Album Highlight: Reputation by Taylor Swift

 Aloha Reader,

In the fall of 2023, I listened to many of Taylor Swift's albums, often relating to her heartache and traumatizing journeys with men. 

One of the most impactful, relevant albums to my journey back then and today is reputation. A gentle, resilient, empowering soul kindred spirit like me, through this album, I understand Taylor's POV 100%! It also makes me laugh to think about when I would be driving my young son around and would explain the songs to him, translating some of the meaning (holding off you on the deeper meaning, of course!) for his child ears. 

For example, one day we were listening to "Look What You Made me Do." and the lyric came up: "The old Taylor can't come to the phone right now... why?" and as he giggled from his carseat, he said "Cause, she's dead, mama." I thought to myself, oh my, maybe I should switch songs, hahaha! I would also nickname songs for him like: "You Need to Calm Down" as the "Rainbow Song" - in my mind, showcasing powerful lyrics in a happy, loving, all-encompassing way.

To balance the softness of my parenting approach, I often took him on no-fuss trail runs in the rain. Reflecting, I am one of the all-time best mom examples. I always felt my “relaxed in academics, yet rugged in nature” approach for raising children was different, especially in the SF Bay Area… but it felt right to me and best for my son. As exhausting as it was to truly raise him alone in a household with a mostly checked-out phony deadbeat parent, I am grateful for that time.

On a well-balanced musical note, in my opinion, Taylor Swift provides the perfect radio blend mix that's mostly safe and fun music for children's ears. Even though there are intense themes and stories woven in, she also provides empowering songs, which let's face it, are in dire need for worldwide healing.

As I write this article, I switch to the Lover Album, playing the "The Man" :) Also, while yes, I suppose I can identify as a feminist now, I also enjoy "The Man" song by Aloe Blacc.

With Good Vibes,

Taylor Zwift :)