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! :)

Lightbulb Moment =O

Have you ever experienced a moment of silence in life? The kind they show in movies where everything suddenly makes sense, it's like all the pieces of an invisible puzzle suddenly fit and you can see on the actor's face that something, you may not know what, but something, is suddenly right. Well I have had one of those moments. I don't know if at the time I realized it was, but looking back I can see it (in slow motion) as plain as day.

It was the year 2000, and I was sitting in a third grade classroom. It was an ordinary day like any other, we were practicing cursive and doing some sort of mathematical equation, when my teacher, Mrs. Carolyn, decided she was going to start a book club of sorts for our class. We would start this off by reading a book about a boy wizard. It was called, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone." Our classroom fell silent and for effect she turned out the lights. I had never much been an avid reader, but I sat captivated in my seat, certain that something was about to unfold that I would be all too interested in. I can still recall sitting in that third desk on the first row as she sat on her stool and began,



"Mr. and Mrs. Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you'd expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn't hold with such nonsense..."

It's so strange to me how one moment can forever alter the course of your life. I can still feel the sense of wonderment and excitement I felt as Mrs. Carolyn unraveled a world of magic and horror, I had seldom been accustomed to previously. It was in that moment, on that ordinary day, that I completely fell in love with the written word.

You see for me, words are magic. I love the way a book can transport you to a completely different time, immerse you in the lives of people so far outside your own tiny existence, and just alter your version of people or reality. I love the way a song can tell a story as clearly as if you are watching it unfold before your eyes, or the way a poem can rhymingly (or not) express a persons innermost desires disguised as something completely non-threatening. I truly wish I were a more eloquent writer and could impress upon you my love for, well, words.

Since I fell in love with the written word ten years ago my appreciation of it has only grown stronger, my desire to further it, more palpable. I long to create characters of my own that people fall in love with and want to grow with, the way I fell in love with a scrawny boy with a lightning shaped scar on his forehead all those years ago. For me, Harry Potter is the ultimate example. Since I began reading Harry Potter in 2000, I haven't stopped. I have read every book, more than twice, and the third one at least four or five times (it isn't my favorite, per-say, it just happened that way). Simply put, I love Harry Potter. I read, fascinated as he was taken from a miserable upbringing with the Dursley's to a world of wonder and excitement beyond even his dizziest daydreams. I was captivated through six years of schooling, crushes,love, mistletoe, heartbreak, sacrifice, courage, and bravery and one year of terrifying situations, death-defying feats, shocking alliances, and triumph in the face of defeat. If I could one day create a character that people love half as much as I adore the ones that fill the pages, penned by J.K. Rowling, than I would be incredibly ecstatic.



So for me, as you caught by the long rant, words are magic and a simple moment of reading by a third grade teacher, whom will always carry a special place in my heart, changed my life forever. Now you know that writing is my passion, my silent, everything makes sense moment, but I'm curious, what was yours? Have you had one? If so, I'd love to hear all about it. There is a comment section below! Thanks for reading :)

Happy Birthday, Danny Gokey!!!!

*I'm kind of taking a bit of a divergence from my usual blog to post this poem I wrote for Danny Gokey in honor of his 30th birthday, which is today. Just bear with me, I know it's a bit silly, but it's what came into my head*

My Inspiration
It seems funny and cliché
That I should type these words down
Hoping that they
Will make sense somehow
I want to convey
The convictions of my belief
That your existence
Healed a part of me
I was a little lost
In a stormy endless sea
Questioning things
I found it difficult to see
Until the day you appeared
And shown a light on me
Proving my doubts
Were unfounded and silly
It’s a bit hard
To try and describe
How by simply being yourself
You helped me to strive
I guess seeing someone so selfless
Taught me how to give again
And your faith in a higher being
Showed me that the only love worth having
Was one without limits or conditions
At the end of the day
I just want you to go to sleep
Knowing if nothing else
You saved someone
You constantly inspire
Me





*I hope you enjoyed it, for anyone who reads it, and if you haven't checked out this man's incredible music please do so! You can listen at dannygokey.com! Much love,and as always I'd love to hear your thoughts! Anyone that inspires you to the very depth of your soul? How about just someone who you think is an exemplary human being? Don't be shy, come on and share :)*

Ugly Betty: Why It Mattered to Me

*this blog is my small tribute to Ugly Betty, I loved every second of that show and I will miss it very dearly*

"Betty, you have to believe me when I say this, you are beautiful."


