So I thought I'd clue people in on the progress of my costumes!
The good news, is that I'm done with the girls' costumes. The..."iffy" news, is that I'm going to try and get mine done in two nights. We'll see.
So here is my youngest as Tinkerbell:
Since I'm a freak for having things look..."exact", rather than having the wing straps showing, and even straps for the dress, I took some nude fabric, and made it into a long sleeve shirt, then attached the green dress I made to it.
We were originally going to use the darker blue wings...but then my youngest got a hole in it :-/. Sooo, fortunately, it made a nice frame, for other fabric, minus the hole!
Here she is! Note, that this isn't the finished product. She won't be wearing those leggings. I'll be sure to put up official pics when we get our "trick-or-treat" on!
The back side.
Now, here is my older daughters costume! Much more elaborate, and admittedly, there are some parts that are "off-center", which drives me insane, but I ran out of fabric, and was running low on sleep and sanity.
Princess Zelda! (From Oracle of Time) The gloves, and belt are on chair to the side.
and yes. I made the armor as well, thanks to cardboard, a "card stock-like" paper (from junk mail! haha), some spray paint, and hot glue, which gives it that 3D effect with the swirls, etc.
Back side.
It all started as this!
So there you have it! I wasn't being lazy all these days, promise!
If you know me personally at all....then you'll know why.
Normally, in this chilly month of October, parents have taken their children to select stores, to pick out their costumes for Halloween! Voila! No stress! No worries! Everything is done for you.
We are not that "normal" household.
During the month of October I go into what some would call a "Costume-making frenzy". Basically, I forget about that thing called "eating". My house looks like it exploded, and fabric is everywhere. Also, coffee is my best friend.
Ohhh Rachel, you only have two kids! That can't be THAT bad! Well guess what?? Rachel likes to wear costumes too!! *now you see it don't you? I've lost my mind...*
On that note, I'm proud to announce that I'm going to be my favorite obsession:
Yep, dark and twisted, "American McGee's Alice". I am so thrilled you have no idea.
My oldest will be her video game obsession:
Princess Zelda!
My husband is going to be "Link", which is also his video game obsession as well.
See a theme here? Video games of course.
My youngest however, is being Tinkerbell, because she really IS a real-life Tinkerbell! Not the modernized version, no sir. The "classic" Tinkerbell.
So I'm very excited. As always there will be pictures once completed. The best thing of all, is that all the fabric for all of these, only cost $38, as opposed to spending that on each costume. For a family of 4, that's pretty awesome! Thank God for coupons...
So as I was saying. This week, and potentially next week, no music for me. At least I won't be making any. For all of you now know that my "perfectionist, OCD, no perception of time self" will be drowning in fabric. Hopefully I'll make it out alive!
This week I have done a tutorial for my cover that I performed last week. "Seven Devil's" by Florence + The Machine. Absolutely loved doing this song. There were a few parts where I had timing issues, but then again, I am just learning to put the piano and my singing together at the same time. Fortunately it seems to be getting much easier, which is encouraging.
Fortunately I have a lot of friends and family requesting covers of songs they love! Also a good sign. I'm glad I finally made the initiative to start "sharing" the music I perform with friends and family. If you remember from earlier posts, it was my biggest nightmare. For me to share such a thing makes me feel like I'm bragging about myself, or acting like a cheap salesman. Why do I feel this way? Couldn't tell you, however, it was the obstacle that I needed to overcome. These people will eventually see me for who I am anyways. Might as well show them. I was sick of hiding, and running into that awkward confrontation of "Ohhhh so I saw that video you made...yeeeeah."
I feel like this year will be a great one. I feel like things will start going into motion for me. I feel one step closer to reaching my goals. The great thing about life, is that anything is possible.
So for these covers, I'm actually unsure of which one I should do next. I'd like to work more piano playing into the mix, rather than singing A Capella, or to background music, which always sounds horrible on my audio. I can't tell you how much I'd love to be able to have the equipment to be able to produce my own original music. Put in all the layers myself, etc, etc. That'd be so amazing so I could finally show people the music I truly want to make.
