iLov3Starz

“God Gave Me You” in ASL from Ally Townsend on Vimeo.

This song is very sentimental to me, as is today. 9 years ago today, I held my Aunt’s hand for what would be the last time. I had no idea at the time. I mean, sure she was sick and in the hospital… but I was 17, I NEVER thought she would be taken from me so quickly. I was devastated! 9 years later it’s still the hardest thing that I ever had to face. Today I visited my maternal grandfather in the hospital. He had a heart attack last night and has been unresponsive. Seeing the strongest, scariest, most intelligent man I have ever known lay there helpless was gut-wrenching. All I can think of is this song. These two people taught me some many incredible things throughout my life about life, love and what happiness really is. If either of them knew that I was sitting here crying like a baby, they would kick me in the behind and tell me I have better things to do than cry over them. They’d say “go out and be young, live your life! I did!” So, for them, I will.

Sorry, that was a lot longer tangent than I expected. So, about the song and video. The song, which can be purchased on iTunes here, is incredible and I absolutely love it! The video is also wonderful. I love to watch how different people interpret the meanings of songs. That is one the many great things about music videos in ASL, they tell you the story instead of just repeating the words.

5 Starz!

Update: My grandfather passed away 2 days after I saw him.

I LOVE this song!! His voice, the message, the upbeat vibe. The video is also awesome! This song can be purchased on iTunes here. Also check out Mark’s website here. 5 Starz.

I really like this song! Having been through a few break ups in my life, I can definitely relate! This video is awesome as well! Kelly did a wonderful job, as usual, with this song.  This is not a direct interpretation of the song, but instead an ABC Story. An ABC Story is when the signer uses the handshape for each letter from the ASL alphabet as a classifier  to tell a story. I have yet to hear a Sara Barielles song that I don’t like, so I wasn’t surprised that I enjoyed this one. 4 Starz

I listened to this song before I saw the video, I love them both! Chuuwee’s delivery is dope. I love his line ”fuck how you feel go suck a dick and if you feel the need then download my CD”. I like the rhymes, message and beat. Overall awesome song and video, 5 Starz. You can find this and other work by Chuuwee here.

Anyone that knows me, knows that I love music (not quite as much as stars, but it’s up there). I don’t limit myself to one genre: my iTunes, Pandora , Soundtracking  , Slacker and Last.fm are flooded with a plethora of music that you wouldn’t generally find associated with one another.  I love discovering new talents and genres, most recently I was introduced to Nerdcore by my friend Tofu.

Like many of my friends, I grew up listening to what is now considered classic rock: Led Zepplin, Ted Nugent, The Who, etc. I then ventured my way in the world of rap and hip-hop and from there settled into what most would consider the polar opposite: country! I love country music! I go through phases of listening to one genre more than the next, but for the most part I listen to all of them concurrently.

Living in Sacramento I am exposed to many talented people. A lot of whom I am lucky to call my friends.

So,  allow me to explain how this is going to go down! On a recent visit with my dentist he suggested brushing my teeth to music, a full length song.  I decided this would be a great way to revisit some of my favorites, be introduced to some new music and hear new things from artists I like.  So, sometimes, I will listen to a new song that I have never heard before then share it with you and tell you how I feel about it.  Other times,  I’ll listen to a song that I know and love then share it with you and tell you why I love it or what it means to me. Each song will be given a rating: 5 Starz – I LOVE the song, 4 Starz – I really like the song, 3 Starz – I like the song, 2 Starz – I like the song but I wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to it, 1 Star – I don’t like the song, Reach for a star – I REALLY don’t like the song/struggled to finish listening to it.

If you have a song/artist that you think I might like, or just want me to listen to it you can send it here

Another thing that I am very passionate about is American Sign Language, so I may occasionally throw in a video of someone signing the song.

I hope you guys enjoy!!

Thank you for checking out my site!

I’m finally up! *raises roof*  For those of you that haven’t personally met me, allow me to tell you a little about myself.  I was born and raised in the greater Sacramento area, which means: I am connected to everyone that surrounds me in less than 4 degrees of separation, I say Hella (a lot!!), I enjoy some of the best weather in the country (in my opinion) and I do not surf or even like the stinky ocean! Also, I am a nerd and I love cooking and baking (yes there is a difference), hanging out with my friends (I have some of the best possible) and causing a ruckus! I am currently learning American Sign Language. I hope to one day teach at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont.