Save me, if you can

Hi Everyone,

Hope you're all doing well! It's been quite the year for me. My apologies for "coming back" and disappearing shortly after. I've had quite the year with classes and all. I've had this site for almost 4 years now... how time flies hey? I'm looking to relocate to a new site, so I'll be keeping you all posted. It's currently under construction! But in the meantime, here is a poem that I wrote about an experience/encounter I had with a patient of mine. As a nursing student, one of my favorite times in the week is in our clinical practicum where I get the chance to have some hands on practice, but also build meaningful rapport with patients. I've combined aspects of some old poems to this. See if you can find the easter eggs ;) 

Save me if you can

The earth shattering slam of the wooden door

lay in reminisces of chalky slivers.

A fist of iron, and a body of rock

now crouches against a wall

using it as a boulder of support.

That was me, rather… is still me

But I can’t help but see the world

Run like a movie, without me.

I’m not who I was, and I can’t keep up;

What was is now

Shattering,

Changing,

“I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing,

I just keep making mistakes,

There’s so many bad things happening,

I broke all these relationships,

How can any of this be okay?”

The ticking of the bomb never diminishes;

the seconds get closer

to forever darkness

and here I stay

unable to make a judgement

Is there hope? Or shall I go?

I don’t know why,

But there’s this pull.

I think it’s called hope.

I no longer want this raven to fly across the sky,

To close this chapter of my life;

No more last goodbyes.

Bring me back,

To the days when

Waves were a' crashing into the sand

And the moon reflected the beauty of the sun.

The times where a librettist would perfect his libretto,

And the potter; mastering his clay.

Where the hummingbirds feed off orchids,

And horizons meet the prairies

In a warming outstretched hand.

Bring me back to a time

Where I had a purpose and could see

The colour in this land.

Fix me,

Help me,

Save me if you can.

Music is for Healing <3
JLogging it~
JoLee ^_^

Time Flies! I'm Back

Hello my dear friends!

I can't believe it's been roughly a year and a half since my last post. I know, my bad for completely vanishing! It's been very busy with work, school, volunteering, family life, friends, church, and just trying to balance it all. I hope everyone has been well.

I will hopefully write a new post sometime soon within the next month (before Christmas) so keep your eyes peeled! I may or may not continue with the 5 part series that I started a while back. I think I may have a  new direction for where this blog could go. So await the good news! I'm hoping to come back with biweekly or monthly posts in the new year :)

Just checking in, but a new post is coming your way! Is there anything you wanted me to write about? Comment below or DM me!

Till next time!
JLogging it ~ JoLee <3

A Struggle for Survival in an Inconstant World - Emptiness

Hello Everyone!

Its been a solid two months or so since I last posted the introduction. I have finally finished my First Year of University! YAY, I survived exams (about 2 months ago.. but still worth celebrating haha! How have you been doing? I'm sure some of you are still in school, or some of you are working or travelling. My plans for the next two months are kind of dull. Don't have much to do other than this volunteering opportunity at the hospital that I have, which is very fun and rewarding! For confidentiality reasons, I unfortunately can't share any details with you, but I'd love to hear about what you're doing! Let me know by following me on Instagram and I'll follow you back @xo_jolee_ox or just email or comment to me :D Shout out to some new readers from the UK, France and Mauritius, glad to have you reading along :)

This next part of the 5 post series will be on Emptiness. I find that this is a common feeling associated with many individuals, especially between the teen years and early adulthood. However, a lot of the time people don't actually associate their behavioral patterns, emotions, or even tone of speech with feeling empty. Sometimes it takes time to reflect before you realize that everything that's changed lately has been because you've become more empty. Now, I use the term empty lightly and rather broadly, but before we go on, I'd just like to define what I mean by emptiness to a certain extent. To me, emptiness is a void, a lack thereof, or just the feeling of a missing piece (whatever that may be caused by). For this particular topic, I chose to express my opinions through a free-verse styled poem. Feel free to let me know your opinions too!

Eaten Alive

Eternal darkness, with a depth deeper than the soul can bear
Like a tsunami of 20 feet
clawing and rolling, biting everything it meets.
Curled in a fetal position,
being swallowed wave after wave.
Yet what goes through the mind?
Nothing
No flash backs, no pain, no memories.
Emptiness
The yearning to be remembered
the yearning to remember
to yearn to belong,
to belong where no one else knows you even exist.
As shadows swallow the soul
the need to feel loved
to feel wanted
for a purpose, is something
one can't suppress,
but displays itself with a void.
Who can fill this void?
A love interest, a friend, family?
Hobbies, books, movies?
A hidden identity?
 A step away from reality?
I believe we long for the feeling
of a greater person.
A comforter in which we know
has our life in his hands.
Not a genie, and not exactly a ghost
Perhaps our creator,
Someone who knows.
Who can tell us why we are remembered,
a reason for others to remember us,
a reason to prove we do belong, even when we feel invisible.
To provide for us a love interest
To help us make amends with friends and families
To bring us back to a reality where
the world is but as broken as we are,
where the void is in everyone.
A place where darkness swallows
and wraps around every corner
waiting for the light.
With just a bit of faith
the brokenness heals.
One becomes the light.
With just a bit of faith
maybe tonight,
We won't be eaten alive.

