September- Rebecca Black

Hey everyone! I know that I haven't been up-to-date with my Music Daily posts, but to get me back on track, I decided to go ahead and announce the Artist of the Month. This month's artist may seem very unlikely to you, but I've got good reasoning behind it. Rebecca Black, known famously for her viral video, "Friday", has been named my Artist of the Month.
Yes, I know, her voice is auto tuned, her songs need some work, and her journey to fame is quite confusing, but I don't really think that we are giving her enough credit. Heck, only last week I was being a true "hater", watching Glee and seeing that on their Prom episode that they covered the song. I sat there in disbelief, as well as quite a bit of disgust, as I listened to the lyrics. While I don't think that song writing is her quota, I don't think that it gives us the right to be rude.
You may have heard that she decided to leave her school not only due to the conflicting requirements of her dreams and the school district, but the fact that she was being bullied. She says that every time that they walked past her, they would ask her what day of the week it was (probably in response to these lyrics:
Yesterday was Thursday, Thursday
Today i-is Friday, Friday (Partyin’)
We-we-we so excited
We so excited
We gonna have a ball today
Tomorrow is Saturday
And Sunday comes after...wards
I don’t want this weekend to end), and singing the song mockingly towards her. 
Being a song writer myself, I know how hard that must have been to hear that your song sounds terrible to everyone else. I'm no Beyonce or Elton John, but I do think that my songs are good, and she must have thought the same of hers. That's why her parents paid thousands of dollars to a record label for them to not only record, produce, and promote "Friday", but to make a music video for it. So, as you can see, she was just following her dreams, and I truly don't see anything wrong with that and neither should you. 
We all know that the background music to it is pretty hot and nowadays, that's all that's needed for a good song; who cares about lyrics anyway? Look at "Hello" by Martin Solveig, for instance. I think that if we have anyone to "hate on", so to speak, for bad lyrics, it should be him, but the song makes you want to dance anyways. 
My ending points are these:
1. Don't hate, appreciate (in all forms of the phrase),
2. Glee can make ANY song sound like gold,
3. Rebecca, you go girl!
4. Martin Solveig needs to stick to DJ-ing,
5. I will resume Music Daily, I promise,
6. Happy Blogging!

Love Always,
Katrina Lowell

Which One?

Its easier to back away
instead of yelling back.
its easier the slink in the darkness
instead of holding your head up high.
its easier to deal with the punishment
instead of running away.
its easier to get beaten
instead of beating back.
its easier to say yes
not no.
But which one?
which one is better?
which one works for you?
it may be easier to walk away from your fears.
but they are always there.
slinking like you in the darkness.
you become what you most fear.
you may be weak.
Its hard to be strong.
Life is hard though.
You cant always take the easy way out.
So live your own life to the fullest.
Dream your own dreams
dont take someone elses.
Climb the mountains of your fears.
And always ask yourself which one?



-Amber White

Beautiful- Chapter 3

~CHAPTER 3~

"Once again, Mrs. Brittington, I am so sorry for my daughter's behavior. We are going to have a long talk tonight." As my mom said that last bit, she clenched her teeth and shot me a devil's glare. I smiled and mouthed the words "I love you", trying to smooth things over. I guess it didn't work because as she got off the phone, she lunged at me. "Katrina Dawn Lowell, I'm gonna THROTTLE YOU!" I ran into the bathroom and locked myself in. "Katrina, open this door, NOW, or else you're REALLY gonna get in trouble." I hesitated, but slowly opened the door. My mom looked furious, with her arms folded and her foot tapping. "What happened today?" I looked away from her and tried to avoid the question, but she knew better than that. "NOW."
"I tried to choke Jenny, OK? Happy now?"
"Of course I'm not happy. Why on earth would you do that to her?"
"You know Jenny. She hates me..."
"So you choke her? Like, tell me what in your head tells you that wrapping your hands around her neck is going to stop her from hating you?" I looked away again. I didn't want to have to explain to her what happens because she just wouldn't get it, but she wouldn't take silence as an answer. "When she told me that- that I was a 'waste of air', I just get this feeling inside, like deja vu, and then I black out. The last thing that I remember was her coughing and Coach Hubbert dragging me to the principals office." My mom took a second to let everything register. "So what you're saying is that you feel like you've been there before, getting called a certain name, and hen you sorta 'go crazy'? What exactly did you remember."
"Well, I guess when she told me that, I got transported to another world sort of."