For the past four years Ugly Betty has come into my house each week with the same basic message. Be who you are and be okay with it. It's funny actually that this show came into my life at the exact time I needed something to tell me that being different was special and that being yourself may not always be easy, but it is the right thing.

You see when Ugly Betty aired I was a freshman in high school. I had just turned 14 and was dealing with a bit of an identity crisis. My best friend of six years had suddenly stopped talking to me because I wouldn't change who I was and mold myself into what she wanted me to be. I struggled with deciding whether keeping her as a friend was worth sacrificing myself. During this struggle I turned on the TV one night to see a girl with a smile full of braces, unruly hair, and big red glasses. I'm not really sure what it was about her, but something held me in place. I watched fascinated as she stayed true to herself after going through hardship after hardship, barely ever faltering from her cherry disposition. I was amazed by her. Here was this girl who owned who she was, who dared to be different, and who made no apologies about that fact. I guess if this was one of those cheesy movies now would be the time I'd say, "Ugly Betty had me at hello."

Through four seasons Betty had me captivated and fascinated. But it wasn't just Betty herself that drew me in. Each character was completely unique and all their own, offering something new and different to the table. Ugly Betty was kind of like the TV show equivalent to a buffet, everyone could find something in it they liked. From Betty to Daniel, Marc to Amanda, Hilda to Justin, or Ignacio to Claire, and so many more characters, each of which was an enthralling part of the shows dynamic.

Personally the character that I connected to the most was Betty. Not really because I am as fashionably challenged as her, but more her personality. She is the kind of person who wants what she wants in life and isn't going to take no for an answer. Aside from that she is an honest and loyal friend, daughter, and sister, which I try my hardest to be all the time. Of course she is human too and therefore has faults, which is something I think is essential in a good character on television. Everyone messes up, that doesn't make them bad, it simply makes them human.

The two greatest lessons that Ugly Betty taught me (as well as anyone else who watched it) were 1) love truly does conquer all & 2) being who you truly are is the most important thing of all.




At times Ugly Betty was bold and ahead of it's time I suppose. One of my favorite story lines was the 'coming-out' of Betty's nephew, Justin. I found this such a great storyline because it went along with both of the major messages Ugly Betty tried to display. Justin eventually, with the help of Marc (whom I freaking LOVE) found the courage to be who he was (gay) and his family truly loved him regardless. This storyline was great not only because if you watched the show you had been waiting four years for that to happen, but because it showed that if a family is strong and their love is true than no matter what happens, it will survive. Ugly Betty had a way of making you believe the best in families, friends, and just bonds in general. After all, there is more than one type of family, and only one type requires an actual blood bond.

I guess you could classify me as one of those people who loves happily ever afters, or fairy-tale endings, so naturally I was a Daniel/Betty or Detty fan from the start. Because really what greater way for a show that is supposed to show people that beauty is in the eye of the beholder (and that there are many different types of beautiful) to end than with the once shallow-playboy falling in love with his dumpy-assistant. I was never in favor of a full makeover because in my heart it would negate the entire message of the show. Of course everyone would love her if she turned beautiful by societies standards, but that was never what Ugly Betty was about. I think all of us Detty fans got our happy ending when Daniel chased Betty to London to begin his "new life." Because really let's face it, nobody is going to start a new life across a giant ocean unless you are doing it for love, or something close to it. And if you read the final "Letter from the Editor" on ABC.com that is clear to you as well. I know many people believed it would be too Cinderella-esque. But in my mind, a happily ever after in a world full of happily NEVER afters is a blessing.





I don't know if this blog makes any sense, or if it flows like I wanted it to, my point is that Ugly Betty was an amazing show because it had heart behind it and a lesson. If you can be entertained and walk away from the experience feeling like you learned a little something about being a better person, than maybe, just maybe, it changed you a little bit. It caused you to grow. And you didn't even realize it was happening =)

Like I said, this blog is dedicated to Ugly Betty, a show in my mind, that will loom forever in unconquerable existence. Thanks for entertaining and teaching me. Thanks for helping me to grow <3

Are Tattoos Still Taboo?

Be honest, what was your first thought when you saw that picture? Did the fact that he might be a businessman even cross your mind? What about a CEO, a banker, or a doctor? Tattoos have made incredible strides in the past few years toward becoming more mainstream and accepted. But is the popularity of tattoos a passing trend or a shift in culture toward acceptance? Tattoos are not the taboo subject they once were, but how close are we to abolishing the social stereotyping that comes along with this particular brand of art?

