Dear Friend,
I read the most recent blog entry by Adam Young, entitled How To Get Over It. At the end of the entry he says, "If you need me, I’ll be in my fuzzy turtleneck with a bowl of cereal staring out the kitchen window. I like the way the rain sounds against these old bay windows." It reminded me of the Relient K song "Jefferson Aero Plane" and got me wondering.
Apparently, friend, eating cereal and staring out of windows is a legitimate way of dealing with emotional problems. If this is true, why haven't I done so? I can't remember ever grabbing a bowl of cereal and staring out of the window, rainy day or not.
Usually, if I'm having cereal I will occupy myself by reading the box, either the back where they advertise whatever other product they wish to sell me or sing the praises of the product I'm already consuming, or I read the nutritional information.
Apparently, for all these years, I've been doing it all wrong. I need to eat cereal in a melancholy and introspective fashion, preferably in the cold, if all this talk of fuzzy sweaters and open windows is any indication.
Thank you, Owl City and Relient K, for showing me the error of my ways, and presenting me with a new way to handle my emotional dilemmas.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
I Quit
Dear Friend,
I quit the Camp NaNoWriMo. Sorry, but the motivation just wasn't there. I still love the character I was writing about, and may someday try again to tell her early story. Or I might just leave it in flashbacks or my own head as I write other stories with her. Who knows, but there's still plenty of possibilities.
This experience has left me thinking about quitting, and when it's OK or not OK to give up. I don't like to quit. I guess hearing the phrase "Winners never quit and quitters never win" so many times in my life actually set the idea firmly in my brain. Even when I hate doing something I keep at it. Most of the time, anyway.
The biggest thing I ever quit was piano. I started piano lessons around age eight, and continued steadily until almost eighteen. I had a large range of teachers, from great to horrible. The worst of my teachers would change the fingering of pieces, making them harder to play, so that my fingers would look pretty. Even when she was telling me that I knew she was full of garbage, and I wasn't one of those kids who questioned my teachers.
My last teacher was a great teacher, and I learned a great deal from her. Most likely, if I hadn't moved while she was my teacher I would have kept learning from her for a long time. However, I did move, and when I thought about looking for a new teacher, even working on an audition piece, I was less than enthusiastic. I had learned a good deal from this teacher, but I hadn't had a lot of fun. She entered me into a lot of competitions, so a good deal of my practice time was preparing for those, and I never actually liked the compositions she chose for me to compete with.
That was when I realized, I had been playing songs I either didn't care about or outright didn't like for ten years! I loved that I knew how to play piano. I loved the sound of the instrument, I loved classical music. I didn't love playing only classical music. By the time I could play a song well I had analyzed and memorized and gone over the music so much that it didn't sound like music anymore. It sounded like an exercise. Music wasn't fun.
So I quit.
I've tried a few times in the ten years since to get back into piano, and am on a pretty good run right now. I can play and enjoy it. I've missed a lot of really important years of practice, and I've forgotten a lot of things that I should remember, but I like doing it now.
Don't get me wrong, it's still work, hard work, but I'm able to go at the pace I want, and play what I like. I'm considering going back to a teacher, but for now I'll enjoy making music. Not perfect music, just music.
I quit the Camp NaNoWriMo. Sorry, but the motivation just wasn't there. I still love the character I was writing about, and may someday try again to tell her early story. Or I might just leave it in flashbacks or my own head as I write other stories with her. Who knows, but there's still plenty of possibilities.
This experience has left me thinking about quitting, and when it's OK or not OK to give up. I don't like to quit. I guess hearing the phrase "Winners never quit and quitters never win" so many times in my life actually set the idea firmly in my brain. Even when I hate doing something I keep at it. Most of the time, anyway.
The biggest thing I ever quit was piano. I started piano lessons around age eight, and continued steadily until almost eighteen. I had a large range of teachers, from great to horrible. The worst of my teachers would change the fingering of pieces, making them harder to play, so that my fingers would look pretty. Even when she was telling me that I knew she was full of garbage, and I wasn't one of those kids who questioned my teachers.
My last teacher was a great teacher, and I learned a great deal from her. Most likely, if I hadn't moved while she was my teacher I would have kept learning from her for a long time. However, I did move, and when I thought about looking for a new teacher, even working on an audition piece, I was less than enthusiastic. I had learned a good deal from this teacher, but I hadn't had a lot of fun. She entered me into a lot of competitions, so a good deal of my practice time was preparing for those, and I never actually liked the compositions she chose for me to compete with.
That was when I realized, I had been playing songs I either didn't care about or outright didn't like for ten years! I loved that I knew how to play piano. I loved the sound of the instrument, I loved classical music. I didn't love playing only classical music. By the time I could play a song well I had analyzed and memorized and gone over the music so much that it didn't sound like music anymore. It sounded like an exercise. Music wasn't fun.
So I quit.
I've tried a few times in the ten years since to get back into piano, and am on a pretty good run right now. I can play and enjoy it. I've missed a lot of really important years of practice, and I've forgotten a lot of things that I should remember, but I like doing it now.
Don't get me wrong, it's still work, hard work, but I'm able to go at the pace I want, and play what I like. I'm considering going back to a teacher, but for now I'll enjoy making music. Not perfect music, just music.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
New Owl City Album, you know I had to write about it, didn't you?
Dear Friend,
Remember how I'mobsessed with a fan of Owl City? Well, this past Tuesday "All Things Bright and Beautiful" came out, and nothing was going to stop me from getting it. (Actually, I just downloaded it, like everything of Adam Young's, it all came from ITunes.)
Between bouts of listening to nothing but the Beatles I've managed to play this new album almost enough times to memorize the lyrics, and I thought I'd just write down a few thoughts on it, track by track. (I'm getting the track order from Amazon, since downloading it after pre-ordering put the second version of Alligator Sky as a different album. If the order is wonky, don't blame me, blame Amazon.)
1. The Real World: Honestly, not the greatest opening for the CD, but good. Very typical of Adam; dreamy, electronic sound and sweet, surreal lyrics. "Reality is a lovely place/but I wouldn't want to live there" 3/5
2. Deer in the Headlights: I love the opening of this, especially since it made my Mom stop and say, "What sort of instrument is that?!" Lots of energy and catchy. The lyrics are also quite funny. 4.5/5
3. Angels: So far the odd numbered songs are leaving me a little cold. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad song, and I love singing along with it, but it's no "Fireflies." The highlight is the line "I believe there are beautiful things seen by the astronauts." 3/5
4. Dreams Don't Turn to Dust: I love it. I'm not sure I can get very eloquent about why, probably my usual reason for liking optimistic songs. Upbeat, idealistic, fun, and I love the percussion. 4/5
5. Honey and the Bee: Joined by Breanne Duren, this song is so sweet and lovely. I have always liked how Adam and Breanne sound together, her voice is so sweet and girly compared to his geeky boy sound. Guitar in this song is great, too. 4/5
6. Kamikaze: I LOVE this song, though I don't actually understand what he's singing. I know that sounds stupid, but it's true. His shouting in the chorus just energizes me, and I love the beat of the song, along with the sounds. 4.5/5
7. January 28, 1986: This really just works as an intro to "Galaxies", so I'll move on.
8. Galaxies: I've been waiting for this song for literally months. I loved it from the time he put the samples on his website. I love the energy, the Christian theme, they words, everything. I don't even mind that possibly half of the lyrics are "da, da, da, da." If this were the only song on the album I'd have thought it was worth the money. 5/5
9. Hospital Flowers: Back to the odd numbers not grabbing me. It's a slow song, and to me, depressing. I realize that the idea behind it is supposed to be optimistic "Happiness returned to me/Through a grave emergency" but it bums me out. It will probably be good for those blue days, though. 2.5/5
10. Alligator Sky (feat. Shawn Chrystopher): I've listened to this song so many times I don't know if I'll ever bother to listen to it again. It was the first single, and downloaded automatically when you pre-ordered the album. All I can say is Owl City and rap don't really play well together. I like the song, but often wished I could hear it without the rapping. Now that I have the album, I can. Hard to rate, though, I'll give it a 2/5
11. The Yacht Club: Joined by Lights. (I probably didn't capitalize her name properly, sorry) It's not a bad song, but really, the poor odd numbered songs. I don't really get the lyrics, and can't connect to it. I like the collaboration with Lights, and I'll definitely listen to this often. 3/5
12. Plant Life: I want to know how much of this song was Adam Young and how much was Matt Theissen. I can imagine Relient K doing this song (actually, I want to hear them do it.) I love this song to pieces and bits. I think I listened to it three times in a row last night. I adore the waltz tempo, the imagery, the accordion (?) just everything. I love everything about it. 5/5
13. How I Became the Sea: Um, wow, I feel like I'm dreaming a very bizarre dream whenever I hear this song. It's an amazing feeling, and I'm fascinated by the song, but in a way I can't tell if I actually like it, you know? (So much emotion that my sentences run on, apparently) 4/5
14: Alligator Sky: Ah, finally, the real "Alligator Sky." I love it. I feel like most of my comments are repeating themselves, so I won't elaborate, other than to say, Adam, please, no more rapping. 4.5/5
15. Lonely Lullaby: This isn't actually on the album. It's available through Owl City Galaxy, though. I've written about it before, but that was more of how the song made me feel. I'm over that now, by the way. It's still a lovely song, and I think he should have put it on the actual album instead of making it an online "club" type of exclusive. I hate that sort of thing. The song itself earns 4/5
There you go, my thoughts on Owl City's "All Things Bright and Beautiful." Check it out, you might like it.
