Christmas playlist

Christmas is in a day! I don't know about you, but I am rather excited. Frankly, I couldn't resist throwing together a Christmas playlist of some of my favorite Christmas songs. Beware-they are not all your regular Christmas songs. They're in no particular order, either, I love each one, and couldn't handle putting them in a numbered list.

Here we go!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!!!!

"Fairytale Of New York"-The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl-This is not your average Christmas song, but I LOVE this song. I love the fact that they just flat out call each other names and it doesn't seem to bother them. The whole song just seems romantic in a twisted sense. It's one of my all-time favorite songs, and I will listen to it whether it's Christmas or not. It's that amazing.

"Christmas(Baby Please Come Home)"-So many different people have covered this song. Among the best U2, Hanson, and the original singer Darlene Love. I just all over love this song. I have U2's version, and it's another Christmas song that I listen to over and over again, no matter what month or season it is. U2's version is one that I love to dance to and sing at the top of my lungs.

"The Prayer"-Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli-Love, love, love, love this song! Two amazing singers on one song. Perfect! Another song you wouldn't think to be a Christmas song, but it always has been in my house.

"Baby, It's Cold Outside"-Whether it's sung by the cast of Glee, Dean Martin, Zooey Deschanel, Bette Midler, it's always magical and amazing.

"I'll Be Home For Christmas"-Another song that has been covered by amazing artists. Bing Crosby, Bette Midler, Michael Buble, Josh Groban. This song has the tendency to make me cry, especially the Michael Buble version. The song is so sweet, and it's forever a classic.

"Hot Chocolate"-Tom Hanks-OK, this song is extremely fun, and it's just about my favorite song from the entire movie, "Polar Express." Seriously, it's upbeat and fun. The whole movie is incredibly magical and the animation is genius.

"When Christmas Comes To Town"-Matthew Hall and Meagan Moore-This song can make me cry, it's so good and so powerful. Makes me want to believe again. It's so sweet and how can you not just love this song. Full length version here.

"Last Christmas"-Wham!-What to say about this song? It's incredibly awesome, and the ultimate heartbroken Christmas song. I love Wham. George Michael's voice on this song, I think, is pretty pro. Possibly the best Wham song. No covers can compare to this version. Another song that I listen to whatever the season.

"All I Want For Christmas Is You"-Big Time Rush-OK, so I know this song is originally done by Mariah Carey, I love both versions. This is such an upbeat song. Seriously puts you mood for Christmas.

To finish off the list...last but not least....and there are a ton of great songs out there...I just couldn't think of them all.

"Do They Know It's Christmas?"-Band Aid-I will say it again, how can you go wrong with a song that has Boy George, Bono, Sting, and George Michael singing on the same record? I do love this song and it's kind of in your face saying 'Christmas is not all about presents, what you get and what you don't, it's more of a universal love for everyone and everything' type of thing, ya know? Anyway, I do like this song.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

-shelby

Ellie Goulding 'Your Song'

Goodness, goodness. This is amazing! I know I say that things are amazing a lot, but this is truly amazing! I'm not a big Elton John fan, and had never heard this song before it was on Radio 1, this is just wow! I have it on repeat. Her voice is smooth, and the arrangements behind the song, I mean it's just perfect. It's putting me in a very contemplative/quiet mood, serenity in this very hectic week. I need to learn how to play this on the piano. The lyrics, whoever they were written by, are astounding. They're simple and sweet. I'm having the same dilemma with this that I have with everything, the whole it's not available on the US Itunes. Anyway, just to say it once more, this is an amazing song. No lie. Another one of her songs is awesome, it's called "The Writer" and I am rather enjoying listening to it. Another song that I have repeat. Two songs that I have found thanks to BBC Radio 1.

OK, so right now I'm shivering because I'm stupid enough to sit outside on a winter day in the Rocky Mountains. Without a coat on. If this doesn't increase my cold, then I don't know what will. I've never been to the Rockies before and it is beautiful. Everything is lush and green, and the hotel that I am staying in is just absolutely gorgeous. There's no other word for any of this, than gorgeous. I am so extremely lucky to be able to see this and enjoy it all. Seeing all this through my new sunglasses. I got Ray-Bans yesterday, they're a Caribbean style and purple. So, yes, they're pretty awesome. They're first pair of Ray-Bans, I've wanted some since I was like two. Both my parents have multiple sets of Ray-Bans at the moment, and have dozens of pairs throughout their lives, so hopefully this hundred and forty dollars pair of glasses is just the first in a long line of sunglasses goodness. Yet, I can so see myself in the same pair of sunglasses that I'm wearing right now in ten years. I'm going to keep good care of them. If you can't tell I am extremely proud of this glasses.

See you soon. As for me I'm going back inside where there's heating and warm air.

Happy Holidays to you, no matter what you celebrate.

-shelby

30 Seconds To Mars - Kings and Queens :)

As much as I've linked to this song, I don't think I've ever posted the actual video. The "This Is War" album has been out for one year, three days. I honestly think that 30STM totally deserves every award they have been awarded. They are so extremely talented. I praise them highly, because they truly are absolutely amazing, no joke. Every one of their songs is amazing, the words are stinking poetry if you write them down and listen carefully. Tomo, Shannon, and Jared are extremely talented. Like if you watch live videos Shannon is so totally going at it with the drums, Tomo is hitting those guitar riffs like no other, and Jared is running all over the stage like a maniac and signing the songs like crazy. One of the best live performances that I've seen of them is when the're in Australia in 2007, I think, at an Mtv award show. They're singin gh "The Kill." Ah-mazing! "Kings and Queens" is litterally one of my most favorite songs, and the music video is pure gold. One day I fell asleep in the car with the "This is War" album blasting through my headphones, then I woke up with the same album the only noise I could hear. Nothing like it.

If you can't tell, I seriously love this band. When I say love, I mean love. Every one of their albums on my shelf and on my iPod. Wonderfully wonderful.

