In an attempt to pinpoint what exactly I want to pursue, my mom encouraged me to compose a list of things that I'm interested in. I quickly discovered that I'm much better at thinking of things that I don't like...it's quite humorous, really. So far the things-I-don't-like list involves everything that calls for math or science, which knocks out a whole slew of occupations...but I haven't gotten much farther than that.

But I have found something that I know that like: spring! Oh, it re-instills such a wonderful zest for life (sun! flowers! green! open windows! yay!). At the moment, signs of spring aren't too prominent, but they're there if you look hard enough. And on Sunday we're back to daylight savings time and I'm so looking forward to an extra hour of sun in the evenings.

It looks like I'm out of luck, though, because they've told me that lover-of-spring isn't a proper occupation...

Oh well. Here, have a daffodil anyway.

"You are so tiny! Do you ever eat?" I was at work and the lady had been watching me for awhile before saying anything. "Oh yes, I do! I love food," I responded, turning around before I could embarrass myself by blabbing on about my love of food or listing everything I'd eaten in the past twenty-four hours. But honestly, I don't think I could ever adequately put into words how much I love carbs and cookies and chocolate. On Saturday morning, I made chocolate chip cookies, and after consuming a good amount of the dough, I opted to bake it all in a pan rather than forming individual spheres. One of my better ideas, I think. (the pan was gone before the end of the day, if you were wondering)
 

sweater and tights: target | skirt and boots: jc penney | socks: forever21 | necklace: gift

But enough about food (or I risk making myself hungrier than is appropriate for 10 o'clock on a Wednesday morning). This past Christmas, my grandmother gave me my first pearl necklace. It was given to me with the instructions to pass on to my eldest daughter when the time comes. When I drape the necklace on, secure the clasp, and feel the weight of the pearls resting on my collarbones, I am reminded of my someday future, and that's a marvelous thing.

Oh, and that skirt? Yeah, it's one of the best things in my closet (besides this, of course). When I wear it on a sunny day, I have entirely too much fun pretending to be a walking disco ball.

post title from this song | also this is the most relevant thing ever

I am so so excited to feature Emilyann on the blog today! She has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever had the pleasure of hearing (my favorites are Thimble and Riddles and Tea). But not only does she have a gorgeous voice, but she's so dang talented in everything else she does. Oh, and she has a stellar taste in books and music (John Green and Sylvia Plath, anyone?) 
Find her here: youtube + twitter + pinterest + instagram.
-cct-

My name is Emilyann, but on my YouTube channel, I go by “Lark”. I'm an eighteen year old singer/songwriter. I have a serious Pinterest problem and I have seen Mean Girls too many times. I grew up on peanut butter and jellies and Matilda. Nice to meet you.
I like to think that I'm a bit of a bard. I am very inspired by literature and Greek mythology. I find it very difficult to write songs about my own personal experiences, so I end up writing the majority of my songs about fictional characters. Somehow, at the end of the songwriting process, I've communicated my own story as well as the story the song is about. That's the great thing about feeling and music and life in general. You're never the first person to feel what you're feeling. As Morrissey once said, “If I feel it, then others surely must. That’s the only thought that sustains me.”
I started my channel in October of 2012 as a way to share my music with as many people as I could reach. The name stems from a compliment I received at an open mic I did in Idaho. After I finished performing Thimble, the barista looked up and told me I had the voice of a song bird. It was a good day and I never wanted to forget it. It also comes from the song “Green Finch and Linnet Bird” from my favorite musical Sweeney Todd. If I cannot fly let me sing.

eat
I am a vegetarian, so that keeps things interesting. Right now I'm really enjoying meatless chili and my mom's homemade bread. And of course Tazo's Passion tea before bed (in a pretty mug).

sleep
Right now, I'm working on a quilt for my bed at college. It's my new favorite blanket, and I have really enjoyed the process of making it.

read
I am a big John Green fan, (DFTBA, nerdfighters!) and I recently picked up Paper Towns. I love it so far. As for all time favorite books, I love Jane Eyre and The Bell Jar.

wear
Big black boots are my “thing”. I also love plaid flannels and leggings.

listen
I'm super into Josh Garrels. For obvious reasons, his song “Ulysses” has inspired me more than any other. I recently got his documentary box set about his trip to create an EP with Mason Jar Music on an island in Canada. I cannot wait to watch it. My favorite songs at the moment are “Stay” by Shakespear's Sister, and a cover of Fleetwood Mac's “Dreams” by Bastille and Gabrielle Alpin. Both are haunting and beautiful. I'm also really inspired by Stevie Nicks, Keaton Henson, The Cranberries, Vanessa Carlton, the Smiths, and Daughter.

wild card
I try to live my entire life as an art. As well as music, I love reading books and poetry, painting, photography, journaling, scrapbooking, and putting montages to music, and basically just creating things. The arts are important to me, I'm even writing my thesis on why the arts are important in the Church and Christian life. ▲

see other interviews here

Dear artists (musician, photographer, writer, painter, sketcher, designer, or whatever craft you call your own),

Inspiration is overrated. 

But if inspiration is overrated, why has the world of artistry morphed into a broken, abrupt cycle of working only when motivated? And since when does inspiration come from scrolling endlessly through web pages? Still, the question remains on everybody's lips: "How can I find inspiration?" 

Here's the secret: self control.

The mark of a truly successful creative person is self control to resist succumbing to their ruts, pulling themselves out of it instead. If you wait for inspiration to strike, girl (or boy), you ain't never gonna get anything done!

And here's the funny thing: inspiration comes naturally through working, but that means forcing yourself to get started, motivation or not. It doesn't mean that the work you produce in the tough times will be stellar, but then again, that's not the goal.

The goal is to keep working.

Don't be discouraged if your work is rubbish. Practice makes perfect, doesn't it? And the only way you're going to reach perfection is through practicing your craft. Soon one idea will morph into another and suddenly you have something that you're proud of, all because you refused to forsake your art.

I love reading blogs and browsing tumblr as much as anyone, but are they going to help you succeed in your work? Heck no. The only thing that is going to help you succeed is your will to make it happen. Close that browser, pick up your camera/instrument/pen/paint brush, and create your own inspiration. Start working and watch the magic unfold, bit by tiny bit.

disclaimer: I am in no way saying that I am above getting stuck in ruts. On the contrary, I struggle with lack of motivation just as much as anyone! Of course I have nothing against taking a break now and then, but I've been taking a close look at this whole "inspiration" cycle, and this is what I've found.