Whimsical Musical

"Suteki Da Ne (Practice for Kami-Con)"

2012-01-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

One more practice video.
{I'm drilling these songs for hours, every day.
It better show, at the Con. Or. Else.}
Leaving for Alabama in 10 days! ヽ(*≧ω≦)ﾉ

"Every River" (new iTunes release!)

2012-01-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

Working with the masterful composer, Fox Amoore, has been such a treat.
And one of our collaborations has made its way to iTunes -- check it out here!
Thanks to Fox for the orchestration,
to Stephen Cumberworth for his flute,
to AlectorFencer for her photographs,
and to Steve Flavin for the video editing.
More tracks to come -- but first, Kami-Con!

{"Every River" © Runrig}

"The Root of Fear"

2012-01-17T16:11:00.002-07:00

There are many different shades of fear,
and people react to shocking situations in strange, and altering ways.
How do you handle things that frighten you?

{"The Root of Fear" © Ashley Serena}

{image © respective owner}

"Practicing for Kami-Con"

2012-01-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

23 days 'til Kami-Con! ...And I still have so much to prepare. Also, guys!I have a new YouTube channel. Subscribe to get more (and better-er) videos!

"Twenty-Three"

2012-01-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

I am so, over-emotionally grateful for my loved ones.

They are entirely too darling. (/^-^(^ ^*)/

♥

Massage.

Lunch treat with Friend Cory.

Game party with Friends Kristen, Chris, and Cory.

Dinner with FAMILY.

Surprise party with Roommie Kate and ward members.

♥

So many friends have told me 23 was one of their best years.

I plan on making it one of mine, too. \(*＾ワ＾*)ノ

"Welcoming in the Dragon"

2012-01-01T22:01:00.069-07:00

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." -Neale Donald Walsch

To bid the bunny farewell and dance in the dragon,
friends and I drove up to Salt Lake City
for the Video Games Live concert.

This was my first exposure to cosplayers.
AWESOME.
{A great prelude to February's Kami-Con excursion.}

Friend Laura was on-stage for the cosplay contest.
{I helped paint that pretty Cortana costume.}

The concert was composed (har har) of astounding talent:
The Utah Symphony
The Snow College Choir
with an incredibly talented soprano and flautist
{who cosplayed as Link when playing Zelda music with the Symphony}.

Video Games Live, my friends.
I suggest you attend, next year.

{↑ This is Friend Donny.}
The real New Year celebration
happened at Friend Cory's apartment.
We rang in the Dragon with plenty of noms, games, and late-night fun.

From my dragon heart to yours {whatever animal you may be}:
Happy New Year!

{♪ "Bass Head" © Bassnectar}

{Bunny/Dragon via Tumblr}

"Veni, Veni & I Wonder As I Wander"

2011-12-18T21:41:00.001-07:00

Two Christmas songs!
I wanted to prove to myself that I could still sing, with a cold.
{But now my body is dead.}
The first song, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
in Latin and Japanese:

Veni, Veni by ashleyserena

Veni, veni, Emmanuel

Captivum solve Israel

Qui gemit in exilio

Privatus Dei Filio

Hisashiku machinichi
Shu yo, toku kitarite
Mitami no nawame wo
Toki hanachi tamae!

Shu yo, Shu yo
Mitami wo
Sukuwase tamaeya!

Ashita no hoshi naru
Shu yo, toku kitarite
O-guraki kono yo ni
Mihikari wo tamae!

Shu yo, Shu yo
Mitami wo
Sukuwase tamaeya!

Second, a straight run-thru a cappella version,
sung in 4 different keys,
of one of my favorites, "I Wonder As I Wander":

I Wonder As I Wander (A Cappella) by ashleyserena

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus, the Savior, did come for to die
For poor ornery people like you and like I
I wonder as I wander...
Out under the sky

May we all take a breath, as we prepare for the holidays,
and reflect when the Lord touched our lives, this year,
or sent His angels to hold us.

{"Veni, Veni" MP3 Download HERE}

{"I Wonder As I Wander (A Cappella)" MP3 Download HERE}

{images via WeHeartIt & Tumblr}

"Final Swing at the Books"

2011-12-17T19:28:00.001-07:00

With all 7 of my autumn finals over (so NOT a holy number),

I'm preparing for my last semester, here at BYU.
Yes. Already.
It's gonna pile up paloodles.

Once January hits, I'll climb back into my study hole
and lurk there until spring.
What business do I have taking SIX intense classes
and keeping my radio announcer job?!

I'll get breaks, though, by traveling during the semester:
Planning a trip to Hong Kong for fun-dles,
and Alabama {as a performer for Kami-Con}.

After tossing that graduation cap to the side,
I'll venture out and explore the world even more.
Paris, Munich, Chicago, Orlando...
Almost there!

{images © their respective owners}

"Metal and Flesh"

2011-12-10T23:02:00.001-07:00

I'm half of a two-man music group called, Elegarde.
Chris composes lovely melodies,
and I mesh on lyrics and vocals.
Here's a preview of our newest project, "Metal and Flesh":

I am metal, you are flesh

My fingers, cold against your chest

Nuts and bolts, bones and blood

These must never mingle, no, they never should

Find a spark to share between

They said we would never make a team

Spark-boom-rocket, circuit to your heart

You have veins, and I have a chart

{♫ "Metal and Flesh" © Elegarde}
{"Beautiful Robot" © Muh Ihsan}

"Seven Devils"

2011-12-09T21:11:00.001-07:00

They say you can fight with your inner demons,
or learn to live with them.
My faith teaches me to exorcise the devil in my head,
and my own strong sense of justice demands it.

We will always have trials,
but it is how we face them, and what weapons we use
that defines who we really are.

As of right now,
I'm still figuring out what kind of warrior I am.
Perhaps the reason some of us are taught to turn to God,
is because we do an awful job sewing ourselves back together
with our shaky, unexperienced hands.

Seven Devils by Florence + The Machine on Grooveshark

"Seven Devils"
Florence + The Machine

Holy water cannot help you now
A thousand armies couldn't keep me out
I don't want your money
I don't want your crowd
See, I have to burn your kingdom down

Holy water cannot help you now
See, I've had to burn your kingdom down
And no rivers and no lakes can put the fire out
I'm gonna raise the stakes
I'm gonna smoke you out

Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in my house
See, they were there when I woke up this morning
And I'll be dead before the day is done

Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in your house
See, I was dead when I woke up this morning
And I'll be dead before the day is done
Before the day is done

And now all your love will be exorcised
And we will find you saying it's to be harmonized
And it's an even sum
It's a melody
It's a battle cry
It's a symphony

Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in my house
See, they were there when I woke up this morning
And I'll be dead before the day is done

Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in your house
See, I was dead when I woke up this morning
And I'll be dead before the day is done
Before the day is done
Before the day is done
Before the day is done

You keep me alive
'Til I tear the walls
'Til I slave your hearts
And they take your souls
And what have we done?
Can it be undone?
In the evil's heart
In the evil's soul

Seven devils all around you
Seven devils in your house
See, I was dead when I woke up this morning
I'll be dead before the day is done
Before the day is done

{images via Tumblr & Aleksandra}

"The Bite of Eastern Winter"

2011-11-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

"Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face." -Victor Hugo

I flew to Chicago for a play date with Miss Erin.

