Katrina Fricke: Little Sister and Musician

My littlest sister Katrina is a very talented musician. She is a singer/songwriter who has been writing her own songs for years now. This past week I spent a few days with my family in Canada and took the opportunity to capture some pictures of Katrina and film her very first video for her brand new YouTube channel. It had started snowing, and I just love the feeling the slowly falling snowflakes gave the images. I also created a logo for her and a cool header image with some of the pictures we took. 

I am really proud of the woman she is becoming, and I can't wait to see where her music takes her. 

Here is her logo and header image. 

And these are my favorite pictures. She doesn't look 16 years old, does she? She is so beautiful, inside and out. I'm proud to be her big sister. 

And I am so excited to share with you her very first YouTube video: a country version cover of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off." Such a unique take on the song. 

Please subscribe to her YouTube channel, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter. We've got a lot of great stuff coming in the near future, including some of her amazing original material. 

These 5 songs

Songs have always been a huge part of my life which made today’s prompt totally up my alley. But there was no way I could narrow it down to 5 songs for my whole life, or even for my whole marriage. So I picked 5 songs from my childhood to share with you today. Each one has a special story… Take a listen with the playlist I’ve included.

O Siem by Susan Aglukark
I first heard this song when I was about 7 in a car with a dear old friend named Marg. She had Susan’s album on tape and was sharing it with us as we were driving back from a morning in service. I remember instantly being drawn to the sound of her voice and the drums. Those drums are something special. I asked Marg if I could borrow the tape, made a copy of it for myself and listened to it till it died. I recently bought the album on CD from Amazon and have loved falling in love with the songs again. The video for this song is amazing!

Navajo Rug by Ian Tyson
My dad introduced me to Ian Tyson when I was young and I have these vivid memories of us singing his songs together on road trips. Navajo Rug was my favorite one. I love the imagery of it and the classic country music story telling. I got to see Ian Tyson live a few years ago when he came to the Summerland Music Festival. He sang this song on request for us. One of my favorite memories.

Blame It On the Weatherman by B Witched
B*Witched is a group of 4 girls from Ireland and their CD was the very first one I ever bought myself. So totally 90’s! The album was full of fun bubbly fun songs that still make me smile to hear. This one is a little sad and melancholy, but I was 12 years old and beginning my moody stage (oh to be a pre-teen), so this one has stuck with me.

 The Animal Song by Savage Garden
Savage Garden was on constant repeat in my disk-man when I was growing up. I remember road trips listening to them, and sitting with my cousins eating sunflower seeds in the summertime listening to them. Their music always made me feel something. This one is a favorite for sure…the lyrics still resonate in my wanna-be gypsy soul. So full of that real life stuff that I just love.

Dr. Jones by Aqua
You cannot talk about music from the 90’s without including Aqua! Seriously. lol. I had all their CD’s and remember listening to them on the bus ride to and from school. The reason I chose this particular song from them is because this is one of the first songs I made my siblings do a choreographed dance to! I was a pretty bossy older sister, and this is one of the things I used to make them do: dance. I can’t help but smile when I think of the little shows we used to perform and dancing together at parties. We had a lot of fun together… well I had fun. I don’t know about them. ;)

Music is so universal. I’m glad that its been such a huge part of my life, helping me process my emotions growing up and feeling like I wasn’t so alone as a teenager. I love sharing memories around music with my family. And I love that its such a huge part of who Chris is too, and that we can share that as our own family now. I can’t wait to go exploring everyone else’s posts today and hopefully discover some new favorite songs!

What are songs you remember from your childhood?

“Blog Every Day in May” challenge. Day 29: Five songs or pieces of music that speak to you or bring back memories.

Song on repeat

My favorite singing competition show, The Voice, has started back up again and I couldn’t be happier. I just love the concept for the show and listening to all the amazing voices these singers have.

Last week’s episode had one of my very favorite auditions ever. Sarah Simmons sang “One of Us” a song by Joan Osborn. I remember the very first time I heard that song and have loved it ever since…but I’ve never heard it like this girl sang it. Chills and goose bumps and inspiration. Killer! I just had to share it and save it here.

