Nostalgia

So I (very) recently came to the realization that this is my last week of classes at Baylor...ever. For real this time.

*cue panicked "when did this happen?!" "how will I possibly get to say goodbye to everyone?!" "they all need to know my undying love for them and how much this place has changed my life!!!"

But in all seriousness, after finishing my undergrad and (almost) my masters, I've officially lived in Waco for a fourth of my life!! THATS A LOT.

Baylor, my professors here at the music school, friends and connections that I've made....completely life changing. I can't even begin to explain how...ok I seriously don't have any words right now and I maybe should even wait to do this post until later.

How about a trip back to my freshman year at Baylor? In 2007....wow.
*warning this could turn into a ton of photos.....

Dorm room on move in day- my roommate and I were so proud of our matching little space!

The beauty of this campus left my in awe everywhere that I went...I remember thinking that I couldn't believe I was actually there!! (Sometimes it still gets me)

A Baylor campaign for Obama....too funny.

Went to ALL the home games. All of them. And this was before RGIII and Baylor winning everything all the time...

Went to my first homecoming bonfire- one of the most terrifying and thrilling traditions at Baylor. (I went to ALL of them)

I rushed and pledged Mu Phi, and in the meantime made these two (and many more) lifetime friends!

Did a lot of stuff like this. 

Somewhere along the way I stopped taking quite as many pictures....maybe a good thing. I think I might take some more time sifting through my Baylor memories, and you betcha I'll be sharing them with you!! Looks like sophomore year is up next....

Here's to a very sentimental week with lots of hugs and weepy moments.....starting now!

Linking up with one of my faves- Lisette, for....

Can I just have all the things?!

Sometimes pinterest gets boring and laborious, but sometimes I just love everything.

Do you ever feel that way?

So this lovely Monday (AH), I thought I would share with you several of my current pinterest favorites!

Creamy Salsa Verde

Its been awhile since I've had green salsa, but I swear I used to go to Ninfa's for the green salsa alone!!

Ombre hair

Really wanting to try this. Really really. Anyone tried out Feria from Loreal yet?? Let me know!!

Cacti Garden

Isn't it beautiful?? Perfectly colorful, perfectly vintage.

I love this shot! I wish I could locate the source, but I just love everything about it!

These freaking fabulous shorts that I can't find the source for either. Anyone know where they're from?

Photo wall

Enjoying the clean white room with the full photo wall!

White and shiny. Yep.

Still not over the neon accents. So fun!

Also- blazer and plain T? How easy is that...

Now I just want to go shopping again..... :)

Follow me on pinterest and have a happy happy Monday!

Soooo, I went shopping....

So Drew and I have this little habit of winding down after a week (or seven) of crazy by going shopping. 

Problem?

Potentially.....but normally its just "window shopping," or I find my favorite toothpaste on the clearance aisle at Target which is Always exciting!

Today I bought things. Oops! The deals were just too good- so I'll share ;)

And my tip is that these items were actually much cheaper in the store than the "clearance" price online!!

Shop stop #1- Marshall's (FAVE!)

exhibit A of my super impressive photog skills

Cynthia Rowley top, that I absolutely cannot find anywhere online!

I promise I'll be on the search for something similar.

I love this top because it has a simple, flattering cut, and has a light yellow under-layer!

Tuxedo, color-block, blousey tank?! YES please!

I feel like I don't even need to explain myself on this one.

Violet and Claire- super weird Japanese website....I'll try to find this elsewhere as well ;)

Shop stop #2- Old Navy

Lovely fitted slouchy T under $10? I'll take it!!

(online $12.50...I got them for $10 and then 20% off in stores!)

here

Rockstar zipper skinnies I've been eyeing forever but didn't want to dish $34.50 out on?

($30 still online-I got them for $18.95 and then 20% off in stores)

here

I actually bought these in brown, but couldn't find a photo.

Super comfy, slightly pointed toe, and $8.95?!? You betcha I snatched those up without even thinking!!

($19 online, but I found them in stores for $8.95 and 20% off!)

here

I'm definitely feeling like it was a successful outing over all! Excited to style these new pieces and to figure out how they will fit into my wardrobe! Woohoo!

Happy weekend, y'all!

I SEE THE LIGHT!

HEEEEEY!

I feel like its been forever you guys!!! I have just fantastic news for you:

My paper is DONE and GONE from my sight, and my presentation on the paper is over and life is good!!
Well, better at least ;) One more week of school craziness, finals (just two thankfully!!) and then I'm free for the summer!!

But JK.....I'll be in summer school and teaching. But still, theres just something about the word SUMMER that is so liberating!

