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Songs for a Broken Heart

Leah — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:00:32 +0000

Music is powerful: it inspires, awakens, heals, soothes, and unites our souls. So here’s a list of songs for a broken heart – before, during or after a breakup:

(The links take you to a video on YouTube – I listen with my eyes closed.)

I Want The One I Can’t Have by The Smiths
My Favorite Mistake by Sheryl Crow
Why Do You Treat Me Like You Do? by SoKo
Linger by The Cranberries
I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You by Colin Hay
Screaming by Dashboard Confessional
It Must Have Been Love by Roxette
Against All Odds (cover) by The Postal Service
Title Unknown by Michael Ortega (Instrumental)
I’ll Kill Her by SoKo

Check out this page for 12 songs about loving someone you can’t have or loving someone you shouldn’t.

If you enjoyed these lists please Share them using the buttons below – thank you!

Photo credit: Juan David Ferrando

Guest Editorial: The Walking Dead on AMC

Leah — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:20:54 +0000

Basic cable television has become a bit redundant for a lot of viewers who are tired of seeing the same old shows over and over again. This is not to say there are not new shows coming out as well, or that all old shows have lost their flair; however, it does occasionally seem as if television is “drying up” to some extent. This is why a number of television fans have recently discovered the extensive benefits associated with directtv satellite packages, which can offer access to premium programs and additional channels, and, therefore, newer and different TV shows. For example, the AMC network’s The Walking Dead has recently become one of the most popular shows on television, though it may not be available to everyone with basic TV packages.

For those who are not yet fans of the show, the first season of The Walking Dead, which debuted last year to widespread acclaim, follows Sheriffs Deputy Rick Grimes as he wakes up from a coma to find that the world is in a post-apocalyptic state, infested with dangerous “Walkers,” which for all intents and purposes are zombies. Rick arms himself and sets off on a journey for Atlanta, Georgia in search of his wife Lori and son Carl, who have managed to escape into hiding with Rick’s friend Shane. Rick manages to find this group and a small camp of survivors that they have organized. At the end of the season, a Dr. Jenner whispered something mysterious into Rick’s ear just before dying in a CDC explosion, right after explaining that the French may have a cure for the Walkers.

The second season of this blockbuster post-apocalyptic drama debuted on October 16, 2011, and is already showing the same promise of its predecessor. The season began with Rick Grimes and his fellow survivors deciding to leave Atlanta and journey to Fort Benning, where they may find safety, supplies, or even other survivors. Beginning the new season with a journey surely indicates something of a change of scenery for this second season, and fans are already excited to see what successes and failures the survivor camp finds on their way to the Fort.

If you have been bored with regular television programming, or have been looking for a new series to get into, you may not need to look any further than The Walking Dead. While zombie storylines and post-apocalyptic settings tend to appeal more to horror fans, there is enough real human emotion in this series to set it apart and make it enjoyable to mainstream audiences. If you are anything like the millions of viewers who have been raving about this series, you will get swept up enjoying the journey.

Find out more and watch previous episodes on the official Walking Dead site.

Songs About Loving Someone You Can’t Have

Leah — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:00:28 +0000

Lately, there’s a recurring theme in my short stories: love; more specifically, forbidden love. The exploration of that theme has given way to several stories which will remain under lock and key. But there are three stories I want to publish and share with the world.

One of those three stories centers around Josh and Hanna. And while it’s been easy to see their dark, complicated world, connecting to their innermost desires and getting their angst to show up on the page has been difficult. Can’t pinpoint why either. So I’m resorting to my favorite cheat: songs to inspire writing.

I’d love to hear your suggestions for other songs!

A quick list of songs about loving someone you can’t have or loving someone you shouldn’t:

(The links take you to a video on YouTube – I listen with my eyes closed.)

The Last Something That Meant Anything by Mayday Parade
All I Wanted by Paramore
For Far From Me by Brett Dennen
Mr. Pitiful by Matt Costa
Come Down To Me by Saving Jane
Untouchable Face by Ani DiFranco – Read the lyrics below. This song expresses an honesty that only someone who’s lived the experience could convey.
I Hate Myself For Loving You by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Lover I Don’t Have to Love by Bright Eyes – Read the lyrics below. A song for the cynical, if not jaded, person after having their heart broken.
Send His Love To Me by PJ Harvey
Cry To Me by Solomon Burke
I’ve Got Dreams To Remember by Otis Redding
Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis

P.S. I also made a list of songs for a broken heart.