This girl makes me wanna sing! I am looking forward to watching her on the show this season and hopefully taking it to the end. Favorite for sure.

Do you watch The Voice?
Who is your favorite so far?
Do you like how they switched up the coaches?

Songs on Repeat

Music is a huge part of how I celebrate the everyday. I love discovering new artists and songs and learning the words to my favorites. Here are three songs I’ve had on repeat lately.

A cover of “Call Me Maybe” by Ben Howard. I wish this was the original version!

“Little Talks” by Of Monsters and Men. This gets stuck in my head all the time…in a good way. All their songs are pretty great.

“Home” by Phillip Phillips. We only caught a little of this season of American Idol before we turned off our TV, but he was my favorite early on. I think his voice is so special.

What other songs should I be listening to?
What is your favorite song on repeat?
Help me add to my playlist!

music that made me smile

this made me so happy today. I was caught by the melody, the images and the message.  watch and smile.

keep your head up... keep your heart strong...

   
Keep Your Head Up - Ben Howard from mickey smith on Vimeo.

Little Miss Momma: Giveaway Winner!

I have something fun to share today. Thank-goodness! ;) 

A couple months ago one of my favorite bloggers Ashely of Little Miss Momma did a super fun post about Brooke White and did a giveaway of a signed copy her latest collaboration album Jack and White's Gemini.  

I was so excited to see the post and to get a chance to learn a little bit more about Brooke.  If you don't know who she is, I first learned of her through American Idol where she came in 5th place in the seven season.  I fell in love with her voice then and voted for her every week.  Now she is making music and having fun with her Girls With Glasses show.  So of course I commented on this post and entered the giveaway....

AND I WON!!  

Ashley was so sweet and commented on my blog to let me know I'd won.  And then yesterday I got my signed cd and a gift from Ashley's shop in the mail. 

I just love the ring I got.  Ashley has some adorable things like this in her shop.  Check it out HERE. 

So far I've listened to the cd like 7 times all the way through and my favorite track is the last one called "Feathers."  You can listen, download and learn more about Jack and White on their website HERE. 

That is happy something today.  And let me tell you, I sure needed it.  Road trippin tonight to stay with my parents for the weekend in our huge rental Yukon, and I'm sure this cd will be on repeat.  

Thanks Ashely and thanks Brooke.  You made my day. 

rolling in the deep

Here is a little confession for you:  I am a huge Adele fan.  And her newest album just blows me away.  Her first single off the new album is "Rolling in the Deep."  Amazing beat and catchy melody.  Its a favorite "driving in the car with the windows down" song for sure!

But lately I have stumbled across some amazing covers of her song, and I wanted to share a couple today.


This is an a capella cover where the singer does all the sounds for the whole song using just his voice.  AMAZING!!


This is the super cute and super talented Maddi Jane. Love this video!


And here is Linkin Park doing the cover live. My favorite part is when the audience sings along. Chills!


This is the ever fabulous John Legend. I love the tone of his voice.


And to finish up, the amazing Adele herself. This is the very first video I saw of her doing anything from her newest album and its still a favorite. On a windy rooftop, with just a lapel mic and just a guitar for accompaniment. She blows me away!

Do you love Adele? What is your favorite song??

busy week

this has been such a busy week.  this house this is HAPPENING!!  we signed papers yesterday (Tuesday) and get the keys to our new house on Thursday.  And we have been completely packed and ready for like 2 weeks.  I mean literally:  2 forks, 2 spoons and some TP, READY!  lol.  I have pictures to share from along the way this week, but I'm going to do everything in one big post!

for today though, I wanted to share some clips of singers I just loved from the new show The Voice.  Its a cool singing competition with a unique twist... the coaches pick who they want to work with based on voice alone.

here are a couple of my favorites from last night's show.







did you watch it?? who are your favorites??
I'll be back soon with a full "In Search of a Home" post. 
Thanks for all your comments and support!

