Clean music is the key to life:)

                 These wonderful past few days have been dull, boring, and full of lighthearted Disney Channel movies. All of that is still an understatement. Now, why would I let two perfectly good days be like that? I have a fever, a sore, runny nose, achy limbs, and a slight cough. Plus, all of my previous energy seems to have disappeared somewhere far in the universe. However, in the past two days, I have written two songs, both with lyrics and a piano accompaniment. I don't say that boastfully, you need to keep reading.
                 Yesterday I had voice lessons for an hour. My amazing voice coach told me that it would be wise for me, in the condition that I was in, to not sing, or to sing very little. If you know me, that is nearly impossible.
                  Everyone knows the quote, " You don't know what you have until its gone." I laugh at how true that is. When I couldn't sing, I felt as if my life's happiness had been taken away from me. Dramatic, I know. But I reflect back to when I had croup when I was younger. I couldn't talk or sing or even whisper. Back then, I hadn't gotten into music quite yet. However, now music is my life. I have to sing, play the piano, or play my guitar in order to successfully release my emotions.
                 So, finally getting back to the first paragraph, I had been sitting on the couch enjoying lovely Disney Channel movies, when I was finally done; done with laughing at crude, inappropriate, not even funny jokes, and looking at how skinny all the girls were! I got up and sat on the piano, a pencil and pad of paper in my hands. It quickly became my release and my joy.
                  I sang and sang, even though I shouldn't have, and played and played, messing with the keys to get just the right sound. It was like the dark clouds were gone and angels were singing Hallelujah! Again, dramatic. Are those songs perfect? Haha, no! Don't make me laugh! But they are fun and they brought me joy.
                  That is what music is truly for. I am going to get on a spiritual note here, but Satan has turned music into a way to get his dirty, dark messages and images across. Don't forget the joy and good messages that fun, pure music can have on you. Always party hard to good, clean music. :)
                                                                  ~Smile

Dream Big!

          Have any of you ever had a dream? A dream you wanted to desperately you were willing to do anything it takes to achieve it? A dream that you watched other people live out while you sat there and clung to the hope that maybe someday....
           Well, dream big! You never know what is out there!! You don't know what sort of special qualities lie inside of you!! If you want to make it to Hollywood, who can stop you? If there is a will, there is a way!!! You are amazing! You have what it takes to achieve what ever you can dream of! Dig down deep and discover your talents! You were meant to use them to inspire other people, so don't hide it!! Be proud of who you are! You are uniquely you! As Mary Poppins puts it, you are "Practically perfect in every way!!"
          Dream outside of the box! Dream big!
                                                                     ~Smile :)

The Laura Larsen Challenge

           My family and I recently went on a small vacation up in Salt Lake and then Park City. Sunday rolled around and we couldn't shop, and we tried to refrain from spending any money. So, we all piled into the car to take a scenic drive and before we were all even buckled,  my mom pulled out these talks with a sly smile on her face. Of course, a talk was not what I preferred to listen to. She promised us that we would just listen to one. That's cool, I thought.
          Well, the talk began. It was by Hank Smith at an EFY(Especially for youth) fireside. In that talk, I found myself laughing more often than not. Towards the end, the audience quieted down, and he began to talk about this girl he knew in High School, named Laura Larsen. He said that Laura Larsen 'glowed.' She was always smiling, and saying high to people. Hank Smith asked us to take the Laura Larsen challenge. This consists of smiling, and talking/ reaching out to people who you wouldn't normally associate with. Never be rude, or make someone feel less superior to you. We are all awesome in our own ways! :)
           I ask you to take the Laura Larsen Challenge, too. See what happens to you and others. :)
                                                                     ~Smile:)

Why "Smile"?

            Smile. Why did I name this blog smile? Recently, I read an article in the newspaper regarding a young mans poor health and unlucky happenings in his past. This certain young man had every right in the world to become a negative, sad person. However, he looked beyond himself! He was positive and he still "smiled." I personally believe that however tough life can get, we can all still smile. And who knows, a simple act of service(smiling to someone) can change their world, and possible your own. So smile. :)