Thunderstorms - General

How many of you are afraid of thunderstorms? Now how many of you love thunderstorms? I don't know about you but there's something mesmerizing when the storm clouds roll in and form, the colors begin to change, cloud forms begin to take shape and some of them massive beyond the view of the eye...then there's the overall temperature changes, the wind levels, perhaps the shadowing of the day or the deep darkening of the already night sky. There's just so many things to be fascinated over when it comes to thunderstorms. Honestly how can anyone NOT enjoy them?...

Guess I'm one of those idiots or weirdos that love the thunderstorms. Everywhere I've ever lived I've been fortunate and had the luxury to make sure there is a nice enough patio, balcony, terrace, or outdoor sitting area that I can enjoy the storms as they roll in or even better, to watch as the storms eyes is on top of my location...either way, outside is where I prefer to be when it comes to thunderstorms. No I'm not crazy saying I'm some sort of storm chaser BUT I do thoroughly enjoy trying to capture the lighting flashes as they occur. Over the years I've managed to take decent ones on my iPhones with very few on my good camera, lets face it my iPhone is more easily accessible and my professional Canon Camera is HEAVY and bulky as f*** to carry around all the time. For example the image below is from an older iPhone model just as I was lowering the back seat window. I remember it so vividly! The lightning struck really close to my location and as this was at the feeder road overpass intersection above where Highway 635 and the NTTA intersect in Dallas, that nice incline provided me a good angle for this surprise shot I didn't think I could manage to capture.

The image below is from the terrace of the house my family and I used to live in (pre having my kids). That house was pretty awesome because the terrace allowed one to have a full 360 view so no matter which direction the storm was coming from at that house one would always be able to see it forming, growing, and in which direction it was coming from and especially if it was just passing through in a neighboring city around us. The picture was taken from yet again another iPhone but definitely a newer version than iPhone used in the image above.

This last image on this post, was also taken from an iPhone and it was while traveling southbound on highway 75. I remember this storm was traveling south so driving into work was a fascinating drive because as you're facing south into the Dallas area, the north sky was pitch black and continuing to darken. 

Actually, I not only enjoy watching a storm pass by but have no problem/issue driving in a storm, regardless of the type of storm. Over the years it doesn't matter what vehicle I'm in, I trust in my abilities and driving methods BECAUSE of the circumstances surrounding when and where I've driven. I will say though that I do try to at least be knowledgeable and trust the vehicle that I'm driving. Typically it's always mine, but if I'm ever driving someone's else's especially in a storm, its because I've driven it enough or I'm aware of that make and model to trust the capacity in the storm-regardless of the dumbass drivers around me. Perfect example would be my driving in 2018 through the hurricane storm that was already inland on the east coast of the nation. Granted the magnitude of the force and storm itself was nothing compared to when it touched the coast but my goodness I've been in and through some serious storms, but THAT one truly takes the cake on testing my driving instincts, muscles, and mental focus.

So you got it! I'm the unique weirdo who loves storms so much to be driving in them (cautiously), watch them pass by, or even take pictures of them. Although as exciting and as interesting as everything I've explained is to me...the best part I think for storms is when you're lying in bed as they pass by. The pitter patter or even when the storm is roaring outside, truly is soothing and a different level of appreciation. If you're married/have a significant other/living with someone having sex during a storm is another level of heightened senses and body reaction too I might add...if you haven't tried it-DO IT! Then again "making love" with the right person that you love is always supposed to be phenomenal - so add on a storm and explosiveness! 😋 just saying...

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Jessie Ware - General

I know I wrote about another music artist recently, a Mr Matt Nathanson. Even though he's wonderful this gal takes my heart and body when it comes to her music and rhythm! Ironically too, both these artists my sister found sine they weren't mainstream music artists, so she exposed me to a few of their songs. Jessie Ware I was enlightened by her music around early 2013, so it was pretty cool that my sister had found also a down to earth venue where Jessie Ware would be performing. To say that there was no seats anywhere for you to enjoy the concert, should explain it all...she was doing well working on expanding her name and music so the venue wasn't some known establishment and though in Dallas, not in the best of areas.

Jessie Ware is one artist I almost have all her sings on my playlist and her music can be both soothing and calming where others are upbeat and just a feel good song. She is another rare artist where she sounds in person like her albums. She's not a very theatrical artist when it comes to performing her music but you still won't be disappointed. 

These are three of my favorite songs from her song history:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u03f5Wnwff0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLIESvLSDKA&list=OLAK5uy_kwnL5gCyQ6OLq9k7QgozgaLiwa6OHflaA&index=5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAMM8JVbr8g

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Matt Nathanson - General

I was going through some digital photo albums and came across something that was both memorable and something I haven't been to again in a while. For anyone who knows me, aside from my kids there are exactly five other things that I can not live without! One of them is music!

I don't know about you but music isn't just a source of entertainment, I feel that depending on life circumstances it can give you an out of body experience or even sometimes is the only way you or someone can express through a specific song how they're feeling. For example, heart break or feeling lonesome I'm sure many of you have that go to song on a playlist or that comes on the radio and just allows you the feeling of expression. Or maybe you're going through some struggles in a romantic relationship, the right love song can sometimes mend the emotions or a guy can end up dedicating a song that reminds him of that special someone. Regardless of the reason or life circumstance, music gives way to emotions.

So this post is about Matt Nathanson. I must admit that I haven't seen or come across any of his new stuff (should he have anything out there) but I always remember fondly the "Come Get Higher" album he released years ago! Definitely before even my kids were a thought probably! I remember it well...It was at the House of Blues in the Downtown Dallas area. A venue big enough for events and music concerts but small enough that you don't get annoyed and can actually have good seats while enjoying a performance. As a performer, Matt is one of the rare artists who actually sounds in person like he does in his albums, so his performance overall on his music was wonderful to hear! I wasn't disappointed. 

Matt as a performer in general, I was thoroughly surprised when he allowed for a meet and greet after his show. He's super down to earth and was very sweet in person. Didn't once come off as a douche or cocky and was even nice enough to carry conversations with those he met. You could see his bodyguard close by but it was some sort of deterrent or Matt himself didn't seem phased by it and carried himself comfortably so that anyone around was also as ease. My sister and I ended up getting his autograph and our pictures taken. It was fun.

Here is just one of the songs I love the most from him...enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHx4BlF6V2o

Sincerely,

A Distant Woman