-shelby

Songs, songs, songs, and hair

Two songs that I am absolutely, positively in love with right now. Well, three, but I will save the third for later in the post. First song is P!nk's "Raise Your Glass." It is ah-mazing! I really enjoy listening to it because it basically says that it is totally ok to be yourself and to be loud, and for those of you who know me, yeah, I am not a quiet person. It's like, if you're different, this is your anthem. Plus, I just like anything that she does. All of her music is just so upbeat, in your face, amazing tunes. I'm not joking when I say this, I'm sitting in the computer and I am literally throwing my arms around and mouthing the words to this song. It's so awesome. It always seems that she writes what she feels and she doesn't give a crap what you think, like a total free spirit. Plus, it's kind of nice at the moment to have a song out there that is says just be who you are. Especially right now and the fact that I am moving in the near future, which kind of sucks. What do ya' do, though? The next song that I want to talk about is the totally amazing Katy Perry and her song "Firework." Another song that says be who you are. Yet, just not as in your face as P!nk does. I love this song, also. It's another upbeat little ditty that is totally fun to listen to. Katy's song is much more related to the moving predicament that I am in at the moment. Another song that I am sitting here dancing to and lip-synching the words. I don't care what you say at the moment, but both these songs are so totally amazing, in every definition of the word. Both the music videos are wonderful, and so totally represent the song. I highly recommend you go check them out. P!nk's is a little out there, just to warn you. If you need warning and are not familiar with her amazing work.

The third song that I am going to blab about has nothing to do about being yourself. I am not one for anything that is associated with Disney or Nickelodeon and has a TV show on those channels. There's something about those aritists that bug me, it started with Hannah Montana to be honest. There's one huge BUT in this situation. The exception that proves the rule is the boy band with the hilarious Nickelodeon TV show, Big Time Rush. Ahh. This show is litterally the number one procrastination tool against chores and homework, behind the world wide webof course. The show is funny, and the guys(Kendall, James, Carlos, and Logan) can actually sing and they pull of comedy really well, in my humble opinion. Like the other day on the show the one line that really made me laugh was when Kendall said "We're not four hockey players from Minnesota anymore, we're four Anakins who went to the dark side." I mean just things like that. I think it's pretty funny. My favorite song by them is "Till I Forget About You." That is a good song, and it gets stuck in your head. More proof that they actually sing is Kendalls Youtube channel. On his channel there is a video of Logan and Kendall singing John Mayer's "Edge of Desire." Oh my goodness, one of those songs that I kept on repeat and I absolutely love. I actually prefer this version over John Mayer's version. Then when you watch it, Carlos in the background just makes you laugh. It's a really pretty song and I highly suggest you go have a listen. The lyrics are really awesome, and poetic almost. I guess credit for that goes to John Mayer. Anyway, Big Time Rush are pretty cool.

Oh, and on Kendall's Youtube channel he does a really good cover of Radioheads "Creep." In my opinion, it is very good. Have a listen to that too, won't you.

Lovely, lovely. Have a good week everybody. Oh and by the way, one thing I kind of want for Christmas, my long hair back(have a lookey at this blog post). Bye!

-shelby

Airports.

Nothing is better at the moment than sitting in an airport listening to The Script's new song. Yes, ladies and gentlemen "For The First Time" Is finally available on the US iTunes. I promise you it so worth your $1.29 to go buy that song. In my honest opinion that song is totally and utterly epic. Danny O'Donoghue's vocals are amazing on this song. I mean, literally, everything about this song is amazing. What I didn't know is that there is like a full blown fifteen minutes mini-movie to go along with the song. It's such a sweet little movie. Then the footage from the mini-movie is included in the actual music video. I'm just in love with this song. When I found out this song was available, I could not contain myself. I was dancing around the house like a mad woman, going "Oh my goodness!" every five seconds. No joke. I listen to it all the time, like more than I usually do. Yet now it is at my fingertips, on my iPod, I don't have to have a computer to listen to it on YouTube. It's good for relieving the two hour layover I am sitting in right now in an airport that's pretty much in the middle of nowhere. The plane that was delayed, the one that I am supposed to go fly away in, just landed late. So in turn I will get to my destination late. I understand that happens, but it's still frustrating when you've driven four hours to get to the first airport, sat for an hour in that airport, sat for an hour on a plane, then sat for two hours waiting for the delayed flight to land. Then on top of all of that the next flight is two hours long and the drive to my final destination is just about two hours. All's fun when you can make it fun. Yeah, I have a computer sitting on my lap and my leg is going to sleep. I will stop complaining now.

In other news, I received Sugarland's new CD the other week, "The Incredible Machine." It is truly incredible. My favorite track is "Every Girl Like Me." It's so much fun to sing along to. I call it my "writing song" because I always listen to it when I write my NaNoWriMo. There are about three songs on that album that I always have on repeat when I write. Those songs are "Little Miss," "Tonight,"and "Every Girl Like Me." Those songs all seem to go together. If that sounds possible. All in all the songs are really good. Just the whole album is really good.

That's all I have to say for now.

Till next time

Shelby

Queen - 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

I have a few extra minutes here, so blog, blog, blog, blog, blog, blog, blog. Here we go. This song is epic. If this song was a guy I would have a crush on it. I love this song to the moon and back. It's timeless. It's everything you want in a song. A ballad, a story, an awesome arena tune, piano, guitar riffs, harmonizing vocals, amazing lyrics, and a captivating sound. I'd have to use both my hands and feet to count how many times I go "mama just killed a man....." Which my friends think I am completely weird for doing, but it's that good that I am willing to risk my normality. (There's no such thing as normal in book.) It was released in October of '75 and it still sounds fresh and innovative. Hearing this song I get shivers, and I am not joking, I stinking love this song. Freddie Mercury was and still is amazing. Rest in peace.

Now how am I supposed to write about something that will top that?

