Whoa...

Hey everyone...it's been awhile SORRY! Life has been crazy stressful lately. But I will try and catch everyone up. So here we go with the life of the Young and the Restless.....

Well the month of November has seemed to pass us by:

With working A LOT like usual, Soul Choir practices and gigs, Writers nights, Trying to learn more and more about PR/Marketing, my own gigs, and the holiday---the month of November flew by.

Work has been great. You know the ups and downs of working--sometimes you love it and sometimes you hate it---well got to do it cause my loan repayment starts this month. YAY the JOYS of being an adult. Who ever said that this was what I wanted??? hahahahaha. I just wish that I could win the lottery like so many other people wish for :)

Soul Choir--it's been a blessing. I love Soul Choir with all my heart. And I love all the people in it. We got another chance to bless the Mission for the homeless---and that was amazing. Music ministry (in my opinion) is the most powerful ministry out there. People are just touched by the messages through these songs. It is the most priceless moments to watch another person's life change right in front of you. If you ever get the chance---I would recommend changing a person's life----or at least try :)

I had a writer's night with Brandon and Jeff...that was so wonderful. I am surrounded by some of the best musicians/ writers. It is so nice to be able to learn from them. I even played one of my guitar songs--WHOA I know....going CRAZY!!! hhahahahah.

The PR/ Marketing stuff....going good. Learning more and more everyday. Maybe someday I'll be really good at it. :) They are trying to teach me so much--which I am very grateful for.

My own gigs---Played for the youth down here at church (which was life changing as well). They are such wonderful young people--and have a lot to offer. I played at the Grand Saloon as well---which was amazing. I had such wonderful musicians playing with me that night as well.

And let's not forget the holiday----Thanksgiving!!! Man I have so much to be thankful for. Family, Friends, a Man who loves me, takes care of me, and protects me through every struggle and good time, warmth and a roof over my head, my gifts and talents, a God that LOVES me no matter what---and will ALWAYS be there when I need him, and so many, many more things.

I have other pics....but these will do for now :)

Well...up next: work..more work...playing music...having some fun...and the rest will fall into place :) Think about where God has planted you....and why?

crazy busy!

What to say.........what's been happening on the Young and the Restless? Been Busy! hahahaha. Well let's just say that I have been playing with several people here lately and it has been a BLAST! I have been having so much fun! Got to travel a little and share quality time with musicians that mean the world to me. The musicians that I have gotten a chance to play with, and the ones that I am just meeting with to play in their band...they are so wonderful. Great musicians. And I've gotten other opportunities from those amazing musicians. We will see where all those opportunities go :)

My EP project is almost done. Waiting for the mastering to get finished and then ship it off. I will let you all know when it is finished :) Super excited! Allen and I have been working really hard on this project---yes it's taken a little longer than expected; however, it has been a great learning experience and a great project to work on. Stay tuned for that :)

I've been working A LOT! Man who knew the blind and little kids could make a person so tired...hahahaha ;) I've been trying to get everything in order---cause let's just say that loans for school are coming up rather quickly....AHHHHH!!!! Anyhoo, working....it's been a lot of fun too. I've made some new friends that are just wonderful and who I have been learning a lot about life from. They are truly amazing individuals.

Well not gonna lie to you all---life has been stressful! Trying to book shows, practice with other bands, keep track of the EP getting done, and working....oh man---lots of stress. I'm trying really hard to find time to sleep and get in some social time---cause if I didn't...I would go crazy without seeing people. Just praying a lot and doing what I feel is best for my life. That's all I really can do. Well until next time: Learn to truly love....for that is one of life's greatest gifts.

and life continues....

Hey everyone! Long time from the Young and the Restless I know...sorry about that. Wanted to tell everyone that I am doing great. I'm getting to play out a lot, which has been nice. Got my chance to play at the famous Tootsies a couple of weeks ago---which was awesome! For those of you who don't know...Tootsies is a famous bar downtown here. I've been playing keys/singing backgrounds for a couple bands here recently as well. They are friends of mine which is even better. One of the bands is getting to do some traveling---which I am super stoked about!!! I had my first real show for my own stuff the other day which was amazing! I had a blast....and I'll put some pics up for you guys to see. It was just the most fun I have ever had! AND I got to share the stage with one of my dear friends' Blessing---who did a set after me. I have never been so stoked for anything in my life...I had a BLAST! So SO SO much fun! This week I got to organize and help run Soul Choir auditions. Tough job--let me tell ya. Trying to keep everyone happy and answering questions for everyone, along with trying to have the auditions go smoothly....I am TIRED! hahahahaha....helping organize and run an event is tough---glad that I got the experience though...might come in handy someday. :) You just never know what God has in store for our lives. That is one thing that I have really been trying to do lately is have more Faith. Faith that God will show me and direct my way. Faith that when I step out onto that "ledge" that I will not fall face first. Faith that there is a reason I am here. Faith that when I pray, and I turn that prayer into trusting action, that something is going to happen. I keep on saying that life hasn't started, and someone very wise told me that this is life...life has started for you. If this is not what you want...change it. So I am trying to keep my dreams alive...at least for this very moment in time....When it's all said and done...I want to say that I gave it everything that I had. AND that my faith was strong while doing it. This is a tough road that I am on right now---I will admit that my path choice is NOT easy. Why did I chose it? Answer: because I don't know what else I would do that would make me have the same joy in my heart. I have not figured out what else would give me that same joy and passion--and I guess until then....this is the road that I have chosen---and I have to believe that I can stick it out---at least for this year.

