Saturday, April 02, 2011
Friday, April 01, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
To iPhone or not to iPhone...a serious question.
Hey everyone!
As a lot of you know, I spend a lot of time on the road, and this year, will be logging more miles than ever. Amazing, and super fun, yes. Time-consuming and sometimes exhausting, also yes.
After a phone call with my father today - where I could barely even speak, and was completely in a cloudy brain-fog, I decided it was time to make life easier on myself, and take the iPhone plunge. To be honest, it was that or get rid of the dog. So...the iPhone is here! I can sign people up for my mailing list right from my phone, take credit card orders, and even write this blog! (Though I haven't figured that one out yet.)
Plus I got a sweet case.
I held out for a long time, and I think it was a good call, but the time has come, and I'm so excited about it. I'll be taking extra photos from the road, and I'll see you with my new phone and my dog! (I kept him. He is cute after all.)
As a lot of you know, I spend a lot of time on the road, and this year, will be logging more miles than ever. Amazing, and super fun, yes. Time-consuming and sometimes exhausting, also yes.
After a phone call with my father today - where I could barely even speak, and was completely in a cloudy brain-fog, I decided it was time to make life easier on myself, and take the iPhone plunge. To be honest, it was that or get rid of the dog. So...the iPhone is here! I can sign people up for my mailing list right from my phone, take credit card orders, and even write this blog! (Though I haven't figured that one out yet.)
Plus I got a sweet case.
I held out for a long time, and I think it was a good call, but the time has come, and I'm so excited about it. I'll be taking extra photos from the road, and I'll see you with my new phone and my dog! (I kept him. He is cute after all.)
Umm...photo taken with the iPhone!
Talk to you soon!
Kristen
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Crazy.
If you had pulled me aside 8 years ago when I met Bryan, and told me that I had just met the man I was going to marry, I would have called you crazy. Or maybe something else less PC. But anyway, I had no idea that when he and I met for the first time, it was going to be the first of many meetings.
It always amazes me how our lives take different paths, crossing state lines and even country borders! Tonight is another one of those crazy nights - not as intense, as it didn't result in a marriage - but a story worth telling, anyway!
When I was at St. Olaf College, I went to go see a concert on campus. The girl's name was Tracy Howe. I found out she was coming and had been a touring musician for a few years, so I showed up (e-mailed her before the show first, of course) and asked her if I could speak with her after the show with a few questions on how to become a touring musician. She was really kind and patient in answering everything I asked, and she offered to stay in touch with me in case I had any other questions later on.
In the spring semester right before my graduation, I had a few more questions for Tracy, and not only did she reply with great answers, but she offered me an internship. She invited me out to Colorado to shadow her and her band through the summer - learning how to book shows, how to promote shows, how to divide time between songwriting and performing, etc. And of course, we all just had a lot of fun because we were musicians living in Boulder. Who wouldn't want to do that?
She and I have stayed in touch here and there, mostly through each other's mailing (go to www.restorationvillage.com for more info on her music) lists so we knew about each other's travels, marriages (now she's Tracy Wispelwey), and even dogs (she has two, and they are AWESOME, and well, you all know about Chip.)
A few years ago - I moved out to Connecticut, and a few years after that, Tracy and her husband, Seth moved out to Boston. So a few weeks ago, we started e-mailing about shows and different venues, and it turned out that tonight - I was playing at Bloc 11, just a few miles from her house! So I just got to spend some time catching up with an old friend, hearing about her new life (she's in the process of getting her masters at Harvard), and now I'm sitting on her couch! (Not the same one she had in Boulder.)
Crazy. Or something else less PC.
Back in '04!
It always amazes me how our lives take different paths, crossing state lines and even country borders! Tonight is another one of those crazy nights - not as intense, as it didn't result in a marriage - but a story worth telling, anyway!
