Me and pup at the lake. I am looking extra butch and tubby
Clean House
This week I literally cleaned house. I tore through my entire house and it took 3 days all total.
There is something about cleaning your house that automatically sets you up for taking stock of where you are at. I had to do this big time. All of a sudden I was hit with the changes that I made in my life. Changes that I thought were a conscious decision, but instead they were a reaction to life.
I didn’t choose this job, the job chose me. Not to long ago I was traveling, playing music, and trying to figure out if I wanted a crown royal with coke or with ginger ale. These were my crucial decision. Now I spend sometimes 18 hour days absorbed in training clients, emails, research, and blog posts.
Slowly I am finding that balance. I am a bit of a extremist by nature, so balance in my personal life is a bit hard to do.
My Story?
There is this rule of thumb when you have a blog. You are supposed to compose your “story.” If you haven’t noticed I don’t have that. It isn’t because I don’t have one, it is that I am not sure what to say yet or where to start. It is more perfectionist than it is fear.
I do know that right now I am in the process of writing a new chapter and that my future is very uncertain…and I like it that way. I have no idea where I am going to be a year from now or five years from that. If there is one thing I know about my life is that there is nothing about it that is predictable.
Again, I like that. I hope that you stick along for the changes to come both with me and on the blog discussions.
The Workout
This week went a little better for the workouts. My stamina is building back up quickly, which is nice. Balance and strength is moving slower than I like, which isn’t nice.
Me being a fat ass seems to be more trouble than I thought so the diet is going to start this Weds. I will detail what I am going to do. I hate not eating so this will be as fast as I can pull it off. I was planning on doing the diet anyway, but it needs to happen sooner than later. I will promise lots of detail on that and a glorious after picture.
The Music
I received a bunch of really nice emails for requests about hearing music, personal stuff, etc. You will note you get all kinds of goodies this week. Please note the puppy lovin tubby ass picture above.
It’s funny, I just destroyed my studio because I am going to be redesigning the whole basement area in the next few months. Right now it is looking pretty bare. This is what it looked like previously…
You are looking at 5 guitars, massive korg stage piano, amps, and all kinds of goodies galore.
I feel as if they are being neglected, but in my heart I know the time isn’t right yet. I toyed and messed with my music for years and I didn’t have the knowledge about business that I have now. Who knows what the future holds. Dance, music, writing, and training. All in a days dream.
–
Song of the post: I have two song of the posts for you today and they are my own.
“Aye Aye-Demo“ – This song is very involved in personal meaning, but in short is a short tale of a girl lost at sea, and the man she loved who would not stop until he found her. I didn’t usually write a lot of songs like these. I almost hesitated for this one to be the first I shared. It has a very folk ballad feel to it, but it was always one of my favorites.
Leigh Peele-Aye Aye
“Marina’s Song-Live” – I wrote this song about an Opera singer I knew once. This song was recorded live and was one of my favorite performances ever.
The crowd was warm and full of life in an extra special way. I never liked touring that much. I love travel and I love meeting people, but sometimes the drives were a bit lonely. Being broke I had to stay in my car and that would always bring out the creeps and too many close calls.
Still, some nights were magic, and this was one of them.
Leigh Peele-Marina’s Song
Related posts:
That’s it. I am officially in love with you. Wow. Amazing songs Leigh.
I love what you do and think you are a huge vaule to this field, but if you went to music I wouldn’t hate on it.
Wow I am impressed! Love those songs!
I know full well about how cleaning out can give you perspective; I am sure there is some sort of psychology with all the stuff we accumulate!!
You are not a fat a$s!
Loved it Leigh, just loved it!
I agree with missy, not fat.
WOW!!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!! You have a beautiful voice!!!!
I really enjoyed this post. I think it is all to easy to forget how real people are when you only know them through the internet. Looks to be a time of reflection for you. We all need to hit the reset button from time to time. Good Luck to your future.
YES YES YES!
If I may take a small piece of credit for this AWESOME post. I was waiting to see what you would blog about this week for your blogs “Off Topic.” It delivered. When it popped up on facebook I was hopeful there would at least be a picture, and you gave songs!
Each week that goes by Leigh you continue to impress me. I am not easily impressed either or a “fan.” You have made one out of me.
Since you seem to be taking requests, I have another.
