The Simmering Romanticism of Singleness

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Why is having an amazingly full life contingent upon having a mate? I've pondered more now than ever before. I can see how someone who has already been blessed to enter courtship would view this as true--But, what of those of us who have entered into a later stage in life (whatever stage you are in), and have yet to connect with eyes that are different from our own, at the right place and time? Shall we abandon all hope for a life full of worth and passion?

I've decided that twenty thirteen is the year that I stop pining for romance, and instead think of what romance already envelopes my life. What if there is a simmering romanticism in singleness because the adventure is ours and ours alone? Though the calling of being with someone carries it's own weight and courage, what if that path is an easier life, and those who forge this life on their own, an act of bravery? Not a lifestyle to be pitied.

Those who know me know that I've imbibed romance from a babe, believing that life without such cannot be born. But, I've realized that the Lord purposely knitted my life partially the opposite of what is ideal. And even more, He completed me (and you) {Colossians 2:10} so that when a good man does come around, I will not look to him to perform a task that is not humanly possible. Placing all of my hopes and dreams on his shoulders. I've come to think that because God has completed me, and not allowed me to cross paths with the one I think I need, perhaps, he is not who I need to have an unbelievably romantic life. When I think of romance, aside from the obvious chivalric picture synonymous with the term, I think of passion, living in the moment, going for this life with every bit inside of you. Of connecting with people, whether, on a romantic or platonic level, in a way that could change lives.

What if the romanticism of singleness is that, if we're doing it right, we get to impact and connect with more lives than just one. This year, I embrace the blessings that God has given me through singleness: The world is wide and mine for the taking. I can unfold a map and fly on without restraint. I can steep myself in reveries that need only God's approval, and dedicate life to achieving them. I can cause wide smiles to  crease the faces of strangers and never take a break. I want to travel to Brittany, a coastal town in France, and make a best friend. I want to perform one hundred ukulele videos because each one is a kickbox with fear, and I'm winning. Most importantly, I've a life to spend giving God glory, this will never change. I have a novel to write and stories to tell, and I'm sure that you are teeming with an adventure to rival The Lord of The Rings.

There is a marvelous statement by J.R.R. Tolkien, that not all who wander are lost. I cannot wait for my true love to come before I see and seize the beauty all around me. Maybe "having it all" isn't always what we thought it was. Perhaps it is whatever you make that "all" to be. As you're waiting for your great love, don't forget to take off your shoes and race into the glorious foaming surf.

"I Wouldn't Trade Her For Gold": Reliving Once The Musical

 

Last sunday, was beyond magical. My mom and I, tucked under scarf and hood, made our way through masses that swarm Broadway on any given day. Misty rain did not deter us, though I do wish I didn't wear my new dress...nevertheless, it's beautiful to dress for something wonderful.

Before I start, let me note that I am not the musical sort. The thought of spontaneous bouts of song disturbs me a little. But I love music, and all of its various forms. Once, the musical, stoked an even greater love for music in me.

My mom and I were blessed to obtain front row tickets through a raffle given where I work. Upon entering the theater, we were welcomed to a pre-show where the actors jammed on stage with their guitars, mandolins, violins, and quite gorgeous voices. They filled the room with an energetic fusion of Irish and Eastern European sound all leading to a passionate solo by 'Guy' played by Steve Kazee. His voice is raw, deep, and pure as crystal. I literally had chills going down my arms as he sang the opening tune, 'Leave'. 'Girl' played by Cristin Milioti stumbles upon him singing this, and begins their journey of awakening his purpose. Cristin is wonderful, her voice clear and bright, as her sparkling personality. Kazee and Milioti together are a masterpiece. Both are very subtle in their approach so that I often forgot it was a performance at all. It's something to watch a world construct right in front of you that is both apart of you, and without.

This musical is stunning and poetic from the setting (an Irish Pub) to an ensemble cast who invites us to get to know them through their music. Unlike many musicals that seem to jump at the chance for spontaneous bouts of song, Once plays more like an episode of Storytellers on VH1. We follow the characters intimately, discovering their music as they reveal it. The set list is so gorgeous that I couldn't leave without the soundtrack...no matter the expense!