Basically, we ate. For two days.

But I also experienced a lot of "firsts".

It was the first time I ever flew standby.

It was also the first time I ever flew first class.

{Unlimited orange juice and snack boxes? Don't mind if I doooo~}

And I flew standby & first class both ways.

It was the first time I visited Chicago in the winter.

It was the first time I attended a German Christmas Market.

You're a real unconscious man,

if you can empty that boot. (ô_ô)

I wanted one of these so badly. (ㅎㅁㅎ;;)

It was the first time I saw the lights, downtown. (｡◕‿◕｡) キラキラ

Black Forest clocks & nutcrackers. (´ ▽｀)

I'll be seeing these next year, in Munich.

It was my first time seeing street-performing angels. (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)

Erin's extended family took us out for burgers at DMK.

{New favorite!}

Erin's deviled eggs.

My lamb burger.

{I eat baby animals. ψ(｀∇´)ψ omygoshIfeelhorrible}

It was the first time I dined at an authentic German restaurant.

Pork wiener schnitzel & spätzle.

It was my first time eating at a Swiss waffle house.

Life is exciting, when you punt your schedule book out the window for a weekend.
Now... onward to finishing out this semester! p(´⌒｀｡q)

{♪ "Wish List" via Neon Trees}

"Thanksgiving Holiday"

2011-11-24T23:01:00.000-07:00

"The turkey says, 'Gobble! Gobble!', and then we gobble it up!

...It's like it's saying, "Eat me! Eat me!'" -My Mother

Traditionally, my family stays at home, for Thanksgiving. (o˘‿˘ o)

We've ventured out to the West Coast for past Christmases,

but Thanksgiving is always Utah time.ｏ♡

This time, last year,

I was telling my Japanese children all about the

food we make and eat on this day of gratitude.

{They don't eat turkey, regularly, in Japan. Σ(щ꒪Д꒪щ;;)}

Has it already been that long? ...Holy cheese monkey. (⊙_⊙)

I am so grateful for my family（இ＿இ ）

and for the moments we are able to share together.

It's such a miracle that they're mine.ｏ♡

{This isn't my plate -- it has squash, stuffing, and green beans. (ô_ô)}

Now! Whilst my siblings prance off to Black Friday,

I'll hop on an early morning flight to Chicago. (ﾉ◉ヮ◉)ﾉ♥ Wee!

{♪ "Freckles" © Natasha Bedingfield}

"Daughters {Bloopers}"

2011-11-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

I sat down with my father to do a proper recording,

and this is what happened:

Ah well.

Bloopers are my favorite parts of films, anyways. ヽ(^。^)丿

{image via WeHeartIt}

"Shine the Light"

2011-11-18T19:19:00.001-07:00

My friend, Fox Amoore's, newest piece, "Shine the Light"

with Lanovran on flutes, JarisWolf on acoustic guitar,

and me singin' along. :)

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://foxamoore.bandcamp.com/track/shine-the-light"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Shine the Light by Fox Amoore&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

To work with such a talent as Fox...
I'm fish-mouthed and absolutely honored.
More collaboration pieces to come, soon, m'dears~!

{MP3 Downloadable HERE}

{song artwork via Peritian}

"Radio Drama: My Old Man (うちの親爺)"

2011-11-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

A radio drama my classmates and I recorded

for our JAPAN 322 (short fiction) class.

My Old Man (うちの親爺) by ashleysmusic

Taylor: Narrator/Son
Noel: Father/Uncle
Me: Daughter

We translated the original Japanese story

into (somewhat) coherent English.

I was editing this until 3am. @__@ #webettergetagoodgrade

"Melty Kiss"

2011-11-02T01:19:00.001-06:00

Touch my lips...

with a melty kiss.

Melty Kiss by ashleyserena

May you have many melty kisses,
my lovely listeners.

{MP3 Downloadable HERE}

{♪ "Melty Kiss" © Yoko Kanno}
{Instrumental played by Yyrkoon}

{Image via WeHeartIt}

"Haunted Japanese Summers (Thinking Aloud)"

2011-10-31T14:02:00.001-06:00

Professor Masakazu Watabe and I
sat down with Thinking Aloud on Classical 89
to discuss Japanese hauntings and folklore.
Here's what we had to say:

Haunted Japanese Summers (Thinking Aloud)

It was brilliant getting a native's perspective,
and comparing it with my foreign one.
Give it a listen... And Happy Halloween! ヾ（*⌒ヮ⌒*）ゞ

{image via WeHeartIt}

"October, 十月"

2011-10-30T23:53:00.000-06:00

Once upon a time, I blogged every little thing...

Then, the evil dragon called "SCHOOL" sunk its teeth into me

and I've been limping along, ever since.

My family has a Japanese exchange student

staying with them, at the moment.

We made him gut a gooey pumpkin {with Chan},

and bake an apple cake {with me}.

He's such a careful little helper.

Old family friends, the Cannons,

came to sing and dine with us.

{I'm afraid we were a bit too loud for sweet Yuima.}

Singing and smiling together. <3

Halloween Cruise!

Alex, Kate, Amy, me, Dominic, Stephanie, Kristen

{and Cory, who was taking the picture}

sailed down the Provo River and heard spooky stories.

The lights on the water reminded me of Kyoto.

:< I miss my Japan.

Reflective pun'kins. :3

Pumpkin Land!

Friends and I tackled the corn maze,

to search for a magic bean.

Alex.

Christopher.

Heather.

Kristen.

{Whose photos these are.}

After the maze,

we played with the goats and rabbits.

{And took their barnyard fragrance home, on our clothes.}

We're all like, 5-years-old, still.

Heart. <3

Öktoberfest!

Snowbird Resort is so LUSH and PRETTY.

Lovely lady Erin got flags on her face.

{She's told me she'll give her heart to the boy

who actually knows which flag this is.}

Es lebe Deutschland!

*phew*

In descending order, that's been my October.

