35 Accents in the English Language

I've always had a small issue with sticking to my authentic Brooke Shoko voice after being exposed to a different English accent for a while. The first incidence of this began back when I was young and visited my cousins in Alabama. I didn't gain any type of accent, but instead just began to sound like an idiot. Ever since then I've noticed how easily swayed my speaking ways are after consistent accent exposure.

As of late, I've been exposed to all types of English accents on a regular basis:

Sill- New Zealand

Karen- Ireland

Lisa and Albert- Holland

Veera and Vivi- Finland

Manuela- Swizerland

Alexa- Austraila

So, for example, after spending a bit of time with Sill I'd be sputtering out words like "reckon", but pronounced it as "reekon". Or slightly saying "vas" instead of "was" after spending time with Manuela.

The silver lining to this strange cloud, however, is that I love accents. I love seeing how so many different nationalities attempt to speak one language but come out with such varied results. Which is why I was so happy to find this gem of a video I'm posting below. Friends Bom, Bae, Alexa, and I had a huge laugh over it last night.  This chap impresses me, to say the least. Enjoy.

Christmas Song of the Week #3

Last year for Christmas, it was one of my hopes to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas performance, yet was unable to go and came home for the holidays just a day late. So, when Grandpa called me a few weeks ago asking if I'd like to see this year's production, I was *t*h*r*i*l*l*e*d*.  I literally could not wait and wrote it big and bold on my calendar. It was the happy thought all throughout an extremely stressful finals week. But I won't rant about that (just yet).

The performance was nothing short of spectacular. The set was phenomenal, the symphony amazing, and the choir unbelievable. I lost track of how many times I got the goosebumps. Such a great evening to share with my Grandpa Foster.

If I were to choose any song that had the most depth and meaning to me during Christmas time, it would be The First Noel. And in particular, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's version- arranged by Mack Wilberg. It is simply beautiful. Our concert choir sang this in high school and since then (despite our lack of the MoTab's eloquence and talent) I have loved it every time I hear it. Have a listen.

The First Noel

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Christmas Song of the Week #2

Winter Song

Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson

Not Christmas, technically, but an absolute favorite holiday tune.

On one occasion last winter, I listened to this on repeat for a good three hours straight.

Enjoy.

Christmas Song of the Week #1

All I Want For Christmas Is You

Michael Buble

Song of the day.

"Only Love Can Break Your Heart"

Neil Young

Here's something tender.

"They're In Love, Where Am I?"

The Weepies

[Feel free to disregard the stick figure video.]

Add this song to your newest playlist.

 

"Brackett Wi"

Bon Iver

An easy swing had its time shouldered
Slow bending axe
Now it's a photo framed
The swing hasn't had it

And here we are rebuilding roads
Right by roosting towns
It's just like the love
The one that's never been enough

So I'm counting on your fingers
'Cause you've reattached the twitch
And if you want opinion
I will die along the ditches

And every summer is a hot token
To the cold, cold take of lust
And every autumn singes
With the business of sadness

Friend had it wrong they see
Honey let it burn
And the curve in the county
Is never served

So I'm counting on your fingers
'Cause you've reattached the twitch
And if you want opinion
I will die along the ditches

Shoko Has a New Favorite Song

Good Times China

Yes, I have moved on from China life (still miss it a lot though). However, it took me over a month to take a minute and put this together. If you feel the need and have ten minutes, enjoy!