poetry

Kindred Spirits

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Kindred Spirits

Each morning the sun is waiting to shine upon your face

A morning jog to help, the day ahead embrace.

A warm cup of coffee, to soothe the soul

A list to check off, so you can take control.

You listen as the birds outside sing their song

During the day you find yourself humming along.

Your smile takes away even the heaviest of cares

If you could take someone’s pain, it would no longer be theirs.

There are so many different paths life takes us down

The one that had you, I’m so glad that I found.

Your spirit is gentle; your demeanor is kind,

A kindred spirit like yours, is hard to find.

Your hugs are warm, they bring joy to my heart

And keep me going when we have to be apart.

There is such an ease and calmness each time we converse

Your empathy and warmth, make you the most compassionate nurse.

The memories, the laughter, there’s so much more in store

And each encounter we share, allows me to appreciate you more.

I am so fortunate that I get to call you my friend

And cherish each moment together we spend.

Your presence fills my heart with bounteous glee

How thankful I am that in my life you’ll forever be.

~ Jennifer R. W. Vargas

January 2021

poetry

An Amplified Life

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An Amplified Life

I’ve often heard that life never gives us more than we can bear

Sometimes I wonder if I’ve received my sufficient share.

There are so many things that happen, I may never understand

A change in perspective reveals, I have been dealt a pretty good hand.

I have been made stronger by all the struggles I’ve been through

And experienced so much loneliness, until I met you.

You gave me support when it felt like I had drowned

You assured me no matter what, you would always be around.

You embolden me to be myself, someone worth being

Being accepted for who I am, is powerfully freeing.

You love me the way I am, and never want me to change

You show that you care, with each hug you exchange.

You encourage me when I am weighed down by doubt

And make me feel special, every time we hang out.

You listen with concern to all the troubles that I share

It brings me great comfort, to know you’ll always be there.

I must have done something right, to have you by my side

The moment you came along, my life was amplified.

I know I say it a lot, but it brings me so much delight

To tell you ‘I love you’ and hug you with all my might.

I’ll never take for granted, the time together we spend

And I’ll forever be thankful I have you as a friend.

~ Jennifer R. W. Vargas

July, 2021

For September, who has changed my life tremendously with her kindness and love.

Music

Mia Morris Releases Hard-Hitting Anthem, “We Were Never Friends”

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Nashville, TN – Singer-songwriter and accomplished drummer, Mia Morris, has just released her compelling new single, “We Were Never Friends.” The hard-hitting, grungy track exudes a nostalgic 90’s rock sound with elements of pop-punk. At just 17-years-old, Morris has had unforgettable life experiences that she uses to fuel the story in tracks like this one. “We Were Never Friends” is now available to stream and download on digital music platforms worldwide.

With honest lyrics and earnest vocals, Mia Morris describes this track as, “the straightforward story of ending a relationship and realizing there wasn’t any real genuine friendship at the base of it.”  It’s the perfect retaliation anthem for anyone who has experienced a situation like this. The heavy melodies and captivating drums make this track instantly addictive and will have listeners adding it to their playlists. “We Were Never Friends” showcases all Morris has to offer as a young artist. She recorded, produced, and mixed the song. It was co-written with fellow Nashville songwriters Jessica Cayne and Mike Florentino.

Wearing multiple hats as a rock singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Mia Morris’s musical resume puts her amongst some of the music industry’s most seasoned veterans. She’s co-written over 100 songs with many notable songwriters, such as Marti Dodson, members of 3 Doors Down, and The All American Rejects. She’s accumulated a large following on several social media platforms with 33K TikTok followers, 24.6K Instagram followers, and 50.8K YouTube subscribers with over 9 million views on her videos. Her Spotify also has over 2.6 million streams. American Songwriter lauded, “Considering that she’s only 16, Morris’ path is as promising as it is infinite.” Though she began playing instruments at six years old, she found her true passion, drumming, at age nine when she convinced her neighbor to give her his old drum kit. Eventually, she began posting drum covers on her YouTube channel, which caught the attention of many noteworthy drummers that she got the opportunity to study. By age 12, Morris had a series of viral drum videos on her YouTube channel and amassed over five million views between them. After moving with her family to Nashville, her career began to pick up even more, and she was able to play for over 120 artists in 2019 alone. Since then, she started writing and recording her own music, releasing over 40 songs, almost all mixed and produced by herself. 

“We Were Never Friends” is an honest and captivating anthem that shows Mia Morris’ dynamics as a young alternative pop-punk artist. Stream it or add it to your playlist, “We Were Never Friends” is now available to stream and download on digital music platforms worldwide. Visit her online at MiaMorris.com.

