Category: Media

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Amara Inspired on YouTube #IWD

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It’s International Women’s Day & to celebrate I made three YouTube playlists, yep three, one for each channel. On my main channel, Amara In Seattle, is a playlist of videos that inspire me, many of these are among my all time favorite YouTube videos for various reasons, explained below.

Elizabeth Gilbert’s Ted Talk: Your elusive creative genius
It would often happen on the way to an old job, that I would suddenly feel like I must MUST write something down.  In this Tedtalk writer, Elizabeth Gilbert, highlights the value of that feeling & helped me to make changes into a Big Magic filled creative life.


St. Patty’s Day Hair of the Dog w/ Hannah Hart & Grace Helbig

There is a moment of true friendship that is captured during this episode of YouTube comedian Mamrie Hart’s show, You Deserve a Drink, when things go terribly wrong.  This video highlights why these three women are pillars of YouTube culture, in large part because they care about each other in the way we all want our friends to.

Finishing with Sprinkle of Glitter – Louise Pentland
When long time British YouTube creator, Louise Pentland, decided to step away from her established YouTube formula to be more honest and direct with her audience it was risky. Inspiring and truly brave, Louise is leading the way in the development of YouTube as a platform for evolving dynamic creators.

Meghan Tonjes – ‘This Year’ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
This is probably not Meghan Tonjes favorite song, it was early in her music career and launched her to video success (and landed her on Ellen!), but for me the lyrics continue to be inspiration whenever I need a reminder that this moment and year is part of my journey.

Too Emotional – Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik has stood off to the side from me for a long time. I didn’t watch Blossom as a child but it was there in all its uniquely dressed glory. Her channel is new, but tackles subjects that are very open and raw, using her Big Bang Theory celebrity to open important digital dialogues like this one on feelings.

Living The Mr. Kate Lifestyle – Mr. Kate
I have watched Mr. Kate build her one-of-a-kind channel to over 1 million subscribers through hard work and strange colorful ideas. When this video debuted it brought Kate into my view, and I have watched her be silly, weird, creative, and brilliant ever since. Kate showed me that YouTube offered a one of a kind amazing opportunity. She also inspired me to realize there is room for different kinds of lifestyle channels, helping me to form Amara In Seattle.

Climbing Mt. Fuji – Sharla In Japan
Sharla took me up Mt. Fuji and in the process helped shape my vision for my travel channel, Amara Not In Seattle ~ a place to share travel as I see it: in beautiful experiences. Videos that feel like you are right there, experiencing those one of a kind travel moments.

House Tour – Rosanne Pansino
Ro is the queen of YouTube growth and improvement but it is the way she designed her home, to also be her workspace, that inspired me to see her as a model #girlboss. This design is inspiring, downright clever, and got me to begin dreaming about how Amara In Seattle could blow past expectations. Also, Ro is also a Seattle gal, so I may be a little delightfully bias.

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes – Wendy’s Lookbook
This vid sparked the idea that I want to learn technical video creation skills for artistic reasons, as well as practical ones. The information is presented in such an entertaining way that it immediately got me thinking: I wish I could do that. Now, when I get stuck learning a program or digital process I return to this tutorial to be inspired.

Wild Flag – Romance
There is a moment in this music video when Carrie Brownstein rocks out so hard it answered a question I’d had most of my life: what instrument is for me. This video helped put an electric guitar in my hands and is filled with strength and silliness. The video for Romance is a good reminder that badass and goofy can and should go together.

Check Out the Other Amara In Seattle International Women’s Day Activities:

What women inspire you? Let me know in the comments below.

Join the discussion in the comments below & by using the hashtags: #HerVoiceIsMyVoice #BeBoldForChange

Adventures, In Seattle, Music

My New Bae is Beethoven

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When was the last time you were submerged in classical music? If you are like me, the answer is simple: never.

Emerald City Music would like to change that by making classical music accessible and part of the lives of all music lovers. They provide access to top notch chamber music that is comfortable and affordable. Classical music experiences where no tie is required and you can feel totally at ease wearing your comfy sweater and jeans.

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Intrigued, I grabbed my camera, threw on a bright orange skirt, and headed into the light sprinkle of Seattle rain to experience an Emerald City Music concert for myself. And I am so glad I did.

It started with mingling around a photo booth. There was popcorn, chocolate, and an open bar. There was a general ease in the atmosphere.

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The program showcased The Dover Quartet who played through Beethoven’s life with small educational chats in-between pieces. The musicians took turns explaining the life and history of the music, their roles as performers, and even touching on what made these particular pieces valuable to them personally.

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As the music flowed, I began to see Beethoven in a new light. First as a student of music displaying a hint of oncoming dissonance. Then as the evening moved on, I felt his evolution into full force rebellion further complicated by the knowledge and emotion of his encroaching hearing loss. The gripping sounds of an all-consuming calling being snuffed out by a cruel unstoppable deadline.

img_7127At the end I stood up with all the other attendees, we were astonished. Violin, viola, and cello strings had been shredded. It turns out The Dover Quartet doesn’t just play classical music, they tell human stories in song.

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Filing out of the concert space, the rain continued to softly beat down on the roof of 415 Westlake, it was a perfect Seattle moment; unexpected, gripping, and calling on me to grow as a person. Beethoven was no longer the name of an old dead classical musician relevant only to the upper crust but kind of punk rocker from long ago. He felt the things that inspire artists, he took chances, and he created a story I needed in my life.

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Invigorated and with a bit of popcorn in my teeth, I instagramed in joy at my new love for Beethoven. Emerald City Music had been victorious and I was happy, there was new music in my life.

Invite more music into yours by learning more about Emerald City Music and checking out their Twitter, Facebook Page, and Instagram.

Experience the astonishing Dover Quartet on their website and find them on Twitter and YouTube.