Plus a Bit More of All

More credit where credit is due. And it’s about time I bring them all up together.

A few years ago, I set off into YouTube. Not only as intending to become a YouTuber, but as committing to making content regularly for that and other platforms. Through my browsing and during my watching, several YouTubers caught my attention. But ultimately, these are the ones I ended up sticking with.

They are both informative and humane. Furthermore, they are devoted to what they cover and don’t take themselves too seriously - which I personally appreciate. That and they’re indeed great at making content! I don’t always watch the full videos they release, but the snippets and extracts they share on their respective topics are something I try not to miss. And I’m glad whenever I see them on my dashboard.

For sure, what they put out has helped me stay on track and figure my way through all of this.

• Sean Cannell
Focus on making content and the marketing & advertising aspects of it. Inspiring and motivational, preserving the soul while being ambitious. Beyond being brilliant, he can be extremely energizing. His public speaking abilities? Top-notch.

• Sara Dietschy
Focus on technology. From gadgets to applications to what’s becoming of the world through these advances. I particularly enjoy her lively and personable, yet undoubtedly nerdy approach to showing us around and introducing us to what’s at hand.

• Sorelle Amore
Focus on freedom. Something that starts with having your finances in order. She tends to the material without neglecting the spiritual and that’s what most stood out for me. Her presence is delightful and, undeniably, so are her captures of existence.

There’s much more that could be said about them, of course. But I’ll let their work speak for them.
(You should check them out.)

It's been a Bit of Everything

Credit where credit is due. And I do believe that it’s better that I do this sooner rather than later.

I’m an artist. I love art. I love artists. And I would be lying if I said I owe it all to myself to have the wonderful life that I do now. It may not be as flashy as others, but it sure is filled with art.

Although I’ve always been quite critical and selective, that hasn’t closed me off from considering and integrating from others what could resonate with me in essence and continue to elaborate on it. Yes, I’ve been wary of being too impressionable, but you should also be wary of being too stubborn. As artists and other great individuals can expand your horizons and enrich your worldview. Possibly also help you in very practical ways on your path - artistic or otherwise. Art cleanses, mends, patches, uplifts, and empowers.

With that said, some of the major influences on my journey include these iconic people:

• Enrique Iglesias

Going all the way back to my origins, there’s music in my native language. And with intrigue and fascination, as I was still too young to be able to relate much to any experience, I listened to quite a few. However, as a Latina with Spanish roots and raised Catholic, Enrique Iglesias particularly stood out to me. He became a sensation over here and you can bet I’d choose him, without any hesitation, among his “rivals” of the moment, whenever (kind of a thing to get asked who your favorite artist was among others as a get-to-know exchange). But not only did he stand out to me then... Over the many years, for around 3 decades, I couldn’t escape him. He kept releasing hits that, no matter where I was in my life, pulled me back into enjoying his work and, over and over, it was a delightful reconnection to the beginning. Beyond that, I’m especially fond of how breathtakingly otherworldly he can be!

• NSYNC
Yes, I did have a boyband craze phase. And no, I’m not even ashamed of it. These guys are amazing. They’re sweet, funny, witty, and overall lovable along with being talented and skilled at what they do. They are a part of what made my childhood so good and the driving force for me to learn English sooner rather than later (sometimes being obsessed with stars yields benefits). Obsessed with their choreographies and trying to go along with them too. And not sorry to say that my one and only celebrity crush, in which they didn’t even know I existed, was Lance Bass. Other celebrities, I’ve liked you but not that crazily.

• Britney Spears

Someone I know claims that, whenever I show up, Britney music starts playing in his head. As though making some sort of subconscious connection between us. And I’ll take that as a compliment! I did grow up listening to her music, from her first album to many more that followed. So whether or not there’s a resemblance by nature, something definitely stuck. And while all my obsessive fangirling was spent elsewhere, I was still impressed. l listened to her CDs over and over and recorded her MVs so I could rewatch them and learn her choreographies! Even got to perform one at school - complete with the same makeup and hairstyle along with similar clothes to what she wore. Living my life! Always loved how she could be what every mean girl wished they’d be but she was never the mean girl type? More like the hot friend that tends to shake things up and get into trouble. Many of her songs helped me claim my autonomy and I’m truly happy that she’s reclaiming hers. A force that can not and should not be contained.

