October Favorites

Dear You,

I am in complete shock that it is the end of October. I hate when it does that! I feel like I've wasted time but looking back I've had a very busy month... How was your October?

I'm extremely surprised that I haven't done any fall things. I guess being so far from family I forgot to do all of it. I didn't carve any pumpkins this year (I'm horrible at it but love doing it), I did drink plenty of pumpkin flavored coffee, I didn't do a corn maze this year, and I still have never been to a haunted house. 
(Maybe that last one isn't so bad ;)

So in terms of favorites...

Music: 1989

Yes, it finally came and it has lived up to the extremely high anticipation and expectations. I'm falling in love with it more than I ever thought was possible and I'm truly excited for this era of music. I can't believe she managed to create such a unique sound in a very typical genre. I'll be listening to it on repeat for quite awhile and I'm not even sorry 

TV show: The Arrow and Flash

I love superheroes and romance and action and life and things and I just love these series a lot ok? They both incorporate all the perfect parts of a good tv show with the mystery and difficulties of secret superheroes and the fact that they intertwine the 2 shows, it's amazing. 

Book: Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan

Before anyone points it out, YES I REALIZE THIS IS A YOUNG ADULT BOOK, NO I DO NOT CARE. I will read all the young adult books far into my adulthood and I refuse to apologize because they are amazing. Especially the writing of Rick Riordan. I bought book 3 and forgot to read book 4 and now book 5 is already out! Last week I went back and reread #3, am currently reading #4 and plan on buying #5 as soon as I finish, which shouldn't be too long since these stories are addicting and wonderful. 

They intertwine heroism, Greek/Roman mythology (one of my FAVORITE subjects in school), romance, friendship, and all the most amazing parts of life. I HIGHLY recommend it to everyone.

The Great Gatsby

While I'm pretty in love with young adult fiction, I think it's also important to read the classics and learn about the history of literature. Fitzgerald is probably my favorite classic author because of his romanticism of the human race and very quotable stories. How can you not love someone who describes a woman's voice as a "deathless song", I'll never get over how beautiful that is. 

Food: Chicken Noodle Soup

I never eat soup unless I'm sick. But this month I've had it for dinner more than I've not had it... Don't judge me!

CHRISTMAS

I'm really digging this reindeer

I'm already like insanely excited. I'm not sure if it's because I didn't always get to celebrate it as a kid or if I'm just one of those people but I'm like over the top. I'm getting really excited for Saturday (1. because I have a recital) but also because I'M PUTTING UP MY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. Like I have a problem, I also know that it's going to be cold that day so I'm wearing my gold reindeer sweater. I planned out that outfit. I'm not always one to get that excited about thing but OH MY GOSH CHRISTMAS. Ok, I'm done freaking out sorry. I promise I'm cool... CHRISTMAS. *breathes deeply*

Ok, I hope you enjoyed this month's favorites... I'm in a bit of a random mood so I don't know how insane this post was but hopefully it wasn't bad. How was your month? Leave me a comment below!!!

Have an Amazing Day!
Mia B

PS if you wanted to be my favorite person in the whole wide world you could watch this video right now, or not... that's cool too

PPS I'm actually listening to Taylor's version of this while writing about this, funny coincidence... HAHAha....

1989!!!!

Dear You,

So 1989 is finally out!!!

I'm going to spend the day obsessing over it so I won't do a normal post but I thought I would share the secret messages in 1989 in case anyone wants to know ;)

1. We begin our story in New York

2. Here once was a girl known by everyone and no one

3. Her heart belonged to someone who wouldn't stay

4. They loved each other recklessly

5. They paid the price

6. She dance to forget him 

7. He drove past her street each night

8. She made friends and enemies

9. He only saw her in his dreams

10. Then one day he came back

11. Timing is a funny thing

12. And everyone was watching

13. She lost him but she found herself and somehow that was everything

I love that she did a continuous story behind this album, it was a beautiful story at that. 

Anyways, I have songs to listen to...

Have a Great Day!

Mia B 

Leave a comment below with your thoughts on the album!

Friday Quote

Dear You, 

I believe this is a Marilyn Monroe quote but I'm not positive, either way I think it's amazing and I really wish I knew where to find this so I could hang it in my room. I hope I can always remember such beautiful thoughts. 

