Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

The Dreamer & Other Essays : Morgan Treni

A wonderful friend and acquaintance of mine from college just made her first album debut! 
Morgan was an English major, with a concentration in non-fiction writing. On a couple of occasions we had class together and I always treasured her presence in the classroom and around campus.
Morgan lived on the floor below me one year and occasionally I would pop into her room for help with a paper or material we were reviewing in class. Visiting her room was an escape to another world. Empty mugs with tea bags lined the desks, tapestries covered the walls, a few plants decorated the windowsill, there was a slight musky-incense odor, and Morgan was usually entertaining someone on the guitar. Everything about Morgan was like that. A perfectly whimsical glimpse into a life that seemed vintage, carefree, avant-garde, and truly inspirational. There was a rich bohemian sense about her, a charming spirit with an old soul humming around campus always wearing a scarf, sporting a disheveled up-do with glasses absentmindedly tucked away, and carrying more books in her arms than in her knapsack. She'd walk with a little spring in her step - and when Morgan was in a good mood, everyone was in a good mood. 
There was a brief period where she just couldn't think to attend class when it was rainy. She made me chuckle, but also appreciate the reasoning. Why embark upon a day that is not cheerful or inspiring? If Morgan didn't make it to class - we'd know Mother Nature having an off-day. 
After a couple weeks of spring in central Ohio, you learn sooner rather than later that it's better to start finding inspiration in the rain - or you'd be out of luck :)
Morgan has a way with words and language unlike anyone I have ever met. 
When I graduated she was immersed in the food and drink industry, helping a local Delaware, Ohio brewery get on its feet. When you'd ask her about work - it was incredible. You would have thought the hops were characters in a story. Each one was different...some exaggerated, some more subtle, some subject to entirely different tastes and flavors when paired with certain foods. Welcome to the early days of the craft beer craze. Even though I wasn't a fan of beer, after talking to Morgan you couldn't help but completely regret all of your Barefoot Wine nights!
Did I envision that Morgan would be behind a microphone singing her way to success? Not exactly. I knew her father was a musician and she was musically inclined, but two years ago that didn't pop on my "where in the world would Morgan be" radar. However, I am really not surprised in the slightest. Morgan is one of those people that I could never be surprised by, maybe because she is so surprising? She is full of creative energy and passions that bring beauty and art to the world, in all different forms.
So, why not add music to the mix?
My words cannot even begin to do justice to this creative spirit, but I hope they can give you a little snapshot of this incredible artist. 
Morgan's album, the dreamer and other essays debuted just a couple weeks ago and is available on cdbaby. Her album is described as a "fusion of folk, indie-pop, and jazz" influences. Listen to a preview of the album HERE.
Enjoy!! 




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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

wordy

I admire people with an impressive vocabulary and have talked about my infatuation of sophisticated jargon on the blog before. I always try to expand my vocabulary (although it's a continued work in progress), but what better time than the new year to add a splash of dictionary inspiration?! With a new year's initiative to spend less time swiping through my iPhone and more time buried in the pages of a book, I hope that will be a step in the right direction. I was directed to an article with the 100 most beautiful words in the English language. Although they might not appear too often in our everyday conversation, or even in modern literature - it can do no harm to review and maybe pick out a couple of favorites as a way to keep your creative mind stimulated!



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Saturday, September 21, 2013

Playing DJ: The 21st night of September!

September 21st is one of my favorite dates of all time, see HERE.
That means it's time to cue a dancing playlist!!
At the end of my college career I asked my favorite weekend spot (the local bar) if I could start playing my music. I played DJ "iTunes clicker" for three or four times and I absolutely loved it. I was able to stand up on stage, twirl around to my favorite tunes, and try to make people have just as much fun as I was! I was far from a professional DJ; I had to borrow equipment from friends and had no clue how to mix music. I relied on my iTunes library, the power of a playlist, and being the master of ceremonies by leading the crowd to a night of singing and dancing.
Every time I played Miss DJ, I came as myself. And that means...fancy party dress, my go-to festive accessories, and the best songs for twirling.

I adored reading about Upper East Side society maven, Majorie Gubelmann who has found her "ulterior identity" in DJing as well. The social butterfly used to play tunes on her college radio station and offered to DJ for a friend's party a couple of years ago. She loved it and continues to get the party started at galas across the NY social scene, in fact DJ Mad Marj is becoming a vastly growing brand. My most favorite part of her DJ package is her dress code, "I always wear a proper dress, usually Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, or Givenchy couture. Lots of jewelry." How fabulous!

Although my time turning tables is probably over, I can still make playlists!

My secret recipe for DJ success: people feel much more comfortable dancing when they can sing along, I try and play songs with words most people know. And, most importantly...lead the dance party!


Get your dancing shoes on...if I was DJing this weekend, this would be my playlist:

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Wednesday, September 4, 2013

school days

One of my best friends heads back to the classroom today! 
Another good friend started teaching yesterday, and I have to say with both of them beginning work that they love so much (early childhood ed + art ed)
 today is the perfect day to be inspired with "back to school" and share one of the most creative spaces in the world...the art room!