When I was at St. Olaf College, I went to go see a concert on campus. The girl's name was Tracy Howe. I found out she was coming and had been a touring musician for a few years, so I showed up (e-mailed her before the show first, of course) and asked her if I could speak with her after the show with a few questions on how to become a touring musician. She was really kind and patient in answering everything I asked, and she offered to stay in touch with me in case I had any other questions later on.
In the spring semester right before my graduation, I had a few more questions for Tracy, and not only did she reply with great answers, but she offered me an internship. She invited me out to Colorado to shadow her and her band through the summer - learning how to book shows, how to promote shows, how to divide time between songwriting and performing, etc. And of course, we all just had a lot of fun because we were musicians living in Boulder. Who wouldn't want to do that?
She and I have stayed in touch here and there, mostly through each other's mailing (go to www.restorationvillage.com for more info on her music) lists so we knew about each other's travels, marriages (now she's Tracy Wispelwey), and even dogs (she has two, and they are AWESOME, and well, you all know about Chip.)
A few years ago - I moved out to Connecticut, and a few years after that, Tracy and her husband, Seth moved out to Boston. So a few weeks ago, we started e-mailing about shows and different venues, and it turned out that tonight - I was playing at Bloc 11, just a few miles from her house! So I just got to spend some time catching up with an old friend, hearing about her new life (she's in the process of getting her masters at Harvard), and now I'm sitting on her couch! (Not the same one she had in Boulder.)
Crazy. Or something else less PC.
Back in '04!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Back from Mexico (with photos!) and ready to sing.
Hey there...
To try and describe my trip to Mexico is going to be a challenge, but I'm going to do my best! I had an incredible visit, got to see people that I haven't seen since August, and finished the week by passing out a lot of food to a lot of people. (Well, I was actually working the door, so I didn't pass out much food, but I shook a LOT of hands.)
Anyway, our week started at the Center of Operations in Oaxaca, Mexico, which is where Simply Smiles has committed to working. This is the poorest state in Mexico, and Oaxaca is the biggest city, so it makes sense to have a facility there. I couldn't believe how much construction had been done since I was there last summer! It was amazing.
The first part of our week consisted of working in Oaxaca as well as preparing for the upcoming food distribution we were going to be hosting down in the jungle. On Wednesday, we took the super long road trip down to the mountains, and it was as gorgeous as usual, and Wednesday night we arrived in Santa Maria Tepexipana, a village in the mountains of Mexico, and a place that I love to be!
Right away, we felt at home thanks to all of the little kids that always come up and greet us. They helped us get ready for the distribution by preparing the food, cleaning the property, setting up the fencing, etc. I felt like I was working hard, but those kids put me to shame every time! In addition, they also spend a fair amount of time trying to teach us to speak Zapotec, but I'm afraid I may be a bit of a lost cause. :)
On Friday, we passed out food to every single person that was there. No one left empty handed, which is always a great moment. Many of the people you've heard about were there, the little girl with no name (who is now named Mariella by the way!), Rigoberto, the little boy with one arm featured in Bryan's presentations, and a single mother, named Socorro, who I sing about in one of my newest songs, "Lay it Down."
Talking with Socorro this time, was my big experience this trip. A single mother, Socorro, does her best to provide for her children. As a homeless family, they move from house to house staying with friends and family, and some nights end up sleeping on the streets. As she and her children were waiting in line (they were some of the last ones there) 15 or so other families moved aside so that they could go through first, because they wanted to make sure that she and her children would make it through the line. It was an amazing thing to witness, and I couldn't believe how caring everyone was towards this family. What little they could give, they gave that day. And Socorro and her children? Incredibly gracious and kind to those that were helping them.
I've met this family a few times, and am looking forward to not only continuing to get to know them, but getting to finally see some of the opportunities that they'll get to take part in as Simply Smiles becomes more and more involved in this community.
I came home incredibly moved, a little irritable (it's a little annoying to watch politicians whine on the news when you've just experienced a week like this one) and ready to get to work. Songwriting is my job, and I'll do my best to honor my new friends as I write.
