I'm ... well... Different

Sometimes I get so frustrated with life... who doesn't?  We're living in a world where sports players are being paid more than teachers and doctors, the media controls our perception of what men and women "should" look like, and ... well... you fill in the rest.

I guess what makes me personally so frustrated is that... truthfully... I'm lost.  Not as a person.  I know exactly who I am as Honey, but I seem to be lost as to who or what I am as a performer.

For those of you who know me, you all know that I've been singing since I was a little baby girl... talent shows, competitions, the shower... wherever and whenever I got the chance to sing, I would sing.  The only problem with it is that I never had a specific style of music I enjoyed singing... I enjoyed it all! (As most kids do!) What frustrates me now is that I've grown up my entire life never having a niche... you know... a specific type of music that I ended up sticking with.  But now I'm being told by people left and right "oh you need to sing this, or you need to sing that... in order to be successful." "The music industry isn't going to want someone who dresses like this, you need to change your hair, or your makeup, or your outfit."  "You voice is too soulful, or too broadway".

I'm constantly being pulled left and right by what people think I should do in order to become successful in this business, when all I really want to do is SING!

I find that music, expresses how I feel.  When I no longer can speak, I must sing.  I find that the true Honey comes to life when I am on a stage singing a song, or sitting next to a piano humming a melody, or Lord knows... singing in the shower belting a high note.  When I sing, I'm expressing how I feel.  If I want to sing soul one day because I'm feeling ballsy and fierce that's just the way it goes. And if I want to sing a sad country song because I'm in a blue mood, what is wrong with that?!

I find that this music industry... and any entertainment industry for that matter "types" everyone and only sells the fact that they can do that one thing exceptionally good.  Well, I want to defy that.  I don't just sing one thing well, I sing many things well.  Just like I know some of you who are reading this are in theatre... You may be the ingenue, but darn it... I know you can play that "character" type if you truly want to... and if your heart is in it.

I know all singers fit into a certain genre based upon their look and sound.  Well... I look like a sweet little country singer, but I don't want to be stuck singing country all my life if my heart isn't into it.  I want to sing what my heart is in to. I need to find something that is different than EVERYBODY else... and I guess what no one else has tried to do yet is... well... do it ALL!  I don't know an artist out there that sings country, pop, rock, soul, and jazz.  I think it would be pretty neat though!  Could you imagine driving in your car listening to one of your favorite artists and hearing an upbeat country song... then the next track comes on by the same artist and he or she is singing a jazz ballad?  I think it would be pretty awesome if you ask me!

Now I'm not saying everyone has to do this, I'm just saying, I'm too crazy to stick to just one type of music... which may sound weird, but hey... I'm weird.  And hopefully, someday, I can be an exception to the rule.

Hope you don't mind me ranting about this subject... it's just one I've been wanting to get off my chest for a while...  If Lady Gaga is allowed and capable of changing her look and performance every time she appears onstage, why should I not be allowed to change my sound/genre?  I think it would be fun! And entertaining... and... well... different.

Hope you all have a wonderful night! Enjoy the Oscars!

*HUG!*
Honey

Here it is...

Goooooood morning everyone! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!  This weekend was pretty successful in terms of getting stuff done. I finally got a new video finished! It is Katy Perry's "Part of Me".  Its not exactly the kind of song I would sing, but I thought it would be fun to try it out since she performed it on the Grammys. Please if you have time, check it out! (PS don't laugh at the still shot... I look like a fool) ;-)



I also wanted to reach out to you all because this Friday night is the benefit concert for the new musical I am in "The Hills Are Alive!".  It will be at the Duplex theatre and I will be singing three songs (1 from the show and 2 that I just love to sing).  If you're in NYC it would mean a great deal to me if you could make it.  The link is here for the event. Check it out and let me know if you're coming so we can meet up after! http://www.facebook.com/events/272150476188883/

Also, if you haven't seen this please check it out.  It also would mean a great deal not only to me but to the cast.  Anything and everything helps. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1955061574/the-hills-are-alive-premiere-production-in-nyc


I hope you all have a wonderful day!  Hope the weather is nice wherever you all are. xoxo

*HUG!*
Honey

Let's Catch Up!