I will think about that one....

till next time shelby

FROM THE WORLD

I can not even begin to express how much I love this song. It is amazing! It's one of those songs that when it comes on the radio you just have a spaz attack and turn the radio up, then you listen to it on the internet and you just keep pressing repeat. Then when you stop listening to it, it just stays in your head like a cold, it never seems to go away. Like ever. I really hope this song will appear on the American iTunes soon, I am so addicted to this song. Literally, anything by this band is awesome, and it will always be awesome. Thanks to Youtube, I know that the official music video just makes the song explode even more than it already does. It's like an epicenter of amazing goodness. Already today I've listened to this song a good six times, just since starting this blog post. If that rant about listening to that song doesn't make you want to go listen to it, then I'll just tell you to go listen to it. You won't regret it, at all. My theory stands-some amazing, groundbreaking music comes out of the UK. The Script are three good looking Irishmen from Dublin.

Hopping across the pond, Sugarland has released their new CD, "The Incredible Machine." So far on the CD my favorite song is "Incredible Machine." It's a catchy little song that's stayed with me since they performed it back in May at the concert. It's just a powerful song. The piano is there, the drums, and her vocals all combined just makes it a good song. The live performance of this song is just plain out cool. It has a very creative, almost industrious sounding beat, it reminds me of a train. Like one of those old locomotives, don't ask me why, it just does. Then the lyrics take you on a journey. They're pretty fantastic. The documentary "Living Liner Notes" shows you how they recorded the song, it's only four minutes, and it's interesting. Sugarland is one of my favorite bands so I can't help but like whatever they do.

In other news, last night on SNL was downright hilarious at some parts. The weekend update was wondeful as always, that being my favorite part of the show. Emma Stone was this weeks host, and Kings of Leon being the musical guest. I don't know how many of you people watch SNL, but last night I don't know which was funnier Kristen Wiig's portrayal of a overly excited saleswoman type or Seth Meyers and Bill Hader cracking themselves up and the latter constantantly covering up his face. Then Emma Stone's monolouge was pretty awesome, but I don't think any monolouge will compare with Taylor Swift's. Then anything Justin Timberlake does on that show is hilarious. Andy Samberg is the Adam Sandler of the 2000's in my opinion. Who is in Jack Johnson's new video. Which is quite hilarious. (For all you Jack Johnson fans-the video's for "At or With Me.") I like this show if you can't tell.

One more song from the world then I'll let you be. "This Ain't a Love Song" by Scouting For Girls. I heard this on Radio 1 a few weeks back, and was all like 'I really like this!" It's an upbeat little ditty. They are native Londoners, with a pretty cool sound if you ask me. It's a piano soaked tone, and another one of those songs that you listen to once and it's stuck in your head. Plus, the official music video was filmed in an airport, and I really like airports. I know, weird, but I do.

OK, a week ago it was so hot you didn't need a jacket, but now it's raining, and so cold it kind of feels like January. It also doesn't help that when you walk through a store certain parts smell like Christmas. Yes, Christmas. We haven't even finished with Halloween yet. That's life, though.

Hope those songs brighten your dreary days, and you now have addicting songs to listen to through your headphones and get stuck in your head.

till next time

shelby

ART!

What does art mean to you?

That question flashed across my brain the other day. Whether it was the painting in my room that inspired it or all the art books I was looking at in the bookstore, I don't know. Back to the question at hand. The definition of art according to the handy dandy dictionary on my computer goes as follows: art 1 |ärt|

noun

1 the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power

•works produced by such skill and imagination

•creative activity resulting in the production of paintings, drawings, or sculpture

2 ( the arts) the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance

3 ( arts) subjects of study primarily concerned with the processes and products of human creativity and social life, such as languages, literature, and history (as contrasted with scientific or technical subjects)

4 a skill at doing a specified thing, typically one acquired through practice

From that definition art is anything from poetry to paintings. I consider poetry to be art, it's a form of expressing yourself, isn't it? Poetry is an application of imagination and human creativity, more often than not they hold emotional power, and they are beautiful in their own right. I guess what art means to me is that it's practically a gateway to your soul and your inner creativity. Every painting, poem, sculpture, song, dance has so much heart and soul in it, you just have to look deep enough to find it. They are all beautiful in their own right.

I asked Bettye Hamblen Turner, who is an artist and an amazing one at that, what her answer to that question would be and this is what she said, "The short answer is that for me, art is all about the process of creating."

Sculpture is a very creative form of art. To me it seems that it just may be the hardest form of art out there. Whenever Bettye tells me about all the different tools that she uses, or what she would like to have it just all seems so complicated. I mean there are certain mechanic tools to bend the metal, so it becomes a swirl. Then the sheet metal is really thin, and really sharp. Then, in Bettye's case, you weld it all together so you're under like five layers of clothing using a torch to weld hot metal together. It just seems complicated. Her paintings are awesome because they're just an explosion of color, shapes, and just tons of ideas. Just to show you what she does for a living......

Credit goes where credit is due for the pictures. First picture is titled "Pele," second "The Joy Ride," that one spins around(!!!), third "Renewal, fourth "Marathon." Pictures used with permission.

till next time

shelby

this is what makes me me

i’m not an angel

but i’m definitely not the devil

i’m kind

gentle

forgiving

and thankful

i’m obnoxious

nerdy

loud

sarcastic

and care free

i’m anxious

worrisome

cautious

quiet

and boring

i’m a wanna a be rebel

though i have no cause

i’m an honor roll,

student leadership,

teachers pet kind of kid

i know what my opinions are

they could always change with time

i spend time wondering

waiting

wishing

dreaming

hoping

but i don’t do anything to make those things come true

i’m a small town girl

that has anxiety issues

and a mind that wanders

my laugh is loud

and my sense of humor varies

i’m moody

hopeful

determined

and scared

i’m a sister

i’m contemplative

i’m a daughter

i’m weird

i’m a niece

i’m a grandaughter

i’m deeper than you think

and think differently than other people my age do

i get upset when people treat me like i’m four

i have self-esteem issues

i know a lot

but i don’t know much

i tell myself it doesn’t matter what people think

but deep down it really does

i’m a procrastinator

a leader

a writer

and a teenager

i’m not perfect

i’m still young

and all these things make me

well, me

I'm Me

My cheeks are sore

my visions blurred

tear streaks on my face

a strange feeling is in my head

stomping my feet

waving my hands back and forth

embarrasment eludes me

but overwhelms my companions

they say silently "I'm not with you"

but they're sitting right next to me

I burst out in fits like this

no reason why

it just happens

these fits make me, me

written after way too much caffiene and ten times too much obnoxiousness.

