Part 1 of 3

So this journey is about to take a whole new direction. Part of leaving home is the eventual going back, and it's an experience in itself. I had a taste of this when I moved to Toronto, and was constantly going back and forth between the two places I call 'home'. However, I've never been this far away, and I've never been away this long.

It was a huge hit on my emotions when I dropped my bags in this room, and to be honest, I can't wait to pick them back up again. I know it'll be another emotional journey once I fly back to Canada and see my friends and family again, and then another new chapter begins by saying farewell again in February.

I leave in 25 days, and I'm pumped. But that will come when it comes. I imagine there's not going to be much for me to blog about in the next 3 weeks that's too exciting, but if something comes up, I'll for sure post it! I'll be doing a large overview of my time here (so far) before I take off again, so be on the lookout for that if you're at all interested! (I don't expect you to be, but I like to write! So it will be there either way.)

I have two more assignments to be done, and in 10 days I will be officially a 2nd year! That excitement will have to wait a few months though :) Soon ends the first part of my 3-part adventure. I'll see you all soon!

- Babz

The Formula

If you haven't noticed it already, here's the final song for this semester. Wrote this when I was feeling particularly homesick. After the "storm had passed" I realized the troubles I felt were temporary, and all I had to do was hold on to what made me strong. So, here it is. I hope you enjoy; it's my personal favorite of the three.

http://soundcloud.com/abbygardner/formula

Come Back Home

Home is a word that's always had a lot of meaning to me. It's not certain coordinates in the world; to me, Home is where you're happiest, with the people who make you feel on top the world. (Most of the time, at least ;) )

This piece is about finding home in a person, and having it torn away from you.

http://soundcloud.com/abbygardner/home


Me on guitar, and vocals. I need work on producing and engineering, but here's my starting point!

The Beauty of Love

We're told from a young age the concept of if you love someone, you must let them go; if you truly love someone, you want them to be happy with or without you.

If you're in a relationship already, this can be a hard rule to follow. This song is about a woman feeling that her man isn't happy anymore, and their love for each other allows for space to grow between them without any hard feelings.

I hope you enjoy!

http://soundcloud.com/abbygardner/aint-that-the-beauty

Music Video

This is embarrassingly bad. So, here you go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G4rGmkxxv8

Overdue Update

Yes, it's been way too long. I haven't really got an excuse, but I hope you'll forgive me anyway. Last you heard from me, I had finished the semester and was about to go to Hawaii to see Mom. This vacation = awesome. It's been on facebook, but in case you haven't seen, here are some photos: Click!

So the new semester is almost over - just a couple weeks left. The beginning was really slow, and the last half they've just piled on assignment over assignment. So I've been busy.

One class I've got is called Live Performance Project. My band is performing on Wednesday, so think good thoughts! It's been hectic trying to get everyone together and practice. We only formulated an official setlist on Friday, and we've got 1, maybe 2 practices left. No pressure. All of the performances are video taped and put online, so I should have a link for you eventually. I don't know if the whole thing will go up or just a few parts, but we'll find out!

My writer's block hasn't really stopped, either, which is unfortunate. I've written maybe three new ones that I actually like, and two will be in next semester's folio.

Nothing much exciting has happened in the last few months. For anyone who listens to dance music (doubtful anyone reading this has), I saw LMFAO at a club a few weeks back. A pretty fun time if you're into that kind of thing. Their main goal was to get the audience drunk - it's quite a sight watching teenagers open their mouth and get heaps of straight vodka poured in. (I was not one of these, don't worry). Other than this, a few beaches and local gigs, I haven't done a whole lot. Uni has taken up most of my time, the rest is occupied by sleep, and a bit of the boyfriend and friends.

So, since I still have nothing exciting to say, here are some photos from the shoot that my live performance band had. (Some of my favorites, though perhaps not the best for promotion!)

My lovely, silly mates. 

Good looking, no?

We have serious photos, but where's the fun in that?

Perfect.

Josh King (Rhythm guitar), Michael Cole (Lead guitar), Me (lead vocalist), Nick Rigby (Bass), James Jelliffe (Drums)

Success!