• EMINEM
He is quite the problematic character, ain’t he? I might never be fully sure how seriously he should be taken, but I’ve always appreciated how he exposed hypocrisy and vanity in others, as well as how shamelessly crass (& gross) he could be. Why? It’s quite raw. Could relate to his inability to nicely tolerate people for long, too. How he would make up characters and enact horrible or just terrible behaviors with them is something I found genius and worthwhile. I wanna see this side of life too and it’s best brought to light.

• Linkin Park
I worry about the generations growing up without these guys. And it still pains me that Chester Bennington is gone. But at least there’s still his legacy and the rest of the band around. Their work made me think and feel beyond what I otherwise would. To further question myself and all around me. To better spot injustices and lack of integrity. All while being hardcore badasses that could rock the world. It also offered solace and guidance for times I felt lost and alone as someone who didn’t quite fit in. And frankly, didn’t want to either.

• My Chemical Romance
Sometimes you hit rock bottom, and you’re so sick and done with everything that you can barely get up, let alone strive for much. And who’s there when that happens? Someone who gets it because they are or have been there too. You may joke about how “nobody understands me” is such an emo line, but there’s some truth in it. There are things you can only grasp when you go into and dwell in darkness. Then you’re so thoroughly unimpressed by all the shallow and trivial things that most others seem to care about. And somebody has to tell them that they ain’t that special. I needed this band during my worst years and I’m fortunate it was there. Excuse me as I sort myself into the emo faction, where some of the most wise and compassionate ride-or-dies are. (Hey, as a new generation of emos arises, we now have a new name: The Elder Emos.)

• Within Temptation
At some point, it all became too much for me to bear and I was saved. Yes, there is a reason why I so viscerally despise the phrase “nobody is coming to save you”. Because, taken out of context, not only is it pessimistic and excuses indifference, but it is also factually incorrect (you don’t know that). I was saved and I continue to be saved in different degrees. And try to be there for others as well. Somebody I literally owe my life to introduced me further to these glorious metalheads and they became the epic soundtrack of the soul-searching I was due for. Their music isn’t only insightful but also charges your spirit up so it won’t die, crushed under the weight of a meaningless reality. And don’t even get me started about symbolism!

• Lady Gaga

Impossible to miss! Lady Gaga came in boldly, with eccentricities and taboos on display! Shocking and shaking things up. Concerning? Yeah. Innovative? Heck, yeah! Say goodbye to inhibitions because it's as if she's here to grasp and bring forth the oddest peculiarities toward their fullest expression, elevating and integrating them into the iridescent fabric that wraps across and around existence. Often making electrifying dance music to generate and/or expel energy with. Her brain is something else entirely and, if I'm claiming to care about art, overlooking her would be a grave mistake. Who is more of an Art Diva? WHO? In that regard, there is no competition. And she did certainly have a significant impact on me that has brought me to where I am, more and more drawn to all there is.

• Taylor Swift
Well, this is an unexpected turn of events. I didn’t expect to like her this much, but then I did. After being sapped of my innocence and along it my sense of wonder, it was pleasant to see it still existed somewhere. Though, at first, I could resent it (how dare she have the support and safety I lacked), it eventually swept over me, instead bringing a valuable message: kindness is extremely important and love doesn’t have to be taboo or even a myth. I’ll indulge in her stories, whether because they’re relatable or because they show how it could have been different. Also, let’s not forget how resilient she’s been. Not to undermine others who have endured much, but she did have to face and overcome what was probably the worst time to be a popular topic - whether that accomplishment can be attributed to how cared for she’s been or not, it is quite the feat. And that I’ll forever applaud.