Remember how I'm
1. The Real World: Honestly, not the greatest opening for the CD, but good. Very typical of Adam; dreamy, electronic sound and sweet, surreal lyrics. "Reality is a lovely place/but I wouldn't want to live there" 3/5
2. Deer in the Headlights: I love the opening of this, especially since it made my Mom stop and say, "What sort of instrument is that?!" Lots of energy and catchy. The lyrics are also quite funny. 4.5/5
3. Angels: So far the odd numbered songs are leaving me a little cold. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad song, and I love singing along with it, but it's no "Fireflies." The highlight is the line "I believe there are beautiful things seen by the astronauts." 3/5
4. Dreams Don't Turn to Dust: I love it. I'm not sure I can get very eloquent about why, probably my usual reason for liking optimistic songs. Upbeat, idealistic, fun, and I love the percussion. 4/5
5. Honey and the Bee: Joined by Breanne Duren, this song is so sweet and lovely. I have always liked how Adam and Breanne sound together, her voice is so sweet and girly compared to his geeky boy sound. Guitar in this song is great, too. 4/5
6. Kamikaze: I LOVE this song, though I don't actually understand what he's singing. I know that sounds stupid, but it's true. His shouting in the chorus just energizes me, and I love the beat of the song, along with the sounds. 4.5/5
7. January 28, 1986: This really just works as an intro to "Galaxies", so I'll move on.
8. Galaxies: I've been waiting for this song for literally months. I loved it from the time he put the samples on his website. I love the energy, the Christian theme, they words, everything. I don't even mind that possibly half of the lyrics are "da, da, da, da." If this were the only song on the album I'd have thought it was worth the money. 5/5
9. Hospital Flowers: Back to the odd numbers not grabbing me. It's a slow song, and to me, depressing. I realize that the idea behind it is supposed to be optimistic "Happiness returned to me/Through a grave emergency" but it bums me out. It will probably be good for those blue days, though. 2.5/5
10. Alligator Sky (feat. Shawn Chrystopher): I've listened to this song so many times I don't know if I'll ever bother to listen to it again. It was the first single, and downloaded automatically when you pre-ordered the album. All I can say is Owl City and rap don't really play well together. I like the song, but often wished I could hear it without the rapping. Now that I have the album, I can. Hard to rate, though, I'll give it a 2/5
11. The Yacht Club: Joined by Lights. (I probably didn't capitalize her name properly, sorry) It's not a bad song, but really, the poor odd numbered songs. I don't really get the lyrics, and can't connect to it. I like the collaboration with Lights, and I'll definitely listen to this often. 3/5
12. Plant Life: I want to know how much of this song was Adam Young and how much was Matt Theissen. I can imagine Relient K doing this song (actually, I want to hear them do it.) I love this song to pieces and bits. I think I listened to it three times in a row last night. I adore the waltz tempo, the imagery, the accordion (?) just everything. I love everything about it. 5/5
13. How I Became the Sea: Um, wow, I feel like I'm dreaming a very bizarre dream whenever I hear this song. It's an amazing feeling, and I'm fascinated by the song, but in a way I can't tell if I actually like it, you know? (So much emotion that my sentences run on, apparently) 4/5
14: Alligator Sky: Ah, finally, the real "Alligator Sky." I love it. I feel like most of my comments are repeating themselves, so I won't elaborate, other than to say, Adam, please, no more rapping. 4.5/5
15. Lonely Lullaby: This isn't actually on the album. It's available through Owl City Galaxy, though. I've written about it before, but that was more of how the song made me feel. I'm over that now, by the way. It's still a lovely song, and I think he should have put it on the actual album instead of making it an online "club" type of exclusive. I hate that sort of thing. The song itself earns 4/5
There you go, my thoughts on Owl City's "All Things Bright and Beautiful." Check it out, you might like it.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
End of May Random Thoughts
Dear Friend,
It's that time again! Time for a random list entry here at Dear Friend! Isn't that exciting? Random thoughts commence in 3... 2... 1....
1. I bought a ukulele, and boy is she fun! I can play Yellow Submarine, though I can't really sing it.
2. Speaking of Yellow Submarine, I'm in a Beatles mood/mania the past few days. I blame Beatles Rock Band, because it's loads of fun and the music is great.
3. I can't pinpoint why, but I anticipate being in an Elvis mood/mania next. I don't know much about Elvis, and have seen a grand total of 1 movie that he's been in, but I'm getting interested.
4. Jem is now playing weekdays on the HUB network. It couldn't be more 80's in it's "outrageous" music, fashions, and to be honest, stupidity. I love it.
5. I'm glad to know that the next season of Chuck will be the final. The last two seasons were all right, but I don't like it as much as I did when it first started.
6. Psych will not be on this summer, since it's been delayed to the fall season. I don't think summer will feel like summer without Psych.
7. Eagerly awaiting the new season of Leverage. I don't remember if I wrote about it here in my blog, but last year I was scary obsessed with that show. It is such fun to watch.
8. Even numbered random thoughts are better than odd numbered, don't you think?
It's that time again! Time for a random list entry here at Dear Friend! Isn't that exciting? Random thoughts commence in 3... 2... 1....
1. I bought a ukulele, and boy is she fun! I can play Yellow Submarine, though I can't really sing it.
2. Speaking of Yellow Submarine, I'm in a Beatles mood/mania the past few days. I blame Beatles Rock Band, because it's loads of fun and the music is great.
3. I can't pinpoint why, but I anticipate being in an Elvis mood/mania next. I don't know much about Elvis, and have seen a grand total of 1 movie that he's been in, but I'm getting interested.
4. Jem is now playing weekdays on the HUB network. It couldn't be more 80's in it's "outrageous" music, fashions, and to be honest, stupidity. I love it.
5. I'm glad to know that the next season of Chuck will be the final. The last two seasons were all right, but I don't like it as much as I did when it first started.
6. Psych will not be on this summer, since it's been delayed to the fall season. I don't think summer will feel like summer without Psych.
7. Eagerly awaiting the new season of Leverage. I don't remember if I wrote about it here in my blog, but last year I was scary obsessed with that show. It is such fun to watch.
8. Even numbered random thoughts are better than odd numbered, don't you think?
Friday, January 28, 2011
That Voice!
Dear friend,
It has been a very "Frankie" week for me. I'm not complaining at all.
I don't have a celebrity crush on Frank Sinatra, mind you. This isn't a case of "protesting too much," I just want to clear that up. A few years ago my Dad was under the impression that I had a crush on Cary Grant, when I didn't. This is the same sort of thing; I love them, but I don't love them. (I do have a silly, little crush on a member of the Rat Pack, but it isn't Frank, and I'm not telling you who it is, so don't ask)
Anyway, as I said, it's been a very Frankie sort of week for me. Turner Classic Movies aired a movie called the Kissing Bandit, which I just had to watch, since Frank was in it. I have a fondness for Frank's early movies, ones where he played a lovable dork who was so nervous around women that he had no idea what to do. He was such a little, skinny, silly looking dude that the roles fit him very well. In my opinion, the only thing this movie had going for it was Frank. It was silly, beyond the point of being able to be taken seriously. The costumes were ridiculous, so much so that I burst into laughter at the sight of some of them. Frank didn't sing nearly enough, either. Still, I enjoyed watching it.