Hopefully that was open to your interpretation, and not completely close-minded. It was my take on my emptiness. You may find it vague, and indirect, or perhaps in ways too direct. But I just wish that it could be reflective. From what I believe, I think my faith helps me with my emptiness. As a Christian, I believe in a greater purpose for my life. The emptiness or void I may feel may be a lack of a relationship with Christ. I won't try to convert you, and neither will I hold back my devotion to my faith. But believe what you choose to believe. Ask questions where you choose to ask questions. But know one thing, regardless of whatever religion, faith or lack there of that you practice - the world is a corrupt place, filled with broken people who are being swallowed by pride, emptiness, lack of trust, loss of hope - you name it. What this world needs is people with a light, people with hope, those who have the capacity to love. We are all empty somewhere inside, and we all have a void that needs to be filled. Just a little spark of kindness could fill gaps among people. Just a little bit of hope can bring someone up from the slumps. First, I believe, one needs to know what is drilling their void deeper and eating them up alive. But my golden rule for those who are willing to help the empty, is to be kind - always. 

Hopefully that was not dull, but rather reflective. Feel free to leave comments, message me directly, or anything if you have questions or would like to state your opinion. Glad to have fellow bloggers and readers to share inputs and ideas with. Here's just a quick song (as tradition) haha. Straight off Youtube, Danny Gokey singing Tell Your Heart To Beat Again. If you have never heard of the backstory to this song, I suggest you search it up, it's rather inspiring. No matter how deep your emptiness may be, simply tell your heart to breath again and step into a light of tomorrow where you can climb your way out. 

Till Next Time!
Music is for Healing <3

JLogging it ~ JoLee ^_^
@xo_jolee_ox

I'm back! Check out Instagram!

Hey Fellow bloggers,

Sorry for the extended unexcused absence with no new posts. Things have been super busy lately with lots going on. I'm currently trying to start up my own company alongside my younger sister, and there have been quite a few weddings that I'm helping to prepare for.

Now cutting down to the chase, I will be continuing this 5 parts series as introduced in my last post, and I'm glad to say I'm almost done writing about the next topic which is ... Emptiness. Hopefully my perspective will be something refreshing and different, but let me know what you think! I'll hopefully have that up in the next week or two.

A little bit about me in the meantime, just thought you'd like to know that I am currently a Nursing student and I just finished my first year and am volunteering as a research assistant at a local Children's Hospital over the summer. I'd love to know more about my readers and fellow bloggers, as it would be great to become friends! I recently got instagram, so feel free to follow me @xo_jolee_ox

Hope to hear from you all shortly! And welcome to my new readers from the UK and Croatia!

Till later ~
Music is for Healing! <3
JLogging it ~ JoLee

The Start - Introduction of a 5 part blog.

Good Day Friends!
How are you all doing? It has been a while since I last updated any blog posts. Hopefully you are all doing well. Things have been really busy and stressful for me, and so I've hardly had the time to even be online.

Lately, I've realized how empty life can be. I see my friends suffer from isolation, depression, anxiety and loss of hope and motivation. I see fear in the eyes of those I speak with on topics of trust. As suggested by a friend at my University, these next few blog posts will be a bit of a trend on Emptiness, Trust, Love and Hope. We came up with the idea together, and maybe she will come and write one of the parts herself. I'd like to speak to all four areas of this and simply bring out some questions you may have never asked yourself. I'm hoping to be able to express these aspects of life through short essays, poems, stories, and/or songs. Please look forward to them! To start it off, here is an introduction.

A Struggle for Survival in an Inconstant World

Introduction

As infants, psychologically the first thing we seek in our developmental stages is trust between the ages of 0-2, given by our care givers (whether that be a nanny, relative or parents). Since birth, trust plays a factor in our lives. However, not everyone enters the world to be received by worldly love. Yet even those who do; what happens? A world filled with: emptiness, lack of trust, loss of love, diminishing hope, has no light to shine and no future to offer - or does it? Do we bring suffering upon ourselves or are other people just constantly attacking us? Regardless of your answer now, know things change. Like caterpillars that morph into butterflies, like the day turns into the night, or the shift of a high to low tide; there is adventure and beauty in it all. But most of all, regardless of the change, one can extract from it strength. In this five part blog, I hope we can venture through the changes and discoveries of emptiness, trust, love and hope together. See you on the other side ~~

Thanks for being such dedicated friends, fellow bloggers, and blog readers. Here are few songs for you. They were the inspiration behind this 5 part blog. Enjoy :)

Never Too Late - Secondhand Serenade

Is There Anybody Out There - Secondhand Serenade

How To Save a Life - the Fray (Covered by Tyler Ward & Max Schneider) - Acoustic

"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever." - Lance Armstrong

Music is for Healing!
Till Later ~ <3
JLogging it - JoLee

Dare to Live Strong

Hey hey hey!