***

I was back in Rockford Elementary School, and there were a bunch of kids running around, laughing, playing on the playground. And then there was a little girl on the top of the play structure who was crying, surrounded by other girls. When I listened closer, I heard what they were saying. "You shouldn't even be alive" and "You're so ugly that you're parents probably don't even want you." The girl was screaming out for help, but it was as if I was the only one that heard her. I started to run towards her, up the stairs of the play structure, and just as I reached the top, I heard one of them say "You're just a waste of air," and then the girls vanished. All that was left was the little girl who had turned away from me, crying. I touched her shoulder and asked if she was OK. She turned around and wiped away her tears, "Yeah, I'll be OK. Thanks for helping me, though." Then, as she managed a smile, she became very familiar. Then she reached out her hand and said, "I'm Katrina, Just like you."

***

"...and at that moment, I 'woke up' so to speak." My mom was pacing back and forth, and then she picked up her bag and car keys. "I've gotta go back to work, but you stay here," and then, she just glanced back at me and left. I went to my bedroom and dropped myself down onto my bed. So much for that...

STAY TUNED FOR MORE CHAPTERS BEING POSTED!

Love Always <3,

Katrina Lowell

9.15.11- Selena Gomez "Love You Like A Love Song"

The final song for Music Daily today is "Love You Like A Love Song" by Selena Gomez. This is truly a girl's song, full of love and an awesome backing beat. Although I'm not a huge fan of Selena Gomez, this and "Who Says" are two really good songs. I think that what makes "Love You Like A Love Song" special is its original concept. With Taylor Swift stealing all of the love song ideas (lol), it was a really interesting idea to relate loving someone like loving a love song. Even typing it right now, I just confused myself (it's a love song about a love song??), but what tops it off is the music video. I loved it because it was here in the setting of a bunch of different love scenes and music videos. As I said earlier, I wouldn't call myself a fan of Selena's (I'm more of a Lovatic), but this song was brilliant, even if she didn't write it. Thanks for reading Music Daily today, and happy blogging!

Love Always <3,
Katrina Lowell
-

9.14.11- B.o.B "Lovelier Than You"

Welcome to the second post of Music Daily. The next song that I will be talking about today will be B.o.B's "Lovelier Than You". B.o.B is best known for "Nothin' on You", featuring Bruno Mars and "Magic", Featuring Rivers Cuomo. B.o.B is my favorite hip-hop artist not only because of his unbelievable songs, but because of his overall talent. He is not only a rapper, but a lyricist, instrumentalist, singer, beat-producer, and so much more, Despite his growing fame, "Bobby Ray Simmons" hasn't changed from his pure Atlantan roots. "Lovelier than You" is an example of his talent; most of this song has been sung, but there is still a small rapping bit. I really like this song's story; its pretty much the same theme of "Hey There Delilah" by The Plain White T's. A letter or a promise to the girl that he loves that they will always be together. This is another beautiful song that I thought that you might enjoy.

Love Always <3, 
Katrina Lowell

9.13.11- Adele "Right as Rain"

Hey everyone; welcome back to Music Daily. Once again, I will be doing three days in one to catch back up, starting with Adele's "Right as Rain". Being a singer myself, Adele is such an inspiration to me. That being said, this song is such a great song, not only because it has a great backing track, but also because of it's lyrical depth. Typically, you just get either a nice dance song or a song with beautiful lyrics, not both, but "Right as Rain" is the exception to the rule. It's all about how being right all of the time doesn't benefit anyone; at some point, you're going to be wrong. Every time that I play this song for a friend, or perhaps my singing group, they're sold. My favorite part of the song would have to be the bridge where she says, "Go 'head and steal my heart to make me cry again, 'cause it could never hurt as much as it did then when we were both right and no one had blame, but now I give up on this endless game." It really explains how she feels throughout the song. I've gotta say that this is one of my all time favorites and I'm sure it'll soon become yours.

Love Always <3,
Katrina Lowell

Beautiful- Chapter 2

~CHAPTER 2~

Once I got myself together, I decided to head on over to Van's house. Van was my best friend; we've known each other since preschool and she knew just how to cheer me up. She was a "trouble-maker" herself, so she knew exactly what I was going through. As I approached her porch, I rang the doorbell and waited for the Ruckers' nanny to get to the door. Van's mom and dad pretty much worked 24/7 and rarely spent time at home, so Trudy, their nanny, was always there. When she finally opened the door, she gave me a hug and ushered me into the house. "How are things going for you Kitty Kat?" I rolled my eyes at her because she was the only one who added "kitty" to my nickname. "It's going, I guess... got in trouble again today."