Enjoy the photos,
Kristen
ps...all photos were taken by my friend, Josh Dufresne. He's good!
Loading up the truck to head to the jungle.
Daddy longlegs. They can be kind of pretty, I guess.
The barbed wire that helps guard the property. Don't worry, everyone has it.
Our bathroom! Now we have a toilet that you can flush!
Out after eating some tacos.
Ana Christina.
Chucho...these kids should be models.
A shy cutie!
Denise...this trip she learned 'the repeating game'. Even with a face that cute, the game is still annoying.
Elias, sitting on our huge stack of beans.
The Nurnberger/Graves/Watts family photo!
These little girlies worked with us all day to help prepare and bag the food!
Jungle tree.
Mountain sky.
Little men.
Big smile on food distribution day!
Waiting patiently in the hot sun.
The line of people.
Everyone gets some candy at the end!
My friend Pete, the new Simply Smiles VP making a new friend!
Simply Smiles!
One of the first families we met, coming through the line.
Sometimes waiting in line can be a little frustrating.
My brother-in-law, Timothy. He worked so hard!
Some of the many beautiful faces we got to meet.
With a few girlies at the end of the day, Veronica & Jazmin. I heart them.
Beautiful sunset on a beautiful day.
Trust?
Bryan and Nayeli.
Baby Wicho!
To finish off the day, I sang, Keep Hope Alive.
To try and describe my trip to Mexico is going to be a challenge, but I'm going to do my best! I had an incredible visit, got to see people that I haven't seen since August, and finished the week by passing out a lot of food to a lot of people. (Well, I was actually working the door, so I didn't pass out much food, but I shook a LOT of hands.)
Anyway, our week started at the Center of Operations in Oaxaca, Mexico, which is where Simply Smiles has committed to working. This is the poorest state in Mexico, and Oaxaca is the biggest city, so it makes sense to have a facility there. I couldn't believe how much construction had been done since I was there last summer! It was amazing.
The first part of our week consisted of working in Oaxaca as well as preparing for the upcoming food distribution we were going to be hosting down in the jungle. On Wednesday, we took the super long road trip down to the mountains, and it was as gorgeous as usual, and Wednesday night we arrived in Santa Maria Tepexipana, a village in the mountains of Mexico, and a place that I love to be!
Right away, we felt at home thanks to all of the little kids that always come up and greet us. They helped us get ready for the distribution by preparing the food, cleaning the property, setting up the fencing, etc. I felt like I was working hard, but those kids put me to shame every time! In addition, they also spend a fair amount of time trying to teach us to speak Zapotec, but I'm afraid I may be a bit of a lost cause. :)
On Friday, we passed out food to every single person that was there. No one left empty handed, which is always a great moment. Many of the people you've heard about were there, the little girl with no name (who is now named Mariella by the way!), Rigoberto, the little boy with one arm featured in Bryan's presentations, and a single mother, named Socorro, who I sing about in one of my newest songs, "Lay it Down."
Talking with Socorro this time, was my big experience this trip. A single mother, Socorro, does her best to provide for her children. As a homeless family, they move from house to house staying with friends and family, and some nights end up sleeping on the streets. As she and her children were waiting in line (they were some of the last ones there) 15 or so other families moved aside so that they could go through first, because they wanted to make sure that she and her children would make it through the line. It was an amazing thing to witness, and I couldn't believe how caring everyone was towards this family. What little they could give, they gave that day. And Socorro and her children? Incredibly gracious and kind to those that were helping them.
I've met this family a few times, and am looking forward to not only continuing to get to know them, but getting to finally see some of the opportunities that they'll get to take part in as Simply Smiles becomes more and more involved in this community.
I came home incredibly moved, a little irritable (it's a little annoying to watch politicians whine on the news when you've just experienced a week like this one) and ready to get to work. Songwriting is my job, and I'll do my best to honor my new friends as I write.
