception has already touched so many lives. It constantly amazes me the capacity for hope and love that people have in their hearts for helping others. I've given quite a lot to this charity in the past year alone, and am currently raising money for it's $1 Million Campaign. But no matter where I go or what I do in life, I know that this is something that will remain close to my heart. Something I will continue to follow and care about day after day, year after year. And the fact that this organization has made such a lasting impact on me just furthers my belief that it only truly takes one person to change the world. Please take a moment of your day and check it out: http://www.sophiasheart.org/



IS Foundation (Ian Somerhalder Foundation)

Mission Statement: "The IS FOUNDATION aims to empower, educate and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures."

This is a brand new foundation, founded by actor Ian Somerhalder. It's three main focuses are the habitat, energy, and animals. I felt attracted to this charity because of its purpose. I'll be the first to admit though I was in the Environmental Club in high school and find the lengths to which humans will go to destroy the one thing that cannot be replaced (the planet) unfathomable, I sometimes leave a light on when it serves no true purpose, or walk past an idle hairdryer that remains plugged in. Still, after the events of this past year and the oil spill that wrecked havoc on so many families and creatures of this Earth I felt compelled (no pun intended) to act and this provided the perfect outlet for that. I am a Florida girl, born and raised, and to see what the greed and recklessness of humanity can do to something I hold so dear (the coast and its inhabitants) was excruciating. I still refuse to stop by BP, even if my gas tank is dangerously low. But enough rambling, this organization is important because it focuses on three things that I believe have a tendency to get overlooked. Our habitat (the places in which we dwell), energy sources that can be renewed, and animals. More often than not I find that animals get dealt the short end of the straw when it comes to organizations willing to help them. Even the pound, which is supposed to help animals, puts them to sleep after a while if nobody claims them as their own. I have had small creatures roaming my house since before I can even remember. I learned to walk by holding onto a cats tail (still sorry about that, Jackson :/) so for me an act of cruelty or neglect toward animals is a personal attack. I believe animals are these beautiful creatures sent by God to remind us of the beauty in everyday life that it seems all to simple to ignore. So if any of these things have stirred something within you, please follow this link: http://www.isfoundation.com/




Random Acts


Mission Statement: "Simply to conquer the world one random act of kindness at a time."

This organization started off as a challenge from Misha Collins on twitter in December of 2009, as a way to get government stimulus money to fund non-profit work and has since morphed into something so much more. Since its inception it has transformed into its own successful non-profit organization that aims on world domination through random acts of kindness. In fact for the “Run, Misha, Run” campaign, Misha Collins ran 83 km (52 miles) to raise almost $85,000 for Random Acts, three Haitian orphanages, and flood relief efforts in Pakistan. This organization is so fascinating to me, personally, because it is so different. It doesn't make any grand claims (okay, besides the world domination part) about helping out the masses. It simply wishes to help people through ONE random act of kindness at a time. For example they gave flowers to random people in France and England just to bring a smile to their face, handed out toys to children in a neighborhood in Mexico, and bought a young boy whose father had just lost his job a pair of desperately needed new shoes. It would be easy to look past these things, to classify them as small and insignificant in the grand scheme of life on Earth, but it is my firm belief that this organization can have a profound purpose. After all it only takes one act of kindness to spawn another, and another, and before you know you, you've changed the whole world...how? ONE RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS AT A TIME! If doing a simple act of kindness appeals to you, I deeply encourage you to wander on over to the link I'm about to give you (Ohhh and about Misha's minions, they're nice, I promise we...I mean they don't bite): http://www.therandomact.org/wordpress/

Well, that's it folks. And I'm entirely too exhausted to have some great words of wisdom as I depart. I just hope that reading a little bit about these charities spurned something inside of you, that little voice that urges you to make a change, to try a random act of kindness in your own neck of the woods, wherever that may be. Because it really does only take ONE person whose willing to stand up and make the world a better place to cause a ripple effect of change throughout the world.

Danny THE Gokey ;)

It's been a few days since my concert experience, so some details may be a little hazy, I'll try to state everything as clearly and concisely as I remember it though.

