Timeless Vinyl: Five Records That Shaped My Soul

There are albums that pass through our lives like fleeting radio hits, and then there are the ones that embed themselves into our DNA. The records that soundtrack love, heartbreak, rebellion, reinvention. The ones that crack you open, hold up a mirror, and say, This is you.

I’ve lived with a lot of music, but if I had to choose five albums that have stood the test of time for me—five records that continue to reveal new layers with every listen—it would be these:

1. Rumours – Fleetwood Mac (1977)

2. Grace – Jeff Buckley (1994)

3. Black Love – The Afghan Whigs (1996)

4. Physical Graffiti – Led Zeppelin (1975)

5. Blue – Joni Mitchell (1971)

Each of these albums is its own universe—timeless, emotional, and packed with the kind of songwriting and musicianship that refuses to fade. Let’s dive into what makes each one brilliant.

Rumours – Fleetwood Mac (1977)

If an album could be both a soap opera and a masterpiece, Rumours is it. By the time Fleetwood Mac hit the studio to record their 11th album, the band was a tangled mess of broken relationships, betrayals, and enough cocaine to power Studio 54. Somehow, through the chaos, they created one of the greatest records of all time.

From the moment Second Hand News kicks in, you know you’re in for something special. Stevie Nicks’ Dreams floats like a haunting premonition, while Lindsey Buckingham’s Go Your Own Way is a dagger to the heart. Then there’s The Chain—arguably one of the most powerful breakup anthems ever recorded, held together by that thunderous bassline from John McVie.

Beyond the drama, Rumours endures because of its sheer perfection in songwriting and production. Every song is a gem, every harmony a gut punch. It’s an album that makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on something private, raw, and unfiltered—because you are.

Grace – Jeff Buckley (1994)

Few albums feel as ethereal and devastating as Grace. Jeff Buckley was a once-in-a-lifetime talent—a voice that could soar like an angel or whisper like a ghost. His only full-length studio album, Grace, is an intoxicating mix of rock, folk, and blues, drenched in emotion.

The title track is pure poetry—shimmering guitars, otherworldly vocals, and a sense of longing that feels almost spiritual. Last Goodbye is heartbreak wrapped in a melody so beautiful, it almost makes you want to experience loss just to understand it better. And then, of course, there’s Hallelujah—his haunting, definitive cover of Leonard Cohen’s song that feels less like a cover and more like a revelation.

Buckley was a comet that burned out too soon, but Grace remains his legacy—a masterpiece that feels both intimate and infinite.

Black Love – The Afghan Whigs (1996)

If you’ve never listened to Black Love, you’re missing out on one of the darkest, most cinematic rock albums of the ‘90s. The Afghan Whigs, led by Greg Dulli, have always walked the line between seduction and destruction, and this record is their noir masterpiece.

Inspired by film noir and pulp fiction, Black Love plays like a soundtrack to a crime drama that never existed. Crime Scene Part One sets the tone—moody, mysterious, and full of tension. Going to Town struts like a late-night escapade you might regret by morning, and My Enemy seethes with barely contained fury.

Dulli has always been a storyteller, and Black Love is filled with characters you can’t quite trust, emotions that cut deep, and a sonic atmosphere that feels like cigarette smoke curling through a dimly lit bar. It’s sexy, sinister, and absolutely brilliant.

Physical Graffiti – Led Zeppelin (1975)

If Led Zeppelin had stopped after Physical Graffiti, their legacy would still be untouchable. This sprawling double album is pure rock ‘n’ roll excess in the best possible way—a mix of thunderous riffs, bluesy swagger, and moments of unexpected tenderness.

From the towering Kashmir—a song so massive it sounds like it was carved into a mountain—to the dirty groove of Trampled Under Foot, this album proves why Zeppelin was untouchable. But it’s not all bombast—tracks like Ten Years Gone reveal a more introspective side of the band, showing that even gods of rock have moments of vulnerability.

Physical Graffiti is the sound of a band at its peak, unafraid to experiment and push boundaries. Nearly 50 years later, it still sounds untamed.

Blue – Joni Mitchell (1971)

If vulnerability had a soundtrack, it would be Blue. Joni Mitchell didn’t just write songs—she bled onto the page, turning every heartbreak and revelation into poetry. Blue is one of the most brutally honest albums ever recorded, and that’s why it still resonates.