First official post of 2016!! <3 Excited? I am!! To be completely honest, I have a hard time coming up with what to write sometimes. It's not just writers block, but more like I just have nothing interesting to say both about my life or in general. But I've had some time to think, which is awesome.  So here you all are; nothing beats reflecting while a new year is in place! Please enjoy. 

You know how they say a person's past haunts them? Well, honestly, they aren't completely wrong to believe that. I believe there are three types of people in a large scope of things. Of course, this is like a continuum, so these are extremes. First are the people who live in the past. They can't give up what has passed, and base every decision on what happened to them previously. This leads to the second group, and extreme from the first where all their choices in life are based on their future. Their goal is set, and they simply believe in getting there, and that's all they see; sometimes missing out on the present and disregard their past; often not learning from mistakes. Lastly, there's people who believe in the now, our present-thinkers. They believe that there's no use thinking about the past, or thinking the future, just live in the now right? #yolo. haha jokes. 

Anyhow -- I personally believe there's more to life than just this! Don't just live in one scope. Take a look at what's happening around you on a day to day basis, don't miss out on the little stuff. But also remember to dream big and have hopes! That will give you direction and purpose in life, but also remember to look back. Memories are a gift to us, blessings and grace. Sometimes memories hurt, sometimes they remind us of how dark, sick and twisted our lives use to be, but honestly I think our past serves our identity strongly. I've come to realize that individuals who are accepting of their pasts make out to be the strongest individuals I know. WHY? Well, think about it. People like to disregard a past that is painful, dark, sick, or twisted. It shows our frailty, our in-capabilities, our brokenness. There's nothing we can change about it, so why should we keep reminding ourselves of it? Our history, our past, it does't make us weaker. It makes us stronger. The brokenness, the darkness, the painfulness only shows our experience. You can recover in the present by acknowledging and accepting the past, and turning it into a strength. The more dark, sick and messed up you may think your life was, could be the saving grace of someone now, or in the future when you are helping those around you go through their current circumstances. You just have to change what hurt before; the brokenness, the inability to do anything, the helplessness, into something strong. (I won't tell you how to be strong though, that's for you to work out!) Dare to live strong, and you may find your identity, and a new-found strength. 

Last two things: a quick quote from Ernest Hemingway "We are all broken. That's how the light get's in." Light is strength, and I believe that is the only thing that can heal the broken, but only if you let it. 

Here's a song I really like about fighting the past and moving on. Don't let your past hold you down. Wear those battle scars with pride! I present to you Dare ~ Gentri

Well, hope you're all having a great start to the New Year! Don't be me; a couch potato ;)

Till Next Time!
Music is for Healing <3

JLogging it ~ JoLee

"The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Cor. 5:17

Happy New Years!

Hey Everyone!!
Wow.. feels kinda weird to be blogging again. First off, I know I haven't posted any entries in ages, my apologies. No main reason or excuse other than the fact that life is kinda busy! Freshman in college/university = hectic. Life is upside down, stressed out, I'm not a party-er--so not much parties. But none the less balancing family, school, friends, volunteering, religion and commitment itself is already a handfull.

Welcome my friends to a great start of 2016! We have much to look forward to, and even more to look back at if we choose to, but you know what; leave the baggage behind! What has happened in this past year is still a part of your book of life, but starting today, we write a new chapter. These blank opportunities are available for change, a difference, and significance. Don't write another filler chapter, make it exciting, thrilling, and meaningful.

Wishing you all the best with your New Years resolutions! It's hard to keep at them, but I believe you all can! Put your best into whatever you do, and you will see the reward in the end! My resolution to you all is a desire to make more posts and entries. With a better understanding of what my life holds, I will be able to time manage things better and hopefully that will make a difference.

Here's a little song for y'all. Gotta say, I love Pentatonix! haha. Here you go!! Straight from YouTube ;)

Sorry for the short, rant-like, and cheesy/cliche entry. Many more meaningful ones to come!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!

