It's a New Year!

 Hello and afternoon to all my beautiful friends!
I know I'm kinda late jumping on the New Year's bandwagon, but regardless of that it's about time that I make a new post about what's been going on and what will be happening in the future, and honestly, what not a better topic to write about than my New Year's resolutions?
I know, I know... resolutions (and everything else in life) take commitment and persistence, however, I really believe I can keep the ball rolling on this one and try to post a little more frequently than I did last year. What makes this idea appealing is the possibility of presenting new content and posts, which I've been stewing on for quite sometime now.
Last year in summary was both crazy and awesome! New dog, two new jobs, new friends, old friends, new experiences, orchestra, and much, much more. It really ended up being a year of New Beginnings for me, and I look forward to 2019 with curiosity and excitement.
So what do I plan on posting about this year?
Mainly, my music.
So many people have encouraged me to blog, teach, podcast, or host what I know about music, what I'm learning, and what improvements I need to make to further explore music and my own musicianship, but honestly up until now, I've never felt qualified to do these things and rightfully so; I've never officially had a student (although I'd taught two children for a limited time), I had never played in an orchestra (til this year), I struggled with limited repertoire to play, my sightreading and music theory was very limited and of course, I was way too inexperienced to teach... all good reasons, right?
Despite these setbacks, on the other hand, I had literally taught myself how to play the guitar and violin without flawed technique, I developed a sensitive ear for music and could play by ear before reading a single note, my teacher of last year brought me up three years in violin technique, I pushed through the tediousness of vibrato exercises, shifting exercises, finger exercises, scales, calloused fingers, harmonics (on both violin and guitar), right hand guitar technique, and the initial but very uncomfortable 4 years of not having a violin shoulder rest. I even pushed through my limits of thinking I was too old to play the violin and too uncoordinated for the guitar but demolished both lies, my sightreading is exceptionally well and I'm actually thriving (not surviving) in an orchestral environment, and the list goes on.
Just writing these few examples opens my eyes to see that I do have a lot to offer, which drives me to this conclusion: the perfect time for me to share all I know will never come. I'll be learning til the day I die, so what's the point in waiting when I can share what I'm learning now?
There is so much to cover and discover, learn and share! I don't have to wait until I have my doctorate's in music, become a certified teacher, be a member of an excellent orchestra or whiz through Paganini to share what I know, there is plenty to share, here and now. There are so many topics to cover, questions to ask! But I want to take you on this journey with me and give you the opportunity to witness my growth as a person and a musician, but this goes both ways!
What are you learning? What are your questions? Where do you find inspiration and where is your call? But most importantly, what is holding you back from pursuing your hopes and dreams? I want to be apart of your lives as much as I want you to be a part of mine, only together can we find a solution to face our limitations and conquer our fears!
So, to A New Year and a new journey, to new ideas and new beliefs, to new relationships and friendships, to new solutions and new aspects, and to the ever renewing love of Messiah and the Father. Let's make this year amazing, let's learn about music together! 

Mi Pueblo Bonito está Completo!

Hey guys! As you can see, I have FINALLY finished embroidering my puebla dress/blouse! Though it took me an unnecessarily long time to complete (seeing that I started it this time last year), I was preoccupied and distracted with other things in life that it slid to the back burner. But I am happy to inform you all that today, it has finally been completed!

 As I continue my two year study, my love for Mexico strengthens each day. I am fascinated with the history, certain aspects in the culture, the language, the people, the food, the clothing, the music... it enraptures me as I read, watch, write and learn about it each day. What is this yearning? I do not know as yet, but I long to visit Mexico someday, and it's my plan to get there.

As shown, the waist of the dress is wrapped in a red band or scarf, with a black gypsy skirt giving it that 'Mexican' look which I adore! I'm pleased with the contrast colors as well and I must say this ended up turning out more authentic- looking than I thought! 

Ah, yes! What would Mexico be without the music? My increasing love for mariachi has caused me to begin humming it while I wash dishes or during chores. I am currently looking for some salsa music that I'd enjoy, not to mention many other Mexican genres there are. Do you know a few?

And finally dancing, another thing which I love and is found in Mexican culture! My mind is sparking with ideas on making many more garments such as this. I have so enjoyed watching the transformation of a once bed sheet into a beautiful garment with the swirls of the land to the south. 

I hope this has been of interest, and I appreciate all my readers beautiful and lovely comments!

I hope you have a blessed day and begin to walk in the calling Yah has given you!

Hasta luego mi amigos!

My Reflections: In the Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day

Life has been busy lately, but I don't think I've enjoyed all its diversity up until now! I can feel myself changing as a new sense of confidence takes on, a new love for learning, and a strange inner thrill to seek adventure and chase the lions in my path. But yet... I also feel trapped; a contrast of doubts bid me to stay confined to what I know, what's safe and sound. But without risks, where would there be adventure? 

These coming months of preparation for the future keep me intrigued and hesitant, but I am determined to pursue what is laid before me... though everything within me screams against it, I will attain my goals, because I'm a lion chaser. 

So What's Been Up with Me?

Hey guys!
I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything on The Girl in Curls, but now since I've graduated I'm aiming on scheduling and purposefully completing the tasks and goals I have set for this year.

So what's been up with me?

I have been reading quite a few books, which is a big accomplishment for me! Also, my writings in poetry/stories have expanded and I plan on continuing my writings as I am developing a novel currently that I aim to complete. Whether it's 100 pages or 300 hundred, the goal is to finish it and also keep you guys updated on what's been going on with me in the process.
I've also been pretty musically involved lately, engaging in voice development, learning finger style guitar, and I aim to continue my music theory studies and also give my violin and cello some more attention.
Spanish will definitely be a big priority again as I shoot for further study in the language. And I'm planning on finishing my Puebla within the following weeks.
As for what to do next in education, I'm praying whether or not it is the Father's will for me to go to college, if so, I would major in music for sure. There are so many opportunities for me, but I'm not sure which to take and where Yahweh will lead. I've also been considering getting a job and transportation so I could travel more. Just wanting to bring in some income, ya know?
I'd like to post more music/covers on my Youtube channel to be a bit more active there, and to be more available for my followers and subscribers.
Also I'm trying to find a way I can produce more music for you guys in the future. So many goals, but I'll take it one at a time.
And a final goal is to meet people, get to know them better, and come out of my introverted shell which will be difficult, but not impossible.

So what are your goals for this year?