Good afternoon! I hope you all are having a great afternoon and start to the weekend!

Well... It has been one heck of a week!  Valentine's Day was on Tuesday and I know that many of you celebrated with loved ones, friends, family, your dog, or your tv.  To be honest, mine was the simplest one yet, which is what made it the absolute best.  Like I told my brother Mikey the other day... we listened to music, ate crackers and talked all day.  We were lazy and did nothing... and it's exactly what we both needed.  I believe that finding love in the simple things and enjoying each others company is what defines a strong relationship.  Of course, after our lazy day, I was taken out for an amazing dinner and received some incredible flowers (but the card was my favorite).  

I am s incredibly blessed to have someone like Matt in my life.  He makes cloudy days sunny, cold days warm, and turns the dull, dark and grey into vibrant and colorful.  When I am with Matt I feel like I am living proof of the scene in the "Wizard of Oz".  Dorothy opens the doors from the dull, dark world and is suddenly exposed to a world of life, color and beauty.  Make takes me over the rainbow.  Thank you, Matt.

Aside from me being all mushy, I had some two lovely guests come in town last night!  We had a beautiful dinner at a little Italian restaurant in the upper east side.  It was so much fun! And the waiter spoke with an Italian accent while he hit on my friend, Molly's mom (Cyndee). But hey... She's a babe so how can you blame him?  :-)

Going all the way back to Sunday... what did you think of the Grammy's?  Personally, I was a little let down.  I think I was so excited and hyped up for them and they just didn't meet my expectations.  However, Jennifer Hudson performed a beautiful rendition of "I Will Always Love You" (I cried the whole performance), and Coldplay sounded great!  Of course I always love Kelly Clarkson so you all know how I feel about that. haha... What I was bummed out about was how short The Civil Wars performance was.  I was so amazed by their harmonies and in love with how well their voices meshed, I wish they would have had more stage time.  Maybe next year.

Well... I have to go... I'll write again soon!  Have a lovely Friday night!

*HUG!*

Honey

A Very Special Man

I want to start out by bragging to you all about a very important person in my life. This person has been around since I was born; he raised me, influenced me and taught me how to be the performer I am today... Yes... This special person is my Dad, and today is the day I thank the Lord for blessing this world with his beautiful presence.

My Dad has always been someone I look up to. I wrote an enty about a half of a year ago about how my Dad has influenced my musical capabilities and such, but Now I want to tell you about how he has influenced me as a person.

Kind, generous, passionate, compassionate and loving are only a few of the many words that describe what kind of a man my Dad is. He always gives unconditionally without expecting anything in return. He is kind to everyone and anyone and even though there are rude and inconsiderate people in this world, he never seems to say a mean world about anyone. He cares about about everyone and treats everyone with the respect that he would want to be treated with. He is a man that uses his heart in everything he does and for that I will always respect him.

I love my Dad so incredibly much and am so incredibly blessed to have him in my life. Thanks Dad for being the man you are and for being such an amazing influence in my life. I hope that today and every day you receive the love, kindness and joy that you deserve. The world could use more people like you in it... Maybe then there wouldn't be war, violence or hurt... Just love, laughter and music.

Thank you, I love you... Happy birthday!

*HUG!*
Honey

'The Hills Are Alive' Recording & Me Just Being Random

Hey everyone! I hope you're having a great weekend!

Last night I threw a surprise birthday party for Grant's 21st birthday.  Everyone had a nice time, and it was great getting to meet all of Grant's friends.  They sure do love him. Who wouldn't?

Today I'm just trying to get a bunch of work done and then tonight I am babysitting.  I always love babysitting!  It's relaxing, fun and it's nice to get out of the house and to experience someone else's life style for a change, which is why I also love being an actress.

