First performance in Atlanta + Fall is here!

Hey everyone! I can't believe that the past few months have gone by so fast. Literally Halloween is next week and Pumpkins are just everywhere as well as many many Uggs! (If you don't get it, you don't get it.)

Since I last updated I've:

• Visited LA: I had a week long trip in Los Angeles where I got to connect with some musician friends, discuss future projects, as well as enjoy some downtime with family. I actually got to watch my brother's duo DJing group ARMNHMR perform for the first time. You can listen to their music by clicking here.

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• Visited New York: Reunited with my old study abroad Parisian friends and also linked up with musician Jae. He just released his album so be sure to check it out. Hopefully we can work on something sooner than later!

Getting to go back to the more "popular" cities like LA and New York had me realize how much I've grown accustom to the city of Atlanta. The hustle and bustle of those two cities I've experienced, loved, but wasn't meant to settle in. Atlanta itself is a city that's thriving - there's constantly change happening and the music scene here is something I haven't tapped into yet. At first it was out of doubt - I didn't know if people would care to listen to me and I was still at the point of giving up on everything 2.5 years ago. Then as I decided to keep music in my life, I started to fear and feel that pressure of performing here. I'm finally biting the bullet with a low key show. For the first time in Atlanta next week, I'll be performing at Urban Grind Coffee House. Hope to see some lovely faces there.

In other music news, I've been recording a lot and haven't released them yet. I collaborated with producer Roark Bailey on a track - you may recognize him from my Tori Kelly - Paper Hearts cover playing the guitar:

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I also just shot a cover with Josh Fu again which will be released this weekend! He's seriously one of the most chillest guys to work with and I love the way our voices work together.  In the mean time, check out our "Drag Me Down" cover here:

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You also should all be looking forward to my hubby Joules's project coming out. I feature in one of the songs and we shot the music video for it a couple weeks ago.

It's so funny how it works with going music full time. When you start you're terrified and then you get into the groove and can't imagine doing something else. At moments you feel uninspired but those quick surges of energy just flow through you and all you want to do is create and share with the world.

I finished listening to Sara Bareilles' audiobook for her new book "My Life (So Far) in Song" and it was so awesome being able to hear the back stories and also her journey to where she got to where she is today. She's definitely someone who not only moves me in regards to music, but influences me as well.

Hope I continue to be fearless.

coming soon :)

The She-Song Panama City Beach Family Trip 2015

I never imagined Florida beaches being this clear and peaceful. Our family took a trip this summer to Panama City Beach and I couldn't thank my brother-in-law & sister-in-law enough for letting Joules and I join in on the fun.

Being in the water really reminded me of when I went to Hawaii in high school for a band trip! The only downside of that trip was that there was a leakage that time of year with oils and supposedly flesh eating bacteria so I don't think I got the true Hawaii Tourist experience but if Hawaii is too far from you, you definitely have to scope out the Panama City Beach Beaches. I also heard a lot of great things about Destin Beaches which were close by.

Being from California a lot of people assume that beaches are an everyday thing. As a bay area girl though, the beaches were usually cold and you went there to mostly partake in bonfires! Then when I went to UC Irvine, I hardly went to the beach because you had to drive out there (I didn't get a card until my 3rd year in college!) and I was self conscious like crazy. I've come a long way from then! But I still have a long way to go.

:"I've never been the type of girl to like going swimming or going to the beach. A lot of it had to do with my insecurities, not feeling like sweating like crazy layering up in the sun because Lord knows I'd be wearing a swimsuit, shorts, and an oversized shirt just to make sure I wasn't revealing too much - displaying my pudge for the world to see and judge. Sometimes I'd put on a brave face and just say "fudge it" I'm gonna swim today. I'd put behind me the mentality that I was going to be ridiculed and even if I was, that I really didn't give a pirate's booty because people gotta concern more about themselves - not appearances but their state of mind and heart. My body is a blessing. I am strong. I can walk, run, climb, sit, & lay as I please. I am loved. My husband tells me how beautiful I am even when I personally think I look the most ratchet, and my grandma tells me she misses seeing me everyday - they're just a couple examples of the loves of my life. I have a roof over my head, a means of transportation, but most importantly the Lord has already taken care of things. So shoutout to the folks who feel me and have spent majority of their life covering up their "flaws." Unlock that chain and feel the freedom. You are so beautiful, amazing, and loved. If someone tells you otherwise, throw up a prayer for them. They need it🙏💗"

It was a two night trip that went by fast, but it was a much needed getaway and family time. I don't take anything for granted and hope that you all have the pleasure of making some time for the ones you love the most!