A few other Frank movies were on but I, unfortunately, didn't catch all the way through. I did, as I mentioned at the end of my birthday post, watched Ocean's 11. I got it out of curiosity about the Rat Pack. I enjoyed the movie, enough to look past it's ridiculousness. (And like I said, I now have a crush on someone in the Rat Pack. Just for fun, use the process of elimination, it's not Dean or Sammy, either.)
The day after my birthday, I used some of my abundant supply of itunes money to buy a few "Essential" albums by Frank and Dean Martin. I love them both. I don't know why it had taken me so long to get actual CDs from either of these two amazing singers, instead of picking up a song by them here or there.
My brother and my sister-in-law sent me a few musicals on DVD as birthday presents. They sent me Singing in the Rain and Guys and Dolls. The smile on my face as I opened the package was considerable. I love both of these movies but had never gotten around to buying either one. As I write, I'm gleefully watching Guys and Dolls, enjoying the fact that Nathan Detroit, and so many others, aren't using contractions. Or should I say, are not using contractions.
I used to love those cartoons making fun of his screaming and swooning fans. They were really my first indication that Sinatra existed. Perhaps they were a strong influence on me, since I consider myself something of a Frank Sinatra fangirl. I was amused to learn that some of those screaming fans were actresses hired and paid to make him seem more popular.
I don't think I could ever get tired of hearing that man sing. It's been an enjoyable week.
It has been a very "Frankie" week for me. I'm not complaining at all.
I don't have a celebrity crush on Frank Sinatra, mind you. This isn't a case of "protesting too much," I just want to clear that up. A few years ago my Dad was under the impression that I had a crush on Cary Grant, when I didn't. This is the same sort of thing; I love them, but I don't love them. (I do have a silly, little crush on a member of the Rat Pack, but it isn't Frank, and I'm not telling you who it is, so don't ask)
Anyway, as I said, it's been a very Frankie sort of week for me. Turner Classic Movies aired a movie called the Kissing Bandit, which I just had to watch, since Frank was in it. I have a fondness for Frank's early movies, ones where he played a lovable dork who was so nervous around women that he had no idea what to do. He was such a little, skinny, silly looking dude that the roles fit him very well. In my opinion, the only thing this movie had going for it was Frank. It was silly, beyond the point of being able to be taken seriously. The costumes were ridiculous, so much so that I burst into laughter at the sight of some of them. Frank didn't sing nearly enough, either. Still, I enjoyed watching it.
A few other Frank movies were on but I, unfortunately, didn't catch all the way through. I did, as I mentioned at the end of my birthday post, watched Ocean's 11. I got it out of curiosity about the Rat Pack. I enjoyed the movie, enough to look past it's ridiculousness. (And like I said, I now have a crush on someone in the Rat Pack. Just for fun, use the process of elimination, it's not Dean or Sammy, either.)
The day after my birthday, I used some of my abundant supply of itunes money to buy a few "Essential" albums by Frank and Dean Martin. I love them both. I don't know why it had taken me so long to get actual CDs from either of these two amazing singers, instead of picking up a song by them here or there.
My brother and my sister-in-law sent me a few musicals on DVD as birthday presents. They sent me Singing in the Rain and Guys and Dolls. The smile on my face as I opened the package was considerable. I love both of these movies but had never gotten around to buying either one. As I write, I'm gleefully watching Guys and Dolls, enjoying the fact that Nathan Detroit, and so many others, aren't using contractions. Or should I say, are not using contractions.
I used to love those cartoons making fun of his screaming and swooning fans. They were really my first indication that Sinatra existed. Perhaps they were a strong influence on me, since I consider myself something of a Frank Sinatra fangirl. I was amused to learn that some of those screaming fans were actresses hired and paid to make him seem more popular.
I don't think I could ever get tired of hearing that man sing. It's been an enjoyable week.
Friday, December 31, 2010
A final post for 2010, Silly and Heartfelt all at the same time!
Dear Friend,
A year ago today I decided to put some of my Itunes gift money to good use. I looked around and listened to various clips from assorted artists and releases that had caught my attention in the preceding months before settling on to Ocean Eyes by Owl City. I'd heard his single Fireflies (just like every other person on earth) and had enjoyed to sound of it. I figured it was gift money, so I may as well take a chance with it.
I didn't listen much that night, being rather busy with New Year's Eve traditions, but what I did hear I liked. Little did I know it would send me into one of my "obsessive" phases that I am inclined to suffer through from time to time.
Though, suffer is a horrible choice for the way to describe how I go through these phases. I enjoy every second of immersing myself into a pleasant activity. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother, now would I?
As I mentioned in my previous post about the soundtrack of my year, Adam Young took over my listening habits. I love his music. However, it isn't just that. I love him.
I often have what I call Celebrity Crushes, they're fun and meaningless and often get me to watch movies or shows or listen to music I wouldn't have known about if I hadn't taken a strong interest in whoever the latest "heart throb" is. These little episodes rarely last longer than a month, sometimes less, really strong crushes occasionally last two or three months, and when they're over I still look fondly at the person and enjoy their work. I just don't obsess like I had before.
I've been "in love" with Adam Young for a year now.
I don't know what exactly it is that I adore so much about him. I do know that I find him witty, funny, sweet and inspiring, though. I've been happily listening to his music and reading his twitter and his blog. He quotes some of my favorite movies, including You've Got Mail. He reads wonderful books, even getting me to finally read the original Bambi novel. He's a Christian, and did the best cover of In Christ Alone I've ever heard. I almost can't find anything wrong with him.
But, isn't that a little strange? He's human, just like the rest of us, so he must have some faults. Well, I mean, besides the fact that he's obviously into Blond girls and a vegetarian, but those aren't exactly faults, are they, they're just his opinion and choice.
I've come across people who are so obsessed with celebrities that they believe they're honestly in love with them, and frankly those people scare me. I am not that scary, stalker girl who can't talk about anything or anyone else.(Though, the fact that he's been mentioned in almost every blog entry I've made these past six months might contradict that statement, huh?) The one who sends letters and presents and is upset when she doesn't get any replies or thanks. I also am not the girl who loses sight of reality in the fantasy of some unobtainable "god." I'm just sitting back, enjoying his music and lyrics and thoughts that he chooses to share with his audience.
I've chosen one of his songs to be a sort inspiration for this upcoming year.
Sky Sailing's Steady as She Goes
The tide can bring in anything,
So Steady as she goes!
Happy New Year, and God bless you, my friend!
Friday, December 17, 2010
My 2010 Soundtrack
Dear friend,
I got a lot of new music this year. Some of it really left a strong impression on me, so much so that it almost seems linked to all of the experiences I had this year. That has inspired me to compile a sort of soundtrack from the year.
For whatever songs I can, I'll embed a video from Youtube, so if you're reading this on facebook, and you don't see a video, go to my blogspot blog, there should be a link to click. If you don't you'll miss half the experience.
1. Fireflies by Owl City
2010 was practically the year of Adam Young for me. He somehow swooped in and took over my ipod, not just as Owl City, but also with his albums under the names Port Blue and Sky Sailing. I even bought some Swimming With Dolphins because of his involvement. This was the song that started it all, of course.
2. Terrified by Katherine McPhee feat. Zachary Levi
I got a complete and total celebrity crush on Zachary Levi this year, which is the only reason this song warrants exposure on this list... It's sweet though.
3. Galileo as sung by Josh Groban
I adore this song, I've played it to death, but I still adore it. It's silly and sweet and makes me smile each and every time I hear it.
4. End of May by Michael Buble
This song got me to like Michael Buble again after I had practically given up on him. I've got one hell of a melancholy streak in me, and this song speaks to it beautifully. It's another song I've played to death.
5. I'm Yours/ Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Straight No Chaser
I like this version better than Jason Mraz's which I would have thought was impossible. I love these guys, they are my favorite a cappela group (as though I have a lot of those groups to choose from...) They're amazing.
6. All My Heart by Stellar Kart
Theirs was the only Christian album I bought this year (*blush*) and this song just struck a chord with me. I'm not sure what other songs I've played this often on the album. (Honestly, last year's Barlow Girl CD Love and War is still heavy in my rotations, it was too awesome to overcome this year, I guess)
7. Rhythm of Love by the Plain White T's
Another song I've played to death. It makes me think of summer. Oddly enough, while I was writing my novel this November this song sort of became the main character's theme song. I can't explain that in any type of way, because it makes no sense. But it doesn't have to, it just works.