I am stuck in a rut in my life. The movtivation post you made has been helping me stay focused but, I don’t know where to go from here. Could you perhaps elborate more on the “lifestyle” posts? How did you get where you are? What would you suggest for people who want to follow that path too?
Greg-Well I am not going anywhere anytime soon, I can say that much.
Missy-Heh I don’t really think I am fat, its just a joke. Although I will say I am too heavy to do some of the things I used to do easily, and thats gotta go yo.
Karen-Thank you, on both fronts
Shari- Aw thanks Shari
Rusty-I agree 100%. Good luck to yours as well.
Jessie-Ha I wont lie Jessie, your messages were quite a push but you know, its a nice thing to be pushed about.
I will certainly make a point to post more about lifestyle and moving towards your ultimate journey.
Wow you can really sing Leigh. I will never understand how people write music, I think it is the neatest gift. You are a quadruple threat. The 2nd song reminded me a of Natalie Merchant.
Are you kidding me? Leigh that is so neat. It isn’t really my style of music, but your voice is simply amazing. I hope you DO share your story in the future Leigh. Thank you for what you have shared with us so far.
Butch and chubby? You kidding me? You’re gorgeous!
Hey, I have a couple of tunes that need female vocals. Your voice would suit one of them. Interested?
ya know, the thing I love most about you is that you are incredibly brave and you are real. Over the past few months you been given lots of challenges, and though they haven’t been pleasant or easy, you walk out on top and remain authentic. That’s real, that’s you. (also, NOT chubby, just fine)
Leigh…….I’m totally impressed. Aye Aye reminded me of Tori Amos…….Simply beautiful.
Thanks for giving us a peek into the Leigh of the past and the Leigh of the present. I think we will all be ready for the Leigh of the future with all of your talents. Thanks for letting us in a little!
Leigh I have to admit that you are someone I have a love hate relationship with. Sometimes you make me so mad! I have unsubscribed from you twice! Then you post up something like this and the recent bulky and ideal women articles, I can’t help but be taken in by you.
I may not always agree with you, but I have to admit I admire your spirit and there is a way about you.
I am subscribed again!
Elaina-Thanks, people have mentioned that before as well.
Jill-I am dead serious.
Leith – I never say no to long distance relationships.
Meg – Thanks for that. I do try to keep it real. It isn’t always easy to do that and as each year passes I hope I get better at not holding back. Tough in the short term, better in the long term for everyone.
Stephanie – To even be mentioned in the same sentence of Tori Amos is pretty flooring to me. Consider my lifetime made.
Maxine – Ha well thank you for your honesty Maxine. I realize that I am not for everyone, but hopefully, like me or not, I can help you with something along the way and that is good enough for me.
LEIGH!
You are a woman full of surprises … beautiful voice … lovely dog … and definitely not chubby. The handkerchief thing is probably a southern thang so I can’t fault you there, but I can send you a nice Yankees cap if you want!
Man Leigh you never cease to impress. First you can dance your ass off, now your displaying the vocal skills. All this on top of great fat loss and fitness advice. Your just one of those special individuals that seems like you can do anything your hearts into. I love the personal touches with the pics and story. Your so not some internet guru up on some pedestal that we cant relate to. You’re just so “real”. Please keep it coming.
Leigh! Thanks for sharing more of yourself with us! It’s so great getting to know you…loving this new blog!
I love your music! Thank you so much for sharing. I really enjoy your voice too and I really liked the aye aye too. Can’t wait to hear more …
When I grow up, I want to be like Leigh Peele…
Entrepreneur, dancer, friend, Fat Loss Queen and singer??!! Can you juggle?
It really is easy to love you. You are the best. Thanks for sharing more of your life with us.
Oh, yeah… Definately needs a Yankees hat Julie.
LEIGH! That is so cool
Very cool stuff. I am highly impressed that you can do something like that. I am a music freak and I would listen to your music. Hot too.
First things first, I dig the Trans Am shirt (coincidentally I am wearing my Frank the Tank shirt right now..no lie – we are connected on another level) and the prairie dog/squirrel avatar, small furry animals rock!!
It’s really cool to see you open up. Sheila and I have been asking for this for years and I am glad get to know you a little better now. Keep kickin ass, stay open and in the flow.
