I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas Just Like the Ones I Never Knew

       My all-time, all-around, all-everything favorite movie would have to be, and will probably forever be, White Christmas.  This was the first film produced and released by VistaVision, yes, in color.  White Christmas, the song by Irving Berlin, also happens to be the most popular song ever! True story, this is.  It isn't me being biased..although that's basically what a blog is...Anywho, the story follow Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, entertainment legends who worked their way up together and achieved fame together after being best friends, more so brothers, since fighting along each other in World War II.  Combat in military was also where Phil saved Bob's life and never allows him to live it down.  They then meet two sisters, both very attractive, of a guy they were in the army with, and these ladies have their own act. After lots of fun music, dancing, comedic relief, romancing, and attempts of Phil and Judy(the younger, brown-eyed sister) hooking up Bob and Betty(the older, blue-eyed sister) they end up putting on a show in the barn of the inn in Vermont owned by their former General on a very special white Christmas.  And of course, just like any good story, the boy gets the girl, even better, both get the girls. Boy, did they have to work for 'em, though!  You will probably cry, laugh, and "aww", and every piece of heart melted by this true piece of art will be far more than worth it.
 May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white.

I've Got a Basket Full of Lemons and They All Taste the Same.

"I got a basket full of lemons and they all taste the same,a window and a pigeon with a broken wing.
You can spend your whole life workin’ for something,just to have it taken away.
People walk a tight rope on a razors edge carrying their hurt and hatred and weapons.
It could be a bomb or a bullet or a pen, or a thought or a word or a sentence.
The wind blows wild and I may move, the politicians lie and I am not fooled.
You don't need no reason or a three piece suit to argue the truth.
The air on my skin and the world under my toes, slavery stitched into the fabric of my clothes,
Chaos and commotion wherever I go, love I try to follow.
There ain't no reason things are this way.
It's how they always been and they intend to stay.
I can't explain why we live this way, we do it everyday.
Love will come set me free
Love will come set me free, I do believe
Love will come set me free, I know it will
Love will come set me free, yes."
                                             -Brett Dennen: Ain't No Reason




"And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming, or the moment of truth in your lies.
When everything feels like the movies, yeah, you'd bleed just to know you're alive.

And I don't want the world to see me cause I don't think that they'd understand.
When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am."
                                          -Goo Goo Dolls: Iris

"I can finally see that you're right there beside me.
I am not my own, for I have been made anew.
Please don't let me go.
I desperately need you."
                                        -Owl City: Meteor Shower

"Just past the circumstance, the first light a second chance.
No child could ever dance the way you do oh.
Tear down the prison walls, don't stop the curtain calls.
Your chains will never fall until you do.

Don't let the night become the day; don't take the darkness to the grave.
I know pain is just a place. The will has been broken.
Don't let the fear become the hate; don't take the sadness to the grave.
I know the fight is on the way when the sides have been chosen.

Cause' if you never leave home, never let go, you'll never make it to the great unknown.
Open up your eyes, keep your eyes open.
So tell me you're strong, tell me you see, I need to hear it, can you promise me
To keep your eyes... open my love.
So show me your fire, show me your heart, you know I'll never let you fall apart
If you keep your eyes... open my love
Keep your eyes... (keep your eyes open)"
                                          -Needtobreathe: Keep Your Eyes Open

"More times than not the ones you love are who you let down.
We're chasing something big our parents never tracked down.
The hardest part is looking back and making sense of the humble tries and troubled times of where we came from.