So lets do a little happies and crappies because I met Sarah and Stephanie and they are pretty rad!


crappies

Poor baby has been sick ALL week! How sad/pathetic is he?! :( Hoping he gets better soon!!

Absolutely heartbroken because Winston isn't here anymore :( And my brother posted this photo....maybe or maybe not to rub it in my face. MEGA puppy withdrawal happening here in Waco right now...
And I have no photo for it, but this week kind of sucked because I had a research paper due and then a presentation on said research paper yesterday.

happies
Paper and presentation are OVER! Happy Friday to me!! :)
I got a super happy email from Samantha this morning saying that I won her Glam Grab giveaway and I'm SO excited!! Thank you, lovely lady!!

What originally was supposed to be (what we fondly named it...) a "Hormones and Happy Hour" sesh, turned into a hangout with Drew and one of his good buddies. BUT I got to see Sarah at our beloved Chuy's which is always the best! Thank you, photobombing waiter....
NOW- a final few things:
1) Have you helped me with my birthday post yet?? Its coming up! 2) What photo filtering/editing apps do you use on your phone?

Anyone there?

Apparently I lost some interest with all my classical music speak as of late...
Sorry about that.

Actually....I'm not really sorry because thats what I'm passionate about and music is generally where my full heart and soul is!! So occasionally, I'll stray back to rambling about music and I hope thats ok with you!

Speaking about my full heart and soul....can your full heart and soul reside in several places?

I think yes.

Why?

This little face....

Itty bitty freakin adorable snuggly BABY!!! Ok he's 4, but he'll always be a baby to me!!

I'm pretty sure this is the look I got when I told him he had to get up. Sassy pants!! 

"You want me to do what?...."

And these two faces. Heart and soul, baby! Love how much they love each other.

Now I don't even mind that you see my lack of make up and drippy hair because just look at that handsome little man!!!!!

As some of you know, Winston (puppy) was my parent's replacement for me when I left home. They did a good job, no?! Seriously though, I can never have enough time with him. I was his "mommy" for the past two weeks and loved every minute of it!! My parents took him home after the Beethoven 9 concert this past Saturday and I'm having MEGA withdrawals! 

Now...I still need to finish my paper, but I just needed to share these precious faces with you!

Don't forget! Have you helped me with my birthday post yet? Coming up soon!!

Research Paper Forever!

JK. Its miserable.

Like you maybe already saw on twitter, I'd rather pee myself on stage in front of thousands of people that continue to work on this paper, BUT its due Tuesday. womp womp

So, until next time.....

Tweets of encouragement will be greatly appreciated.

In the meantime....
Recital Video #1 is right thur
Recital Video #2 is thur
What I think to be a hilarious and embarrassing post about my boyfriend is HUR
and finally you can catch up with what the heck I'm doing with my life RIGHT HUR!

Music and Feelings go hand in hand, really...

First of all, if anyone out there cares, I'd like to apologize for being incredibly unreliable (as a blogger at least) for the past week or two....but I guess we've all been living in the same world this past week.

Inconsistency was #1 on my list, by the way.

Reasons?
-Concerts are coming up.
-Research paper is due Tuesday.
-Winston has been here for two weeks (duh, he gets all the attention....)
-Lack of ability to devote my emotions to "worldly" things this week...

"All I know is I'm not home yet

This is not where I belong

Take this world and give me Jesus

This is not where I belong"

These tragedies have affected us all in one way or another. Heck! There was a massive earthquake in China yesterday(?), people!!

Living in Waco, West, TX is affectionately a neighbor town of ours. We love the people, we love the Czech Stop, and we love our faculty, students, and alumni (over 200) that reside in West. The explosion on Wednesday was a truly horrible thing. As Baylor students, we had friends and family from all over the country calling to check on us, but I can't even think of how this affects US when there are so many people seriously hurting 15 miles away.....please think of the little town of  only 3,000 residents and realize that there is NO one living there who was not impacted.

If you are not near Waco, there is still a desperate need for blood donations. And there are also ways to give monetarily. All the displaced need clothes and living supplies, and the kids need school supplies to they can continue their education in a new place. If you are interested in donating, please let me know!

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, mvt. 3

(if you want to hear the rest, which I know you will- the links are in the description on youtube!)

Tonight the Baylor Symphony Orchestra has the privilege of performing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which is considered to be the absolutely pillar of Western classical music.  Above is just a little bit of the heart-wrenchingly beautiful third movement performed by LA Philharmonic. Holy cow, y'all. PLEASE take the time!!

