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My 5 Years as a Marching Band Nerd | oh hey, friday link up

Link Up

1 Aug

I debated on which Indiana State Fair life I should share with you today, in honor of the great event’s opening day. Should I tell you about my 4-H days in which NONE of my projects ever made it to the State Fair? Or about my life as the Publicity & Media Relations Intern for the 2009 Indiana State Fair, also known as the 17-day marathon fueled by fried deliciousness?

No, instead I will tell you about the part of the Fair that allowed me to wear drag makeup in the cow barn. Today I give to you my five years as the Color Guard Captain of the Southmont Royal Mountie Band & Guard. True life: I’m a band nerd.

Brace yourself. This is a total #flashbackfriday straight from my high school scrapbook, and guard fashion is not for the faint of heart.

Also, can I get a “what, what!” for the Mountie Band who tomorrow will make their first appearance at Band Day since 2010?! I’m so stoked. Best of luck, band!

—

1 | The Rising Sun (2001) – 7th place

Southmont2001

Photo: http://www.indianatrackmarchingbands.com

Is it just a little sad that when you look at the above photo, 13 years later, I can still tell you which one is me?

I was about to start my 8th grade year when I decided to join the high school band. That wasn’t a stretch, since I played the clarinet, but I joined the color guard… with zero previous dance experience.

To make matters worse? I was named the Captain. Of the varsity guard. At approximately 13 years old. Let me tell you how much the seniors liked me…

Not at all.

But at least I was stylish in my full-on geisha make up. No?

Fotor0801102129

 

2 | The Light Eternal (2002) – 10th place, Small Band Guard – 1st place

Southmont_2002_Photo1

Photo: http://www.indianatrackmarchingbands.com

This show had a military story line, and I wore camo face paint and cargos.

Hawt.

My favorite part of this show, to this day, is Southmont’s world-class baton twirler’s ending solo. Spinning a flag is one thing, but to me a baton is magical. Bri, if you’re reading this, you were incredible.

Also, I was one of four ladies in charge of marching an actual American flag off the field. I remember one of us accidentally dropping a corner during practice, and fearing for our lives afterward. Military stuff is no joke.

We did something right, though. They gave us a plaque. 😉

IMG_5456

 

3 | Tribal Chant & Ritual (2003) – 5th place

Southmont_2003

Photo: http://www.indianatrackmarchingbands.com

2003 was my first show post-spinal surgery, and I was only allowed a swing flag solo… of which I have no photos of.

But I got to dress up like an Indian princess in the 100* heat. That was kind of cool.

IMG_5467

 

4 | Ancient Ritual Celtic Journey (2004) – 8th place, Small Band Guard – 1st place

Southmont3_2004_Muncie_South_Contest

Photo: http://www.indianatrackmarchingbands.com

This show probably qualifies as my favorite. There were giant “rocks” (made by my parents), we did a rockin’ tribal dance, spun giant sticks and banged some bass drums.

Was it not the fabulous Bonny who broke the drum at night show? Beast mode.

They gave us another plaque for that.

IMG_5459
As for the fashion? We wore green velvet unitards and had airbrushed face tattoos. The boys were so jealous of our fabulousness, they got some too.

IMG_5460

 

 

5 | The Enchanted Forest (2005) – 5th place, Overall Guard – 1st place

Southmont_2005SFBDPhoto2

Photo: http://www.indianatrackmarchingbands.com

Oh, my senior year.

The above photo is of the ending flag feature. During night show, my last marching band performance, I remember holding my pose through tears – watching the thousands of people cheer from the grandstands.

Moments like that made the blood, sweat and tears so worth it.

We worked hard that year, in memory of one of our own who was watching from above. We finished 5th (a major accomplishment), and they gave us a really big guard plaque because we were the best there was… of any band size.

IMG_5465

Also, green velvet unitards made a re-appearance as a cropped pant. And we added some fake flowers.

Class of 2006? We rocked it. Lots of Monster was consumed, and many memories were made.

IMG_5463

And that’s what we call a blast from the past, my friends.

 

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  1. Mr. B says

    August 4, 2014 at 5:18 pm

    You were and always will be truly magnificent.

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      August 4, 2014 at 5:29 pm

      Thank you, Mr. B. That means a lot. 🙂

      Reply

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I never knew I could be this person. I’m not super athletic. I have never dieted or counted calories. I never considered myself or my health. I always have watched other women make big physical changes in their lives, but I have never felt like I was capable to do the same.

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What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

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I challenged myself to be uncomfortable this year. Sharing this? The real and raw? That's uncomfortable.

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NEW POST: Who are you? (link in bio) I'm looking NEW POST: Who are you? (link in bio)

I'm looking for others who feel like me. People who may have lost a piece of themselves, but are (or want to be) on a journey to re-design their lives. Let's have a book club, or dinner party, or even start an empowerment group for 30-somethings who forgot their favorite color.

Let's help each other grow. 🌿

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #blogger #mhn #selflove #selfcare #identity #30something #travelblog #momofgirls #blog #bloggersofinstagram
This is the difference a year makes. ⬇️ 30 l This is the difference a year makes. 

⬇️ 30 lbs. ⬆️ Healthy habits. ⬇️ 4 in. of hair. ⬆️ Strength. ➕ A tattoo & a ton of self love. 

I never knew I could be this person. I’m not super athletic. I have never dieted or counted calories. I never considered myself or my health. I always have watched other women make big physical changes in their lives, but I have never felt like I was capable to do the same.

If you’re reading this, and feel the same way I used to, trust me. 

You can. 💜

(1. January 2020, 2. June 2020 (100 rides), 3. January 2021 (200 rides))

#empoweringwomen #peloton #pelotonweightloss #pelotonbike #loveyourself #fitness #fitnessjourney #cottentales #blogger #momofgirls #momsofinstagram #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #selfcare #selflove #selflovejourney #pelotonmom #pelotoncommunity #lovesquad #boocrew #uncomfortable #bloom
NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #travelblogger #newyear #2021 #quitlikeawoman #momofgirls #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #momsofinstagram #bloom #bloomwhereyouareplanted #peloton #pelotonbike #resolutions #mantra #healthyhabits #newpost #blogging
L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

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Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

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Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales

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