Love On The Inside (just look deep enough)

As much as I want to get out of here, I can't help but love it here. Contridict much?

On a very different note......

I went to a Sugarland concert back in May where I took tons of pictures to document the experience. These are my favorites.

How about that decade? 1980-1989

I read a post on Sugarland's website yesterday, that seriously inspired me to go crazy with the Youtube watching and a need to watch movies. That post was about '80's teen movies. I know, I know that was forever ago, but I will not deny the fact that some of my favorite movies and songs come out of that decade. Thanks to that post I searched the web looking for the song that's at the end of "Sixteen Candles" and the full parade scene from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." Both amazing movies, and both by John Hughes. John Hughes is wonderful. While alive, he did so many of the coolest movies, and provided many of the movies that are my favorites and that I love watching. In fact, I don't rememeber if I've shared this yet(if I have, I am very proud of the fact), I can watch "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and say all the lines before the actors do. I saw "Pretty In Pink" for the first time a couple months ago, and I absolutely loved it! I mean every girl wishes the really hot, popular guy would fall for her, when she has the biggest crush on him. Then throw in the eccentric best friend who likes the girl, and you got a winning movie right there. John Hughes is the epitome of 1980's teen flicks, to me. How many of you have seen the movie "Easy A?" Now, I know that it is not an '80's movie, but there's this one scene in that movie that really stuck with me. If you've been reading this post at all, you probabaly know what scene I'm talking about, even if you haven't seen the movie. Yep, you guessed it. 1980's teen flicks, and John Hughes. Well, the line that she says during that scene goes like this-"Whatever happened to chivalry? Does it only exist in 80's movies? I want John Cusack holding a boombox outside my window. I wanna ride off on a lawnmower with Patrick Dempsey. I want Jake from Sixteen Candles waiting outside the church for me. I want Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air because he knows he got me. Just once I want my life to be like an 80's movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason. But no, no, John Hughes did not direct my life." Anyway, I just really like that line, because I am a nerd and in love with anything '80's. The big hair, the music, the movies, the fashion, just everything. Plus, how would you like to hijack a parade float and sing "Twist and Shout" to the city of Chicago? I even kept the page from USA Today announcing John Hughes death of a heart attack at the age of 59. It has a giant picture of "The Breakfast Club" on the front.

Now, how can I top what I just wrote above?

That's right, a playlist! What better way to compliment a entry about '80's movies than with a '80's playlist?

Here we go!

"Voices Carry"-'Til Tuesday

"Take On Me"-a-ha

"Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic"-The Police

"Fast Car"-Tracy Chapman

"With or Without You"-U2

"What's Love Got to Do With It"-Tina Turner

"In a Big Country"-Big Country

A lot of the '80's stuff that I like are heavily influeneced by my parents. Then there are several songs from the '80's that they hate, and I just love, but I hate some of the songs today that are played way too much, the same reason my parents dislike those songs. I also have a couple awesome memories to go along with a few of those '80's songs. Example:winning a dance/costume contest to "Karma Chameleon" by Culture Club, my cousin hitting the highest note in "Take On Me" when I was absolutely sure that he wouldn't be able to, just that kind of stuff. That's a small playlist compared to the amount of great '80's songs out there. Let me just get this out there, a song that's covered in synthesizer and awesome vocals and lyrics is just a sure hit to be a good song.

Oh, and happy birthday John Lennon!

till next time

shelby

When The Stars Go Blue you Smile

Another playlist. Haven't done a proper one in quite a while.

"Lose Yourself"-Eminem-I'm not a big fan of rap, but this song and his new album is amazing. This song is just plain catchy. Plus he killed it at the VMA's this year.

"You and Me"-Lifehouse-A sweet little love song.

"Song For the Lonely"-Cher-I love this song, I love Cher. She's awesome, how could you not like Cher. "For the broken hearted, for the battle scared, I'll be by your side." It's just an awesome song about hope, basically.

"Dizzy"-Goo Goo Dolls-The chorus of this song is so cool. Then the verses kind of compliment the chorus in a good way.

"3AM"-Matchbox Twenty-I love '90's music, and these guys are the prime example of a good 1990's band. I just really like Matchbox Twenty. They're really good. This song is just a tiny peek into a band with amazing songs!

"Name"-Goo Goo Dolls-I don't care if you think this song is played too much, it's so amazingly good. It makes me happy to listen to it, and the lyrics are like poetry. Johnny Rzeznik is an awesome lyricist.

"When The Stars Go Blue"-The Corrs and Bono-They do an magnificent job with this song, and the contrast between their voices is easy on the ears it's perfect. You can't go wrong with The Corrs, and then add Bono to the mix you have one amazing song. Personally, I like this version more than the original one. It's like the song for written for Andrea Corr and Bono's voices.

"Smile"-Mcfly-This is just a happy, postive, feel good song by my one of my favorite bands.

"I Can't Break It"-Delta Goodrem-It's such a sweet 'you-left-but-I-refuse-to-believe' kind of song, and that's what makes it good. Plus, her vocals are awesome. I wish she was more popular in the States, she deserves to be popular everywhere.

"Life is Short"-Butterfly Boucher-Thanks to 'Grey's Anatomy' I found this song and fell in love with it. It's a upbeat little ditty pretty much about living your life to the fullest.

There it is, one more playlist for your enjoyment.

shelby...

Photographs On The Dashboard of A Fast Car

Let's see if I can go a whole blog post without talking about music. Which is going to be hard because I'm listening to one of the most talented people out there, she deserves way more recognition than she has. Let's see if these lyrics can give you a hint to who I am talking about.