Now, onward to tomorrow,

when I'm filming Stringtown's spooky train ride~
Happy Halloween, loves!

{♪ "Nach Haus" © Silbermond}

"What You Never Know (Won't Hurt You)"

2011-10-30T13:54:00.001-06:00

Current Theme Song:

Every time a chance comes
to unstitch my heart,
I find the smallest fault in the boy
and turn away.
Enough of this, already.
It's time to face things head-on, again.

{images via WeHeartIt}

"My Talented Married Photographer Friend"

2011-10-18T18:29:00.002-06:00

I'm not much for modeling,

as I never know what to do with my hands or face.

But it's fun, nonetheless,

to have the lights flashing around you.

This is Miss Photographer's husband, Chris.

We make music together,

in a little group called, Elegarde.

Her name is Kristen.

And THIS is her blog.

"Silent Night in October"

2011-10-16T19:42:00.000-06:00

Is before Halloween too early to sing Christmas carols? Ooh, maybe... ;)
Visiting my family for Sunday dinner. We love our music moments.（-＾〇＾-）
Thanks, Papere, for playing with me!

"Princess Mononoke ~ Piano"

2011-10-09T16:15:00.000-06:00

I've done quite a few covers from this movie.

{It's got such pretty music, how could I not?}

The mic didn't pick it up, but Roomie Amy clapped at the end.

{Which is why I thanked her -- Danke, girly. :D You so supportive.}

Have a wonderful week, everyone ~ awooo!

{"Mononoke Hime" © Ghibli}

{images via WeHeartIt}

"As to Why I'm Flying Solo"

2011-10-08T20:30:00.001-06:00

Roomie Kate: "But you kinda like him, so I won't snuggle with him."

Me: "NO! Go ahead! I'm not chasing him!"

Roomie Kate: "And why not?"

Me: "He hates dogs! He loves cilantro! It will NEVER work!"

Roomie Kate: "You're never going to find the perfect man, dear."

Me: "Dogs and cilantro are big things!"

Chuckle, chuckle.

But really, I am rather star-stuck

with my desire to be intimate with friends

rather than opening up to another boy.

I've done the dangerous deed

of forming a dream boy in my head.

Perhaps, he was always there, only,

quieted by the boy I already had.

So, when that boy left,

I finally pumped life into him.

This boy has spice in his eyes,

music in his fingertips,

a foreign lilt in his voice.

And takes me all over the world.

And I am all too aware

of how unfair I'm being

to the American boys around me.

Sigh.

{images via WeHeartIt}

"Isn't It Wonderful? (Suteki Da Ne)"

2011-09-26T10:31:00.000-06:00

Requested in English by Bryan from Kami-Con.

They've suggested this as one of the songs I sing during the Con,

so I've been practicing a bit.（＾Ｏ＾☆) ♪

Isn't It Wonderful (Suteki Da Ne) by ashleyserena

Yay, for fantasy kissing. 。ｏ♡
I absolutely love this scene:

Special thanks to my "little" brother
for letting me use his microphone and compressor.
{I'm totally making you my sound engineer, when I grow up, Ali.}

Suteki da ne ~ Isn't it wonderful? (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)

{MP3 Downloadable HERE}

{"Suteki Da Ne" © Nobuo Uematsu}

{Images via "Final Fantasy X"}

"My Heart Will Go On"

2011-09-20T23:44:00.000-06:00

A sweet YouTube user requested I sing this in Japanese.

永遠の愛が今 "Eien no Ai ga Ima"

永遠の愛が今 by ashleyserena

Also,

my Scottish composing idol, Fox Amoore,

has asked me to do the vocals for one of his songs.

CAN'T-CONTAIN-MYSELF-EXCITED.

I'll be posting it soon!

{MP3 Downloadable Here}

{images via WeHeartIt & Felicia}

"Standing Before the Sunrise"

2011-09-15T17:04:00.000-06:00

With every new morning,

spring graduation approaches...

and my stomach knots itself

as the sun begins to peek

on the horizon.

I could work for Disney World with Liz,

and network my way over to Tokyo Disney.

I could move to the island of Oahu

and translate Japanese for my friend's company.

I could work for Interac again,

and teach English in Japan.

I could try to find an odd job

in Kansai, somewhere,

maybe work for Akemi's little crepe shoppe?

I could move to Seattle with Erin

and try to work for Japan Air.

I could move somewhere to Switzerland with Erin

and write independent music.

Or I could cast all those plans to sea.

With each new wave,

a fresh idea washes over me.

The salty bite is exhilarating, against my green skin,

but leaves me when the tide pulls back.

I do not know which wave to ride

to reach that sunrise,

and it frightens me,

alone,

on this beach,

made of the sands

of my twenty-two years.

{images via WeHeartIt}

"Facebook Page"

2011-09-11T22:44:00.001-06:00

{shameless self-plug!}
I have a Facebook page now,

where I post covers & original music.

Here's a little taste
{something I wrote before bed last night}:

"Ambrosia in Her Veins"

For music updates,
and my work with Kami-Con and others,
press the "like" button on the right side of this site -->
or go here: Ashley Serena
♪ヽ( ⌒o⌒)人(⌒▽⌒ )v ♪

"Women's Expo FREE Tickets"

2011-09-08T11:06:00.000-06:00

{click to enlarge}

My mum's Pampered Chef business

is giving you free tickets to the Women's Expo this year.

Just print this out n' go!

FREE! Women's Expo tickets for THIS Friday & Saturday at UVU in Orem!

(UCCU Event Center - MacKay Event Cetner)

Sept 9th & 10th from 11:00 am to 8:00 PM.

Any questions? Contact Jennifer Harmon 801.722-9598.

Hope to see you there!

{Copy as many tickets as you would like.

Share with family & friends and come enjoy this fun event for FREE!}

"Tears To Shed"

2011-09-04T00:01:00.000-06:00

Probably not a dishwashing song,
but I was singing it to myself anyways.

Tears to Shed by ashleyserena

Corpse Bride explores the notion
that those who are still alive
are more dead
than the dead.

I love this film,
because it gives me
a gentle reminder
to live.

{MP3 Downloadable HERE}

{♪ "Tears to Shed" © Danny Elfman}
{images © their respective owners}

"Wig Trials"

2011-09-03T16:55:00.003-06:00

Once upon a Skype chat,

Miss ~~Erin~~ Kairi

suggested I dress-up as Austria from Hetalia.

SHE dresses as Prussia.

Prussia has a little eaglet {Gilbird}.
She made this! Look how cute~

Prussia and Austria are half-brothers.
They disagree on... just about everything.

