I had a fashion post lined up today but after watching an episode of America’s Got Talent last night, I felt compelled to do something a little different. A 16 year old girl from Grand Rapids, Ohio performed a beautiful rendition of Fight Song by Rachel Platten after beating ovarian cancer. It brought tears to my eyes- not only because her voice was chilling, but her vivacious and positive spirit inspired and uplifted me. Calysta shared her difficult struggle battling cancer but reflected on how music helped her cope. Isn’t it interesting how deeply a song can move us?

We have songs for our various moods, right? We listen to certain ones when we’re getting pumped up for an exercise class and crave energy and adrenalin. We have our early morning with coffee tunes if we’re heading out for a long drive or sitting down to write. You might listen to a break up hit from Kelly Clarkson or Taylor Swift when you’re dealing with a relationship problem. Or maybe you just need Adele to let you cry. Music empowers us.

I am starting a series where I’ll be sharing different music inspiration: several songs that I’m currently listening to, whether they be throw backs or new hits. Along with discovering new books and authors, I’m always on the prowl for a new music. I don’t think I’ve been able to even make a two minute drive without subconsciously reaching my hand to turn on the radio. Music is my everything.

I don’t watch The Voice often but an artist last year caught my attention. Sawyer Fredericks has a voice unlike anyone I’ve heard before and after hearing him, I had to buy his version of Collide by Howie Day. He performed Have You Ever Seen the Rain with a competing artist last year and it gave me chills all over. AH- the talent!

I was at a coworking session with some ATX Creatives about a month ago and a reel of 90s tunes was playing on Pandora. Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back to Me came on and suddenly all of us girls were either mouthing or singing the lyrics out loud. I was filled with memories from 9th grade of belting out her songs in my basement believing that with practice, I could achieve her pipes. I haven’t been successful, but that doesn’t mean I don’t keep trying ;) What better song to blast in the car with your sisters and sing at the top of your lungs? Celine Dion = happiness.

Once upon a time I was a huge Rihanna fan. I went to several of her concerts and her A Girl Like Me album was my early college anthem. Her music has changed over the years and though I can’t really say I love her now, she still has an insanely gorgeous voice. If you want a soft song with less background noise where she just belts it and doesn’t talk dirty (must she do that in every new song?!) check out Half of Me. I don’t believe it was ever on the radio and part of me thinks this is kind awesome because then I discovered it, right? (HA!).

I know many of you have already heard Justin Timberlake’s new song Can’t Stop the Feeling, but another summer favorite is American Country Love Song by Jake Owen. It just gives me all those summer feels, making me crave a boat ride, banana boat lotion, and a backyard barbecue.

I’ve been on a Netflix binge watching re-runs of One Tree Hill which take me right into the heart of high school. HOW GOOD WAS THAT SHOW. Love me some Nathan and Haley Scott. That show was known for the drama and all the awesome songs they brought to our attention. Remember Vanessa Carlton? Famous for 1000 Miles? My favorite song of hers aired on One Tree Hill and it’s the perfect driving song or background tune while you’re writing. Like, say now? The lyrics resonated with me back then and they still are beautiful now. Whose to Say is a throwback that never gets old.

I’m going to wrap this post up with Taylor Swift because I can’t not include my favorite artist in my first music post. I love her for many reasons including the obvious ones- the role model she is for young girls across the world, the inspiring and brilliant lyrics she writes, her amazing music videos, and of course, her catchy and wonderful songs. I’ve never come across an artist who not only varies in her styles (country & pop) but who has produced albums of which I have loved 99% of the songs. I can’t wait to see her in Austin in October! I’ll leave you with Wildest Dreams because that video is my favorite. Enjoy your first Wednesday of Summer :)

Ps: Hope you love my new signature from Lizzy Loves Letters :)

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