Lauren’s Tennessee Lyrics
1. This is what songwriting
Looks like. Some scratched out words, some sensible words, and TONS of my doodles. I didn’t mean to start drawing those things… it just ended up that way :).
2. It’s amazing
Learning so much! In these few days of writing and creating I’ve been forced to live in the moment and not over think things. Creativity is so spontaneous, and I am much better when I don’t put pressure on myself. So, I am running blindly into this musical creative process, trusting the talented people around me and learning just what the hell “trust your gut” means.
I am a musical neophyte with the eagerness of a bull in heat. (Yeah, I did just type that.)
What have you learned from your process?
À plus tard,
Lauren
I Drink Pepto Like Water
1. Anyone who says
Doing something new isn’t frightening is either lying through their teeth or LYING. Through. Their. TEETH.
No two ways about it.
(What’s that black thing in my hand? O_O. Oh, it’s my lens cover.)
1. We can eventually
Become at ease with our nervous reactions… come to expect them… but we never feel so truly fearless on our very first try – of anything. Sometimes we aren’t even aware of the ways in which our bodies react to that fear.
3. I am lucky
To be making music with my dear friend Jason and the wonderful people who fill his life and home. Although I feel some fear (manifesting itself in severe stomach problems… which I didn’t realize until today – after guzzling Pepto like water), I also feel secure enough to be myself & make mistakes.
(The man sitting in the captain’s chair is the talented J. The one next to me on the couch is ‘Stamos,’ whose white forelock and classic sunnies make him cool from the get go.)
What new endeavor has your tummy in a knot?
À plus tard,
Lauren
P.S. I just realized something: The day before I began writing the tale of Raif and Rose, I was in a hospital tossing up my guts with the best of ‘em. That was food poisoning, but what if severe indigestion was a precursor to something awesome? Not saying I believe in signs… but what if every great thing in my life starts as a case of severe indigestion? I’ll probably meet my future husband as I’m puking my brains out in the grody unisex bathroom of a forgotten French discotheque seven years from now. How attractive.
Chattanooga Choo Choo!
1. Finally in Tennessee
And ridiculously happy to be here. I was super travel sick when I got here – a mixture of exhaustion, a migraine, a running stomach, and over caffeination. But some benadryl, string bean tea, and a good night’s sleep have done me wonders.
2. Went to Whole
Foods yesterday with my friends Toya, S, and lil’ baby L (he’s so cute), when I started feeling better. We bought so many groceries. And I discovered the yummy cereal ‘Ohs!’ I’ve never seen them in NY or DC. They are so good!
3. Gotta give a
Shout out to Satoya for this pic! Thank youuuu for everything. I’m so glad to be spending time, living and working, with you and J!
À plus tard,
Lauren
P.S. Happy belated Mommies day to all the mommies out there. (Also: I love you Mom!)
Accepting My Process
1. I have
Come to an awesome conclusion. I am allowing myself to embrace my creative process. I am super happy about that.
2. Yes, fear won’t
Make my decisions for me, but I also won’t beat myself up because my process doesn’t match up to that of others.
3. So yeah I’m
Feeling lighter, less self-judgie. Haha! Yeah… that’s a word…? Anyway. I’m sending all of you happy thoughts and big smiles. <3 U!
À plus tard,
Lauren
P.S. I’m headed to Tennessee next week!! Ahhh! So excited
The Last Few Meters | Reach for Your Goals
1. Hibachi Flames.
I took this picture at my cousin’s birthday dinner. The flames were so big and beautiful. Its shape looks like a horse, or a rooster, an ostrich or a lizard-like dragon. Our chef as super friendly and talented. My shrimp and teriyaki salmon was amazeballs and I never complain when watching a cute man cook. Period.
Last night, I came to the realization that I am in the last few meters of a race to meet a personal goal of mine. But for some reason, I am experiencing fear and hesitation. My particular fear is the fear of judgement.
2. I am in the
Last legs of a race. Now is not the time to let my fear get the best of me. Now is not the time to sit back and watch my goals and dreams pass me by. Now is the time to push forward, to press on in spite of what I feel. I have to start, even if panic is creeping up the edges of my mind. I am not a slave to to my fear. I will reach my goal. Now is not the time to coddle my fears. They must take a back seat to what must be done.
Are you still reaching for your goals?
À plus tard,
Lauren
P.S. The above photo is from my shoot at the stone cutting warehouse :)
Blue Lions: Big Update!
1. Spent yesterday
Being productive. I went out with my mother, who took these awesome photos at a location she found in front of a Stone Cutting warehouse. We actually got to meet the owner and walked around for a bit inside. It was impressive seeing those giant slabs of marble and granite at various stages of polish.
2. I love this
Silly picture. I was pretending to be leery… if you can call that expression leery. The owner, a nice man in a yellow sweater, told us that he too took photos with the lions as a five-year-old – back when his father owned the business. Apparently, these statues were made in the 20′s and came from the exterior of a Manhattan bank.
3. Forgive my
Lack of updates last week. Life’s been positively hectic. The good kind of hectic. For fun, I saw Iron Man 3. That is a superhero movie done right. Women, I think you will love this one! Men, you’ll love it too!
3. I cooked
Dinner for my parents’ anniversary yesterday. Beef ribs, mashed potatoes (skin on & seasoned with garlic n’ other spices), and sautéed asparagus. Add some Merlot and Tea Lights and you can practically imagine the dinner yourself. It was fun making it. 23 years! They loved it, and I am so happy they did.
I’m leaving for TN next Monday. I’m excited and nervous. I want this musical endeavor to go well. Of course, I’ll report back to you and let you know what’s up.
Oh! And I’ve been
Working on the second book of the Raif and Rose Series. The working title is Blood and Snow.
It’s already a page turner. The opulent world of the Billionaire Twins has gotten larger, darker, much more dangerous. The ensemble cast-of-characters is bigger, with old faves returning (think George, Krone, and Sam) to help the twins wreak havoc on old enemies and new.
À plus tard,
Lauren
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