Dear readers and passersby,
I have a confession.
I am Bipolar. My mood swings are akin to a pendulum - there is either mania or depression and there is never a standstill. I have been admitted eight times since my diagnosis in 2003. My last stay was in 2015 for severe depression and, yes, attempt. I am now open to discussion about my mental state, but this was once not possible. I was extremely unstable from the day I was diagnosed to my mid-20s when finally I was able to safely cope.
Mental illness is devastating and there is no cure. I can only hope that in my lifetime there will be the possibility of a cure. I pray that in the generations following me there will be a cure.
The reason why I turn to Duran Duran so often on Set List is because the lyrics, instrumentals, and overall tone behind every song I post have meaning that I can relate to.
For example, "Save a Prayer" is best for when a prayer is in need. "Lonely In Your Nightmare" is best for when not feeling alone in dark times. The Astronaut album is self-explanatory - hence posting "Reach Up For the Sunrise" and "What Happens Tomorrow" so often over the past several years. I personally would not recommend "Falling Down" or the music video for the song. I do enjoy "The Valley" and the very brief moment of instrumental silence that the band must have known would spark intrigue among fans. I was not a fan of Paper Gods. My first concert experience was Red Carpet Massacre - an album I mostly enjoy. All You Need Is Now came out when, ironically, Set List debuted. For this reason, I love the song "AYNIN" (the band seemed eager to abbreviate the title). I will always remember posting a leaderboard banner at the top of the blog as a means of promotion for the album. Astronaut was first in my now extensive album collection. I will always remember watching the band for the first time on Good Morning America in 2005 - a cold New York day for an outdoor concert.
And so my point - Duran Duran slows the pendulum. "Planet Earth" is my go-to when I need to slow down mania or reduce depression. Duran Duran songs will never stop the pendulum movement, but, well, always Duran Duran.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
Remember When Friday
A low front has settled over the Midwest, so while there is no rain now, the weather is still dreary and a bit spooky. This, then, reminds me of a long ago post with the same spooky theme. Let's travel back to the post
Spooky Day : Spooky Music.
"...today's weather is ghostly - dark, overcast sky..."
"October is a bit off, but a spooky day still calls for spooky music."
September 19, 2013
Fast forward to the present, October is nowhere near. However, on a dreary and spooky sort of day, the Ghostbusters original theme song is always a great selection to get through the day.
Always remember to play it.
Spooky Day : Spooky Music.
"...today's weather is ghostly - dark, overcast sky..."
"October is a bit off, but a spooky day still calls for spooky music."
September 19, 2013
Fast forward to the present, October is nowhere near. However, on a dreary and spooky sort of day, the Ghostbusters original theme song is always a great selection to get through the day.
Always remember to play it.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
On a dreary day...
...A beautiful day can still be had.
Gene Kelly made rainy days genuinely happy.
U2 makes any day a beautiful day - even an overcast, dreary day.
And so once again I say Happy Thursday.
Gene Kelly made rainy days genuinely happy.
U2 makes any day a beautiful day - even an overcast, dreary day.
And so once again I say Happy Thursday.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Happy Wednesday
Happy Monday always comes with a groan of frustration. Dedication to hard work and an earned paycheck after eight hours a day, five days a week. Happy Monday does not see the upside when the morning alarm goes off.
Happy Friday always comes with a happy smile. The mood is lightened. Break room talk is about weekend plans. At the end of the eight hours, if there is work not completed...well, it will just have to wait until Happy Monday.
Happy Wednesday, though. The atmosphere is somewhere in the middle. The pace is starting to pick up. Work is getting done. "You can do this" becomes the employee mentality...
And before you know it, Thursday makes a beeline for Happy Friday.
So. Today is Wednesday. You can do this.
Happy Wednesday.
post-script:
Leave a comment if you would like me to post the Pharrell Williams "Happy" video on Wednesdays.
