Music beyond Genre

What is your favorite genre of music?

I have never had a proper understanding of the different genres of music. In fact for a long time, I did not even know that there were different genres.

My mom and sister love listening to music so I never was a stranger to it. Add to that the fact that I was 5 when I first joined the junior choir, it was a natural progression that I would develop an interest in music of my own.

My music interest started with gospel music. Closer to my teens I developed my interest in music separate from my family. Though I was not aware of it at that time I believe that I automatically divert towards “Pop” music.

Though pop music has always been my top choice that spans across languages. I have ventured into other genres like R&B, Blues, Hip-hop, rock etc..

I love exploring new music and listening to artists from different regions. Music is my daily requirement now. I listen to music when I work, when I study, when I cook even at times when I sleep. Genres have never restricted my choice or interest in music and I hope that I continue to love music in its many forms.

Count them Off

Five things that make me happy…

I can find happiness in almost anything if I put my mind to it. Unfortunately, I am tuned to always search out the worst case scenarios.

If the questions was about people the answer is easy, my family and friends make me happy. But when I am on my own there are few things that can bring a smile to my face-

  1. Writing – Always close to my heart. My venting option when I have no shoulders to rely on. My most cherished companion, the keeper of my darkest secrets.
  2. Drawing – Stress buster. No matter whatever the situation when I need to calm myself down all I need is a pencil and paper and the world just slows down.
  3. Singing- Well, music makes most people happy. I don’t really think this needs an explanation.
  4. Reading – The gateway to the worlds of imaginations. The world of books are so fascinating. Anything is possible and I think even today even after I am an adult I still believe in the possibility of magic because of the many books I have read.
  5. My stationery collection – As an avid stationary collector, seeing the different items I have collected over the years definitely makes me happy.
Daily writing prompt
What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?

Play any Instrument

I admire musicians, amateurs or professionals it doesn’t matter. I believe that being able to make music is truly a blessing from God above.

I stand in awe, when I see someone play an instrument. I wish that I could be as good as them. I want to be able to understand notes when I play them be it on any instrument. Just imagine being a music prodigy, you can make any sort of music you want. How I wish I could be one!

Daily writing prompt
What’s a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had?

Just Me, Myself and I

My ideal day… Now that is something I always think about. Let’s start from the beginning.

Phase 1: Energize
Wake up at 6 am. I know that is early but I love the morning air. I want to go out for a walk at that time and I don’t want other people to be there. Just cause it would beat the purpose of relaxing. After the walk, I want a nice cup of warm hot chocolate. Then sit out on the balcony in a fuzzy blanket and just want the sun rising listening to some calming music.

Phase 2: Fueling
My ideal breakfast is a Toasted bread with sausage and bacon. It is my comfort meal. I love it! It makes the whole day just happier. After breakfast, maybe finish up some of the basic chores at home

Phase 3: Meditate
For the early part of the day I prefer to visit a museum or art gallery or even a nice park. Where there is no noise of the busy streets. I can just sit down and get lost in the castles of my mind.

Phase 4: Enjoy
I probably would skip lunch for a nice cup of Java. After that, a movie! But let’s get specific, I want to go for a movie in an empty theatre. The movie can be a an unpopular one I am okay with that. I just want to be able to look at my phone and laugh loud and sit in the best seat in the theatre without troubling anyone. Oh and theatre food! Cheese Nachos! I know popcorn is the go to but I just prefer nachos.

Phase 5: Unwind
After the movie, a cab ride back home and a soaking bath in the tub. I personally wind down at that time and often take a little nap. After the bath, I would watch one of the TV series that are part of my every increasing list. I prefer light hearted series at night mostly veering towards K-Dramas. With the binge watching I would love to draw or paint and update my journal.

Phase 6: Indulge
After that, probably dinner. Dinner could be anything but it has to end with an ice cream. If not something special, I usually prefer Haagen-Dazs Belgium chocolate. And with dinner, I would continue to watch the TV series.

Phase 7: Settle Down
The best part is always for the last! Take to the warm bed. Clean up everything from the whole day and then just tuck myself under the warm blankets and keep the TV series on till I fall asleep. It is a good thing that most of the online platforms have auto turn off or else my electricity bills would run high!

This kind of day I would not want it everyday though. Just once in a while. I think I appreciate more because it doesn’t happen that often. A day like this would give me the strength to get through the bad days. Besides, no matter how much stress my work brings I actually like working so “relaxing everyday” might not be a concept I can get behind.

Daily writing prompt
Describe your most ideal day from beginning to end.

Divine Grace

From my childhood I was fascinated by my name. Unlike most of my friends and my spelling was derived from French and most of the people I met always found it difficult to pronounce my name. Initially, I used to get easily frustrated and angry because it seemed like they were butchering my name. But since then, I have found the meaning of my name and the roots of it’s pronunciation I figured that there is a high chance that people won’t get it.

My name is a derivative of the name Anne which means favor and grace and is found in The Bible. My mother said I was named after Samuel’s Mother who found favor in God’s eyes and had Samuel. The name also represents a person who is strong-willed, funny and has compassion.

I think true to my name my whole life is by the Grace of Jesus. Even when I am broken and alone in my most darkest place He has taken care of me. Even without me asking He has done everything for me. If today I am still alive it is because of His continuing mercy. I hope one day soon I can be worth of the Grace He has bestowed on me.

Bloganuary writing prompt
Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.