"You've got a fast car/ I wanna a ticket to anywhere /Maybe we make a deal/ Maybe together we can get somewhere/ Any place is better /Starting from zero, got nothing to lose/ Maybe we'll make something/ Me, myself, I've got nothing to prove." Then the lyrics, "You've got a fast car/ Is it fast enough so we can fly away?/ We gotta make a decision /Leave tonight or live and die this way/ Say remember when we were driving, driving in your car/ Speed so fast it felt like I was drunk/ City lights lay out before us /And your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder/ And I had a feeling that I belonged/ I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone." I love this song so much, it reminds me of me in a way.

Said I wasn't going to talk about music, and I manage to talk the whole first paragraph about it. Contridiction, anyone?

Tonight's a football game, which I am being forced to go to because my friend bullied me into it. I'm happy that I'm going just because I wanted to go, but didn't really have a reason to. So know I have a reason to go to the game. I'm not even sure who we're playing, but I'm going anyway.

In other words, I was looking at a bunch of photography blogs and I decided that I should upload some pictures that I have taken. They're not professional by any means, I mean they're all taken with the camera that I bought at Costco, and personally, it's sometimes crap.

I do like some of the pictures I've taken, so I said, what the hey, here they are.

Lyrics aren't mine, they're Tracy Chapman's, so she deserves all the credit, because she's amazing.

till next time

shelby

McFly - Dynamite - Live Lounge Cover (HD Video)

I'm not one for rap or hip hop, but man they do a good cover of this song. Live Lounge is amazing, artists just go in there and do the best covers of songs. Like 30 Seconds to Mars has done amazing covers there. Paramore has too. The Saturdays did a rendition of a Christmas classic. OneRepublic has, too.

Florence and the Machine - Dog Days Are Over (Live) That was by far the best perfomance of the night at the VMA's a week ago. It was epic.

That's my blurb for the day. :)

shelby

School, Grace Potter and Stevie Nicks

School, school, school. It has dominated me the past four days. No time for anything. So when I get home I have like over a thousand new update thingies on Facebook. It's kind of insane. Oh the word 'insane' there's a boy I know who can't say that word anymore and if he does he owes my science teacher a quarter. It was quite hilarious when he did it in class today. No major drama yet, but student leadership has started. Some very big projects coming up. But I will not bore you with that...

Did anybody see the special on Vh1 about the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time? It's a pretty good list. I would make a few changes, but that's just me. Watching the show I have one of those moments where you're all like "oh yeah I totally love this song, this is who does it?" That one Metallica song still scares me. Then I love, love, love Fleetwood Mac. Well, I just love Stevie Nicks in general. "Rhiannon" is like one of my favorite songs. Stevie Nicks just has the coolest voice, it's so unique and she can definetely write a song like nobody's business. Check out "Rhiannon" it's ahmazing...

One singer, today, that really reminds me of Stevie Nicks is Grace Potter of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. This band has a real classic sound. They have a classic way of dressing, too. When I say classic I mean like 1970's/1969's rock bands slash hippie movement. Their song "Tiny Light" is pretty amazing...

A friend and I have decided to write a rough draft for a book. Each of us are going to do a chapter. We're just working on brainstorming right now. Hopefully it will be pretty awesome...

Don't forget to watch the Vma's(Video Music Awards) this weekend on Mtv. 30 Seconds To Mars are going to be there and hopefully they win all of the awards they are up for. Finger's crossed, Echelon!

'till next time...

shelby...

Thinkin' 'Bout Somethin' in the Easy Silence PLAYLIST 5

Time for another playlist! A real one this time. Here we go...

1-“Iris”-Goo Goo Dolls-This is one of those songs that I’ve listened to a hundred times, and never get sick of it. Just look past the occasionally cheesiness of it, and just listen. I do love this song.

2-“Big City Dreams”-Never Shout Never-This band is just one guy, and his music is so happy and upbeat, even in his songs when he’s calling out his girlfriend or when he’s asking “What Is Love?” Plus, when he writes love songs, they’re so sweet.

3- “Obviously”- McFly-If you haven't already noticed, I absolutely love, love, love, love McFly. Their music just makes me happy and it makes me smile. Plus, those four guys can seriously write songs, obviously just listen to the song.

4- “Thinkin’ ‘Bout Somethin’”- Hanson-This is another band where all their music just makes me happy and puts a smile on my face. It’s so upbeat and has a bouncy, happy feel to it. Definitely listen to it when you’re in a good mood, it compliments the mood well.

5- “Feel It(In The Air Tonight)”-Naturally 7- I love this song. This group, Naturally 7, is all a cappella. They call it vocal play, and they are amazing! They opened for Michael Buble when I saw him in concert, and we were all blown away by their talent.

6- “All Or Nothing”-Cher- I saw her in concert on her Farewell Tour, I still have the T-shirt from that actually. I don’t remember much about that concert but what I remember is pretty epic. Cher will always be my first concert! How can you go wrong with Cher? She’s just amazing!

7- “Lies”-Mcfly- OK, I’ll say it once more, Mcfly is a-mazing!

8- “Hey Now”- Augustana-This song is just so unique, quiet, and good. The lyrics are like seriously poetic in my book.

9- “My Lagan Love”-The Corrs- I love the way this song is instrumentally, and Andrea’s vocals are awesome, like always.

10- “Easy Silence”-Dixie Chicks-Personally, I think this album is their best. I love this song, it’s so serene and it’s epic in it’s own way. This song always puts me in a melancholy kind of mood. I got to listen to most of it with my eyes closed, just concentrating on the words. “In the easy silence you create for me its ok when there’s nothing left to say to me and the peaceful quiet you create for me and they way you keep the world at bay for me.”

There it is folks, in all it’s glory, another playlist...

You And Me break DVD's and ride roller coasters

LISTEN TO THIS SONG BEFORE READING PLEASE!!

I needed to start this playlist off with this song because I am in love with this song. I also think the video is pretty rocking, if anybody is wondering it was filmed in Helmsley, England. Which is where the band is from. The band is One Night Only and the song is "You and Me." There is also a black and white version on YouTube just search the song and artist's name and it's like the first one, or something like that. Anyway, this band is my new obsession...