Do you think you could put download links for those songs Leigh?
Yeah I have to agree with people here Leigh. I have listened to these songs a few times now. I didn’t expect you to be this good at it. Why aren’t you still pursuing this? I work for a distribution company. If you ever want to talk drop me a line.
Tobyfarming@gmail.com
Jim- Leigh can juggle.
Great post Leigh. I love the picture of you and Santana, also you are not tubby.
maaaaaan…. I really like the lisp (ok, ok, it’s flat-out HOT) but if you can sing like that without the braces, I guess I can make that sacrifice!
Nice work, Leigh!
Leigh, I loved this post. You have a beautiful voice and touch with the guitar and I’d look forward to hearing more from you.
Right now I am listen two of the fully fat-loss-troubleshooter audiobook and it is incredible. HEARING you describe these things makes so much sense to me than just reading it–it’s really sinking in. I was one of those people that thought: “yeah, I know all that stuff, I’m going to (dreaded word) SKIM the printed book” … but guess what? The weight wasn’t coming off so I listened to it fully through once and now I’m listening to it a full second time through and it has completely resonated with me in a whole new way. After a week, I’ve already dropped two pounds and feel more in control than I have in ages.
Leigh, you rock. Cute dog, too.
Wow, my first post came out full of typos. Lovely. I MEANT to say, “Right now I am on listen 2 of the full FLTS audiobook…”
Well Jim kind of beat me to it but yeah….it seems like every week you’re sharing another of your creative talents with us. What’s next- chapter one of a novel? Maybe a painting or two? I can honestly say that neither of those (or anything else for that matter) would surprise me. Keep up ALL the good work Leigh, and continued success with your ankle recovery.
HOLY CRAP YOU ARE UNBELIEVABLE!
Just when I think you can’t possibly get any more awesome, well, goddamnit, then you do…
I have been a professional illustrator for over 20 years, and often have people express to me their bewilderment how I see these pictures in my head and then paint them…but to me it seems like no big deal, and I can’t imagine NOT seeing pictures constantly in my head…but I gotta tell ya Leigh, I sure as hell can’t imagine being able to write music….let alone having the guts to sing it (or talent, of course, anyone can “sing” if you don’t mind sounding like a wounded hyena…)
you amaze me
Let me just say that you rock. I thought that already, but dang, my friend–you blew me away tonight! I LOVE LOVE LOVE those songs and I think the Tori Amos/Natalie Merchant comparison is right there. You know, it’s funny–that honest thing that shines through your writing comes through the music, too.
Love the pic of the doggie (Santana? Of course!), but dude, WHAT is on your head?
Leigh, you are an amazing artist. Seriously talented. Your vocals are not only rich, smooth, creamy, & soulful, but you have perfect pitch. Love it!
Just wanted to echo what everyone else has already stated– You are amazing and never fail to impress!! The world is at your fingertips…
Isn’t the point of what Leigh shares, that WE ARE like Leigh Peele? We DO have all these facets? Let’s start sharing our multi-faceted lives beyond admiring Leigh. There’s something kind of, hmmm, a loss of personal power with all these accolades.. And I do love ya leigh!
I lived on a commune for 4 years wtih 40 adults and kids and I started the school there. I travelled around the world for 5 years, painting watercolor, left with $6000 and returned with $5000 (finished the trip by teaching English in Taiwan)… Lived on a kibbutz for 10 months. Hiked the Anapurna circuit, Nepal. Hitchhiked cross country a coupla times. Got fired from a lotta jobs. I tye-died shirts and sold them at a womyn’s music festival for $3-$5 more if you can, less if you can’t price.
I am a professional dieter… my grave stone will say more than “here lies Etana Finkler, who finally lost her 40 pounds for good” but it will also say still more that I have not yet done!
What about you? Is Leigh the only superstar among us?
creatively and in fun… Etana
You’ve lived a pretty cool life, Etana!
I’ve done some singing, too–church choirs, even a rock band—and some recording. My last few years (and the next 18 or so) have been absorbed by raising 3 little people.
Etana I think your stuff is cool, but…
That came across as a cut at Leigh. I don’t think she is trying to ask for any sort of admiration or compliments. I think that what is presented here is more than just normal. I don’t think that they average person can do all of these things. I am impressed. I don’t want Leigh to withdraw sharing these things because a negative view is put to it. After all this is Leigh’s blog. If you don’t want to hear about Leigh, read her work, or support her, then what is the point of coming to it right? Is it just me?