God Bless the year of 2016!
Music is for Healing ~~
Till Next time!
JLogging it ~ JoLee

We are all Human

Hey Blog buddies :)
How have you all been? Over here in Canada, the leaves are turning a crisp yellow as they fall majestically onto the sidewalk, being trampled on with a crunch. Don't you just love autumn? The canvas of colour in the forests, and the feeling of completeness. It's all so majestic.

Well, I've recently been taking a class at my University on theories of disabilities (in particular developmental disabilities). It has come to my attention that individuals with disabilities face prejudice,  segregation and insults in ways we interact with them that we are completely unaware about. Has it occurred to you that the way we address individuals with disabilities, the tone we speak to them with, and our body language sometimes results in offense and rudeness? Sometimes we consider; oh, if they have a developmental disability, they don't understand how to process such things. But let me tell you, they understand. There was this one boy that I was working closely with, and he told me this: "you know, I really hate it when people speak to me like I'm a little boy who doesn't understand what's going. Can't they just talk about hockey?" This came from a boy about my age. 19 or so, and has a developmental disability.

I thought I'd make a brief (or not so brief) point both advocating for individuals with disabilities, as well as those who are without disabilities.

First off, no one can say which is the better life to live. We can only say a life without disabilities is more convenient because of how society displays it. But to say one is a blessing over the other just shouldn't be said at all. That is a personal experience, and to be completely honest, no one will really be able to accurately tell you which is better. One may appear more convenient than the other because of how society accommodates them, but nonetheless; we are all humans living life. The one thing that does matter is that you have life. Life itself is a gift to all. Each and everyday that passes with you waking in the morning, living your daily activities, and an end of crawling into bed is a good day, a day of life, a day worth living.

Now as an advocate for those who are facing a life with disability, I can say this is a major thing. I know in the health field (which is what I'm in school studying) seems to be more of a problem which some of you might find interesting. Anyhow, enough rambling; to get to the point. People First language. Simply put, we are all individuals. We are all people. We are all human. This disability does not take away from that. We are equal. I am just as human as you are. There is no difference. To categorize individuals as a disability is frequently seen "on the streets" and in medical clinics. You often hear, "the Down's in Rm289" or "That autistic boy on the playground". Sometimes it is necessary to bring forth the awareness of the disability for the safety and concern of the individual. However, it should not be used in substitute of an address. People are not solely their conditions, even if their conditions are part of their identity.

In turn, as I have advocated for individuals who face this problem of being categorized and titled, I must also advocate for individuals who are speaking subconsciously on these matters. Sometimes, it's not brought to our intention on exactly how we ought to treat individuals with disabilities or what form of language is appropriate. It's not an act of rudeness but more of an act of ignorance and lack of understanding. Perhaps it's the fact that we need better education and exposure to the awareness of what is appropriate and appreciated by the families of those with disabilities as well as the individual affected. Individuals within society can't be the one and only blame for the rudeness that has developed. In fact, over time society as a whole has been changing and learning how to create adaptable environments for individuals with disabilities. Society will get there; we just need time, exposure and experience.

To be completely honest. This message is just for you to be aware. Have you chosen a poor set of words to title someone, or looked at someone the "wrong" way recently? Is there something that you must train yourself to do now because subconsciously you are already making rude body language based remarks? By no means do I mean to insult any of you, but I think it's a good reminder to look at ourselves in the mirror instead of constantly at others, and think "what needs to be done? Was what I did really necessary?".

Wishing you all the best! It's midterm season for me! Stress is the least of my worries! Remember to eat well, sleep well, and be well! Mental and physical health are what make an efficient individual. Sorry for the lack of music this time, but I will make up for it in the next post <3

Till Next Time!
Music is for Healing <3
JLogging It ~ JoLee

A new beginning.

First off, I'm terribly sorry to all the readers who have been posted on my updates. I know it's been too long, but lots of things have come up. I thank you for your patience, and I hope this post meets your expectations. 

----------------------------------------------------

Congratulations my fellow friends! I'm sure for most people, we have recently embarked on yet another wonderful adventure full of challenges and testing of boundaries, obstacles and new friendships, trust and honesty. To put in short, off to school/work we go! Whether it be elementary school, junior high, high school,  post secondary or a new job; there will be challenges.

As I have always said to myself, "Great moments in life come to an end, only so even greater moments may begin. These moments are like the sun, even though they are temporarily hidden by the clouds, we know it's there." That's kind of like life don't you think? The different stages of life come closer and closer to an end, only so you can start a new beginning. Each new beginning comes with a new experience, and a chance to find out more about who you really are. 