Enjoy the photos,
Kristen
ps...all photos were taken by my friend, Josh Dufresne. He's good!
Loading up the truck to head to the jungle.
Daddy longlegs. They can be kind of pretty, I guess.
The barbed wire that helps guard the property. Don't worry, everyone has it.
Our bathroom! Now we have a toilet that you can flush!
Out after eating some tacos.
Ana Christina.
Chucho...these kids should be models.
A shy cutie!
Denise...this trip she learned 'the repeating game'. Even with a face that cute, the game is still annoying.
Elias, sitting on our huge stack of beans.
The Nurnberger/Graves/Watts family photo!
These little girlies worked with us all day to help prepare and bag the food!
Jungle tree.
Mountain sky.
Little men.
Big smile on food distribution day!
Waiting patiently in the hot sun.
The line of people.
Everyone gets some candy at the end!
My friend Pete, the new Simply Smiles VP making a new friend!
Simply Smiles!
One of the first families we met, coming through the line.
Sometimes waiting in line can be a little frustrating.
My brother-in-law, Timothy. He worked so hard!
Some of the many beautiful faces we got to meet.
With a few girlies at the end of the day, Veronica & Jazmin. I heart them.
Beautiful sunset on a beautiful day.
Trust?
Bryan and Nayeli.
Baby Wicho!
To finish off the day, I sang, Keep Hope Alive.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Welcome to the Jungle!!
Well, it's not an original title, but it is super appropriate, so I'm gonna go with it.
I'm sitting on a plane right now, typing this to you. And at the same time I'm listening to someone's barking dog, which is under his seat (since when did that become acceptable social behavior??). But anyway…that's unimportant. What is important, is where I'm going!
This evening, I'll arrive in Oaxaca, Mexico, and I can't wait. I know that I talk about this town a lot, but it's because it's changed me in soooo many ways. I was just sharing a story of mine with a friend, and I figured that some of you might find it interesting too…
When I was in college - I was a classic perfectionist. I had graduated from high school as one of the top in my class, headed off to college with an academic scholarship that I needed to maintain, you know exactly what kind of girls I'm talking about right? I was one of those. Stressed out beyond what should be allowed, and it was all self-imposed.
Thank goodness I had music, or I may never have survived!
The other thing that got me through? Taking a volunteer trip to Mexico. After my first visit to Oaxaca, where I was volunteering at a children's home, I came to the realization that none of what I was worried about really mattered. This first trip was during my first year of college - and the timing couldn't have been better.
It can be very easy to get wrapped up in life (especially when you're in your 20's) and get completely lost in things that don't actually mean anything. Especially in college - that's when you actually start to believe that the world literally rotates around you. (It's also the time when you're pretty sure that you know everything - which is annoying to everyone older than 23, but I'm just saying…)
Anyway, these trips down to Mexico helped me put things into perspective. I still take things too seriously sometimes, but not very often! So I owe a lot to my friends in Oaxaca at Casa Hogar, the Garbage Dump, and down in Santa Maria Tepexipana, and I try to show them how grateful I am each time I'm there.
Sometimes I even get a chance to express my gratitude when I'm not even there! (Here's my friend, Veronica, talking to me on Bryan's iPhone. No lie. I kind of want to send this photo to Steve Jobs.)
So there you go. If you're feeling a little too stressed out, or a little too much like your priorities are out of whack - go do something for someone else. It will help someone else, and it will help you! It's a win-win (or shall I say, 'bi-winning', Charlie Sheen?) and things will fall right back into balance. Anyway, that's my unsolicited advice. Hope it helps.
Love ya,
K
I'm sitting on a plane right now, typing this to you. And at the same time I'm listening to someone's barking dog, which is under his seat (since when did that become acceptable social behavior??). But anyway…that's unimportant. What is important, is where I'm going!
