Adios 2012!

Hola from the midst of winter break! It's been a super busy one so far. Lots to update on...coming soon!------- Saturday Soundrack------- I love oldies. They were my first introduction to music (other than gospel). When I was around 7 my dad gave me his old black radio. I would play it all day/night. There was only one station I was interested in. The Oldies 104.7. I would crank that little radio up and dance around my room singing at the top of my lungs. Such happiness. :) Which is why these two songs evoked a similar emotion tonight... (Yes, I have been dancing around my room listening to them) PillowTalk, Sunny The Turtles, You Showed Me (Peter Zohdy Botox Remix) Man 2012 has flown by. SO many things changed this year. I'm excited to share and reflect on some things God has been doing in my life. Will have to sit down later this week and update. Til then, here are my favs of the week: Washed Out, You and I (InterestingSomethings Remix) Dead Man's Bones, My Body's a Zombie For You and Ben Gibbard's Solo Album, Former Lives

Yes Man

Here's a little peek in of the inner working of my mysterious mind. For my friends and family, this isn't new information. I just choose not to talk about it often. I am a shy person. Understatement. I suffer from a great deal of anxiety which has affected my life in some interesting ways over the years; more recently manifesting itself in the form of occasional panic attacks. Yes, there's a back story. Yes, I can discuss/share if you or someone you know is going through something similar. Nah, I'd rather not divulge online. I only bring up the topic to say this, the challenges that I, or anyone else for that matter, face; do not define you. You choose your outcome. It takes a lot of hard work and patience, but God can strengthen you and help you grow into someone he desires for you to be. Don't settle for allowing your challenges to overwhelm you. As a teacher I tell my students all the time that if they work at it, it will slowly get easier until one day, when they master it. I should take my own advice. In understanding the causes and results of my anxiety, I have started pushing myself to do things that make me feel uncomfortable; but may be good for me. I'm excited to share some of my progress or experiences with my friends and family and I may share online from time to time. Here is my first installment. Share something you love or are passionate about, with others combined with share something you are learning. Music is a very intimate part of who I am. Those of you who are similar, will understand. Worship, is how I connect with my creator. The beauty of sound, and meaning of words hold depth and meaning to me. I worry too much about what others think about me. I was always passionate about music but nervous to risk a scholarship in college at a safe school to leave and pursue something I love. I tend to be pretty private about it these days. I have always wanted to learn ukele and guitar. A couple of months ago I picked up a Ukele at a bookstore and I've started to teach myself some chords. It's funny, I totally suck at it; but I absolutely love strumming along. It's fun to learn an instrument that you can sing along with. I play flute and do not have such luxury. The piano isn't exactly second nature to me. The remnants of my forced childhood lessons still linger. I'm practicing the piano more and more as well. Here is Lesson #1 This week, challenge yourself. Don't settle for what you've been dealt or are comfortable with. Get out their and move mountains...even if moving mountains is just talking to a stranger at the grocery store. You are a beautiful creation. You have purpose on this earth, whether big or small. Try new things. Enjoy your life. Love what you do. ;) Love, Tiff P.S. Colee, I've been reading up on your life lately and your video inspired me to do this. Please make more and share! I miss you mucho!

Happy Little Life

The concept of my small life being so important to my creator, blows my mind. He has been so faithful to my family and this Thanksgiving, I'm so grateful for his love. I have so much love in my life. The love of my family, friends, students, a church to fellowship with, Charlie, God and the love of new people who invest in my life and encourage me throughout the week. I'm a lucky gal and I'm excited for new things on the horizon. P.S. It only took 3.5 years to understand it's meaning in my life, but this week I felt unspeakable joy in teaching my 2nd graders about Voice in Writing. The excitement that we are all invested in this process... it's an amazing feeling. My students are a huge part of my life and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to work with them daily. I think they are brilliant and I am immeasurably blessed.

and Weekly Favorite

Saturday Soundtrack: Bonnie

"I Can't Make You Love Me" is a classic. It stands the test of genre. You're the OG of painful love songs, Bonnie. James Arthur (I'm kind of in love with this guy) Bon Iver Adele JP Piano Instrumental Remix Boys II Men Which version is your favorite? P.S. Check out more of James Arthur's tunes. He's worth the listen. Also, if you know him personally...give him my phone number and tell him to holla' at ya girl.