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

Mia B

Here is my new cover of Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift, check it out? If you want to... okay cool thanks

Comment below if you do and I will love you forever

Taylor Swift

Dear You,

So if you know me, you know that I love Taylor Swift. I think she's a brilliant songwriter and all around wonderful person. But hearing some other people's thoughts on her has got me thinking and I think it's important to talk about it. 

So many times I have heard that she has had 'too many boyfriends' and that 'she only ever writes about her ex boyfriends'. However there is the counterargument of one: she writes about many other parts of life and two: every songwriter writes about their relationships. 

Not once in my life have I heard someone slam One Direction, Sam Smith, Drake, or even other top female artists like Demi Lovato for writing about past relationships. Taylor Swift is where she is because she writes good songs about her life, a life that many people around the world find relatable and writing that many find beautiful, applicable, and helpful. If someone chooses to be in her life, they know what she's going to do, the same as every other songwriter: write songs. 

Some of my favorite songs of hers have nothing to do with love... Shake it Off is awesome and uplifting and has a very positive message. A song called Never Grow Up is probably the cutest things I've ever heard. 22 is me and my sister's song, just about loving your friends and enjoying life. Mean is the old "Shake it Off" type song and is my most motivational song on runs. And even one of her many good songs about love like her newest "Out of the Woods" is criticized for absolutely no reason. 

There are songs that talk about old flames in a negative light like I Knew You Were Trouble but in those same songs, she accepts her rightful blame for the demise of the troublesome relationship. And everyone goes through those types of relationships and I think it's important to write about and know about. 

Just because everyone obsesses over the person the songs are written about and takes sides doesn't mean the writer ever intended that. If anyone is to blame, I think it's those who judge and attempt to place blame on a piece of art whose only intention was to inspire and help. 

Anyways, end of mini rant. Overall, I just wish people would be less judgmental, especially when that person has done nothing but write about their lives. 

Comment below with your thoughts!

Have a Wonderful Day

Mia B

Here is my new cover of Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift, check it out? If you want to... okay cool thanks

Comment below if you do and I will love you forever

Welcome to New York by Taylor Swift

Dear You,

I may have a new obsession. This song has been coursing through my speakers and headphones nonstop since I bought it Monday night. I know it's a problem, but it's not one I'm willing to fix. 

As I wrote about yesterday, I've always romanticized far away places and big cities and Welcome To New York, Taylor Swift's new song, only solidifies the amazement I've seen in New York. 

It has a slower beat than one might expect from such a hit-worthy pop song but manages to capture that exciting spirit that only New York seems to hold. The song promises new beginnings and unadulterated acceptance, a city that welcomes anyone with open arms. I think everyone who hears this song at least momentarily contemplates moving there.

She has definitely managed to separate each new song with a completely different sound while keeping them all within that 80's inspired modern pop sound the album is named after. I'm overly excited to hear the rest of the album Monday and see how flawlessly she did on the rest of the songs. 

What were your thoughts on the song? Leave me a comment below!

Have an Amazing Day!

Mia B

Here is my new cover of Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift, check it out? If you want to... okay cool thanks

Comment below if you do and I will love you forever :)

Wanderlust

Dear You,

Lately the wanderlust has been hitting me particularly hard. I want adventure and excitement and new places and new things. I've just moved to a beautiful new city but it's not big enough. I'm craving New York and London and Venice and far away places. I feel like that quote: "I'm in love with cities I've never been to and people I've never met"

I think I've just romanticized the idea of these exciting places so much that I feel the need to go and see if they really are as exciting as they seem. But I want purpose there as well. I need to go somewhere and do something that makes me feel fulfilled. Maybe every other 18 year old feels the same way or maybe I just have a restless soul. 

I loved country life but it got boring, I've always been attracted to the biggest cities, where things are constantly happening on a big scale. I want lots of lights and tall buildings and fast cars. Going to Los Angeles for a day every month or so isn't enough anymore. I wish I lived there or in any other big city so badly.

Watching all of my friends in their small town colleges just affirms my discontent. I can't imagine staying in one city for 4 whole years. In my 18 years, I have never lived anywhere that long. I love moving houses and going on airplanes because it means I'm leaving. I may have a problem with commitment but I don't mind it, I love the excitement of it all. 

I know this was all very random but it was a very overwhelming thought that I wanted to share. What are your thoughts? Comfort in commitment or change? Leave me a comment below!

Have an Amazing Day!

Mia B

Here is my new cover of Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift, check it out? If you want to... okay cool thanks

Comment below if you do and I will love you forever :)

Quote Thoughts

Dear You,

I found this particular little edit very beautifully simple and well put. And it's always been a fundamental part of my personality. I'm an all or nothing type person. I hate to half-do things and I'm always doing something. 

When I was in a religion I was completely there, doing my best to be all in. When I was in school and thought that was how I was going to spend my future, I had a 4.3 GPA. Now that I'm here, my fingertips are destroyed and my songbook is horribly disfigured from overuse and it's beautiful. 

When I look back on my life I have regrets but I can say that wherever, whenever I was, I was all there. And I like that about myself. When I want to do something, I find a way to do it to the best of my abilities and that was my interpretation of this quote. However the vague nature of it could be taken several different ways. 

Comment below with your interpretation and lets talk!

Have an Amazing Monday!

Mia B

Here is my new cover of Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift, check it out? If you want to... okay cool thanks

Comment below if you do and I will love you forever

Quote

Dear You,

We made it to the end of the week! Congrats! Here's a nice Friday post to celebrate!

If we stay passionately curious, I think we'll be alright. 

Wonder about the world, about your interests, about your loves, and never give up what makes you you. 

Have an Amazing Weekend!

Mia B

Here is my new cover of Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift, check it out? If you want to... okay cool thanks

Comment below if you do and I will love you forever

Review: The Great Gatsby

Dear You,

So last week I read The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I see amazing Fitzgerald quotes all the time and we never ended up reading this in 11th grade so I decided to now. 

It's a rather short book but then most classics are. I was constantly stopping my reading to appreciate Fitzgerald romantic style of writing. One of my personal favorites is...

"it couldn't be over dreamed, that voice was a deathless song"

Beautiful descriptions like those and an optimistic view of human nature through the main character's eyes made me fall in love with this book. 

Reading for school requires a very high degree of analysis while reading however I got through the book in 2 days and probably missed several prominent themes however I did realize the theme of older and refined versus young and flashy. However I think there are middle grounds that were missed in the book. 

Gatsby's downfall was also extremely interesting. It was interesting to see how Fitzgerald associated the money and love, the man who had everything, with death. By that part in the book I liked Gatsby but his death didn't sadden me in the least. I think his complicated nature brings and interesting view to him from the reader's side. 

Overall, I loved Fitzgerald's writing and descriptions more than the plot but I still didn't mind reading it in the least. I'm glad I at least read it once and got the experience. Now I have to watch the movie, I'm starting with the 1974 adaption then watching the newest :)

What were your thoughts on Gatbsy? Leave a comment below!

Have an Amazing Day!

Mia B

Here is my new cover of Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift, check it out? If you want to... okay cool thanks
Comment below if you do and I will love you forever

Out of the Woods Thoughts

Dear You,

Taylor Swift, in preparation for her album coming out on the 27th, released a new song yesterday! It's called Out of the Woods and is at the top of the iTunes chart currently.

When I first heard the chorus, I thought the repetitive nature would deter me from the song but since first hearing it I have fallen in love. I think repeating that compliments the feeling of the song insanely well.

When you're around someone new and still wondering if you're in a good place, I think those thoughts of stability become a little obsessive and OOTW conveys this perfectly. The song has the perfect song for the message behind it, just that very choppy and obsessive feeling of fragility and new experiences. I love that she was able to do this so beautifully.

Anyways, those were my thoughts on it. I was thinking of doing a cover of it today so feel free to watch that and I hope you like the song!

Leave me a comment below with your thoughts :)

Have an Amazing Day!

Mia B

If you wanted to be really awesome you could check out my Newest Youtube Video :)

Covers I'm In Love With

Dear You,

BBC 1 and Capitol radio, among others, have started a trend of recording singers covering songs in live lounges and they're amazing!

Demi Lovato's cover of Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran

I knew Demi could change into that rock-style voice but I didn't know how impressive it could be until I watched this wonderful cover. She is truly amazing.