Still I'm feeling like a vagrant in my own town.
I'm like an awkward conversation.
All of this work and I ain't seein' any wages,
I ain't gonna stop until I do."
                                         -Needtobreathe: Tyrant Kings

                       Gosh, the list could go on forever! However, I doubt you have even have the time to read the snipets from the songs I did post.  Music is the universal language. Unlike most languages, though, it transcends the brain straight to the soul.  Music is particularly special to me, lyrics, especially.  Needtobreathe's Tyrant Kings lyrics, starting backwards, just for the heck of it, describes something I think every human, whether they admit it or not, deals with at some point.  It speaks of not belonging, feeling alone, unneeded, unwanted, and even pointless, hopeless. It also creates a stir of hope because it states " I ain't gonna stop until I do." Until I see results, until I get where I'm trying to go, I'll keep on keepin' on. Needtobreathe's Keep Your Eyes Open could be taken different ways, but I like to think of it as my Creator speaking to me. He's telling me not to settle for what majority of the world has. He's telling me He has more in store for me, epic plans! But that for whomever wants the most of this destiny can't sit in a comfort zone forever. In order to reach this, one must do brave things, maybe even seemingly stupid, with faith. One of my all time favorite lines is in this song: "Your chains will never fall until you do." I don't think I can add anything more to that; chew on it for awhile, will ya?  Owl City's Adam Young certainly has a way with words. Although Meteor Shower's lyrics are on the shorter, more simple side, it hits home.  Iris by the Goo Goo Doll's is an overall incredible song. As a personal thing, they may not be my very favorite band(no offense to anyone who thinks otherwise), but this song gives me chills every time I hear it. Between the tremendous, building instrumentals and words about someone who doesn't want to be noticed by so many who don't understand why (s)he is feeling what they're feeling, someone who in  a world of brokenness, of heartbreak, only wants this one particular thing to be okay.  One of the most brilliantly and heart-hitting songs in my opinion is Brett Dennen's Ain't No Reason.  It basically sums up life.  This song sums up how we don't know why we do what we do, but we do it anyhow, and how it's always been the way it is and always will be.  It sneakily declares the unfair, yet normal day-to-day issues and standards. This song also proclaims the rescue from the daily grind by love. The power of belief over twisted fact has such power. Free love sets free.  And he has a spectacular voice. I strongly encourage you all to look up and listen to, not hear, but actually listen to every single one of these masterpieces, and I will gladly share more music with any interested.  Well, that's a wrap, folks!

An Ode.

     So I began thinking of Christmas... which reminded me of how I  dislike when Thanksgiving gets overlooked... and so I began thinking of all the marvelous reasons I have to be grateful. I am truly blessed with an overwhelming amount of folks whom I treasure dearly. All of whom each deserve more than their own post, but, however, words will never begin to describe them. So, for the sake of in the very least giving some recognition I am aching to give, firstly I'd like to begin with the non-relatives. Although these people don't technically hang on my family tree, they are connected to me through a way far more reaching trace than blood.  They have not any idea that I am doing this, argo, because of lack of permission, I will not be using their names.

             The first acknowledgment I'd like to make is certainly a priceless treasure to my life.  Without reason, nor anything to gain, Eliza, we will call her, reached out to me when and how I needed most. No way would I have ever asked for help, but she saw through the fake front, and though we hadn't much of a relationship past acquaintance, she was Jesus with skin on. To say she is a best friend is not fair. To say she is a mentor is not fair.  In fact, through searchings of the dictionary I have yet to find a fitting title.  After she took such a daring, and possibly offending and even possibly hatred-toward-her-forming move(which is so unlike her), we found we sure were a lot more alike than meets the eye. A few of these likenesses are: coffee fans, hardcore thrifters, mixed-cd lovers, D.I.Y. craft junkies, challenging exercisers, and one of the biggest, hard-to-accept-our-flawless-image Jesus creations.  What a strong, beautiful, talented, graceful, inspiration she has been and is to this day to me.