inspired

lately i have found myself completely inspired by videos.  videos of all shapes and colors.  some visually inspiring, some with inspiring words, others with perfect music.

the ever talented jasmine*


the making of the threadsence lookbook. swoon!


so cute and so very true!


this 3 1/2 year old boy doing the bible reading from the book of Esther. this made me tear up. reminded me of my younger brother micah.


ok, so apparently you have to be a friend of mine on facebook so see this, but its too cute to remove. add me to take a peek!! :)

what's inspiring you lately??

music love

some songs and videos that made me smile lately.  im in the mood for new music.  have some you'd like to share??

first one comes courtisy of the new album i've been listing to: Steel Magnolia.  this song is cute, and i *heart* the karaoke scene. imagine that! ;)



the second is a band called Oh Land.  amazing vocals.  found via: ilikenicethings. 


Oh Land- Wolf & I (Live) from Oh Land Music on Vimeo.

lastly one of my favorites ever: Adele and a live performance of one of my favorite songs off her new album 21  (im soooo excited for it to come out.  the 22nd is the US release date)



enjoy some music on this wonderful wednesday. :)

music lover

I find myself completely and unabashedly inspired by music.  im always humming something, or have a song stuck in my head.  music seeps into my pictures and my words.  and lately i've been on the hunt for new or "re"newed music.  here are some of my favorites.

first of all is the amazingly talented and delicately sweet Amy Seeley.  her voice is like smooth caramel and lace.  i adore her.  i have been a fan of hers for awhile now, and am soooo excited to really submerge myself into her new album:  Plum Coulee.  find all the details about it HERE.
but i want to share a video of her singing.  i would love to hear her live one day...


next i was to share a dilectible duo called First Aid Kit.  they are two girls from Sweeden whose voices melt together like magic.  i wish i could find someone to sing with like this.  i've been a fan of theirs for about a year, but just saw this video of theirs that was posted a couple months ago.  visually stunning and unique.  its called: Ghost Town.



and now that i have shared my music inspiration the sun is shining through the fog outside my window.  though i cannot feel the warmth, it is touching my heart. 

king of anything

this video found me today...and i love it.  i love the song and the message behind it so much.  it speaks to me.  especially these lyrics:

all my life i've tried to make everybody happy while i just hurt and hide waiting for someone to tell me its my turn to decide

this is what i have on repeat today. enjoy. :)

she & him

this little gem made me smile today.
i adore she & him.
her voice is just too cute.



here's hoping our hula hoop dance will be just as cool!!!
;) (more on that soon!!)

childhood memories

memories are some of my most precious possessions. i guess that is probably something easily recognizable about me... i'm a scrapbooker, right?! but sometimes things just hit me in the gut and drag me back to a time and place i remember and love. i get tingles and a smile creeps up on my face. music does that to me many times. and today i want to share one of those music memory moments with you.

her name is Susan Aglukark and she is an Inuit from northern canada. her voice is hauntingly sweet and memorable. i had a dream a few nights ago that included this scene from her video of the ice wall being broken down. and it just hit me... i need to find that CD. but i could not for the life of me remember her name. i asked my mum, i talked to friends, i searched and searched online but could not find her. but then i had a memory moment...

i remembered when i was little and would go up north to visit my dad in smithers, bc canada. we had good friends who had this album and she would play it loud from the house on warm summer days. so i sent her a message on facebook, and she remembered the artist's name!! this seriously made my day. so i've been listening to the songs online, ordered the cd, and also have a video i want to share with you!



thank you for taking this little journey with me.
it makes me happy today. and sometimes we need to hold on tight to the little things that make us happy!
xoxo

*incomplete lullaby*

a sweet song and cool video....wanted to share.

i love my phone even more now!!!

today i figured out how to sync it with my computer and add music to it!! YAY! now i can take it to they gym with me and not have to listen to their music. :) that's great news!!
so what am i listening to, you ask??