This evening, I'll arrive in Oaxaca, Mexico, and I can't wait. I know that I talk about this town a lot, but it's because it's changed me in soooo many ways. I was just sharing a story of mine with a friend, and I figured that some of you might find it interesting too…
When I was in college - I was a classic perfectionist. I had graduated from high school as one of the top in my class, headed off to college with an academic scholarship that I needed to maintain, you know exactly what kind of girls I'm talking about right? I was one of those. Stressed out beyond what should be allowed, and it was all self-imposed.
Thank goodness I had music, or I may never have survived!
The other thing that got me through? Taking a volunteer trip to Mexico. After my first visit to Oaxaca, where I was volunteering at a children's home, I came to the realization that none of what I was worried about really mattered. This first trip was during my first year of college - and the timing couldn't have been better.
It can be very easy to get wrapped up in life (especially when you're in your 20's) and get completely lost in things that don't actually mean anything. Especially in college - that's when you actually start to believe that the world literally rotates around you. (It's also the time when you're pretty sure that you know everything - which is annoying to everyone older than 23, but I'm just saying…)
Anyway, these trips down to Mexico helped me put things into perspective. I still take things too seriously sometimes, but not very often! So I owe a lot to my friends in Oaxaca at Casa Hogar, the Garbage Dump, and down in Santa Maria Tepexipana, and I try to show them how grateful I am each time I'm there.
Sometimes I even get a chance to express my gratitude when I'm not even there! (Here's my friend, Veronica, talking to me on Bryan's iPhone. No lie. I kind of want to send this photo to Steve Jobs.)
So there you go. If you're feeling a little too stressed out, or a little too much like your priorities are out of whack - go do something for someone else. It will help someone else, and it will help you! It's a win-win (or shall I say, 'bi-winning', Charlie Sheen?) and things will fall right back into balance. Anyway, that's my unsolicited advice. Hope it helps.
Love ya,
K
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Love the Earth!
Hi friends,
I write to you today with some great news. After almost four years of working at my office, they are finally taking the plunge and starting to RECYCLE!
I know, I know, it's a little late to join that party - I still remember in grade school chanting 'Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!', and I definitely appreciate being raised that way. And you may be thinking...really? What year is it? But rather than get annoyed that it took this long to make people listen - I say - welcome to the partaaaay! Not only that, but I'm really happy that I no longer have to lug all of my recyclables home anymore.
Also, for more great news...I've been working on booking my summer tour, and it looks like it's going to be yet another amazing adventure for 2011. And of course, I'm going to be working on making it as earth-friendly as possible (carbon offsets, etc). With that said, I've worked in a few more days off this year (since last year I ended up sleeping for about one week - and walking everywhere after getting home, since I was super sick of my car), and I'm visiting some amazing places.
First off, I'll be spending most likely, an entire week in Green Bay, WI, which as many of you know, is my hometown. After that, I'll tour for a few more days and then spend a little while working again on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, building sustainable homes with Bryan's organization, Simply Smiles. My last little 'retreat days' will be at an EcoVillage called 'Dancing Rabbit' in Northwestern Missouri.
The people that live in this community have made wonderful suggestions to me about our building projects on the reservation, so I'll be really happy to meet them all in person and give them a little progress report!
Anyway, I just wanted to share the news and remind you all that change can happen for the better - no matter how late in the game it may seem. And whether you're recycling your paper or living in a commune, doing what you can to protect our planet is always a welcome decision.
Have a great day,
Kristen
I write to you today with some great news. After almost four years of working at my office, they are finally taking the plunge and starting to RECYCLE!
I know, I know, it's a little late to join that party - I still remember in grade school chanting 'Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!', and I definitely appreciate being raised that way. And you may be thinking...really? What year is it? But rather than get annoyed that it took this long to make people listen - I say - welcome to the partaaaay! Not only that, but I'm really happy that I no longer have to lug all of my recyclables home anymore.
