My thoughts through this year are culminating with a question of perspective, a question of "-isms". Idealism vs Realism. Other isms aside, these would be the main two. I'm an Idealist - but not a pie-in-the-sky idealist. I think I've given ear to plenty cynicism and skepticism to ground my idealism within the boundaries of plausibility.
But you can't deny I'm an idealist. It's what's behind the phrase "livin' the dream!" I oft hear when I relate my life. If I were a realist in the music business, I'd become a lawyer or an accountant. But I'm a performer.
Realism is a hard drink to swallow for an idealist, but it's a healthy drink. Ideally, the two would be 50/50 (like those red and green 3-D glasses); Realistically, naturally, one takes precedence. And that's the bum part of it all. Realism is bound to natural law. It has the upper hand from the get-go. If we lived in Ideality, instead of Reality, then I'd be right at home. Alas, we don't.
Yet, pure realists have got to have it bad, right? Realists don't dream, or dare. Realists don't risk. And risk is everything! How can we live abundantly without risks?
Still, what risks are worthy of being taken? If you risk your worldly possessions, does the import of probability diminish if the value of rewards increase? What is the equation? If you risk your heart, is it justified by being honest to everything you know and feel, regardless of everything else in the matter? If you sit at home gluing the pieces afix for months or years, is that irrelevant in the light of the truth you lived out in your choices? Is that burden you're left with truly worthwhile? How long before the light retreats and the honesty you pursued feels like a betrayal?
Now, is realism the destiny of a level-headed idealist? Don't all idealists who risk and fail receive a cold embrace from cynicism? We walk away either embittered or delusional, right? Or, perhaps, I speak out of cynicism and not idealism, and I'm compromising the integrity of the word itself by being befuddled, as to where I am, at the offset. Cynicism and Realism are not one and the same, and Cynicism and Idealism are not mutually exclusive.
Yet, does my perspective change the truth of the matter? It becomes a different battle: Absolutism vs. Relativism. Is not empirical evidence mere subjectivity with a title approved by academia? Is not objectivity an illusion, a mass compound of the subjectivity of the majority? Or of the subjectivity of the outspoken, at least? Is that not what Bonaparte said about the veracity of the entirety of History? It seems that the Age of Enlightenment has left us knowing less, while we question more. And perhaps that is why so many take comfort in the questions themselves - because we've started asking what cannot be answered.
And then, we are all, to varying degree, influenced by the dominant paradigm of our generation. But that's tangential.
Is the value of a life determined by how long it's lived, how well it's enjoyed, or what it accomplishes? Do we feel we must justify our existence by giving ourselves a cause to fight for? It now becomes another battle: Egoism vs Altruism. If I live sacrificially to benefit others on a large scope, is that greater than if I live simply and plainly for my family and for myself? Maybe that's where a measure of Relativism becomes necessary. Perhaps I am generalizing a matter in absolutes, when it doesn't belong there.
Even still, is the purpose of a life to be understood in terms of its value, in the first place? Is there an interconnectedness between meaning and value? Perhaps value is inherent: it does not need to be sought, it is there. And, perhaps, meaning is not there at all, and cannot be found.
Does this sound like utter ambivalence to you? What are your thoughts?
Tuesday, December 30
Top 10
I've been tagged by Lisa for my top 10 on iTunes - except my computer has been down. So this is what I've been listening to on Seeqpod:
1. Sky Blue Sky - Wilco
2. 9 - Damien Rice
3. O - Damien Rice
4. Consolers of The Lonely - Raconteurs
5. "Both Sides Now" - Joni Mitchell
6. "Dock of the Bay" - Otis Redding
7. "Hallelujah" - Jeff Buckley
8. Phantom Punch - Sondre Lerche
9. Dan In Real Life - Sondre Lerche
10. "The Look of Love" (Live on BBC) - The Zombies
11. Oddessey and Oracle - The Zombies
12. Random Bob Dylan songs
13. "The Fox" - Nickel Creek
Should have my computer up again tomorrow (let's hope)...
1. Sky Blue Sky - Wilco
2. 9 - Damien Rice
3. O - Damien Rice
4. Consolers of The Lonely - Raconteurs
5. "Both Sides Now" - Joni Mitchell
6. "Dock of the Bay" - Otis Redding
7. "Hallelujah" - Jeff Buckley
8. Phantom Punch - Sondre Lerche
9. Dan In Real Life - Sondre Lerche
10. "The Look of Love" (Live on BBC) - The Zombies
11. Oddessey and Oracle - The Zombies
12. Random Bob Dylan songs
13. "The Fox" - Nickel Creek
Should have my computer up again tomorrow (let's hope)...