"I have to believe, he sees my darkness-I have to believe that
he knows my pain- I have to declare that he is my refuge-I have to deny that I
am alone..."

"He said that he is forever faithful, He said that he is forever
true, He said that he can move mountains--if he can move mountains, he can move
my mountain and he can move your mountain too..."

"I have to stand tall when the wind blows me over- I have to
stand strong when I'm weak and afraid- I have to sing praise when the hour is
midnight- He unlocks these chains that bind up my soul---------He's got
everything under control......."

Until next time.....Count your blessings! What are you thankful for today?

What have we learned???.....

Wow hello again. How I have missed thee :) Welcome to the rants and happenings of my life. It has been awhile since we have spoken with one another...Let me try and fill you in on life. I had a soul choir(the gospel/r&b group i'm in) gig a couple of weeks ago at the prison. WOW! That was an experience let me tell ya. I have never been more excited and scared in my life....hahaha. We sang great and let me say...we touched some souls that evening. Which was awesome. We glorified the Lord singing and we spoke his word to people and touched them. I witnessed lives changing in the rows in front of me. What a wonderful, blessed experience I had the chance to be a part of. I loved every minute of it. :)

Wes and I have been together for 4 years. Which isn't that crazy. hahaha....however, I have learned that our love CAN make it through anything. Which that is an amazing thought :) We celebrated last week when I was with him...and let me just say that I have never been more excited to see him in my life. hahaha....I was so giddy---we had a BLAST together!!!!!!! I just keep on loving him more and more everyday....which makes the missing him part get worse too.

I got a chance to record with Allen as well....making the project 90% complete. We have a few finishing touches left on it...then off to mastering. YAY! I'm gonna be soooooo excited when it's all done. We put strings on one of the songs which sounds great. AnnaGrace did an amazing job with her parts.

Started a new job last week....brings the count up to 3 jobs now. Don't cha just wish that you could have this experience....hahaha. But you prolly should wish that you get this one...I'm a driver for the blind which is amazing!! I love it. The people I have met have been amazing. God has really put me in new directions as a person...and it's pretty cool...if I do say so myself. :)

Practiced with Matt on thursday....gotta say---not our best practice...but that's ok...the one we had this week before the gig was amazing! We had a gig in town here last night...and the band was amazing! It was fun.

Last friday I got the chance to go home. That was MUCH NEEDED! I was in desperate need of family, friends, and WES time!!! It's crazy how much I miss everyone. Everyday it feels like a little piece of my heart gets ripped out. hahaha ;) A little dramatic I KNOW....but for the most part true. I guess I've always been a little bit of a home-body...even for camps--I never wanted mom to leave me....hahha. I know that this is a great growing experience for me...and I have learned soooo much about myself and how I work...and what I really want. Got a chance to have some heart to hearts with the family...and had some of the most amazing talks with Wes. Him and I both knew that this trip was needed. We both kept saying, "I'm so glad that you're/I'm home....I needed this." Which we both did. And I needed it double time cause family is also involved. :) And I got to see Andrew and Shawna's new puppy...his name is RALLY....super cute!!! I love my new furry nephew...hahaha.

Came back...did a show last night...talked with some booking agents for my OWN stuff...hopefully that will all work itself out. I'm Praying really hard for that. Well I'm going out...so until next time--Go listen to Marvin Gaye...cause he has soothed my soul and I know that he will do the same for you :)

And the weekend begins...

Hello all and welcome....Previously on the Young and the Restless---we followed Hana and Wes to Megan and Eric's wedding in KY, and the stories of the life of a recently graduated young adult.
Scene up: We now see Hana in her more day to day lifestyle. And action:

So what has been happening in the past week of so...First off...finished accompanying summer lessons...which is always nice to the paycheck and the learning experiences that come from voice lessons. I was also told that I would make a great college voice professor...hahaha...maybe someday :) I've been personal training with Briley a lot lately...which is great for the money and the company. She is one of the coolest people that I know. Praise Report: Briley got me a driver job for a blind friend of hers that is working on a new project. Her friend goes into blind people's homes and teaches them the art of living by themselves, reading braille better, and other personal things that any person would need to know in their own home/town. So I talked with her the other day--and she seems really amazing. I get to meet her and her son sometime this weekend.

