Modesty & Social Media

Modesty.

When I was younger, I associated the virtue of modesty with a manner of dress. As a teen I was required to try on new clothing for my parents to get their approval (is this too short? is that too tight?) Those preliminary rules were helpful to give me a sense of self-awareness. Modesty now, however, takes on a more holistic expression.

The question I ask myself is how and when to best share myself. That applies just as much to music and friendship as it does to what I'll wear in my next photo shoot. Someone asked me recently how I stay genuine over social media, while still maintaining privacy. Modesty is the answer, and it's a work in progress.

My favorite definition of this virtue is, "knowing what to share, and what to keep hidden." In the latest episode of In Real Life, you'll hear a new original song, entitled, "Uncover Me." The interesting experience for me is that I'm singing about emotional intimacy, but I'm not sharing the whole story of this song yet. Yes, you can catch a picture of my husband's and my first kiss on this episode, but there's more that I could say about the inspiration for this piece.

It's just not quite time yet. One of our Amanda Vernon Patrons commented on the YouTube video, "Young people need to hear more of your relationship! Hmmmm, I wonder, could this be a new calling for you?" I actually am very inspired to share more about the specific relationships that have formed me! Right now, I'm simply sharing the fruits of those relationships, if that makes sense. Maybe someday soon, I'll have the opportunity to describe the stories in detail, because they're pretty beautiful.

Modesty, however, demands that I wait for the opportune moment. So for now, I hope you enjoy the results of pouring out my soul in private with those whom I trust most. It's their love that allows me to create new art to share with you. Today, music from my soul! Maybe someday, poetry and storytelling from my heart.

Peace,

Amanda

Sing It Like You Mean It

I only sing songs I believe in.

A few weeks ago, our local production studio was set up for our recording session. After work on an original piece, we proceeded to a cover song. It was a mash-up of a current hit by Alessia Cara, with an older release from Taylor Swift. Before the session, it seemed like these songs would blend well! The mashup came together quite seamlessly, but there was a problem. I just couldn’t sing it with conviction.

The audio engineer shook his head good-naturedly when he heard laughter through the microphone. “What is this even about?” I asked. “I just don’t believe in this song. I can’t sing it!” We decided to resume again another day, with a cover that was a better fit. So this week, it’s a pleasure to share a different mashup, with two songs that happen to be among my favorites. If the recording sounds happy and lighthearted, that’s because those are my true feelings expressed through music.

It’s called In Real Life for a reason.

Peace,
Amanda

The Making of a Song (with help from friends)

Last month, while working on a concept for a new song, I posted a few starter lines on Facebook:

"Like jazz clubs need the blues...
Like Donald Trump needs the nightly news..."

Then I requested ideas of other need-based similes. My friends’ responses were awesome! Notably, Joe Mele told me to, "Avoid politics." That seemed like a wise suggestion, so I substituted “Donald Trump” for "the president" line to be more generic. Some suggestions made me laugh, but didn't make it into the song, such as:

"Like the weatherman needs to be wrong about rain." - Fr. Matt Fase

Really funny, but too complex for a pop song. Bonus points for being my best friend, though, Fr. Matt. Here’s another one:

"Like a vampire needs your blood,
Like a hippopotamus needs mud!
Like a rooster needs to crow,
Like a bladder needs to go!" - Andrew Reising

Creative! It also sounds like Andrew's been spending a lot of time with humans under the age of 7. (Likely, his two young children.)

In a more seriously poetic vein, my friend Luke Kavanaugh wrote, “Like the light needs the dark.” Rather breathtaking. That would make an intriguing theme for an entire composition.

Here are the contributions that found their way into the finished piece!

“Like the plants need the sun, like the rivers need to run." - Mike Debus
“Like drummers need a beat or fútbol needs some feet” - Christian Somerville
“Like tired moms need coffee, Like babies need cuddles” - Sarah Tindall Kopliku
“Hipsters need skinny jeans / teenage girls need magazines” - Emily Rushmore
“Flip Flops need the Sand” - Jennifer Lee

And! The sassiest and spunkiest contribution came from my beloved Auntie Vicki Vernon Lott:

“Like salsa dip needs some chips, like salsa dance needs some hips.”

Mix it all together, make sure everything rhymes, sprinkle on a little fairy dust plus some happy thoughts, and voilà! A song is born.

What Do I Know?

For over a year, David has been producing, filming, and editing my online show.

It’s really nice to have a husband with so many skills. It’s not so nice to film from 10pm - 1am, after our kids are asleep for the night. I love that we’re both night owls! It wasn’t, however, the best recipe for an energized, on-screen music performance.

As our number of Amanda Vernon Patrons has grown, we’ve been able to take the next step and hire a camera crew to take David’s role! My first mash-up was also the first time I recorded the show in the broad daylight. What a game changer.

Although we’re still finding a new workflow with the episodes, our home life is much more relaxed! Plus, it was so much more fun to film without wondering if one of the kids might wake up during production. I have a lot more focus and drive for this show now.

Last weekend, on tour in Oregon, I met 8-year-old Kimberly. She was super excited to welcome me to her church. She watches my show on YouTube, and said, “We were already friends!” How heartwarming is that?

So, the mashup of Ed Sheeran + Matt Maher was really fun to create. I think blending different genres into a new cohesive whole might become a regular practice. I hope you (and Kimberly!) enjoy the outcome.

Amidst the Mist

California Foothills

Growing up in Michigan, fog was a rarity among our vast array of intense weather. When I moved to California, I experienced fog dense enough to create a whiteout. It looked similar to driving through heavy snowstorms back in the Midwest, except without the treacherous road conditions.

Bay Area fog gave me the first visual image of what postpartum depression feels like. Something about it was so comforting. Because in my opinion, the Bay Area is the most beautiful place in the country. And yet, when it's enveloped by fog, it's beauty is sometimes completely hidden.

About a month after our youngest daughter was born, I went over to AC's house with our tight group of friends (who are more like family). Bell turned to me and asked, "How are you though? I know postpartum depression can be really serious." All eyes were on Serra and me. My friends listened intently as I explained about the fog. Since my favorite way of expressing my feelings is through music, I sang part of my newest song for them:

"This valley is encompassed by foothills
Of redwood forests
Winding roads through green meadows
Spanish roofs on quiet homes
And my eyes cannot make out
Any of it now
Amidst the mist and I don't mind it
The sun will come for me
Amidst the mist and I'm surviving
Glory surrounds me"

Most of us were misty-eyed afterward, as we sat in silence together for a while.

Fast forward 5 months: my family and I are enjoying the warm Arizona winter, and the majority of my fog has evaporated! I'm continuing to write about this experience, though, for others who might still be in the thick of it. I have friends and family members who live in that fog every day, no matter the season. I'm grateful to be able to relate now, even though my experience of it is transient.

David and I filmed the newest episode of "In Real Life" while we were on tour in Hawaii this month. Baby Serra was our sidekick, so the shots are pretty simple. I hope my heart comes through the song, though. Thanks in advance for checking it out (with sound up!!!), and be assured of my prayers for you, if you're navigating through the mist today.