A New Decade

A new decade has begun, and a new journey awaits… No matter how 2019 went for you, do not forget the lessons and experiences that helped you become the person that you are today. I hope 2020 is a great year, and I am excited to see what it has in store for all of us.

---

I am astounded at the growth of this blog within the past twelve months, and I could not be more thankful for the tremendous amount of support. This site topped 8,000 views this year, and I received visitors from all over the world! I am so glad to be part of this community of writers because you are all so talented and inspiring. My most popular post in 2019 was ‘Don’t Be Beautiful’ so be sure to go check that out if you haven’t already!

Beyond the blog, I also want to give a shout-out to all of the people in my personal life who were always there for me and made the year so memorable especially my mom. I don’t know what I would have done without you guys, and it means the world (you know who you are.) 2019 definitely wasn’t an easy year, but it was one that I wont forget because it truly changed my life.

Here’s to a new year and a fresh start. Happy 2020!

Advertisement

Give Thanks

It is so easy to look around at all of the things that we wish we had and all of the things that we wish we could do… Honestly, we spend so much time focusing on what we want that we often loose sight of everything we have. This is the time of year to be grateful for the little things in life, pray for those who are struggling, and give thanks for all of our blessings. I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving 2019!

November Playlist 2019

Okay, I think I have finally finished this month’s playlist… This is the last one of the year before December’s holiday mix, so I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do! As always, feel free to share any song suggestions that you have for me in the comments section, and thanks for reading.

• Remind You by Frenship
• Life After You by Daughtry
• Looking for Some Light by Colony House
• Horses by Keith Urban
• The Road I’m On by 3 Doors Down
• Rose Of Sharon by Mumford & Sons
• Not There for You by Zac Crook

Which one was your favorite? Have you heard any of these before? What have you been listening to lately? Have you already started listening to Christmas music? 

Nutty Weekend

Just like that, Nutcracker 2019 has officially come to a close, but I would do anything to go back and relive my moment as the sugar plum fairy…

I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to dance such an iconic role, and it was truly an honor to perform. My second show on Saturday night was better than I had ever expected, and I can’t recall time where I was that happy onstage before. I was overcome with joy, and I truly danced my heart out which doesn’t happen everyday. I am not sure how my dancing was physically, but I think that last show was one of the best ones I have ever done. If anything, it is definitely something that I will remember for a very long time.

However, I am going to be honest and admit that it was not an easy weekend for me, and this Nutcracker certainly had its hiccups. I was in a lot of pain as my muscles kept seizing up in the middle of my dances, my Achilles was hurting, and I had a really bad cough that was a constant struggle. Also, slipping onstage during the pas de deux of my first show was far from the debut that I had envisioned.

Despite the circumstances, it truly was an incredible experience, and I am already missing that theater. It has been an amazing journey to get here, and I have made so many memories that will last an entire lifetime. Thank you to everyone who came out to support me and also everyone who encouraged me backstage. The entire cast danced beautifully, and I am so lucky to have shared that stage with such a talented group of artists. This was truly a dream, and I will always remember Nutcracker 2019…

Summer Playlist: July 2019

Hey, guys! Today, I thought it would be fun to share a few songs that I have been loving so far this month. I know that I posted a 4th of July playlist pretty recently, but I wanted to share some day-to-day tunes as well. Several of you have told me that you really enjoy these types of posts, so I am going to try to release a new playlist every month. Let’s see how long I can keep up with that commitment… I will definitely try my best, but I am making no promises because my life can get pretty chaotic during the year (as many of you already know.) Anyways, I hope that you enjoy listening and discover something new!

• I Would by Coin
• Keep You Close by Frenship
• January by Verzache
• Free & Lonely by X Ambassadors
• Beautiful People by Ed Sheeran (feat. Khalid)
• Careless by Vacation Manor
• Fallin Down by Goo Goo Dolls
• What Is Love by Chase Goehring

Which song is your favorite? What have you been listening to this month? Feel free to drop your own playlist in the comments section. 