I may be the only person who has never seen the film. When I was an Undergraduate, one of my writing professors said, after reading an extract of my novel, that it reminded him of Once. I was, at first, fearful to watch. But after seeing the musical, I feel reaffirmed in my project. That if something like this can exist, an be loved, then my novel can rise above whatever insecurity and hopefully find a home in someone else's heart.

Perhaps I should have watched the film first, because it may be really hard to top this performance. (I can hear all you Once lovers pushing me towards the film. I know. I'm going :-).

Highlights of 2012: Music

This year has been quite an awesome year for musical discovery. Here are my top musical inspirations discovered in 2012:

The Best Part by Paul McDonald and Nikki Reed: Surely they have to be my favorite discovery this year. I'll confess that the thought of movie stars taking a detour into music makes me a bit... *shurggs*, and this is a shame because I must miss so many excellent artists. Ever since discovering that Nikki Reed wrote the indie film, Thirteen, I've been a bit fascinated by her. When I found out that her and her American Idol contestant husband, Paul McDonald were collaborating to make an album, I had to give it a taste. The Best Part is a smooth blend of country, folky, blues, and their voices coalesce so beautifully. The EP is calming and smooth, my favorites being, 'The Best Part", "Goodbye", and "Bouquet of Lies". Nikki has a humble stance on singing, having been encouraged by her husband that they should take this step. Her voice is so different from what I imagined: clear, pure, with a raw beauty to it that calms and intrigues. How adorable is it to take on an artistic project with your loved one? This is totally a dream of mine. I love these two, and sincerely hope that this is not the last collaborative project we see of them. 

Yuna: My discovering Yuna is actually a delightful little story. Earlier this year, I took little Nikki Fierce (my purple ukulele) into Guitar Center for re-stringing, and stopped at the bag check. The man behind the counter looks over my shoulder, blinks as if taken aback, and says to the person behind me, "Hi! I love your new single." A happy voice laced with shyness replies, "Thanks. Thank you so much." Of course at that moment, my attentions are piqued. I love new artists and the thought that one stood right behind me?... Score. The woman behind me and her friend commented that they thought Nikki was cute, and I couldn't help but brim. I finally got a good look at the woman I would discover is Yuna, a Malaysian artist making a smash in the US for the first time. Her sound is eclectic, fun, romantic and dreamy. The best after work, and ready to chill music ever.

Moonbeams by Sareena Dominguez: This girl is artistic, beautiful and poetic. Her sound is acoustic and gentle, with a touch of rain. I call her music my "rain" music, not because it's sad (though some tracks are a bit heavier), but because her music has the same affect of hearing rain fall on a tin roof (thank you, Norah Jones) the night before your day off. I found myself wanting to keep listening for beautiful poetry, and was not disappointed. Favorite Tracks: "Moonbeams", "Ghost", "Stop Saying Sorry", and "Unwoven"

IU- I know I'm not the only person to have recently jumped on to Korean Dramas (Thank you, Netflix), especially with the latest surge of K-Pop. Amidst my discoveries, I started watching Dream High, which I must say is such a great series surrounding students who hope to make their dreams of superstardom come true. Each character is so talented, it's awesome. But IU...she is brilliant. She plays a quirky, romantic outsider who is incredibly endearing. Show aside, she has already been dubbed Korea's 'little sister'. One song of hers from the Dream High Soundtrack called "Someday" makes me smile everytime. It is a pop song with a jazz smoothness that keeps me listening. I'm of the vein that all music, no matter what the language, can move you, and Someday proves my point. IU's voice is so beautiful and mature. It would be awesome to see this girl make a splash internationally. 