Jeanne,
I DO think that the average person can do all these things, and I think that Leigh might also think that as well. She is so encouraging of us to stop the bullshit and lose the weight already and get on with living/loving our life!
I doubt Leight will take it as a cut to her.
There is no “negative view put on it…” only a broadening to empower us all. Sometimes we identify someone as a superstar to get off the hook of taking responsibility of our own shining star. Leigh, please correct me if I owe you an apology or am off base.
I can and do admire Leigh, but putting her on a pedestal away from us hmmm … I’ll bet she’d rather play in the mud with us, than be on a pedestal.
Of course I want to read all about Leigh haaha. I learn so much about myself and others, And she has so much lifefullness to share with us.
Etana
Hey, let’s stick to the positive–it seems like Etana is just asking us to see what great things we are doing. It only lifts us all up to recognize ourselves and each other
what Anna said. exactly.
I can agree with that but to say me or anyone is “putting Leigh on a pedalstool” I think is incorrect and could deter people from leaving positive comments because we are just seen as brown nosers or suck ups.
I am sorry but it was a rude comment, not so much to Leigh but to those of use who praised her efforts.
Would this have been the same had it been Leigh hitting a deadlift number? I don’t think so. Whatever though. I think that it IS special and this is her blog so I don’t get the point. Start your own blog to celebrate your talents. It wasn’t “negative” until giving a complement was seen as being blinded by worship, which I don’t think happened in the first place.
Here is my take…
I get where Etana is coming from and will even address it in the next update on my training/personal entries.
Jenna or jennane (nickname?)-
I don’t think the intent was to make it seem as if I had “fans.” Who am I and I would never think like that anyway. I hope to educate and talk to people. If we connect or I can help them, great.
The reason I am doing these posts is because it is the only place I can easily update about things going on in my life. Its one weekend post, it is about things I am doing, thinking, training, whatever.
Most of the people giving the positive comments I have talked to multiple times through PM’s or emails or were clients, etc. Its really not different than I friend throwing up props in my opinion.
So many of the readers here are massively talented and hopefully we can highlight that more in the future. In the meantime I do indeed play in the mud and not only am I okay with being questioned, I invite it happily.
yeah, but Jim and Mike (and countless others, I’m sure) are going to want to see those mud pictures…
Speaking of which, have you ever tried a Mud Buddy race? My sister and her friend just did one in Atlanta and she said it was hella fun. THere’s running and biking and crawling through the mud. I think that’s something you and Katie should try. 
I know how you feel about running (for yourself, not for others), but it could be a fun day…
So now you want me AND Katie in the mud. Sinead I think you are just making things worse
hehehe It’s the red hair; I can’t help it.
lol
I want to see you juggling in the mud
(Hey, Katie said you could juggle)
Or in jello, or pudding or….OK, I’m going back to work now.
Leigh Peele,.. you are a very interesting and awesome person. I am amazed at your musical talent among many others. You have a beutiful voice!!And beutiful guitar Playing, Okay so you are just plain beutiful!! God Bless! Thank you for sharing.
You are intriguing, smart, and talented. (Those words get so overused that we all tend to skip by them, but I meant every single one of them. Please give them all of the weight they deserve!) You are also very authentic. Have I met you? No. But I have a sense about you, and I know you are real. I am a 47-year-old woman, married with a child. I’m not looking for a messiah, just an inspiration. I don’t have fat I need to lose (at least I don’t think), which may seem strange to many others following you, but I do need inspiration. Thank you for giving me that. Thank you for sharing your talents (who else could make an almost-50 woman want to hip-hop?
. And I loved, loved your songs. You are a talented song-writer, musician, and vocalist. So if my sounding like I’m gushing irritates a few, I’m sorry…but anyone who puts themselves “out there” in hopes of helping or inspiring another deserves the credit. Diving off of the high board takes guts, more guts than most of those posting on here have (including me! 
.
My best to you!
I am so signing us up for a mud buddy race Leigh.
Excellent song Leighe.
Have you heard “Breathe” by Anna Nalick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPz3YaIJkjQ
Really good song.