Now, as I moved on to more commitedly making content, I inevitably came across:

• Mr. Beast
This freakin’ kid is putting adults to shame. And you could argue that his deeds are only for the clicks, views, and follows, as they proved to work for him. But they’re still deeds that are helping others. I imagine he can just fan himself with all the money he makes despite - or because of - the controversy he causes whenever he does something that seems too good to be true. Not to mention all the fun he seems to be having while putting himself in different situations for his content. Hence, I’m not concerned… I don’t know him personally so I can’t speak much against or in his favor, but I’m glad he is at the top of the game, moving money around and actually getting stuff done. It made the whole scene more tolerable for me. And while I will not rival him, I too want to contribute to making the world better.

And yet, I believe everything would have been so much harder or even impossible if it wasn’t for the existence of:

• Amazon
Been a customer since the first day I could be. It has saved me money, time, and effort as well as opened up possibilities for me to pursue my interests beyond what I had available around me. It is a relief to know that whatever I need or want I can quickly and easily find in that store without fearing something will go wrong. I can enjoy wandering out and browsing local stores, but the convenience of online shopping is undeniable. Some of the Prime Video originals have been heaven-sent, too. And all the books made accessible, no matter how niche, have been a blessing to me. I still aspire to sell digital and physical products through it and I’m thankful that they facilitate that and more. Kudos to Jeff Bezos for what he’s built and what he shares.

• X
I still wonder [now figure] what really possessed Elon Musk to take on the challenge of championing the (seemingly lost) cause of free speech, but regardless, it benefits me. Even while I’m not doing much with the paths he’s opening up for truth-seekers and truth-tellers, it is alleviating. The way things were going, I could have been forced out of what lets me breathe. Maybe spiraled down into oblivion. I can only go against the current so much before drowning in it. And I’m sure that’s also the case for plenty of others. With the whole ordeal, many have been showing their true colors and it can be disappointing and discouraging, but also comforting as those who also honor truth, as uncomfortable as it can be to get to it and find it, come out from hiding and join in. I stand for it in part because, to me, without it, art wouldn’t be the same. [Not as noble after all but did set off a domino effect.]

Last but not least:

||| I’d be so thoroughly damaged, still, if it wasn’t for the people who, despite having little to no incentive to do so besides being purposeful, have devoted themselves to helping others heal and grow. Spotting and tending to wounds they, themselves, didn’t cause. You can be quite a pain, but a worthwhile one at that. Your dedication to see it all through, even when it is hard and difficult, is rare these days and I wish you get back as much as you give out and more because you deserve it. Addressing everything from the environment to what makes us human at our core, respecting and embracing nature while cutting through illusions. Your attention to detail is unparalleled and it is fundamental for a diverse and inclusive ecosystem where more organisms can thrive and not succumb or perish by the force of the less symbiotic ones. I hope you are always around and I’ll do my best to shelter and promote you whenever I can and you require me to. Please never give up! It may not seem like it, but you all are miracle workers.

• Tamlin

Back then and there, I was fortunate to meet Tamlin. Someone who's outstandingly curious and sharp, as well as creative and thorough. She is back to making music and it has been, on more than one occasion, more than just fresh air to me. Even at times when I feel completely dead, her work seems to breathe life back into me. Currently, she appears understated and, having witnessed more sides of her, I am patiently waiting for her to reveal them to the world, through her art, at her own pace, without me spoiling it for everyone else (sorry, can't tell you all exactly how amazing she is). I'm certainly looking forward to when more of that comes around, too!  

Is T.S. (Tinty Sun) inspired by T.S. (Taylor Swift)?

This music video was released a few months ago, but I've been waiting to bring it here!
Welcome to guard my site like protective jewels. But for real, I loved this music video.

I don't get tired of the Cinderella theme and variations of it. Especially after having had the misfortune of dealing with treacherous beings similar to those at the beginning. Loved the colorful clockwork dance, the castle with the dragons, that beautiful yellow gown with the T.S. hairpins, and basically everything in it!