It is about time for a new playlist, isn't it? Well, ok, but this is just a random playlist that I have put together for your viewing and reviewing. I'm not going to write thoughts next to each song this time, but know that I really lke all of these songs...

"You And Me"-One Night Only

"Say You Don't Want It"-One Night Only

"Fast Car"-Tracy Chapman

"All I Ever Wanted"-Bass Hunter

"Smells Like Teen Spirit"-Nirvana

"Sheena Is A Punk Rocker Now"-The Ramones

"Can't Stand It"-Never Shout Never

"What Is Love?"-Never Shout Never

So there is my short little playlist of the day. On to bigger and brighter things...

A while ago I got in trouble for doing nothing but sitting around all day doing nothing. Then in an act of rebellion/defiance I decieded to rearrange my room, while I was home alone. I filmed some of my attempts with my handy dandy little camera. I'm not going to post them, because they are rather rubbish. So, I rearranged my room. Moved the bed; the nightstand; un-shelfed, moved, and reshelfed the bookcase; took down the TV; rearranged stray books. Throughout the whole process I managed to only break one thing, and I didn't even get in trouble. The thing that I broke is easily replaced, I hope...

Oh, and if you ever go to Lagoon, the amuesment park in Utah, you have to ride Wicked. That ride is truly wicked. You also have to ride Colossus the Fire Dragon, which I rode eight times. Then you have to ride Spider, which I rode four times. While you're there you might as well do go-karts, Wild Mouse, and THE Roller Coaster...

'till next time "galaxy defenders..."

shelby...

(insert smiley face here)

I’m tired, but never mind that fact because it is not relevant. Well, it is relevant because this blog post is totally random. Sorry for the lack of posts lately, I’ve been caught up in Youtube and searching for amazing blogs, and yes I have found some pretty awesome ones. OK, I am also addicted to BBC Radio 1. Don’t ask me why, I am just in love. It’s marked on the XM radio, and everything. I heard this song on Radio 1 the other day called “Say You Don’t Want It” by One Night Only. The lead singer of this band has an awesome voice, and the song is just wicked. Like all things, you can’t get off of Itunes where I live. So that stinks. Since I can’t buy it, I just listen to the video over and over again on Youtube. I also listen to The Saturdays on Youtube because they’re not on Itunes, and a ton of Mcfly stuff. All not on Itunes. There’s always Amazon and there you can get the physical CD. And yes I know all the words to Mcfly's new song! (insert smiley face here)

See I told you this post would be completely random. If anybody can do a wicked cover of Rihanna it's Mcfly. Mcfly is just about my favorite band. Them and 30 Seconds To Mars. Then the Paramore poster in my room shows my love for Paramore, too. While we're on the topic of cover songs check out this guy I found this morning while surfing the world wide web. He's DaveDays, and he's pretty hilarious. He does cover songs, parodies, and original songs...

So, 'till next time people....olive you. (insert smiley face here)

shelby...

PS- The post was supposed to be completely random, but I managed to talk pretty much only about music. Did you know that the boxes that sometimes pop up in internet videos are called annotations? I found that out the other day watching Alex Day. This blogging system is giving me problems. UGH...

Closer To The Edge, because You Found Me-PLAYLIST 4

Playlist, playlist, playlist, playlist. Here’s another one.

1-“These Are The Days”-Sugarland-I don’t know if I told you this, but I saw Sugarland in concert, back in May. They are amazing live. This song is so happy and just a “mood booster.” Jennifer, Kristian, and this Carver guy who all wrote the song together did a really good job, because the lyrics I think everybody can relate to. Plus, they just put an awesome picture in your mind, at least for me they do.

2-“Only Hope”-Mandy Moore-Another song with amazing lyrics. It comes from one of my favorite movies, “A Walk To Remember,” based on the novel of the same name. The movie is amazing, and the soundtrack is wicked. A sweet little love song.

3-“Truth No. 2”-Dixie Chicks-I love, love, love the Dixie Chicks. They’re so talented and they have a sound all their own, that nobody these days that are popular could even try to copy. They’re happy music.

4-“You Found Me”-The Fray-The Fray are just wonderful. This song gets stuck in my head. I feel like I can relate to this song because you sometimes are feeling so down and low and the only person you feel like or want to talk to isn’t there, but I don’t know. This is just a really good song.

5-“Angel”-The Corrs-They are one of my favorite bands, and I love this song. The video for it is visually amazing, with all the colors. When you really listen to the words you’re all like ok, well somebody had to go and they’re remembering all the good and celebrating that person. The Corrs are so talented, and I love listening to them. I could literally listen to them all day and not get sick of them.

6-“Quelqu’un M’a Dit”-Carla Bruni-This song is entirely in French, and it’s so amazing. I have no idea what she is saying, but I love humming the melody and the chorus, because it sounds so cool. Then, the lady who sings it is now the French First Lady. Anyway, I really like this song, and it’s in French so it sounds romantic, and it may not be at all. Sentimental, that’s the word to describe the song.

7-“Your Eyes”-RENT-Amazing, amazing, amazing. Jonathan Larson is awesome, and the best at writing plays. This is so heartfelt and emotional, and Adam Pascal is astonishing, he’s the best Roger, like ever.

8-“Rescue”-Breathe Carolina-This is my favorite Breathe Carolina song. This is one of the only ones without the screaming. The song’s catchy.

9-“Closer To The Edge”-30 Seconds To Mars-LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. I am completely addicted to this band, and if you know me I listen to them like twenty-four seven, in the car, in my room, everywhere. The music video for this song was just released in the U.S. on Monday, and it’s epic, I even bought it from Itunes. The lyrics are amazing, I mean ‘no, no, no, no, I will never forget, no, no, I will never regret, no, no, I will live my life.’ ‘Can you imagine a time when the truth ran free, the birth of a song the death of a dream.’ Everything about this band is astounding and wonderful. They have their own sound which is just epic, and it's nothing like some of the crap you hear on the radio these days. Can you tell I really love this band, and everything about them?