Let's all savor the summer nights we have left this year.

Friend Feature - Blossom Vintage

"Friends are the family we choose." I believe that whole heartedly. Today's friend feature is of my friend Jamie Lee, but I like to call her mom. Remember I told y'all about Angel and how we were orientation staff leaders together? Well in that orientation known as SPOP, we had small groups of "families" and Jamie was the mother of the group I was in. That's when our friendship solidified and I always admired her genuinely good soul. She was always artistic and stylish. Getting a compliment from her made your day because you know it was a stamped approval by her raw talented eye.

She told me a few years ago about her idea for Blossom. She had such a clear vision and to see how she's manifested it into reality blows my mind and at the same time it doesn't because I knew she could do it. I knew she was going to do it. She always had it in her. She's launched a little over a year ago and now they're looking to travel the USA. I hope that you can help her get to a city near you.

"Curating vintage from around the globe, Blossom nests in a 1970 Safari Airstream and travels to wherever vintage is loved and a sense of community is desired."

Who are you and where are you from?

Hello! My name is Jamie Lee and I am originally from Torrance, CA, but call Long Beach, CA my current home.

How did you think of the name "Blossom Vintage"?

It's funny, before Blossom Vintage was even born I always dreamt of running my own floral shop which would have been called.. Blossom. As my dreams evolved, the name, Blossom, was always fitting to any creativity outlet I indulged myself in. Hence, when I started my shop, naturally, Blossom was the first name that came to mind.

Are you doing this full-time?

I wish! However, I've coined Blossom as a creative resort for myself and as long as I am able to make enough to sustain the joy and fun I have with Blossom the happy I will be.

How long did it take for 'Blossom' to turn from dream to reality?

I remember when I aimlessly started toying with the idea of actually finding my dream trailer, an Airstream, to turn into my shop. I would spend a few hours a day checking Craigslist daydreaming about finding the perfect and more importantly, affordable one. When that day magically appeared in Nov 2013, the momentum of searching to checking out the trailer to buying it (!!!) all quickly fell into place and I haven't stop moving since. All in all it took about 5 months to turn my dream into a tangible reality.

Were there any bumps on the road?

Oh yes. I strongly believe that there will always be bumps in the road when you work hard for something you are passionate about. Nothing comes easy. Money issues aside, trusting the people who were willing to help me was a huge bump, since I was new to owning a business let alone restoring an AIrstream trailer! When I got over my bumps, it was the most gratifying, assuring feeling that this is what I want to be doing.

What keeps you going?

The support I have from those around me. If it weren't for Blossom's followers and our dear friends, we would not have gotten this far. Also, my faith that God will always provide as long as I trust in whatever path He may lead me on.

What inspires you?

Everything. That may sound cliche', but everyday I find new inspirations especially from the people I meet at events. I am energized & blessed by each individual who visits Blossom and who feels compelled to share their dreams, which in turn inspires me to keep going.

What's your vision and goal for Blossom?

I feel that my vision and goal for Blossom was to simply be present and in community wherever I am. It was always more than just selling vintage clothing. As for future goals, Blossom has become greater than I had ever imagined and as long as I continue to be open to new experiences and feed my adventurous spirit, I can only imagine meeting more communities and amazing people along the way.

Tell us more about your Kickstarter project.

Speaking of goals for Blossom, a USA country road trip was always the overarching goal to embark when the timing felt right. Its been a little over a year since we have participated in community events, pop-ups, flea markets and craft fairs and we hope to continue our journey as we take Blossom across the country for the FIRST TIME!

Blossom will be embarking on a road trip of discovery, seeking creativity, collaboration, and community across the USA.

After a road safety check at MEL's trailers in Orange, CA, it was recommended that Blossom undergo approximately $5000 worth of repairs. These repairs entail working trailer lights, brakes, an equalizer bar, and a working lock and key. To be forward, its a big chunk of change. Yet, all of these repairs are strictly for safety and do not change any aesthetic appeal of Blossom. Every penny from Kickstart will be going towards the safety of our road trip.

How can we support you?

So far, we have reached $1800 of our $5000 goal to be successfully funded for our Kickstarter. This means that if we do not reach our goal of $5000 by June 8th, we will not be given any of the pledges made. Every little bit helps us reach this goal to take Blossom on the road this summer to continue making this dream into a greater reality.