Taylor Swift's cover of Riptide by Vance Joy

Taylor didn't add any ridiculously impressive runs like some others choose to but she still managed to add a unique sound to one of my favorite songs. 

Jessie J's cover of I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift

I don't know why I never heard of this last year but it is jaw-droopingly good, I am forever in envy of Jessie J's beautiful voice and ability. She definitely made the song her own and added a unique, softer tone. 

I could go on all day about all of these interesting amazing covers. The world of singers and songwriters is truly outstanding and I might just spend the rest of the day watching older covers, currently on The 1975's cover of What Makes You Beautiful :)

What are your thoughts on these covers? Leave me a comment below!

Have an Amazing Day!

Mia B

If you wanted to be really awesome you could check out my New Youtube Video :)

Quote

Dear You,

I'm back from my week long break with a nice Monday morning quote!

I loved this little graphic because it's some of those fundamental sayings that completely go over my head sometimes. But actually sitting and reading this one a few times over gives me a bit of a wake up call.

It reminds me that life truly is less complicated than I make it seem sometimes. The world is great and horrible and wonderful and terrible and we can let it change us or we can change it and make our life what we want it to be. 

Make your Monday Wonderful!

Mia B

If you wanted to be really awesome you could check out my New Youtube Video :)

Hi There!

Dear You,

So I realize no one actually reads these posts but just in case someone does (if you are, it would be absolutely wonderful if you commented something below, a Hi would be nice) I'm taking this week off from writing on here. Half because no one is actually reading it and half because I have no idea what to write. 

So, just in case someone did actually happen to click on this today: Hi, I'm not doing my normal 5 posts this week... just this one. Ok cool, bye.

Just a quick second to point out how funny my cat is, ok bye

Have a Great Week!

Mia B

Friday Inspiration

Dear you,

I'm visiting family in Las Vegas but I couldn't skip a Friday post! They're my favorite so I just wanted to do a quick bit of inspiration. 

I leave a bunch of my favorite quotes in my pictures so here's one of my best!

But truly, please always be yourself... Leave a comment below!

Have an Amazing Weekend!!!

Mia B

If you wanted to be really awesome you could check out my New Youtube Video :)

Nice Sounds

Dear You,

Lately I've tried taking to noticing and appreciating the little moments like favorite sounds

I completely agree with all of the wonderful sounds listed above but I thought it would be nice to add onto it

Some of my favorites are:

• The sound of rain on windows
• Music painted on silence
• White noise in a forest
• A good beat played loudly
• Cat's meow
• Ocean waves
• Human noise

I coined the term human noise from Raymond Carver, in the beautiful conclusion of his collection of short stories. Have you ever stopped at a busy place, a restaurant, a school, a mall and just listened? 

There's a bunch of people talking and laughing and just being people. I find great beauty in this human noise, a bunch of people, human in the same way we are with a life and struggles and stories like our own and yet, they managed to come and enjoy life with their talking and laughing. It fills me with wonder.

Anyways, hope you enjoyed! What are some of your favorite sounds? Leave me a comment below! I'd love to hear. 

Have an Outstanding Day!
Mia B

If you wanted to be really awesome you could check out my New Youtube Video :)

My Happiness Project: October

Dear You,

I think I've found a large amount of unhappiness in the fact that I am constantly misdefining myself and while I realize this is a lifelong struggle I think it's important to take the time to figure out who you are along the way even if you know that will probably change. So I've decided to make October the month of Identity. 

Some of my resolutions are...

Define myself

I'll probably have a few posts this month in quote thought form just trying to figure out the type of person I am. It's important to know that. 

Be myself more

With the new job I have, I've been told several times that they "like me" but they're going to "change me". After truly thinking about it, I realized how terrifying that is. 

Of the few things I truly know and enjoy about myself, being kind and courteous is near the top. I have devoted a large part of my life to being kind and I'm not going to let a temporary, meaningless job change that about me. 

Take good care of myself

I have let go of my strict eating and fitness schedule. Which is fine, I'm taking a break, but all breaks need to come to an end so after my getaway this weekend I'm going back to a healthy diet. I also really enjoy things like yoga and tea that I need to remember to enjoy more. 

Put myself out there

I'm very used to sitting in the back seat and letting life happen around me but I think it's important to also be a part of life, which often requires doing uncomfortable things. However I've discovered that uncomfortable situations often bring good things. 

