Fifty Days Underground

February 14, 2014

Who inspired today's broken heart song?

An 80 year-old woman who lost her husband less than a year ago. I was fortunate enough to find what I think is the perfect story for Valentine's Day. And that is a true love story. This couple met when she was preschool and started dating when they were teenagers. They married a year later, she was 19 and he was 21. They raised a family together and loved each other until the very end. I can't even fathom the hardship this woman went through when she lost him. Their love inspired me so much.

Our Story Will Go On narrates the couple's life together from the day they met to the day he died. In the chorus, the woman says that she knows he is waiting for her in heaven and she will see him again. He will greet her home, and neither of them will have to be alone anymore. And even though they'll both be gone, their love with carry on until the end of time.

Where did you play?

I started at Times Square – 42nd Street this morning. I had better luck this time versus the time I tried to play at this station during Superbowl weekend. I set up in the long hall by the 7 train, and it was crowded! My nerves definitely kicked in at the beginning. This afternoon, I had a second session at Grand Central – 42nd Street. This was for the documentary shoot!

How much did you earn?

$20.82

Did anything unusual happen?

The documentary shoot was pretty unusual, but also really exciting! I'm a photographer, but put me on the other side of the camera and I'm very camera shy! So it took me a little while to warm up to the big black lens staring at me. The three gentlemen that came to interview and film me are a part of a company called Fahrenheit 212, and are creating a short documentary on innovative storytellers. They were extremely friendly, which made me feel really comfortable talking with them. One of them even brought me chocolates for Valentine's Day! Adorable.

They met me at Grand Central and did some takes of me performing a couple broken heart songs and talking with people that expressed interest in the project. We then tried to do the interview, but had a lot of difficulties with all the different noises underground. We eventually ended up outside a small coffee shop in SoHo with hot drinks, which was perfect. I would often ramble after they asked me a question and then say, "Wait, what was the question again?" Sigh. I think I'll stick to the singing and not the talking, haha.

Did you meet anyone interesting?

I did! This morning I met a voice teacher who asked me if I was auditioning. Confused, I said, "Auditioning for what?" He responded, "Shows!" I forgot I was in Times Square! Haha. I replied, "No," and he said I should be. I am not sure I agree on that one, but it was really sweet to be told I have a good voice by a vocal coach.

I then met a fellow named Scorpio. Of course, I immediately told him that was my birth sign, haha. He works in fashion, and books entertainment for shows so wanted to chat about that.

I also met a young girl who was really interested in having me write a song for her company. I didn't get the full story, but she works with a non-charitable company that sells recycled goods to save elephants in Sri Lanka. I hope she follows through because I would absolutely love to write that song.

What's the best advice you received from a stranger?

Scorpio actually initially came up to me and said, "I'm going to give you a tip." And then I got really excited because I knew I could use it for the blog. We chatted for a while and after he left, I realized he never gave me the tip! Haha. So as promised, some fun facts:

Some guy walked by and gave me the horn gesture with his hands.

Another musician who was playing not too far from me at Grand Central came up to introduce himself. I thought that was really cool.

When we were filming the interview, some guy walked up to the camera and started singing.

How are you feeling?

Um, AMAZING! Which is a rare feeling for a single girl on Valentine's Day, haha. But I feel really happy and fulfilled with the events of the day. Today was a milestone in my life for sure. I impressed myself with how relaxed I was during the interview. For most of my life, I've been the girl who could never talk in class or to strangers. Now I feel like I'm talking to everyone. I have to keep pinching myself to remind myself that everything I'm doing is real. How is a girl supposed to go back to a full-time 9-5 after all this excitement?!

Having the day off yesterday was really helpful. I don't feel as tired as I usually do by this point in the week. And I already have tomorrow's song written, which is a huge plus! Today's song really inspired me and reminded me that despite all of these heartbreak stories, I still do believe in happy endings. Hope you are all having a lovely Valentine's Day. And remember that you are ALL loved.

© 2014 Kelly Bazely