8. Bienvenue Dans Ma Vie by Nikki Yanofsky
Found Nikki on Itunes this year. I like her voice, and I love this song. Played to death, just like all the others on this list.
9. The Only Exception by Paramore
I'm not usually into Paramore. It seems like the sort of music I'd love, but somehow it just doesn't hit me. Until this song. I love it. Say it with me now: Played to death. LOL
10. Rainbow Veins by Owl City
I told you Adam Young took over my life this year. I adore this song, I think it's my favorite of his under Owl City.
11. Brielle by Sky Sailing
Adam Young again. This song will forever be the song that gave me the idea for my book that I wrote this year. If you listen, don't expect to know what my book is like, they couldn't be less alike. (I wrote a murder mystery, I can't explain how that came about) It's a beautiful song, and I love it.
12. Silhouettes by Swimming with Dolphins
Pretty, pretty song. I've got a story in my head because if this song. Maybe I'll write it someday.
13. Never Knew I Needed by Ne-Yo
The song from Princess and the Frog. I don't care very much for Ne-Yo, but I do like the song.
14. Voce Existe Em Mim by Josh Groban
It took me awhile to like this song, but once I did I loved it. I think it's because of all the drums. It's awesome.
15. Peppermint Winter by Owl City
Adam Young does Christmas! I so adore this song. I wish he'd make a proper Christmas album. The lyrics of this song are perfection!
I think that's enough. Hopefully all of those videos work and all this gathering and typing wasn't a complete waste of time! LOL
I got a lot of new music this year. Some of it really left a strong impression on me, so much so that it almost seems linked to all of the experiences I had this year. That has inspired me to compile a sort of soundtrack from the year.
For whatever songs I can, I'll embed a video from Youtube, so if you're reading this on facebook, and you don't see a video, go to my blogspot blog, there should be a link to click. If you don't you'll miss half the experience.
1. Fireflies by Owl City
2010 was practically the year of Adam Young for me. He somehow swooped in and took over my ipod, not just as Owl City, but also with his albums under the names Port Blue and Sky Sailing. I even bought some Swimming With Dolphins because of his involvement. This was the song that started it all, of course.
2. Terrified by Katherine McPhee feat. Zachary Levi
I got a complete and total celebrity crush on Zachary Levi this year, which is the only reason this song warrants exposure on this list... It's sweet though.
3. Galileo as sung by Josh Groban
I adore this song, I've played it to death, but I still adore it. It's silly and sweet and makes me smile each and every time I hear it.
4. End of May by Michael Buble
This song got me to like Michael Buble again after I had practically given up on him. I've got one hell of a melancholy streak in me, and this song speaks to it beautifully. It's another song I've played to death.
5. I'm Yours/ Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Straight No Chaser
I like this version better than Jason Mraz's which I would have thought was impossible. I love these guys, they are my favorite a cappela group (as though I have a lot of those groups to choose from...) They're amazing.
6. All My Heart by Stellar Kart
Theirs was the only Christian album I bought this year (*blush*) and this song just struck a chord with me. I'm not sure what other songs I've played this often on the album. (Honestly, last year's Barlow Girl CD Love and War is still heavy in my rotations, it was too awesome to overcome this year, I guess)
7. Rhythm of Love by the Plain White T's
Another song I've played to death. It makes me think of summer. Oddly enough, while I was writing my novel this November this song sort of became the main character's theme song. I can't explain that in any type of way, because it makes no sense. But it doesn't have to, it just works.
8. Bienvenue Dans Ma Vie by Nikki Yanofsky
Found Nikki on Itunes this year. I like her voice, and I love this song. Played to death, just like all the others on this list.
9. The Only Exception by Paramore
I'm not usually into Paramore. It seems like the sort of music I'd love, but somehow it just doesn't hit me. Until this song. I love it. Say it with me now: Played to death. LOL
10. Rainbow Veins by Owl City
I told you Adam Young took over my life this year. I adore this song, I think it's my favorite of his under Owl City.
11. Brielle by Sky Sailing
Adam Young again. This song will forever be the song that gave me the idea for my book that I wrote this year. If you listen, don't expect to know what my book is like, they couldn't be less alike. (I wrote a murder mystery, I can't explain how that came about) It's a beautiful song, and I love it.
12. Silhouettes by Swimming with Dolphins
Pretty, pretty song. I've got a story in my head because if this song. Maybe I'll write it someday.
13. Never Knew I Needed by Ne-Yo
The song from Princess and the Frog. I don't care very much for Ne-Yo, but I do like the song.
14. Voce Existe Em Mim by Josh Groban
It took me awhile to like this song, but once I did I loved it. I think it's because of all the drums. It's awesome.
15. Peppermint Winter by Owl City
Adam Young does Christmas! I so adore this song. I wish he'd make a proper Christmas album. The lyrics of this song are perfection!
I think that's enough. Hopefully all of those videos work and all this gathering and typing wasn't a complete waste of time! LOL
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Fun days deserve blog entries
Dear Friend,
Adam Young's (Owl City) other project, Sky Sailing, came out with a new album, exclusively to Itunes for two weeks, today. (I'll give you a chance to find your way through that sentence, now) I had it pre-ordered, and I love it. The album is very mellow, with a lot of guitar, and just right for dreaming.
Psych season 4 DVDs came out today, too. (Un)fortunately, the fifth season premieres tomorrow, so I can't watch all of the discs beforehand. The picture is much clearer than the previous season's which was really grainy for some reason. They look great on a blu-ray player.
I stopped in at Pier1 today, just to see if they had reed diffusers on sale (no such) and discovered that they had a few "fruity" bath products. These products included pineapple themed objects, like soap and bath gel and sponges. Obviously, I had to buy a pineapple shaped bath sponge. Simply adorable.
I watched the premiere of Covert Affairs tonight. It was all right. I'll give it at least one more try. It certainly isn't to the level of Psych, Leverage, Chuck, Burn Notice or Due South for me.
Adam Young's (Owl City) other project, Sky Sailing, came out with a new album, exclusively to Itunes for two weeks, today. (I'll give you a chance to find your way through that sentence, now) I had it pre-ordered, and I love it. The album is very mellow, with a lot of guitar, and just right for dreaming.
Psych season 4 DVDs came out today, too. (Un)fortunately, the fifth season premieres tomorrow, so I can't watch all of the discs beforehand. The picture is much clearer than the previous season's which was really grainy for some reason. They look great on a blu-ray player.
I stopped in at Pier1 today, just to see if they had reed diffusers on sale (no such) and discovered that they had a few "fruity" bath products. These products included pineapple themed objects, like soap and bath gel and sponges. Obviously, I had to buy a pineapple shaped bath sponge. Simply adorable.
I watched the premiere of Covert Affairs tonight. It was all right. I'll give it at least one more try. It certainly isn't to the level of Psych, Leverage, Chuck, Burn Notice or Due South for me.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Why I'm not a critic
Dear friend,
I just had another session of reading negative reviews of products that I enjoy. That little hobby of mine might sound weird, and even frustrating, but I still do it. Sometimes it can be funny to see someone's vehement hatred of something silly and unimportant like a movie or CD. (In the sense that there are definitely more vital parts of our lives that the same energy could be used in pondering.)
In any case, friend, tonight I was reading reviews of Owl City's album Ocean Eyes. It seems to me that there are only two opinions to have about this album, either you think it sucks or you adore it. I am in the second camp. I cannot seem to get enough of this dude's music. The thing is, though, I'm able to understand those who hate it. When I step back and look at it rationally, the music isn't good. The singing, the lyrics, the style, etc. when looked at objectively aren't great. Yet somehow, put them all together, and it touches something in my heart or soul in a way that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
And so, that is why I'm not a critic. I can't tell you what is of good quality and worth your time. I can only tell you what gives me a feeling of being wrapped in a comfy blanket.
Owl City isn't for everyone. In general I'd almost say that if you're not a romantic (hopelessly and classically so) don't bother. If you do give him a shot and hate him, don't say I didn't warn you (and what's wrong with you?)
I just had another session of reading negative reviews of products that I enjoy. That little hobby of mine might sound weird, and even frustrating, but I still do it. Sometimes it can be funny to see someone's vehement hatred of something silly and unimportant like a movie or CD. (In the sense that there are definitely more vital parts of our lives that the same energy could be used in pondering.)