Speak up

A part of putting myself out there is having the courage to speak up (in true Gryffindor style, I'm rereading Harry Potter) and put myself in those uncomfortable situations. Speaking up is definitely something I'm not good at but an extremely important life skill, happiness project or not. 

Anyways, those are some of the things I'll be working on this month. They're definitely not the checkmark kind of thing but hopefully I can change my state of mind enough to make me a better person. I also realize this is more of a selfish month but sometimes you have to be selfish, however there is definitely a fine line between the two. 

Any thoughts? Leave me a comment below!

Have an Amazing Day!

Mia B

If you wanted to be really awesome you could check out my New Youtube Video :)

My Happiness Project: September Ending

Dear you,

Now that September is over I have to talk about how my month of resolutions went!

Find job

I did this! I officially have a job. However it is a job that requires a bit of aggression and that's definitely not who I am so I might try and find a place that's looking for mild tempered people. If it doesn't make you happy, leave it behind :)

Inspire Someone

I don't think I've been able to do this. I definitely want to but I think I'm still stuck on how. I'm going to start performing my songs so maybe I'll find my dream in performance. 

Care Less About What Others Think

I think this will be a lifelong struggle but I have noticed a difference in my state of mind. When someone asks if I'm going to college (like they always do) I gladly tell them I chose to focus on songwriting. And I love it, I love it so very much. 

Make New Friends

I haven't successfully accomplished this, I work at a place that doesn't exactly allow people to talk. Hopefully next month, because what is life without hope?

Contact Old Friends

I have done this and it makes me very happy to hear how everyone's doing even if their life is quite different from mine. I love knowing how everyone's doing at college and life and hearing from them makes my day. 

Work on Social Media

I've been tweeting more!!! Has anyone seen? I consciously think, 'I haven't tweeted today, I need to do it', I'm getting better I swear and if you want to feel free to go click all my social media buttons in the upper right corner, they're so cute and nice :)

Especially my Youtube, which you can click, right there and here 

Overall, my month hasn't been perfect and I didn't accomplish all that I hoped I would but I did some things and that definitely matters. I have had a slight increase in happiness but I don't think I'm just there yet. 

How was your month? Leave me a comment below, I'd love to talk!

Have an Amazing Day!

Mia B

If you wanted to be really awesome you could check out my New Youtube Video :)

September Favorites

Dear You,

I can't believe it's the end of the month already! I know I say that every month and I will continue to say it until time seems to slow down again. 

Red Album by Taylor Swift

Yes, I know this wonderful album came out 2 years ago however her new album is about to come out so I have been reminiscing over the end of a great era. My favorite songs would have to be All Too Well and the acoustic version of State of Grace.

Hozier's Album Preview

So it hasn't come out yet but even the 5 songs that have been released are so amazing and perfect I've listened to them far too many times. I actually discovered him through Taylor Swift and Lily Aldridge's tweets about him. The album comes out October 7th and I could not be more excited

Give Me Love (cover) by Demi Lovato

She covered this already amazing song last year on a radio show and I haven't stopped listening to it since I found it earlier this month. She transcribed it into a nice, higher key and added some runs in the end that broke my throat, yes, broke it.

Arrow TV Series

As per my usual, I watched an entire series this month but it was so good I couldn't stop! I love the way they modernized this DC comic series into a very interesting show. I would highly recommend it, it has a great mix of romance, heroism, danger, and "Lost on an island" flashbacks. I'm awaiting the day the next series appears on Netflix.

Rasinettes

I have a problem ok?! I've been working quite a bit and I just really like chocolate and fruit so I've got a slight addiction to this wonderful candy and everyone thinks I'm insane but they are amazing.

Panera Bread's Squash Ravioli

This came out with the rest of their fall foods and I'm pretty sure one of the cashiers has started to recognize me because I cannot stop going back for more. This with a half caesar salad is just the perfect dinner for me in every way :)

I actually found a Healthy Choice version of this as well, I may have (quietly) screamed in the middle of Ralph's... I'm so cool

Anyways, how was your month? Leave me a comment below

Have a Wonderful Day!
Mia B

If you wanted to be really awesome you could check out my New Youtube Video :)