When TSwift first bought a house (errr… my dream home) in Rhode Island, there was a lot of hubbub. Me, in my late twenties, didn’t give two hoots. In fact, I didn’t give one. There were stories of her moving rocks from the ocean for whatever reason and demanding privacy and all sorts of things… and I turned sour on her. She, after all, doesn’t get to do whatever she wants just because she’s a celebrity.
But she does do whatever she wants. Taylor Swift is Taylor Swift… and that means business. And, unlike SO MANY young celebs, she wants to give back. Most recently she donated $15k of her cash to a GoFundMe. Which totally made me cry, but she’s apparently known for this.
(from Parents magazine)
When I opened up my Parents magazine (June 2015), reading just the first few pages in my favorite hiding spot- Addie’s step stool in the bathroom- I read a lot of what I didn’t know, but need to. Addie has been all about Taylor since she started to show favoritism in music. Taylor Swift is down-to-Earth and oddly, familiar to me. It made me laugh to think that, but really it made me think back to a few weeks ago when I wrote about dreams I have. A lot of them have to do with giving… money, time, whatever I could (currently, my most readily available commodity is breastmilk, of which I’ve donated 7,000 oz), but But more than that… she’s encouraged my daughter to shake it off. No really… the kid told me in one of my panic-induced-must-clean-the-house-for-a-showing moments to calm down, mama. Shake it off. And I did, because Addie was right. Just calming down, letting go, blasting some Taylor Swift… that made cleaning so much more fun for everyone. And we got out of the house, dog and all, with smiles on our faces!
That’s not really the point, though. The point is that she changed this once-hardcore, punk loving mama into a TSwift fan. A. Fan. What do they call those kids? Swifties? Someone who, if they could, would pay for tickets to see her concerts. I love this girl woman for all she’s taught me. Just watching her video of Shake it Off reminded me of all the awkward moments of my youth. How being different emotionally, can bring someone to the point of wanting nothing more of life. As we move towards new beginnings- (hopefully) a larger house, closer to Dave’s job- leaving Rhode Island has a lot of bittersweet-ness. I love that this is a place of such beauty, both in its sights and in the people who choose to be here. My mama heart needs to know there are still good role-models out there for our girls. That the desire to emulate a celebrity will have some wholesome moments… and even some where they wear too much makeup.
And then there’s my favorite video of Shake it Off, from our friend Riley, who always makes me smile… and reminds me again and again, how awesome just one song can be:
Taylor Swift is but a young woman, carving her path as once I chose to do… and damn it, sometimes you have to move mountains, or rocks, to get there. With the amount of people I beg the gods above to not influence my daughter, I hope Addie stays a fan of Taylor into her youth and teens. Her message is important, her style is fun, and she’s beautiful without working out the sex-appeal to the maxx (but damn, she’s legit gorgeous)! And really, we all wrote songs and letters about breakups… Taylor Swift just happens to make millions from it! Gone are the moments I spent judging the girl who shared her broken heart experiences, often ringing true to relationships I’d been in (nope… we are never. Ever. Ever getting back together You-Know-Who), emotions I’d been angsty over (there were lots of You look like my next mistake boys), and my ever favorite Never Grow Up, which brings me to my knees whenever I hear it.
Taylor… please keep making music that reminds us to be humble, appreciate our roots and love so wholly. And please, keep being you- our mama hearts need a good role model for our girls. Your poster is going on the wall… for sure!
Glad to know we can be fans together. She is a class act, and a true person. I love that girls and boys today have an influence like her to look up to! Love you mama!
Melendy recently posted…The end…
Dance party/5 miles soon!!!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taylor Swift did What?!
She is definitely a smart woman!
Sicorra@NotNowMomsBusy recently posted…She Shed Shenanigans
Taylor Swift is an amazing woman. She is a kind-hearted, giving soul, and I just love her. The world needs more celebrities like her!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…Dickies® Catch with the Kids + Performance Cooling Tees
Taylor Swift is an amazing woman. She is a kind-hearted, giving soul, and I just love her. The world needs more celebrities like her!
Dawn recently posted…Indulge in these 5 Cold Treats for a Better Summer
Addie is so cute. I like her songs, but I didn’t know much about her. It’s nice to know that she is down to earth and that she loves to help.
Ourfamilyworld recently posted…Let Your Child Be Wild: Bring Back the Magic of Outdoor Play
Love her music! I only became a fan recently, but my kids adore dancing around the kitchen to Shake it Off! My son even asked for it as one of his first songs to download for his new MP3 player. She is definitely a role model I don’t mind my kids admiring.
Andrea Kruse recently posted…Cherry Chipotle Ribs
Taylor Swift is a real class act! I am not much of a pop music person, but I can not help singing and dancing along to her catchy hits.
Marcie W. recently posted…The Soapy Scoop On Sensitive Skin #SecondSkincare #IC #sponsored
My kids love Taylor swift. I like her recent songs better.
Tess recently posted…The Elimination Diet Review + Free Bonus!
Love the video of the little girl dancing to Shake It Off. I really appreciate Taylor Swift and her music. She is an amazing young woman and super talented.
Allie D. recently posted…49+ Brilliant Ideas For Enjoying a Road Trip with Kids
I love her. I love that she doesn’t make apologies for standing up for what she believes in. I love that she’s real and has made mistakes, and I love that she’s not afraid to take on Apple and get things changed!!
Emily recently posted…Comment on 21 Day Sugar Detox Week 3 Recap + Meal Ideas by Veronica a
That’s great that you and your daughter both enjoy her. It gives you something to bond over. And there is nothing that endears you to a person more than when you realize how big their heart is.
Mistee Dawn recently posted…8 Fun Outdoor Games to Play at Your 4th of July BBQ! #EntertainmentHOP
Taylor Swift is simply amazing. I like her and her music.
She’s been so careful and responsible with her public persona. I totally appreciate that she’s a positive role model for our youth.
Liz Mays recently posted…Preparing for Summer Entertaining with Charmin
Taylor Swift does stand out from the rest of the celebrities her age and that says a lot!
Kendra recently posted…9 Savvy Supermarket Shopping Secrets Revealed
That just might be the most adorable dancing video ever. I had not really heard any Taylor Swift songs but had read some great articles about her kindness towards her fans and it actually prompted me to listen to her music.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert recently posted…Graham Cracker Cupcakes filled with S’mores Cookie Dough
I am not a fan, but she does have very catchy tunes.
Letty C. recently posted…Review ~ Keratin Hair Volumizer #NeoCellcollagen
This is a really good piece. You can try your hardest not to like Taylor but when one of her songs come on the radio, you can’t help but sing along.
Mellissa recently posted…Get out of your own way
I am not a fan of her music – just isn’t my style, but I think she does some great things. The Christmas stunt she pulled comes to mind.
Life as a Convert recently posted…Eat Local and Support Farmers – #Farm2Home15
I remember when the internet troll her to perform at school for deafs. She’s not going but she donated $10.000 instead.