Festivals, Music

STAGECOACH Lineup and Details for 2022!

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THOMAS RHETT, CARRIE UNDERWOOD AND LUKE COMBS

HEADLINE THE 14TH ANNUAL

STAGECOACH: CALIFORNIA’S COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

FRIDAY, April 29 through SUNDAY, May 1 

at Empire Polo Club, Indio, CA

FESTIVAL PASSES ON-SALE NOW!

YouTube to host first time, exclusive live stream on the platform

extending their partnership with Goldenvoice

Featuring the Compton Cowboys and return of Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse, SiriusXM Spotlight Stage

and much more!

“I have been looking forward to this for so long! I dreamed about headlining Stagecoach ever since I first played there in 2014. I cannot wait to get back out in the desert in 2022 and play for those fans.” – Thomas Rhett

“There’s nothing like a Stagecoach audience and now more than ever, I can’t wait to take that stage and be with the fans again.” – Carrie Underwood

“Stagecoach, it’s a dream come true to headline the festival in 2022. It will be here before we know it, and I’m already looking forward to seeing y’all there!“ – Luke Combs

LOS ANGELES, CA – July 12, 2021 – The wait is finally over, Stagecoach is back in the saddle this April 29 – May 1, 2022. We couldn’t be more excited to bring your favorites Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood and Luke Combs to our party in the desert. Passes go on sale starting this Friday, July 16 at 10 am PT at stagecoachfestival.com.

The 3-day event will also feature performances by Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, The Black Crowes, Midland, Lee Brice, Cody Johnson, Jordan Davis, Cody Jinks and more. 

New to the festival are California’s homegrown, Compton Cowboys. They are a crew of ten Black horseback riders whose small ranch is one of the very last in a semirural town in Compton called Richland Farms — and they are bringing their horses to Stagecoach to tell their story and share in the experience. 

“We love country, we love the music, we love the culture and we’re stoked to be around folks that get it,” says Randy Savvy, Managing Member of the Compton Cowboys. “I’ve been listening to country music for a long time and we’re looking forward to bringing Compton Cowboys and our horse gang to the festival.”

This year YouTube and Goldenvoice are announcing a newly formed partnership which includes an exclusive, first time live stream of the famed Stagecoach festival on the platform. The three-day festival will stream live on Stagecoach’s Official YouTube Channel from April 29 through May 1.

“We are so excited to be adding Stagecoach, Country music’s biggest festival weekend, into our live stream lineup for the first time ever,” says YouTube’s Head of Live Music and West Coast Artist Relations Ali Rivera. “2022 marks our 10th year partnering with Goldenvoice to stream some of their most coveted music festivals like Stagecoach and Coachella. We are both honored and proud to be bringing three consecutive weekends of extraordinary live music to fans around the world next year.”

Fan-favorite Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse is back again for its third year to reveal new chefs, pit bosses and BBQ vendors. Guy and friends will be showcasing their pits and rigs and offering taste tests to fans throughout the weekend with live demos. Stay tuned for the full food lineup.

“I’m stoked to be firing up my Stagecoach Smokehouse again this year where we’ll be cookin’ up some bad ass bar-b-que,” says Guy Fieri. “So, ride on down to Flavortown and hang out with me, my buddies and some real deal pit masters from around the country.”

Returning to the festival this year is the SiriusXM Spotlight Stage, which will once again highlight today’s rising stars like Breland, Caylee Hammack, Hailey Whitters and others. In addition to the Spotlight Stage, SiriusXM is proud to announce the return of Stagecouch Weekend, featuring headliners Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett, as well as new performances from Dierks Bentley, Old Dominion, Maren Morris, Carly Pearce, and more. Stagecouch Weekend begins July 16 at Noon ET through July 18 on SiriusXM’s The Highway (ch. 56). For more information please visit HERE.

The Honkytonk Dance Hall also makes a comeback in addition to High Class Hillbilly owner and singer Nikki Lane’s Stage Stop Marketplace. Additionally, the Country Music Association will once again partner with Stagecoach to host a very special CMA Songwriters Series performance. Additional details including lineup will be shared in early 2022.