I have been practicing a lot as well...what else is new right. We finally got to practice at SIR on thursday which was a blessing. For those who don't know: SIR is an equipment rental place/ rehearsal space...great sound, full PA, stage, and other necessities that a band should have. All in all...great rehearsal. I LOVE my band mates!!! They are the bomb diggity!!! And all super awesome musicians. The singer dude might need some help cause he hasn't really sang with a band in awhile---but hopefully that will all work itself out.

Tonight I had a gig with the Soul Choir. We sang for the prisons...that was cool. Both female and male inmates. God was working and the Holy Spirit was present. It was a great night! I had a blast.

Tomorrow: Wes and I have an anniversary...which we will be celebrating next week...YAY! Recording with Allen...which I am SUPER excited about!!! Finally gonna try and wrap this project up. Willing and Ready to make that happen. Sunday: Church, maybe a nap(cause I am exhausted), and Soul choir practice.

Well not a whole lot more to say: Food for thought though....If you were stranded on an island for a year and could only take ONE song with you (that you could play over and over again)...what song would it be??? :) Have fun with that!

Already August

Wes and I at Megan and Eric's rehearsal dinner :)

The cake:)

The outdoor tent and plantation where the reception was held

Above: the first dance

Megan looking beautiful at her reception

Megan and Eric's party before the wedding required silly hats:)

Wes and I at Megan's reception

Wow! It's already here...the month of August. The time where summer is coming to a close, kiddos go back to school (not me anymore-insert smile on the face), and weddings are in the air. Well my friend Megan just got married! August 1st...way to get the month started :) What has happened since the last time we have spoken to one another???? My momma came to town--which was super AWESOME! We hung out, lounged by the pool, made food, did Soul Choir stuff, and just gallivanted around this great city. We had the best time...we always do:) Next on the list, PRACTICE and more PRACTICE. I tell ya---sometimes practice just gets old---but then I think about how it will pay off later on in my life...hopefully it will soon! That's what I'm praying for.

Wes came down and hung out with me for this past week...and let me tell you that was WONDERFUL!!! :) Our relationship gets stronger every time we are together. It was so nice just to be with him...not having to do anything specific...just doing what we wanted, when we wanted. I love talking with him, he is so smart. He came to the wedding with me in KY and that was so great. We laughed, we danced, and we just enjoyed each other. :) Great time, great time!!!

Up next for the time being, more practice, accompanying people, personal training, personal assisting, and doing anything else to make money. Trying so hard to stay above water. It's tough being a grown up sometimes. Prayer request: I sent in a packet of things to apply for a piano playing job at a hotel. Please pray that I get the job...it would be sooo wonderful. Until Next time:" Eat ice cream....cause the simple things are always good!"

More of life...

So this past weekend was Megan's Bachelorette party in KY. SOOOOOO much fun! Couldn't have asked for a better weekend...both weather wise and people wise. We just had a blast. One of the bridesmaides parents own a big cabin by the lake. That was so much fun.

On monday, I started back up with guitar lessons. Ryan from the band is giving me lessons. Trying to get my chops back--hahaha=) I'm singing with one of my old friends from college in her senior recital. I'm super pumped!!! It sounds great. The band sounds great---she sounds great...all in all a wonderful senior recital.

Had practice with Matt last night. Which I thought went really well considering it was the first rehearsal that we all got to bring our real instruments. We have been doing acoustic practices--which is fine--but it was nice to have the full band sound last night. I like playing with all the guys. They are super talented and a wonderful bunch to hang around with. I'm sooooo glad that they fell into my life. Regardless of if this goes anywhere or not...I gotten some great contacts and some wonderful friendships. (Which to me is the most important thing)...I mean don't get me wrong--would I like to make lots of money playing music--hell yeah I would--but the relationships that one makes along this journey called life--is WAY more important.

Well of to see/be in recitals today....enough blabber....but until next time: Have you ever thought about how ridiculous a person looks when he/she is trying to hear themselves sing in a loud room? Think about it--one hand on the ear, one hand trying to make the microphone be properly centered, squinty eyes, and usually some sort of body bending. hahaha. Believe me I have prolly had my fair share of hand in the ear technique; however in my opinion, it is always good to laugh at yourself after doing it (or someone else will). Just some food for thought....haha.