This is a weird post for me to write, but I’m just gonna come right out and say it. I have Katy Perry fever.
It all started when I watched her documentary, Katy Perry: Part of Me, on Netflix. I liked it so much I watched it again, and again, and, well, you see where this is going. Now, it’s to the point that when I need to fold laundry or unwind before bed, I put on the documentary just for a little while, sit back, and relax. I’m in love. I love the songs, the costumes, the hair, the makeup, the dancers, all of it.
What’s weird about all this, aside from the fact that I’m 35, is that I’m not typically into pop music. I’m more a fan of what I’d call folk-slash-country-slash-Austin music, which basically means my radio dial is permanently tuned to the local public radio station, which plays awesome music all day long. But lately, I’m drifting over to the local pop station from time to time. Most of my favorite musicians have a guitar, a microphone, and maybe a stool for sitting when they perform. There aren’t tons of wardrobe changes or pink wigs, just the singers and their voices.
But there’s something about Katy Perry that really appeals to me, and while part of it is her music, I think the biggest part is her persona. She just seems so warm and open, yet vulnerable at the same time, and I’m pretty sure that’s why so many screaming teenagers adore her, too. Plus, she really has the ability to laugh and make fun of herself, and I love that. Oh, and she also writes her own music and plays the guitar, which makes her a real musician, in my book.
I don’t know much about Perry, aside from how she portrays herself in the film (it was produced by her and is largely autobiographical), but what she does reveal seems genuine and true. She comes from a very conservative background, a fact I didn’t realize until I saw the movie, and that definitely seems to affect her life, in both positive and negative ways. And for all the hype and controversy over her songs and lyrics, it’s all very tame and fluffy, in my opinion.
Her concerts are phenomenal experiences, and she puts on a fantastic show, really reminiscent of a Broadway play. I’ve never been to a concert that is so interactive.
And her message truly resonates with her fans, as she encourages listeners to be yourself, because you’re perfect just the way you are. A firework. That’s a strong point for teenagers to hear, and so many seem to take it to heart.
Katy Perry has really impressed me, and I’m hooked. I think I need to watch that documentary again.
(And speaking of makeup, I’m collaborating with The Glamorous Housewife for the next few weeks as she explores the 1920s through the 1960s. I researched the cosmetic trends for each decade, and I’m sharing my finds with you.)
I’m not a regular Vogue reader, but I always get the September issue each year. It’s the biggest and the best, and an art history professor of mine once said it’s the cheapest way to own a huge collection of pop art. I like that idea, plus I find the ads inspiring, so I’ve been perusing it for a couple of weeks now. That is actually hard to accomplish while lying in bed, since this particular issue always weighs a ton.
I thought it would be fun to share a few features with you, sort of a “This and That” for Vogue, and I’m not giving away any secrets, since it’s officially September now and the issue has been on stands for weeks. So, here are a few things from the September Vogue that caught my eye.
I’ve always been intrigued by Carla Bruni, Madame Sarkozy, the former first lady of France. She has a background as a model and singer, and she’s now the face for Bulgari. Admittedly, I was shocked to see the extremely long ad in the magazine (it’s at least 15 pages, including a fold-out section), but then I read this Huffington Post article and thought twice. It makes sense that Bruni should return to her roots now that her official duties are over, and though it’s not something an American first lady would do, it’s pretty awesome. Plus, think of all the jewelry she gets to wear.
This has got to be the most fabulous wedding I’ve ever seen. That dress alone deserves a place in the Vogue archives.
I love Adam Driver as much as the next girl, but this Ireland-inspired photo spread, complete with a shirtless Driver wearing a live sheep over his shoulders, borders on ridiculous. Let’s hope all this attention doesn’t go to his head, kid.
There’s also a great interview with Benedict Cumberbatch and a stunning feature on fabulous fairy-tale inspired gowns, but you’ll have to get your own copy to read those.
It’s not too late to score a copy of the September issue, and it makes for wonderful bedtime reading. And weight-lifting.
Today, the boys head back to school, and while they’re going back to the same place, with the same friends and familiar faces, it’s still bittersweet. James is in pre-kindergarten this year, which means a different classroom in a different wing, with more expectations, responsibilities, and fun adventures. Next year, he’ll start kindergarten at a local public school, and that, I think, will officially mark the end of his babyhood. He’s excited and ready, and I know he’s up for the challenge. I can’t believe how big he is, and we’ll celebrate his fifth birthday (Fifth!) in December.
Rhys had a rough start last year, and I sometimes wondered if I pushed him to start school too soon. But he ended up loving it, and is just as excited to return as his brother. He’s got a couple years left in pre-school, and next year, he and I will get to spend several days together while James goes to school all week. But Rhys adores his older brother, and I know the transition next year will be hard for him. That’s why this year feels so special. And, of course, the brothers will reunite again in a few years, when Rhys starts kindergarten, too. But I am not ready for that yet!
This year will be a time of growth for both boys, as school years always are, and I’m thrilled that they are so eager to get to school each morning. We still have quiet and laid-back days, and I know these times, when they are both so young, are numbered. I don’t tend to get too sentimental, but I am aware that time is passing and my little guys are growing up before my eyes.
Here’s to a wonderful school year filled with amazing adventures!