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"Hope isn't something you create, it's something you let inside."
Came across these words on John Mayer's Twitter tonight:Something to think about...
Oh and if you have a couple minutes and you're a person of the twitter, we may have accidentally started a campaign to become friends with Mr. Mayer. i've often wondered if he's ever heard about TWLOHA, and what he might think. John seems like a guy who's trying to create things that matter and move... he gets music (obviously) but he also seems to get the power of words and importance of moments and the value of design - he values these things and i'm glad he's willing to speak up about them.
This comes in contrast to a weekend where i saw a lot of bands led by singers who say the same things and say a lot and say pretty much nothing at all. There were certainly exceptions but it was strange and sad to watch band after band play to thousands of people and to hear them basically miss the moment - the chance to say real things, the chance to invite people to think or feel or ask a question or believe...
It made me thankful for the artists we've connected with, folks who are trying to move people, folks with something to say in their songs and between their songs, folks willing to be honest, willing to be real, willing to dream instead of hiding behind bad laughs and empty chatter...
Maybe this applies to all of us. It's been said that "All the world's a stage." We all have an audience. We all have some kind of influence. We all have a story and a voice. Our lives are our songs. Our hearts are our songs. It's okay to ask real questions. It's okay to say real things. Let's make things that matter and move, and let's chase after those things as well.
Peace to you tonight.
jamiePS: Didn't plan to write a blog. Was just going to share the JM quote as a bulletin... There will be a long-overdue it's-been-too-long new blog soon.
PS2: Lowercase.
PS3: Lyric from Ben Harper & Relentless7 song "Up To You Now":
"You can run away from home but you can't run away from your pain..."
Posted in General, Music by jamie tworkowski
Comments (28)
This is just amazing. Thank you Jamie for everything you do.
1 | Left by Jason | May. 5, 2009 at 12:59am
I'm head over heels with your writing.
You're amazing. You give me hope.
Thank you.
2 | Left by Caity | May. 5, 2009 at 4:23am
Jamie, has anyone ever told you that you are a FABULOUS writer? lol, I'm sure someone has. =]
Not only do you know how to capture your reader's attention using things that they, and everyone else in this world can relate to, but you continue inspiring them throughout the entire peice.
Thanks again for an amazing blog! =] <3
3 | Left by Katie | May. 5, 2009 at 6:27am
Thank you so much. For everything. You seem to be able to shed some light on difficult topics such as pain and at the same time inspire with you words. You really are a wonderful writer.
4 | Left by Anon | May. 5, 2009 at 2:10pm
Thank you for putting this up. It really gives me hope. :]
5 | Left by Lynne | May. 5, 2009 at 3:01pm
Thank You so much Jamie for writing things like this. You give me hope to face each day.
6 | Left by Olivia | May. 5, 2009 at 3:17pm
Thank you for everything Jamie!
Looking forward to the long-over-due-it's-been-to-long blog. :)
Please post soon!
TWLOHA GIRL FOREVER :)
7 | Left by taryn | May. 5, 2009 at 5:55pm
The way you write is amazing and I totally agree, too many bands writing un meaningful songs.
But the ones that do create the best feelings ever and you
can appreciate them better (:
Lots of lovee♥
ps, you're the best Jamie (:
and have brought such happiness to me and
a billion other people out there♥
8 | Left by Natasha | May. 5, 2009 at 6:18pm
Jamie, you're such an encouragement to myself and many others. I don't know where I'd be without TWLOHA.
I've been listening to this song and I think you'd like it. It's called "Sing Me To Sleep" and it's by Waking Ashland. If you have the time, check it out.
Thank you for making a difference and showing us that people do care and that we do matter.
9 | Left by Chelsea | May. 6, 2009 at 7:26pm
hey jamie! well a) your an amazing writer and i always look forward to reading your blogs. b) last wednesday my brother preformed in Nj Shouts Down Drugs and at the show there were a lot of great high schoolers singing, rapping and playing music, telling the audience about the dangers of drugs. One song i really liked was called Grey Whenever by a band called Shortline. if you have time you should check it out. please write another "long-overdue its-been-to-long blog" soon!
10 | Left by ellie | May. 8, 2009 at 1:38pm
Has anyone ever told you you should write a book? Seriously, all these people are praising your writing and I for one would jump at the chance to buy a book written by you. About anything. It could be a cook book and I'd still be thrilled to read it.
11 | Left by Tyler | May. 8, 2009 at 9:10pm
<3.
i agree about john mayer. and everything you said. then again, i always do. thank you so much jamie, for everything. <3
12 | Left by Ashley | May. 9, 2009 at 11:00am
I just want to thank you, Jamie, for everything
You've done to help me. And many other people
=]]
13 | Left by melissa | May. 9, 2009 at 11:51am
thx for the thoughts jamie... <3 JM and his music, he would fit in well with the twloha cause!
