Tuesday reading: Carly Rae Jepsen's E•MO•TION and Over the Garden Wall, among other things

I don't think I'll find the time to watch some TED talks today. I did a couple of readings though and have a lot to share from the rest of my last long weekend. Links and snapshots on the jump.

On shots fired

Me: I'm so bored with my life. If you take away my job from me, what else do I have?
Jake: Well, maganda ka naman. You have that.
Me: Paano na lang 'yung mga hindi na nga maganda, wala pang trabaho 'no? Must suck.
Jake: Gusto mong pangalanan 'yan?

A tornado flew around my room before you came

Channel ORANGE‘s impact transcends the awards and critical acclaim. Let’s ignore the Grammy and gold RIAA certification. Let’s ignore the labels of “masterpiece” and “classic.” Let’s look at it for what it truly is—a man spilling his torn heart onto a record for the world to see and hear. There’s something in there that nearly everyone can relate to. The reason channel ORANGE is still played religiously three years later is thanks as much to its wide-reaching accessibility as to its outstanding sound. It’s one of those rare projects that will still be revered—and relevant—decades from now.

I’m not the same person I was three years ago, and I’m sure Frank isn’t either. As he gears up to tell yet another story sometime this month, I won’t be forgetting his debut effort. It’s the album that helped me cope with heartbreak, mature as a person, and view the world from a different perspective. Honestly, I don’t know how he’ll be able to top it. But something tells me that I’ll learn a few more things from whatever Frank chooses to share.

Thank you, Frank Ocean. We are just human beings spinning on blackness.

HOW FRANK OCEAN’S ‘CHANNEL ORANGE’ CHANGED MY LIFE

A friend posted this up on his Facebook this morning. Couldn't help thinking back around this time two years ago--I'd listen to Frank Ocean nonstop as well because I. just. understood. His music helped me everyday as I try to outgrow the loss of a first love.

I'll be listening to Frank Ocean all day today as we anticipate his new album. Also to remember that, sure, I'm only being honest when I say I still carry that sadness with me after years, but I've also learned to be open to other precious beautiful things--things that make that sadness fade, things that make me value the love--all the love--that I get to keep even for just a short moment.

I'll just end this by sharing with you one of the best Frank Ocean covers I've encountered (I even asked her to email me an .mp3 lol). My friend Sophia and I share deep deep adoration for Frank Ocean's music. She was also lucky enough to catch one of his shows that winter in 2013 (I think a week before I traveled to Boston and crashed with her, ugh). I wish I could sing as well as she does to show it.

Half a year

It's such a shame for us to part