Happy Friday always comes with a happy smile. The mood is lightened. Break room talk is about weekend plans. At the end of the eight hours, if there is work not completed...well, it will just have to wait until Happy Monday.
Happy Wednesday, though. The atmosphere is somewhere in the middle. The pace is starting to pick up. Work is getting done. "You can do this" becomes the employee mentality...
And before you know it, Thursday makes a beeline for Happy Friday.
So. Today is Wednesday. You can do this.
Happy Wednesday.
post-script:
Leave a comment if you would like me to post the Pharrell Williams "Happy" video on Wednesdays.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Rainy Day
On a rainy day, sometimes simply singing and dancing in a carefree state of mind chases the blues away.
Sing in the rain. Splash in the puddles. Tap on the damp surface.
Innocent joy is all I suggest.
Sing in the rain. Splash in the puddles. Tap on the damp surface.
Innocent joy is all I suggest.
Monday, March 26, 2018
Happy Monday
"I Don't Want Your Love" is a great song, but on this Monday, I thought the live intro would be a good pick me up for the beginning of the new workweek.
To readers and passersby,
Have a great day.
To readers and passersby,
Have a great day.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Sunday Favorite
On my blog, Haute Couture, I spotlight the most viewed post during the week every Friday - Friday Favorite. I am always intrigued by which post receives the most reception from readers and passersby. Some posts are popular by a landslide and some posts are too close to call.
I thought I would start a similar tradition on Set List - Sunday Favorite.
Today's favorite post is Reach Up for the Sunrise. This post is popular by a landslide.
Catch up on this Sunday Favorite or explore other posts that you love!
(Feel free to leave a comment if today's favorite post is your favorite or if there is another post that is a favorite.)
I thought I would start a similar tradition on Set List - Sunday Favorite.
Today's favorite post is Reach Up for the Sunrise. This post is popular by a landslide.
Catch up on this Sunday Favorite or explore other posts that you love!
(Feel free to leave a comment if today's favorite post is your favorite or if there is another post that is a favorite.)
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Yes
Say Yes To The Dress is a program on TLC. The boutique is Kleinfeld and is based in New York City. Wedding gowns vary in style, budget, and by exclusive designer. The premise is for brides to be to find their perfect dress to, at the end of the appointment, say yes to the dress.
My personal favorite designer is Pnina Tornai. Her showcase can be found on her website - Pnina Tornai.
From time to time, I create bridal looks on Polyvore to just imagine the wedding gown I would want to wear.
The post below - Yes - features a Pnina Tornai gown that I am admittedly in love with.
"White Wedding" is forever in mind when I create bridal looks on Polyvore.
I hope you will enjoy my post and, of course, the video!
My personal favorite designer is Pnina Tornai. Her showcase can be found on her website - Pnina Tornai.
From time to time, I create bridal looks on Polyvore to just imagine the wedding gown I would want to wear.
The post below - Yes - features a Pnina Tornai gown that I am admittedly in love with.
"White Wedding" is forever in mind when I create bridal looks on Polyvore.
I hope you will enjoy my post and, of course, the video!
Friday, March 23, 2018
Remember When Friday
In recapturing Set List memories, I dug into the archives as far back as 2011. In July 2011, I found a post linked to a YouTube video. The content of the post resounds to my current tone. The video was lyrics to the Tears for Fears "Shout" song.
Fast forward to the present, I will share the post following the "Shout" video.
July 7, 2011
Let it out
(excerpt)
"...emotions directly resulting from stress I can no longer control or resolve."
"..."Shout" is the perfect musical therapy..."
"...Every once in awhile in life, a person just has to let it all out."
"...Scream, shout...get the steam out of one's head and mind."
"...Enjoy this song as therapy or enjoy this song for musical interest."
Always remember to play it.
Fast forward to the present, I will share the post following the "Shout" video.
July 7, 2011
Let it out
(excerpt)
"...emotions directly resulting from stress I can no longer control or resolve."
"..."Shout" is the perfect musical therapy..."