Also, for more great news...I've been working on booking my summer tour, and it looks like it's going to be yet another amazing adventure for 2011. And of course, I'm going to be working on making it as earth-friendly as possible (carbon offsets, etc). With that said, I've worked in a few more days off this year (since last year I ended up sleeping for about one week - and walking everywhere after getting home, since I was super sick of my car), and I'm visiting some amazing places.
First off, I'll be spending most likely, an entire week in Green Bay, WI, which as many of you know, is my hometown. After that, I'll tour for a few more days and then spend a little while working again on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, building sustainable homes with Bryan's organization, Simply Smiles. My last little 'retreat days' will be at an EcoVillage called 'Dancing Rabbit' in Northwestern Missouri.
The people that live in this community have made wonderful suggestions to me about our building projects on the reservation, so I'll be really happy to meet them all in person and give them a little progress report!
Anyway, I just wanted to share the news and remind you all that change can happen for the better - no matter how late in the game it may seem. And whether you're recycling your paper or living in a commune, doing what you can to protect our planet is always a welcome decision.
Have a great day,
Kristen
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
So much to learn from just one girl!
I 'heart' February. You know why? It's the birthday month for a lot of my favorite people. Now, I enjoy my own birthday month (many of you know this since I bring it up a LOT) but I enjoy celebrating other people's months just as much.
10 years and 3 weeks ago, I went on a volunteer trip to Oaxaca, Mexico with a group of college kids. It was there that I met a lot of amazing kids - so many that it changed the entire course of my life - and one of them was an 11 going on 12-year-old girl named Gabriela.
A lot of you have met Gaby, and even more of you have heard about her - so let me just fill you in on why we should all want to be like Gaby when we grow up.
First of all, I don't think there's a less stressed person on the planet. Gaby could calm a hurricane or something else equally as crazy. In a children's home with tons and tons of kids - Gaby has always been a calm presence, even as a young girl. In fact, when most people met Gaby as a teenager, they thought she was mature enough to run the place! This is not to say that she doesn't work hard, and doesn't have any reason to have stress in her life. She is now a full time college student and still works many hours each week doing all the bookkeeping for Simply Smiles. And yet, never a freakout, just calm, easy-going, Gaby.
Second - Gaby is always thoughtful. She constantly puts others before herself, and thinks of how she can make herself, other people, and the world better. She doesn't miss birthdays, anniversaries, her bus, whatever - somehow she manages to keep everything straight. Wise beyond her years, Gaby thinks before she speaks and always has a kind word or profound thought to share, regardless of the situation.
Being calm and thoughtful, must do something to keep Gaby constantly prepared, and therefore confident. I have never seen this girl scared. Coming to a new country, going through customs the first time, learning a third language, registering for college classes - none of these got a rise out of her. How is that possible?
Lastly, I've never heard Gaby say a mean thing about anyone. I have never seen her pass judgement on another person, even when the scales are tipped pretty far a certain way. For some reason, Gaby has been given the gift of always being able to understand, or at least try to understand, where other people are coming from. I think it comes from her strong connection to her super awesome family. We can all learn a lot from that.
So...with Gaby's official 'passport birthday' being tomorrow - I just wanted to make sure that everyone knows just how great she is!
Happy Birthday, Gaby!!
Kristen
10 years and 3 weeks ago, I went on a volunteer trip to Oaxaca, Mexico with a group of college kids. It was there that I met a lot of amazing kids - so many that it changed the entire course of my life - and one of them was an 11 going on 12-year-old girl named Gabriela.
A lot of you have met Gaby, and even more of you have heard about her - so let me just fill you in on why we should all want to be like Gaby when we grow up.
First of all, I don't think there's a less stressed person on the planet. Gaby could calm a hurricane or something else equally as crazy. In a children's home with tons and tons of kids - Gaby has always been a calm presence, even as a young girl. In fact, when most people met Gaby as a teenager, they thought she was mature enough to run the place! This is not to say that she doesn't work hard, and doesn't have any reason to have stress in her life. She is now a full time college student and still works many hours each week doing all the bookkeeping for Simply Smiles. And yet, never a freakout, just calm, easy-going, Gaby.