Wednesday, December 24
Recapture the Wonder
I've been reading this book by Ravi Zacharias. I really enjoy his writing; still, I have to work to pay attention to what I'm reading.
Here are some snippets from the book:
"We are able to see the crass and believe ourselves to be unaffected. We can watch killing and raping and evil and believe ourselves to remain uninjured and unmolested." p 45.
"Pushing the boundaries of knowledge without the knowledge of who we are makes the knowledge sought greater than the seeker...." p 47.
I'll be chewing on that one.
And then, there's this, written by Christopher Morley:
"I went to the theatre
With the author of a successful play.
He insisted on explaining everything.
Told me what to watch,
The details of direction,
The errors of the property man,
The foibles of the star.
He anticipated all my surprises
And ruined the evening.
Never again!-And mark you,
The greatest Author of all
Made no such mistake!"
hmmm... What do you think?
Here are some snippets from the book:
"We are able to see the crass and believe ourselves to be unaffected. We can watch killing and raping and evil and believe ourselves to remain uninjured and unmolested." p 45.
"Pushing the boundaries of knowledge without the knowledge of who we are makes the knowledge sought greater than the seeker...." p 47.
I'll be chewing on that one.
And then, there's this, written by Christopher Morley:
"I went to the theatre
With the author of a successful play.
He insisted on explaining everything.
Told me what to watch,
The details of direction,
The errors of the property man,
The foibles of the star.
He anticipated all my surprises
And ruined the evening.
Never again!-And mark you,
The greatest Author of all
Made no such mistake!"
hmmm... What do you think?
Tuesday, December 23
Christmastime Is Here
Snap! I haven't really bought much for anybody. Terrible!
And, tomorrow... plenty of snow starting at 11 am. So we'll see what Thursday morning is like. Maybe I'll personally postpone Christmas. Enter bad movie plot.
Read this over at democracynow.org:
"The Associated Press has revealed that many of the nation’s largest banks are claiming they can’t track how they’re using the billions of dollars they have received in aid from US taxpayers. The Associated Press contacted twenty-one banks that received at least $1 billion in government money and asked four questions: How much has been spent? What was it spent on? How much is being held in savings? And what’s the plan for the rest? None of the banks provided specific answers. When Congress approved the massive bailout, it attached nearly no strings to the money, and the Treasury Department never asked the banks how it would be spent."
wow. That's brilliant money management, government.
Also:
"The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush last week said through his lawyer that he will not apologize for his actions. Muntazar al-Zaidi has been held in prison for over a week. His attorney said al-Zaidi has been subjected to repeated beatings in jail. He has internal bleeding in his left eye, as well as bruises over his face and stomach."
So enough of the arrogant "The US has created a government in which he can express himself. He should thank us". pshh. Really? I think you can throw your shoe in any form of government. No one's stopping you. It's just an issue of the consequences. And what he's facing doesn't seem to be so swell. I'd hope that if I threw a shoe at, let's say, Putin, that I wouldn't be beat in jail here in America. But then American Prison Ethics haven't been remarkable lately. Right, Gitmo? ::wink wink, nudge nudge::
Anyhow. I've been blogging a ton lately. But then, I am in a town where I only know five people. I'll try to keep it interesting.
And, tomorrow... plenty of snow starting at 11 am. So we'll see what Thursday morning is like. Maybe I'll personally postpone Christmas. Enter bad movie plot.
Read this over at democracynow.org:
"The Associated Press has revealed that many of the nation’s largest banks are claiming they can’t track how they’re using the billions of dollars they have received in aid from US taxpayers. The Associated Press contacted twenty-one banks that received at least $1 billion in government money and asked four questions: How much has been spent? What was it spent on? How much is being held in savings? And what’s the plan for the rest? None of the banks provided specific answers. When Congress approved the massive bailout, it attached nearly no strings to the money, and the Treasury Department never asked the banks how it would be spent."
wow. That's brilliant money management, government.
Also:
"The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush last week said through his lawyer that he will not apologize for his actions. Muntazar al-Zaidi has been held in prison for over a week. His attorney said al-Zaidi has been subjected to repeated beatings in jail. He has internal bleeding in his left eye, as well as bruises over his face and stomach."
So enough of the arrogant "The US has created a government in which he can express himself. He should thank us". pshh. Really? I think you can throw your shoe in any form of government. No one's stopping you. It's just an issue of the consequences. And what he's facing doesn't seem to be so swell. I'd hope that if I threw a shoe at, let's say, Putin, that I wouldn't be beat in jail here in America. But then American Prison Ethics haven't been remarkable lately. Right, Gitmo? ::wink wink, nudge nudge::
Anyhow. I've been blogging a ton lately. But then, I am in a town where I only know five people. I'll try to keep it interesting.