          As this next chum might say, lights, camera, action, moving right along. He we shall call him cowboy. Never have I felt the same kind of betrayal and anger that I've felt towards him. It wasn't the same.  Sure I've been angry, but that movie, or book crap where a character cries because they can't help but love this person, only has that happened with this guy. Not ever in any romantic kind of way, but true-blue more than friend kind of way. I don't think it would've hurt so much if I didn't care to the extent that I did, or if he hadn't always been such a loyal, over-achieving friend.  Also, never have I felt so guilty for feeling so angry at, nor have I felt so special and belonging and unstoppable, rather than with this person. He makes me feel like I have worth. He seems to be so sure that I'm going somewhere, doing something, going to do more! He was always there to calmly get me through the lowest parts of life.And though I can't say for sure, I tried to be there for him. We take things so personally, both of us.  We want to save the world, but at some point those who give all have to be refilled.  We are so similar. From art appreciation, to common interests, to Mexican and Cajun food, and even to liking depressing music, we share something. This something isn't a level attained by years, or effort, or money-giving of friendship; it's there, or it isn't. And boy, am I glad it is.

            And lastly(for now), but certainly not least...cheesy, perhaps, but cheesy is befitting for the next hero/leading lady/amazingly my non-related sister. Not the annoying cheesy, rather the rare, adorable, gosh-everyone-wants-to-be-you-or-at-least-with-you cheesy. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, tis time to talk about Magnolia. Well, who we'll be referring to as Magnolia. Where to begin! Try to imagine heaven, and this is comparable to her presence. Imagine the impossibly brightest star on the canvas of an open Arkansas night in mid-July, and this is like her smile.  Imagine the refreshing feel of cool rain while the sun shines after times of drought, and this is like her laughter. Imagine the most unconventionally stunning thing ever of life, and this is like her face. Artsy. Funny. Precious. Kind. Pure. How on earth did we become best friends? Beyond me, it may be, but I would not like to imagine what my life would be like without her shoulder to lean upon, and her car to ride and vent in with windows rolled down, and her comedic relief and wise advice while sharing raw cookie dough.

              So much more could be written about these impeccable pals, but sometimes, less is more.
And sometimes, you can't always get what you want. And sometimes, just sometimes, what you need ends up being more than you ever imagine wanting. There is a time and place for everything. And now, is the time for goodbye, but only until it's time to say hello again.

People.

    People: the best part of life, and the worst. God's most precious, special creation was able to be its own downfall. Give us an inch, we take our life, and yours.  A creation created to create, created to love. Not to say we are above our Creator, for He is the reason, the purpose. People search their entire lives for THE "purpose" ; it's Him.  This purpose has different details pertaining to whomever is the subject, but, however, the purpose does not change.  Whilst searching for this purpose, somewhere along the line, very, very early on, we decided to redefine success. Money, fame, college decrees, awards, romancers, style, body image, how do these contribute to our purpose? And once we attain all these, what next? What does it do? Are History books written about the people who lived in a white-fenced not-so-humble-abode, with two kids, a trophy spouse, and a beach house in Florida? What happened to living for something other than ourselves? What happened to caring about anything other than ourselves? Commitment is unfamiliar word.  If we don't like something, change it, give up. Even though we know this will hurt us, and possibly others, well, they should have gotten out when they had the chance as well.  People can make us feel the best about ourselves(not that this is right.) No matter how good, or bad, we feel about ourselves, confirmation from another mouth seals the deal. People can make us feel the worst about ourselves. No matter how good, or bad, we feel about ourselves, confirmation from another mouth seals the deal.  Blades cut, so do words. Words hurt deeper, even, particularly when from someone you love, not necessarily a quote "lover", but it's much easier to get over a tearing-down from an enemy than someone you care(d) about.  Perhaps, the hardest, though, is hurting for someone else. A friend is hurt, and you can do nothing about it. Despite any attempts, they don't feel any better, aren't any more responsive, don't believe the truth you know to be to true.  They can't even be blamed or hated, for they're the victims, right? Of course, if you asked anyone, they'd probably confess to being the victim.  Everyone's been the victim. Everyone's been the bad guy, too. Sometimes, a lot of times, it's these experiences, not the "successful" things of life, that shape us into the person we can actually stand, perhaps even decently like, staring back at us in the mirror.

A Letter Never Sent.