Anyways, onto these covers. My sister has requested that I do, "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift. It really is a very pretty song. My style isn't usually "Taylor Swift", even though I'll give her props for talent. I mean who wouldn't want to be 17 and win numerous awards for their music??? Amazing. Like I said, not normally my style, but I'd definitely give this song a go. Very pretty, delicate, and melancholy. So there's that. Another friend requested a lot of "classic" songs, aka 80's/90's songs, but then also Coldplay. I love Coldplay, so that's a definite possibility. My mind keeps going to Edith Piaf's "La Vie en Rose". Which is a beautiful song. For those of you who are unfamiliar, this is a song made popular in the 40's. It is a French love song. So it has that very "classy, old-time" music feel. I absolutely love it, and think I should do my own spin on it. As always the possibilities are endless. In the mean time, you should check out this song.
Can I just say....Thank God I finally finished this song!!!!! Not sure if anyone remembers how far back I posted that I would start working on this song...but it's been quite some time.
Anyways, here she is. My cover of "Seven Devils" by Florence + The Machine.
Next week I will be posting a tutorial of how I played this song for the piano part. I must say, of all covers, this one was difficult.
Why did my finger just touch key "D" when it should've been "C"!!!
I spent 2 hours last night, and over an hour tonight just trying to get this darn video recorded with not so many errors. Are there still some mistakes? Yes. Right before the last take, which is the video you see above, I *sighed* and looked into the camera and said, "Rachel. You are going to do this. This is what you want, and you will not stop until you get the take you want. You want to do this professionally, and one day you will perform for millions of people, and you will change lives. So this is it. This time you will get the take you want. Now go and do it...do you understand?", followed by my imaginary *boom*, which is an imaginary punch that I do at the object that I defeat. Which is what I did when I clicked the mouse to hit the "record" button. You know what? It worked. I played that song. The power and intensity in me came alive. My voice came out stronger, and my fingers felt as if they couldn't move fast enough. I had that adrenaline, and I did it. Thank God.
I use my little "boom fist" for many things. I guess it's almost like a "fist pump", but a regular jab aiming at the object. It's like a little reminder of whatever obstacle it was that I defeated. For instance, a new hobby I've taken on is running. I kid you not when I say I couldn't even run a mile. Am I fat? No. Just out of shape, horribly so, and it's pathetic. Well, I've been working at it, and I've gotten myself up to two miles with no problem at all. In fact, I wanted to KEEP going, but had to get home.
So when I'm running, I do the "boom fist", at whatever object I couldn't run to before, and I punch at it, and something about that is empowering. There was this bench at a nearby park, that took everything I had to run to. I was out of breath and felt like I was dying. Well the next time I run, I get past it, so I boom fist it. Do it. I know it sounds lame, but try it. It's like knocking out the competition that you've been training to beat, and it's a good feeling.
I thought I'd leave you with some good music that only reminds me of my trip to Mississippi last year, because I bought this CD on my way down there, and did nothing but listen to it the entire way. Absolutely love this song, and the entire CD.
This weeks video is "Gone Away" by My Brightest Diamond...again. When you watch the video, you'll see...I just like that word.
For anyone who is too lazy to look up the original, here's the original version. Watch it! Love it!
On another note. Things are looking up in a way. I got a few extra bucks for school, so I said to myself, "God Dang it. I'm getting myself a pair of shoes. I bleeping deserve it."
Oh...and not just any pair of shoes, some new heels! (of course)
So that has me satisfied for now. After months of barely being able to buy food, it was just nice to take myself and my girls out and get us some new items of clothing.
I have a feeling that this year will start looking up. Can't tell you why, I just have this feeling in my gut. I tell you one thing. Until you've been there, never judge that person you see in front of you that has food stamps, or WIC or whatever other assistance program. Unless of course they're buying cigarettes, candy, etc, and no real food. Then by all means, go ahead and think to yourself that their priorities are jacked up. Especially if they have children.
So many people just think, "Oh that person needs to get a job, what a leech". etc, etc. Believe me, "getting a job", or a better paying one for that matter, is just not as easy as one would think. I was a Receptionist at a highly recognized Corporation, and known for being a good worker, and was promoted multiple times. Well my husband had to go away for a year because he joined the Air Force, and needed to do Basic Training and Tech School. Which gave him the idea that I should be a stay-at-home mom. It was great, and it worked out very well. The military paid a pretty good amount. At least enough for us to live on while I stayed home. Then that ends, and my husband comes back to his job managing at a grocery store. Things are still OK at that point...but then he loses his job. We fortunately had some cushion to get by while he was unemployed for a month, and no, he did not collect unemployment. Well he finally found a job in a factory..that pays pretty terribly. The reason is because he's a temp. This is where things get rough. Pretty soon I'm searching for at least a part-time job (on top of everything else going on!) I applied for the type of job which is exactly what I was doing before I left to stay home with my kids. No call. So I lowered my bar of expectations. A clothing store at the mall. No call. Bar lowers. The type of job that pays the bare minimum that you can pay someone in the state of Wisconsin. No call. Fortunately something opened up at a Library nearby, that makes me not even care that the money isn't much. It's genuinely nice to work there. At least the bit that I do make, can take care of some bills. So that's something. The ol' husband, is still a temp, and is still hoping to get hired on, or hoping to find something better. Unfortunately that's just more no calls, and calls of rejection.