In any case, friend, tonight I was reading reviews of Owl City's album Ocean Eyes. It seems to me that there are only two opinions to have about this album, either you think it sucks or you adore it. I am in the second camp. I cannot seem to get enough of this dude's music. The thing is, though, I'm able to understand those who hate it. When I step back and look at it rationally, the music isn't good. The singing, the lyrics, the style, etc. when looked at objectively aren't great. Yet somehow, put them all together, and it touches something in my heart or soul in a way that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
And so, that is why I'm not a critic. I can't tell you what is of good quality and worth your time. I can only tell you what gives me a feeling of being wrapped in a comfy blanket.
Owl City isn't for everyone. In general I'd almost say that if you're not a romantic (hopelessly and classically so) don't bother. If you do give him a shot and hate him, don't say I didn't warn you (and what's wrong with you?)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Princess and the Frog
Dear Friend,
I saw Princess and the Frog today. Now, let me preface this by saying I wasn't especially looking forward to this film. Frankly, I was torn. As an animation fan, and one who loves hand drawn animation in particular (though Pixar has won my heart even with it's computer animation) I was pleased to see Disney returning to it. (Whoever bought into the piece of garbage lie that "audiences only want to watch computer animation" was a moron.) But on the other hand, the film was set in New Orleans and was proving to be filled with Voodoo. I've got a big enough issue with generic "magic" in movies, but Voodoo is a little too real for me, you know? On top of that, there was the issue with making Tiana black, and all sorts of people complaining about whatever they could find to complain about there. But that's a long story I don't feel like going into.
Anyway, friend, I wasn't expecting much from this movie. On top of that, I had been in a very bad mood and that made me extremely cynical and critical when I sat down in the theater. In fact, I hated the previews before the movie, except for the Toy Story 3 preview (I'm so there!) and the Disney Nature Oceans preview. (Side note, this bad mood has affected me in a way that I am crying at the drop of a hat, so I teared up at both of those previews. At the beginning of the TS3 trailer, with the sad song, and at the "I am wonderful" song part of Oceans. I sometimes hate being weepy.)
So, most people know the premise of this story. A prince winds up being turned into a frog by some evil, magical person and needs a princess to kiss him and break the spell. Well, in this version, the prince in question, Prince Naveen, is actually a self-centered, cocky, good for nothing who winds up in the "clutches" of a Voodoo "magician" named Dr. Facilier. (I may have misspelled that, but look at the name, who wouldn't misspell it?) And the "Princess," Tiana, isn't a princess, but she's a waitress who wants to own her own restaurant. Through a slight mix up, Naveen gets Tiana to kiss him, trying to break the spell. Instead, they both end up as frogs.
There, you know the premise. As it's not my personal policy to give away spoilers in my reviews, that's all you get.
After all, I enjoyed the movie. It lifted my horrendous mood a little. I think it was all I needed. I do take slight issue with one of the "good guys" also did voodoo, but that's probably just another instance of Disney being politically correct or what not. I honestly expected the firefly character, Ray, to be something of an annoying stereotype that I would hate. Imagine my surprise to end up loving the character and finding him amazingly inspirational. Trying not to spoil anything, his storyline just about made me cry, and left a bigger impression on me than the A plot. Not to belittle the A plot, I did like Naveen and Tiana. Naveen may be one of my favorite Disney male leads. (Not that he has a heck of a lot of competition. I can think of Prince Phillip and Tramp... yeah, that's it.) Tiana is a good character, too, and surprisingly her spoiled, rich friend Charlotte is a great character. "Lottie" was one of the funniest parts of the movie.
As for the fact that the leads in the film are black, I was glad to see an animated girl with dark, curly hair. I never quite "got" what girls were talking about when they said they were glad to finally have a Disney Princess who looked like them. Probably because I can't imagine the day that they draw a Biracial princess. But sitting in the theater and just realizing that she had curly hair I felt like I liked her more. Silly? Maybe, but undeniably true. There was really only one moment in the film where Tiana's race was made an issue of, and it, apparently, is a blink and you'll miss it sort of thing. As for where Naveen's kingdom of "Maldonea" could possibly be, who knows.
I wasn't too impressed with the music, which isn't great for a Disney film. It wasn't bad music, but there wasn't an earworm in the bunch. I can't remember the tune for a single song from it right now. I did enjoy the song in the credits, though I don't know if I'd admit it out loud, just online.
I loved the look of the film, too. Especially in the song "Almost There." If they had made the whole film look like that I think I would have still liked it. Probably too stylized for an entire movie, though. I though there were a few breathtaking shots, I'll admit.
In the end, I enjoyed it. It wasn't Disney's greatest film, but it was certainly worth watching.
I saw Princess and the Frog today. Now, let me preface this by saying I wasn't especially looking forward to this film. Frankly, I was torn. As an animation fan, and one who loves hand drawn animation in particular (though Pixar has won my heart even with it's computer animation) I was pleased to see Disney returning to it. (Whoever bought into the piece of garbage lie that "audiences only want to watch computer animation" was a moron.) But on the other hand, the film was set in New Orleans and was proving to be filled with Voodoo. I've got a big enough issue with generic "magic" in movies, but Voodoo is a little too real for me, you know? On top of that, there was the issue with making Tiana black, and all sorts of people complaining about whatever they could find to complain about there. But that's a long story I don't feel like going into.
Anyway, friend, I wasn't expecting much from this movie. On top of that, I had been in a very bad mood and that made me extremely cynical and critical when I sat down in the theater. In fact, I hated the previews before the movie, except for the Toy Story 3 preview (I'm so there!) and the Disney Nature Oceans preview. (Side note, this bad mood has affected me in a way that I am crying at the drop of a hat, so I teared up at both of those previews. At the beginning of the TS3 trailer, with the sad song, and at the "I am wonderful" song part of Oceans. I sometimes hate being weepy.)
So, most people know the premise of this story. A prince winds up being turned into a frog by some evil, magical person and needs a princess to kiss him and break the spell. Well, in this version, the prince in question, Prince Naveen, is actually a self-centered, cocky, good for nothing who winds up in the "clutches" of a Voodoo "magician" named Dr. Facilier. (I may have misspelled that, but look at the name, who wouldn't misspell it?) And the "Princess," Tiana, isn't a princess, but she's a waitress who wants to own her own restaurant. Through a slight mix up, Naveen gets Tiana to kiss him, trying to break the spell. Instead, they both end up as frogs.
There, you know the premise. As it's not my personal policy to give away spoilers in my reviews, that's all you get.
After all, I enjoyed the movie. It lifted my horrendous mood a little. I think it was all I needed. I do take slight issue with one of the "good guys" also did voodoo, but that's probably just another instance of Disney being politically correct or what not. I honestly expected the firefly character, Ray, to be something of an annoying stereotype that I would hate. Imagine my surprise to end up loving the character and finding him amazingly inspirational. Trying not to spoil anything, his storyline just about made me cry, and left a bigger impression on me than the A plot. Not to belittle the A plot, I did like Naveen and Tiana. Naveen may be one of my favorite Disney male leads. (Not that he has a heck of a lot of competition. I can think of Prince Phillip and Tramp... yeah, that's it.) Tiana is a good character, too, and surprisingly her spoiled, rich friend Charlotte is a great character. "Lottie" was one of the funniest parts of the movie.
As for the fact that the leads in the film are black, I was glad to see an animated girl with dark, curly hair. I never quite "got" what girls were talking about when they said they were glad to finally have a Disney Princess who looked like them. Probably because I can't imagine the day that they draw a Biracial princess. But sitting in the theater and just realizing that she had curly hair I felt like I liked her more. Silly? Maybe, but undeniably true. There was really only one moment in the film where Tiana's race was made an issue of, and it, apparently, is a blink and you'll miss it sort of thing. As for where Naveen's kingdom of "Maldonea" could possibly be, who knows.
I wasn't too impressed with the music, which isn't great for a Disney film. It wasn't bad music, but there wasn't an earworm in the bunch. I can't remember the tune for a single song from it right now. I did enjoy the song in the credits, though I don't know if I'd admit it out loud, just online.
I loved the look of the film, too. Especially in the song "Almost There." If they had made the whole film look like that I think I would have still liked it. Probably too stylized for an entire movie, though. I though there were a few breathtaking shots, I'll admit.