For me, I've just started my University life. Fascinating changes are flying by me faster than you can say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. (Did I spell that right? haha) But what can we obtain when we face change? How do we obtain who we are and not become assimilated into what people desire us to be? I think these are two challenges that everyone will face at least once in their lifetime, either subconsciously or consciously. First off, change is a good thing. Think of change as a blessing in disguise. I know as a child, when forced to change environments, it was complicated, difficult, and undesirable. However, trust me. There is always good to one side of change. Change creates in us a flexibility to become accepting, and to understand the complexity behind the change we cannot avoid; the unchangeable change. That's kind of odd to say eh? But this flexibility will help us adapt better to more societies in the future. It will shrink our self-built walls of protection, and show us the wonders in participating in a society potentially different from the first.

I'm sure there's much more to say on why you should coincide with the change and let it be. But let me tell you just one thing. You can rebel, get angry, be confused of your emotions and wish to go back to what you had; that's all a part of change. However, when the time comes to accept where you, don't lost track of it. Be who you are, show the world who you are. If you didn't like who you were, become who you want to be. But don't ever change who you are just to fit in with the picture. If you believe that is the optimal identity of what you want to associate yourself to, then so be it! Just remember, people now in North America aren't known as individuals because they fit in, but because they stand out. They aren't afraid to be different, to be who they are, and to show the world what they have to offer. Change is a great thing, but change shouldn't compromise your identity. Stay strong, stay you, but most of all, be happy.

I understand my approach to change may be biased, or misleading or even at times contradictory. But that's life! Sometimes you can't just stand a neutral ground, or make a clear evaluation, or even make sense when speaking to someone. But what does that say about the issue at hand? It means; experience it for yourself. Go live the change!

So that you all know, I also updated the poem I wrote in memory of my friend. For those of you who have yet to read it, here is a link. It's called Hourglass. Thanks for all the positive feedback I received in regards to my poem writing , as well as the suggestions. If you ever think there's something I can change or improve on, don't hesitate in shooting me an email or a post. Thanks for reading!

Just a little song for you. Nothing to do much with the topic of change, but I enjoy this song. Hopefully you do too :3 It's a song of Taiwanese origin, with lyrics in Mandarin. But I found a prettty good English Subbed version for you all :) This is Aaron Yan's That's Not Me. (Zhe Bushi wo)

Till Next Time ~
Music is for Healing <3
JLogging it!~ JoLee

Been too long

Hello fellow online friends and readers!
I know, it's been too long, hasn't it!? Some of you must have forgotten about me XD but it's okay! I'm coming back! Things have been kinda hectic, and I've been on vacation! Yes my American readers, I have adventured through your West Coast! Must say though... Hollywood, and DisneyLand must be considered top attractions! Haha

Well, hoping you will all have a great remainder of your summer, (if you aren't back in class yet) and for those of you who started class already... best of luck! Study hard, play hard; and in that order!

Will hopefully post something sometime soon!

Till Later!
Music is for Healing <3
JLogging it ~Jo Lee

The Future... a plan?

Hey Everyone!!

So, this will be a bit shorter than I wished, but I'm having tendinitis problems and tumors in my wrist from excessive use of my wrist and fingers.... Too much music for me :O haha. Enjoy it though :) Sorry it's a bit late!

Can you believe it!! I am officially done school! From the first day of Gr10 to the last day of diplomas (which are Gr12 Provincial exams that weigh 50% of our university entrance marks here in Alberta). Grad (or the American Prom) was as amazing as everyone expects it to be, and all in all, these few years in High School flew by a bit too quickly. From making new friends, to maintaining social circles, keeping up marks, and going to rehearsal; it's been none the less more remarkable and unforgettable than I could imagine. These few years have definitely helped me to find who I really am, and simply shape my identity.

So when thinking about Graduation and finishing Gr12, many-a-times people ask you about your future. What are your plans? What are you going to do next year? Which university? The questions about planning your life and the many years to come are uncountable. As much as I'd like to answer them, I can't. I'm sure many of you no matter in what stage of life often come across such a problem too. At the same time, yes I've been planning, but on the other hand, it's so unpredictable. I know what I'm doing next year, and like many of my peers I'll be going to University. But even within that plan, there are still uncertainties. I don't know what will happen in the next minute, the next hour, the next few seconds. I guess this picture I took in Spain helps to picture what "the future" is like in my mind. It's a questionable thing, but I'm hoping its bright. It's kind of like walking through the fog, only able to see what is directly in front of you, but knowing there is more out there. That's the future. But I believe there is more to it than simply looking at what's in front of you. What you do in the present can also impact your future.

I have faith and hope my life will go somewhere with direction, and for that reason I desire to make an impact, which is why I have a plan for my life. One of my favorite quotes that I've been living through these past few years of High School is this by Mother Teresa: "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with little love." What a great reminder, that to leave an impact in this world doesn't mean we have to do great things. We just have to live each passing moment doing acts of kindness with heart and passion. That's my future. I can't tell you where I will be 10 years down the road with guarantee of course, as I have big ambitions. But one thing I can guarantee you is that no matter where I am, no matter how old I am, how rough my life gets, I will aim to deliver little acts of love to those around me. That is how I will make an impact in this world. That is my future. What is yours?