Second - Gaby is always thoughtful. She constantly puts others before herself, and thinks of how she can make herself, other people, and the world better. She doesn't miss birthdays, anniversaries, her bus, whatever - somehow she manages to keep everything straight. Wise beyond her years, Gaby thinks before she speaks and always has a kind word or profound thought to share, regardless of the situation.
Being calm and thoughtful, must do something to keep Gaby constantly prepared, and therefore confident. I have never seen this girl scared. Coming to a new country, going through customs the first time, learning a third language, registering for college classes - none of these got a rise out of her. How is that possible?
Lastly, I've never heard Gaby say a mean thing about anyone. I have never seen her pass judgement on another person, even when the scales are tipped pretty far a certain way. For some reason, Gaby has been given the gift of always being able to understand, or at least try to understand, where other people are coming from. I think it comes from her strong connection to her super awesome family. We can all learn a lot from that.
So...with Gaby's official 'passport birthday' being tomorrow - I just wanted to make sure that everyone knows just how great she is!
Happy Birthday, Gaby!!
Kristen
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Super Bowl Champs!! (Now, what can I learn from the Pack?)
Why does Green Bay love the Packers so much? How can a town of just over 102,000 people consistently fill a stadium with over 72,000 seats? I don't know, exactly. But I can tell you - as a kid growing up in Titletown I learned how to throw a spiral with the best of them, I knew how to spell Majkowski in the early years of grade school, and I've been on the waiting list for season tickets since I was born. (And even though I live on the east coast now - I'll take 'em when my name's up!)
I don't know if it's something in the water, the fact that you can go for a jog in the summer and 'train' with a famous quarterback, or bump into a tight end at dinner. It might be that the color combination of green and gold is endearing, and it might just be that people in Green Bay are crazy for football!
Whatever it is...it kept me glued to the TV on Sunday night, spewing stats and game plays that I have no business knowing. I haven't lived in Green Bay in over 10 years, and yet I know exactly what the streets looked like at 10 p.m. on Sunday, February 6th. It's a great feeling and it's a great town, and I'm so happy that the Packers won!
Not to be outdone by my sports knowledge and abilities - my brother - an amazing Packer fan, was caught on camera celebrating Sunday night. Not only was he photographed wearing a cheesehead snuggie hanging out of a car, but this photograph ended up on some major websites! NBC, Sports Illustrated, and the official NFL website - just to name a few! Of course, he was on the local news - and will probably be recognized for a while (at least until he shaves his beard) as one of the biggest Packer fans in town! Here he is on the Sports Illustrated site:
Now...not to be outdone by my brother, we set up Chip with a little sign...he takes himself very seriously as a dog and as a Packer fan.
What do the Packers do so well that makes people come out in the cold, year after year, more loyal than ever? They thank their friends, families and fans, they remember where they 'came from' (wherever that may be for each of them), and they're always happy to share the joy. They're so good at this, that yesterday - they thanked, remembered and shared their Lombardi trophy yesterday to a stadium full of fans - in negative degree weather!
Now you may hate sports, think that football is a bunch of man-children playing games, or get frustrated with the amount of time spent focused on athletes, but there is something to be learned about the way 'America's Team' runs their company. I may never sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl, or perform for a sold-out stadium of people, but I can be thankful, remember where I come from, and share every joy that I experience with you; my friends, family and fans.
And until I reach that stadium performance...well, I'll just borrow a little promo help from my brother.
I don't know if it's something in the water, the fact that you can go for a jog in the summer and 'train' with a famous quarterback, or bump into a tight end at dinner. It might be that the color combination of green and gold is endearing, and it might just be that people in Green Bay are crazy for football!