Dazzling Colors

The sky was set ablaze, and every color imaginable flashed across the sky. Wondrous eyes peered up to the heavens while embers descended gracefully with a soft, flickering glow. It was one of the biggest parties that my family has ever hosted, and it made my heart so happy to see everyone gathered together on such a special day. My family gets pretty wild on this annual celebration, but this one was even bigger than the last… Each year, our wonderful community of neighbors pitch in to compile a massive firework collection that leaves the whole crowd in awe, and the show is always breathtaking. Bounce-houses, incredible food, sparklers, and smiles filled our yard as all the families came together for one huge party.

It was an extra special year for me because my grandparents were able to come celebrate too! I am so grateful that I was able to be home with my family again this summer because there is nowhere that I would have rather been on my second favorite day of the year. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for such an amazing night. I had an absolute blast, and I love you both so much!

What did you do to celebrate? Do you enjoy fireworks too? What is your biggest party of the year? I hope that you all had a safe, fun, and Happy 4th of July! 

Playlist 4 July

The fourth of July is right around the corner, and it is time to add the finishing touches to the 2019 celebratory playlist. This is the biggest annual event that my family hosts, and we are expecting over fifty guests this year. I am typically in charge of constructing the playlists for most of our gatherings, and I try to make them as large as possible to avoid the annoyance of song repetition. I have searched all over the place for independence-themed songs, and I want to give you a small glimpse into this year’s bunch… Not all of these songs have the intensity for the firework show, but they will certainly be played during the party. I hope you enjoy, and let me know your thoughts in the comments.

• It’s America by Rodney Atkins
• Fire by Barns Courtney
• All American Mutt by Jamie Kent
• Fight for You by Shawn McDonald
• Freedom by Pharrell Williams
• Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue by Toby Keith
• American Woman by Lenny Kravitz
• Smoke Clears by Andy Grammer
• Alive by Pearl Jam
• All-American Girl by Carrie Underwood

Have you heard any of these before? Did you like this post? What are your song recommendations for me?

*Also, I accidentally set a backdate on my previous post, “Dryads & Shades,” so it did not show up as a recent post WordPress… That was my mistake, but be sure to go check it out here if you missed it. Thanks for reading!

Prom Number 2!

Thanks to my best friend, I had the most amazing opportunity to experience prom for the second time this year! She was able to get me into this event for her school, and I am overjoyed that I was able to go because I had so much fun.

From spinning in the field to singing/screaming so loud that I lost my voice for days, it honestly couldn’t have gone any better. The DJ got the whole venue thumping with good beats as glow sticks flew in the air and dramatic lighting swirled across the crowded dance floor. My wild-party spirit was released that night as I was able to truly let go of all my stress and just have fun. That rarely ever happens, so I couldn’t possibly thank her enough for the invitation!

I never imagined that I would be at another prom so soon, and I wish I could just go back and do it all over again. This is certainly one that I will remember for a very long time, and this awesome group of people really made it special. Thanks again, girly!

Prom 2019

Prom 2019 was the best night that I had in a very long time, and I am still in shock that it all actually happened. Memories still flood back as I scroll through the pictures…

Our limousine awaited us outside of the Thai restaurant, and we were all escorted downtown where a red carpet led into a club filled with dozens of chandeliers. I saw all of the elegant dresses and I couldn’t help but feel like I had entered a new world.

At first, we didn’t even know what to do with ourselves in such a fancy atmosphere, but the DJ was spinning beats that lured us all onto the dance floor, and we danced for hours screaming the lyrics to our favorite songs. Confetti flew through the air, and I honestly could not wipe a smile off my face. I reunited with old friends, spent time with close ones, and met many new ones as I embraced every moment prom 2019. Being asked to prom meant the world to me, and it is something that I will never forget. Honestly, I never would have even gone if it wasn’t for my friend, so I appreciate everything that he did to make the experience so wonderful for me.

I want to thank everyone so much for making me part of your night, and I loved hanging out with y’all. Prom 2019 is officially complete… 

Happy Easter 2019!

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said.”

~Matthew 28:5-6

I hope you all have a very blessed Easter 2019!

---

Get ready for a post about prom 2019, blogger award nominations, embarrassing moments, choreographic adventures, and so much more. I have tons of upcoming post ideas, so don’t go anywhere!! Thanks so much for reading, and Happy Easter!