I'm super pumped for tomorrow! I'm recording for the original cast album of "The Hills Are Alive!"  It should be a fun time and I can't wait to get back in the studio.  It's been a while.  Be sure to donate to the show and check out "The Hills Are Alive!" official website by clicking here: The Hills Website & Kickstarter!

Speaking of recording... does anyone have any ideas for what I could record this weekend on youtube?  I'm drawing a blank ad genuinely need your help.

I hope you all have a restful weekend.

*HUG!*

Honey

It's only TUESDAY?!?!

I was up and at 'em again at 6 this morning.  I got to watch The Bachelor last night which is of course my favorite show on TV right now.  But getting up this morning wasn't as hard as it was yesterday.  And shockingly enough I haven't had that "drowsy hit" yet, but I'm sure it will be coming here soon.

Keeping myself busy during auditions always seems to keep me awake.  I find when I sit around I get tired and groggy.  However, this morning I ran between three auditions (and am still going at it), I wrote a few thank you cards, made a few phone calls, and focused on learning sides and songs for auditions and classes. I hate to admit it, but I actually enjoy being busy.  I'm sure most actors are like that though.  it gives us something to focus on and be in control of.  I find that a busy day, is a good day.  Not saying that days off aren't amazing, because they are!

After these auditions today (hopefully I will be seen) I'm headed to a photo shoot with Mr. Matt Hoerl and a few of his friends.  Then working out, and more memorizing/learning.  The rest of the week is going to be even more crazy, but I suppose that's a good thing!

Also, I was featured on BreakoutHits once again... this time there is a breif bio of me, which is pretty cool! Check it out HERE!

Until then, I hope you're all having a wonderful week!

*HUG!*
Honey

A New Week, a Fresh Start

Hello my friends!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are enjoying your Sunday.

Mom and Dad just left the apartment and are headed back home to good ol' Minnesota.  I'm really going to miss them both.  We had such a wonderful time together.  It's just nice enjoying each others company.  I pray they get home safely.

This is going to be one heck of a week! Back on the old exercise/healthy eating routine, along with countless auditions, meetings, and "things to do".  I'm excited to get things rolling again, but of course, who doesn't love relaxing and having fun?  The early mornings are what get me.  Waking up at 5:30am every morning to be seen (or not seen) for an audition really gets to me after a week or so.  Hopefully this week turns out better then the last.  Please say a prayer for me.

Something totally random... approximately 1 month from today will be the 1 year anniversary mark that I have been a member of youtube.  Matt and I think it would be really cool if I reached a goal of 1 million views in 1 year.  It's something to hope for at least.  If you haven't checked out some of my videos, please feel free to!  Here are some links: 'Love On Top'  ,  'Domino'  ,  'Lost In Paradise' and my newest video 'Safe & Sound'.  Also, check out my YouTube Channel for more videos!

I hope you all have a blessed week and stay healthy and warm!
Love to you all!

*HUG!*
Honey

SURPRISE!!!

Happy Saturday everyone! I hope you all had a fun Friday night.  I'm sorry it has been a few days since I've last written, and trust me, I've wanted to write, but I knew if I did I would ruin the surprise.

As many of you know, it was my brother's (Grant) birthday on Wednesday.  He turned the big 21 and has been waiting for the longest time it seems like.  Well, my mom had planned on coming out for his birthday and spending the weekend with us, but what he didn't know was that my dad was coming out to surprise him as well!  ... My mom, Grant and I were all hailing a cab and as soon as we got one we all jumped in and my dad appeared out of no where and jumped in the cab next to Grant.  He flipped!  It was such a joy to see Grant so happy and surprised.  He's a great guy.

So for the past 3 days we've all been hanging out!  Yesterday we spent all day walking around the city.  Making our way from the upper east side, to Herald Square's Macy's store, all the way down to the 9/11 Memorial near Wall Street.  On Grant's birthday we went out for a fabulous dinner at Del Frisco's; a gorgeous restaurant right across from Radio City.  And on Thursday my parents and I spent the day together doing some odds-n-ends shopping and relaxing.  Who knows what will be in store today?... I guess I'll have to go find out.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

*HUG!*

Honey