12-6-15

There was a Gospel Choir Concert today! I only got to hear about three songs. But it was so lovely. And so so fun. It makes me so happy to hear people praising God and enjoying doing it. There are so many ways to praise the Lord and tell others about His love. Singing is my favorite of them all. There are words that I can never find, and songs say them so brilliantly. Can I just say how fun it was? I mean, at least with my church, I am used to very formal and reserved praise. But it was so nice to see people whose love for the Lord is so strong they just have to shout it out. Voices filled with immense joy and power. It touched my soul. I'd love to be a part of a gospel choir one day. Sometimes, you just can't hold love in. Especially when it's the greatest love this world has ever seen.

11-19-15

This morning, Josh invited me to sit in on his voice lesson. He has to do a jury at the end of the semester, and unfortunately he is not allowed to invite other people. So, he invited me to come see his voice lesson and his voice teacher was lovely enough to allow me to stay. She seemed very sweet and brilliantly talented. Her personality seemed firm but incredibly caring. And his pianist is a woman named Peggy who we have worked with before in classes. She's a darling and it was so nice to catch up with her. Josh is singing two pieces. The first is a German song about a violet. As he put it, German flower songs are always so strange hehe. But it was a charming song, definitely. He is also singing Out There from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It was so important for me to see that. It's from my favorite Disney movie and it is one of my favorite scores ever. Alan Menken out did himself with it. The song sounds beautiful, but even more touching are the lyrics. It puts in perspective how blessed we are, not only to live in a world where there is so much life and beauty and magic, but to experience and witness all these simple wonders every single day. We take a lot for granted, and we need to start realizing just how stunning this world that we live in truly is.

Musical Family

I listened to little Cristina sing along to Frozen today at the top of her lungs. She loves it so very much. She also sang classic hits such as Row Row Row Your Boat, The Wheels on the Bus, Slippery Fish, and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. In the words of her mother, she's a singer. And I cannot begin to tell you how happy it makes me that she has a song in her heart.

Hello Compliments :)

Well today was quite successful! I'm pretty happy about the way events transpired today. Church was just a nice time full of people with nice things to say.

I got lots of compliments on my dress! That gold and green one that I wore on New Years and to the Friday show of Wendell. I like that dress. It's pretty fancy so I don't wear it often. But I wore it today cause special occasion. And lots of people really liked it! I looked nice today. Points for me!

Also, I sang today! Our big group number and the solo I did last night. Both went very well. Although apparently it was the first time a lot of people had heard me sing solo. At least like that. They're used to the big group numbers and the duets and the pretty, sweet songs from our hymnal. But pulling something new in had a really big impact. I enjoyed doing a fun, belty song that's actually in my range. People said SUCH NICE THINGS. It made me so happy. They all said that it was great of me to share God's gift and that I should do it more often. So very kind. I just. Ugh.

One person in particular said "looks like that schooling is paying off!" Can I begin to tell you how much that means to me? Can I even express how important that was to hear? Like. This is what I do. What I have always wanted to do. To perform in front of people. To act and sing and tell my story and the stories of so many others. And for a long time I thought not very many people got that. My friends obviously, because they feel the same way. But most other people mention doing good by God with nursing or construction or law or volunteering or anything but the arts, especially with a Hispanic congregation where we are basically raised trying to prove ourselves to America. It's easy to feel unappreciated or like people are looking down on what you love. So hearing someone say that following my dreams has made a difference just touches my heart so deeply. God gave me this gift and this passion for a reason, and I do not feel ashamed for following it. I'm glad that others are starting to see that, too!

Successful Special!

Our song was performed today! I finally got to sing it. I think it sounded pretty great. One of the boys is still super unhappy with his guitar solo but I cannot for the life of me understand why. It was wonderful. I could listen to him play forever. I am happy I got to share this beautiful song with my youth group.

First Rehearsal

So I mentioned earlier that I'm doing a solo in church in a couple of weeks. I finally got the chance to rehearse the song with Diego. It's very simple but the song is close to my heart. I love how it sounds and I love how enthusiastic he is about it. That means a lot to me, to know that the person helping me feels as touched by the song as I do. He says he wants to play around a bit more for a fuller sound which is cool. Also, we asked Bryan to help out with his electric guitar. I'm incredibly excited. It's something small and will only be for the youth group, but I can't wait. From the moment I heard this song, I knew I had to sing it. And now I will, and it will be better than expected! :)

Have I Ever Mentioned

I love singing? Like a whole lot. It just makes me incredibly happy. There's so much you can say with music when you can't get the words or feelings out otherwise. So I'm really happy to hear that Diego has learned the notes to the song I sent him, and that we'll get to start rehearsing soon. It's exciting! I get to do my song for the youth group soon. And it's a song I love so very much. I teared up when I heard it first in Intervarsity. I can't wait to sing it for God and have my friends hear this part of my heart <3

Worship Service

I went to Intervarsity for the first time in a while today. It was a worship service, meaning all we did for the full hour and a half was sing. Amazing how, even with no sermon, I still managed to hear the exact words I needed at this point in my life.

Now off to a movie date with my Zebra family on my beautiful Little <3

IBBG Youth

I went to church today! Since I'm home for the weekend. And during our service, the youth group performed. It was nice to see them all performing, especially since we don't do it often. I got to smile at them from the audience. And I actually knew the songs so I sang along quietly. It's just nice to know how far we've come as a group and to physically see everyone standing together. And singing for God. I'm happy. And I'm happy I at least made Aby laugh while she was up there hehe.

