I love my music...my ipod, Hoodie, never leaves my messenger bag and if he does, it's because he's traveling in my pocket instead.

So, what have I been listening to lately?

Sarah Reeves...not exactly my most favorite Christian singer, but she has a couple good songs. "Come Save" and "Sweet Sweet Sound" are my two favorites by her. Her voice isn't extraordinary and her songs maybe a little cheesy/cliche but they are good for a listen now and then. Comforting in some way.

Two Steps From Hell: my greatest epic-music find since E.S. Posthumus. Their music is simply that: epic. The kind that gets your heart pumping and you energized. It's the kind of soundtrack people want for their life.

Sara Bareilles...again, not the hugest fan...her voice tends to grate my nerves after a while...however, I have been in a kick-butt mood lately. Meaning, I'm not gonna take any crap from anyone. Don't ask why...maybe it's the weather...the lack of homework to keep me meek and mild :P either way, her "King of Anything" song has been fun to listen to lately.

Saints & Soldiers soundtrack...I am a big big big fan of WWII movies and their soundtracks. But it is Saints & Soldiers, both the movie AND the soundtrack that can make me cry. My go-to soundtrack when I'm feeling blue and just need a good cry. It is heart-breaking music.

And to share one song with you: A cover I found recently, in which I rather liked the girl's voice. Enjoy.

Day Seven: Wants


#1. Canon 5D. I can dream, can't I?

#2. My own car.

#3. A new laptop.

#4. More unicorns.

#5. A cup of tea.

#6. This whole humidity thing to go away.

#7. A puppy.

So maybe I'm a little slow on the bandwagon in discovering great bloggers, but I did not discover Kelle Hampton through her blog. In fact, I stumbled across her, her beautiful story, and her equally beautiful blog at work.

Yes, that's right, at work. Her book "Bloom" was on the "New Books" display across from the circulation desk. And as I stood there, on desk duty, not much to do, I noticed the cover of her book staring me in the face. The beautiful, simplistic cover with blue sky and the word "Bloom" written in red. It looked interesting. I went over, picked it up, and gasped when I saw the beautiful pictures inside. No doubt about it, if a book has pretty pictures, I'm taking it home with me. The not-so surprising part was looking in the back and seeing that Kelle Hampton was a photographer. That definitely sealed it...a book with pretty pictures from a real photographer, who also apparently has a blog? Pff yes, I'm going to read it.

I didn't know quite what I was expecting, but as soon as I started reading, I was hooked and could not put it down.

 Kelle Hampton's life was suddenly changed by the birth of her daughter, Nella, who was born with down syndrome. This book is about that journey and the changes it brought: the sadness, love, happiness, and joy that it all included.

And the story was beautiful.

I grinned, sighed, and laughed over the beautiful photographs; teared up over the sweet story; and I immediately went to check out Kelle's blog. And again, I was hooked. Her blog is just as beautiful as her book.

Kelle has a beautiful writing style. It paints pictures, is emotional, real, and captivating in every way. Her bright and colorful photographs (the very style of photography that I love best!) just adds flavor to her book, as well as to her blog.

It's definitely one book I would not mind adding to my personal library. And her blog is one I now follow faithfully. Check it out! You won't regret it! kellehampton.com

Day Eight: Fears


#1. Falling. I love heights, but I hate falling.

#2. Failing. Tests, homework, classes, work, projects, anything. It's the fear of a perfectionist.

#3. Spiders. This actually *should* be listed under dislikes...cuz really I just hate them more than I fear them.
Seriously. >_> I don't go running, screaming when I see a spider. And yes, I have held them before.

#4. Work and school being combined. Worst dream I've ever had.

#5. Leaving my comfort zone. Meh.

#6. Booth breaking. I will die if he ever does.

#7. Peas. Scary scary things are peas.

#8. Myself on coffee.

Day #2 - Nine Loves
I'm going to skip the obvious (God, family, friends, etc.)

#1. Piano instrumental music...it's the most beautiful music there is, and I loves it.

#2. Mail. There is nothing more exciting than getting something in the mail! (So long as it's not just a bank statement or a bill or notice from school :P)

#3. Photography. Should've been #1 but oh well. :P I love capturing people at their best...and I love capturing them laughing.

#4. Writing. No matter what I do, I can never stop writing. Doesn't matter what it is: journaling, letter-writing, blogging, stories, emails...I'm always writing.

#5. Reading. I do love a good book. And it is wonderful to finally have the time to sit and read!

#6. Chocolate. Cliche girl one right here. But I'm not afraid to admit it! I loves my chocolate. And I loves cupcakes. And oreos. I loves my sugar.

#7. Colors. I crave them. Give me more!

#8. Pretty pictures...I could sit and look at them all day long. They make me grin. :D

#9. Laughter.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2006/11/gift-list-thousand-things/


231. Butter - makes life taste better


232. Girls' nights


233. Finals over


234. Spring weather


235. My friends


236. Sunshine


237. Cookies


238. Feeling inspired


239. Following new blogs


240. Discovering beautiful photographs


241. Shooting photos


242. Orange Juice


243. Wild Cherry Capri Sun juice pouches


244. Hummus


245. Pigeon pictures from Juji


246. A clean room


247. Coffee for the first time in 3 weeks! mmm!


248. Beautiful books


249. Time to read


250. Letters and cards in the mail from someone I care about