Lyrics: Untouchable Face by Ani DiFranco

Think I’m going for a walk now
I feel a little unsteady
I don’t want no one to follow me
Except maybe you
I could make you happy, you know
If you weren’t already
I could do a lot of things
And I do

Tell you the truth, I prefer the worst of you
Too bad you had to have a better half
She’s not really my type
But I think you two are forever
And I hate to say it but you’re perfect together

So fuck you
And your untouchable face
Fuck you
For existing in the first place
And who am I
That I should be vying for your touch?
Who am I?
Bet you can’t even tell me that much

2:30 in the morning
My gas tank will be empty soon
Neon sign on the horizon
Rubbing elbows with the moon
Safe haven of the sleepless
Where the deep fryer’s always on
Radio is counting down the top 20 country songs

Out on the porch the fly strip is
Waving like a flag in the wind
You know I really don’t look forward
To seeing you again soon

You look like a photograph of yourself
Taken from far, far away
I won’t know what to do
I won’t know what to say

So fuck you
And your untouchable face
Fuck you
For existing in the first place
And who am I
That I should be vying for your touch?
Who am I?
Bet you can’t even tell me that much

See you and I’m so perplexed
What was I thinking?
What will I think of next?
Where can I hide?
In the back room there’s a lamp
That hangs over the pool table
And when the fan is on it swings
Gently side to side
There’s a changing constellation
Of balls as we are playing
I see Orion and say nothing
The only thing I can think of saying

Is fuck you
And your untouchable face
Fuck you
For existing in the first place
And who am I
That I should be vying for your touch?
Who am I?
Bet you can’t even tell me that much

Lyrics: Lover I Don’t Have to Love by Bright Eyes

I picked you out
Of a crowd and talked to you
Said I liked your shoes
You said “Thanks, can I follow you?”
So it’s up the stairs
And out the aim of prying eyes
I poured some wine
I asked your name
You asked the time

Now it’s two o’clock
The club is closed, we’re up the block
Your hands on me
Pressing hard against your jeans
Your tongue in my mouth
Trying to keep the words from coming out
You didn’t care to know
Who else may have been you before

I want a lover I don’t have to love
I want a girl who’s too sad to give a fuck
Where’s the kid with the chemicals?
I thought he said he’d meet me here but I’m not sure
I got the money if you got the time
He said, “It feels good”
I said, “I’ll give it a try”

Then my mind went dark
We both forgot where your car was parked
Let’s just take the train
I’ll meet up with the band in the morning

Bad actors with bad habits
Some sad singers
They just play tragic
And the phone’s ringing
And the band’s leaving
Let’s just keep touching
Let’s just keep keep, keep singing

I want a lover I don’t have to love
I want a boy who’s so drunk he doesn’t talk
Where’s the kid with the chemicals
I got a hunger and I can’t seem to get full
I need some meaning I can memorize
The kind I have always seems to slip my mind

But you, but you
You write such pretty words
But life’s no storybook
Love’s an excuse to get hurt
And to hurt
Do you like to hurt?
I do, I do
Then hurt me
Then hurt me
Then hurt me
Then hurt me
Then hurt me
Then hurt me
Then hurt me
Then hurt me
Then hurt me
Then hurt me

Photo credit: Kiomi

Not in the Mood? Maybe These Photos Will Help

Leah — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:00:57 +0000

Oftentimes, the easiest scenes to write are the funnest. But then there are other days when the scene I thought would be quick, easy and painless just can’t make it from my muse to my conscious to the page. Those are the days – or nights, I’m a night owl so a lot of writing is done after 10 PM – when I turn to either pictures or music to get me in the mood.

Here are a few posts to check out if you’re looking for songs to inspire writing. Music is powerful and it usually does the trick. However, there are situations where I need to visually stimulate my imagination in addition to the auditory inspiration.

The following three pictures really stirred up the creative juices last week:

by Joshua Hoffine
(Click here for his main web site.)

by Chris aka Specky Nation

by Zhang Peng

Do you have an image or two that inspires your writing or sets the mood for a certain dynamic?

