Mulan

A poignant quote from Disney's Mulan is, "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all."

I might be biased on how meaningful this quote is because I adore Mulan along with most other Disney movies. They are so simplistic in plot, deep in meaning, have great soundtracks, can be enjoyed by all ages and span the test of time. I relate to the above quote because I have made several mistakes in my youth that led me toward a path of trials and struggles to get back to where I should be. I am still striving toward my goals and overcoming adversities caused by a few bad decisions years ago. This quote offers hope and inspiration that what is to come will be beautiful and make me appreciate the hard times.

Thinking of how these few words are so dear to me, has me pondering what other Disney movies are filled with words of wisdom. I list below the quotes I find relevant no matter your age and exquisitely capture moments in all of our lives. Hope these encourage and inspire you:

"Always let your conscience be your guide." -Pinocchio

"A dream is a wish your heart makes when you're fast asleep. In dreams you will lose your heartache. Whatever you wish for, you keep. Have faith in your dreams, and someday, your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dreams that you wish will come true." -Cinderella

"You think the only people who are people, are the people who look and think like you. But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew you never knew." -Pocahontas

"Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming." -Nemo

"The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it." -Lion King

"Cheer up, child. It'll turn out alright in the end. You'll see." -Beauty and the Beast

"Let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen closely." -The Land Before Time

Dearest George

George Killian's Irish Red is my alcoholic beverage of choice. I love the rich flavor and how it is the perfect addition to any great conversation or delectable meal. I recently visited the website for this particular brew and found that they designed the flavor to accompany not only Slim Jim's (my personal preference) but a variety of foods. Here is an excerpt from the website that captures the full-bodied beauty of my second favorite beverage: "Fresh and light enough to quench a hot thirst, substantial enough to stand-up to a meaningful conversation. Consistently delicious and never bitter, it goes with virtually everything. In fact, if what you're eating doesn't taste good next to a George Killian's, maybe you shouldn't be eating it."

Through my adult years I have tried a variety of drinks to find the one that compliments not only my lifestyle, but my personality and tastes as well. And George Killian's Irish Red is that drink. My first taste of Killian's was several years ago when my friend Almo let me bum a beer. It was love at first sip and I've been a beer girl ever since. Long Island Ice Teas used to be my drink of choice (and they are still top 5) but after Killian's entered my life I was a changed woman and couldn't place any drink but Dr. Pepper above my beloved.

The reason I glowingly reference Killian's is because we've been through so much together. We've stayed up til 4am discussing deep philosophy, we've laughed and cried at well crafted films, we've had a quiet evenings alone snuggled up with a book, and we've had a couple rambunctious adventures, too. I take the sentiment of it going with all foods one step further in stating that it goes with all occasions as well. George has been my buddy through thick and thin. That is not to say I use alcohol to cope or that I drown sorrows in beer. It is to say that George has been the perfect addition to already meaningful moments.

Have you ever noticed how the last few people at a party are always deep in conversation and content to remain in that stand still state for hours on end. I credit Killian's (and other factors) to playing a role. Taking in a savory drop of beer lets you have a moment with your thoughts to contemplate that last comment made and think of an eloquent concept to send back to your avid listeners. It allows you a few moments to just soak in the glow of a bonfire and appreciate good friends and great moments. You are in no hurry to retire to bed because deep issues are being resolved and discussed in this moment and Killian's slows down the moment so you appreciate what you are a part of enough to stay a few more minutes. It lets your guard down just enough that you are willing to be honest and forth-coming and therefore have a real and meaningful conversation without the falsity of fitting into society's definitions holding you back.

What I'm trying to say is that alcohol isn't always a negative thing or an enemy. Often times it accentuates an evening so perfectly that you think of all the times prior that were equally monumental and thank God for the leisure time. All things when used in moderation and in the proper setting are wonderful. George Killian's is no exception and goes a step further by actually improving upon an already great moment. That is why when I drink beer I drink George Killian's Irish Red. And while I'm not the most interesting man in the world, I am somewhat interesting and having a great time with good friends.

Salvation

No, this is not a religious post as the title might lead you to assume. Do I even need to tell you what happens when you assume? I didn't think so.

Back to the original purpose of writing this, The Avett Brothers and another one of their songs I absolutely love and couldn't live without. I am starting to consider them in the running for my favorite band. They are definitely top 5 material currently.