14 | Left by rad sugar | May. 9, 2009 at 11:58am
twloha, the whole movement, changed my life.
im getting help, hope is slowly becoming present in my life.
a sliver of light is beaming through
my once black night.
thank you.
15 | Left by nikki | May. 9, 2009 at 1:43pm
Jamie, I want to let you know that TWLOHA has changed my life for the better.
The whole movement has been a huge inspiration and has had a huge impact on my life.
Without To Write Love On Her Arms, I would be dead right now.
To Write Love On Her Arms save my life. And it shall forever stay that way.
Thank you.
16 | Left by Sarah | May. 10, 2009 at 10:44am
wow.
thank you for letting HiM use you, jamie.
letHiSloverule.
17 | Left by zee | May. 11, 2009 at 6:10am
I was reading this blog last week and forgot to leave a comment. Thanks for that blog. It gave me something to think about. Love the quotations.
18 | Left by Tashana | May. 11, 2009 at 12:06pm
You guys need to get in touch with Amanda Palmer. She = amazing musician who would totally dig what you're doing. She's so amazing and brave and honest. Really. Try getting in touch. I'm just a fan, but I think she'd listen and help if she could.
19 | Left by ampersand | May. 12, 2009 at 1:44pm
Jamie, you are the inspiration behind this site.
TWLOHA has literally saved my life.
I agree completely about the music situation. People don't use the chance to have a greater hand in everything that is happening in this world. Maybe that is why you are so loved and idolized by many people. It seems that you tell it how it is, but also giving hope.
Thank you for all that you have done for me. <33
-Emmz-
20 | Left by Emmz | May. 27, 2009 at 5:05am
thanks so much twloha saved my life. i'm actually wearing the "alive" shirt right now. I was so excited when I bought it! But please, come to Chicago to speak!!! <3333
21 | Left by Anon | May. 28, 2009 at 3:30pm
Jamie,
I know you get this a million times a day. But it is true you have changed so many peoples lives, i just want to thank you for showing me that there is a light and you are there to help, because some people don't know what to do about those who need help. I also have a favor to ask, and i dont know if i can do this on here but i have a portfolio project i am doing for my psychlogy class' final project and i chose to talk about TWLOHA and how it has changed my life and those around me. It would be an honor to speak with you and this project means a lot to me, because i want other people to know that there is a way to deal with the pain. if you could email me with your response. etomer319@gmail.com. If not i understand.
22 | Left by erin | Jun. 3, 2009 at 5:28am
this is the first time that i have visited this site and this is the first blog ive read. its really sweet and i am so relieved to know people like you and sites like this are around. i found comfort in the words you wrote and the responses from everyone. very special thing indeed and its getting less frequent as time goes on. music has been my escape and i really believe its a strong weapon in bringing light to troubled lives. even if it just takes them to another world away from theres where theres a sense of peace. keep doing what you're doing. thanks for the warmth. xo @->--
23 | Left by Catta | Jun. 3, 2009 at 9:56am
heyy
this is one of the first times i have looked at this butit is amazing wat u do for so many people..
you truly do inspire people and help so many people out..
i am so very thankful that there are people like you around in this world..
xxx
24 | Left by jessika ann | Jun. 13, 2009 at 6:28am
This is my first time looking at this site, after hearing about "to write love on her arms."
Now i know some of us aren't the only ones.
Thank you.
It really opened my eyes and spoke to me .. now that i look at it , music really is heart & mind.
Wow... it like speaks to you.
25 | Left by unkown.. | Jun. 27, 2009 at 4:50pm
Jamie,
You've been such an encouragment and role model in my life, thank you for all you've done! Your the best. I dont even want to think of were i'd be, if this never started.
26 | Left by -Maddie | Aug. 10, 2009 at 5:16pm
I am getting a tattoo of "to write ve on her arms" as a reminder that I promised my self i would never hurt myself agen and I am gong to ask my husben to do the same thank you for your encurigment
27 | Left by Sarah | Aug. 11, 2009 at 1:03pm
I think it awesome that this organization is azaming! I lost a close friend. I almost lost my own life as well. It's not fair for others not to care when they the others need help. If that makes any sense watever. i have been having trouble lately, Im NOT complaining, I just need sum help. The Meds DONT HELP AT ALL! i just need a place to vent sometimes. I have friends, but they are not always there when I NEED them. oh well.paece OUT
:)
28 | Left by Danny | Dec. 22, 2009 at 7:04am
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