Just a few songs about the future. For you gamers out there.... here's Paul McCartney's Hope for the Future from the game soundtrack Destiny.

For those of you who aren't gamers, it's okay! That song is pretty cool. But let's go back in time, and listen to the Beatles. Here is John Lennon.  This is his 'future', and what he dreamed for it to be.

Two different futures, but that's expected, as; 

 "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one".  

Till Next time <3

Music is for Healing!

JLogging it ~JoLee

Happy Father's Day!

Hey Readers!

Happy Father's Day to all the readers Fathers! For those of you who can, give your father a nice big man hug, or fist punch (or whatever you men do these days) and express how much you appreciate him. Fathers have to deal with the pain of manning up for us, and usually spoiling us, and sometimes disciplining us.Without that type of sacrifice and suffering, we would not be here today. I am thankful for my father for everything he does. He is our money tree, my economic support, my friend, someone who is way more technological than I am, and he definitely fixes everything I screw up; both materialistically and through the every day life mishaps. He wanted to be a character of influence in our family, a role model. He did more than just that, he is my foundation, my rock. Through the many times I've made him frustrated or disappointed, I know it's all out of my wrong doings and mostly carelessness or neglect, and that he just expresses his anger because he cares. He loves me when I look make physical damage to the house, am too weak to help him move furniture, and all the careless little deeds that require him only to support me more economically. On top of that he is forgiving, just like my mother. His sacrifices for me are insurmountable, and he will always be in my heart. I'm not saying my father is perfect and without fault, after all, we are all human. But he grows from his faults, and can make stories from them (and sometimes jokes XD) and comes to terms with his imperfections,  only to tell me how I can make sure it's not mine. I love him for his fortes, and his flaws. My inspiration, my source of life, my foundation. Happy Fathers Day Dad! <3

I know some of you aren't able to be with your fathers, or have fathers were unfortunately were unable to be by your side as you journeyed through life. No matter the reason, my heart and thoughts are with you. I know you have challenged through life, but I'm sure you have found your pillar of strength, and your rock. Make sure to thank them for being a fatherly figure to you. You people are the strongest, and if you choose to, I'm sure you will make great parents one day.

Here's a song shout out to all you fathers, uncles, grandparents, and all that great stuff :)

This is "Through the Eyes of My Father" - Brianna Haynes

To the one who grasped my small hands and let me walk on his feet as I grew, Happy Fathers Day!

Till Later!
Music is for Healing <3
JLogging It~ JoLee ^_^

P.S The next post will be up in a day or two. Almost done :D
Thanks !

It's a Blog-aversary!

Hey readers!!

Just a huge shout out to everyone who's been reading my blog since I started it up a year ago!! It's been great to know that there are readers internationally who have been reading JLogging It's Music Is for Healing. I've met some new friends through this blog, and it's really great.

Wishing for your support in the following year to come! I know I haven't posted in a long time, but there's been some stuff that's happening, and I guess you'll hear about it in my next blog update!!

Well, here's a song that someone sent me not too long ago. I haven't posted a song in a while, but here you guys go! This is Jason Chen's Thank you. Enjoy :)

Thanks for being there everyone! And thanks for being so real! Remember, Music is for Healing!

Till Later!
Music is for Healing! <3
JLogging it  ~ JoLee <3

Happy Mother's Day!!

Hello Everyone :D

Happy Mothers day to all the mothers out there! For those of you who can, give your mother a nice big hug and express how much you appreciate her. Mothers have to deal with the pain of bearing us, their children, and without that type of sacrifice and suffering, we would not be here today. I am thankful for my mother for everything she does. She chose to stay at home, and take care of my sisters and I instead of going out to work. She wanted to be a character of influence in our family, a role model. She did more than just that, she's my hero. Through the many times I've made her angry, I know it's all out of my wrong doings, and that she just expresses her anger because she cares. She loves me when I look my worst, feel my worst, and do the worst things. On top of that she is forgiving. Her sacrifices for me are insurmountable, and she will always be in my heart. I'm not saying my mother is perfect and without fault, after all, we are all human. But she grows from her faults, and comes to terms with her imperfections, and I love her for her fortes, and her flaws. My inspiration, my source of life, my foundation. Happy Mothers Day Mom! <3

To those of you who's mothers were unable to be by your side as you journeyed through life, no matter the reason, my heart and thoughts are with you. I know you have challenged through life, but I'm sure you have found your pillar of strength, and your hero. Make sure to thank them for being a motherly character for you too. You people are the strongest, and if you choose to, I'm sure you will make great parents one day.