Little Blessings

Giovanni Lorenzo was born into our family yesterday. (My cousin's baby). He came early! Only a week after his baby shower! But I love having all these little ones around. They're so wonderful.

We finished our Children's Show, Spooky House. It was a hit! Small audiences, to be expected, but the kiddies loved it! Greeting them all in character was my favorite part. I never broke! I could totally work at Disney World. Boo height requirements! But seriously. I had crazy fun.

Our Musical Theatre/Opera recital had a few snags. Definitely. We weren't perfect. I don't know how Kyle (our beautiful, wonderful, insane, CRAZY TALENTED teacher) felt about the whole thing. Rough parts were rough. But we did it. And we had so much fun. Wheels of a Dream was fantastic and I'm sure the audience was feeling all kinds of feels. And, after we performed, not only did Kyle thank me for being so helpful with props & costumes, but she told me I had a really nice voice. She actually said that, and I'm like reeling haha. I respect her so much, so for her to tell me that after only having worked with me a semester meant so much. She recommended I go forward with some singing lessons, and I told her how nervous I got about juries. She said "you'll have no problem with those". I'm beaming. AHH. Maybe no more opera. I dunno. Opera is hard and not my strength haha but I had fun slaying a serpent in a Supergirl costume (we did a song from Magic Flute, don't worry about the details).

I may or may not be Stage Mom again next year. I was nominated. Elections are next week. I dunno if I'll get it. But I want it documented that this has been one of the best parts of my whole college experience. Getting to know these new members has been so fulfilling. I love them so much and have such faith in their abilities and the amazing things they'll accomplish. I hope I was able to play some kind of part and help them in some way. I know they've helped me. They are my babies, all of them, and I want to thank them for letting me spend this time with them. It's been an honor and a blessing.

APRIL 28TH

RED VS BLUE SEASON 12 EPISODE 1

It was pretty effing perfect. And I can't wait for the rest of this season.

Also, Problem by Ariana Grande was released and, as per usual, she is a queen.

I have a new obsession with Sam Smith.

IM5 reveals their new member on Saturday

And guess who finally let me hear him sing <3

Karaoke

COUSINS KARAOKE NIGHT! We all got together, went to a real karaoke place, and jammed out. It was awesome. They had, overall, a pretty fun selection of songs. Getting the family together for anything is always super fun. You add boy bands, 90's rap, and Selena? You're in for a good time. And Baby Cristina was so good! <3 She was pretty calm most of the night.

Karla and I totally jammed out to this song

After Hours

Reason 364 (Oh snap!): Basically everything after work made today a pretty great day.

• YAY TWITTER AND FANGIRLING 
  
• VBS ended today and it was really awesome spending time with the kids and seeing all the parents and just having fun. What I find great is that I even told people how much I would love to lead the hymns and fun little songs for the kids. Second day, the woman in charge of that didn't come, so I, along with Idalis & Abbi, were asked to lead. And we did it every day since. I got what I wanted. And I loved every second. I truly had fun with it.
• The youth group had a Titanium jam session, which is always fun. Once you realize no one can hit that high note.
• We practiced a new song for tomorrow. I'm so excited. Idalis and I WANTED to do a song together for our 7 years of baptism, but it kinda became this big group thing. It sounds good. I really can't wait. I love singing in church with my favorite partner and our boys backing us up!
• I am off! To catch up on the Internet Icon Season finale and the new Attack On Titan episode!

Let's be real. We all know what tomorrow's post will be.

I Love to Singa

 About the Moon-a and the June-a and the Spring-a!

Reason 228: Maybe I can go home for Easter? If I can, I get to sing with my youth group! Oh you would not believe how much I miss it. I yearn for it. Hooray possibilities

Also, POGO released a new video! If you don't know who he is, he's a musician that takes audio clips from movies, shows, etc. and adds his own music. And this new video? Has to be my favorite.

Some more of his awesomeness:

• Alice (Probably his most famous mix)
• iCarly
• White Magic
• Wishery
• Mellow Brick Road (In the spirit of Oz! Complete with cute animation)
• Jaaam
• Expialidocious
• Bloom (My old favorite)

New Music

Reason 186: There is such a wonderful feeling in learning a new song. Oh my goodness, I needed this. To look at a book of songs and sing them with a group as we all improve together. Yes yes yes, just what the doctor ordered. HOORAY JAZZ VOICE CLASS!

Song the title is referring to

And a little something to say I CHOOSE YOU

It Feels Dynamite!

Reason 69: I've been stopped by people I don't even know who came to see Hairspray. And they're always like "Oh my gosh, it was SO GOOD!" which is a compliment to any performer. But all the people who did know me just stopped and said, "I had no idea you could sing like that!!" and that's where my heart melts and I feel all warm and fuzzy. I'll take the ego boost for now. It feels incredible. And now more people know what I love to do!

Mind you, I don't feel THIS ridiculously cocky. But just some examples from Jem about how wonderful it feels. (The first group is the Misfits aka the bad guys, and the second is Jem, which you've all seen. But the 2nd is from closer to the end of the series so the animation is weaker.)

Like A Boy

Reason 34: I like singing tenor! Haha hooray! All my life I've said the boys get the better singing parts. I was right! And now I get to enjoy it, teehee! Yay Hairspray, doin' something right! This will be the most fun!

Speaking of singing, lets listen to awesome people.