Our War of Austrian Succession costumes aren't complete
-and my wig needs trimmed & sculpted-
but we'll get there.

"Don't... touch me."

~~Erin~~ Kairi also cosplays as Switzerland.

Once we get our costumes assembled,
we'll have a proper photoshoot.

"Beauty in Transcendence"

2011-09-02T22:30:00.000-06:00

I was delivering invitations to my seventh birthday party,

when this sweet thing followed me home.

"Beauty", I called her,

and she stayed with us ever since.

Today, my mother buried her

beneath the honeysuckle bush.

She was purring until

the euthanasia quieted her old heart.

Rest in peace,
my dog-chasing, bird-snatching, childhood friend.

{♪ "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" via Kokia}

"The Fox's Trick"

2011-08-31T20:32:00.001-06:00

The Fox's Trick

キツネの技

~ Shimazaki Touson

Little fox hiding in the garden

In the evening when all are away, sneaks

Into the autumn shadows of the grape arbor

Secretly stealing a cluster of dew-tipped grapes

But my love is not a fox

Nor you the grapes, yet

In secret, with no one knowing,

My heart has stolen you

{images via WeHeartIt}

"Cherry Blossom Incense Burning"

2011-08-30T22:56:00.000-06:00

Akemi-mama gave me

cherry blossom incense sticks

and a burning dish from her shoppe.

I wanted to use the first stick

to welcome in the new semester.

( ｡⌒o⌒｡)人(｡⌒-⌒｡ )

Though sacred smoke

is supposed to be applied to your body

on Buddhist temple grounds,

Kate & I had our own thurification event

full of giggles and happy meditation.

Though we practice a different religion,

learning about another's beliefs

helps crack open their heart to you a little better.

{♪ "Sakura" is a traditional Japanese folk song.}

"Japanese Slip-Up of the Day"

2011-08-30T18:32:00.003-06:00

Professor:

"What are you trying to say?"

Me:

"'kokoro ga ai de mera-mera shite mo',
'Even if she's burning with love.'"

Professor: (laughing)

"No, that's,
'Even if she explodes with combusting fire... in love.'"

Me:

Japanese is HARD, friends.

"mera-mera" = "exploding in flames"
"mero-mero" = "falling in love"

Burn some incense for me.

{image via WeHeartIt; gif via Hetalia}

"Hazel Featherstone"

2011-08-24T23:53:00.001-06:00

My username is WillowShield163.
I've given myself the witching name, Hazel Featherstone.
I bought a barn owl and named her Pterux {Greek for "wing"}.
My wand is Hazel & Dragon Heartstring, 12 1/2 inches, unbending.
I was sorted into Gryffindor.

If you're trying to get a certain wand or house,

the test questions aren't dead giveaways.

I had no idea what my results would be.

{I'm so happy with what I got!}

If you open a PotterMore account,

add me!

{gifs © respective owners}

"The Shapeshifting Monster Cat"

2011-08-20T21:55:00.001-06:00

There is a legend, in Japan...

If a cat is allowed to grow a long tail,

it will turn into a bakeneko,

a "monster cat".

If the tail splits,

it becomes a nekomata

a "forked cat".

It will ignite ghostly fireballs in the house,

eat its mistress and steal her form,

devour any obstacle in its path,

and resurrect corpses by jumping over them.

{This may have led to the
popular breeding of Japanese Bobtails.}

They're part of the bakemono "shapeshifter" family,

which also houses foxes, badgers, and raccoon dogs.

Maaaybe I shouldn't be researching all this

while I'm petsitting a cat.

{images © their respective owners}

"Dog... Er, Cat Day"

2011-08-17T16:45:00.001-06:00

What's that?

3 essays & 2 tests to complete before August 29th?

An 11-track soundtrack to record?

Outings and social events to attend?

Nah...

I think...

Today...

I'll just curl up like a cat.

And sleep.

Night night.

{images via WeHeartIt}

"Organ Fest IV"

2011-08-13T14:08:00.000-06:00

I find chapels, cathedrals, and temples exorbitantly gorgeous.

{And next year, I'll see European ones.}

Any break from the norm is welcome to me,
so being paid to usher at Organ Fest IV for Classical 89
was a chance I snatched right up.

The cathedral bellowed with gothic organ melodies
and left our whole crew fish-mouthed and speechless.

Guys, seriously.
If you're in the Valley next year,
go to Organ Fest V.
You shan't regret it.

"Maestro Bard's Love Reflections"

2011-08-09T15:24:00.001-06:00

"You say that you love the rain,

but you open your umbrella when it rains.

You say that you love the sun,

but you find a shadow spot when the sun shines.

You say that you love the wind,

but you close your windows when it blows.

This is why I am afraid,

you say that you love me too."

-William Shakespeare

{images via WeHeartIt}

"Penna"

2011-08-02T23:49:00.000-06:00

"Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia." -E. L. Doctorow

"A novel is never anything but a philosophy put into images." -Albert Camus

Once upon a time,

I moved into Stratford Court

and quickly discovered that my room-roommate

was a living, breathing form

of one of my characters in the book I'm writing.

It's been fascinating talking with Kami

(or, as I call her, "Aiata")

when I'm acting like my main charry, Cho.

I get to see how the two would interact

in real life.

Making them all the more tangible to me.

Kami/Aiata is gifted in cooking, analyzing, kindness...

And she's amazing with designs.

Just looking at these penna etchings she did on my hands,

I feel like I'm in my main man's (Toraj's) desert home.

I feel like I'm in my book.

Am I crazy for having so many muses living inside me?

But... aren't we all a patchwork of people?

Aren't we walking quilts of the ones who've sewn us?

{♪ "Ne Me Jugez Pas (Volodia Remix)" © Sawt el Atlas}

"Baby Mine"

2011-07-30T20:20:00.002-06:00

Taking a step back from commissions
to do a personal project.

In Japan,

I used to sing myself to sleep

with this song.

It's such a tender soothe

for the heart.

{MP3 Downloadable Here}

{♪ "Baby Mine" © Disney}

{images via Google}

"My Musical Muse is a Bird"

2011-07-20T14:45:00.000-06:00

To me, inspiration is like a little bird:

If I try to catch it,

it flits away, darting out of sight.

But if I sit still,

it lands quietly at my side

and meditates with me.

{image via WeHeartIt}

"GRYTHERCLUFF"

2011-07-16T03:42:00.001-06:00

"Whether you come back by page, or by the big screen,

Hogwarts will always be there, to welcome you home." -J.K. Rowling

Oh, Voldemort,

you constantly underestimate mothers.

First Harry's, then Draco's,

both at critical points

in your dark career.

