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Believe, Trust, Stay Strong
In a world increasingly crowded with influencers seeking the spotlight, I am the antithesis—an "uninfluencer," if you will. Honestly, I don't have grand ambitions of influencing anyone. I'm just a writer, not claiming to be extraordinary, but driven by a genuine passion. My goal is simple: share my love for music with those who care to listen, whether a handful of folks or a small crowd.
For two years, my website has been humming along beneath the cacophony of more popular domains. The forums aren't buzzing, and the comment sections are like a serene pond without a ripple. It's been a quiet space, especially after some remarks were inadvertently whisked away during a website update. The lack of bustling traffic never bothered me; that is about to change.
I hope the BTS 25x25 project will garner the attention it needs to succeed. It's not just a playlist; it's a way for the ARMY to express love, loyalty, and commitment to the seven men who mean so much to us. This project is a collective expression of devotion. It's a reminder that impact isn't about clicks but the shared feeling of hearts beating together for a common love.
Love is a Pittie
As the pages of this year turned, revealing a tapestry woven with trials and triumphs, it reshaped my perspective on time and its many nuances. Even though the year has the same amount of time as the ones before it, it seems to keep speeding up. With the lyrics "So This Is Christmas and what have you done?" echoing through my thoughts, I find myself reflecting on the highs and lows that have shaped the past months. It's been a challenging journey, one marked by health issues, a necessary shift in employment, and the profound loss of loved ones, both human and furry.
I was born in the year of the rabbit, so this year held high hopes for good fortune. I've learned, though, that astrological alignments don't guarantee smooth sailing. The challenges were persistent – a year filled with unexpected twists and turns.
The summer brought the heart-wrenching departure of my father, and just before Thanksgiving, our family mourned the unexpected loss of our beloved pittie. He was more than a pet; he was a source of joy and love for everyone around him. The void left by his absence was particularly profound.
As if the weight of grief wasn't enough, the announcement of the remaining BTS members entering military service cast a shadow over the hearts of ARMY. We had anticipated this day, but the reality hit hard when the official announcement was made. A wave of sadness settled in, adding to the challenges of the year.
Bangtan Borahae Journey
Over the past two years, I've poured my heart and soul into writing Bangtan Borahae. Bangtan Borahae began as an inkling of an idea to show BTS how much they mean to us. It became something else altogether. It's a journey through becoming a fan and what a fan is. It's a brief look into the positive and challenging aspects of ARMY. Most importantly, it will offer ideas on how to spend our time while waiting.
The journey has been long, and as the finish line came into sight, I needed to take time off to practice self-care and take my writer's cap off for a while. During that time, I expressed my creativity in AI art and graphic design. It was soothing, and eventually, I re-opened my Etsy shop to sell my creations on various products. Since then, I have questioned the use of AI in producing creative projects. I think it can be helpful if it is used as a tool for creation rather than to imitate or impersonate someone. Regardless, it helped me get through a difficult time. I was back on track with my writing when we were struck with an unexpected death. My dog Max. At this time, I decided to try to let go of undue project-related pressures. Unlike my usual procrastinating tendencies, this project has kept me driven. The more I write, the more I want to include, leading to extensive research. While I may consider a second edition in the future, the first one is on track to release in the coming weeks. Despite the time it took, I hope it brings joy to my readers.
Navigating this solo venture has its challenges. Scrivener, Grammarly, google Docs, and Google spreadsheets have been my close companions as I try to bring together the idea that is Bangtan Borahae. It is a labor of love.
BTS 25X25: Blood Sweat and Streams
Sometime during this year, my love for BTS and playlists collided, and I created the BTS 25X25: Blood Sweat and Streams project. It's not merely about streaming numbers; it's a heartfelt expression of love for BTS and a commitment to making history together. Envision celebrating 25 BTS songs with a billion plays each on Spotify by June 13, 2025—a collective effort driven by the pure spirit of the ARMY.
Hub for Creative Endeavors
13tigerlilies.com has become a creative hub where passion and profession coalesce seamlessly. This year, I redesigned the website to offer an enhanced exploration experience. From the 13tigerlilies website, you can explore my creative endeavors. Dive into the world of the writer—SJ Barnes. Explore personal music playlists, journey through the geo timeline to learn more about my life, and discover the latest projects.
The Poky Penman Blog offers microblogs on a pollination of topics, from personal anecdotes to my latest writing updates. Join the conversation at WDYT (What Do You Think?), where your ideas can bloom as you explore discussions on the latest writing projects, music, and the enchanting world of BTS. Explore the BTS Genre Galaxy, your portal to BTS's musical journey, through carefully curated playlists. Look into the world of the writer—SJ Barnes. Explore personal music playlists, journey through the geo timeline to learn more about my life, and discover the latest projects. Additionally, visit my Sori Jilleo Pinterest page for a curated collection of BTS pictures and my own Bangtanimal originals.
Seriously, though, just love each other and share the BTS spirit. Remember, j-hope said, We are Bulletproof "to block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations that aim on adolescents like bullets."
In that spirit, let's embrace the challenges, cherish the triumphs, and continue to share the Bangtan LOVE.
Believe, Trust, Stay Strong
As I finish writing this, K-Media is reporting RM and Taehyung are due to report to service momentarily, with Jimin and Jungkook to join the following day. The situation is bittersweet as we'll dearly miss them, but they can't return until they complete their service. So, let's maintain our belief, trust in their journey, and stay strong during their absence.
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