-well, adele, but that's kinda a given right now! lol
-i've got pink's new album...funhouse. its seriously awesome! one that you can listen to over and over on repeat. great mix of ballads and dance tracks. i luv her voice.
-david cook. last season's American Idol winner. great album! (anyone else excited about this season?? seems to be a lot of talent!)
-toby lightman. never heard of her?? check her out! i've got two of her albums. kinda folky popish. great lyrical content and inspiring!
-beyonce' single ladies. cuz you've gotta have it for workin out. great dance track!
-ashlee simpson. just cuz i *heart* her. always have...probably always will.

that's all i've added so far.
so i'm needing some good "work out" songs.
any suggestions?? help me out ladies!!

concert photos!!

this is me and my friend marta. the trip and concert were her trip. she's so awesome, and we had such a blast together!! she even let me borrow her shirt to wear, which you can't see here very well, but i loved it! :D
thanks again girlie!!

Adele seriously rocked! i can't believe she's only 20 years old. she's an old soul i think. amazing voice and great stage presence. we had a lot of fun! i will go see adele again anytime...hopefully the next time she comes to washington! we're so there!

<3

great news
& an update

the computer is back and SO AM I!!!
yay! i missed the online world so much... all my friends, and the inspiration.
so glad to be back!

so i guess its time for some updates!!

1. the Adele concert
was amazing!! she seriously blew me away. fun little venue that made the concert up close and personal. and she won 2 grammy's on sunday! GO GIRL!!
i have pictures, but they won't upload. :( i will share them as soon as i can.

2. the SUPERBOWL
we went over to our friend's marta and erich's for a party. there were so many people there, it was a total blast. we didn't really have a team we were going for, but close games are so much fun to watch!
good friends, good food, good football!!

3. the computer
turns out there was over 1800 viruses on this baby! the computer guy said it was the second worse he's ever seen. yikes! its still not recognizing the printer, so i have to take it back to him over the weekend, but he should be able to figure it out soon.

4. a month worth of diyptchs
so the only posts i've made recently are from the project that dani and i are doing together. it has seriously been so much fun creating with her. i've got a few more days to post, but i will get to that later. you can also see all of them on my Flickr.

5. movies
i've seen some good movies recently. i don't usually post about what i watch because i don't want to offend or stuble anyone, but there are some really good ones out right now. :)

• YES man was hysterical. i think my mom would even like it!
• 'he's just not that into you' as good as i hoped it would be. awesome mix of actors and a fun twist on the typical "love story" totally going again ASAP!
• inkheart was pretty cute. i went with some young girls from the hall. we had a good time.
  
• seven pounds. sad and perfect. <3

i wanted to see bride wars but missed it. just have to wait for that one on video. :)

6. the boy
so he got the job with the school distict driving bus, but he's actually only a substitute for now. there is hopes of a full time route opening up next school year, but that means its not really steady pay. and he only gets paid once a month, so things are REALLY TIGHT right now. food bank~ here we come.
he also got really sick last tuesday. like seriously sick. he hasn't been this sick since i've known him. i was pretty worried. also snorting zicam and taking vitamin C like theres no tomorrow. but alas, i just can't stay away from him and caught a bit of the bug too. started yesterday morning. today is a bit better. i can swallow without grimasing.
we're planning on going to wenatchee this weekend. chris has tux fittings for the wedding in may. excited!
he is also working on stuff with his band again. they're thinking of doing a gig for the grant county fair in august. he even started lyrics on a new song today!! :D

i am so in love with him!

7. family
my sister megan is officially living in australia!!! i'm so proud of her. she called me last week and sounded so good. she seems to have got in with a good group of people and is enjoying service and meetings. she called to tell me about a good service experience! :)
micah seems to be doing good way up in northern alberta. we talk a lot, and i'm really glad. i miss him sooooo much. we're planning on getting together sometime this summer. i can't wait!
little katrina won gold at her last figure skating competition. i'm sorry i missed it hun! i'm really proud of her.

8. and me
well, like i said above, i'm seriously sick today.
actually amazed at how much i wrote! haha.
there is probably a lot more i'm not remembering. but i'm back, so i can post about it later.
i'm so glad to be back!!!

i've missed you all.
so tell me what's new!!??
<3