I arrived at the Jacksonville State Fair around 6:00, the concert was slated to begin at 8:00 so I had plenty of time to spare. My mom, sister (Jordan), and I got our entrace tickets and made our way to where we were supposed to enter. When we arrived I noticed the people in front of us getting their Meet & Greets, so I followed suit. When it was our turn I said, "We are getting the Danny Gokey M&G's" to which he responded, "Ohh yeah that sounds familiar, I think someone else named that picked some up earlier."

I stood there for a moment a little confused, then I realized he thought I was saying my name was Danny Gokey (because I totally look like someone named Danny right? ;)) so I quickly responded, "Danny Gokey is the artist we came to see." He looked a little embarrassed but responded with, "Oh that must be why it sounded familiar...so what's your name?" I told him and we were able to get our M&G's and walk into the fair. During this brief exchange I was finally able to meet a longtime friend through the Gokey Gang, Megan, or I call her Meggs, and her friend Haley. I think we clicked right away and I am so beyond glad I got to meet them, they will appear more later in the story, let me continue.

Armed with our M&G's, my mom, Jordan, me (I?), Meggs, Haley, and Megan's mom, set out to find the stage. It was fairly simple to find, pretty much if you kept walking strait once you entered the fair you ran right into it. Meggs and Haley knew where it was though so we let them lead the way since they had been inside for about an hour.

Once we arrived at the stage we spotted the VIP section. The tickets to get into it were $10 and my mom and sister opted out of getting them, but I knew I had to get as close as possible so I had purchased one months before. So while I wandered into the VIP section my mom and sister went off to ride some rides while waiting for the M&G to start. Luckily some other Gokey Gang friends that I was meeting for the first time (Georgette and Olivia) had saved me a seat in the front row. I think Georgette saved it actually, but I digress. Regardless I was going to see Danny Gokey from the FRONT ROW, which made me beyond excited because the closest I had been last time, while still fairly close, was nowhere near as good as this!

After about 40 minutes of talking and laughing (Olivia, Georgette, and I got along really well from the word go, I am so glad I got to meet them and cannot wait to go to a concert again in the near future!) we realized that time had come for us to begin getting in line for the M&G. We made our way to the left of the stage where we were to wait for security to escort us backstage to meet Danny (or meet Danny again, as the case may be). I found Jordan then we met up with Olivia and we saw Meggs and after about 10 stints of deciding where in line we wanted to be we finally shuffled in behind a few people and were on our way backstage.

The waiting area was this space between the stage and a giant van, that honestly looked a little sketchy, but I surmise it was safe since it was in the middle of the fair. We waited in line for about 10 or so minutes, getting a little bit closer each time. I was excited to see Meggs and Jordan's reactions since it was both of their first M&G's. When it was finally Meggs turn she was so excited she turned around and said "Is this real life?" proceeded by, "It's Danny THE Gokey," and sometime afterward she remarked, "OMG he's a real person." ALL of which I will try my very hardest to remember for the rest of my life because they were so incredibly hilarious at the time. But Meggs went up and hugged him twice, even got her face signed and I think had a great experience. Jordan was next and she smiled and even talked to him a little, which is pretty awesome for her, she's so shy. She loved getting her picture with him and still claims "It must have been a dream." lol



After both of them it was my turn. I walked up there (and can I just say it is a little awkward when you have to walk like 20 feet with someone looking at you lol) to where he was and he seemed happy and said, "Hey, TeeFly." (which is my twitter name) and I was pleasantly surprised that he remembered. I assume he must just have a killer memory because he seems to remember almost every fan, which is such a ridiculous amount, it's really quite impressive. Anyway, I told him that was right and I am pretty sure he asked me what I was holding (it was a picture of us from last time) so I took it out and handed it to him to sign, and he tried his hardest to remember my real name, but instead of making him strain, I just told him it was Carmen. He signed my name, and took the picture with me (which I like even better than last time) and there was an awkward moment where I asked him what his bracelet said and I am pretty sure he didn't hear me because he didn't answer (lol) and then he smiled and I left. I am pretty sure I forgot my hug and everything, and it was a bit more awkward than meeting him last time (I don't know why I made it that way), but it was still fun. Maybe next time (whenever that is) it won't be as weird.