The Hunger Games Soundtrack: I was delightfully surprised when  the first installment of the beloved series was portrayed in a realistic, Appalachian way. With this addition comes the wonderful folk sound of the soundtrack. I had no idea that I loved Folk/Americana music until I listened to this soundtrack. Favorite tracks: "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars, "Tomorrow Will Be Kinder" by The Secret Sisters,  "Rules" by Jayme Dee, and "Just A Game" by the wonderful, Birdy. They could've made this soundtrack really pop and gushy because it's adapted from a young adult novel. But, I'm happy they chose depth instead.

Red by Taylor Swift: I know that she is met with a mix of wonder and chagrin, but I'm happy to have fallen onto the Taylor train with this album. I've always admired her as a lyricist. Unlike those of my generation, and many of todays' artists, Taylor has somehow made it okay again for young women to be young, to dream, to long to take a walk with the guy who has captured their attentions. She holds the ability to write what I believe many of us still dream about.  Taylor has some really beautiful songs showcased on Red. Begin Again made up my mind to purchase the album. Other Favorite Tracks: "Starlight", "Sad Beautiful Tragic", and "The Last Time" a duet with Gary Lightbody.

What were your favorite sounds this year?

REINTRODUCTION:

It's almost 2013, and I find it high time for a reintroduction. As you know, I weave in and out of this blog, often needing time to recollect myself...to rediscover what it's all about. I confess that most times I experience a burn out because I begin one way, and then discover along the way that my goals are changing into those of other bloggers. How can I get more followers? How can I boost readership and make sure that I maintain an audience? How can I use this as a professional mouth piece? But some places, like a journal, perhaps--you know the one that discovered you down the aisle of an unexpected shop?--have to maintain a sort of sacredness in order to function. There is a time and place for everything. My book blog, Novel Days, is the place to boost readership, and to build a professional portfolio...but Forelsket started as a chronicling of my love affair with life, which will hopefully encourage anyone who should pass through to savor their own lives.

That being said, Forelsket is not changing as much as my mindset about it. I want to have a fun, life altering experiences with it, and to hopefully have someone chance upon this blog who can relate to my experiences, and be positively inspired somehow. 

I will still continue to write encouraging posts about walking with God, achieving your dreams, and showcasing inspiring dreamcatchers. But I will include passages that will serve as personal diary entries, day in the life posts, perhaps. I will also embark on the 365 photo a day project next year which should prove enlightening, and hilarious!

I am not a web designer, though I do dabble. I am not a fashion blogger, though I am in love with expression. I do not have a high powered DSLR, though I have loads of photographic bits and bobbins to help me in my quest of capturing the world (and I would LOVE an Olympus Pen).  All of these things, I'm told, makes a proficient blogger. But I hope that the lack of these will not lessen the quality of my blog. I hope you all have had a blessed 2012, and though I cannot possibly say enough, my thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have suffered in Newtown, Connecticut.  

Would you care to take this new journey with me?

DreamCatcher 2012 Spotlight: The World Needs More Love Letters

What if you filed into a train car on a Monday morning, tired, and more than a little disheartened by the day that hadn't even started yet? You slip into a cold seat, and find a letter addressed to you personally? What if right at that moment, the declaration that you're okay, and more than okay, spectacular, lay etched on the paper, a memento to cherish from a stranger who totally gets you? That is what the folks at The World Needs More Love Letters have in mind with their movement to get everyday people unplugged from the bustle of social networking, and smudged with ink as they pen smiles to strangers.

I really wanted to find a penpal this year. Someone I didn't know, who I could actually take the time out to buy beautiful stationary, dreamy stamps, and send them something special. No sooner had I tweeted: 'Penpal Wanted' on Twitter, I suddenly glanced at someone else's tweet highlighting a link to: The World Needs More Love Letters. Although, TWNMLL's does not specialize in matching people with a writing buddy, they focus on something all the more extraordinary. A letter writing movement of love between strangers.

