Thursday, August 7, 2008

My Childhood

While most little girls loved to play "house" growing up, I loved to act out scenes from my favorite movies. A lot of people are creeped out by the movies I liked, such as "Return to Oz" or "The Labyrinth" or "Never Ending Story". I was intrigued by the weird creatures, romance, and mystic nature of these films, at a very young age! I was also captivated by the soundtracks to films like these and I think that's where I developed my love for newage and celtic music. Here are some pictures to give you a glimpse into my twisted childhood fantasies.

















Friday, August 1, 2008

American Idol Auditions

Hey guys! I just barely got back into town. A lot of you have asked how Idol auditions went and I'm sorry I couldn't update you sooner. Ryan and I left town right after auditions so I wasn't able to call anyone to let you know...


I'M GOING TO HOLLYWOOD!




Psych! I wish. There were thousands of people there and before you can even audition for Simon, Paula, and Randy you have to make it through the producers around 3 times. In the whole 6 hours I watched people audition I think only about 4-5 made it through every hour and hundreds were turned away by the hour.



So what happens in this round is you are set up in groups of four and step up in a line at the booths you see in the middle of the arena. You step up and get to sing for about 10-15 sec and they raise their hand and tell you to stop. There were definitely some great singers that got through, but there were also some just average, and really weird ones, showing you that they are just trying to make a show. Infact, we had to do so many takes of us cheering that I truly felt like I was on a movie set as an extra, but without getting paid, wait a minute, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS! ;)
Here I am with my mom and sister. We still had a lot of fun and made some new friends while waiting in line.



I have to say I am so proud of my little sis. She did an awesome job and I hope that she will try again in the future. She has really been so inspiring to me, and helped me to remember why I loved music in the first place. My mom is also a sweetheart. She's the kind of mom that encourages her children to reach for their dreams and supports them 100% in whatever they want to do. I really look up to and appreciate her for that.

For the record, I felt good about my audition. I walked out knowing that I gave it my best and was very grateful for all the good advice given to me by friends and family, especially my father in-law Randy.

Some people are very discouraged because they feel "entitled" to win certain things. I knew it was a long shot in the dark for me but I was honestly very proud of myself for trying because it scared the crap out of me just thinking about it at first. But you know what? After I got there, I realized it was not that bad at all and I had a lot of fun being around so many other singers. It seemed like everyone was very kind and supportive of each other because we were all in the same boat. It's not often you get in such a huge group of people and feel so much warmth and support.

I definitely saw some friends who I think without a doubt should have made it through, but, what do I know? Check out my friend Joslyn, she rocks!

www.joslynmusic.com

Now tell me how she didn't make it through? I don't know. Anyways, I'm so glad that I can look back on my life and say "been there, done that" instead of "if only I had tried..."

Sunday, July 27, 2008

I've been BRANDED


It's official. I have my wrist band and I'm doing it! WHOO HOO! I'm actually really EXCITED now because I've had a huge paradigm shift and I see this as a game instead of something I have to take too seriously. Wish me luck! ;)

Friday, July 25, 2008

As fate would have it...

This coming week is my third wedding anniversary and my husband and I were going to go camping up the Uintah Mountains, but, Ryan's work really needs him to be there that day so we will be home, and our anniversary happens to be on the same day as American Idol tryouts...

I kept telling everyone that I refused to tryout for a show that has the potential to slaughter you on national television, but after talking to my sis, I realized it's so close to home that it would be silly not to try it this year if I plan on doing it in future years.

So yes, I will be auditioning.

haha, I really don't plan on anything coming of it but I get a rush just thinking about how I once refused to ever try and now I view it as a game, a dare to myself if you will...

I'm going to the slaughter.

Tribute to my Sister



This girl is awesome. She has always thought of others more than herself and I really respect her. Great job for placing in the teen talent quest contest Natalie!

Monday, July 14, 2008

Down Syndrome Awareness



This is my 3 year old niece Emma. She was born with Down syndrome and within a year developed juvenile diabetes. Her days are filled with endless monitoring and continual struggles. On July 19th, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. we will be having a benefit fair at Wines Park (500 N. Center, Lehi) in behalf of Emma to help her family cope with the medical costs of major surgeries, medication, and doctor appointments that have buried the young family and will for years to come.

If you are interested in coming to hear one of my shows, I will be part of the various entertainment that day. Tickets are only $5 per person or $10 for an entire family if you get them through me. Along with entertainment will be food, boutiques, esthetician services, huge blow up toys and games for the kids, etc.


A non-profit organization called Endless Hope Foundation has been started on behalf of Emma and donations are accepted at any Zions Bank. Any donation would be appreciated. EVERY PENNY HELPS. Thank you for making a difference!