After that I left the tented in area and walked outside to where Ivan, Matt, Justin, and Brandon were. I said hey to Ivan and we talked a little bit about college and math and randomness such as that. It was good to see Ivan again and actually get to talk to him for a bit, he's a very funny guy and I enjoy chatting with him. He introduced me to Matt and Justin, whom I had not met prior to then, and while there was yet another awkward moment when I wasn't sure whether or not to shake Justin's hand (my life is clearly defined by awkward moments) it was mostly just funny. I also met Brandon for the first time and he was very nice and funny as well. It is just a great band, and very talented...like crazy talented, if I could play an instrument like that I wouldn't need to be in college right now! Olivia and I left shortly afterward though, and Jordan went to find Mama.

On the way back to our seats, however, I realized that I was supposed to tell Ivan hey for Becky, and I wanted pictures so I went back and got my camera and Olivia and I headed back to the M&G area. When we got there we saw that Georgette had just finished her M&G and she was nice enough to take a few pics of us, since my camera decided to hate me at that moment. And then we hung out with Ivan and Matt for a bit. Matt is pretty funny too. And then Brandon came back so we got a picture with him. After a little while of chatting with them Danny walked out of the tent with all his presents, which signaled it was time for us to go and find our seats. We said goodbye to the band and went back to our seats smiling.



Not long after we got back in our seats the people announced that Danny was coming out. We all screamed and got very excited. Once he came out and the concert started everyone rushed the stage, so we moved as close as we could, which was like on top of the stage, and stayed there the rest of the concert. Meggs and Haley had gone out and gotten seats in the VIP section so they stood next to me the rest of the time. Haley held her hand up for like an hour, but Danny finally came and reached down to touch her hand while he was singing and probably made her night/life, it was hard to tell...either way it was pretty amazing.

Now I can't remember the order he sang these songs in, and I'm not even sure how many songs he sang, but it was INCREDIBLE! I've been to a lot of concerts and the only one that even comes close to being as entertaining and just a well put on show by the performer was a Bon Jovi concert I went to in Tampa a few years ago. Danny and his band are just that good at putting on a show. You would think he had been doing it his entire life, because of how comfortable he is on the stage.

I will tell you what I remember, though. I remember he literally had me in tears, with "I Will Not Say Goodbye." it just completely broke me down. I've lost people in my life that meant a lot to me, but just imagining what that must have been like for him and all the people close to Sophia completely shattered my heart. It does every time I think about it. I am just so happy that her legacy can live on through all the lives that he has touched and will touch in the future.

I was beyond stoked when he sang, "Hard to Handle," because it is one of my all time favorite songs and he is definitely the type of singer that can sing that song the way it deserves to be sung. "Livin' on a Prayer," was also amazing and I was thrilled because it is my absolute favorite Bon Jovi song and (shhh don't tell) I think he may have sung it even better ;)

When he sang, "Tiny Life" you could just tell the audience was thrilled that he decided to sing that one and most people sang along with all the words. I could hear everyone around me singing proudly just as I was. "It's Only," and "I Still Believe" were also both incredible. You could hear a lot of people singing along with them both and he told a little antidote with ISB, about giving his preacher the stankface, that made everyone laugh.

Now the songs that I could tell made ALL the girls in the audience die just a little bit (in a good way) were "T.R.O.U.B.L.E" and "Crazy Not To" you could definitely hear all the girls in the audience screaming and cheering for "T.R.O.U.B.L.E" and you could almost hear the sigh of every girl Jacksonville when he pulled the stool out and sang "Crazy Not To." He sang it very beautifully and when he pointed to Meggs and Haley at some point in the song I am pretty sure whatever was keeping them sane at the moment completely LEFT the building, and they sighed, "Seriously, I'm in love with him."

"What Hurts the Most," was also a pretty big crowd pleaser, and everyone went crazy when he danced and "Took us to the Caribbean." It was pretty amazing when he sang "My Best Days" too, especially for me, since they played it the night I graduated and I thought, you know what? These lyrics could not be more accurate.