In the end, I enjoyed it. It wasn't Disney's greatest film, but it was certainly worth watching.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Many thing to review
Dear friend,
I just bought four Cd's and watched a movie. So, of course I've got lots of opinions rattling around in my head, and have decided to write them out.
I'll start with the film, as that will be easiest to sum up. I watched The Brothers Bloom a few days ago. I saw the previews last spring during a summer movie preview show. It looked quirky and pretty, right up my alley. The plot revolves around two brothers who happen to be Con men. The younger brother wants to quit this line of work, but the older brother wants him for just one more job. So their last victim is an eccentric, sheltered heiress.
It was an interesting movie, sometimes it was funny, and it was visually stunning at times. I just... well, I wanted to like it much more than I actually ended up liking it. As far as I can tell, they didn't want a rating of PG so they added in pointless language and a bogglingly unnecessary scene on a train in a thunderstorm to bump up the rating. It may also have been too impressed by it's own clever ideas. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. So I can't exactly recommend it. 2.5/5
It did, however, confirm to me that I think Adrien Brody is beautiful. Don't ask me to explain that, I don't get it, it doesn't make any sense, I just find him insanely attractive. (Also, dear brother of mine, who has a habit if bringing up strange topics I've blogged about in front of our parents, let's leave this one off the discussion table, ok? This would just be too weird to talk about with Mum and Pop)
Now, new music reviews. Lately I've purchased the newest offerings from Ayiesha Woods, Barlow Girl, Michael Buble, and Relient K. (Spell check loves all those names right now)
Ayiesha Woods, "Love Like This" is good. I wasn't expecting too much, but the Christian Book store had a coupon to buy two get one half off when I wanted to buy Barlow Girl and I enjoyed AW's first release so I went ahead and got it. It's pleasant and fun without inspiring any strong emotion in me at all. It's good background music, but not my newest worship experience music. 3/5
Barlow Girl "Love and War" is amazing. I was disappointed by their previous release. It did nothing to encourage me or lift my mood. In fact, the last Cd was depressing to me. They more than made up for it with this one. It's encouraging and great for leading me to look to God and see what amazing things He can do and has done. I love the sound of the music and their voices and feel a sort of Beatles kind of vibe from a lot of it. If, you know, the Beatles had been three women, or something. 4.5/5
Michael Buble's "Crazy Love" is pretty good. Same sort of thing from the Canadian Crooner. He's got a few new original songs, such as Just Haven't Met You Yet, which is awesome, but it's mostly covers. They're good, but not amazing. If you like Michael, you'll like the CD. 3/5
Relient K's "Forget and Not Slow Down" is great. Honestly I'd been worried about this release. It feels like RK and I are due for a dud. When I'd heard that this was essentially a CD full of breakup songs I was expecting to dislike it. I bought it anyway. I'm glad I did. Yeah, there are a few melancholy songs that you won't help to lift any mood, there are still great songs that you can listen to whenever you want, single or taken. The sound is great, though occasionally surreal and weird. It might be difficult to put these songs on playlists or in a shuffle since the intros and outtros are almost seamless despite being on different tracks. I still love the CD. 4/5
So, there are my reviews. Hope you enjoyed reading them!
I just bought four Cd's and watched a movie. So, of course I've got lots of opinions rattling around in my head, and have decided to write them out.
I'll start with the film, as that will be easiest to sum up. I watched The Brothers Bloom a few days ago. I saw the previews last spring during a summer movie preview show. It looked quirky and pretty, right up my alley. The plot revolves around two brothers who happen to be Con men. The younger brother wants to quit this line of work, but the older brother wants him for just one more job. So their last victim is an eccentric, sheltered heiress.
It was an interesting movie, sometimes it was funny, and it was visually stunning at times. I just... well, I wanted to like it much more than I actually ended up liking it. As far as I can tell, they didn't want a rating of PG so they added in pointless language and a bogglingly unnecessary scene on a train in a thunderstorm to bump up the rating. It may also have been too impressed by it's own clever ideas. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. So I can't exactly recommend it. 2.5/5
It did, however, confirm to me that I think Adrien Brody is beautiful. Don't ask me to explain that, I don't get it, it doesn't make any sense, I just find him insanely attractive. (Also, dear brother of mine, who has a habit if bringing up strange topics I've blogged about in front of our parents, let's leave this one off the discussion table, ok? This would just be too weird to talk about with Mum and Pop)
Now, new music reviews. Lately I've purchased the newest offerings from Ayiesha Woods, Barlow Girl, Michael Buble, and Relient K. (Spell check loves all those names right now)
Ayiesha Woods, "Love Like This" is good. I wasn't expecting too much, but the Christian Book store had a coupon to buy two get one half off when I wanted to buy Barlow Girl and I enjoyed AW's first release so I went ahead and got it. It's pleasant and fun without inspiring any strong emotion in me at all. It's good background music, but not my newest worship experience music. 3/5
Barlow Girl "Love and War" is amazing. I was disappointed by their previous release. It did nothing to encourage me or lift my mood. In fact, the last Cd was depressing to me. They more than made up for it with this one. It's encouraging and great for leading me to look to God and see what amazing things He can do and has done. I love the sound of the music and their voices and feel a sort of Beatles kind of vibe from a lot of it. If, you know, the Beatles had been three women, or something. 4.5/5
Michael Buble's "Crazy Love" is pretty good. Same sort of thing from the Canadian Crooner. He's got a few new original songs, such as Just Haven't Met You Yet, which is awesome, but it's mostly covers. They're good, but not amazing. If you like Michael, you'll like the CD. 3/5
Relient K's "Forget and Not Slow Down" is great. Honestly I'd been worried about this release. It feels like RK and I are due for a dud. When I'd heard that this was essentially a CD full of breakup songs I was expecting to dislike it. I bought it anyway. I'm glad I did. Yeah, there are a few melancholy songs that you won't help to lift any mood, there are still great songs that you can listen to whenever you want, single or taken. The sound is great, though occasionally surreal and weird. It might be difficult to put these songs on playlists or in a shuffle since the intros and outtros are almost seamless despite being on different tracks. I still love the CD. 4/5
So, there are my reviews. Hope you enjoyed reading them!
Friday, May 08, 2009
"Are you out of your Vulcan mind?"
Dear Friend,
I saw Star Trek today. I want to go see it again. It was that awesome.
I've never watched Star Trek before. I mean, my Dad has watched it for about as long as I can remember, and I've been in the room while it was on, but I've never watched, you know what I mean?
The movie was great. I liked the characters and the plot was interesting. Even though J.J. Abrams seems to be obsessed with time travel (LOST, anyone?) it was still good. Honestly, see this movie. Even if you don't usually watch things like this, watch it. It's worth it.
On the other hand, don't bother with Wolverine. I saw that last week, and didn't care about any of the characters and even the action scenes were boring. It's what I consider a failure of a movie.
Also, apparently I need a hobby, because I sat in the movie thinking, "That sounds like Giacchino. I think Giacchino scored this. Oh, right, of course he did, J.J. Abrams did this movie." and then later thought, "Gee, that sounds like the Others theme from LOST."
Yeah, I pay too much attention to movie music.
I saw Star Trek today. I want to go see it again. It was that awesome.
I've never watched Star Trek before. I mean, my Dad has watched it for about as long as I can remember, and I've been in the room while it was on, but I've never watched, you know what I mean?
The movie was great. I liked the characters and the plot was interesting. Even though J.J. Abrams seems to be obsessed with time travel (LOST, anyone?) it was still good. Honestly, see this movie. Even if you don't usually watch things like this, watch it. It's worth it.
On the other hand, don't bother with Wolverine. I saw that last week, and didn't care about any of the characters and even the action scenes were boring. It's what I consider a failure of a movie.
Also, apparently I need a hobby, because I sat in the movie thinking, "That sounds like Giacchino. I think Giacchino scored this. Oh, right, of course he did, J.J. Abrams did this movie." and then later thought, "Gee, that sounds like the Others theme from LOST."
Yeah, I pay too much attention to movie music.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
I don't actually like Fred Astaire, mind you
Dear Friend,
It's Easter, and of course as far as television goes that means the usual movies. With TCM that includes Easter Parade with Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, and lots of songs for who knows what reason. I've yet to find a point to this movie (I said "point", not "plot" because the plot is quite clear. Fred's character is dropped by his dancing partner and he says he can take anyone and make her into just as good a dancer as his ex-partner, if not better) yet I watch it every few years. The weird thing is, I don't like Fred Astaire. Yeah, the man could dance, but I didn't like his singing or talking voice, and somehow he annoys me.