Dear Friend:
          You definitely don't know me, and I hardly know you
But I saw your face across the place, and I knew.
I knew I wanted to love you, save you.
But maybe, just possibly, I'm the one who needs you to save me.
 You're the greatest thing I've never known and perhaps if we gave it a whirl,
Maybe I could be your favorite girl, maybe I could better you world.
What do you want; what do you need?
I swear I'll bruise trying to be.
But who am I to think you owe me any favors.
I'm not asking for your life, not even for your hand.
You have my heart, may I at least have a dance?
I'm only asking for a chance
As a friend, as support, if you wanted, romance.
But that's your choice to make
And the weather's lookin' grey.
All we've got is time,
But time is not on my side.
So please give me an answer, even if it's goodbye.
I think I'll take that back.
Please allow me to dream safely from afar.
Wish I may, wish I might, I'm not too proud to wish upon a star,
Or to pray to a God whom I know has far more important things to worry about than me.
This may be silly, but it's evident, and that's the only anything I see clearly.
But you'll never see this, and even if so, never know it's meant for you.
Dream, I shall, though it's more like a nightmare, and I'll lie through a smile, cause I'm good at it.
In fact, it's the best thing I do.
 -Me

Let's Get Real.

             Another first week of school down. Whoop, I have survived! This year's goal, however, is not to simply survive, but rather to, dare I say, enjoy it.  Though I am young still, I realized to my dismay, I am growing older. Perhaps not taller, but I rest my case. I don't have as much time as I once did. I don't have enough time to put school first, work first, money first, reputation first, etc.  If the world finds me successful, I have failed.  Sidenote: speaking of high-school, to you "kool kids": You are not.  I enjoy your nerdy moments far beyond any "I'm too cool for that", "I don't care" moments. In fact, it burns my biscuits.  And I don't care how much you paid for your shoes.  At any rate, another note I'd like to make, not everything in life is a soap opera.  It's okay to cry and not to be okay, and it's even okay for this to happen for no reason. Now, don't get me wrong, staying in this mood could cause issues, but let's not pretend like we're reenacting "Titanic" (don't get me started with my dislike for this, either); what were to happen if we got real. If we didn't beat around the bush of feelings we all encounter.  It's not a code, or bad, or rare thing. It is natural.  I know just as much as anyone, more than most, that self-esteem issues are an every-day battle.  There is no cure for this. I am sure even the most accomplished(whatever that means) human has insecurities. Just remember kids, it's not what you do or have, but how you rock it. And people don't love people for the number of Honor Roll certificates or Grammies or Olympic gold medals. People love people who are able to love them. But in order to love others, you have to be able to love yourself(love and stuck up your own butt have different meanings..)
Laugh. Smile. Love. Be a friend. Allow others to be a friend to you.  Be selflessly selfish. Your reflection(inside and out) will thank you. As will the world.

The Blue-Eyed Daisy

        I am Cierra Motes. I believe Jesus Christ is Love, and that Love is all you need.  I collect buttons. I like storms. I am intrigued by accents.  I like to pretend the song "You are My Sunshine" was written about me.  I also like to think of myself as somewhat of a poet because I enjoy expressing emotions through lines and stanzas that I prefer to rhyme, unless it compromises the message.  Music is very near and dear to my heart, particulartly the sounds of the cello,  mandolin, banjo, piano, and multiple harmonies(not necessarily together, but why not?). Butterflies are super cool. I am fascinated by the 1920-40's era. Bing Crosby is one of the greatest performers ever. This is a fact, not an opinion. CHRISTMAS!!! What more can I say about that subject? Tis the most wonderful time of the year....which is a major understatement.  When I grow up I will most likely be a ballerina, actress, sidewalk chalk artist, part of the next greatest band, and a superhero.  Civil War history never gets old; the South was misunderstood. Georgia peach, born and raised, can you tell? I am under 5 ft.  I believe in old-fashioned class. Well, really, old-fashioned anything! I am a do-it-myself junkie. Smiling is my favorite. I am bad at sitting still. I am partially ginger(naturally). I am a dork. I have freckles.