From the opening notes of All I Want, Mitchell lays her soul bare, singing about longing and self-discovery with a rawness that feels like a whispered confession. River is perhaps the most devastating holiday song ever written, while A Case of You remains one of the greatest love songs of all time—pure, bittersweet, and unforgettable.

What makes Blue endure is its honesty. It doesn’t matter if you first heard it in 1971 or last week—its emotional truth is timeless.

The Timelessness of True Art

Each of these albums holds a place in my heart for different reasons—whether it’s the emotional wreckage of Rumours, the haunted beauty of Grace, the cinematic darkness of Black Love, the epic sprawl of Physical Graffiti, or the confessional poetry of Blue. They are records that don’t just exist in time but transcend it.

Music is memory. It’s identity. It’s the soundtrack to who we are and who we were. These albums? They’re the ones that have stayed with me, the ones that refuse to fade. And in a world where trends come and go, there’s something beautiful about that kind of permanence.

What are the records that have shaped your life?

Navigating Career Reinvention in Your 40s and 50s

Let’s get real—by the time you hit your 40s or 50s, you’ve probably mastered the art of survival. You’ve juggled careers, raised kids (or pets), kept relationships intact (mostly), and lived through at least five cultural revolutions—hello, streaming, smartphones, and the rise of TikTok. But what happens when your career no longer fits? When the thing you’ve poured decades into feels like a pair of jeans that’s two sizes too small?

Here’s the truth: career reinvention in your 40s and 50s isn’t just possible—it’s necessary. And spoiler alert—it can also be a hell of a lot of fun. Let’s talk about how to adapt, evolve, and land on your feet like the seasoned badass you are.

Step 1: Ditch the “Too Old” Narrative

First things first—let’s retire the whole “I’m too old to start over” nonsense. You’re not too old; you’re too experienced to waste time doing something that drains your soul.

Here’s the edge you have:

• You know who you are. You’re not 22, crying in the bathroom because someone didn’t like your PowerPoint.

• You’ve got skills and stories. And if anyone doubts you, remind them you survived Y2K and the Blackberry era.

So ditch the excuses. Reinvention isn’t about pretending you’re 30—it’s about owning your experience and using it to your advantage.

Step 2: Take Inventory of Your Awesomeness

Reinvention starts with figuring out what you bring to the table—and let me tell you, your table is solid oak, not some wobbly IKEA nonsense.

• Write down your wins: What have you crushed in your career and personal life?

• Ask yourself what lights you up: What’s the thing you’d do for free (but preferably wouldn’t have to)?

Example: I started crafting jewelry as a creative outlet, and now it’s an actual small business. Who knew playing with stones and wire would turn into something people actually pay for?

Step 3: Learn Something New (Without Feeling Like an Impostor)

Look, I know the idea of taking an online course or diving into a new industry might sound terrifying. But here’s the thing: every expert was once a rookie.

• Start small: Take a class, watch a YouTube tutorial, or read a book. (Pro tip: avoid the ones that tell you to “manifest” your career dreams. Action, not magic, is the key.)

• Experiment: Volunteer, intern, or freelance. It’s like dating a new career—try it out before committing.

And don’t worry if you feel clueless at first. It’s called being human, not failing.

Step 4: Network Like a Pro (Without Being Annoying)

If the word “networking” makes you want to curl up under a blanket, I get it. But hear me out—this isn’t about schmoozing; it’s about building relationships.

• Reconnect with old colleagues: They already know you’re capable, and a little catch-up coffee can open unexpected doors.

• Join communities: LinkedIn groups, local events, or even online spaces where people in your dream field hang out.

Pro Tip: Be authentic. People can smell fake enthusiasm from a mile away, and nobody wants to help a phony.

Step 5: Start Before You’re “Ready”

Here’s a little secret: nobody feels ready when they reinvent themselves. You just start, even if you’re not sure what the hell you’re doing.

• Side hustles: Test the waters. Whether it’s consulting, writing, designing, or launching a product, start small and see what sticks.

• Say yes, then figure it out: Don’t wait for perfection. Your first step might be messy, but messy is better than stuck.