Pass Prices:

3-Day General Admission $379

3-Day General Admission/Shuttle Combo $439

3-Day Corral Standing Pit $1,299

3-Day Corral C1 Reserved Seating $1,299

3-Day Corral C2 Reserved Seating $829

Preferred Parking $99

Any Line Shuttle Pass $70

Companion Camping Parking $55

**plus fees

Take advantage of the payment plan to divide your order into the lowest monthly payments. Shuttle passes, tent, yurt, and BYO RV reservations on the Safari Campground as well as Travel Packages that bundle festival passes with local hotel accommodations for 2 or 4 people are available via Valley Music Travel.

We will continue to monitor the world around us and communicate more as we gain guidance from health officials and as we near our event dates.

Stagecoach:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

The STAGECOACH 2022 lineup is as follows:

Amythyst Kiah

Brandi Carlile

Breland

Brothers Osborne

Callista Clark

Carrie Underwood

Caylee Hammack

Charley Crockett

Cody Jinks

Cody Johnson

Colter Wall

Flatland Cavalry

Hailey Whitters

Hayes Carll

Ian Noe

Ingrid Andress

Jesse LaBelle

Jimmie Allen

Jordan Davis

Laci Kaye Booth

Lainey Wilson

Lee Brice

Lindsay Ell

LOCASH

Luke Combs

Marcus King Band

Maren Morris

Margo Price

Midland

Mitchell Tenpenny

Molly Tuttle

Neal McCoy

Orville Peck

Reyna Roberts

Rhiannon Giddens

Ryan Griffin

Ryan Hurd

Shenandoah

Shy Carter

Smokey Robinson

Tanya Tucker

The Black Crowes

The Cactus Blossoms

The Mavericks

Thomas Rhett

Travis Denning

Turbo

Walker County

Waylon Payne

Yola

poetry

NEVER TRULY GONE – A Poem For Widows

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Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables) spoke of having a kindred spirit. Someone you share a meaningful connection with. You don’t have to come from the same beginnings, or even have similar life events, but something draws you together. It can be an event or circumstance, or it can be two people who have similar values or interests that connect you in such a way, it almost feels as if you are the same person.

Photo by Rakicevic Nenad on Pexels.com

Sometimes, you meet someone who changes your life in the best way. Someone you talk to and you feel like you’ve known your whole life, even though you’ve barely met. You can feel what they are feeling even though you’ve never gone through the things they have. It’s almost as if your spirits really do connect.

There was a time I came across someone that lost her husband; I tried to put into words what she must be going through. A long time has passed since his death, but there are days those wounds still feel fresh. I wanted her to know that she is seen, that her feelings are valid no matter how much time has passed, and also, to share these words to hopefully help someone else who is going through the same loss. Dealing with those impossible feelings that eat at the soul and don’t allow you to come up for air. Maybe, for a moment, you feel less alone.

So, on International Widow’s Day, may you have a little more grace shown, a little more kindness, a little more patience and a friend who never gets tired of the waves of emotions life has thrown at you. I can only hope to be that kind of friend to someone who needs a little extra love in their life.

Related Poems: Daddy’s Girl (Loss of dad for Daughter)

Never Truly Gone
I never imagined our time would come to an abrupt end
Some days it really hurts and others I think I’m on the mend.
I only feel okay because I’ve forgotten that it’s real
It comes in huge waves and I haven’t learned how to heal.
Sometimes it feels like the world is moving too fast
While others have moved on, I cannot get past.
My former life was happy, what will a new normal be?
How can I move forward without you here with me?
Everyone is staring, their eyes pierce my soul
Can they see right through? Know that I’m not whole?
When someone offers help are they really being true?
Or just being polite because they don’t know what to do?
Some days that I wake, I wish that I had not
I might never be ready to give love another shot.
This pain is too much to bear, will it ever be less?
Will I pull my life together and not feel like such a mess?
How long is too long to avoid social scenes?
No one understands what losing you means.
Plans for our future were over before they truly began
You were not just a kind person, you were the BEST man.
Some days I think I’m fine, then I break down and cry
I’m still trying to process the ‘how?’ and the ‘why?’
They say “time heals all wounds” and maybe one day I’ll be fine
But I’ll never forget that you loved me and that you used to be mine.
So for you I’ll keep going and I’ll find a way to be strong
No matter how much time passes, in my heart you’ll always belong.
One day the pain will be manageable, I’ll be able to laugh and smile
It doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten, you’re in my thoughts all the while.
I might even believe that grin painted across my face
If I find love again, know you’ll never be replaced.
I know you’d want me to be happy, to find true bliss
I’ll make new memories for all the ones we’ll miss.
For you, I’ll embrace my new life and live without a care
For daylight always comes, after a nightmare.

~ Jennifer R.W. Vargas

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