Brandon also sang a song, "Raining on Sunday" and it was very beautiful. That guy can sing his face off, I was very happy to hear him and hope to hear him again in the future.



Now, I know I didn't remember every detail or song and include it in here (though it kind of seems like I did! lol) but I hope that this blog at least lets you live a little bit of the Danny Gokey concert experience with me, and I hope it challenges you to make that little extra effort to go and see him live, because every aspect of it is worth it. From his killer vocals and dance moves (I don't care what anyone says, he can dance!) to his very kind and generous ways with fans, and his pretty stellar bandmates, every single thing about going to a concert where Danny Gokey is the main attraction will be an amazing experience for you. And that is %100 guaranteed. I promise you, you would never regret it. In fact, if you do regret it I will do something crazy like go swimming at St. George Island in January! So what are you waiting for? Go grab his CD, "My Best Days" and wait patiently for another tour, or more dates near you. As for me, I'm off to do my Lit paper, with a little Danny Gokey playing in the background, you know, for luck ;)

*I don't have all the pictures uploaded yet, but once I do, I will add more to this article*

Life is About the Journey and the People You Meet Along the Way

As I sit here a little over midway through my first semester of college the feeling of nostalgia passes over me. It was only a matter of months ago; five months in two days actually that I looked over at my fellow classmates as we happily threw our caps into the air signaling the ending of a chapter of our lives.

Most of the time college, or more often than not just life in general keeps me too busy for quiet reflection, but on nights such as tonight when I find myself flipping through that album titled, "Senior Year" it blindsides me so suddenly I get swept away. It is hard to believe that almost five months have passes since that May night that was, in so many ways, the end of an era.

It's funny too because just a month or two ago I would have told you that I didn't miss it as much as I had assumed I would, but the more time that elapses the more my views change.



It is strange to have Friday nights free to do as I chose, rather than living with the knowledge that no matter what, every Friday during football season would be spent sitting on the cold, hard, bleachers of Corry Field watching a small, but mighty team leave it all on the gridiron.

Strange to not walk the grounds of a school I spent twelve years learning every inch of. Strange to not wake up every day with the knowledge that no matter what had occurred I would know every detail by the end of 1st period. Strange to not see the faces of people who over the years became more than friends; they became family.



As I embark on the beginning of a new era of my life as a Freshman at the school that I grew up dreaming about I can't help but reflect on the past year of my life, my senior year of high school and how it changed everything.


For me senior year was the accumulation of everything that high school should be. It was final. Absolute. Real. Everything was about to change so enjoy the time you have now. It was attending my first real high school party. It was learning to dance in the rain. It was kissing a cute guy at a football game and not really caring if everyone around me saw it. It was crazy bonfires and freezing nights spent joking and gazing at the stars with friends. It was amazing concerts and more crushes than people should be allowed to have. It was laughing, crying, joking, running, being afraid, and embracing the future. It was life. It was good and tragic and everything that being a senior should be. It was perfect in an imperfect sort of way.



Of course everyone knows that senior year would not be complete without those stories that you would be both embarrassed and excited to tell your children one day. The stories that inside jokes are made of. The kind of stories that you know you will still be joking about when you are eighty years old and chasing each other around with canes. And I am so glad that my friends and I racked up quite a few. They all started in October at the Florida State/Georgia Tech game.There were cute boys, ridiculous dancing, a Thriller reenactment, and 1 am Taco Bell run; it was in essence the beginning of it all. Then came Spring Break and hot tubs, baseball players, locals, and giant holes that were great for hiding, among other things. And of course who could forget Colorado and the Wiscaaansin boys that came along with it. Don't be too disappointed you didn't get the whole story on any of those, after all people call them inside jokes for a reason.



But looking back on my Senior Year of high school, whether it be five months later, like now, or ten years I know that what I will remember most isn't the parties we missed, the tests we failed, or the boys who were foolish enough to let us get away, but rather the people who I made the journey with along the way. The late nights that turned into early mornings. The laughter and the tears. The concerts, movies, and football games. The beach trips. But more than anything, I will remember the friends who turned into family. The people I love who definitely taught me that life isn't about the destination; but the JOURNEY it takes to get there.

