12 Days of Christmas Music // Day 12

Christmas Song // Flyleaf

have a listen // fire fire

almost thought we made it home
but we don't know this place at all
that's enough now dry your tears
it's been a long eleven years

FIRE FIRE FIRE
fire from the tongues of liars

you're ashamed of where you're from
crying 'cause your father's drunk
"we can't die because we're young"
at least that's what we heard in a song

FIRE FIRE FIRE
fire from the tongues of liars
FIRE FIRE FIRE
fire from the tongues of liars

you're ashamed of what you've done
crying 'cause your father's wrong
trying to be something new
you feel that you had something to prove

what you confuse for glory's fire
is fire from the tongues of liars
what you confuse for glory's fire
is fire from the tongues of liars
oh send your rain

FIRE FIRE FIRE
fire from the tongues of liars
(oh send your rain)
FIRE FIRE FIRE
fire from the tongues of liars
(oh send your rain)

FIRE FIRE FIRE
fire from the tongues of liars
(oh send your rain)
FIRE FIRE FIRE
fire from the tongues of liars

you're afraid of who you are
(you're ashamed of where you're from)
crying 'cause your father's gone
(fire from the tongues of liars)
dreaming 'til you hit the truth
(we can't die because we're young)
you'll find that you've nothing to lose
(fire from the tongues of liars)
you'll find that you've nothing to prove

music and lyrics copyright Flyleaf

all the new bits

NEW DESIGN!

Yes, again. But since the last big update was at the beginning of this year, with a slight header refresh for the summer I thought it was time.
I had really wanted to have a special one for fall, but alas, it wasn't meant to be.

p.s. You may notice that I have links to both my Flickr and YouTube accounts above the header. My flickr currently only features a handful of instagram pictures and I don't have but one public video on my YouTube. However I'm hoping both will have more to offer in the coming months.

boots are fantastical

frye women's engineer 8r boots pictured with an assortment of random socks

I like boots. I'm a boots type of girl. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my TOMS, especially in the summer. And my Converse are all around great. However, I'm not one to pass up a good pair of boots.
But I am pretty crazy picky.
Some girls have a checklist for what they require in a guy. Me? I have a checklist for boots. It includes things like no zippers and real leather. That they need to actually be able to fit me i.e. wide enough for my feet, preferably with a large enough shaft circumference/short enough to allow for thick socks and/or leg warmers. Decent soles. Realistically and diversely wearable. Also good craftsmanship. That type of thing. Also, made in the USA is always a plus.
Honestly? I didn't think they existed. That is, until I discovered the oldest manufacturer of shoes in the United States. Frye has been around since 1863, family owned until the late 1940's and is still around and making quality footwear today. And they make a boot that I think is the closest thing to boot perfection. As in they boot pretty much fulfills all of my criteria. I mean look at them ------->

<-----THIS makes me happy in inexplicably geeky ways

I have something of an avid love for soundtracks and probably at the top of my favorite soundtracks is the Lord of the Rings.
For the longest time I was wondering why the version of the soundtrack for Fellowship (and Two Towers) that I had was rather (though in the case of Fellowship: completely) different from that which I knew in the films.
The other night I discovered that the reason is because in the extended editions (which is what we have on DVD) they completely re-recorded and expanded the score to completely polish the "deleted" scenes so it was like they were never deleted. (*squee of intense geekery*)
Which lead me to the discover that I have the complete score for Return of the King but I most definitely need the complete recordings for Two Towers and Fellowship of the Ring!

The Hobbit

WHO ELSE IS CRAZY EXCITED FOR THE HOBBIT?!!!!

Also, did you guys know that there's extra bits on YouTube via Peter Jacksons channel?
I found out the other day and ended up watching several of them.
Because I love extras.

new photography

Up on my deviantART is some new photography. So check out my profile and browse the gallery!
There's a picture I just took a couple days ago as well as some from August and September, with more to come!

new glasses

I finally got new glasses with my updated prescription.
As a by-product, I can actually see in the dark again and it doesn't look like the ground is on the same level as my chest. Lack of depth perception is not fun my friends. It's side effects include walking into all manner of objects and people as well as a heightening one's power of klutziness.

school

I'm rather happy that here in less than two weeks the current college quarter is going to be over, followed by a nice and long winter break.
And then, winter quarter classes start at the beginning of January.