If you're new here, you may not know my history of frequently posting relatable Taylor Swift stuff everywhere I go. It started with the irony of my life turning dramatic beyond what I was used to, but then it became a habit. To the point where it was as though I was often living a small-scale version of her songs. But that's one of the many things Taylor Swift excels at; she has a song for almost every kind of heartful or heartbreaking situation.

Yet, although I won't deny that I appreciate Taylor Swift's work and resonate with it, the initials (T.S.) matching is merely coincidental. I picked the name in the year 2012, maybe earlier, and noticed the match but didn't make a big deal out of it and kept it.

That said, at this point, it is fair to say that I am indeed inspired by Taylor Swift. I grew up with Britney Spear and NSync as my favorite pop artists and, ever since, haven't quite been anybody's hardcore fan (anticipating releases, following closely, getting merch, etc.). Yet, I keep coming back to Taylor Swift when something new is out. So, in this house, you may or may not stan Taylor Swift, but we certainly respect her!

Quite honestly, I'm glad that it is her who is dominating in music. I don't expect her to be Mother Teresa, but I've always applauded how she has stood for women, anti-bullying, and more. I think many people gloss over that when they decide to attack her. But it would seem that, at her core, that's who she is. Plus, she can be so quirky and modest!

On top of that, she is an extraordinary example of going against the odds and overcoming adversity. The amount of criticism and opposition she has faced is something I do not wish on anyone. Most of it is completely unmerited. With people missing the point, ignoring context, or expecting artists to cater to their every whim. Not to mention, the typical hate for whatever is popular. Makes me sigh, roll my eyes, and shake my head. But to each their own.

Personally, I've lost count of all the songs by her that have a special place in my heart. Either because they helped me through something difficult (life is easier with background music) or because they put lyrics and melodies to cherished moments and people. Or both. They may even be gateways to points in time and space. For instance, New Romantics takes me back to something I never want to forget. And talk about castles again!

Chances are I will keep posting T.S. She'd have to descend from the heavens and tell me to stop 'cause I'm embarrassing her or something! Yet, rest assured, Swifties and whatnot, that I do it with appreciation. ♥

Family & Friends’ Support

Speaking of pursuing, I’m about to officially begin a new cycle of my life, one in which I embark on taking on more challenges and getting closer to my dreams. And although it may seem insignificant on the outside, it is actually one of the best things to ever happen to me and I rejoice in that fact.

I honestly would not have made it to this point without the support of my family (by birth and chosen) and my friends (in person and online). And I’m not ashamed to admit that! In the past, I was the type to be proud of accomplishing goals without anybody’s help, but that burnt me out and I realized that it’s not how I wish to live. Today, I feel fortunate beyond words to be able to count and rely on people that care about and for me - which I cherish. Not only does it help in what they personally do and give in contribution, but also in fueling me to continue to be kind throughout it all even when I am tempted to turn cynical and give up.

You all know who you are (if you read this). You would also know that you can, likewise, count and rely on me for anything I can contribute. This is a period of my life in which I am mostly filling my cup rather than pouring from it, but your generosity will not be forgotten and I look forward to when I can give back as much or more.

I have been given a safe and comfortable space to stay in while I study and work. Monetary donations that brought me much relief and wiggle room. Paid classes, courses, and books relevant to my interests. Electronics that make possible and facilitate my tasks (wider monitor, tablets, phones, microphones, headphones, etc.). Instructions and assistance in setting up, enhancing, and fixing things. As well as other priceless gestures such as being there for me when I am down and bringing me back up.

I honor all of this and am deeply grateful for it! So I get especially mad at myself (and at others) when I am distracted or delayed for no good reason. Regardless, I also have to thank them for their patience while I pulled myself out of a dark place and took my time figuring stuff out. For believing in me despite it all. This has allowed me to focus on my long-term plans and finally stop putting off what I wish for the most.