Passion Story of the Month| December

Hey guys! Happy News Year Eve!! I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing Christmas or holiday. Is it me or does it feel like Christmas went by EXTREMELY fast!?! I feel like I just blinked and it was over. 😢 BUT on the bright side, 2018 is right around the corner and that gives everyone a chance to have a fresh start to a new year! I can't believe 2017 is almost over! This year was SUCH a whirlwind--I don't think I've fully processed everything that happened! Regardless of what happened this year, I'm glad we all made it to the last day of the year. Goodbye 2017 and cheers to a New Year!!🍾

promo pic for her role in "Hairspray" (opens January 5th, 2018!)

Anyways, I'm excited to share with you guys December's Passion Story. This month, Emily Blackburn, is our featured story. She and I were great friends in middle school and I'm happy we were able to stay in contact all these years.😊 Not only is she an old friend, but she is a fellow blogger who has a passion for theatre and other extracurricular activities. 

Without further ado...

Villager costume for "Shrek"

  ice breaker: 

fave color: pink

fave holiday: Halloween

If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what meal would that be?
A: Ooh, that’s a tough one. Probably my Grandad’s biscuits and gravy. See, the gravy is chocolate (it’s more of a chocolate sauce than actual gravy). It’s delicious. I could eat it every day and never get tired of it. Probably not good for the weight, but who cares right?

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I really want to go to Italy. I’ve been on Caribbean cruises with my family, and those places are amazing but Italy (Rome, specifically) is a place that is on my bucket list. 

Team Pancake or Team Waffle?
A: Of course pancakes! 🥞

Okay, now for the heavy hitters:

Q: What is your passion(s) and how did you discover it/them?

Compilation of photos from "Alice: A Wonder-ful New Musical" (she played a rock star named Bathsheba)

A: I have a passion for music and theatre (and musical theatre!). I’ve loved music and have been singing for as long as I can remember. I found theatre when I was in 3rd grade and we had a musical. I thought it was a ton of fun and I’ve done at least one musical a year since then, doing community theatre since 2013. 

Q: How did you go about developing your passion(s)/becoming more skilled in it/them?

A: Practice, practice, practice. I take voice lessons to help refine my singing skills and I’ve taken a few acting classes too. But I really just audition for shows and do as many as I can. The more I do, the more chances I have to get better at singing, dancing, and acting and the more chances I have to get more/better roles. 

Q: Do you plan to include your passion(s) into your future career?

A: I hope so. I’m going into nursing, but I’m hoping I may be able to include music in it somehow. Maybe with music therapy! That could help a lot of people!

Q: What advice do you have for someone who finds your story/passion(s) inspiring?

"A Midsummer Night's Dream"

A: Always do what you love. Even though I’m not turning my passion into a college degree, I’m not going to stop doing it. Life is full of so much hate around us that we need to focus on the love and the good. I’m going to do what I love and hopefully share that love or hope or inspiration with someone who needs it, even if we’ve never met. The important part is that you keep doing what you love and you don’t let anyone stop you. 

Q: How would you define "staying classy"?

A: Being true to yourself. Being a kind person and helping others even if they may not deserve the help. Loving everyone and being a good example to others because you never know who’s watching. 

Social media:

Instagram:  emilyblackburn1
Snapchat & Twitter: love4thearts

Blog:  peacejoyfaith.com 

Thank you guys for taking the time to read December's Passion Story and thank you Emily for participating in my little project:) I wish you guys a "Happy New Years" and I'll catch you guys back here in 2018!! Have a great Sunday and don't forget to "stay classy"!💜