{available for prints here}
For me this means that I'm getting to take a course I have much anticipated, on Photoshop usage in web design!

New Horizons

Flyleaf's final album, New Horizons is utterly fantastic.
From beginning to end it's packed with songs that I have already committed to my lyrical memory library. I am still saddened by the fact that it is going to be the last album featuring Lacey, but the album is nonetheless fantastic.
Long time fans of Flyleaf will love it, but I think as one of them I also see that it's very different from past albums. Maybe it's just because of the bittersweet knowledge that Flyleaf will never be the same, but after the harder more edgy rock of their debut album and Memento Mori, and the softer tones of Remember to Live, New Horizons seems to be an amalgamation of these two points in Flyleaf's growth as well as something completely different.

For me the album still holds as much meaning as any of the previous, but at the same time it seems like there isn't as much of the Flyleaf feeling that I know so well in the writings of the songs. I think that maybe it has something to do with the fact that Lacey wasn't as involved in the making of the album, only traveling to the studio to record vocals.

While the album for those of us who know this music so well is different and maybe even lacking it is nonetheless fantastic in the sound and meaning despite the bittersweet tinge. From the rocking opening and attention call of Fire Fire, to the heart wrenching way I desire to belt out the Saving Grace and the highly anticipated new rendition of Broken Wings this album is truly sending the Lacey era of Flyleaf out with a bang.

Pitch Perfect

My friend Amanda, my mom, and I went to the movies a couple weeks ago to see Pitch Perfect. We laughed a lot. Though Supernatural fans who kind of almost cry whenever they hear Carry On My Wayward Son, be warned, it comes up in the first few minutes of the movie. It caught me off guard...I was awkwardly laugh crying. hahaha (Sarah, I blame you.)

The Big Bang Theory

My grandma convinced us to watch Big Bang Theory, after years of various people telling me I should watch it...and lots of my confusion at being compared to Sheldon (it happens more than you would think...and I'm still not sure whether or not to be flattered or insulted haha).
OH MY GOSH THIS SHOW IS SO GREAT.

My whole entire family loves it and we eagerly await every time the next DVD in a season comes...and when it does we usually end up sitting and watching the whole thing so we can send it back the next day to get another faster!
All of us enjoying it though is quite a feat, there's very few shows we can all watch and laugh at together.

So, as the holidays are nearing and as this is one of my favorite scenes thus far in the series, here's a clip...it's not the best definition but it's pretty great.

and that is where I shall take my leave

I do believe I have thrown enough media, words and rambling at you all for now.
Until my next post, hope you're all doing well! blessings and prayers

reading: anna karenina by leo tolstoy --- watching: lord of the rings trilogy extended editions

all things must come to an end...

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you may know that my favorite band is Flyleaf.

It's music that has carried me through the years since I discovered the band for myself  in 2008-2009.

In fact, a prominent part of my bucket list (yep, I have a bucket list) is to not only see my favorite band in concert, but to do so with my best friend and fellow Flyleaf fan, Lauren.

Sadly,  it shall never come to pass as Flyleaf will never be the same.

While I understand Lacey's reasoning, and send best wishes to her as well as the continuation of the band, it won't be the same Flyleaf. My Flyleaf.

And that poor girl who's taking over as lead singer...I'm afraid there's many a fan who've already decided not to like her.
As much as I know all things come to an end, and that endings are just beginnings wrapped in strange packages, I know I am terribly and unfairly bias against Kristen May.

I cried when I read it.
And decided I'd blog about it, because of reasons.

 :'(

Lacey's final album with Flyleaf releases October 30th...if you want you can join me in pre-ordering it on iTunes.

Blessed Birth of Our Savior

Flyleaf's Christmas Song

a frightened, virgin, teenage girl
receives a message that defies the laws of this world
all she can do is weep and nod
she's to bring into this world
the Son of God

God's angels sound their trumpets
and blow their horns
tonight the long awaited Savior is to be born
the goodness bound by satan it has been torn
with this baby's precious brow ready for thorns

a star appears fulfilling ancient prophecy
there's an ounce of fear as wise men follow faithfully
the virgin Mary brings forth the human savior
and this future king sleeps soundly in the manger
soundly in the manger

God's angels sound their trumpets
and blow their horns
tonight the long awaited Savior is to be born
the goodness bound by satan it has been torn
with this baby's precious brow ready for thorns

tonight He is born so one day He can die
to heal hearts that are torn and live the perfect life
so He hang upon a cross and we can take His life
so we can live as sinners
and He can pay the price
tonight He is born so one day He can die
but He will rise again

God's angels sound their trumpets
and blow their horns
tonight the long awaited Savior is to be born
the goodness bound by satan it has been torn
with this baby's precious brow ready for thorns

Once again the time of year has come. It's hard to believe that Christmas, and New Year are inevitably upon us.
2011 is nearly gone.
I don't know where this past year went, but 2012 is nigh upon us.