Here's a song shout out to all you mothers, aunts, grandma's, and motherly figures.
Boys II Men, A Song for Mamma.

Music is for Healing! 

Till later <3

JLogging it ~ JoLee

Appreciate

Hello everyone!!

How have you all been? I know it's been a while, but you would not believe what I've been up to lately! Let's just say, multiple gigs/concerts after another, and major exams in school. Also, I'm super excited to start registering for my courses for University!! Can't wait to move ahead in life, and just cross that next hurdle.

I don't have time for a longer post for you all, as I have a major exam tomorrow, and I'm not so confident with that, but I stumbled across this video, and it's been pretty touching. Honestly, it was a great reminder that we take many things for granted. Something as simple, but complex as life itself we often don't appreciate till we realize we're about to lose it.

To all my Spanish fluent readers out there, this one's for you! But don't worry, there are also English captions. (Hence how I was able to understand what was happening! haha) Hope you can all take a moment everyday just to appreciate the little things in life, and not take them for granted before it's too late.

To read the article, or see the blog from the video, check out this link here: http://think.aplus.com/a/random-people-vs-cancer-patients-answer-same-questions-on-life?utm_campaign=i102&utm_source=a46999&so=WbvLHVEdGBGKFAbKKvvr69&ref=ns

Happy Music Monday Everyone!
Music is for healing <3
Till Later!
JLogging it ~ JoLee

One's true strength

Hello world :)

I know it's been a long time since I posted anything "real", but it's been crazy busy! The school year is wrapping up, I'm finishing off High School, and getting ready to go into University. There is so much left to be done. It's crazy what an 11 day trip can do to your school work load :P haha.

So this is a little clip that I found. It's been cycling around for a couple years now from what I know, but I'm sure there are still plenty of people who have yet to see it. It's about a boy who has EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa). It is a rare genetic skin condition where the skin is extremely fragile, and will form painful blisters when touched or caused friction against. This below is the story of a young boy who decides his life can make a difference, and that he can find the strength to go on, and live happily day after day. View discretion is advised. The pictures may not be ideal for all viewers. This video is 13 minutes long so you know. 

I present to you, a TSN original, the Butterfly Boy.

For more on Jonathan's story, check out the webpage : 

http://impact15.sfglobe.com/2015/04/15/kxk/?src=share_fb_new_39876

True strength is more than the strength inherited or the physical muscular type bodies. There is the psychological and emotional strength. This strength can't always be passed down genetically, and requires individuals to build. The strength of an individual lies in them alone, and their willingness to press on and face whatever life may bring them, one day at a time. 

Music is for Healing!
Till Later! <3

JLogging It ~ JoLee

and.. I'm back!!

Hello Readers!

It's great to back in Canada. Just got back from a flight yesterday, and let me tell you..... an 8 hour difference doesn't sound like much, but your body knows it! The jet lag is real! So I went with my school to Spain, as many of you would know, and here's just a blog site that one of our supervisors updated daily. Check it out :). I have also attached a photo video made by one of the Spanish audience members from our last outdoor concert. Check it out!!

https://aberhartspain2015.wordpress.com/ 

Here's just a few pictures for you all to get a little taste of Spain! If you have never been, hopefully one day you can get a little snip it of it yourself!

This is a picture of the Mediterranean Sea from the top of the Castella Costa Blanca in Alicante, Spain. It is beautiful, and sunny!

This picture to the right is an overseeing of parts of Barcelona from the uphill climb within Park Guell. Definitely one of the tourist highlights in Barcelona. Very beautiful greenery and scenery!

Last but not least, here is a picture of the inner pools in the Muslim Palaces of La Alhambra in Granada, Spain. One of the most delicately done architectural works I have seen. They used colours, patterns, engravings, and much more. Fountains were definitely a nice touch!





For those of you wondering, yes I did take these pictures.. so sorry if they are blurry, or oddly focused. After all, I'm no photographer! haha

Working on my next piece for you all :)

Hope you've had a fantastic two weeks. And here's some Spanish music to brighten up your day :) This piece, our band actually played in Spain. I have not yet received a recording of us playing, but this is a cool touch. Portillo Andaluz by Juan Manuel Molina Milla.

Till Later!
Music is for Healing <3
JLogging it ~ JoLee

Time Away

Hi Everyone!

So I know things have been a bit here and there with my blog posts, but hopefully you are all okay with that. So that you know, I leave for Spain in less than 24 hours! Yay! That means I will not be able to make a blog post for at least 2 weeks. This will be my short "time away", but I'll be sure to write some sick stuff for you guys when I'm back.