I will read these books with my children, before bed,

and watch the films with them, on the couch, together.

Conventional bathroom shot, of course.

So,

the mischief is not yet managed,

and never truly will be.

Hogwarts will always thrive in the hearts of its students.

{♪ "Lily's Theme" © Alexandre Desplat}

{♪ "Hedwig's Theme" © John Williams}

"Llamas Hum Because They Don't Know The Lyrics"

2011-07-13T17:04:00.003-06:00

"Why do llamas hum? Because they don't know the words." -Caru Das

One of the best parts about working
as a producer for Classical 89,
is the creative freedom you have for stories.

Mike Asay and I drove down to the Hare Krishna Lotus Temple

to get the story of why the Llama Fest was started.

And afterwards,

we interviewed the llamas themselves.

{And we're going to air their 'hums'. Hee.}

There were more than llamas at the temple:
zebus and peacocks graced the grounds.

Aren't peacocks beautiful?

Their colors and feathers are breathtaking,

not to mention their cry.

I'd like to do more on-site interviews...
Any ideas?

{♪ "Chaconne in G Major" via Baroque}

"Breezing through the Windy City"

2011-07-12T01:41:00.000-06:00

July came in a flurry

and swept me away to Chicago,

that old city of wind and sun.

I stayed with my best friend from childhood,

~~Kairi Saotome~~ Miss Erin Hunt.

I normally don't eat Chinese food,
but Chicago's Chinatown is too lovely to pass.

I've been to the Chicago zoo before, and loved it.
It's huge with tons and tons of animals.
Except this time, only 4 or 5 animals were out.
Huh? Hurray, camels...

And pretty zebras...

We saw Beauty and the Beast and fell in love:

My mother and Erin, with Lumiere.

Myself, with Gaston.

This trip ended too soon! Anyone up for a safari or somethin'?

{♪ "Get Outta My Way" via Kylie Minogue}

"Performing at Kami-Con"

2011-07-02T19:11:00.001-06:00

Kami-Con has invited me as a special guest performer
to sing at their next convention, in February.
They'll fly me out to Alabama,
where I'll be on-stage at my first live performance.

My lovely girl, Erin Hunt,
will be accompanying me.
{She knows a lot more about conventions than I do.}

Songwriting was always something I did for me,
but now it's becoming a little career.

May we all share the pieces of ourselves
we treasure most dearly

with more and more people.

{images via WeHeartIt}

"Kindle My Heart"

2011-06-24T20:05:00.000-06:00

From another childhood favorite, A Little Princess.

There seems to be a princess theme going on here...

Kindle My Heart by ashleyserena

But as a child, I dreamt more about
becoming a fierce leopard,

more so than a lovely princess.

I suppose every girl has some of both in her, doesn't she?

{MP3 Downloadable HERE}

{♪ "Kindle My Heart" © Patrick Doyle}

{image via Tumblr}

"Tatara Women Work Song"

2011-06-20T18:29:00.002-06:00

From a childhood favorite, Princess Mononoke.

I made the instrumental and did the vocals in GarageBand.

Kind of an upbeat version of the original.

Tatara Women Work Song by ashleyserena

一つ、二つは赤子も踏むが
三つ、四つは鬼も泣く泣く
タタラ女は黄金の情け
解けて流れりゃ刃に変わる

hitotsu, futatsu wa akago mo fumuga
mittsu, yottsu wa oni mo naku, naku
tatara-onna wa kogane no nasake
tokete nagarerya yaiba ni kawaru

one, two, even babies can push (the bellows)
three, four, even an ogre would cry
the golden love of a Tatara woman
melts and flows, and changes into a blade

{MP3 Downloadable HERE}

{♪ "Tatara Women Work Song" © Ghibli}

{images via WeHeartIt}

"Belles Amies, 素敵な友達〜"

2011-06-18T21:52:00.002-06:00

Just as the title says, "Lovely Friends".
Me gustan mis amigas.
How many other ways can I say it?

We all slept at Erin's house

and whipped out GarageBand

to do some goofy, impromptu recordings.

This one is a conversation between

a girl named "Kanna"

and her very-Korean mother.

Oh, how kindred our spirits are.
Oh, how I love these ladies.

{♪ "Comme des Enfants" © Coeur de Pirate}

{♪ "Capoeira (Paranaue)" © Only The Strong}

"Music & Art Commissions: Open"

2011-06-08T23:15:00.000-06:00

"On a green stem, a flower blooms."

I'm doing this, initially, to pay off my puppy's exam fees.

But also, it might give me some exposure

and help me develop my talents

as I work to improve myself
for my commissioners.

There are two buttons on the right side of this blog, now:

one for Music Comissions

the other for Art Commissions.

Take a look... you might find something to your liking.

{images via WeHeartIt}

"I'm Collaborating With My Hero, Fox Amoore"

2011-06-05T10:05:00.000-06:00

THE Fox Amoore.

I sent him some vocals for one of his pieces, and he liked them.

Said he wants to work with me AGAIN.

I'm just sitting here, like...
IS THIS REAL OR IS IT FANTASY?

I just can't. I don't even. GLAKSJDSDF.

{fox image via WeHeartIt}

"Rainy Cookies"

2011-05-30T16:04:00.003-06:00

Practicing with painting styles.

Y'all doing anything exciting for Memorial Day?

'cuz I got all my chores done
and now I'm just eating ~~cookies~~ healthy things like cabbage.

On rainy days like these,
I don't feel too bad about spending x-amount of hours
laying on the couch, doodling.
I'm developing talents, right? Right. Productive.
Have a swingin' Memorial Day, loves.

{"Riku", Kingdom Hearts © Tetsuya Nomura}
{"Toraj", Petrichor © Ashley S. Harmon}

"Broomless Witch ~ Colors"

2011-05-26T22:24:00.002-06:00

Welp, there you have it.

I'll keep coloring my drawlins

until I find something that works.

My favorite, actually.

HIGHLIGHTS.

Kitschy. Aw well, experimentation is healthy.

Standing on clouds, Cho? ~~What is this, I don't even...~~

Any of ya'll out there know how to color? Wanna teach me?

{"Cho", "Petrichor" © Ashley S. Harmon}

"Let Us Not Be Autumn Fans"

2011-05-25T19:19:00.000-06:00

The Japanese phrase,

秋の扇 (aki no ougi)

translates directly to "Autumn Fan".

But it translates idiomatically to

"a woman who has lost a man's heart",

just as the fan is forgotten

when summer turns to autumn.

An autumn fan, of course, is purposeless.

