The Big 2.0

This past weekend I celebrated my 20th birthday. It's kind of crazy to think of myself no longer as a teenager. I've been alive for two decades... wow. They say when you turn 18 you're an adult, but it doesn't feel like it at that age. And although I don't exactly feel like I'm 20 yet, I'll give it a few more days, or weeks, or months until it sinks in. I want to enjoy being young and reckless a little while longer before I have to think about having a career, starting a family, and all that jazz. I have two more years left before I get my degree, so I think that'll be enough time before I'm shackled down by too many responsibilities. 

For my birthday, I had two amazing days with my wonderful family and my closest friends. I spent one day partying (like a normal young female might do), and the other day just relaxing on the beach. The beach day was definitely the best day. I felt relaxed and calmed by the view of the water, the cool breeze, and the familiar smiling faces around me. I also got to reunite with a few people I hadn't seen in quite some time. Everyone seemed to be having fun, and so was I. Aside from the water being incredibly cold (like literally freezing and when I got out I was shivering for almost half an hour), it was still the perfect day. 

Here are a few photos of that day:

I may be a winter girl at heart, but I also love the season I was born in. 

- Lily <3

Top 10 Indie Music Picks of June

Here's my June indie music picks! Hope you enjoy. This month has been so lovely in the musical department, and some of these songs are my writing inspirations at the moment. 

No Rest For The Wicked by Lykke Li

Looking Too Closely by Fink

Young by The Paper Kites

Love In High Places by Kimbra

Burning Desire by Lana Del Rey

Don't Wanna Be Your Girl by WET

Don't Wait by Mapei

Black & White by JMR (Acoustic)

Never Gonna Change by Broods

Harlem by Cathedrals 

Back Into The Swing Of Things

Hi all,

So I've been slacking a bit when it comes to doing the things that I love. For instance, I love to sing, but I haven't been singing much lately. I listen to beautiful songs everyday, but I haven't been humming and singing along like normal. I just kind of sit there, hearing the song, but not really taking in the lyrics--the true meaning. 

But the main thing--the biggest passion of mine--that I've been neglecting, is writing. As you may be able to tell, I haven't been writing much of anything. When I first started blogging, it was all about writing and letting random people get to know my deepest inner thoughts. Then I took everything down and made a new blog--this one. And it's not the same. I think that's because I was afraid to be real and just share my thoughts with strangers. I have this crazy feeling that no one cares, or they'll think I'm weird for thinking certain things or saying certain things. Which is ridiculous, and I know that. It's the anxiety talking.

I've realized in the last few months that I care way too much about being judged than I care about having a voice. I don't know why, but I always put myself inside of this box that only allows me to do what I think other people will like, instead of doing what I love.

So today I'm fixing that. I'm changing my attitude--which is not an overnight process by any means--and saying screw it! Here I am. In the flesh. Raw and original. I am going to write more, sing more, be more of myself. It's the only way I know how to be. 

But if anyone ever feels this way... like you're kind of just floating by with the tide instead of fighting against the current, don't give up. Instead, why not just swim?

- Lily <3

Top 10 Indie Picks of May

A bit late with this one, but life has a way of stealing all of my time. Here's my May indie music playlist. June will be on the way. Enjoy! 

One For The Road by Arctic Monkeys

Bead Hearts by Stars 

Never Gonna Leave You by Us

All I Want by Daniella Mason

Night Still Comes by Neko Case

Esmerelda by Ben Howard

22 by Night Beds

I Need You by M83

I Spy by Mikhael Paskalev 

Life Round Here by James Blake

12 Things Book Obsessed People Do

1. Read out loud, even if it's clear that the people around don't want to hear the story. People may even tell you to "shut up", but you keep reading.

2. Go to the bookstore frequently to look at the same books you saw the last time you came to the bookstore.

3. Stare at other people's book covers, to see what they're reading. If you haven't read the book, you write the title down so you can search for it later.

4. Get stressed out if a movie comes out based on the book. If you haven't read it, you decide whether to watch the movie or read the book first. If you have read it, you're still stressed because you want it to be perfectly identical to the book.

5. Find yourself attracted to a character in a book. Since book characters tend to be so interesting, you can't help but fantasize a life with one of them.

6. Attempt to get people close to you to read. When you get someone who doesn't read to read a book and they like it, it's like you just found the cure for cancer. It's miraculous.

7. Take any chance to mention a book you've read to someone. Whether they want to hear it or not, you'll tell whoever is around about the latest book you read.

8. Skip out on a night out to finish the book you're reading. You'd rather stay home than spend time with friends if the book is interesting enough. Sometimes you won't even come out of your room for food or water until you finish the book.

9. Stay in a "book hangover" state for days. After finishing a good book, you think about that book long after the last chapter, and sometimes find yourself unable to go on with your normal routine because of the way it impacted you.

10. Silently freak out when someone asks for a book recommendation. You act like they just asked for the key to the universe. You think about every book you've ever read and desperately search for something amazing.

11. Fall asleep with a book in your hand. Even though you know you're tired and the chances of you finishing that chapter are low, you still try to read a few more pages and end up passed out mid-sentence.

12. READ EVERYWHERE! On the bus, on the train, during class, while waiting in line, while walking... you read any chance you get.

Top 10 Indie Music Picks of April

Found some great picks for this month. I don't know what I'd do without music in my life. (I would probably go insane). Enjoy! 

Ten Goodbyes by Tim Atlas

 Is This How You Feel by The Preatures 

We Are No Longer The Future by Dream Eater 

Strong by London Grammar

Breathe you In My Dreams by Trixie Whitley 

Gold by Gabriel Rios

Settle Down by The 1975

Talk Is Cheap by Chet Faker 

Silver by The Neighbourhood

Paris by Magic Man

A Night With James Vincent McMorrow

Last night my best friend and I went to the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto to see James Vincent McMorrow in concert. I'd been excited ever since I bought the tickets about a month ago. A Canadian folk band by the name of Aidan Knight opened up for him. They were great, and definitely deserved to be up on that stage opening for James. The lead singer in the band sang with so much passion. I was surprised at how musically gifted each of the band members were. Here's an acoustic performance of theirs that I enjoyed.

The moment James came on stage, I couldn't hide my excitement. He immediately sang his first song and blew me away. His live versions sounded exactly like his studio versions. He hit all of the same notes and never attempted to play it safe. The band was exceptional as well. The bassist, keyboardist, and drummer were just as talented with their instruments. They also sang some of the best background vocals I've ever heard. Their voices, mixed with James's voice, made my heart melt. Everything was perfect. James said he wanted the lights to look like he was performing on the moon, and somehow that made the night that much sweeter. The spotlight created a strange halo on him, and when he sang--it was magical. I'm not even being dramatic. I was in a trance. He was funny and sweet and mesmerizing. (He's from Ireland, so the accent didn't hurt either. It was one of the best concert experiences I've ever been to). I didn't bring my camera because I didn't want the distraction, and I'm glad I made that decision. Concerts are so much better when you're not looking through a small lens.

This post won't do him justice, so if you ever get the chance to see him live, take it! For now I'll leave you with a live performance of one of my favourite songs by him.