Live Like You’re Dying by Lenka

Leah — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 22:40:19 +0000

The lyrics say it all. And Lenka’s voice delivers them beautifully (listen below). Even pain is a reminder that I’m alive, and I’m living like there’s no tomorrow. So I move forward with open eyes, a genuine heart, and an acute awareness that the moments will make up for the hurt.

Lyrics:

One of these days you’ll be under the covers
You’ll be under the table and you’ll realize
That all of your days are numbered, all of them one to one hundred
All of them millions, all of them trillions

So what are you gonna do with them all?
You cannot trade them in for more, no, no

Take every moment, you know that you own them
It’s all you can do, use what’s been given to you

Gimme a reason to fight the feeling
That there’s nothing here for me
‘Cause none of it’s easy, I know it wasn’t meant to be
I know it’s all up to me, it’s all up to me

So what am I gonna do with my time?

I’ll take every moment, I know that I own them
It’s all up to you to do whatever you choose
Live like you’re dying and never stop trying
It’s all you can do, use what’s been given to you

All of the moments you didn’t notice gone in the blink of an eye
And all of the feelings you can’t help feeling no matter how you try

Take every moment, you know that you own them
It’s all up to you to do whatever you choose
Live like you’re dying and never stop trying
It’s all you can do, use what’s been given to you

Live like you’re dying and never stop trying
It’s all up to you, use what’s been given to you

When Your Mood Doesn’t Match Your Character’s…

Leah — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 22:00:33 +0000

The story of David and Dawn needs finished. The ending – well, technically it’s the beginning – has never been in question. My muse has had it gift-wrapped and ready to be opened since I finished “Misery’s Constant Companion.” I just haven’t made myself open it yet. No idea why, really. But today is the today. Or at least I hope it is.

You see, I’m having trouble getting into the character because my mood is so–happy is the best way to describe it. And the two scenes I need to write to finish the story are not happy ones. They’re dark and sad and somewhat depressing.

So how does one tap into their character’s mood and feelings?

The fastest way for me is to listen to music that evokes thoughts and feelings that match the character’s. While listening to these songs and getting my head right, I thought it might be fun to post a quick blog with a short (incomplete) list of the songs I turn to – the songs to inspire writing a dark scene or a scene with a depressing end.

Come Home by OneRepublic
The thing I like best about OneRepublic is the authentic feel to all their songs. This one in particular takes me to a totally secret place deep inside my heart, where I keep the memories of someone I missed for a really, really long time. Don’t you find when you connect with a song’s lyrics you’re transported to the exact place in time when that song fit your life perfectly?
Broken by Seether ft. Amy Lee
The chemistry between these two voices – Shaun Morgan and Amy Lee – and the relevance of the lyrics makes this song a gut-wrencher.
Hate Me by Blue October
Oh man, this song. If you can listen to this song and walk away unaffected, then I’m envious. Justin Furstenfeld’s emotion bleeds through every word and I know exactly what he’s singing about – from both sides of the story.
Bother by Stone Sour
I don’t know but this effin song depresses the hell outta me. The guitar, the tone of his voice, the lyrics…whew! Definitely do not listen to this one if you want to avoid being sad.
Never Too Late by Three Days Grace
This song is actually a lot different from the others listed here because it makes me feel hopeful. But it’s powerful nonetheless and puts me into a darker mindset. And remember, even though life can be a real pain in the arse sometimes, it’s never too late to make your life better and you should certainly never lose hope.
I Almost Told You That I Loved You by Papa Roach
Just plain ol’ dirty fun that does not make me think about unicorns, rainbows, or anything “happy” when it comes to relationships.
Loser by 3 Doors Down
Nothing to lose. At your wit’s end. And someone pushes your last button. How would that feel? How would you escape that pain and their constant pokes and judgments? When I listen to Loser that’s what comes to mind.
Strong Enough by Sheryl Crow
I’ve listened to this song SO many times. Truer lyrics may not exist for me.
Hurt by Johnny Cash
The raw emotion in Johnny’s voice gets me every time. I mean, to the point where I almost sob.