A Whole New World
A new fantastic point of view!
No one to tell us no!
Or where to go!
Cuz now I'm in a whole new world withNOW I'M IN A WHOLE NEW WOOOORLD
::keychange::
Unbelievable si...
k..
anyhow. I started a new blog. It's specifically for spiritual stuff. You may go over there and say "that's not spiritual. that's religious!" and to that I say "phooey!" Building blocks, my peeps. (tweet, tweet)
Sorry, it's 4 am here in Idaho.
Here it is:Shine On Brightly.
Points to anyone who can guess the source of my blog URLs and Titles. That's four things to guess right now:
Quite Rightly So
Even In The Quietest Moments
Skip Softly
Shine On Brightly
Points can be redeemed for hugs, or a good dose of sass.
New blog. Check it.
No one to tell us no!
Or where to go!
Cuz now I'm in a whole new world withNOW I'M IN A WHOLE NEW WOOOORLD
::keychange::
Unbelievable si...
k..
anyhow. I started a new blog. It's specifically for spiritual stuff. You may go over there and say "that's not spiritual. that's religious!" and to that I say "phooey!" Building blocks, my peeps. (tweet, tweet)
Sorry, it's 4 am here in Idaho.
Here it is:Shine On Brightly.
Points to anyone who can guess the source of my blog URLs and Titles. That's four things to guess right now:
Quite Rightly So
Even In The Quietest Moments
Skip Softly
Shine On Brightly
Points can be redeemed for hugs, or a good dose of sass.
New blog. Check it.
Monday, December 22
Tagged...
...by Lisa :)
1.
First thing you wash in the shower?
hair
2.
What color is your favorite hoodie?
navy blue
3.
Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
yes... you mean my dad, right? :D
4.
Do you plan outfits?
sometimes :) Isn't getting dressed planning an outfit?
5.
How are you feeling RIGHT now?
lowkey
6.
Whats the closest thing to you thats red?
christmas ornament
7.
Do you say aim or a-i-m?
aim
8.
Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
i'd rather not
9.
Did you meet anybody new today?
nope!
10.
What are you craving right now?
something chocolatey.
11.
Do you floss?
yes.
12.
What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Carnies... circus folk.... small hands....smell like cabbage!
13.
When was the last time you talked on aim?
to tony a week or two back. my aim goes through my ichat, though.
14.
Are you emotional?
yes.
15.
Would you dance to the taco song?
not only that, i'll dance to the burrito song AND the enchilada song...
16.
Have you ever counted to 1,000?
haha... no. but i tried.
17.
Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
i don't like biting ice cream. too cold.
18.
Do you like your hair?
yes
19.
Do you like yourself?
yes
20.
Have you ever met a celebrity?
yes... sondre lerche, al bell, john sebastian, moby... couple others... they were like other people... except famous.
21.
Do you like cottage cheese?
yes.
22.
What are you listening to right now?
I can hear my family watching Pride and Prejudice.
23.
How many countries have you visited?
Seven or so?
24.
Are your parents strict?
they're pretty middle of the road, i think.
25.
Would you go sky diving?
absolutely, i do.
26. Would you go out to eat with George W.
Bush?
my first reaction was "DEFINITELY!" but I don't think I'd enjoy my time... unless we played chess.
27.
Would you throw potatoes at him?
no
28.
Is there anything sparkly in the room you’re in?
the fire, and christmas ornaments.
29.
Have you ever been in a castle?
yep. in wales, and england... I also went to a small "castle" made out of glass bottles in africa.
30.
Do you rent movies often?
mmm. dunno.
31.
Who sits in behind you in your math class?
32.
Have you made a prank phone call?
yess
33.
Do you own a gun?
nope. and I never will.
34.
Can you count backwards from 74?
yes
35.
Who are you going to be with tonight?
no one
36.
Brown or white eggs?
organic. :)
37.
Do you own something from Hot Topic?
no
38.
Ever been on a train?
yes. in africa.
39.
Ever been in love?
yes... but I'm single. Pleasant story.
40.
Do you have a cell-phone?
mmhmm.
41.
Are you too forgiving?
no
42.
Do you use chap stick?
seldom
43.
What is your best friend doing tomorrow?
?
44.
Can you use chop sticks?
Yes.
45.
Ever have cream puffs?
everytime I eat pho...
46.
Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
no
47.
What was the last question you asked?
what are we doing tonight?
48.
What was the last CD you bought?
If You Love These Blues, Play em As You Please - Michael Bloomfield
49.
Boys or girls?
girls
50.