Though I believe we reach our greatest potentials

when our heart is bound to another's,

when one loses the affection of a lover,

a new purpose must be found.

There is always purpose for us,

always a reason to thrive.

{images via WeHeartIt}

"When You Believe"

2011-05-19T17:16:00.002-06:00

"God will not abandon you. So don't you abandon us." -Miriam

I had to do several takes of this song.
It's so heart-moving, so full of hope and love,
that I kept breaking down in tears.

What a powerful message it carries. And not just in English.
Got to learn a bit of Hebrew for this.

When You Believe by ashleyserena

a-shi-ra a-no-da-nai ki ga-oh ga-ah
(I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously)

a-shi-ra a-no-da-nai ki ga-oh ga-ah

(I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously)

mi-cha-mo-cha ba-elim adonai

(Who is like You, O Lord, among the celestial)

mi-ka-mo-cha ne-dar-ba-ko-desh

(Who is like You, majestic in holiness)

na-chi-tah vi chas-di-cha am zu ga-al-ta

(In Your love, You lead the people You redeemed)

na-chi-tah vi chas-di-cha am zu ga-al-ta

(In Your love, You lead the people You redeemed)

a-shi-ra, a-shi-ra, a-shi-ra...

(I will sing, I will sing, I will sing...)

Singing both female parts, the children's part, and with the chorus.
All challenging in their own way.

The Hebrews endured 40 years in the desert.
While traveling through our own wildernesses,
let's not give up hope, friends.

{MP3 Downloadable HERE}

{images via WeHeartIt & DreamWorks}

{"When You Believe" © DreamWorks}

"Healing Incantation"

2011-05-13T15:55:00.005-06:00

Let's continue the Tangled love & culture ourselves, too.
In Japanese, Rapunzel's beautiful "Healing Incantation"
is called「魔法の花」 or "Magic Flower".
{I added some background vocals to make it magical-ler.}

花は煌めく　魔法の花
時を戻せ　過去に戻せ
傷を癒せ　運命の川
さかのぼれ　蘇らせろ
過去の夢

hana wa kirameku mahou no hana
toki wo modose kako ni modose
kizu wo iyase unmei no kawa
sakanobore yomigaerasero
kako no yume

Glowing flower Magical flower
Turn back time Bring back the past
Heal the wounds River of fate
Flow upstream Resurrect (him)
Dreams of the past

Although Tangled is dubbed into Japanese in the Japanese version,

{ 塔の上のラプンツェル or "Rapunzel Above the Tower"}

the mouths are not synced to match the Japanese dialogue.

I find this fascinating.

But I suppose they've done that with

all the Disney movies thus far.

For a bit better quality,
you can download the mp3 here: {Healing Incantation}

魔法の花 Healing Incantation by ashleyserena

Gah, I can't get enough of these two.
Rapunzel & ~~Flynn~~ Eugene forever.

{"Healing Incantation" 魔法の花, Tangled 塔の上のラプンツェル © Disney}

"I See The Light"

2011-05-13T14:41:00.000-06:00

I've been wanting to do this duet FOREVER.
Thank you, Ben Murphy, for being charitable and singing with me.

I See The Light by ashleyserena

Can we be frank, friends?
I am quite in love with his voice.

If I was Ursula,

I'd probably steal it in my magical conch.

I requested he speak/sing with his natural accent
so you could hear its Australian beauty.
I'm glad he abided.

For this song,
I went for the childish, whimsical speaking voice of Rapunzel,
more so than the adult sound Mandy Moore used.
Ben sang with his natural, princely voice. A swoon-worthy Flynn.

Our tones are different,

but I like that.

May we all find our lantern-lit princes, ladies.
And sirs, may you all find your curious princesses.

{MP3 Downloadable HERE}

{images via Andells, AliceXZ, PhatPuppy, Smitth}

{"I See The Light", Tangled © Disney}

"It Is You (I Have Loved)"

2011-05-10T23:01:00.001-06:00

Let's celebrate every day of the week.

Today is Tuesday. How did you make it special?

I made an ice cream sandwich, myself.

Dear Santa,
Wait, scratch that. Christmas is too far away.

What's the next holiday?
The 4th of July?

Dear Founding Fathers,
I would like a better camera

so my recordings can sound nice.

By the way, I love your guys' work. Revolutionary.

"Come At Me, Bro"

2011-05-09T21:52:00.001-06:00

This summer,

I have to finish the classes I began in Japan.

So I can like, graduate, or something.

First project:

Translate all my blog posts about life in Japan

into Japanese.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

{images via WeHeartIt}

"Talent Stitched in All Our Souls"

2011-05-01T14:11:00.001-06:00

What a fantastic concert of LDS talent.

Kevin's roommate, Ben, is a member of Vocal Point,
so we got free access to the Shadow Mountain {Deseret Book} concert
at Women's Conference.
First time I've ever had floor seats in the Marriott Center.

Kirby Heyborne MCd.

David Osmond made us wish someone would write a song for us,
like the one he wrote for his sweet wife.

Jenny Oaks Baker hypnotized our ears.

Hilary Weeks danced with our hearts {in the rain}.

Josh Wright made us fall in love with Debussy all over again.
And maybe fall a little in love with Josh himself.

April Meservy lifted our spirits past the Marriott Center ceiling.

Cherie Call gave us confidence that the little things matter most.

Vocal Point made us all wish they'd ask for our numbers.

I'm always astounded at the amount of talent
the Lord has placed in us all.
Some stand out more than others,
but we all have traces of the Grand Master's talents
stitched in our souls.

*If you would like extended videos of this concert, e-mail me!

"Angels Sing the Earth's Story"

2011-04-24T01:03:00.003-06:00

"Healing springs from the womb of time." -Michael Tippet

My father and I

went to the Utah Symphony & Chorus' performance of
A Child of Our Time.
The music was so bone-chilling, so heart-warming,
it moved me to wonder
if the choirs of Heaven sing our world's story.

Can you imagine the Kingdom of the Almighty
eternally serenaded by the most captivating voices,
the golden journal of our Earth
penned in song?
The wars, the friendships,
the moments when we let Christ in our doors...

Maybe our departed loved ones
sing about us.
Maybe our guardian angels record our personal stories
with their voices.

Just a little thought.

"Green Hill",
my rendition of There is a Green Hill Far Away,
is my tribute to this Sunday's celebration.
Happy Easter, everyone!

{photos via Maee, Ralucsernatoni, Aparatka, Felicia}

"The Aftermath"

2011-04-21T23:30:00.002-06:00

"The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand." -Sun Tzu

To celebrate the end of finals,

Kami, Kate, Amy, Sam, Paul, and I

hiked the Y mountain.