The World Needs More Love Letters is a movement created by Hannah Brencher, a young woman who began writing letters to strangers on the train with hopes to brighten their day, and find some encouragement for her own. Over 2,000+ love letters later, Hannah has created a lovely hub of letter writing love exchanged, posted, and left in random places to send a smile to an unsuspecting stranger. The folks at TWNMLL's encourage you to write random letters, and slip them in places for other dreamers to find. Or subscribe to their Love Letter Alert List which showcases specific people who need some love folded into an envelope and sent in a bundle to brighten their day. If you know of someone in your life who's day would be brightened by a friendly letter from a stranger, you can also fill out their 'Request A Love Letter' (scroll to the bottom of the page) form to add them to the queue. 

I feel as if I have 'chanced upon' one of the most glorious spots on the internet. Think of the opportunity this presents to really act out the love of Christ by sending something lovely to a person you don't even know. It's like gaining a new connection to the people around you, and being a part of something that is actually building people up one letter at a time. This is exactly the kind of awesomeness that living a 'Forelsket' life represents! I'm honored to send out my first letter to TWNMLL's so that it can brighten the day of this month's recipient. I also can't wait to get creative and leave little snips of endorphin charged sunlight around the city (I see a trip to The Strand coming in the future, wink wink.)

I encourage you all to visit The World Needs More Love Letters, explore the background, and discover how you can get involved.

DreamCatcher 2012: Casee Marie, The Girl Who Stole The Eiffel Tower

For the month of July, I'm so pleased to present Forelsket's latest DreamCatcher, Casee Marie! I not only been delighted to get to know Casee over the years, but also to experience her beautiful ponderings on The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower.

Name: Casee Marie

Vocation (s): Lifestyle/Fashion Blogger | Writer

In your own words: I am a DreamCatcher because...

…I have confidence in my own aspirations and my ability to see them through, and with that anything is possible. (Which is really me paraphrasing Eleanor Roosevelt when she said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Sometimes you touch on a quote that explains your idea of life and it stays with you.)

The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower has become an overnight sensation. What inspired you to jump right into the beautiful world of Fashion/Lifestyle Blogging?

Thank you! I think fashion and lifestyle were just the most accessible topics for me. I love writing first, and blogging is of course a phenomenal medium for a writer because it’s a way to instantly, freely publish your writing to the rest of the world. But we all need something to write about, and for me fashion and lifestyle just happened to be there. I think, too, I’ve always had very unconventional taste for my age – I grew into my twenties in a place where it was completely incomprehensible that a girl would want to spend a Saturday night in watching a Billy Wilder film, reading a book, writing, or listening to a Dean Martin record – so piling all of that into a blog was my way of embracing my uniqueness.

What are the challenges of becoming a 'serious blogger,' and better, what are the rewards?

The challenges come in droves, but then so do the rewards. The struggle to find your voice, to be true to yourself but also stand out in the ever-growing world of blogging is a massive challenge. Creating your brand and then sticking to it. When you can look at your blog, at the future of your blog, and see yourself, your dreams and talents - that’s when you can truly call yourself a serious blogger, regardless of the size of your blog’s audience. As for the rewards, there are plenty. Every comment, e-mail or tweet from someone who’s read my blog means so much. Working with authors to review their books is a huge privilege for me, especially when I get their responses after reading the review for the first time. One author I’ve met, Christine Nolfi, is an amazing lady who I still keep in touch with over Twitter, and when she took her novel Treasure Me from e-book to paperback she actually quoted my review on the back cover. I’ve had a lot of different experiences and opportunities with blogging, but it’s the connections like I’ve made with Christine that have been the truest rewards for me. They’re more personal and more in-tune with my ideas and aspirations.

Do you have any advice for those out there wanting to make a smash in the blogging world?

Know your strengths, but also know your limits. If you’re driven by fashion from a visual perspective, go with that and make it your own. If you want to publish fiction on a blog, do that too. But it’s monumentally important to be aware of the non-glamour of blogging. I see a lot of young girls starting fashion blogs with dreams of being courted by designers and swept off to New York for Fashion Week, but you have to have something much more inward to strive for, a personal goal of sorts, or else you’ll be disappointed. Blogging should always be about you in some way, because people want to feel like they’re getting to know someone through reading a blog. And as far as growing your blog’s readership, my advice is to find blogs that inspire you and get active on them – but make sure you truly love the blog and what you have to say is worthwhile. Find smaller blogs that match your personality and strike up conversation. You’ll make friends, and those are vital in blogging. Getting involved in a community will introduce your blog to a new group of potential readers and allow you to find like-minded writers to connect and grow with.