What is your bus number for school/work?
51.
Is your hair curly?
nope
52.
Last time you cried?
Last night, a little.
yea, i said it. haha.
53.
Ever walked into a wall?
don't recall.
54.
Do looks matter?
yes. They aren't near the top of the list... but they matter.
55.
Have you ever bought anything from Pac Sun?
i had a gift card, and i bought some pants. otherwise, no.
56.
Have you ever slapped someone?
myself
57.
Favorite time of the year?
all 365 days, baby.
58.
Favorite color?
Green and blue
59.
Are you sarcastic?
i dunno
60.
Do you have any tattoos?
nope
61.
The last person you held hands with?
...
62.
Do you sleep with the TV on?
not at all.
63.
What was the last picture you took?
one w. my sister
64.
Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
i really don't think so.. but maybe.
65.
Do you like your life right now?
yes
66.
How often do you talk on the phone?
this isn't an interesting question.
67.
What is your favorite animal?
none?
and then monkeys, i think...?!
68.
What was the most recent thing you bought?
a moleskine
69.
Do you have good vision?
it's okay
70.
Can you hula hoop?
yes
71.
Could you ever forgive a cheater?
that's like asking "would you believe in God if you lived through the holocaust?"
you'd kinda don't have a clue bout what it would take unless you went through it.
I hope I could.
But I'd have a hard time trusting her.
72.
Do you have a job?
yes
73.
Can you handle the truth?
depends on what the truth is, doesn't it?
74.
What are you wearing?
dark blue jeans, brown t shirt w/ a white dress shirt
75.
Have you ever crawled through a window?
why yes i have.
i tag ben, melissa, dallas and yasi
1.
First thing you wash in the shower?
hair
2.
What color is your favorite hoodie?
navy blue
3.
Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
yes... you mean my dad, right? :D
4.
Do you plan outfits?
sometimes :) Isn't getting dressed planning an outfit?
5.
How are you feeling RIGHT now?
lowkey
6.
Whats the closest thing to you thats red?
christmas ornament
7.
Do you say aim or a-i-m?
aim
8.
Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
i'd rather not
9.
Did you meet anybody new today?
nope!
10.
What are you craving right now?
something chocolatey.
11.
Do you floss?
yes.
12.
What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Carnies... circus folk.... small hands....smell like cabbage!
13.
When was the last time you talked on aim?
to tony a week or two back. my aim goes through my ichat, though.
14.
Are you emotional?
yes.
15.
Would you dance to the taco song?
not only that, i'll dance to the burrito song AND the enchilada song...
16.
Have you ever counted to 1,000?
haha... no. but i tried.
17.
Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
i don't like biting ice cream. too cold.
18.
Do you like your hair?
yes
19.
Do you like yourself?
yes
20.
Have you ever met a celebrity?
yes... sondre lerche, al bell, john sebastian, moby... couple others... they were like other people... except famous.
21.
Do you like cottage cheese?
yes.
22.
What are you listening to right now?
I can hear my family watching Pride and Prejudice.
23.
How many countries have you visited?
Seven or so?
24.
Are your parents strict?
they're pretty middle of the road, i think.
25.
Would you go sky diving?
absolutely, i do.
26. Would you go out to eat with George W.
Bush?
my first reaction was "DEFINITELY!" but I don't think I'd enjoy my time... unless we played chess.
27.
Would you throw potatoes at him?
no
28.
Is there anything sparkly in the room you’re in?
the fire, and christmas ornaments.
29.
Have you ever been in a castle?
yep. in wales, and england... I also went to a small "castle" made out of glass bottles in africa.
30.
Do you rent movies often?
mmm. dunno.
31.
Who sits in behind you in your math class?
32.
Have you made a prank phone call?
yess
33.
Do you own a gun?
nope. and I never will.
34.
Can you count backwards from 74?
yes
35.
Who are you going to be with tonight?
no one
36.
Brown or white eggs?
organic. :)
37.
Do you own something from Hot Topic?
no
38.
Ever been on a train?
yes. in africa.
39.
Ever been in love?
yes... but I'm single. Pleasant story.
40.
Do you have a cell-phone?
mmhmm.
41.
Are you too forgiving?
no
42.
Do you use chap stick?
seldom
43.
What is your best friend doing tomorrow?
?
44.
Can you use chop sticks?
Yes.
45.
Ever have cream puffs?
everytime I eat pho...
46.
Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
no
47.
What was the last question you asked?
what are we doing tonight?
48.
What was the last CD you bought?
If You Love These Blues, Play em As You Please - Michael Bloomfield
49.
Boys or girls?
girls
50.
What is your bus number for school/work?
51.
