Not Christmas, that's for sure.  Strangely enough, despite the lights at every house in my neighborhood, the city tree downtown, and the christmas carols in EVERY SINGLE store I set foot in, it doesn't feel like the holidays at all.  I haven't even bought a tree yet and Christmas is a week away.  I feel completely out of step with the rest of the world this season.  I'm almost beginning to think I've been transported into the twilight zone.

But the good news is that the year is almost over, which means I'll be getting closer to finishing up the EP and getting straight out to you guys!  I have some fun stuff up my sleeve for this one, so stay tuned.  Also, the album, for which the EP is the precursor, will be out sometime late next summer, with some really great extras for my lovely fans.  So make sure to subscribe to my mailing list, so you'll be the first to know when the exclusive copies will be available (hint: a couple weeks before the release date for everyone else ;) 

Anyhow, here are a few things to sustain your holiday spirit... and hopefully jumpstart mine.  Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and all that good stuff.

Take Care.  Love Each Other.

-Samantha.



Winter Walk in Minneapolis



Christmas Tree from recycled water bottles



Vintage Picture with a snowman

William James was a wise man.

It's been a long year for me--many obstacles and disappointments. But what I've realized in the last month, when things seemed to be crumbling beneath my feet, is that it is moments like these that either propel or destroy us as human beings. One's life is never without struggle, but there are moments that are make or break--that will decide the outcome of our character and the course of our lives. So, where do you go, when there seems to be no place left? It is times like these that we must step out in faith, with the hope that as our feet come down, the road will soon follow.

Life is only a string of decisions, some simple and others not so. Sometimes, we find ourselves without an active role in where those decisions, or lack thereof, are taking us; then when we finally look around, we've come to a place we never intended. I've learned, and realized today, that it is more important than ever to take the initiative necessary in the direction of our lives and the application of our purpose, once we finally find it. We all have something that we were placed here to do, whether we believe it to be predestined or personally determined. And it is our sole responsibility to ensure that we achieve that.

So, when we find ourselves at a treacherous crossroad or upon an immovable obstacle, preventing us from growing, progressing, and succeeding, we must think of ourselves as an unstoppable force. Because it is we who are our worst enemies.

See, the only thing standing between me and where I dream, is me.

Take Care.  Love Each Other.
-Samantha.

 ...because i'm sure there may be times.
when you're forced to wonder why.
but know i've found the little things.
that all the others failed to see.

and i'm holding on for life.
to what i hope is always mine.
because i've found a part of me.
in all the things you've come to be.


(i wrote this awhile ago to my dearest... i stumbled back upon it and am thinking of extending it into a song)



Take Care.  Love Each Other.

-Samantha.

So, this thanksgiving is definitely going to be one for the books.  Not only am I spending it without my darling buttface, but I will be spending it in Junction City with my parents.  Now, for those of you who know me, even slightly, you know that Junction City is probably one of my least favorite places to be.  Though I did attend high school here and normal thoughts of youth are nostalgic, for me it is quite the opposite. 

In high school, I was mostly unpopular and had very few friends, so most of my time was spent secluded in my room, writing music and reading novels.  Yes, it was lots of fun.  The one fond memory that I do have of my time at Junction City High School would have to be of my two favorite teachers, John Luce and Lynetta Sislo; they were my choir and German instructors, respectively.  They were the saving graces of the 8 hours I would spend in that prison--i mean, building--everyday.

But, in spite of it all, I'm going to try to make the best of being here.  Hopefully, focusing on my family and the things that I am thankful for will make this holiday as special as it should be.  After all, home is not a place, but a feeling.  Happy Thanksgiving :)

Take Care.  Love Each Other.
-Samantha.