I don't have a bunch of research showing the statistics of hundreds of people who were surveyed answers, but I honestly don't think it is needed. I have two eyes and ears and I know the reactions of people around me when they see or hear about a tattoo.

I am probably not the most impartial person to write a blog about tattoos considering the fact that my brother has four and I am in the process of mapping out the ones I plan on getting sometime in the not-so-distant future. But then again maybe that makes me the perfect person to discuss them, with an open mind, and a (currently) untarnished body. So what makes people so interested in getting tattoos? Is it the ultimate form of self expression? The (from what I hear) addicting pain? A need to distinguish themselves from the crowd? An unquenchable thirst for a life just a little bit left of center? The answer?

ALL OF THE ABOVE

Every person is different, each a completely unique artwork made by the perfect, defined brushstrokes of God, so of course their reasons for getting tattoos vary. For some it may be a way to show the world who they are and the rules they live by, for others it is a way to honor a culture, an ideal, or a person that has touched their life in a significant way. And maybe some people simply like something and want to keep it close to them always.



I used to be completely addicted to a show called "Miami Ink." It centered around four tattoo artists out of South Beach (Miami), Florida. They are four of the best tattoo artists in the world: Ami James, Chris Garver, Chris Nunez, and Darren Brass. And the reason that I fell in love with the show was the stories as well as the art. I found it fascinating learning about the various reasons that people had for deciding on something so permanent. For some it was the mark of triumph over a terrible illness. For others it marked the end of an era of their life, or was a memorial to those they loved that were no longer with them. And when I watched these tattoos unfold before my eyes I was fascinated, enthralled even. I couldn't have looked away if I had wanted to. They were beautiful pieces of art that people could walk around with daily. Little reminders of what they had gone through and would continue to go through until the came to rest. I had never guessed that something so beautiful could be seen as wrong. How could everyone be so opposed to something so incredible, so gorgeous? I made this inquiry to my parents where they explained to me that it just didn't look right for people to go around with so many visible tattoos, it just wasn't seen as classy. I still didn't understand, after all it was art. Movable, intricate, and unique in design. It was living, breathing art, put on a canvas that got way more looks than a piece of white board sitting in someone's house unable to move about, to display itself.

I think tattoos are a refined taste. Maybe they are like art in that way. Some people love going to museums, studying various artists from Cezanne or Monet to Renoir, but it just isn't for other people. They'd much rather watch a baseball game, or go fly fishing. I think tattoos are kind of like that. Some people fall in love with the intricacies of the art form, the way a piece of art can move on the human body in a way it can't on canvas. The way in which the colors fade and sharpen with time. And the way each artist brings their own unique flavor to a piece, giving a completely one of a kind feel. But just in the way that baseball or fly fishing isn't for everyone neither are tattoos, and that isn't a bad thing. It isn't even reprehensible. Tattoos aren't for everyone.























In this day and age you see more people with visible tattoos than ever before. It has become completely mundane for a housewife in suburbia to have one. A business man in Atlanta or a politician in Washington, D.C. So you would think with all the face time tattoos are getting the negative connotation that comes along with them would soon be banished off somewhere into the background, but it isn't true. People will probably always look at you twice if you have a neck tattoo peaking up over your collared shirt at a job interview. If you get pulled over by the cops and you are covered in tattoos, chances are the cop is looking at you twice and wondering if you have a rap sheet. Is this kind of stereotyping fair? Definitely not. Is it going to be abolished overnight because a few people get tired of it? No. It sucks to think that nothing anybody does is going to change things, and it isn't true. But as long as humans have roamed this Earth stereotyping has existed, and I honestly don't think it will change anytime in the near future. So get a tattoo, or don't get a tattoo, but make whatever choice you make for the right reasons. Not because you think it's the next cool thing to do, because like big hair and parachute pants, all trends eventually fade.

And Then a Hero Comes Along

My blog today is going to be...well pretty long I predict, so grab some popcorn, pull up a chair, and enjoy! =)



Hero. What was the first thing that popped into your head when you saw that word? Did you imagine some great comic book-esque super hero, maybe Batman (who we all know is the best so let's not pretend otherwise). How about Superman or The Incredible Hulk, did these well known heroes pop into your mind? Perhaps a cop, fireman, or solider made your list? All of them are quite deserving of that title after all wouldn't you agree? What about a child battling cancer with bravery or a missionary willing to endure the harshest things to spread the word of God and save a few lost souls, both of them embody the title after all. Well then how about a twenty-nine year old singer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who is a phenomenal example of human strength and compassion. Why you may ask is this seemingly ordinary man deserving of such a completely extraordinary title and if you asked him would he concur with such praise. The answer to the first question is below and I hope that I do a good job explaining it. The answer to the second is no, this man would never consider himself a hero...but really in the end true heroes never do.