"...Every once in awhile in life, a person just has to let it all out."
"...Scream, shout...get the steam out of one's head and mind."
"...Enjoy this song as therapy or enjoy this song for musical interest."
Always remember to play it.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Reach Up for the Sunrise
Duran Duran has a mysterious way of inspiring a positive mindset and hope for a better tomorrow.
"What Happens Tomorrow" and "Reach Up for the Sunrise" are two examples of inspiration.
I won't repeat what was said in the post, Vent. Instead, I will say simply that I do not know where my life is taking me. I have interests that are just not sticking into financial success. Therefore, I do not know what I want to do.
I love to blog. Yet, I am not sure how to earn a stable income this way.
"Reach Up for the Sunrise" is my inspiration that only good will happen. I will find success in what means the most to me.
To my readers and passersby -
I may from time to time digress in tone on a blog about music. I can assure you, however, that Set List in nature will always find its way into each post.
"What Happens Tomorrow" and "Reach Up for the Sunrise" are two examples of inspiration.
I won't repeat what was said in the post, Vent. Instead, I will say simply that I do not know where my life is taking me. I have interests that are just not sticking into financial success. Therefore, I do not know what I want to do.
I love to blog. Yet, I am not sure how to earn a stable income this way.
"Reach Up for the Sunrise" is my inspiration that only good will happen. I will find success in what means the most to me.
To my readers and passersby -
I may from time to time digress in tone on a blog about music. I can assure you, however, that Set List in nature will always find its way into each post.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
American Fashion
Tom Petty was all American. His work is iconic and everlasting. "Runnin Down a Dream" is forever a personal inspiration to me when I have sight on something I want a great deal.
Keeping in tune with the music and fashion theme, my Polyvore style set for the day features Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors - both all American. Ralph Lauren is especially noted for his rags to riches life story...runnin down a dream indeed.
So. With this said, I hope you will enjoy the post below and of course the video!
Keeping in tune with the music and fashion theme, my Polyvore style set for the day features Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors - both all American. Ralph Lauren is especially noted for his rags to riches life story...runnin down a dream indeed.
So. With this said, I hope you will enjoy the post below and of course the video!
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Blue Silver
In this post, my Polyore style set - Blue Silver - is inspired by "sing blue silver" within "The Chauffer."
I always love musical inspiration when creating fashion looks.
I hope you will enjoy the work below...and the video of course.
I always love musical inspiration when creating fashion looks.
I hope you will enjoy the work below...and the video of course.
Monday, March 19, 2018
Red & Blue
In the post, Blue on Black, I noted the tendency of music and fashion going together. I shared Kenny Wayne Shepherd' s video that inspired my Polyvore post, Blue on Black.
In this post, Red & Blue is inspired by David Bowie's Let's Dance - "put on your red shoes and dance the blues."
I hope you will enjoy my Red & Blue Polyvore style set and, of course, the music video. Please feel free to leave a comment.
In this post, Red & Blue is inspired by David Bowie's Let's Dance - "put on your red shoes and dance the blues."
I hope you will enjoy my Red & Blue Polyvore style set and, of course, the music video. Please feel free to leave a comment.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Blue on Black
Music and fashion tend to compliment each other. For example, relationships between established musicians and models appear rather common.
In the case of this post, I am complimenting Kenny Wayne Shepherd's "Blue on Black" with a fashion look created on Polyvore.
Polyvore is a website and mobile app that allows users and influencers to create sets and collections based on personal style in women's and men's fashion, home fashion, etc. Polyvore is an online community where users can like and comment on other works and launch groups to bring more specified interest together.
"Blue on Black" is a forever favorite song, as indicated some time ago. "Blue on Black" recently inspired my Polyvore set, Blue on Black.
I hope you will enjoy my work. Please feel free to leave comments.
In the case of this post, I am complimenting Kenny Wayne Shepherd's "Blue on Black" with a fashion look created on Polyvore.