Does True Love Exist?

"But that's love isn't it? When you know someone better than they do and you would do anything in the world to protect them?" -Silvio Horta

As I sit here next to my computer getting ready to type this blog out I'm struck by deepness of the question I pose. Does true love exist? You know, that special awe inspiring kind of love that fairy tales are made of, the kind that sweeps you off your feet and leaves your head reeling. The kind of love that leaves an impression even after you are gone?

I have always been the girl who dreamt of a fairy-tale-esque romance. I have my perfect guy in my head right down to the football team he roots for (if you know me at all, you know this is actually at the TOP of the list). Yes, I have imagined my wedding and cannot wait to find the person who makes me long to swim across the East River in January (Ugly Betty reference). But being only eighteen, and, I'll admit, not the best at putting myself out there, I have yet to find someone who has captured my heart in such a profound way. Which I suppose could be why I pose such a question. Does true love exist? And if it does, do we all have the possibility of finding it, or are there only a lucky few who get to divulge in this 'treat?'

As a girl, a dreamer, and a human being, I would like nothing more than to believe that there is a special kind of love that transcends everything. A kind of love that nothing can break, the kind that truly lasts forever.

And you know what? At the end of the day, I DO believe in that kind of love. Some may call me naive or silly, but I don't see anything wrong in believing that there is this epic kind of love. I believe that knowing that there is something as genuine and true as love, makes knowing that there are things as awful and saddening as hate a little more bearable.



Have you ever wondered what makes people do the crazy things that they seem to be willing to do for love? Move across the country, heck across the world. Learn a new language, defy their family, friends, and loved ones. Leave everything they have ever known behind? What is so incredible about love that makes this seem a desirable move? I have.

It's funny that as I sit here writing this the convictions of my thoughts continue to persuade me that my argument is valid, and that the evidence, if one were to really look is irrefutable. But I don't expect the few flimsy, whimsy, paragraphs of an eighteen year old that has barely experienced life, let alone love to convince you of this fact.

I understand you may feel the need to challenge me, go ahead, actually please do. Go out and look for examples of love in your community. In fact, go to lovegivesmehope.com and peruse around for a bit, then come back and tell me what you found there.

I may not have all the facts, or be able to list off all these couples that are extraordinary examples of true love, but I KNOW that it is out there; and I believe that it is attainable. Do you?

David Buss put it beautifully in his essay, here is the exert I found particularly moving.

"But true love takes its own course through uncharted territory. It knows no fences, has no barriers or boundaries. It's difficult to define, eludes modern measurement, and seems scientifically woolly. But I know true love exist. I just can't prove it."



This is one blog where I would really love to hear what everyone else thinks. Does this kind of love, the kind that makes you want to climb mountains or throw yourself in front of a speeding bus to protect that other person exist? Do you have an example you would love to share? Please I welcome it :)

Danny Gokey Concert Experience :)

So I'm going to try to remember everything from last night in as clear of detail as possible. So let's get started :)


I arrived at the venue about an hour before the show, like my Sophia's Heart ticket purchase told me to do, and picked up my stuff at the Box Office window. I got a new SHF bracelet, which my sister stole, but I'm okay with that because I completely adore my old and worn (aka loved) one. I noticed that my information told me to go to the stage door on the left of the theatre, not knowing exactly where that was I asked for directions, a few very nice ladies told me where to go and said they were jealous, asking how I had gotten the meet and greet.

When I found where I was supposed to be the security guard told me it would be about 15 minutes until they let people back to meet him, so I turned and saw a very nice older couple with a daughter in a wheelchair behind me. We struck up a conversation and they were very nice people who loved Danny and his music. The crowd started to gain volume and the time to be escorted back finally came. I was behind the nice couple I met and was perfectly fine with that. I was, after all, pretty much second in line.