Saturday Soundtrack: British Invasion

Thank you, interwebs, for making international music exploration possible. Here are a couple of my favs from the UK and beyond. Rudimental-"Feel The Love" Featuring John Newman Eliza Doolittle-"Pack Up" The Streets-"Dry Your Eyes" Mark Ronson-"God Put a Smile Upon Your Face" My fav Adele song-"One and Only" Honorable Mentions: Just for fun. Cher Lloyd-"With Ur Love" ft. Mike Posner Irish singer-songwriter-musician-Damien Rice-"The Blower's Daughter". This is the song my sister-in law walked down the aisle to at my brother's wedding. So pretty. and my eternal crush, another Irishman. Glen Hansard-"High Hope" Ella Henderson-"Rule The World" Es el fin

Saturday Soundtrack: Acapella, Bluegrass, Ukele and Avett Love!

Let's make this short and sweet. Lately I've been listening to:

Acapella. So underrated. It takes a great amount of talent to control your voice enough to blend with others seamlessly. I appreciate you, acapella. Specifically Pentatonix.


Bluegrass. Thirty Years of Bluegrass. I also found an old vinyl with mountain songs. So precious to me.

Ukele anything and everything. I picked up one at a used book store last weekend. I'm completely in love. I've already learned some chords and  a Death Cab song. If you have any suggetions for quality Ukelele music, please share.
"I Will Follow You Into the Dark" Death Cab For Cutie for Ukelele
http://www.ukulele-tabs.com/uke-songs/death-cab-for-cutie/i-will-follow-you-into-the-dark-uke-tab-11767.html

and finally....I've been listening to the First Listen of  The Avett Brother's,"The Carpenter" on NPR.Winter in my Heart really strikes a chord with me. I can relate mucho right now. The album is similar to, "I and Love and You" in that it's much more folk rock influenced. I dig that but I'm a sucker for old School Avett Bros. tunes. Their first few albums featured more bluegrass/americana rhythms. I'm so glad to hear that banjo twang infused throughout the album, though. Check out the sneak peak here: http://www.npr.org/2012/08/29/160188286/first-listen-the-avett-brothers-the-carpenter .

Honorable mentions
Generationals. Featured on "Our Idiot Brother" soundtrack, which was suprisingly lovely.
Here's a cute video with the song.


and Scott Hoying (of Pentatonix)


What have you been listening to? Catch ya later!

There is a Time

I don't have much to say. These last few days have been pretty difficult to get through. Thank goodness for family and TV Land. I love old t.v. shows. Laverne and Shirley, I Love Lucy, and I Dream of Jeanie are my favorites. My folks are obsessed with The Andy Griffith Show. I'm ashamed to admit that I have never seen an entire episode until today...and oh my goodness. It's pretty sweet.

Here's why...


Thumbs up for the Darlings, hillbilly bluegrass, and beautiful songs with incredible meaning. I<3 The Andy Griffith Show and the joy and calmness it brings my family.

I saw this picture on Pinterest this week. Feels like a good way to express my heart. T's all folks.

Saturday Soundtrack: Outburst of the SOUL

You know what I love more than a sweet throw-back soul artist? NOTHING!