Polyvore is a website and mobile app that allows users and influencers to create sets and collections based on personal style in women's and men's fashion, home fashion, etc. Polyvore is an online community where users can like and comment on other works and launch groups to bring more specified interest together.
"Blue on Black" is a forever favorite song, as indicated some time ago. "Blue on Black" recently inspired my Polyvore set, Blue on Black.
I hope you will enjoy my work. Please feel free to leave comments.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Commercial Jingle Favorite
A new commercial jingle favorite...it has been a while.
The Revivalists song, "Wish I Knew You," is featured in the advertisement for Blue Moon Brewing Company.
I will never know how jingles are matched with advertisement products. I do imagine that the musicians behind the jingles skyrocket in success after being featured in a given commercial. Alas, this is my consideration.
So. Enjoy the song below as a reminder of my forever love of commercial jingles.
The Revivalists song, "Wish I Knew You," is featured in the advertisement for Blue Moon Brewing Company.
I will never know how jingles are matched with advertisement products. I do imagine that the musicians behind the jingles skyrocket in success after being featured in a given commercial. Alas, this is my consideration.
So. Enjoy the song below as a reminder of my forever love of commercial jingles.
Friday, March 16, 2018
Vent
Hi there.
On this Friday in March 2018, I am back on Set List...at least for this one post.
In this post, I am venting.
I have been unemployed since completing my graduate studies in October 2009. I went on countless interviews related to my education and eventually anything. I took to creative endeavors that did not pan out - from fiction writing to designing greeting cards to making fashion jewelry. Blogging is out of personal love as generating an AdSense income is no longer feasible as long hoped. I took to direct sales for some time only to realize that I am not a natural salesperson and sadly ceased my role as "Merchandiser" with the fashion brand Chloe + Isabel.
My love for fashion, however, has stemmed five other blogs (leave a comment if you would like to know what they are). These blogs, like Set List, are out of personal love as generating AdSense and affiliate income is not as feasible as I want to hope.
So I have submitted my resume to five sources, all in late February and two reapplied just recently. There is no sense of when I will receive a response with yes or no. In publishing, I am given a specific time frame or I am able to generally guess on how long I will have to wait based on previous experience. In employment, when an income and means of living is at stake, there should be a time frame with yes or no.
What Happens Tomorrow by Duran Duran. This is a defining motto for all those who need to vent too and for any reason. Life has to get better tomorrow. Hope has to get better tomorrow. Whatever happens tomorrow has to be positive. What Happens Tomorrow, I don't know. What Happens Tomorrow has to be better than today.
I have forgotten my forever love of Set List.
On this Friday in March 2018, I am back on Set List...at least for this one post.
In this post, I am venting.
I have been unemployed since completing my graduate studies in October 2009. I went on countless interviews related to my education and eventually anything. I took to creative endeavors that did not pan out - from fiction writing to designing greeting cards to making fashion jewelry. Blogging is out of personal love as generating an AdSense income is no longer feasible as long hoped. I took to direct sales for some time only to realize that I am not a natural salesperson and sadly ceased my role as "Merchandiser" with the fashion brand Chloe + Isabel.
My love for fashion, however, has stemmed five other blogs (leave a comment if you would like to know what they are). These blogs, like Set List, are out of personal love as generating AdSense and affiliate income is not as feasible as I want to hope.
So I have submitted my resume to five sources, all in late February and two reapplied just recently. There is no sense of when I will receive a response with yes or no. In publishing, I am given a specific time frame or I am able to generally guess on how long I will have to wait based on previous experience. In employment, when an income and means of living is at stake, there should be a time frame with yes or no.
What Happens Tomorrow by Duran Duran. This is a defining motto for all those who need to vent too and for any reason. Life has to get better tomorrow. Hope has to get better tomorrow. Whatever happens tomorrow has to be positive. What Happens Tomorrow, I don't know. What Happens Tomorrow has to be better than today.
I have forgotten my forever love of Set List.