Wishing all those who are going to be on Spring Break a peaceful and enjoyable time. And if you aren't, just enjoy life! It's worth it :)

Smile! Cause the world will always move on, even if you aren't. So make the best of it :D

La Música No Tiene Fronteras

Music knows no borders 

Till Next time!

Music is for Healing <3

JLogging it ~ JoLee

Hourglass

Hey readers! Sorry for the long wait, but it's been tough lately. I'll be in Spain for 2 weeks with my school during Spring Break to travel and share music from around the world. It'll be a blast! After all, they say....Music knows no borders! That's our motto :3

So this next blog post is gonna be a bit different. Probably not much like the poems you normally read. Hope you enjoy it. 

The Hourglass

The earth shattering slam of the wooden door

lay in reminisces of chalky slivers.

A fist of iron, and a body of rock

now crouches against a wall

using it as a boulder of support.

No other news could have been as 

life shattering

life changing

life altering.

He will 

Never be the same

What could be better than

a friend in a time of need.

Care and comfort,

sharing of thoughts.

A victim

 a declared host for

a growing intruder in his brain

that will one day, 

take complete dominance.

I, the friend could help with

nothing.

I could do,

nothing

I could only watch and assume

things will be okay.

Years of friendship. 

The uncountable memories

Ice cream wars, popcorn fights

staying up late emailing

chasing each other in the park.

Now all was nothing but a moving picture

trying to burn itself 

into the deepest depths of my mind.

Heart to heart

mind to mind

hand in hand

staring at the night sky.

The glistening of hope

shooting across the forbidden depths 

of eternity.

Oh how we wished 

life could be

filled with hope

"Time is running out" 

he had one last wish

"Be my girl" 

The one guy that I would 

laugh

cry

drool

punch

and fight with

only had eyes for me.

Blinking up a storm, 

trying to meander through 

the vortex of confusion and shock

which enveloped me in a craze.

What could I possibly say?

The ticking of the bomb never diminishes

the seconds get closer

to forever darkness

and here I stay

unable to make a judgement

Yes or No

three letters

or two?

Torture haunting like a lurking shadow

constantly following me with pain.

But in the end, 

my words hurt him

more than his words could ever

hurt me.

Not long after, 

the raven flew across the sky,

closing his chapter

with no last goodbye. 

But I did receive a letter

and let me tell you,

it sure made me cry.

The words 

"I will always love you,

you've saved my life"

etched into the pale

but ragged paper.

Yet I won't ever know

how 

or 

why.

Who could help, but let the tears

pour like faucets from their eyes

It wasn't till then that I finally realized

I was too late.

All this time I realized,

I was running away

from the words I was scared he'd say.

But in reality

I had forgotten

the promise we made

that he 

and I

would be

each others confidants

forever.

What hurts the most

is watching you leave.

Never did I want to say 

goodbye.

Yet now I know

that in life

the hourglass keeps draining.

The sand keeps spilling,

sometimes you can flip it over

and start anew,

but other times

the glass falls off the table

and you are left

with what you can't undo.

Don't wait until that moment

where you wish you could redo

the little things in life.
Don't wait to realize 

you were

a little too late.

In memory of my great friend Matt, who left this world way too soon. Missing you day after day. In our hearts forever bud!

Thanks for reading! Hopefully that wasn't too long and a drag to read. I figured I would try a way to write it so that it wasn't direct story telling. 

Here's a few songs. They are all sadder songs, that don't result in a happy ending. Give them a listen if you're up for it!

Here is Rascal Flatts ~ What Hurts the Most

Sam Tsui ~ Bring Me the Night

Yuya Matsushita~ Last Dance '06 

Music is for healing! <3

Till Later!!
JLogging It~ JoLee

Something all Teenagers Should See

Hey JLogging it readers!

I'm sorry it's been a long time. Almost a month! Hope you all are doing fabulous! I've been crazy busy with University applications, and simply finishing off High School, but I realized that's not an excuse to neglect all you great people.

Upon one of my classes this week, my teacher was looking up inspiring sports related YouTube videos for us to see. Yes, this class was Sports Medicine XD. Anyhow... she stumbled upon this video, and let us watch through it unintentionally. It really made me think though honestly. There are some points that took me by surprise, bringing a completely new revelation to my concept of societal norms and life itself. Some I may have to disagree with, but the statement itself does bring up a very good point.  Check it out and let me know what you think! I know it was uploaded way back in 2010, so many of you may have already seen this a few years back. But who knows, maybe seeing it again now will have a different impression, as I assume we are constantly getting more and more mature. But then again, we all have that playful child like side to us as well.

What do you think about it all?

Hope this satisfies your burning souls behind the understanding of life and human conditions. I'll be working on my next real work for you all. Thanks for your dedication and patience.

Till next time!
Music is for Healing ~ <3
JLogging it ~ JoLee