10-“Fairytale Of New York”-The Pogues/Kirsty MacColl-This song is one of my favorites, because it makes me laugh every time I hear it. It’s a sweet-slap-in-the-face kind of song, if that makes any sense at all. I often consider this song as my favorite, it’s definitely in the top five. Once you get past his teeth and all the smoke, it's a pretty good video.

‘till next time...

shelby....

Poem...

OK, so I have a poem to share with you all this week. It's not really based off of anything, just what I was thinking at the time I wrote it, and how I can't go to sleep until like two in the morning. I know, it's deep and weird, and untitled...

long dark roads at night

the light always seems so bright

i can't close my eyes

surrounded by these untold lies

engine running fast and hot

warm to the hand, cold for a shot

night I can never sleep

not even trying to count sheep

desert and sand, wind and rain

heartache is too much pain

too much to handle, not even try

no matter how much they pry

with beady eyes and pursed lips

it's like waiting for sunken ships

these are the ones to call you out

make you so mad, all you can do is pout

laugh out loud and make a show

have your productions, and dry jokes that are so low

no humor, no fun

the fakes don't know how to pun

it keeps raining, cold and wet

Mother Nature don't stop, doesn't let

long dark road

that I once showed

not anymore

for it buried me up to my core

shelby...

RED SHOES, SCULPTURES, and TRAINS

A while back I was on vacation visiting some family, and I went with my aunt and grandma to an open house thing at a gallery that my aunt, Bettye Hamblen Turner, has some of her sculptures at. Which are like gigantic, bigger than life size bulls. I think Marathon and Paladin are on display at Benini’s. Then my aunt does really awesome paintings, too. Like horses and just animals in general. Some abstract things, too, that I really like. Like some of the abstract things are just explosions of colors and shapes, and awesomeness. Plus, all of her paintings have like reds and oranges and colors along that line in them. Her sculptures are really awesome, too. The swirls in them are really awesome and look hard to do, even though when she tells me how she does them she makes it sound easy. One of my favorites by her is called “Joy Ride.” It just looks so happy, and it SPINS! That’s way cool...

At the open house I got to see a lot of really cool paintings and sculptures. While there I got to see some paintings by a good friend of my aunt, Jacqui Faye, liking what she had on display when I got back to where I was staying and looked her up. One of the paintings that I saw by her I instantly loved, and it reminded me of, well, me. So, I emailed my aunt and got Jacqui’s e-mail, and e-mailed the artist. Since it was like ten at night, I had to wait to call my parents the next morning. They said I could get it, so I started e-mailing Jacqui to purchase the painting. All this happened back in June. I’m now home. The wrong size frame sent and several e-mails later, it arrived on my doorstep TODAY!! I was so happy to get it! I immediately started to rip open the package, and get to the painting so I could hang it up. It was under layers and layers of bubble wrap which I managed not to pop any. The painting is amazing. It looks great in my room and the frame is just right, and just everything...

See Jacqui does a Red Shoe series, in which all of the paintings include red shoes. So, my painting has red shoes in it. School shopping the other day, I had to get red shoes. In honor of getting the painting I had to wear my pair of red shoes of course. I just love the painting it is so me, and so hip, and just awesome...

While I was at the open house at Benini's I, well actually my grandma, got a good picture of Bettye's sculpture, Stella, and one of Jacqui's paintings

Apart from Red Shoes and paintings, I am in love with this new song that I got the other day. Well, Itunes has a free single of the week each week. Last weeks song was “Breathe” by Ryan Star. I really like that song, and I can relate to it in what he says during the verses. So I was listening to some of his other stuff when I stumbled across his song “Last Train Home.” Which I like immediately fell in love with. I see a pattern of me seeing/hearing things and immediately falling in love with them. Anyway, I bought that song, and I just think it’s so sweet. Another artist that I like is Charlotte Martin, who is amazing. Very innovative with what she does, and how she arranges the music and such...

A poem is coming soon, I just haven’t decided which one to post yet. Leaning towards one, but still not sure, lots to chose from...

‘till next time...

shelby...

A Memory of Strawberry Fields Forever-PLAYLIST 3

PLAYLIST NUMBER THREE! So you may have noticed that I did a little makeover here on the blog. I needed it to be bright and happy, and I say bright and happy while I’m listening to The Cure. If you haven’t noticed I like seriously love the ’80’s. My favorite movies come from that decade, and a few of my favorite songs come from that era, too. The era of synthesizers and huge hair. Anyway, before I begin this playlist I will tell you that it has been brought to my attention that I use the word ‘amazing’ a lot. The person who told me that gave me a thesaurus. So let us see if I can refrain from using ‘amazing...’

1-“Very Last Country Song”-Sugarland-This song definitely has a melancholy feeling to it. What can I say I really like Sugarland. They’re awesome. They’re are really good live performers, and their concert that I went to was super fun.

2-“Memory”-CATS-I saw this play when the tour came to a city near me, and I loved it. I was really skeptical going in the theater, almost determined that I wouldn’t like it. Then when I came out of the theater I was in awe, it was astounding. Afterwards I got to meet the girl who played Grizabella, Anastasia Lange, who did an phenomenal job. Couldn't find a link that I like on Youtube, so I went with this one of Anastasia Lange, not Betty Buckley.

3-“That Girl”-McFly- I love, love, love McFly. They are just about my favorite band. There’s just one problem with that though, they’re not too popular in the States like they are in their native England. I love them all the same, though. Their music is just so happy, well has a happy feel to it, and it always puts me in a good mood.

4-“True”-Ryan Cabrera- Another really cheesy love song, but it is really good. Plus, with the acoustic guitar it just sounds so sweet.

5-“Strawberry Fields Forever”- Jim Sturgess/ Joe Anderson- This song is from one of my favorite movies and these two actors do a magnificent job with this song. The special effects and the cinematography is just spectacular for this movie. It’s truly unique. This link is to the scene from the movie.

