What I'm Listening To: Brooke Fraser- Flags

Ok.....So, I will be seeing Mrs. Brooke Fraser (Ligertwood) in concert live on November 19, 2010 at The Highline Ballroom with my sister and cousin. I can not tell you how excited I am. The last time I saw someone perform live was Adele (also at The Highline Ballroom) when she was an unknown and I have been addicted to her music since. It's an amazing experience hearing someone live. It's a raw, unfiltered performance that will either have you loving the artist or hating them in the end. So, that being said; I have a digital download of Brooke's newest album Flags. I'm speechless! Maybe I'm bias (whatever) but I didn't think she would be able to top Albertine but I guess I was wrong. I can't even review it. All I can say is go out and get a copy; she sings about different people and situations and it's so vivid that you see the picture she is painting for you.......SMH. I have nothing more to say. I just can't wait until the 19th.
image source: brookefraser.com

I'm At A Lost............

I just finished a novel called "The Romantics" by Galt Niederhoffer. I'm not going to spoil the ending but I actually went into it expecting the worst. Why? Because lately it seems happy endings aren't really happy endings anymore. I know, I sound like someone in desperate need of a hug; but when you look at society today and how they put their wants and needs above others you soon realize that someone is going to have their heart broken as the other person journeys down the road of self-discovery. I have this song stuck in my head by Brooke Fraser off her new album Flags, it called "Who Are We Fooling?" I listen to the words and the intensity of the situation being conveyed and can't help but think of all the people who can sing along to the song as if it was their life's bio. But the sad thing is that it doesn't have to be. If we just take our time...actually act like adults and weigh the pros and cons to every situation; if we did what was right instead of what "we felt like doing" at that moment than we would have less hearts to mend. We would have fewer people breaking hearts (if that makes sense). Hurt people in turn hurt people (someone who has been hurt only knows pain, so in turn they hurt someone else). We need to be honest with ourselves and put the other person first. When we do that, we will have less broken marriages, affairs, domestic abuse issues, etc. because we for once weren’t selfish.

Until then, the happy endings will be reserved to fairy tales and cheesy movies. Why can't we actually stay in a marriage even when the trials we face in it will provide healthy growth down the line? Why can't we talk to our spouse instead of the coworker who seems to "understand" at convenient times? Why do we expect something different from the person who was exactly that way they were when you met them? Is it fair to want them to change when they have remained consistent and you remained in denial? Most importantly, when will we stop blaming it on love and call it what it really is: lust. Lust isn’t forever; it is a temporary high, a drug that we eventually grow tired of or find a way to up the dosage. I think that at the rate divorces are happening that we should change the vows to “for better or for worst, in sickness or in health or until I tire of you.”

…….. Maybe I’m wrong, or maybe I’m right and it hurts that I finally said it out loud. Perfect way to find out if you are in love or in lust: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV): “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” If you can say that you are striving towards this daily; you are closer to love than you think. If you can’t check off 1 thing on the list, then you might want to evaluate your relationship and/or intentions…..Be blessed.