The song I am referring to is "Salvation Song" off their album Mignonette. This song, like many other Avett Brothers' songs, really captures my attention with its lyrics. I enjoy most types of music, but I truly cherish artists that consider the meaning behind their lyrics. Those that actually put emotion into their songs and draw from personal and real life experiences as opposed to just writing superficial bull shit and adding a catchy beat. Although those songs are typically more fun to dance to, they lack the depth I'm looking for in my music.

Personal preference and opinion aside, I'll let the lyrics of "Salvation Song" speak for themselves. I have included the verses that stood out most to me below:

And if your love laughs at your dreams

Well it's not as bad as it seems

Either way one of them has got to go

And if you take of my soul

You can still leave it whole

With the pieces of your own you leave behind

Wow. A good song is one that makes you think about the meaning of the lyrics and appreciate the duality of different stanzas. A great song is one that illustrates your personal thoughts and experiences in eloquent ways you couldn't describe yourself. When I have an "aha" moment during or after a song and immediately think to write down the lyrics because I can't imagine a better way to phrase something, that is when I know I am experiencing a great song that I will enjoy many times over. "Salvation Song" is a great song because we have all had bittersweet relationships where the last three lines mentioned above ring completely true.

The Avett Brothers and Bob Dylan are my go to bands for fall because they are meaningful and a little soulful. That combination goes great with a hot chocolate, a good book, or even to make writing that paper seem a little less tedious and mundane. Do yourself and your ears a favor and add "Salvation Song" to your fall playlist. Let the music resound in your soles as you stroll amongst the leaves in the crisp autumn air.

(And yes, I meant to spell soles as I did. I'm talking about your feet people. But then again, you could use souls as well because, after all, it is called "Salvation Song")

Washington D.C.

Wow, where do I even begin? I just experienced one of the most fun weekend adventures of my life and there is so much to share. I'll only include part of the excitement so as to preserve space and time. This trip came about very randomly; I was so hyped when Jon Stewart announced his rally and Stephen Colbert followed with his march announcement. My little heart was aflutter. Then my bestie, Maegers, said she'd always wanted to go back to D.C. to enjoy an adult perspective of the history within this city. I eagerly accepted her as my travel partner and more so, partner in crime.

Our adventure began early Thursday morning (about 6am) and if you know anything about me, you realize this is pretty much 4 to 6 hours before my average wake up time. None the less, I was pumped and ready to go. We arrived in the capitol around 11 and met our great and gracious friend, Jessie, for a quick bite to eat before heading to her house to drop off our luggage, change into dresses (it was 78 degrees), and trek to the ZOO. I do love a good zoo regardless of the city. After the zoo, we toured Georgetown and Dupont for a few hours. In Dupont there was a really neat bookstore/bar/restaurant and one of the most brilliant ideas I've ever heard of, if I do say so myself. I loved it so much, probably because books and beer are two of my favorite things!

Friday was our official tourist day. We woke up extra early to avoid the crowds and shivered our way from monument to monument. The highlight of my morning had to be the Albert Einstein Memorial. I am a huge fan of his and love anything to do with him.

After hanging out and chatting about relativity for a bit, we moved onward to the museums. The Museum of National History was my favorite, but they were all enjoyable. We concluded the day by meeting up with our friends, Will, Jade, and Zach, for some delicious pizza at We the Pizza (amazing food and beer on Pennsylvania Avenue). If you are ever in the area, you should make the trip to this place for deliciously cheap pizza.

Saturday was RALLY DAY and a most glorious day. We headed to the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear and enjoyed all the fun and creative signs and costumes while waiting for it to begin. The rally was filled with tons of great guests and loads of hilarity. My favorite part was the intense debate toward the end that resulted in Colbert melting and being drug off stage by John Oliver. Overall, it was one of my favorite events and Sir Dr. Stephen T. Colbert D.F.A. estimated a crowd of around 6 billion in attendance. At the end, Stewart gave a sincere and nicely articulated speech. His sentiment really summarized the importance of each individual and the intention of the rally, which was to encourage average, everyday people to get out and take responsibility. We have the power to change the channel, go to the polls and vote, and take an active roll in our country. Also, to not be a douche. That was the essential message. After waiting for the mass exodus to mellow out, we headed to Union Station for a scenic dinner and then hopped on the metro to relax and catch some z's.

Sunday funday was for travel. Our early flight touched down in Atlanta and then we headed our separate ways. I to Murfreesboro and Maegsy to Athens. My drive back was filled with great music, windows down, and beautiful weather. I had a wonderful weekend and would recommend D.C. as a great and inexpensive vacation spot to any and everyone. I'll end with a poignant quote from the rally:

"If we amplify everything, we hear nothing."

-Jon Stewart