The idea behind this blog is simple: words and music.

I love writing. It’s one of the few things that makes me feel whole and the only non-relational thing that I dream of being really good at one day. What I most enjoy writing about are stories and reflections of daily life – trying to figure out spiritual realities; my struggles to maintain mental and emotional health; the constant learning and stretching of living in relationship to other people; and almost anything else that comes up. The stuff of life, as they say, and the trying to understand and move forward in it is what I hope to capture honestly and helpfully in what I write. Usually, this happens in indirect ways, through abstract free verse or fictional stories, but there’s always an element of reality flowing through and motivating these writings.

And I’m obsessed with music. Ever since I was a little girl, dancing along to Petra and Neil Diamond in my parents’ living room, music has been a constant pleasure, inspiration, and backdrop to every part of myself and my life. As a teenager I measured money in terms of how many CDs a certain amount could buy, and it wasn’t until I moved internationally at 28 that I threw out my 200 mixed tapes from junior high. As an adult, music continues to be one of my closest companions. I have had longer relationships with certain bands and artists than I’ve had with any of my friends. Music is truly one of the most influential and unifying factors of my life.

So, words and music. And, thus, this blog. I want to share with you stories, reflections, maybe an occasional poem, of what I’m learning, not learning, enjoying, and just having to get through in life – all infused with music.

As The Smiths said in Rubber Ring:

But don’t forget the songs 
That made you cry
And the songs that saved your life
Yes, you’re older now
And you’re a clever swine
But they were the only ones who ever stood by you…

…And when you’re dancing and laughing
And finally living
Hear my voice in your head
And think of me kindly 

I hope you enjoy.