The word hero is defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary in the following ways: a)a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities & b)one that shows great courage. With this definition in mind let me introduce you to the man who lives up to this in my heart.

I was first introduced to a man by the name of Daniel Jay Gokey during the audition round of American Idol Season 8. It was Kansas City and I was intently watching, laughing at the bad people, being interested by the good ones, when onto the screen came a somewhat geeky, but adorable, man wearing glasses. I think I knew then that I was a goner, but it took me a few more seconds to grasp just how far gone I truly was. Right after he came onto the screen, as they often do during this round of American Idol, his story began to unfold. It was explained, by a broken down Danny Gokey, that his wife, Sophia, had recently, very recently in fact, passed away. The way he spoke about her with such love and sadness, but determination and perseverance, I was begging for him to stay though I had never even heard his voice. It's kind of funny, or obsessive (I guess you can be the judge), but I remember with absolute clarity that moment. I remember him walking into the judging room, while I held my breathe and silently prayed (literally) while sitting on that little green couch off to the left side of the TV. I must have muttered "Please God, just let him be able to sing." a hundred times in those few seconds it took, my heart racing in anticipation. I remember freaking out when he said the words, "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" not sure someone, anyone, should tackle a song like that. But then relief swept over me as he began to sing. This guy was good, actually this guy was GREAT! And I knew from that moment on, I was on board the Gokey Train. I didn't know where he was going with his music, or his career, but I knew wherever it was he ended up I was going to follow.



I guess somewhere between that first audition and when his album was recently released is when he became my hero. It is a little bit difficult to explain just why I think he is a hero because it isn't necessarily in the traditional sense of the word everyone is used to. He is my hero because of his courage & strength in the face of incredible pain and adversity. He is my hero because at a time where he could have given up and given into the 'haters' he decided to ignore their remarks and remain undeniably himself. He is my hero because he stood up there and proclaimed who he was and what he believed in and made no apologizes for that fact. He is my hero for starting a foundation to honor the legacy of someone that he loved too much to not let her dream of touching the lives of children go unfulfilled (the foundation is called Sophia's Heart Foundation and it can be found at www.sophiasheart.org). He is my hero for creating triumph from tragedy, love from despair, and a sense of hope in a hopeless situation.

I guess in a way it boils down to this. Danny Gokey inspires me. He makes me believe in the impossible dream, in the unreachable goal. He helps me understand that in life you have to make the most of the hand you are dealt. Whenever I'm having a bad day or I'm thinking, "Why did you let this happen to me God?" I think about what he went through and how he kept his faith and became stronger because of it and I think "I can do this." There are things in life that are going to happen and you aren't going to understand why, not at the time, maybe not ever, but having faith to continue with the knowledge that someone is looking out for you can bring a ray of sunshine to even the darkest of days. Or as Danny might say, simply live with the knowledge that your best days are ahead of you.

I would be remiss if I went through this whole description of how he is my hero without mentioning one pivotal thing he did for me in my life. He helped bring me closer to God and for that alone I will always be grateful. Now I had never strayed away from God per say. I grew up in a Presbyterian Church, went to church every Sunday & Tuesday growing up and prayed before bed every night. But around the age of 13 when I stopped going to youth at my church I drifted away from the close bond I had once had. Danny changed that. When I saw his faith on Idol it stirred something inside of me. Something called out to me and told me I needed to hit the restart button and begin again. My best friend, Adrianne, went to the Baptist Church down the road from my house every Wednesday for youth. One day in January I began accompanying her and have been going every week since. It's been over a year and I still go every Wednesday. I am so proud of this and feel closer to God and Jesus than ever before. I have Danny to thank for that.



I wish I was a more eloquent writer and I could somehow impress upon you with mere words the magnitude of my convictions about this man. He is someone who has the ability to shape peoples lives and chooses to be a positive influence. He chooses to be the good he wishes to see in the world, as that saying goes. I think I'm going to be really cheesy right now and go with the lyrics to a Bette Midler song, "My Wings"

Did you know that you're my hero,
And everything I'd like to be?