Here is the link to our Kickstarter: http://kck.st/1sPJIXR

We have some awesome, fun incentives for donating and we hope that you can be a part of the journey.

Where can they find you? (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc)

http://blossomvintageshop.com

http://facebook.com/blossomvintage

Instagram: blossomvintage

Wedding Bells in Chicago: Catherine & Eddie Song

Last weekend Joules & I attended Catherine & Eddie's wedding. It's crazy to think that a year ago I met Eddie for the first time at our wedding and now here we were about to celebrate his. I've been to Chicago a couple of times for performances but this time around it felt good to be there for family. I spent most of my time helping watch my nephews, Silas (5), Paul (2), & Ashton (< 1 year) I don't know how mamas do it, but everyone go call your mom and tell them how much you love them for dealing with you your whole life. Mamas are the best.

They had a gorgeous wedding at the Chicago History Museum. I'd never been there but the venue itself was so ideal because their ceremony/reception room was all white. Their decorations were light but made all the difference in an elegant way. It was my first time meeting Catherine and everyone was on a tight schedule so I didn't get to spend much time with her, but there was so much love in that room. I have no doubt in my mind that the Lord will continue blessing the both of them and lead them in their marriage. Woohoo, Eddie!

Joules was actually a groomsman himself. He helped also by shooting a video that I can't wait to see when he finishes.. he gets better and better everyday at his craft. Proud to call him my hubs.

By the end of our trip we made many new friends and I even got to catch up with Albert who happens to be in Chicago for pharmacy school. God is so good and I'm grateful He continues to expand my horizons.

Here's some photos from our trip for memory's keepsake.

I end with this prayer:

Lord, I lift up both Catherine & Eddie to You. I know that You have always been faithful in their lives, but I pray that as they pursue their lives together after their proclamation to everyone in holy matrimony that they will hold their promise true. Although tough times may come for it is not easy for any two sinners to become one, I pray that You'll stay at the center and as their solid foundation. Let not the enemy get in the way of Your good work that they are to accomplish. I pray that Eddie will confidently lead Catherine as a man of God and that in return she will lovingly submit to him as he loves her whole heartedly as well. Let John and I be support always in hard times and great times. In Your precious name I pray, Amen! <3

Carpe diem - here or there.

California will always be my home.You can take the girl out of Cali, but you'll never take Cali out of the girl.

When I first moved to Atlanta, I had an extremely difficult time adapting to the city. Culture shock, to say the least - I had just gotten married, I moved across the world (since I had been living in Korea for nearly a year) and I got to see my friends briefly during my wedding and peaced out to start my life with Joules.

11 months later though, I can confidently say that I've found a home in Atlanta.

"Um, what's there to do in Atlanta?" Um, what's there to do anywhere? You eat great food with awesome people and it's all good in the hood.

Facebook is an enigma. I love it because I get to catch up with my friends by viewing photos of hangouts as if I were there, but the truth is I wasn't there and they had loads of fun without me. </sad>

I also have to remember that I'm in Atlanta now with a bunch of new relationships and sceneries having loads of fun without them. </truth>

It's not that our joys come from being without one another, but we are experiencing the life in front of us that God has presented. We are called to rejoice.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. - Philippians 4:4

While living in Atlanta, I've learned more about how much I fall short in so many ways of having a servant heart and how much I lack in loving through grace. Here's to name a few wonderful thangs that have happened to me in the A (tlanta)

• I am married to a kind husband who truly loves the Lord and as a result is able to love me.
• I gained a new family; mother in law, sister in law, brother in law, nephews, etc. etc.
• I am a mother for the first time to a freakishly adorable pup who is as obedient as a 9 month old can be.
• I am a team member of a company that pushes individuals to pursue their visions and dreams.
• I have met and made many new friends with spectacular people that have touched my life, and I pray that I may be affecting their lives positively as well.

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. - 1 Timothy 6:12

It's a dream for me to go back to California one day and be closer to my mom, brother, and friends. I do know, however, that if my heart isn't surrendered and content in God that my heart would still feel half empty and insufficient.

But godliness with contentment is great gain - 1 Timothy 6:6

For those of you who are far away from your loved ones and feel like they're moving on to greater things without you, take heart in knowing that those who are true would rather not be without you. They may be moving onto greater things, but it doesn't mean that you aren't either.

Carpe diem - here or there.

Thank you to my loves that have continued to randomly check up on me, letting me know I'm in your thoughts. Every text, message, or call really brightens my heart.