Happy Friday loves!
I haven’t decided yet whether or not I want to make freebies a weekly thing, but it’s been forcing me to get my creative juices flowing. As an artist (and musician, at that) I need artistic stimulation to feel happy. I think it’s the reason why I’ve been feeling sad lately. I was born with music in my veins and for the past year, I’m ashamed to admit, I haven’t nurtured that part of me.
Yesterday one of my bloggy BFFs, Amanda, posted an Instagram video of herself playing chords on the keyboard to one of Pink’s songs, it stirred something in me. So, I took it as a challenge and did the same with my froggy voice at 9am. You can listen and watch here. It’s not my best singing, but I’ll take it! (By the way, reading sheet music, singing, playing the harmony and holding up an iPhone to video tape it is HARD! Amanda did a great job!).
I was a little offended, but more so hurt by the racism and bigotry certain individuals displayed on Twitter this week. An American singer, Marc Anthony, who is also Hispanic, was selected to sing at the opening of the All-Star Game in Citi Field (formerly my Shea Stadium) in Queens. This was a baseball stadium I frequently went to in my childhood growing up in New York City. In a nutshell, these so-called “Americans” were offended that an “un-American” singer was singing God Bless America. Not only were they incorrect in assessing his nationality (born and raised in NYC like me, thank you very much), but they also said he “didn’t look like he was from NYC.”. I was so upset that it took me hours to clear my head and my heart. You can read the Tumblr account that summarizes it here.
As a Hispanic born to immigrant parents, and as a trained singer, I felt deeply wounded by this ignorance. Does it affect my everyday life? No. But sooner or later, I will be asked to sing the national anthem at an event, or some other patriotic song. And instead of those exciting nervous chills before a performance, where I’m praying I don’t forget the lyrics, I’ll now be wondering “Will someone in the audience hate that I’m not white?” It’s probably something I shouldn’t hold on to, but as a performer, you have a million insecurities running through your head at any given moment. The color of your skin should not be one of them.
Last night I was wondering what phrase to use in a phone background. I decided we all need a little reminder from time to time that we are loved. Everyone has someone that loves them. Maybe people don’t verbally say it, maybe they say it in a touch or through a little act of service. In one way, shape, or form, YOU. ARE. LOVED.
I am trying something new. The links below lead you to the image on Photobucket for download. Please let me know if this iPhone wallpaper is easier for you to download. I’d like for you to be able to download the wallpaper on your phone, as opposed to downloading it to a desktop and e-mailing it to yourself. I also made it in two different sizes for the iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5, but if you have a different resolution either should work for you!
click to download for:
Enjoy! Have a safe and loving weekend everyone!
P.S. Patricia organized a great giveaway. See it here!
Madi | And So I Did says
Everyone does need to hear it occasionally.
I’m also very upset about the racial issues that have been in the news lately. It’s hard to wrap my mind around them and understand why some people feel justified in their negative/hateful/derogatory actions. I will never get it.
I’ll come watch you sing with flowers and wine! :)
Lisette says
You just made my heart strings sing! Thanks love!
Rachel Silski says
That is horrible that anyone would stoop to that level. The racial issue is so horrible. Anyone can sing that song and I believe he probably sang it better than they ever would have. I love ya lady! Do not ever let anyone make you feel horrible or bad about yourself.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” -Eleanor Roosevelt
Lisette says
Ahhhh thanks love!
And thank you for the Eleanor Roosevelt quote. One of my all time favorites!
Autumn Hubbard says
Doesn’t look like someone from NY? That’s a joke, right? Boo. Super cute graphic this week!
Jessica M says
It IS offensive, most definitely. In situations like that, remind yourself that they are the opinions of people who feel so poorly about themselves that they have to hide behind social media to put others down.
Thanks for the freebies! I love to be able to switch up my phone lock screen so often.
Lisette says
I’m glad you like them. Maybe I’ll make it a weekly thing?
Rachael Stone says
What a beautiful voice you have! xo
Lisette says
Thank you so much!
Noor Unnahar says
It’s way too realistic , I had to relate . Once I had to have concerns on those things , and it was just too wrong as I think now . Probably I should thank you to write it down !
PS : Got you singing sweetly , if I had IG , I would send a bunch of love .
Noor @ Noor’s Place
Cate Shadder says
I thought he did a fabulous job. He sang one of the most beautiful and heartfelt versions of God Bless America I ever heard.
Lisette says
I actually haven’t listened to it…yet.
Kenya @ Life with Giggles says
I was appalled by the stupid remarks on twitter about Marc Anthony. So sad how racism is still such a HUGE problem these days.
Rachael Finley says
I was shocked to see the commentary about Marc Anthony. It’s shocking how a nation created by immigrants still has so much intolerance. He did a wonderful job and NY, America and Puerto Rico should ALL be proud of that!
socialogics says
How can this even be a conversation? Don’t you dumb white Americans know that Puerto Ricans are born American citizens? Don’t you guys go to school ? The more I read about how white Americans feel about certain things the more I realize that white Americans are the most closed minded and dumb people in the world !
Lisette says
Socialogics–I see you’ve commented a lot on this topic on other forums.
Please do not perpetuate the hate and ignorance of these individuals. The problem is not with white people. The problem is with ignorance.
Ignorance is not immune to color or culture. There are many closed-minded people in the world, but again, it has nothing to do with color.
Please notice that I did not say that I was offended by white people. I was offended by the ignorance.
Anna Sinclair says
This was such a well-written heartfelt post. Thank you for posting about this! I’m in the giveaway with you & a new follower :)
Niki says
OMG your voice is amazing! And the whole Marc Anthony thing makes me want to cry. My grandparents are from Greece, but they are Americans. It’s the people who moved to this country and called it home that have made it America. I feel so hurt FOR you and other Hispanic people for having to go through that with the All-Star Game. I don’t understand how people can still be so ignorant.
Lisette says
Thank you Niki! And thanks for your empathy. That whole situation…it is what it is. I never knew you were of Greek descent! I think some people cannot trace their lineage back to a country as closely as you and I can, and so they’re incapable of tolerance. It’s sad for them, really. I love the diversity of this country!
Tiffany Khyla says
I think the most beautiful thing about America is that it is filled with people from all over the world. It breaks my heart that people continue to patronize others from other countries when we all came here from other countries. I don’t understand why racism is still an issue these days.
Sarah Libros says
Wow maybe I live under a rock but I hadn’t heard about the stuff with Marc Anthony. It really makes me feel hopeless when people have so much hate and ignorance. I’m new to your blog, and so happy to see you discussing things like this. I think that the more we talk about these things and spread love instead of hate the faster things will change. Looking forward to continuing to read.
Sara Louise says
Between the Zimmerman verdict and the Marc Anthony thing, I’m disgusted by all of the racist comments I’ve seen on twitter and facebook. I thought it was 2013 but I guess I was wrong.
Amberly says
I’m a little late commenting and reading because I was out of town, but I LOVE this and it is officially my lock screen and my wallpaper! Thanks! :)