Honorable mentions:

In Between by Linkin Park

You by Evanescence

Why by Secondhand Serenade

.45 by Shinedown

Close My Eyes Forever by Ozzy Osbourne ft. Lita Ford

Do you have any “dark” songs to share? How do those songs affect you?

Okay, after listening to all of those songs, I think I’m ready to write the end to David and Dawn’s story…at least this story.

Top 5 Songs to Fuel Emotional Scenes

Leah — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:00:23 +0000

I’m not sure if all writers rely on music for added inspiration before, during, or after specific types of scenes, but I do. When I’m going to write a dark scene with graphic violence or heated dialogue, I’ll listen to bands like KoЯn, Seether or Disturbed. On the flip side, when I’m writing an emotional scene, one filled with inner turmoil, self-reflection, or no-turning-back decisions, the most played artists in my iTunes account include Linkin Park, Band of Horses, Blue Foundation, Ray Lamontagne, and Damien Rice, to name just a handful.

I’ve handpicked the top five songs to inspire writing in heavy emotional scenes and/or scenes primarily centered around a character, his thoughts and actions, and how his world and others will be affected by them. These songs evoke specific emotions from me that filter down through my muse into my words. Sometimes the lyrics are the key; sometimes it’s a mixture of the singer’s voice, the melody, and the mood.

Eyes on Fire by Blue Foundation

You’ve probably heard Eyes on Fire before – it was featured in Twilight (2008) – but didn’t know what it was called or who it was by. I play this song most often during scenes between two characters who have some sort of attraction for each other yet cannot consummate their desires.

No One’s Gonna Love You by Band of Horses

I’m slightly infatuated with Band of Horses. From the first time I heard The Funeral, I was hooked. A few weeks ago, I posted another song by them, I Go To The Barn Because I Like. But my favorite song, by far, is No One’s Gonna Love You. The lyrics, the music and Ben Bridwell’s vocals: perfection, or pretty damn close.

9 Crimes by Damien Rice

If you watched the movie Closer (2004), you heard Damien Rice’s The Blower’s Daughter, which is quite a sad, romantic song in itself. However, the one I listen to most for scenes with serious emotional decisions or consequences is 9 Crimes.

If You Go Away by Emiliana Torrini

I first heard If You Go Away when I watched the movie Pumpkin (2002). The lyrics are sad. The melody is equally gut-wrenching. However, it’s Emiliana Torrini’s haunting voice that makes the song almost overwhelming from an emotional viewpoint. Let me put it like this: If you’ve ever loved and lost, If You Go Away will tug (hard) at your heartstrings.

Trouble by Ray LaMontagne

No explanation is necessary for this one, at least in my opinion. There’s just something about Trouble that gets my creative juices flowing. It’s inspired me to write one of the steamiest sex scenes I ever attempted. Maybe I’ll share that scene on my blog someday and really live up to my NC-17 rating.

What song (or songs) inspire your writing?

Kingsford Charcoal Commercial – Guy Traumatized by Winter

Leah — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:43:06 +0000

I laugh my arse off every time I watch this commercial. Plus, I totally connect with the guy in the yellow coat, traumatized by winter and all its snow and all its cold. Isn’t the best stuff usually the most true? It’s way easier to connect with a product when the ads feature something with which I relate on a personal level. Anywho, I thought I’d share it with those of you who haven’t seen it and those of you outside the United States. And besides, everyone needs to laugh at something silly from time to time. All work and no play makes people crazy; I know from experience.

Shameless vegetarian plug: There are non-animal products available as substitutes for all of the dead animals flopped onto the grill in the last scene of this commercial. Why not give it a try? The cows, chickens, and pigs (as well as the Earth) would appreciate it!

Need more funny?

Bridgestone’s “Screaming Squirrel” commercial cracks me up.

Reese’s “Global Warming” commercial is both hilarious whilst being environmentally responsible.

VW Jetta’s “Shopping Cart” commercial is an oldie but goodie in my eyes. Listen for the “I’m OK.” It gets me every time.

Band of Horses – ‘I Go to the Barn Because I Like The’

Leah — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:47 +0000

I’m such a total Gemini. How else can I explain lovin’ hardcore horror movies and soft-hearted music? Don’t get me wrong: I also enjoy soft-hearted movies (except “chick flicks”) and hardcore music. I guess there are just too many sides to who I am to ever fit me into one label, genre, type, or whatever. I likes what I like even if that makes it difficult for certain things I do (e.g. this blog) to nest in a specific area or niche.