Our orchestra conductor, Mr. Heyde, said it perfectly in our dress rehearsal last night- our country (and others) have experienced tragedy beyond this belief this week, so wide spread. What you might not know is that Beethoven wrote his epic 9th Symphony (which I PROMISE you know, since the fourth movement birthed "Ode to Joy") during a time of tragedy and trauma in Germany in the 1800's, and this 9th Symphony and "Ode to Joy" portrays Beethoven choosing joy in spite of the chaos in the world surrounding him...

How more relevant can we get?! Way to go Beethoven.

To hear the famous "Ode to Joy" in context, skip to a little before 14:00

Now, I hope I'm not boring you with my classical music rants lately, BUT OH MY GOODNESS it is my desire for our generation to recognize the relevance and beauty STILL behind such a sacred art form. 

Maybe I'll get back to more "normal" posts soon.....but y'all this is it. This is my life and my calling and what I plan on pursuing with all my heart.

What has helped you get through this week?

song without words

I started writing some sort of sad post about how I'm just upset with how the world is even going....and then I deleted it three different times....so I'll just leave it at this: Although I feel very removed from the situation since my physical distance is so far away, I feel incredibly emotionally connected to the tragedy in Boston. Families, friends, and helpers: you are all in my prayers.

I was planning to publish another video from my recital today, and to me it fits perfectly with how I feel.

Yes, its Bach. Which means its boring, right?

WRONG.

Take a listen and let Bach's writing speak to you....a song without words.

To me this movement (from a four movement Sonata) is about pain, anxiety, and beauty- all in one....maybe even similar to the cruelty of what happened to our country yesterday alongside the amazing acts of selflessness that were (and still are being) witnessed.

I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and feeling renewed in your commitment to not take any day for granted! I will try to join you in that :)

Can I add a day to my weekend, please?

What an eventful weekend!! I did SO much and didn't accomplish anything at all....oops. 

Can I have one more day please?!

Friday afternoon I went on a lovely walk by the river and didn't take any good pictures (add that to the list) but my friend John did- so photo cred goes to him! And yes, thats my right side.

I also got sunburned.

Saturday- got my oil changed (pretty exciting, I know) and Drew got a car wash. Winston ran errands with us :) Drew's dad thinks that these two cuties look alike- what do y'all think?!

Saturday after car errands, I got to see Cara! Freakin finally, man!!! Its been since last summer, and I've already whined about how much I miss her here. She was only in town for the weekend visiting her fiance, but it was so good to see her :)

(ADD THIS TO THE LIST TOO, its a bad one) 

Saturday night, Drew and I met up with Sar/Sarah and RP3 (Sarah's man/Drew's bestie) and finally got to meet Sarah at Scissors and a Whisk, Stephanie at The Vintage Modern Wife, and their Matts! And I have no photo to prove it. Bummer! We got way too loud playing Cards Against Humanity, committed a few party fouls, and just had a great time. I'm really looking forward to seeing them again!

Sunday afternoon, Drew walked by with that thing and announced that he was going to buzz his head. So naturally I helped him. 

Also, this. HOW CUTE ARE THEY!? 

Don't forget to check out my recital video and help me with my birthday post!!

Linking up with Sarah and Syndal

Admiration

I feel all these excited nerves just like I did before I walked on stage before my recital!!

So very excited to share with you today the closing piece from my recital.
Also, feel special, because I'm posting this video for you all before I even announced that I uploaded it! haha

(please know that this video is not HD in video or audio...sorry)

I played this piece (called "Admiration") with my dad when my grandmother passed away less than two years ago, so needless to say its a very special piece for both of us!!

"Admiration", to me, was just that: a dedication of  thanks to everyone who has played such a supportive role in my music career. Holy goodness, it has been a challenging road!! My parents have been an over the top support system and source of encouragement, along side my extended family who are exactly the same....just living a little farther away. I could go on forever about my teachers (Dr. Arnone, Mrs. Shanley, Dr. Carlson, Dr. Wilson, Mr. Heyde....to name a few) and how I would not even be CLOSE to where I am without them. My friends at home, at Baylor, and you guys have been so encouraging to me! And Drew for kicking me in the butt (not literally) when I need motivation and being an inspiration to me as well.....I have so much to be thankful for!!!

EEEEEEEEEE (I'm really excited ok?!)

Who are you thankful for today?

Much love <3

Ode to twin

Apparently I missed sibling day- sorry Parker!

So, here is my link up (its been awhile!!) with Stephanie and Sarah devoted to the happies and crappies of being a twin!!!

First (what I think is) an adorable baby photo-

circa '89- guess who is who!! 

