i AM a writer.

The other day as I was scrolling through the RSS feed of my favorite blogs, I came across two separate posts.  They were posted the exact same day, not even an hour apart.  They were written by two different women who are both professional writers.  I often enjoy their opinions and advice given on family, marriage, and motherhood - subjects I frequently write about as well.

The first woman wrote about how she loved writing, and started freelance and professional work to get her name out there - a way to be "more than just a mother."  She talked about how it became almost like a burden because it was now a job instead of just a hobby.  I'll admit that it scared me because I was very recently hired to write - making my hobby an actual job.  I didn't want to lose my passion.

The second woman wrote about how she had been writing for years professionally, but never considered herself a "writer."  Even though she gets paid, she said she feels like an impostor.  The best part of this post was her exclamation that, "I am a writer!"  I had to laugh as I read this because I can totally and completely relate to those feelings. 

As I read these posts, I felt like I had arrived at a fork in the road.  Yes, my hobby is now a job.  But it doesn't have to be a burden.  I have been reflecting on the reasons I write.  It's not to get my name out there.  And it most definitely is not to become "more than just a mother."  I realized that the reason I love to write is for the hope that I can inspire someone.  If my words help to brighten another's day or let them know that they're not alone, then I have certainly succeeded.

I decided to follow the second woman's path.  I am so incredibly happy to be getting paid to do something I love; to fulfill one of my greatest passions.  And I am here to joyfully admit that "I am a writer!"

My Top 10 Songs of 2014

Here is my 2nd annual list of my favorite songs for the year!  I had a really hard time making up this list this time.  The top 5 were easy, but after that-they are just kind of songs I liked, but not necessarily loved.  It would take way too long for me to sit and analyze which songs I absolutely love, let alone the order of my preference.  Anyway, like last year, I will try and explain a little about why I chose these songs.


10. Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay

First of all- Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay has an amazing auto-tuned voice.  I say that because I heard him live once and it was awful.  But anywhere else, his voice is perfect.  I can love an auto-tuned voice, can't I?  Anyway, the song is great too.

9. Rather Be - Clean Bandit

I had never heard of this band or whoever sings this song before.  I haven't even looked them up, so I honestly know nothing about them.  But I love the instruments in this song and the lyrics.  It's a great song to run to as well.

8. Centuries - Fall Out Boy

Speaking of great running songs- this one is another favorite.  I'm starting to really like Fall Out Boy, even though they've been around for a while.

7. I Lived - One Republic

This song is just one of those uplifting, feel-good, motivating songs; a great one to start off your new year!

6. T.S. 1989 - Taylor Swift

I don't deny that I get hooked on certain main-stream music.  And I couldn't choose just one song from her new album.  I love it all.  I also have a theory about Taylor Swift: you either love her from inside the closet, or outside the closet.  Either way- everyone loves Tay.  If you don't believe me, just watch this.

5. Annie Soundtrack - Annie

Speaking of entire soundtracks, this is one is the best!  I have always loved the original movie, so when this one came out, I was a bit skeptical.  But I could not have loved it more.  They modernized it, of course, and the music is great!

4. Be Still - The Fray

This song is so beautiful.  I love to listen to it when I need to take a step back and just reflect or meditate or "be still."

3. Madness (cover) - hester See & Andy Lange

This song was #1 on my list last year, but it was the original.  This year I am including this cover, because it's my new favorite way to listen to it. I seriously can't get enough.  Listen to it now!!

2. Long Time Traveller - The Wailin' Jennys

I literally just heard this song for the first time last night.  In fact, I was half-asleep in bed while my husband was watching TV.  This song came on during a tv show, and I sat straight up and "Shazaam'd" it because I needed to know what it was that second.  The harmonies and voices are so pure and clear and incredibly beautiful, as is the song.

1. The Walker - Fitz & the Tantrums

This song is fun to listen to, great to run to, and definitely relatable for me.  Especially, the above quote.  I love everything about it.

My Top 10 Songs of 2013

Since music is pretty much my favoritest thing ever, I decided to make an annual list of my favorite songs of the year. This list does not mean that the songs came out that year, just that they were my favorite during that time. I will also try to give some brief explanation of why each song was important to me. As you can see, Imagine Dragons is a definite favorite of mine. I also discovered a band that has been around for a while, but I never really heard of - Muse. It's probably my next favorite band, even though their song got number 1. Okay, here goes:

 10. Counting Stars - One Republic 

This song basically just has some lyrics that I really like, and a really catchy tune. 

 9. Some Nights - Fun. 

This song starts with amazing harmonies, and that's what hooked me. I really like the voices of this group. 

 8. Demons - Imagine Dragons 

This song is on all the time, everywhere I go. And most people I talk to absolutely love it. I think the reason (at least for me), is because it reminds me that I have my own "demons" and makes me think of how I am going to conquer them. I also really like the music video. 

 7. Feel This Moment - Pitbull ft. Christina Aguilera 

This song is one of my most favorite to run to. It helped me through learning to run a 5k, and adding on even more miles. It definitely keeps me motivated. And I don't know why, but I have a special place in my heart for that old "Take On Me" melody. 

 6. Love Don't Die - The Fray 

I just love the music in this song. And the lyrics are really good too. 

 5. On Top Of The World - Imagine Dragons 

This song makes me happy! When I listen to it, I think of all the fun times my family and I had over the year, and remember how blessed we are. 

 4. It's Time - Imagine Dragons 

This was one of the first songs I put on my Running playlist. Whenever I did a race, it would be the first song to come on. "It's time to begin..." would get me motivated for my run. Now it is a tradition, I guess you could say. Every time I race, it is - and will be, the first song I hear. 

 3. Roar - Katy Perry 

Okay, I have to preface this by saying that I do like Katy Perry, and this song is really catchy. However, the lyrics are completely plagiarized. I can name about 7 different songs that use each phrase. However, it is fun and my kids love it. And as corny as this may sound, the biggest reason I love it is because it reminds me of my best friend. End corniness. 

 2. Radioactive - Imagine Dragons 

This song is incredible. I don't even know why. Their voices, the music, etc. I just love it. It's amazing. The music video? Worst ever. 

 1. Madness - Muse 

There are so many reasons I love this song. The style of the music and feel of the song is awesome. When I listen to it, I HAVE to put my earphones in, turn it up loud, and close my eyes so I can hear everything. I don't know why this song speaks to me, but it does. Maybe it reminds me of all the "madness" that I went through over the year. The "mist of darkness" that I walked through, but have stayed strong. It's beautiful.