What a perfect way to celebrate our winter semester victories.
The view was so rewarding.

Gorgeous Kate.

"Strike a pose, showing how you feel right now!" I said.
Kami immediately flopped down
and the others followed suit in their own way.

The head poking up between Kate's and my legs
belongs to Dominic, my Austrian friend from Biology class. Wie schön!
We happened upon him & his girlfriend
just as we reached the top of the Y.

Oh, and by the way...

Faced off at half past the fourteenth hour on the twentieth of April.

History of Theatre II VS Ashley

Ashley sallied forth with all her day-long group studying might.

History of Theatre II used define the vocabulary you studied least.

Ashley flung a javelin of best guesses.

History of Theatre II fell to its death.

Faced off at midday on the twenty-first of April.

Family Finance VS Ashley

Ashley ax kicked with study group knowledge.

Family Finance caught her leg with trick questions.

Ashley was flipped on her back, swinging her legs with logical guesses.

Family Finance jumped with intimidating story problems.

Family Finance landed on her stomach.

Ashley passed out from lack of air.

May have lost a few battles on the way,

but I won this war.

Let's all climb our mountains
and win our personal wars!

"2011 War of the Winter Semester"

2011-04-19T11:33:00.001-06:00

"Fall seven times, get up eight." -Japanese Proverb

The epic battles of the 2011 War of Winter Semester are underway.

We will win this war, folks. I have faith in us all.

My progress on the battlefield:

New Testament: The Epistles VS. Ashley

Faced off at midday on the sixteenth of April.

Ashley slashed with a blade of religious upbringing.

New Testament: The Epistles ducked and rolled.

Ashley shot an arrow of symbol knowledge.

New Testament: The Epistles fell to its knees.

New Testament: The Epistles swung upwards with a timeline attack.

Ashley fell on her back.

New Testament: The Epistles stabbed with a sword of which prophet said this?

Ashley was K.O.d.

Human Development VS. Ashley

Faced off at the nineteenth hour on the sixteenth of April.
Ashley attacked with hours of studying.
Human Development's knees wobbled.
Ashley tornado kicked with I actually know this stuff.
Human Development collapsed.

Biology VS. Ashley

Faced off at the seventh hour on the eighteenth of April.
Ashley swung a mace of 3 study sessions.
Biology faltered to the edge.
Biology pounced with trick questions.
Ashley flew away on her glider of No, I really DO know this.
Biology fell to its certain death.

Japanese Linguistics VS. Ashley

Faced off at the seventh hour on the nineteenth of April.
Ashley shot a volley of study session fireballs.
Japanese Linguistics stumbled, but continued to charge.
Japanese Linguistics rammed with earlier in the semester questions.
Ashley swung wildly.
Japanese Linguistics whipped a syntax structure chain around her wrists.
Ashley struggled, pulling Japanese Linguistics over the edge with her.

Two more battles to go,
and this war will be decided.

{images via WeHeartIt}

{gifs via their respective owners}

"Becoming Wendy"

2011-04-09T23:28:00.002-06:00

This summer, I'm transforming.

I've already begun, actually.

Eating better food.

Drinking more water.

Sleeping more regularly.

~~Pfft, okay, let's not lie, Ashley~~

All in preparation for this autumn

when I'll audition to work at Disney World

as a character performer.

I'll be judged on my smile
my height and body type
my ability to dance
my improvisational skills in storytelling
and how I look in costume.

Even if I don't make the cut,

I can work at the resort doing other things.

Maybe I'll even meet a guy.

Post-graduation is a scary thing,

but Disney will give me great networking.

Though I don't have any summer roadtrips planned,

my preparations to move to Orlando have begun!

{All gifs via Delightful Disney}

{Images via WeHeartIt}

"Just Around the Riverbend"

2011-04-04T23:42:00.002-06:00

Life is full of decisions:

some of which you're excited to make,

and others you never wanted on your plate.

Just Around The River Bend by ashleyserena

I came home from Japan

thinking I knew which bend in the river I wanted to take,

but Heaven sent a strong current crashing against my canoe,

pushing me down a different course.

When we worry we've taken a wrong turn,

let us remember that we have a paddle;

we can maneuver around the rocks

and discover the new river path we're given.

{MP3 Download Here}

{Images via WeHeartIt}

"You're Too Much a Part of Too Much"

2011-03-29T13:31:00.003-06:00

My roommate wrote this prose poem.
I thought it was beautiful.

Ashes
Kamille Dayley

"We need to talk. Call me back. Please don't ignore me anymore."

You can cut yourself on those icicles.

And so much left unsaid.

You jerk, you heartbreaker, you two-timing sonofa

You said you'd made your choice. There's not a We anymore.

Stop acting like there is.

It hurts too much.

You're acting exactly the same as before.

Except, she's the one you're kissing.

You're not the only one involved

I can't cut you out completely; you're too much a part of too much.

More's the pity.

So at least

Let me move on.

I hate that I still care about you

It's so utterly unfair.

The sun shines, though

through the haze surrounding my head.

I have a second chance with the musician sometime soon.

Current Theme Song:

{images via WeHeartIt}

"Colors of the Krishna"

2011-03-27T01:51:00.000-06:00

"A single thread in a tapestry, though it's color brightly shines, can never see it's purpose in the cotton of the grand design." -The Prince of Egypt

There is a temple in Spanish Fork

that celebrates Indian culture and faith.

2 of my roomies and I

parked a ten-minute walk away,

and our white shirts & skin got freckled with colors

all along the pathway.

Early for the next chalk throwing,

we explored the temple grounds.

{Kami's shirt is actually tie-dyed.}

We were an hour away from

changing our ethnicities,

an hour away from becoming

one rainbow race of humans.

We sought warmth within the temple walls

{our T-shirts didn't stand a chance against the wind chill}.

Though I wasn't praying to Krishna as I chanted,

I felt tranquil and closer to my friends, beside me.

And then

the air exploded with color.

Our complexions constantly changed.

We couldn't seem to stop drowning

each other in chalky clouds.

The temptation was just too great

to stop splattering ourselves.

Complete strangers joined in the goal we had

to paint ourselves from head to sneakers.

{Thanks, strangers. We should be friends.}

A wonderfully unifying day,

under the same showers of rainbow chalk.

I love discovering new ways of thinking,
and finding ways to implement them in my life.
Even if it's a tiny change,
it's a step towards something bigger.

{♪ "Mauja Hi Mauja" remixed by DJ Bhagatriks}

"The Sisyphus Effect"

2011-03-16T21:53:00.002-06:00

There once lived a king named Sisyphus,

who had a powerful zest for life,

and prided himself in being the greatest of men,

equal to the gods.

