Start of something new (cue Zac Efron)

Okay - I'm starting something new, and I am really excited about it!

I love lists, and I love music. It hit me that if I combine the two, I would have lists of music (novel, huh?). Now, it's also one of my favorite things to share music with people and advocate artists who, in my humble opinion, are worthy of said advocacy. Put all of this together, and you have Leigh's Weekly Picks. 

From now on, each Monday, I'll post a little list of what I've been listening to recently, and hopefully, someone will take my word and check out something good. 

NOTE: I by no means consider myself an expert, just one who appreciates.

Also, I am a huge proponent of iTunes Music Store, and would encourage everyone to get their music through here, or in stores. DO NOT DOWNLOAD ILLEGALLY - PLEASE! You are doing the musicians a disservice, and to be frank, piracy doesn't stand up morally. So, keep that in mind, sweet friends :) 

Let's get this started, shall we?

Leigh's Weekly Picks:

1. The entire album The Outsiders - NEEDTOBREATHE

This album was recently released on August 25, 2009. With 14 songs, it is an album that you can easily put on loop and listen to several times through without getting bored or having to deal with a single "dud" track. My personal favorites: 'Something Beautiful', 'Prisoner', 'Girl Named Tennesse', 'The Outsiders', and 'Hurricane'.

2. Be Here Now - Ray Lamontagne

A very soothing, marine-like feel. His voice sneaks in and out of the music, making this wonderful study music.

3. Catch My Disease - Ben Lee

An honest guy with a cool accent. Such a great feel good song that will put a little bounce in your step and a little smile on your face.

4. Feeling Good - Michael Buble's version

If anyone can sing, it's Michael. With a jazzy brass edge to this classic song, MB brings it to the forefront of many of my Happy Playlists.

5. Plan B - Mute Math

This is one of my favorite jam-out-in-the-car songs.

6. Romulus - Sufjan Stevens

With a sweet banjo line, you're in for a real treat with this song. His voice is soft and sweet, and can serve has great background music on a fine evening.

7. Infancy of Us - Eliot Morris

I first heard Eliot Morris, also known as the lead of Parker's Back, in the 9th grade, opening in Auburn for a Sugar Ray concert. Don't judge, it was free. Anyway, I knew immediately that I liked his music, and bought his cd the next morning. This ballad is acoustic and honest and beautiful.

8. In Other Words - Ben Kweller

Old, but still amazing, and definitely one of my favorite piano songs.

9. November was white, December was grey - Say Hi

Has a beautiful syncopated beat. The vocals are warm and sometimes slurred in a cool way.

10. Your Love Never Changes - Paul Wright

His style is reminiscent of Shawn McDonald, but perhaps a bit more upbeat and poppy. This song will have you singing along and dancing in no time.

Hope you enjoy this music! Tune in next time ;) for another round of Leigh's Weekly Picks!

Music is what feelings sound like

A few days ago, my roomie Natalie shared a youtube video with me. Now I want to share it with you.

A man named Jon Schmidt, an American pianist, composed an arrangement of Taylor Swift's Love Story and Coldplay's Viva la Vida. I've never been a huge fan of Taylor Swift, but I do like this song, and the way he plays is wonderful. He goes right into Coldplay, and it fits so well. He also has cello accompaniment. It's really beautiful music.

In the video, he might look a bit silly at times, but I love the way he feels the music. Being a pianist myself, I really appreciate his work. It inspires me! I want a grand piano, and I want to just play it all day long - and create! Maybe one day...

Well, here's the video. Hope you enjoy it!

The heart is a bloom...

I think today merits a weather blog. I mean - WOW! I woke up this morning and spent some quality time with my Man, a cup of cereal, and some soy milk in the chair by our front window, but it wasn't until I stepped outside that I realized just how glorious a day the Lord had made!!! Well, everyday that we are blessed with is a glorious one simply because it means another day with our Creator, but today was especially amazing :)

And honestly, I've been giddy since 7:30 this morning because of the premature Fall weather. I know, trust me I know, it probably won't stay this perfect through the season. It's bound to heat up again. But I relished it with all my heart.

Emily and I walk to our 8:00 class together MWF's, and it is such a sweet time. Today, I couldn't stop smiling/giggling/carrying on about the weather, and Emily was just incredible for putting up with me.

Another highlight of my day was lunch with my boyfrands. I have an hour break MWF's at 11, and Jacob and Lee do too, so the three of us went to Momma G's and hung out. It was nice getting to see them since I don't ever get to enough.

This afternoon, I spent time with one of my very favorite families - the McClains. I kept the kids while Em ran errands, and got to visit with her some too. It is always a blessing to spend time with my dear friend, and I always leave there so encouraged!

Finally, the icing on the cake that was this brilliant day - being measured for my BRIDESMAID'S DRESS! That's right. Sarah Bolton is getting married January 9, 2010, and I am so excited for her! Sadly, she was working when I went over to her house, so I didn't get to see her, but we have some hangage pending, and I am really looking forward to it!

Well, my friends, it's my prayer that every one of you found joy today in the weather, and even on yucky days, you have the joy of Jesus Christ!

Starting Again

A new semester. I can't believe it. My junior year in college has commenced. It sounds old, but I don't feel old.

ROOMIES! Rachel, Emily, Natalie and me

Well, things have gotten off on the right foot. Recruitment this year was great. I think every sorority had such a great year, and I'm definitely satisfied with ADPi's new pledge class. We had four Auburn girls find their home with us - Katelyn Boston, Anna Marie Harris, Landrum Isaacson, and Shelby Selman - and I couldn't be more excited! The rest of the class is just as wonderful.

Katelyn's first diamond picture

Ice Water Teas!

All the ADPi's that live in the Castle

Favorite sophomores

Recruitment was also so great because I got to know a lot of girls in my sorority who I'd never really known before. AND I finally saw my roommate from last year, Lauren Keith, who I hadn't seen since January!

Lauren and me :)

Some Auburn girls!

Rachel, La, me and JLee

With my big, Camilla, on her last bid day!

As for classes, I'm taking 17 hours. SEVENTEEN! I've only ever taken 15, so this will be a new adventure, no doubt. I've got Microbiology, Biochemistry I, Statistics for Biological and Health Sciences, Spanish Syntax, and Music Appreciation. With two labs, of course.

I've got a good feeling about this semester. It feels different, that's for sure. Not living on campus is playing a huge role in this feeling. I do love walking to class. I sometimes sweat a lot, but that's okay.

There are also several new things on my plate for this fall. Most of which come from AUMC College Ministry - with Dive and small groups. I'm looking forward to all of it. Lana and I are still leading our sweet d-group girls, who are juniors in high school now. Way crazy.

Well, that's the update! Hope to post again soon :)