"Well that's a shocker," Trudy mumbled under her breath. "Thanks for the support, Trudy. Your such a great friend," I replied sarcastically. She came over and patted me on the shoulder, "I was kidding. Hey, lemme go get Van for you, You know she wont hear my calls from down here over her stereo." I chuckled and went over to the fridge for a Popsicle. By the time I got back to the living room, she was coming down the stairs in her typical goth attire. She didn't believe in all the emo Gothic beliefs and didn't hang with any of the other Gothic students; she just thought that the clothes were hot, I guess. "Hey Kat, what's up?"

"Nothing really. I stormed out of Margret's office today after she confronted me about the whole 'Jenny' situation." She cringed, "Ouch. Was it that bad? Well at least I have a detention buddy, that is if I don't just skip it like I usually do." Just then, the doorbell rang and Van ran over to the door. All of a sudden I heard, "Hey Tony-Roni!" Ugh! Tony was Van's boyfriend and I couldn't stand him. He was the "bad boy" of the school, and then suddenly, after like five years of ignoring Van, he asks her out and she's star struck. "Hey Van, just thought I'd come and visit my favorite girl." I started making gagging motions behind them. I think he saw me because just then he gave me an odd look. "Oh yeah, Katrina, that's what I wanted to ask you..." I gave him my "I don't understand what you mean, so spit it out" look. "Did you really choke Jenny today? That's pretty awesome..."

"No it's not, first of all and second of all, I don't want to talk about it, especially not with you." Van turned around and gave me a nasty glare. I couldn't help it, I hated him! Just then I remember that my mom would be getting home soon, so I started to put back on my shoes. "Where are you going, Kat? I thought that maybe we could have a study- sleepover tonight."

"Sorry, I gotta get home, but you two vampires have fun." Van laughed awkwardly, gave me a "don't embarrass me in front of Tony" look, and closed the door behind me. I walked down to Wilkinson Blvd, where my house was and notice that my mom was home early. "I'm toast...again." I took a deep breath and opened the door, and sure enough, there was my mom on the phone. By the look on her face, I knew that she was talking to Margret and was NOT very happy.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE CHAPTERS BEING POSTED!

Love Always <3,

Katrina Lowell 

Beautiful- Chapter 1

~CHAPTER 1~

"Good evening Ms. Lowell." I was back in the principal's office talking to Margret. I mean, I should call her "Mrs. Brittington," but I see her so often, I pretty much know her on a first name basis. "What have you done today?" She had this way of tapping her pen on her desk and leaning towards me, giving me that look, like she was very suspicious. I relaxed in my chair and  took a drink from a Styrofoam cup I had gotten back in the office. "Umm... I don't know. I took a shower, got ready for school, went to first period..." she rolled her eyes. "Why don't you just skip to the part where you attempted to choke out another student in gym today."
 "Oh, you mean Jenny Auburn? She offended me, told me I was a waste of air."
"So you decided to resolve that problem by squeezing all of the air out of her?" I shrugged. I mean, what was I supposed to say? Sure, some may say that I've got an anger problem, but so what? You mess with me, you reap the consequences. Margret sighed and took out a form. "What do you think you deserve this time; suspension or detention for the next two weeks?" I chuckled and took another sip of water. "Hmm, let me think on that one: some time off from this disgusting establishment or some extra time in Mrs. Turd- bling's class? I'll take the suspension." Mrs. Brittington looked at me disappointingly. "First of all, it's 'Mrs. Tumbling' to you, missy, and second of all, I don't think you understand how important this is, Katrina. Every time you show up in my office, I've gotta mark your permanent record. You need to stop this now, before it destroys you." I stood up from my chair and threw my backpack over my shoulder."You don't understand, Margret. All you guys do is judge me without just listening to anything I say, so you know what, give me whatever you see fit. I really don't care, just leave me alone, OK!" As I stormed out, I heard her yell out to me, but I ran, ran as fast as I could, out the building and down Julian St. on my way home. I got all the way down the block and then dropped down next to a tree and began to sob. Dear god, I really hope she didn't give me detention...

STAY TUNED FOR MORE CHAPTERS BEING POSTED!

Love Always <3,
Katrina Lowell

9.12.11- John Legend "Coming Home"

Hey everyone; welcome back to Music Daily! The other song that I have picked for today is one that isn't new, but is one of my favorites. It's called "Coming Home" by John Legend and it is one of those songs that make you sit down and listen to every word. The title explains it all; its about coming home, reuniting with ones that you love. I think that what makes it touching is the fact that it sounds like it's a letter to his family, telling them that after all of the craziness that IS fame, he'll always come back to his roots. Whenever I'm feeling down, or altogether "out of it" so to speak, I plug in my earphones, press repeat, and somewhat "drown" in the lyrics. This song is extremely beautiful, and I hope it touches your heart as much as it has touched mine. Happy blogging!  