The man, however, could also play the drums. I've always been fascinated by drummers. I can play (or fake my way through) a few instruments, but they each only involve mostly my hands. Drums need hands and feet, all hitting a rhythm at different points. I can only keep a beat with extreme concentration. I admire drummers.
As such, I enjoy the dance number "Drum Crazy" in Easter Parade. I'm putting it here, so you can enjoy it, too.
(If you're reading this in Facebook and can't see the video, it should be on my wall)
It's Easter, and of course as far as television goes that means the usual movies. With TCM that includes Easter Parade with Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, and lots of songs for who knows what reason. I've yet to find a point to this movie (I said "point", not "plot" because the plot is quite clear. Fred's character is dropped by his dancing partner and he says he can take anyone and make her into just as good a dancer as his ex-partner, if not better) yet I watch it every few years. The weird thing is, I don't like Fred Astaire. Yeah, the man could dance, but I didn't like his singing or talking voice, and somehow he annoys me.
The man, however, could also play the drums. I've always been fascinated by drummers. I can play (or fake my way through) a few instruments, but they each only involve mostly my hands. Drums need hands and feet, all hitting a rhythm at different points. I can only keep a beat with extreme concentration. I admire drummers.
As such, I enjoy the dance number "Drum Crazy" in Easter Parade. I'm putting it here, so you can enjoy it, too.
(If you're reading this in Facebook and can't see the video, it should be on my wall)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
"But most of all I wish that I was someone else but me"
Dear Friend,
Don't take that title too seriously. I've been having a rough time. Friday, I had my laptop at the library for the free wi-fi (since downloading a large amount slows our home's Internet down to a crawl) and something went "boink." Yeah, first I lost all of my podcasts from itunes then when I tried to type everything was coming out backwards and when I tried to restart the blue screen of death came up, telling me it needed to check a disk or some other such. I didn't, because something seemed to go wrong with that. So when I finally got back to what I was doing, guess what! Every last thing in my itunes library was gone. Yes, GONE! My Dad and I were going through my backup files, since I'd saved them all to back up back in December when I had everything wiped out with a virus. We couldn't find them for a long time, and I ended up getting so frustrated I cried. Yeah, I was crying in the library, such fun.
Thank God, we finally found them. The not so good thing is that I need to organize them all into play lists again. I have something like 2,000 tracks to organize. I hated doing it last time, but I'll have to do it again.
I went out and bought an external hard drive, just so I wouldn't panic if this ever happened again, but as they say "Act in haste, repent at leisure." I hate the program this hard drive came with. I know I can get something else, but I'm a bit of a dunce at computers and I'm dead sick of asking my Dad to fix everything. I probably won't be online as much for a few days, just because I'm sick of working on this problem.
Hey, anyone know about this virus that's supposed to pop up on April 1st? I think if I have another problem on this laptop I may scream. I've been ready to just chuck Victoria (that's the laptop's name, remember) out of a window for the past 3 days. The only thing that stops me is the fact that I just bought a tablet that I love using, even if I am stumbling my way through it. If I have to deal with another virus I don't know what I'll do. I've run sweeps with Malware Bytes and Webroot, but I'm not sure if that would cover it.
I'm off, to pray and remind myself that this is just "stuff" and "things" and not the important parts of life.
Don't take that title too seriously. I've been having a rough time. Friday, I had my laptop at the library for the free wi-fi (since downloading a large amount slows our home's Internet down to a crawl) and something went "boink." Yeah, first I lost all of my podcasts from itunes then when I tried to type everything was coming out backwards and when I tried to restart the blue screen of death came up, telling me it needed to check a disk or some other such. I didn't, because something seemed to go wrong with that. So when I finally got back to what I was doing, guess what! Every last thing in my itunes library was gone. Yes, GONE! My Dad and I were going through my backup files, since I'd saved them all to back up back in December when I had everything wiped out with a virus. We couldn't find them for a long time, and I ended up getting so frustrated I cried. Yeah, I was crying in the library, such fun.
Thank God, we finally found them. The not so good thing is that I need to organize them all into play lists again. I have something like 2,000 tracks to organize. I hated doing it last time, but I'll have to do it again.
I went out and bought an external hard drive, just so I wouldn't panic if this ever happened again, but as they say "Act in haste, repent at leisure." I hate the program this hard drive came with. I know I can get something else, but I'm a bit of a dunce at computers and I'm dead sick of asking my Dad to fix everything. I probably won't be online as much for a few days, just because I'm sick of working on this problem.
Hey, anyone know about this virus that's supposed to pop up on April 1st? I think if I have another problem on this laptop I may scream. I've been ready to just chuck Victoria (that's the laptop's name, remember) out of a window for the past 3 days. The only thing that stops me is the fact that I just bought a tablet that I love using, even if I am stumbling my way through it. If I have to deal with another virus I don't know what I'll do. I've run sweeps with Malware Bytes and Webroot, but I'm not sure if that would cover it.
I'm off, to pray and remind myself that this is just "stuff" and "things" and not the important parts of life.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Do you hear me talking to you?
Dear Friend,
I'm in mania about Muppets. Yeah, I've been watching all sorts of Muppet related stuff. It has led to the strangest thing, though, I read Labyrinth fan fiction. I don't remember ever watching the entire movie, but I read some fic. Nothing I'd recommend. I don't tend to find Jareth "dreamy," instead I find him quite creepy. Most fans of that film... well, they disagree with me.
I've tried before to get into fan fiction, but it just doesn't stick with me. Even the best written story eventually loses my interest. I'm beginning to wonder if I have a short attention span.
Anyway, the muppets. I just love the music they used on the Muppet show. It was all so weird and funny and sweet. I've had Jamboree stuck in my head for over a week, I think. Other favorites would be You and I and George and Cottleston Pie. I really enjoyed the Roger Miller episode, because that dude had some weird songs. I was also tickled to recognize the voice of Alan a'Dale from Disney's Robin Hood. I always loved that voice. I've always liked what I guess would be classed as novelty songs. The muppets had a good mix of "real" good music and just plain fun.
Did anyone else notice that the opening of the Muppet Show was on this week's LOST? I was pretty distracted by that. I don't remember what else was on the screens during that scene. I probably should have paid better attention.
I'm going to try to do something with my Livejournal account. I gave up the Deviant Art. I was far too needy for that. I'll find other ways to share my art that aren't as prone to popularity contest-ism. I don't need another way to get obsessed with who isn't talking to me. I've started using my Twitter a little more often. I've got that locked so the pervs can't read my oh-so silly thoughts.
I bought some super cool, too dang expensive art markers. I've used them a bit, but I'm still practicing. I'm glad I had a half-off coupon. Discounts rock.
I'm in mania about Muppets. Yeah, I've been watching all sorts of Muppet related stuff. It has led to the strangest thing, though, I read Labyrinth fan fiction. I don't remember ever watching the entire movie, but I read some fic. Nothing I'd recommend. I don't tend to find Jareth "dreamy," instead I find him quite creepy. Most fans of that film... well, they disagree with me.
I've tried before to get into fan fiction, but it just doesn't stick with me. Even the best written story eventually loses my interest. I'm beginning to wonder if I have a short attention span.
Anyway, the muppets. I just love the music they used on the Muppet show. It was all so weird and funny and sweet. I've had Jamboree stuck in my head for over a week, I think. Other favorites would be You and I and George and Cottleston Pie. I really enjoyed the Roger Miller episode, because that dude had some weird songs. I was also tickled to recognize the voice of Alan a'Dale from Disney's Robin Hood. I always loved that voice. I've always liked what I guess would be classed as novelty songs. The muppets had a good mix of "real" good music and just plain fun.
Did anyone else notice that the opening of the Muppet Show was on this week's LOST? I was pretty distracted by that. I don't remember what else was on the screens during that scene. I probably should have paid better attention.
I'm going to try to do something with my Livejournal account. I gave up the Deviant Art. I was far too needy for that. I'll find other ways to share my art that aren't as prone to popularity contest-ism. I don't need another way to get obsessed with who isn't talking to me. I've started using my Twitter a little more often. I've got that locked so the pervs can't read my oh-so silly thoughts.