Step 6: Market Yourself Like a Boss

Let’s not downplay this—you need to sell your story. It’s not bragging; it’s branding.

• Show your value: Highlight what makes you uniquely qualified, whether it’s your ability to manage chaos or your killer negotiation skills.

• Spin your story: A “career break” becomes “a time to explore personal growth.” You didn’t “quit”—you “pivoted.” Own your narrative, and others will follow.

Step 7: Take Care of Your Damn Self

Reinvention isn’t easy, so don’t skip the self-care. This isn’t the time to run on fumes or ignore your needs.

• Set boundaries: No, you can’t say yes to everyone. Reinvention requires focus.

• Celebrate progress: Did you send out one email? Take one class? That’s a win. Don’t downplay it.

• Be patient: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your new career won’t be either.

Final Thoughts: Reinvent Yourself Like a Pro

Here’s the deal: career reinvention in your 40s or 50s isn’t about “starting over.” It’s about taking everything you’ve learned, everything you’ve survived, and creating something that finally feels like you.

So, stop waiting for the perfect moment, because it doesn’t exist. Start now, with whatever you have, and trust that the path will unfold as you go. You’ve got this—and honestly, you’ve had it all along.

Ready to Reinvent? Start Here!

If this resonates with you, check out my e-book, Mastering Gen X Life, where I dive deeper into topics like adaptability, resilience, and creating a life that works for you. It’s packed with actionable advice and personal stories to inspire your next chapter.

Grab your copy today and start designing the life—and career—you deserve.

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Let’s reinvent together—because you’re not done yet, and neither am I.

Living Bold, Living Grateful: A Holiday Reflection from Susan

From My Heart to Yours—A Season of Gratitude

Hi, I’m Susan, the founder of AVILA. As the holidays approach, I find myself reflecting on all the moments that shaped this past year—big and small, joyful and challenging. Gratitude is a practice that has guided me not only in life but also in creating AVILA’s designs.

This season, I want to share what gratitude means to me and how it inspires the jewelry I create for you. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of connection, reflection, and the bold, inspired lives we’re building every day.

Why Gratitude Matters More Than Ever

Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting feeling—it’s a mindset that transforms how we see the world. For me, it’s about savoring the small wins, like completing a new jewelry collection, and cherishing the big ones, like connecting with amazing customers like you.

During the holidays, gratitude has an even deeper meaning. It’s a time to honor what truly matters—whether it’s family, personal growth, or the little things that make life beautiful, like a piece of jewelry that tells your story.

Jewelry That Reflects Gratitude

At AVILA, I design every piece with intention and meaning. My hope is that when you wear one of my designs, it serves as a personal reminder to live boldly and celebrate your unique journey.

This season, I want to highlight a few pieces that capture the spirit of gratitude:

- Azure Edge Earrings: A celebration of clarity and resilience—perfect for grounding yourself in strength.

- Flame Dancer Earrings: For the bold, passionate moments that ignite your spirit.

Every AVILA design is handmade with care, blending timeless style with a modern edge to reflect the powerful, inspired women who wear them.

How I Practice Gratitude Daily

Gratitude has been a guiding light for me, especially as a small business owner. Here are a few simple ways I bring gratitude into my life—and you can, too:

1. Wear Your Gratitude: I love choosing a piece of jewelry that reminds me of a moment or value I hold dear.

2. Celebrate Small Wins: Every milestone, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

3. Say Thank You: Taking time to thank the people who support and inspire you can be transformative.

This practice has deepened my connection to the world and to the AVILA community.

Giving Back: Gratitude in Action

At AVILA, gratitude drives everything I do, from sourcing materials ethically to creating timeless designs that support women in living bold, inspired lives. This season, I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to give back—whether through meaningful collaborations or supporting sustainable practices.

Every AVILA piece you choose is part of that story. When you wear or gift AVILA, you’re sharing not just jewelry but a message of connection, inspiration, and care.

Thank You for Being Part of the AVILA Journey

To every customer, supporter, and friend: thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your belief in AVILA makes it possible for me to do what I love, and I’m endlessly grateful for your support.

As we head into the new year, let’s carry the spirit of gratitude with us. Together, we can embrace the beauty in life, live boldly, and continue inspiring one another to shine brightly.

With gratitude and love,
Susan