Is your hair curly?
nope
52.
Last time you cried?
Last night, a little.
yea, i said it. haha.
53.
Ever walked into a wall?
don't recall.
54.
Do looks matter?
yes. They aren't near the top of the list... but they matter.
55.
Have you ever bought anything from Pac Sun?
i had a gift card, and i bought some pants. otherwise, no.
56.
Have you ever slapped someone?
myself
57.
Favorite time of the year?
all 365 days, baby.
58.
Favorite color?
Green and blue
59.
Are you sarcastic?
i dunno
60.
Do you have any tattoos?
nope
61.
The last person you held hands with?
...
62.
Do you sleep with the TV on?
not at all.
63.
What was the last picture you took?
one w. my sister
64.
Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
i really don't think so.. but maybe.
65.
Do you like your life right now?
yes
66.
How often do you talk on the phone?
this isn't an interesting question.
67.
What is your favorite animal?
none?
and then monkeys, i think...?!
68.
What was the most recent thing you bought?
a moleskine
69.
Do you have good vision?
it's okay
70.
Can you hula hoop?
yes
71.
Could you ever forgive a cheater?
that's like asking "would you believe in God if you lived through the holocaust?"
you'd kinda don't have a clue bout what it would take unless you went through it.
I hope I could.
But I'd have a hard time trusting her.
72.
Do you have a job?
yes
73.
Can you handle the truth?
depends on what the truth is, doesn't it?
74.
What are you wearing?
dark blue jeans, brown t shirt w/ a white dress shirt
75.
Have you ever crawled through a window?
why yes i have.
i tag ben, melissa, dallas and yasi
Great Shows of '08
Delta Spirit @ The Tractor Tavern, Seattle
Incredible show. The album already exceeds your expectations. Who'd dream that the concert would be all the more moving and meaningful. All the musicians were passionate. The singer was so heartfelt. He was also very personable and engaging. They ended the night singing "People, Turn Around" in a line at the front of the stage. Amazing!
The opening band, Hacienda, was a late 50's Buddy Holly & the Crickets style act, except for one song that was pure 60s British Invasion. I really enjoyed them. A pleasant surprise.
The headliner, Dr Dog, was good, but I was tired and uninterested. Also, they seem to be the kind of band that has good ideas to implement in songs. The songwriting itself wasn't too engaging. Their bells and whistles and frills in form were fun, though.
Sondre Lerche @ Bumbershoot, Seattle
Second time seeing this Scandinavian swinger. His guitar work is outstanding, and his charm is like candy. I'll try to see him every time he plays in whatever town I happen to be in.
John Sebastian @ the Triple Door, Seattle
:)
Seth Martin @ Empyrean, Spokane
Seth jumped on a Karli/Noah bill last minute. Where did this guy come from? He's amazing. Captivating. Precious and few are entertainers who steal your attention so thoroughly. You must see him.
As well as Karli Fairbanks w/ Oil of Angels, Caroline and Scott Ellis accompanying her @ Caterina Winery, Oil of Angels @ the BLVD, Seven Years Absence @ Madison Cafe, John Van Deusen @ Q Cafe, the Globes @ urbanXchange.
Just a few off the top of my head. Here are the shows I missed that I wanted to see:
Punch Brothers at the Benaroya Hall (ah!)
Chris Thile at the Benaroya Hall
Wilco, wherever they played
Radiohead at the White River Amphitheater
Decemberists at the Moore, I believe
First show I'll see next year:
Al Kooper at the Triple Door, Jan 18 - come with me! This man is an unknown legend, and one of the my biggest influences.
Incredible show. The album already exceeds your expectations. Who'd dream that the concert would be all the more moving and meaningful. All the musicians were passionate. The singer was so heartfelt. He was also very personable and engaging. They ended the night singing "People, Turn Around" in a line at the front of the stage. Amazing!
The opening band, Hacienda, was a late 50's Buddy Holly & the Crickets style act, except for one song that was pure 60s British Invasion. I really enjoyed them. A pleasant surprise.
The headliner, Dr Dog, was good, but I was tired and uninterested. Also, they seem to be the kind of band that has good ideas to implement in songs. The songwriting itself wasn't too engaging. Their bells and whistles and frills in form were fun, though.
Sondre Lerche @ Bumbershoot, Seattle
Second time seeing this Scandinavian swinger. His guitar work is outstanding, and his charm is like candy. I'll try to see him every time he plays in whatever town I happen to be in.
John Sebastian @ the Triple Door, Seattle
:)
Seth Martin @ Empyrean, Spokane
Seth jumped on a Karli/Noah bill last minute. Where did this guy come from? He's amazing. Captivating. Precious and few are entertainers who steal your attention so thoroughly. You must see him.