So can it be that an truck driver, turned country music singer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin is defined as a hero? Why not? Merriam-Webster has its defniition of hero and I have mine. For me, for the reasons listed above and so many more, Danny Gokey embodies the qualities that true heroes have. If you think about it, Spiderman & Superman were normal guys by day right? ;)

*thanks for reading this guys, let me know what you think!*

Be Free to be YOU!

So it has been a while since my last blog and I thought I'd start 2010 off by re-introducing you all to me, or maybe introducing myself properly for the first time. I'm a firm believer in always being who you are and never compromising or pretending, because, well, why pretend to be something you aren't. I think I'll start off with one of my favorite sayings!

"Be who you are, some people will love you for you, some people will love you for what you can do for them, and some won't like you all."

So who am I? I'm a DORK =)

So there you have it, my not so deep, not so dark secret: I'm a dork, a huge one, not exactly the ordinary run of the mill girl. But if you really think about it who would want to be normal? If normal is the socially acceptable thing to be, then I must be a rebel, because normal,or societies standard of it, has never been something I was interested in. I guess to understand this you would have to understand a little bit more about me. So I'll tell you some of my quirks. The things that make me human, the things that make unique, the things that make me... well me!

I'm the youngest of four children, which by the way means I've been the butt of the joke my whole life. It's good that way though, you learn to laugh at yourself because, well when everyone else is it is just the easiest thing to do. But honestly you learn that humor is the best medicine for any illness and that laughter is just one of the many gifts God has blessed us with. You also learn to distinguish yourself, to make yourself stand out in the crowd. You have to be loud and demand attention. You have to be unique. But I guess maybe those qualities are things you are born with, rather than things you acquire from youth. Maybe I was born a loud, unique, laughter obsessed baby or maybe I grew into that because of my environment, but then again I guess that's an age old question that I better not delve into at this exact moment. After all American Idol is almost on ;)

Something else you should know about me is that I love football. More specifically Florida State football, really I guess perhaps obsession is the better word for it, or I think that is what my parents and friends would say if they were here typing this instead of me. As a kid football was something my parents watched around me, it was the world in which I was raised. As I got older I found myself drawn to this world and the day I finally sat down and watched my first football game I was lost in a never-ending sea of green fields and incredible feats of human talent. If you haven't guessed I'm from the South, another very distinguishing characteristic of my life. I'm a true southern girl based on the facts: I LOVE football, country music, plaid, and cute boys with an accent. I guess I'm stereotypical in that way. But we all have our social cliches.



Where to go from here? Some of my quirks, the things that distinguish me from anyone else you might meet. I love Science Fiction. It is a completely geeky/dorky part of me and one of which I'm completely unashamed. I can tell you the full name of probably ever major character that ever appeared on The X-Files series and some episode names. I saw the newest movie 'I Want to Believe' the day it came out and have a collectors addition poster in my room hung for the world to see. I'm pretty proud of it actually. Another sci-fi (slang) series/movie I'm in love with is Star Trek. I completely adore it and will tell anyone who is willing to listen, I think all my friends can vouch for that one. I never saw the original series, but when the movie came out this past summer I fell in love with it. Spock and Kirk and their journey together on this ship known as the Enterprise fascinated me. I have now begun to watch the original series and my transition into a full fledged Trekkie is officially underway ;)

Though I must admit while I like to think of myself as your unique, oddball teenager, truth is I have moments and likes that are some of the most cliched. I'm a pretty big fan of the trio of brothers that form the boy-band The Jonas Brothers, I am a complete sucker for any fairy-tale movie with a happily ever after, I think that rock concerts are probably the best place in the world to be, and I watch American Idol like it is going out of style ;) I obsess over cute boys (e.g. Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine, Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley...I really could go on forever) I think that clothes and shoes are two of the most important things in the world, and cannot wait to see everything that life has in store for me.

I guess at the end of the day all of these random things I've stated, and sooo many more are the things that distinguish me and make me who I am. Of course I'm JUST like everybody else and of course I'm NOTHING like anybody else. At the end of the day I guess we fall into two categories. 1) the person everyone sees when they look at you and 2) the person we see when we look in the mirror. So maybe giving people titles is wrong. Maybe it's what is expected of us, but maybe, just maybe the day when we stop labeling people will be the day we finally see them for who they truly are.

I have no idea really if this blog means anything to you, I'm not even positive what it means to me, I just know that I haven't written one in forever and I felt like starting off with something easy, something I know! And I wanted people to get a chance to know me if they don't! Welcome to my life, hope you love it here <3