Why this song? It just so happens that tonight, Psych‘s season four finale featured it. When I heard the song in the episode, I knew it was Band of Horses, but I didn’t know which song. I did a little searchin’ and found it on USA’s Psych forum. This band’s music feels honest and full of vulnerability. Plus, there’s a hint of sadness. I dig it!

Without further ado, please enjoy the video below for however long it’s available on YouTube. And hey, if you like the song, support the band and buy their album.

Did you like the song? Why?

Check out “The Funeral,” too!

WEB RESOURCES

Band of Horses official site | Albums: Cease to Begin and Everything All The Time

My 100th Post Is a Charitable Donation

Leah — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 23:10:42 +0000

This morning I realized today would mark a milestone in my journey as a blogger: my 100th post. So I spent most of the day going back and forth between two topics I wanted to discuss, but then I found a web site – actually a press release on Facebook, which lead me to a blog – that changed my mind. Therefore, I’d like to donate my 100th post to one of my favorite charities: Ohio Basset Rescue.

I selected OBR because it’s local; it’s small; and they really need foster homes or donations. They work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to rescue, foster and adopt basset hounds, and they do it all out of the goodness of their hearts and their own pocketbooks.

OBR needs your support!

Here’s a little more information:

The below is reprinted from the OBR web site.

What is Ohio Basset Hound rescue and how does it work?

Ohio Basset Rescue (OBR) is an all volunteer organization – dedicated to helping the homeless hounds of Ohio.

Our volunteer network spans to the four corners of Ohio. Our funds come solely through donations and fundraisers. OBR does not have a shelter of its own. Our “shelter” exists through our foster families that open their hearts and homes to a hound in need.

There are hounds that come to OBR from all walks of life, whether it is: on death row at a county pound, dumped at the humane society because their former owner was moving, or the baby suddenly developed mysterious allergies that can’t be explained; left wandering alone in the middle of the woods, along a country road, or dodging traffic on the freeway.

Once these homeless hounds are with OBR, the dog is then given all necessary medical attention – all vaccinations (including bordatella, rabies & distemper series combination); heartworm test – monthly preventative is given if the dog tests negative, treatment for the disease is given if they test positive; spay/neuter – to prevent more hounds from facing as uncertain of a future; and any other needed medical treatment.

These hounds are then placed in foster care, so long as there is a foster home open and ready to take them in Very often, any individual hound is not the only homeless hound in their foster home. Many OBR foster homes often have two to three hounds rotating on a continual basis. OBR foster homes and their families have very big hearts and are often working very hard, day after day – to provide a sort of finishing school for homeless hounds.

Whether it is dinnertime manners, proper behavior techniques, or social housebreaking skills – OBR foster homes do it all. These homeless hounds remain in foster care or in a boarding kennel (if a foster home is unavailable) until a forever home can be found for them.

We are constantly talking to and screening potential families and homes. Making the match of a homeless hound with their own forever home is the most heartfelt part of what we do.

This brief explanation only begins to provide a glimpse into what OBR is truly all about. There are the nights that phone calls come in that a lost hound with an OBR tag has been found and a frantic search begins to track down the owner. There are the weeks when phone calls come in day after day with owner relinquish calls with every excuse being given as to why they must get rid of their beloved family member. There are the quiet weeks, although a rarity. Then the calm before the storm when we receive up to eight or more calls from animal shelters in different corners of Ohio that have hounds that need to be rescued. A scramble then begins to arrange for transportation to safety for these homeless hounds and this is only the beginning for them.

http://www.ohiobassetrescue.org/FAQ.html#What_is

Ever watched An American Werewolf in Paris (1997) or Detroit Rock City (1999)? Both films contain scenes starring a basset hound. Yup, basset hounds are that cool.

Please help Ohio Basset Rescue with their mission to find loving, forever homes for these hounds. Give whatever you can – even if it’s only $1 – and experience how wonderful it feels to help a good cause.

Visit the OBR web site or click here to donate via their PayPal account or check out their new Foster to Adopt program.

What’s your favorite charity? Will you donate your 100th post to them?