As well as Karli Fairbanks w/ Oil of Angels, Caroline and Scott Ellis accompanying her @ Caterina Winery, Oil of Angels @ the BLVD, Seven Years Absence @ Madison Cafe, John Van Deusen @ Q Cafe, the Globes @ urbanXchange.
Just a few off the top of my head. Here are the shows I missed that I wanted to see:
Punch Brothers at the Benaroya Hall (ah!)
Chris Thile at the Benaroya Hall
Wilco, wherever they played
Radiohead at the White River Amphitheater
Decemberists at the Moore, I believe
First show I'll see next year:
Al Kooper at the Triple Door, Jan 18 - come with me! This man is an unknown legend, and one of the my biggest influences.
Saturday, December 20
Friday, December 19
It Burns Right Here
Sometimes you really love a song, and it connects with you. But then things happen in your life, you listen to the song again, and you realize that you now FULLY understand it because what they're singing about is exactly what you're going through. Pretty trippy.
So here's the song that, at this time of my life, suddenly makes so much sense.
16 Random Things
1. I've lived in more houses than you! I think somewhere around 18?
2. I've been living with different friends (and sometimes strangers) for over a year and a half.
3. One of the things I look forward to most in life is having a daughter (though I'm in no rush, really).
4. I used to love school when I was younger, but now I highly doubt that I'd ever enjoy it again.
5. I get socially drained quite often, from traveling around and making new acquaintances all the time.
6. I read too many books at one time! Currently:
Recapture the Wonder - Ravi Zacharias
Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller
Where Is God When It Hurts - Philip Yancey
Could It Be This Simple? - Timothy R Jennings, MD
Desiring God - John Piper
And I'll be adding this to the list in a couple days:
Hatred: The Psychological Descent into Violence - Willard Gaylin, MD
I'm borrowing all but one of them.
7. I want to learn the trumpet, trombone, cello, clarinet and flute, at least.
8. I want to write books.
9. I have Synesthesia, and I love it! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synesthesia)
10. I don't like snow very much.
11. When I was in 6th grade, I wanted to be an architect. Not any more!!!
12. I prefer baths to showers, teas to coffees, snacks to sweets.
13. I disdain television, television culture, and the television-industry marketing complex.
14. Even though I disdain TV, I think Neil Postman's "Amusing Ourselves To Death" is logically flawed. I utterly disagree with him.
15. I generally don't like cereal.
16. I like etymology... a lot. I think it's one of the best fields of study. Consequently, I adore the English language.
2. I've been living with different friends (and sometimes strangers) for over a year and a half.
3. One of the things I look forward to most in life is having a daughter (though I'm in no rush, really).
4. I used to love school when I was younger, but now I highly doubt that I'd ever enjoy it again.
5. I get socially drained quite often, from traveling around and making new acquaintances all the time.
6. I read too many books at one time! Currently:
Recapture the Wonder - Ravi Zacharias
Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller
Where Is God When It Hurts - Philip Yancey
Could It Be This Simple? - Timothy R Jennings, MD
Desiring God - John Piper
And I'll be adding this to the list in a couple days:
Hatred: The Psychological Descent into Violence - Willard Gaylin, MD
I'm borrowing all but one of them.
7. I want to learn the trumpet, trombone, cello, clarinet and flute, at least.
8. I want to write books.
9. I have Synesthesia, and I love it! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synesthesia)
10. I don't like snow very much.
11. When I was in 6th grade, I wanted to be an architect. Not any more!!!
12. I prefer baths to showers, teas to coffees, snacks to sweets.
13. I disdain television, television culture, and the television-industry marketing complex.
14. Even though I disdain TV, I think Neil Postman's "Amusing Ourselves To Death" is logically flawed. I utterly disagree with him.
15. I generally don't like cereal.
16. I like etymology... a lot. I think it's one of the best fields of study. Consequently, I adore the English language.
Wednesday, December 17
Moleskine Fever
Got this for myself today. yay.I'm listening to U2 on random (How to Dismantle, and All That You Can't Leave Behind). Even though I have my reservations about them, these two albums are rather good.
I'm also chatting with a couple friends on facebook, which I'm really enjoying.
What I want to do is start filling the pages really badly. There's hardly anything as inspiring as an empty page.
But I have no pens in this room. Maybe I can bite off the tip of my finger and write with blood.
That's morbid.
I should just go get a pen!
Tuesday, December 16
Role Call
Hey everyone,
I'm just kinda wondering who reads my blog. So it's role call! If you're reading this, can you take 2 seconds to leave a comment and lemme know you do? Thanks!