Nick Waterhouse is no exception to that sentiment. He is the bees knees.
He's a little r&b blended with a modern sound. Saxaphone? Check! Tamborine? Check. Guitar? Check. Sweet old school back up singers? Cheeeeck. Melodica? Check. Check. Check. I don't want to quit him.
Take a listen
Nick Waterhouse and the Tarots


Acoustic version of  "Some Place"

Saturday Soundtrack: Oldies and Goodies

Yo, Today's music selection is inspired by the Music Instrument Museum (MIM) and one eternal drive on the 101 to get there! Cheers to driving in haboobs! *clinks imaginary juice box* If you haven't visited there yet, what's your deal? Get yer booty in gear. It's a music, history and geography lesson wrapped up in one good time. Ahem, GREAT time. If you appreciate music, you'll enjoy the vast display of instruments from nearly every country and the influence that each region's traditional music had on surrounding countries. Plus, it's indoors and you most likely live in Arizona. If you just fried an egg on your driveway, go to the MIM. If you have a 3rd degree burn from touching your seat belt, head over to the MIM. If your A/C went out in your car, go to..the repair shop. Definitely don't try driving all the way over there in the 110 degree heat. My favorite displays included American Bluegrass (for obvious reasons), The Steinway, Martin guitars, Ireland, Hip hop, Appalachia, The Native American exhibit where the guy turned the tribal drums into a sweet drum set, Trinidad and Tobago (one of their national instruments is a plastic whistle! Um heck yes.) and Cuba! I'll have to ask Amber her favs, but I noticed her spending substantially more time at the Chinese exhibit, Ecuador, Fender co., electronic, and hip hop. We both agreed that the tiny little girls playing the string instruments from North Korea were precious and possibly brain washed. After the exhibit, we headed downstairs into the Experience Gallery.Fun ensued. Amber busted out on the drums and Ukelele. I hit up the gong. You know, they only let you play that thing once. Take it all in. It's the only chance you'll get. There's this sik electronic instrument called the Theremin that they grace you with the opportunity to play in the Experience Gallery. Try not to weep... Alright now dry those tears. Don't mock him. He spent a long time putting together that galaxy background. That guy is really talented. Are you that passionate about life? 3:46, look at that smile. The theremin fulfills him. If that didn't convince you, listen to this. Awwwwww yayuh. I know you liked that. If you've decided to take a visit, bust out your favorite jams. My roadtrip consisted of: The White Stripes (oo this is a good place to share a decent cover song) Cake and Andrew Bird (but just this song. I just kept replaying it over and over!) Es el fin

Saturday Soundtrack: Mix!

Hola amigos y amigas! This past Saturday I listened to a little of everything and found a couple of sweet records at this little antique shop in downtown Phoenix called QCumber. They have an awesome collection of old records! The record room is semi split up by genre. Rock on one side, jazz/blues/soul on the other. Although, a lot of the records are intermingled. I like that, though. I enjoy hunting for treasures. Walking through the store is like walking through a vintage wonderland. I am in mega-love with this place. I will definitely be visitng again! I scored an old Byrds album, Johnny Cash's Happiness is You, Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D Major, and Disney's Peter and the Wolf. I collect all kinds of records but I have a certain weakness for soul, rare Cash albums, musicals, and random weird children's albums. Peter and the Wolf is one of my favorite stories! I made a classroom set of character puppets from the story and I love to introduce the story as re-tell at school with the younger kiddos and sequencing with the older ones. It's great for those auditory learners. Very engaging activity. I'm excied to teach it to the lil guys at work in the fall. Over the weekend, The Avett Bros played at Bonaroo in NYC. I missed the live feed but thankfully the festival uploads some of the acts on their youtube. The Avett Brothers are, by far, my favorite artists. Their live shows are so fun. Reminds me of why I love music so much. Take a listen. :) The Byrds are a class act, man. Legends. Here's an oldie but a goodie. Some sik guitar picking from the Byrdmaniax album. Enjoy :)

Saturday Soundtrack: Shadows on Stars

Woops! I can't seem to keep track of my days while on Summer vacay. I guess today is Tuesday. :) Anywho, here was my Saturday Soundtrack. Shadows on Stars, "Pay the Rent" Enjoy :)