I have always loved the eclectic-ness of art classrooms and remember being in awe of the art studio at my grade school. Every square inch of the walls were decorated with posters of timeless masterpieces. Cabinets were stacked with books featuring biographies of famous artists, snapshots of museums around the world, and instructional features on the many facets of the subject area. Color wheels and mobiles hung from the ceiling, paper scraps overfilled boxes and drawers, and empty coffee cans stood scattered around the room holding paint brushes sticking out in every which way. The tables had more layers of paint than I could count and we'd chip off piece by piece, only to discover another bright color below. The chalk board (of what was left uncovered) had half-erased sketches of animals, dancers, and other forms which seemed so effortless when drawn by the teacher....but were ALWAYS impossible for me to create. 
It was an absolute mess, but the most inspiring mess I have ever found. 

 Art is so important to me. I never had the raw talent, but have always held a strong appreciation for the subject matter. In fact, my blogging has been my ability to channel my own art and appreciation for the creative field. I was just recently invited to join ArtsWave's YP board, and I am so excited to begin work for the Arts in Cincinnati.  I hope to get better immersed in cultivating the arts culture.

Most importantly, I am thrilled to see how my dear friends make the world a little bit better by sharing their creative and nurturing wisdom on the world with a little bit of love and lots of imagination. 

Here's to getting lost in your own magical, creative space!








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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Life Lately

 I will probably be off the radar for a couple of days thanks to my wisdom teeth surgery this morning. 
So while I am conked out on my bed, you can take a peek at my life the past couple of weeks. 

I graduated OWU in December, but wanted to take part in the spring commencement ceremony. I came back to school for the last week of school to catch-up with friends and I had a tremendous time. Between celebrating birthdays, DJing at the bar, walking dogs, graduation party hopping, and taking part in Great Strides on behalf of cystic fibrosis; I was able to reflect on the wonderful time I had at OWU and the friendships I made throughout the past four years.

I am so grateful I spent time up at school prior to graduation because it gave me the opportunity to reconnect with people who have truly made an impact in my life. It was comforting to come back to school after not seeing friends for months (some of them even a year) and have things pick-up like it was just yesterday since we had seen each other. In addition to reaffirming friendships, I was able to meet and engage with people I might not have known too well before. There are a couple of people that I had fantastic conversations with and I feel both blessed to have met them and confident that the relationships will continue. I have met people who will be lifelong friends and I look forward to the many memories in the years to come!

Now with sentiments aside, here's a sampling of my week:
(in case you can't tell...I got my fair share of cardio dancing in!)


  












 





 

 



 




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Friday, May 10, 2013

Happy Weekend

This weekend is going to be such an exciting one. I graduate OWU Sunday and am looking forward to spending the week with friends and family. A handful of my close friends who graduated last year, are coming back in town tonight and my family arrives tomorrow!

Here are some quotes for a little inspiration, not just for the weekend, but the years to come:




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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Making Great Strides for Maddie

Hello readers! 
You might remember a post similar to this last year, but it's the time of year again for Maddie's Maukingbirds.
One of my dearest friends has Cystic Fibrosis, a chronic disease affecting the lungs and digestive system. The team, Maddie's Maukingbirds, will be walking on May 11th in Delaware, OH in support of Maddie and to raise awareness for CF. 
I would really appreciate if you could help out our team by making a donation, any amount is welcome. 
Maddie is a phenomenal artist, a tremendous dancer, a wonderful friend, and an inspirational person.
I hope you can help our team!

If you would like any more information on Great Strides or Cystic Fibrosis, please explore the website HERE.

To make a donation, please click HERE. 

Thank you, in advance, for all of your generosity!






Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Denison Day

Today is Denison Day, the annual lacrosse game between rival teams OWU and Denison. It was always one of my favorite events at school. I experienced Denison Day for the first time when I was in junior high; my dad had played lacrosse for OWU and took my brother and I up for the game. 

Typically the game was held on a Saturday allowing many alums returned to OWU for the celebration. It always was a fun-filled and exhausting weekend. Last year I organized buses to take students to the game at Denison which worked out tremendously, despite the loss. As you can see in the photo below, I am with some friends at last year's game...we even had shirts made!


I am sending my well wishes to the OWU lacrosse team today and the members of SHO who have planned lots of great things for the day's event. 

Happy Denison Day...and here's to a win!


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Friday, February 15, 2013

Festive Friday

Happy Friday everyone! My birthday is tomorrow and I am so thrilled that some of my friends will be coming down to Cincinnati to celebrate. I am planning to wear an outfit similar to the one below (you have to be fabulous on your big day, right?) 
What are your plans for the weekend?


Shop the look:




  


                            

                               
a little sampling of my valentine's day. 
check me out on instagram !

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