So next time you think that there must be something wrong with someone who relies on the government programs made available to them. Think again. I understand there are people who abuse privileges, but not everyone does. How does one solve this problem? Honestly, I think programs that are here to help people, should make sure that they are actually "helping" people. Instead of people abusing it, and buying things that are, if anything, putting them in even worse health! Which I suppose means, stricter standards. Sure it'd be inconvenient, but if it's made free to you, there's really no room for complaint.
I could go into a whole other point on kids, but I'll just sum it up this way: No child should ever have to suffer because of their parents struggling to make ends meet, or because their parent is stupid with no priorities.
This year of struggle has taught me one thing if anything. When you get so much money, that you don't know what to do with it all, don't go buy more bags and shoes that you'll only wear once. Use it to help people.
Originally, my idea for when I reached my goals, was to set up shelters for abuse victims and counseling to help them. Which I would still like to do. This years lesson has taught me though, that with all the starving people in the world. They just need a meal! I would love to set up more food shelters, and homeless shelters. It has become abundantly clear that so many people need help, and they aren't getting it, or don't have access to it.
So if I reach fame, I don't need a however many millions of dollars home. Just give me a shack on the beach, my husband and girls, and a hand to help others with.
Sorry for not posting last week, I just started going back to school, so things are CRAZY! I'm literally running and am busy from sun up to sun down now, so I really have to work to find some extra time to keep up my project here!
Anyways, the song I decided to sing this week is called "Something of an End" by My Brightest Diamond. I first heard this song via my google tv on a special app that we have called Lastfm.com (very similar to pandora). As soon as this song came on, I was entranced. The instrumentals were beautiful, and the variation and melody changes through out made me fall in love. Shara (singer) has amazing vocals that are filled with so much passion. She is truly talented, and most definitely deserves more recognition.
So that video up there = my attempt.
On another note, I said above how I've been so busy. I've also gotten a job fairly recently. I think I said this before. I work at a library. I love it. I make no money, but being able to walk around for hours in silence is pure bliss. Believe it or not, but I love to sit and think. That's it, just to think. Well obviously, when you work in a library, you come across many interesting books. My favorite section would have to be up in the non-fiction section, but mostly the area where there are books of people who have worked towards fame. Classic movie stars like Audrey Hepburn and Bette Davis. Writing about their life, fame, etc. Every time I stock books for that section, I sneak and take a little time to peek through the books. Letting my daydreams flood my mind, and getting completely lost. With every single book I stock, I look at every Author's name, and if they have a picture of themselves on the book. I feel like this helps me get to know them on a more personal level, and I fantasize about who they were before becoming recognized. I wonder if they were just like me, in a small library, stocking books, with little money, and big dreams. I wonder what their doubts and fears were. I know they're only human, not some super being, but we all get the idea that once someone is a "celebrity" they're no longer like us. Then I wonder, when I accomplish my dreams, will someone look at me and think the same thing? Could I become an inspiration to someone?? I certainly hope so. I really do. Right now what I see for my future is one big brick wall. For a little over a year now, my brain has been thrown for a loop. I used to be so sure of everything! Not anymore. That luxury is far from gone. When I try to consider career options, the ONLY thing that comes to mind is my artistic abilities. I need to use them. When and how that will happen, that is my brick wall.
...
On another note, as part of one of my speech credits for school, I am taking an Acting class. I love it. It's actually incredibly hard in the sense that it pushes you out of your comfort zone. I, for example, do not like making eye contact with people. Can I tell you how many times I have had to stare into some strangers eyes and make note of all their facial features while being anywhere from 1 to 3 feet away from them?? IT'S AWKWARD! It's also good for me. I enjoy being pushed and challenged. I think it's important to keep evolving yourself, rather than sit in a rut. We also got to choose monologues. I of course chose the "rough around the edges" taxi drivin' woman from the Brooklyn, who is 30. Yay for getting to use a Brooklyn accent! My mama would be so proud ;-)