Arizona Adventures: Frontier Town

It's easy to take Arizona for granted during the scorching summer heat. Truthfully, Arizona is one of the most beautiful states. There's a little of everything here. Today we made a few stops at Cave Creek, Carefree and Bartlett Lake. We visited lots of cute shops, a Frontier town, ate at Harolds and visited Bartlett Lake. I will definitely be visiting the Cave Creek/Carefree area again. Lovely little towns! I highly encourage you to do the same. :)

Saturday Soundtrack: Steep Canyon Rangers and Delta Spirit

Steep Canyon Rangers, Long Shot Delta Spirit, California Delta Spirit, Scarecrow

Little Nephew

Little Mister, Eres el más hermoso bebé en el mundo!! Aye aye aye. Sometimes when I'm having a crappy day, I think about your cute little smile and can't help but grin. When you start talking, I promise we'll get ahold of a quality joke book. You have that sly grin like your daddy did and you may just inherit his dry sense of humor. If any kids every give you trouble at school, call me up. I'll teach you some sweet ninja moves I learned on youtube. I always enjoy dancing with you! Let's continue that FOREVER!!!!Hopefully I won't embarass you horribly when you're older; but if I do, it's just pay back for your dad. In 6th grade he convinced me that "Herpes" was the Greek Messenger god. The next day during Greek Mythology Jeopardy, I answered Herpes and the whole class laughed at me. He scrame, "Viva la Budapest!" when they called my name at my high school and college graduation. Let's put toothpaste in your daddy's shoes when he's at work! Your mommy and daddy love you very much and you are such a lucky guy! You couldn't have better parents. Make sure you take your nap for your momma and eat your sweet potatoes! Now let's commence your slide show! (I'm using Pop's computer and he saves all of the pictures your mommy and daddy post of you on facebook- ha ha ha!)

and lastly, when you were first born. :)

Love you, little buddy! Aunt T

Cause all my mistakes, they brought me to you

Bubba's B day

Grinder's Coffee. I love peach iced tea!

Future class planning

Solo movie date-What To Expect When You're Expecting (Don't expect a great movie)

Comic time

Some of my favorite pastimes (High five included)

Last Saturday Soundtrack as well as Galaxie 500 (scored a decent priced vinyl at Stinkweeds)

I think this is going to be my signature cardigan. :) :)

I'm so exciteddd (and not in a Jessie Spano kind of way)

Yessssssssssssssssss! I. Am. So. Stoked. I have happy news to share. Today I was offered a K-2 Writing position at a charter school. I accepted! This is music to my ears. I have been subbing in highschool for the past year. Don't get me wrong, I am super grateful for the opportunity to work with older students. I needed the change. My life was stuck in a rut and I needed to sort some important things out. I think that sometimes you have to say to yourself," alright self, you deserve the opportunity to try out some different options before deciding what you love to do". There are so many things that I love. It's difficult making the decision though! I have been doing a LOT of contemplating lately and I miss Elementary Ed kids so so so much. With older students, I have needed to be no nonesense, sarcastic, over confident, task master lady. Now, that's all fine and dandy. However, I want to be Miss Mary Sunshine sometimes too. When I'm having a hard day subbing, I close my eyes and picture smiling and laughing with the young kids. I imagine singing the welcome song to them as they stare at me with huge grins on their face and shout, "again, again!". If I sang the welcome song to High School students, I'm pretty sure I'd get stabbed. When a high schooler gives me the tude or blatanly ignores my directions, I picture my old students asking me to research giant squids at lunch. Remember that time my students kept saying, "Justin Beaver" and I wrote out "Justin Bieber" on the whiteboard to point out the spelling difference? Ah yes. I'll never forget. A true light bulb moment. Their lives were forever changed. I have a unique personality and I believe young kids get that. Of course, I'm sure I will miss many of the good things there are about high school kids too. I have to admit, they're pretty funny and there are lots of really great kids out there. It makes me proud to have had the chance to work with them. On another note, this is a doubley great week because I have discovered a new album that makes my heart beat fast. I'm a sucker for good tribute songs. Here's a real winner----->Please, Please, Please: a tribute to the Smiths. Gahhhhleee, I've loved William Fitzsimmons since I first saw him on Austin City Limits a few yrs. back. This is a great one and it makes me super happy to see Sixpence None the Richer cover, "I Won't Share You". I think I WILL share you, SNTR! and just because I'm in a good mood and feeling brave enough to share... I've been spending some time teaching myself chord charts on the piano. Here's a crappy rendition of a song I'm learning. Good day (post work)! Hope your evening is swell. Tiff