Whatever it is...it kept me glued to the TV on Sunday night, spewing stats and game plays that I have no business knowing. I haven't lived in Green Bay in over 10 years, and yet I know exactly what the streets looked like at 10 p.m. on Sunday, February 6th. It's a great feeling and it's a great town, and I'm so happy that the Packers won!
Not to be outdone by my sports knowledge and abilities - my brother - an amazing Packer fan, was caught on camera celebrating Sunday night. Not only was he photographed wearing a cheesehead snuggie hanging out of a car, but this photograph ended up on some major websites! NBC, Sports Illustrated, and the official NFL website - just to name a few! Of course, he was on the local news - and will probably be recognized for a while (at least until he shaves his beard) as one of the biggest Packer fans in town! Here he is on the Sports Illustrated site:
Now...not to be outdone by my brother, we set up Chip with a little sign...he takes himself very seriously as a dog and as a Packer fan.
What do the Packers do so well that makes people come out in the cold, year after year, more loyal than ever? They thank their friends, families and fans, they remember where they 'came from' (wherever that may be for each of them), and they're always happy to share the joy. They're so good at this, that yesterday - they thanked, remembered and shared their Lombardi trophy yesterday to a stadium full of fans - in negative degree weather!
Now you may hate sports, think that football is a bunch of man-children playing games, or get frustrated with the amount of time spent focused on athletes, but there is something to be learned about the way 'America's Team' runs their company. I may never sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl, or perform for a sold-out stadium of people, but I can be thankful, remember where I come from, and share every joy that I experience with you; my friends, family and fans.
And until I reach that stadium performance...well, I'll just borrow a little promo help from my brother.
Friday, January 21, 2011
New Song. New Opportunity.
I have a new song, and I'm soooo excited about it. It's a song about empowerment, and finding strength within. Of course, there's a story behind it…
Last fall, I went to a Lavender Lights Vigil held in the town of Fairfield, by a local church. People were invited to speak, and share stories within a comforting, non-judgmental audience. The vigil was held to honor and remember the kids that had committed suicide last fall as a result of bullying. Mostly anti-gay bullying.
All of the kids were good speakers. I was incredibly impressed, but the story of one student stuck with me more than the others.
A teenage girl - only 15, walked up to the microphone and told us that she is a gay 15-year-old girl, and she gets harassed at school every single day. Just that day, she had been kicked and called an anti-gay slur at school.
As a kid, I always felt very safe at school. I had wonderful friends, and great teachers…thinking back on my own adolescence, it was absolutely impossible for me to understand what this girl was going through. I can respect and empathize with her, but I cannot understand what her life is like.
The point of the story is - at the end of her statement - rather than end with a pity party for herself…she said, "I realize, that I cannot control the actions of others. I can, however, control my reaction to their behavior." How profound!
Her words stuck with me, and her strength snuck itself into my latest song, "Moving On". I wrote this song a few months ago, just after being at the vigil, but didn't make the connection. The feeling was very strong, but it was sounding like a break-up song. I've written those songs before, so though I liked the song, I wasn't thrilled with it.
A few weeks ago, when thinking about the new year, and resolutions - it came to me! I took out one little line, and the entire sentiment shifted. It was no longer a cranky girl break-up song, it was now an empowered and emotional song. I was so excited!
Why am I telling you this? Because sometimes, my songs teach me. I can't take credit for the theme of it - that goes to a teenage girl from Fairfield. And the idea behind it got me thinking…what if, this year, rather than resolving to eat less chocolate, or exercise more, I decided to give up control? What if I decide to recognize that when someone angers, annoys or bothers me, I can choose to just let it go rather than let it gnaw at me? How freeing!
To take it a step further (and I realize this will have to be an entirely different song…) wouldn't it be great if this resolution were completely unnecessary? What if, we were just good to one another, and treated each other with love? Things would look a lot different. So, that's my resolution. To stick to writing songs, and to be good to everyone. Want to join me? It's going to be awesome.
LOVE,
Kristen
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