6-“Baby’s Coming Back”-McFly-Another great song by Tom, Danny, Harry, and Dougie.

7-“Who I Am”-Jessica Andrews-A song that I can relate to. A song that I think anyone can relate to.

8-“Talk to Me”-Stevie Nicks-I love Stevie Nicks, and her songs are just so awesome. Her voice is haunting and just superb. Her way of dressing is just so cool and unique, and I love her hair. She also wears like the coolest dresses and outfits.

9-“Hunter”-30 Seconds To Mars-Jared Leto’s voice is like almost on the verge of creepy in this song, but this is a sensational cover of a Bjork song. I can listen to this song over and over again.

10-“100 Red Bows”-Aaron and Andrew-Thanks to the amazing (don’t hate me) soap opera “Guiding Light” my mom and I discovered this band and song. I do like this song, just remember Guiding Light in general. Oh and if any of you are wondering, Guiding Light was and is better than any soap opera on right now.

OK, so I only used amazing once because that word just fits Guiding Light perfectly. They should’ve never cancelled that. Anyway, hope you like the playlist. Listen to the songs, and comment on the post if you like them...

shelby...

Computers hate me.

Is anybody else just ready to kill their computers? Take a baseball bat to the screen? Now, I would never ever do that, but the computer is really slow. It’s not supposed to be slow, it’s a stinking Apple. The internet wasn’t loading anything, and if it did it would take forever to load. I don’t have the patience for computers to be slow. It’s frustrating. Plus, I’m on the computer a lot, so when it is not speedy, it makes me mad. Electronics are going through this phase where they all hate me. Like I almost broke my mom’s computer yesterday, my iPod randomly turns itself off, and my phone likes to jump out of my hand and land on the wood floor. UGH!!! I’ll get over it, just wondering if anybody else was hating their computers at the moment...

On a lighter note. YOUTUBE!! The glorious invention that is Youtube. If you are like me you don’t have anything better to do, so you’re on the computer all day. For me that means Youtube and Facebook. Mostly videos on YouTube. I love the video-bloggers. Especially half of “Sons of Admirals” and “Chameleon Circuit,” charlieissocoollike and nerimon, or Charlie and Alex. I watch them all the time, and when I need help with blogging I check out their websites, and how they talk in the videos. Plus, they just make me laugh, and their music is good. I am definitely a fan, I mean I bought a charlieissocoollike shirt when it was on sale. Which sadly is about two sizes too big, but I still wear it. They just talk about anything and everything, I know who Doctor Who is because of these two. Nerimon does this thing where he reads the book Twilight, which is hilarious, he makes more fun of it than he does read the book. Since I am so entirely sick of Twilight and the fact that it wins every stinking award when there are much better movies out there to win those awards, it's kind of nice that there is somebody who doesn't like Twilight either. OK, over that. I will tell you this, I watch charlieissocoollike so much that I know the words to several of his songs, and I can often be caught singing them in school or at home. Another person on Youtube that I really like is juliansmith87, which is hilarious, and he does music, too. At least according to iTunes he does. Like juliansmith87 has this video called “25 Things I Hate About Facebook.” Which I posted on my Facebook, because it’s so incredibly true! If you have a Facebook, you need to look at it, it’s hilarious. I really like all three of those video blogger people...

LINKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alex Day

Charlie McDonnell

juliansmith87

“25 Things I Hate About Facebook”

So, go check them out, they make me laugh, hopefully they’ll make you laugh, too...

Comment if you liked this post, love the feedback people...

shelby...

Chasing Cars through Bright Lights-PLAYLIST 2

I decided that I needed to make another playlist, because I still have a lot of songs to go through, and I mean a lot! (“whoa-oh stuck like glue, you and me baby we’re stuck like glue”). Ok so I’m just going to do a list and It’ll go for however long, but I promise not over fifteen lovely songs. There are some repeats from the last playlist that I did, so I will just omit from this list. Remember it was like two in the morning when I did this, so it’s quite a weird collection of songs...

1-“Chasing Cars”--Snow Patrol--These guys are just amazing at writing amazing lyrics. Amazing and heartfelt at that. Plus, it was on “Grey’s Anatomy,” but not at a very happy part.

2-“Bright Lights”--Matchbox Twenty--Love this song. Rob Thomas is amazing! It’s just a sweet love song. I’m not even going to express the amount of times that I have written out all the lyrics, word for word, because I love it so much. This song is definitely in my top five favorite songs, and that’s saying a lot, because there’s so many amazing songs out there.

3-“Sober”--Kelly Clarkson--I don’t really know why I like this song. I guess the lyrics are why I like it. They’re poetic.

4-“Come Fly With Me”--Michael Buble--I saw Michael Buble in concert not too long ago, and it was amazing. That was a ton of fun. Plus, Michael Buble is probably the only person out there that can pull of Ol’ Blue Eyes, and do a good job of it.

5-“Let It Be”--The Beatles--No comment just listen to the song, and it says everything. At least in my mind it does. Definitely one of my top five favorite songs.

6-“Kiss Me When You Come Home”--Hanson--Anybody remember the song “MMMBop” that came out in ’97? Well, this is the same band thirteen years later. I love Hanson, all their songs are just fun to sing along and dance to. Yes, they’re three brothers(sound familiar?), and yes they are ten times better than the JoBros. In my humble opinion, of course.

7-“Seasons Of Love”--RENT Cast--This play has the best soundtrack ever, and the best message ever. The movie is one of my favorites, and I’ve seen it like a thousand times, now I have to see the live play and not just clips on YouTube. Jonathan Larson is amazing, he wrote this song and play, no boundaries, it’s all just about living your life. Because “there’s no day but today.” This song gives me the chills every time I hear it.

-If you’re going to watch a video about RENT, you have to watch this one. It’s the best, in my opinion.It features the original cast-including Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs- and the current cast as of 2008, which is also like the final Broadway cast.

That’s a good song to end this playlist on...

Oh yeah, Jonathan Larson is the Jonathan that I mentioned in my last post in the poem...

shelby....