Peachy Keen

When things don't go well, don't mull over it. Let it go. For goodness sake, let it go. Put on some music that makes you MOVE IT, MOVE IT! ...and don't pretend like you're too cool for Michael Mcdonald (Amber :D). Dudes got skills. If you're dancing right now, you're my new best friend. If you loved the sax solo, we're BFFs. Tomorrow will be a good day. It's movie day at school. Heck ya! Insert random instagram here--->Prep sounds, impromptu lunch, interview swag

P.S. I need to get out of town this weekend. Where should I visit??

Yo, yo, yo

Hola friends! It's a fresh week with fresh opportunities. If you think of me this week, say a little prayer that God will continue to guide me in the right direction. My prayer is that I will put my best foot forward and be confident in the teacher and woman that God's made me to be. Oh ya, and hopefully I'll make a decent first impression and not stick my foot in my mouth too much. :) Alrighty, enough chitchat. Here are some instagrams from the past weekish! As you can see, there was tons of family time this week! :) Remi and Roxi

Happy Mother's Day to the best momma!

On my way to see the Avengers with my bro. Have you seen it yet? Ahhhhh! Soo good. Must discuss.

Thrice farewell show in Tempe with Amberrrr. *Big tear

Outing with my boys

Remi's not a fan of silly faces...

oh and P.S. This was my on my Saturday Soundtrack (and is my current favorite song)!

Saturday Soundtrack: Andrew Bird

Here's my Saturday Soundtrack

If you have yet to hear Andrew Bird, check his stuff out! It's worth the listen. Multi-instrumental folk/folk rock. He has a lovely voice and plays the violin, glock, guitar, and even whistles. If you've seen "The Muppets", Walter's talent showcase is provided by the ever so talented, Andrew Bird. I'm in musical love! :) There are so many wonderful tracks on his album Noble Beast, but I'll just share this pretty gem.

Let's Stay Togetherrrr

Man, I'm super thankful for my friends and family. I don't know how I got to be such a lucky lady. This week I've been able to spend a lot of time with some great people that God has placed in my life. :) :) A couple of weeks ago, I decided to deactivate my facebook for many reasons. The main reasons being that I felt like I read about people's lives more than actually spending time with them. I also felt like I allow myself to be distracted too easily. I don't appreciate the down time and silence enough. Honestly, if God has things to show me; I'm not so sure I'd see them coming my way right now. Since I've been missing on facebook, I've had so much time! hah No kidding, right? I've seen lots of folks, made new friends, done lots of things I enjoy, talked to Jesus lots. I've been doing a lot of thinking, and it's not always a bad thing! Not sure if I'll decide to reactive the 'ol facebook, it may not happen. It did occur to me, however, that I'll be missing out on connecting with my friends and family far away. Hopefully I'll update and blog here a little and of course there's always email and the cellular telefono. Let's stay connected! :) Love ya lots, Tiff

Spring Breakkkk

This has been my fav. spring break to date. I had the pleasure of spending time with so many loved ones and exploring some of my favorite spaces and places.
It's back to work next week (which I don't totally resent) but til then, I'm living it up!