My very own lullaby! {music and interview}

My friend Andrew has come up with the idea of writing lullaby's for all the people in his life and creating an album. He recently shared the lullaby he wrote for me, and I'm in love with it. He gave the okay to share it with y'all and I'm pretty excited! It's a rough draft and still needs refining but it's so pretty. It's soft and sweet and magical.

We've been friends since 1995 when we were 11 and 10. He's the younger brother of my best friend Maggie. I thought it might be fun for y'all to get to know Andrew a little bit. 

Name: Andrew

Age: 26

Hi Andrew! I know you read my blog, are you excited to be sharing your music today?

It's really exciting and kind of nerve wracking to share something that's so personal to me, but I think it's important to put yourself out there sometimes and share what makes you happy with others. 

How long have you been playing piano? Do you play any other instruments?

I've been playing the piano since I was five. I also play the organ and sing.

What type of formal training to do you have?

Well, I have a BA in music performance from Presbyterian College in South Carolina, as well as additional training at the Mainz Conservatory of Music in Germany and numerous other pianist from around the world.

What made you decide to write lullabies for your family and friends?

The people in my life are beautiful in many different ways so this diversity and beauty provided the perfect inspiration to write music. Lullabies are a wonderful genre to express the emotion and beauty that I feel about these people. 

What kinds of feelings do you get when you play piano?

For me it's just a very relaxing experience. And composing is a very freeing and creative experience. I love the idea of starting with nothing and in the end you have something beautiful.

How do you handles mistakes during a performance?

Mistakes are just part of life and therefore part of performing. I kind of like hearing mistakes when I listen to other musicians because it reminds us that we listening to a person with feelings and not a robot.

What famous musicians do you admire?

I think Beethoven was really ahead of his time as far as emotion and expression goes. As far as modern day composers I actually like John Williams stuff. Abel Korzeniowski just recently wrote a beautiful soundtrack for the movie A Single Man.

What type of songs do you like listening to on the radio?

Lady Gaga is a real trendsetter and I actually think she has talent. One Republic writes really good music as well.

Thanks for letting me interview you and share your music today. I really love my lullaby but I've told you that about a bagillion times already haven't I?

This was fun! I'm really glad you like your song! 

And now I'll end the interview with the beautiful lullaby.  Let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Thankful Thursday {2}

Another week of thankfulness. Friends, Music, Autumn.

Friday I was thankful that... Ariana and I got to go visit my friend Andrew and his wife Viky in Heidelberg for the day and spend the night. It was awesome to have some great adult conversation and get away from here for a while and have some fun.

Saturday I was thankful that... I have an awesome Mom who is willing to go phone shopping for us. I talked her through shoe shopping for Ariana at Target! 

Sunday I was thankful that... friends who have free weekend minutes and lots of time to chat. I love ya Maggie!

Monday I was thankful that...I lost 3 more pounds!

Tuesday I was thankful for... sunny Autumn walks!

Wednesday I was thankful that... even though I do complain about Germany from time to time, we're very lucky to be stationed at a nice big base. Sometimes you forget to be thankful for things you take for granted - thank you friend for opening my eyes.

Today I'm thankful for... music that speaks to your soul. The Scientist-Coldplay. I love them.

Sometimes...

Sometimes, it's hard to speak up for yourself when you've always been quiet.

Sometimes, it's hard to do what is right for you ,when you're worried about what everyone else thinks.

Sometimes, it's hard to hurt people that you've only wanted a relationship with.

Sometimes, it's hard to give up on people when you've been trying for so long.

Sometimes, it's hard to keep the pretend the past didn't happen.

Sometimes, it's hard to just say no.

Sometimes, it's easy to find that you DO have a voice.

Sometimes, it's easy to know you matter enough to deserve what is right for you.

Sometimes, it's easy to realize some relationships are never going to happen.

Sometimes, it's easy to see that people never change.

Sometimes, it's easy to forget the people from your past and only look toward the future without them.

Sometimes, it's easy to say yes.

Sometimes when I can't sleep I find myself blogging and listening to The Weepies.

If you haven't heard of them, they are a cute married couple/indie folk group. 

Here is a little selection of their music.