Generally the twin reaction is "Oh my goodness, I've always wanted to be a twin! Do you looove it?!?!"

Any twins out there know what I'm talking about?? 

And normally I say yes, because I do, but today in honor of belated siblings day, I decided to write a list. 

So many commas, sorry.

happies

* Sharing birthdays. I love it. Always someone you love to share a great day with- nothin better than that!

* Twin brain. I can read that boy like a book!

* Built in best friend that is Always the same age as you.

* He's protective. Its cute ;)

* We have the same smile....but his eyes squint up more than mine ;)

either or

* Dressing alike on accident. I think this is hilarious- Parker dreads it. But oh my goodness it happens.

crappies

* He learned to drive first, so he had to drive me around all over the place in high school = FIGHTING.

* Both allergic to peanuts and shell fish 

* We both get these weird hives after running outside...the colder the weather, the worse the hives. Weird.

* Same nose....(my least favorite feature)

I'm sure these lists could be absolutely mega, but pictures are better!

Goobers.

Still goobers in high school. Wow my hair was light....

Aaaaaand actually still complete goof-balls today.  

Love you brother!!! Hope you read this and get totally embarrassed that I'm writing a blog post about you on the internets ;) 

Happy Friday everyone- please please check out my birthday blog post idea because I need YOUR help!! and I promise promise first recital video is coming soon!!!

stella & dot

I've seen a lot of "I suck at blogging" types of posts these days.

If I were to write a list of factors that encompass exactly how bad I am at blogging, it would look a little something like this:

1) Sometimes I post everyday- sometimes I post twice a week. Sorry about that guys... Life is busy!!

2) Hardly ever do I wake up at the buttcrack of dawn to get my post up so that its the first thing people see in the morning....and when it comes to link-ups (with the exception of this past Monday!!!), consider me #175 on the list!

3) I can't keep up with the blogs that I follow. I really do try, but it doesn't help that my blog reading time is mainly constricted to when I'm TA-ing (yeah thats not really a verb, but it is now!) for the conducting class on Tue/Th from 8-9:15am...

4) My photog skills/equipment are  severely lacking. Oh hi iPhone 4, you are my one true camera love! Said no one ever. Hope y'all like instagram.

Now, this is totally relevant to how bad my photography skills are-

I won a giveaway! A while ago actually...but I kind of forgot until I got this lovely package in the mail!!
Thanks Alexa for my beautiful new Stella & Dot bracelet! I've honestly worn it every day since!

Now- I've gotten several wonderful responses to my birthday idea (which  by the way is influenced by all of Sarah's great birthday posts...and who's birthday is actually today HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE YOU) but I would love for more people to contribute!!!

What do you wish you could tell you 24 year old self/ what do you hope to accomplish by 24 if you aren't there yet?

Leave me a comment and I'll feature you on my birthday! :)

Recital (photo) Recap!

Linking up with Sarah and Syndal for This weekend, I....Recital Edition! ;)

Are you tired of me talking about my recital yet?

I hope not, because I'm excited to share a few photos with you! I did get a video recording, and while its not extremely high quality video OR audio, I still plan on sharing a few clips with you guys later this week!

These are just a few photos that my mom posted on good ol' Facebook today. If anyone else sends me good ones, I'll probably post those later this week as well!! Unless you're all like "Paige- you're recital is over, shut up already." And I'll totally understand.

But theres this thing called a "recital high" (I just came up with that, but all you other performers out there will know what I'm talking about). You worked SO hard for SO long for this- blood, sweat, and tears for real!
You get to share your heart with everyone and its exhilarating! And then its over before it even started and WHEW what a rush. Hence all the jabber/photos/videos for the next week. Sorry not sorry.

JS Bach, E Minor Sonata- harpsichord and all!

Gaubert trio with the lovely Romina Monsanto on cello.

*All photos courtesy of my madre. Don't ask me why these are B&W- I have no idea.

My dad and Drew- we played a trio together at the end which I am SO excited to share with you later!

Drew and my best friend from high school, Zachary. And yes I am creepily aware that they could be twins.

My wonderful family! Dad, mom, Uncle Jim, and Aunt Carolyn. So blessed that they could be there!

Candid- thanks dad! haha

My thoughts at this point "*complete void of brain activity*"

Thanks to the Baylor flute studio and my family for the beautiful flowers! 

I am now stress free. (HAH kind of)

Also don't forget to email me your advice for my birthday project!

Going to watch Pretty Little Liars now....be back in the real world tomorrow ;)

Today I'm linking up with Sarah, Syndal, and Sami!