But his pride led him to exposing one of the gods' secrets,

so they condemned him to an eternity of frustration.

His task was to push a boulder up a steep hill

before feeling it slip from under his sweaty palms

and tumble back down to the bottom

before he could ever reach the top.

Forever.

Old Sisyphus, I am sure you longed for your kingdom,
just as I wish for my LeoPalace in Japan.
But the lot life has given us
is one we can enjoy.

For as we push the boulder up the hill,

our muscles grow stronger.

As we feel the chill of the breeze

the boulder stirs when it rolls backwards past us,

our sweat is cooled.

The passions we quested for in our life past,

can fuel our hearts and drive us forward.

We can learn new things from the mundane.

Like how to cook chicken, with Cuisiniére Meagan.

And how to make elvish braids
and eat raw cookie dough.

And how to rock out to Enya tunes.

And how to eat a piping-hot soufflé
without burning your tongue,
compliments of Kairi.

Perhaps you cannot learn new recipes,
experience the changing seasons,
or dance with your friends anymore...
but I can, Sisyphus.

And I'll find the path that leads from Hades
back to the land above, where we once lived.

{♪ "Buy This Town" by Lori McKenna}

{first two photos via WeHeartIt}

"..."

2011-03-13T01:33:00.000-07:00

he almost destroyed me.

never again.

"When love is lost, do not bow your head in sadness; instead keep your head up high and gaze into Heaven, for that is where your broken heart has been sent to heal." -Anon.

"The best way to mend a broken heart is time and girlfriends." -Gwyneth Paltrow

"A heartbreak is a blessing from God. It's just His way of lettering you realize He saved you from the wrong one." -Anon.

"Tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it." -Albert Smith

"We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey." -Kenji Miyazawa

"Sadness flies away on the wings of time." -Jean de La Fontaine

{images: WeHeartIt, Felicia, Hristo}

"We're All Connected"

2011-03-11T18:06:00.005-07:00

"...As ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called His people... willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light... willing to mourn with those that mourn, yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort..." -Mosiah 18:8-9

Many friends in Japan have responded,
saying they're safe. I am so grateful.

The earthquake and tsunami hit farther east than where they live,

and my friends in the Tokyo area are alive and accounted for.

If I was still in Japan, I'd be safe too, living in Kakogawa.

However, those same friends have other friends in

Sendai and Tokyo, who they're worried about,

who they haven't been able to contact,

who are missing.

Your string could start with me.

My string continues on to my Hyogo, Osaka, Ishikawa, and Tokyo friends.

Their strings continue on to their loved ones in the destroyed areas.

We are all connected in this.

早く大丈夫になるように

{images belong to their respective owners.}

"Cherry Filling"

2011-03-04T23:21:00.004-07:00

Roommate Amy: "Life is like a box of chocolates..."

Me: "Ya nevah know whatcha gowna get... Sometimes ya get the cherry-flavored ones, and you just gotta throw those away.
There's a cherry in my life right now. I don't WANT the cherry fillin', dang it! Gimme the caramel! ... *deep sigh* Someday I'll eat the caramel again."

And here's a sketch of Shenn, the King of O-Rayne,

from my little novel, Petrichor.

He's so monstrous.

I wanna look this good when I'm forty, too, Shenn. Tell me your secrets.

PS: Thank you all for your little love notes and gestures,
both online and in person.

My heart is smiling so much. ♥

"Shell Shocked"

2011-03-04T01:23:00.003-07:00

{click to enlarge}

Just when I discover I'm healing,

reality comes back and drags its claws over my chest

and the wounds reopen.

Current Playlist:

Current theme song:

The wolf's {Shee-Roy's} features are

supposed to be really blackened.

Hurray for personal symbolism.

When I get better at art, I'll redo this one.

"Little Victories"

2011-03-02T21:56:00.001-07:00

I found this in my Ye Olde Japan files.
It's the bedtime version of THIS.
Guess I liked the song a lot.

Held my first interview today, at work.
Now I'm starting to feel like a real producer. And that is what I am.
{I make radio spots.}
Also, I have a date with a musician next week.

Feelin' perdy gud. Not even lyin'.

I'ma doll up fer this one.

What little victories are happening in your life?

"The Improv Sisters of Stratford Court"

2011-02-25T15:50:00.002-07:00

"A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs:It's jolted by every pebble on the road." -Henry Ward Beecher

We are all, in our little Court of Stratford,
very talented ~~jesters~~ women.
But, rather than a vocal piece or piano concerto,
we chose to do something altogether:
an improv game.

To play "Late for Work", you need:

one late person

one boss

one or two (or more) prompters/employees.

The "late" person leaves the room

{or, in my case, deafens themselves with music}

while everyone else decides THREE reasons why they're late.

The late person then returns,

and tries to explain to the boss why they're late

guessing the reasons from the prompters.

Basically, it's a repackaged game of Charades.

I chose to be the late person, 'cuz Kate & Amy rock at prompting,

and Kami's a fun boss to play off.

I do so love my little Stratford Court.

{Photos courtesy of Kevin Cangelosi, video by Jacob Adamson}

"Sunday Sketches"

2011-02-21T19:38:00.001-07:00

Well, started on Sunday, anyways.

I'm learning how to use COLORZ.

And doing homework sometimes.

Someone brought up, in Church, an interesting thought:
What did the Lord do on His day of rest?
Happy President's Day, darlings!

"Evening Gowns n' Teacups"

2011-02-16T20:10:00.001-07:00

"I can't explain myself, I'm afraid, Sir, because I'm not myself, you see." -Alice

We had ourselves a little trip into the RABBIT HOLE,

and danced the entire fall down.

We went together,
8 people,
4 dates,
1 big smile,
at BYU's Alice in Wonderland Preference Ball.

Oh yes, our feet hurt,
but dancing away our stresses
was so very worth it
{even when our abdomens were being squeezed by unrelenting fabric}.

Our tea was hot cider,
devilishly sugared.

And yet,
the drinks were definitely not
the sweetest things there.

Never, a frown was found.

And what would an Alice in Wonderland ball be
without a heated croquet match?

The Queen was in agreement.

A lovely appearance by
the Hatter and Alice
delighted us all.

~~why am I so ridiculously short~~

The gowns, the teacups, the dancing,
'twas all so brillig.

{♪ "Touch" via Natasha Bedingfield, remix by The Dirty Tees}
{♪ "Hoedown Throwdown" via Miley Cyrus}
{Some photos and videos courtesy of Kevin Cangelosi}