"Unto us a Savior is born, unto us a Son is given..."
-Isaiah 9:6

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us

Tomorrow is Christmas, the day on which we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Despite the glamor, superficiality and all around commercialized scene that has become Christmas, JESUS is the reason for the season.

After all, it is CHRISTmas, right?

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Blessed Birth of our Savior

Flyleaf's Christmas Song

A frightened, virgin, teenage girl
Receives a message that defies the laws of this world
All she can do is weep and nod
She's to bring into this world
the Son of God

God's angels sound their trumpets
And blow their horns
Tonight the long awaited Savior is to be born
The goodness bound by satan it has been torn
With this baby's precious brow ready for thorns

A star appears fufilling ancient prophecy
There's an ounce of fear as wise men follow faithfully
The virgin Mary brings forth the human savior
And this future king sleeps soundly in the manger
Soundly in the manger

God's angels sound their trumpets
And blow their horns
Tonight the long awaited Savior is to be born
The goodness bound by satan it has been torn
With this baby's precious brow ready for thorns

Tonight He is born so one day He can die
To heal hearts that are torn and live the perfect life
So He hang upon a cross and we can take His life
So we can live as sinners
And He can pay the price
Tonight He is born so one day He can die
But He will rise again

God's angels sound their trumpets
And blow their horns
Tonight the long awaited Savior is to be born
The goodness bound by satan it has been torn
With this baby's precious brow ready for thorns

Merry Christmas

Well peoples, its hard to believe but Christmas is upon us.

2010 almost up.

I don't know where this past year went, but 2011 is nigh upon us.

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us

Tomorrow Wait, scratch that...
Today is Christmas, the day on which we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Despite the glamor, superficiality and all around commercialized scene that has become Christmas, JESUS is the reason for the season.

"Unto us a Savior is born, unto us a Son is given..."
-Isaiah 9:6

After all, it is CHRISTmas, right?

After tomorrow, Concrete & Grace will be sporting a new design courtesy of myself...of course, the one which I will be putting up will probably be replaced shortly after that with the one I am currently working on and hope to maybe even have it up first anyways.

I seem to be dreadfully fickle when it comes to the look of my blog...

Well...I am off!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good...er...morning ;D

A Message from Lacey Mosley

I love this message from Lacey Mosley of Flyleaf.
Please, I ask that  you watch it.







blessings this week!

My Life According to Flyleaf

So, found this awesome tag a while ago, and I can't remember just who its from...but, I'm gonna give it a try...here are the rules:


Rules:

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "My life according to (band name)."

This should definitely be interesting and I'm not sure how this is actually going to work...but *rolls eyes* well, either way it'll be interesting XD.








Are you a male or female?
Beautiful Bride

Describe yourself:
This Close
Missing

How do you feel:
Much Like Falling
Swept Away

Describe where you currently live:
Perfect

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
All Around Me

Your favorite form of transportation:
Circle

Your best friend is:
All Around Me (Acoustic Version)

What's the weather like:
Something I Can Never Have

Favorite time of day:
Fully Alive

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
Treasure

What is life to you:
I'm Sorry

Your favorite color is:
The Kind
Red Sam

Your fear:
Sorrow

Your relationship:
So I Thought
There for You

What is the best advice you have to give:
Set Apart This Dream

Thought for the Day:
Breathe Today

How I would like to die:
Melting [Interlude]

My soul's present condition:
Fully Alive (Acoustic Version)

My motto:
I'm So Sick



And yes...I did actually answer some more than once 'cause I had extras, though I think I might have cheated by using the acoustic versions and interludes haha.
 Anyway...that was rather interesting...




I am a
<center><a href="http://s968.photobucket.com/albums/ae164/Forgiven_And_Free/?action=view&current=flyleafjunkiebutton.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae164/Forgiven_And_Free/flyleafjunkiebutton.jpg" border="0" alt="flyleaf junkie" /></a></center>

Luvs Me Some Music

I'm loving this song that Flyleaf's Lacey Mosley did with Orianthi...