Love Always <3, 
Katrina Lowell

9.11.11- Jessie J "Who's Laughing Now?"

Hey Everyone; Welcome to Music Daily! Since I have been a bit backed up on my posts, I've decided to do two songs today. One of  the song that I have picked  is one that I think is perfect for this memorable week. Sunday was the tenth anniversary of 9/11, and we all know how painful that was for everyone, especially the families affected by it. One of my favorite quotes is "it's not what makes you fall that's important, it's what you do when you get back up." America seems to be doing just that by building up the Twin Towers and trying to move on from such tragic event. That being said, the song that I have chosen is "Who's Laughing Now?" by Jessie J. Jessie J is a new artist taking this world by storm. She is best known for her breakout song "Price tag" featuring B.o.B, my all time favorite hip- hop artist. This song is all about conquering roadblocks in your path to success, and although the situation that she talks about in the song is not anywhere close to that of 9/11, it still gives the same message: "although what you're going through at the time is tough, take a stand and keep going." I hope you enjoy this song as much as I did!

Love Always <3,
Katrina Lowell

Jump High in The Sky

Jump high in the sky,
Try and touch the birds that fly by,
Wish that I could fly,
Up high,
With the beautiful birds in the sky.
Duck down,
Spin around,
Touch the ground,
Watch for people in the town.
Wait and watch,
Watch and wait,
For the day when I will fly,
For the day when people,
Come from the town,
And tell me to come down.


-Amber White

Introduction

Hey, I'm Katrina Lowell; welcome to my writing blog! This blog is pretty much for everyone, but I'm sure that teenage girls might be able to relate to my posts more than others. This blog has 3 sections:

1. Music Daily- Music is my life, and I thought that by blogging about a song that came to mind that you would get to know me better through my music.
2. White's Window- This is for my best friend, Amber White. She is an amazing poet and I will be posting her poems weekly in this section.
4. And finally, my Fiction Corner- This is where I will be Writing different stories, starting off with one called "Beautiful". Each one is in the view of Katrina Lowell, my pen name or what others might call my "Alter Ego"

I hope you enjoy my blog, and if you do, don' be afraid to become one of "Lowell's Fans" in the bar to the right. Happy blogging!

Love Always<3,
Katrina Lowell

Beautiful- Interlude

Beautiful

By Katrina Lowell

~INTERLUDE~

Being a teenage girl in this generation, I have had my fair share of difficulties, be it friendships or tough teachers. That being said, it's really important to grow what some may call a "thick skin", or really high tolerance for getting your feelings hurt or not having things go the way you had intended them to be. I would consider myself to be a very strong person, but one thing that I can't seem to conquer is bullying. I've been bullied in school for nearly eight years, and it's not easy. Although some of those experiences happened so long ago, they seem so fresh in my memory. What I have recently discovered is that I don't necessarily hurt within myself, but I hurt for the little girl inside me. I can remember being left out of every game out on the play ground, being told that I shouldn't be alive, and just altogether being put down. I then decided to turn to reading. Reading puts me in a different world where nothing that I was experiencing ever existed. So, because I was often having trouble during the recess times, I would walk to the school library with a book in hand and read there until the bell rang. The only problem was that my classroom and the library were on opposite sides of the school, and the walk was painful. I had kids run up to me, calling me hurtful names or saying that I was ugly; all I would do is hold on to my book and try blocking it out, reminding myself that I was only a few paces from the library. One day, I noticed that nobody was following me and I started to relax and just make my way up to the door. Then, all of a sudden, I heard a bunch of footsteps in a flurry, almost as if the person was running and just as I turned to look over my shoulder, I was pushed down into the concrete. I was hit so hard that all I don't even remember hitting the ground. I only remember having the feeling of the air being knocked out of me and me looking at how scratched up my hands were. Then when I looked up, I saw that the group of boys had kicked away my book and took off running. that has to be the most memorable episode in my mind. I just hate that when that happened, nobody was around to help, nobody was there to stop it from happening. That's why I'm writing this story. I'ts a story about a girl who walks around, trying to protect the girl that needed protecting inside while trying to figure out who she was becoming on the outside. I hope that you are inspired by this story as much as I am.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE CHAPTERS BEING POSTED!

Love Always <3,

Katrina Lowell