I bought some super cool, too dang expensive art markers. I've used them a bit, but I'm still practicing. I'm glad I had a half-off coupon. Discounts rock.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
I don't obsess, I think intensely
Dear Friend,
Depending on your view of my... how shall I phrase it?... appreciation of a certain actor named Rob Paulsen my next statement could be awesome or sad. I found a Rob Paulsen fan forum! Yay, right? Hey, look at it this way, next time I talk to you I may already have worked the Rob talk out of my system.
Anyway, yeah, I found it through a new friend who had a Rob video on YouTube. I can't tell yet if this is increasing my mania or helping to burn some of my "hobby energy." (Yes, I call it hobby energy, because it's entirely separate from my "real life energy.")
To continue on this subject, I finally saw Three Musketeers with Mickey, Donald and Goofy, where Rob was the Troubadour Turtle. I found it all adorable. I love turtles (in cartoon form, anyway) I love cartoons adding lyrics to well known classic songs, I love goofy, phony french accents, and I love Rob's singing. OK, that's all the things I loved about Rob's character, but I enjoyed the story, too. It is a fairly recent Disney cartoon, but it was still cute. You know, as much as I enjoy Tress McNeile ( I fear I forgot how to spell her name, bad me, I'm a bad fan) I don't like her as Daisy Duck.
LOST is coming back, and I'm looking forward to it. I wasn't this enthusiastic for the 4Th season, since the 3rd season had kind of left me cold, but 4 blew me away. I hope that the show continues in it's awesome-ness like it did last year. I just really hope that Daniel can get back to the island, since being stranded in the middle of the ocean in a raft can't be fun, and I want to see him with Charlotte again. I am spoiler-free, so I don't have a clue what's coming up. In fact, I haven't read any of the messages on the LOST mailing list I belong to for the past month.
Remember when I wrote about my Computer's death? Apparently, I haven't been the only person to suffer from this particular virus/trojan garbage. I also am not the first to "catch" it from Deviant Art. I need, desperately, to figure out what sort of Virus protection to use. I think that this time I have it under control, but I wish I could get a professional to look at my laptop. If you've got a way to contact me, and you know any good programs, feel free to advise. I'll listen.
Depending on your view of my... how shall I phrase it?... appreciation of a certain actor named Rob Paulsen my next statement could be awesome or sad. I found a Rob Paulsen fan forum! Yay, right? Hey, look at it this way, next time I talk to you I may already have worked the Rob talk out of my system.
Anyway, yeah, I found it through a new friend who had a Rob video on YouTube. I can't tell yet if this is increasing my mania or helping to burn some of my "hobby energy." (Yes, I call it hobby energy, because it's entirely separate from my "real life energy.")
To continue on this subject, I finally saw Three Musketeers with Mickey, Donald and Goofy, where Rob was the Troubadour Turtle. I found it all adorable. I love turtles (in cartoon form, anyway) I love cartoons adding lyrics to well known classic songs, I love goofy, phony french accents, and I love Rob's singing. OK, that's all the things I loved about Rob's character, but I enjoyed the story, too. It is a fairly recent Disney cartoon, but it was still cute. You know, as much as I enjoy Tress McNeile ( I fear I forgot how to spell her name, bad me, I'm a bad fan) I don't like her as Daisy Duck.
LOST is coming back, and I'm looking forward to it. I wasn't this enthusiastic for the 4Th season, since the 3rd season had kind of left me cold, but 4 blew me away. I hope that the show continues in it's awesome-ness like it did last year. I just really hope that Daniel can get back to the island, since being stranded in the middle of the ocean in a raft can't be fun, and I want to see him with Charlotte again. I am spoiler-free, so I don't have a clue what's coming up. In fact, I haven't read any of the messages on the LOST mailing list I belong to for the past month.
Remember when I wrote about my Computer's death? Apparently, I haven't been the only person to suffer from this particular virus/trojan garbage. I also am not the first to "catch" it from Deviant Art. I need, desperately, to figure out what sort of Virus protection to use. I think that this time I have it under control, but I wish I could get a professional to look at my laptop. If you've got a way to contact me, and you know any good programs, feel free to advise. I'll listen.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Random song lyrics, for a reason
Dear Friend,
Here's a few lyrics that ring true to me lately. Enjoy.
I'm finally catching onto it
Yeah the past is just a conduit
And the light there at the end is where I'll be.
- Up and Up, Relient K (It's a journey)
Isn't it nice to know
That the lining is silver
Isn't it nice to know
That we're golden.
- The Lining is Silver, Relient K (Eternal optimist, that's what I am)
I know who I am
I am Yours
And Jesus you are mine!
- I Know Who I Am, Israel and New Breed (Need I say more?)
Listen to the music of the moment
Dance and sing
We're just one big family
And it's our God intended right to be loved
- I'm Yours, Jason Mraz (sometimes Mr.AZ gets it right)
As you push it up through the soil I'll shake your filthy hand
You may be dead to me but that don't mean we can't be friends
- Fallen Man, Relient K (slightly macabre, but I get it)
Life is Good
Eternal life is better
- Life is Good, Stellar Kart (simple, and to the point)
I'm in repair
I'm not together
But I'm getting there
- In Repair, John Mayer (love that dude's lyrics)
No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good.
- Heart of Life, John Mayer (there's that optimist streak again)
I want to start it over
I want to start again
I want a new beginning
One without and end.
- Something Beautiful, Newsboys (One of my favorite songs)
That's enough for tonight. *Mmwah!* Goodnight everybody! (and that is the influence of too much Animaniacs, gotta love Yakko)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
I am allowed to change my mind, no?
Dear friend,
I know that I am recorded in this blog as being sick of the song "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis. I changed my mind. I've done this before, hated a song at first listen, and then (usually after everyone else is sick of it) I end up liking it. I think all I needed to like this song was a story to go with it. The music video seemed void of a story, and I didn't really get the story to the dance choreographed to it on So You Think You Can Dance, but this fan video for Psych's Lassiter and Juliet made a sweet story to me.
I'm so happy that Psych is returning this Friday. I decided to check out a few of the site's I frequent during the season and came across this gem. Enjoy it.
To be completely off-topic, the "Mr. Opportunity" ads for Honda are back and I am just pleased as punch to randomly hear Rob Paulsen again! I think he'll always be one of my favorite voice actors, if only for Yakko alone. Back to your lives!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Cliffs are for climbing. That's why God gave us grappling hooks
Dear Friend,
Tomorrow, if I play my cards right, could be my last day of work at the school. I've been thinking over what I'd like to do in the short amount of time that I plan on being between jobs. I have more hopes than time (I assume, since I don't actually know when my "break" will be over) but I like listing things. Here are a few things I'd like to accomplish this summer.
1. Pick up piano again
2. Learn to play guitar
3. Finish unpacking those boxes of stuff that belongs in my room.
4. Paint the ugly trim in my room
5. Learn to make amigurumi dolls
6. Make a felt "Much" doll, maybe
7. Make custom pillows for the daybed
8. Make a pineapple upside down cake
9. Acquire a few t-shirts and then make them into new, cool things
10. Try painting with watercolors
11. Make some clothes
12. Make it out to the new C28 store
13. Eat at the new Noodles n' Company restaurant near here
14. Lose a few inches around my tummy (can't think in lbs. since I don't know what I weigh
15. Cut a fringe (or bangs for people here in the US)
16. Read Frankenstein
17. Read Persuasion
18. Beat Mario Kart Wii
19. Acquire every character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl
20. Illustrate that book by my Dad's co-worker
21. Rearrange my cork board
22. Go to the Smithsonian
23. Decorate cake with Fondant
24. Re-watch the entire (so far) series of LOST
25. Go to Colorado for a visit (maybe)
I'll stop at 25 things, but I'm sure if I sat here and thought for long enough I'd come up with quite a few more.
Hoping that your summer is filled with relaxing and energizing plans!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Valentines Day is coming! Consider yourself warned!
Dear Friend,
I predict that this year for Valentine's day I will once again be only looking forward to a new episode of LOST. That is exactly the same thing I was focusing on last year. So, my thought that the best V-day present would be someone to offer to watch LOST with me without talking through the episode is still valid.
Anyway friend, I found some videos that seem appropriate for the holiday. If you wish to blame anyone for me posting these (other than me, obviously, since I really am to blame for posting them) blame Livejournal and the "Lassiet" community to be found therein. Blame Livejournal in general for introducing me to the phrase OTP or "One True Pairing" which I find hilarious. Anyway, Juliet/Lassiter is my OTP for Psych.
And one of my favorite songs is is this video.
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