What are some of your other aspirations, and what steps do you take towards making your dreams a reality?

My greatest aspiration is certainly to publish one of my novels, but I’m a long way from making that happen yet. In the meantime my goal is to work on getting my writing out into the world more beyond my blog, perhaps by submitting freelance writing to magazines and other publications. The world of publishing outside the security of a blog can be quite intimidating, but it’s always important to remember that we’ll never know the industry’s response to our writing if we don’t put it out there in the first place. Like Elvis said, you have to do something worth remembering!

How do you overcome moments of doubt?

I endure. Sometimes I even struggle to do that. I think all artists experience that feeling of being very small and very simply human alongside the limitlessness of their mediums; we can be quite moody as a result. I’ve honestly lost track of the number of times I’ve come perilously close to deleting The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower from its place on the internet, to move on to something far less creative and far more systematic. There’s no time limit on doubting your artistic ability, I don’t think you ever grow out of it or reach some magical turning point. But I guess what it comes to is asking, “Deep down, would I be happy if this wasn’t in my life?” and if the answer is a resounding “No” then just keep going.

Give us your DreamCatcher Cheer: (The DreamCatcher Cheer is really an inspiring word for all of your fellow DreamCatchers out there.)

It’s not necessarily the most ground-breaking choice, but…Create. That’s probably my favorite word for motivation and inspiration. There’s no pretense and no qualifications to it. Anyone can do it, and it’s all you actually need. Whenever I’m feeling in a funk or questioning my ability within my art I remind myself that the result isn’t as important as the fact that I did what I set out to do: I created something.

Thank you so much, Casee, for sharing your insights with us! If you haven't already experienced The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower, check it out for the most elegant moments. Also, visit Casee's hub for musings on literature, Literary Inklings.

A Treatise Dipped in Dark Chocolate

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"I went into her closet. I pushed past the coats to open the safe. I moved the gun out of the way. I took a chocolate bar: Balanchine Special Dark. I put the gun back. I closed the safe."

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

What if we lived in a world where chocolate is contraband. A world that meant we all had to skulk around in hidden corners and alleyways, quietly tearing a corner wrapper of our Choxie Special Dark? What if the police could spot you on the street, and arrest you at the mere inkling, or smell of cacao on your breath? How about extra special speakeasy's planned surreptitiously in dark bars down historic side streets that once gleamed with freedom. (I would actually love that). What if the news consisted of crazed humans, eyes bloodshot for Herseys, M & Ms, dark chocolate covered Espresso beans, and glances that seem to giveaway that they know when the next chocolaty infraction will occur. How about cocoa sold by the bottle, manufactured in bathtubs hidden in secret dens somewhere, beneath cold solid buildings that we pass everyday. If you couldn't go to the store and pick up your favorite chocolate bar because the law deemed it illegal to produce, purchase, or gift, what would you do?

I write this entirely made up scenario, courtesy of being enamored by All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin, to propose a great 'what if' to the things that we take for granted. The simple things. The things we never expect to have to choose, give up, or watch in horror as they are stripped away from us. That last is an exaggeration, given the improbable scenario above, but my desire is to merely encourage you to enjoy the simple things in life. Be grateful for them, long for them, take part in them proudly, whatever they may be to you. Sure, the possibility of such an event occurring seems slim, but you never know what could happen in a blink. Celebrate everything. Love and embrace the magic of every moment. Take the time to really taste, listen, feel, touch every significant thing God brings into your life. And by all means, get out there and buy some chocolate!

This is my treatise to Dark Chocolate.

This is my treatise to summer and to YOLO (because I've only recently found out what it means.)

These are the words of a nut with a crazy imagination, enamored with others who have crazed imaginations.

Happy Summer.