Exciting News!

Justice & Mercy (Violent Love Version)

---

We can't be oblivious,
We are not ignorant,
Blood in our hearts,
Blood on our hands,
We're human,
we reason,
we're breathing,
Protecting
the living
and dying,
surviving,
We're trying
to breathe
in safety,
Come home safely
Mercy screams
its violent love,
Justice and mercy,
justice and mercy,
The depth of us
created for,
Justice and mercy,
justice and mercy,
This is where they kiss
Life here sacrificed,
Someone who paid the price,
Blood in our hearts,
Blood on our hands,
We cry out,
we're fighting,
it's warfare,
we're dying,
Believing
we're winning,
it's ending,
we're singing,
It's already done,
we've overcome
Mercy screams
its violent love,
Justice and mercy,
justice and mercy,
The depth of us
created for,
Justice and mercy,
justice and mercy,
This is where they kiss
With a life on the line (Fire!),
That consumes or refines (Fire!),
To ascent or decline,
to retreat or to climb,
Out of sight, out of mind
'til attacked from behind.
Will this fire resume or refine?
Mercy screams
its violent love,
Justice and mercy,
justice and mercy,
The depth of us
created for,
Justice and mercy,
justice and mercy,
And this is where they kiss

Firstly, I have been very busy these past few days working on a new blog design (in my spare time) for this very blog, though I am having some trouble figuring out things as I go along (things I can't seem to find tutorials for and so am figuring it out as I go) hopefully it will be ready soon!!! I've tired of the pink...because I don't really like pink, except with black and so it was my original vision for Concrete & Grace, but I'm going to be changing it to black and blue.

In different exciting news, the much awaited (by me at least) new EP from Flyleaf released yesterday...I of course purchase it as soon as I could.

And it's as marvelous as ever.

I don't think there's anything Lacey Mosley can't sing, her voice is always awesome, whether in the screaming, or the beauty of their acoustic and slower songs, it's all brilliant. Not only that, but the lyrics...oh the lyrics...being a writer (usually of things in song or poem format) I have a deep appreciation for such and was definitely once again, not let down.

Christmas Music

         Normally I'm not one for Christmas music, I tire of hearing the same thing year after year, after year.
         However, last year I invested in the awesome music...Relient K's Let it Snow Baby, Let it Reindeer Christmas album. (available during the holiday season as an MP3 download for only $5 from Amazon, I highly recommend it).

         Because I was so highly anticipating listening to my awesome Christmas music this year, I actually started listening to it a few days before Thanksgiving! 


         Now, I do like the more rock versions of the traditional Christmas songs, but I really must give props to BarlowGirl for their awesome vocals on this traditional version of the Carol of the Bells:





          But back to the topic of that awesome rockin' Christmas music.

          As far as originality, and a completely new song, I love Relient K's Santa Clause is Thumbing to Town, which, unfortunately I could not find a video of on YouTube...you'll all just have to trust me on its level of awesomeness.


         Another new Christmas song, is from Flyleaf from one of their original EP's: I LOVE IT:





          Now, I don't know if any of you have by chance seen Mean Girls...but, it really ruined Jingle Bell Rock for me and I haven't really liked the song since...but Thousand Foot Krutch has brought it back for me in their version:





          I love BarlowGirls version of Carol of the Bells, I love to listen to it because its such a beautiful song, but this here, is an awesome instrumental rock version:





Hoping you're all getting into the Christmas spirit as well!

A Message from Lacey Mosley

Getting To Know Me Thursday: I LOVE Music!!!

Getting to Know Me Thursday idea by Emily from Grace Like Rain

yes ;) this is my iPod

I LOVE MUSIC!!!

There's nothing quite like music...its like the pulse of the world...

music is life...

I'm almost always listening to music...when I do math...forensic science...chores...walking to the store...checking the mail...everything. 

And I'm pretty diverse in the genres and music styles I listen to...everything from Enya to Flyleaf...Family Force 5 to Gaelic Storm...Casting Crowns to CREED...tobyMac to Paramore...

But my favorite band?

Flyleaf

Lacey Mosley has an amazing voice...from screaming in songs, to singing to the acoustics...its awesome.

*I would like to note both of these videos are more than a few years old*