It was relatively hot backstage waiting for Danny to appear, but well worth it. After about 5 minutes I saw Ivan walk out of the door, which made me really happy because I had been told only Danny was present at the meet and greets and I had really been hoping to meet him as well. A few seconds after he exited the building I spotted Danny. He was wearing dark jeans, brown combat boots, a brown shirt, necklace, and of course matching glasses. He looked extremely happy and even cuter in person. The people in front of me wandered his direction and I heard them talking to him, but I was talking to Ivan. He said, "TeeFly!" and I was happy he remember, if not a little embarrassed. I got to talk to him for only a short bit, hopefully next time it will be longer, but I managed to get a picture with him, which I love.




After taking my picture with Ivan I got back in line and noticed the group in front of me were done. Danny turned toward me and said, "TeeFly, right? I think that's your whole twitter name." I told him it was and he seemed glad he had remembered. He asked me if I had anything for him to sign and I handed him the slip of paper. While he was signing it he looked up at me and said "You know this is my last show with Sugarland." he seemed sad about it. I told him that I saw that on twitter and he laughed. Right after that he noticed the bag I was holding in my hands and said excitedly, "Is that for me?" I told him it was and he took it quickly and hugged it, smiling. He looked inside and said, "Oh I thought it was chocolate, I was like everyone is trying to make me fat!" haha (it was a Green Bay Packers tee btw) I laughed and said no, and the guy asked if I wanted him to take our picture. I said yes and then we did, I thanked Danny and began to walk away when he said, "Wait, you forgot your hug." So I went back and hugged him (he really is a great hugger) and then walked out to the concert smiling!

After meeting Danny I decided to go and look at the merchandise booth to see if I wanted one of his shirts. I loved the black ones, but all of them were way to big so I got a pink one, which I actually really love, now! After that I picked up a Sierra Mist and made my way toward my seat, after all, Danny was about to go on.

Danny came out singing "Get Away" and the crowd was getting really into it. I was amazed at how awesome he sounds live, since most people don't sound as good live as they do on CD, but I actually think he sounds better. He got really into the song and made most of the crowd get into it as well. I for one was jumping up and down singing.



Next he sang "My Best Days" which the kid in front of me freaked out about. I thought it was awesome of course and was singing along. I liked his introduction for it too. He talked about how he had recently celebrated his 30th birthday and he wasn't sad or depressed, but rather, he was celebrating life. It was very heartfelt and genuine. Danny appeared completely at ease in front of this huge crowd.

The next song he sang was "Be Somebody" it had a little introduction and then he got into it, running all around the stage and and singing with every ounce of enthusiasm he had in him. It was just incredible. He really can put on a show. You haven't heard or seen Danny until you have experienced him live, it is a whole new level.

His last original song was "IWNSG" and he talked about Sophia for a bit and how he knew he would see her again in Heaven. It was a beautiful speech. He dedicated the song to everyone who had ever lost someone in their life. And even though I've heard it a million times I teared up and almost started bawling hearing it live. He just sings it with so much conviction it's insane. It is probably the most beautifully sung song I have ever heard live and that is saying something.



Last he sang, "Life is a Highway" and everyone in the crowd was at attention standing up for this. When he was done he announced that after the show he would be signing stuff and he would love to meet everyone and shake their hands.

Little Big Town was pretty good after Danny, and Sugarland is actually pretty incredible live. Very energetic and beautiful singers, truly. I only took pictures of Danny, however, since he was my purpose for being there.



We got in Danny's line for after the show and were about 5 people from the front. After around 45 minutes of waiting I spotted Danny walking on the grass toward the venue. I told the little girl behind me to look because she had been waiting for so long and she screamed and jumped up and down in excitement, it was so cute. Danny came and sat down and started signing things. You weren't allowed to take pics from the line, which was random, so I didn't get any.



But my sister got him to sign her picture she had bought and I gave him my ticket, which he signed upside down. He asked, "So how did you enjoy the show?" I told him that it was even better than I had imagined it would be and he smiled and said, "I just want to thank you so so much for all your support." and did his scrunched up nose smile. I told him no problem, well kind of I said it as I was being shuffled away and I hope he heard.


All in all, I had the most amazing time ever, and I just can't wait for my next Danny Gokey concert! :)