I'm just kinda wondering who reads my blog. So it's role call! If you're reading this, can you take 2 seconds to leave a comment and lemme know you do? Thanks!
Monday, December 15
death
I've been thinking about the concert I saw last week of John Sebastian. Here's a musical legend, now a grandfather who's quite old...Probably will die in the next decade or two. But it wasn't so long ago that he was my age, starting his career as a musician. Not long ago at all. And he'll be dead soon.
I dunno. Kinda silly stuff to write about. But for some reason seeing him live, and old, and looking at photos of him as a mid-twenties kid makes me think about our fleeting days.
it's coming. life is so incredibly short. let's not waste our time.
I dunno. Kinda silly stuff to write about. But for some reason seeing him live, and old, and looking at photos of him as a mid-twenties kid makes me think about our fleeting days.
it's coming. life is so incredibly short. let's not waste our time.
Sunday, December 14
farewell, old friend
When my grandparents got married, my granddad bought my grandmother a piano. It was shipped from England down to whatever part of Africa they were living in. When my grandmother died, she willed the piano to my sister. I was one at the time. If only she knew that my sister doesn't play the piano, and that i'm crazy about playing the piano.
Well, it was always at my parents house, until they moved to Idaho. They left, but the piano stayed with my sister in Michigan. ugh... That means that whenever I visit "home", I won't get to play that piano.
Pretty much all I wanna do on my vacation is write a ton of negro spiritual piano songs... but there's no piano!
I learned to play piano on this piano... :(
But I think my sister is spending a year in Germany, come summer... maybe I can get it then! :D
Well, it was always at my parents house, until they moved to Idaho. They left, but the piano stayed with my sister in Michigan. ugh... That means that whenever I visit "home", I won't get to play that piano.
Pretty much all I wanna do on my vacation is write a ton of negro spiritual piano songs... but there's no piano!
I learned to play piano on this piano... :(
But I think my sister is spending a year in Germany, come summer... maybe I can get it then! :D
Monday, December 8
smo?oth sa?iling?
i wouldn't post this... except that karli's posted poems lately. and i might as well share one, too.
but i may take it down tomorrow....lemme know
just
wh&t you
think.
,
,
raise the rough to line the mast
deberth the craft, no longer fast
spread the sheets to catch the gale
shave my chin, and then set sail
I must look fine upon the deck
as passers-by will turn their necks
and gaze afar from distant dock
but once nearby, they wince in shock
You came to hear a song and dance
And ventured forth to flirt a chance
I do look sharp from distant shore
Surprise! in flesh, I am deplored
a tune to hear, a poem to read
and when you’re pleased, a dock to leave
so go ahead and do your deed
and teach my fragile heart to grieve
but i may take it down tomorrow....lemme know
just
wh&t you
think.
,
,
raise the rough to line the mast
deberth the craft, no longer fast
spread the sheets to catch the gale
shave my chin, and then set sail
I must look fine upon the deck
as passers-by will turn their necks
and gaze afar from distant dock
but once nearby, they wince in shock
You came to hear a song and dance
And ventured forth to flirt a chance
I do look sharp from distant shore
Surprise! in flesh, I am deplored
a tune to hear, a poem to read
and when you’re pleased, a dock to leave
so go ahead and do your deed
and teach my fragile heart to grieve
Sunday, December 7
Daydream
Tonight I saw John Sebastian play at the Triple Door. John Sebastian was the singer / guitarist / harmonica player from The Lovin' Spoonful. You might know their songs: "Summer in the City", "Daydream", "Do You Believe in Magic", "You Didn't Have To Be So Nice", "Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind?" and "Rain on the Roof". You should know their songs: "Darling, Be Home Soon", "Six O'Clock", and "Nashville Cats" - and probably a whole lot more than that. In case you don't, go cue them up on Seeqpod and treat yourself.
I treated myself tonight. The concert this evening was one of the best experiences of my life, hands down. I wish I could relive the whole show for you. Just imagine a 60+ dopey-smiled, dangley-legged man playing songs from a different era, telling stories about what it was like to make music in Greenwich Village in the 60s.
This guy played Woodstock.
[read the blog below!]
I treated myself tonight. The concert this evening was one of the best experiences of my life, hands down. I wish I could relive the whole show for you. Just imagine a 60+ dopey-smiled, dangley-legged man playing songs from a different era, telling stories about what it was like to make music in Greenwich Village in the 60s.
This guy played Woodstock.
[read the blog below!]
Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell
these
lyrics
are
profound:
Rows and floes of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons evrywhere
Ive looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on evryone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
Ive looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its cloud illusions I recall
I really dont know clouds at all
Moons and junes and ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As evry fairy tale comes real
Ive looked at love that way
But now its just another show
You leave em laughing when you go
And if you care, dont let them know
Dont give yourself away
Ive looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
Its loves illusions I recall
I really dont know love at all
Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say I love you right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
Ive looked at life that way
But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say Ive changed
Well somethings lost, but somethings gained
In living evry day
Ive looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all
Ive looked at life from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all
lyrics
are
profound:
Rows and floes of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons evrywhere
Ive looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on evryone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
Ive looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its cloud illusions I recall
I really dont know clouds at all
Moons and junes and ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As evry fairy tale comes real
Ive looked at love that way
But now its just another show
You leave em laughing when you go
And if you care, dont let them know
Dont give yourself away
Ive looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
Its loves illusions I recall
I really dont know love at all
Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say I love you right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
Ive looked at life that way
But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say Ive changed
Well somethings lost, but somethings gained
In living evry day
Ive looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all
Ive looked at life from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all
Wednesday, December 3
This Sunday - a (DAY)Dream Come True
John Sebastian, singer/songwriter of the Lovin' Spoonful, is playing at the Triple Door this Sunday. He's a legend and one of my musical heroes and mentors. I'm going. It's $28 but I don't care. It's worth it. I think Tric may be coming along. You're invited, too, if you wanna join us. We can make it a group thing.
I emailed him and requested a song ::*:: Let's hope he gets it and plays "Darling, Be Home Soon"... Let's hope.
I emailed him and requested a song ::*:: Let's hope he gets it and plays "Darling, Be Home Soon"... Let's hope.
From the BBC
"On Wednesday, police in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, broke up a protest march by doctors and nurses angered at the worsening outbreak. Witnesses said officers used batons to disperse and beat up the crowd of health workers."
...umm?
There's a cholera outbreak, and the police are beating up the doctors and nurses? Are you kidding me?
Monday, December 1
Quotes from a favorite movie
I am ill-equipt in the philosophies of failure.
So you failed. Alright you really failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You think I care about that? I do understand. You wanna be really great? Then have the courage to fail big and stick around. Make them wonder why you're still smiling.
Sadness is easier because its surrender. I say make time to dance alone...
It takes time to extract joy from life.
I want you to get into the deep beautiful melancholy of everything that's happened.
May your loss be met with a hurricane of love.
So you failed. Alright you really failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You failed. You think I care about that? I do understand. You wanna be really great? Then have the courage to fail big and stick around. Make them wonder why you're still smiling.
Sadness is easier because its surrender. I say make time to dance alone...
It takes time to extract joy from life.
I want you to get into the deep beautiful melancholy of everything that's happened.
May your loss be met with a hurricane of love.
One More Thing on the Beatles
Thanks, Target. I now hate "Hello, Goodbye".
"Hello, good buy"... good grief.
Michael Jackson! ::fist in the air:: argh.
"Hello, good buy"... good grief.
Michael Jackson! ::fist in the air:: argh.
Chronicles
One thing I really enjoy doing is listening to an artist's catalog in chronological order. That way I can hear how they've grown, what they've experimented with, and what's at the heart of their personal musicianship.
So far I've done it with the Strokes. I had a hard time sticking with it through the bulk of the second album, but their third album was well worth the wait. I've just been slow taking to Room on Fire.
I've also done it with Blood, Sweat and Tears, my favorite band. Except, I have a ridiculous amount of music from them: solo albums, side projects, live bootlegs, unreleased tracks. So, frankly, I've never done it in one sitting. I've done it over the course of a few days. It's especially interesting with them, because they always had about 8 or 9 members, and they always noted who arranged which songs. You can see how the line up changes affected their overall sound.
I've done it with a few other groups. I'm kinda doing it with the Beatles right now, except that I don't like the bulk of their songs - so I'm listening to my favorite ones, chronologically. This still leaves me with a good 30+ tunes. So prolific.
Anyhow, I'm leaving Sgt Pepper's and entering Magical Mystery Tour. I used to think MMT was my favorite album of theirs (double EP, actually). But now I know for sure it's Sgt Pepper's. How cliche. :D
This experiment has also convinced me that their later work is FAR superior to their early work. I'm hardly interested in hearing their Motown covers and early love songs. There are a couple I like, but ultimately, my listening started (small) with Help! and grew with their 67-69 releases.
If you wanna try this, heads up! Back in the 60s, releases weren't album oriented. There were plenty singles that weren't on albums -> Hey Jude, We Can Work it Out, Day Tripper, etc... None of them on any albums.
That's why if you buy something like the Zombies' Begin Here on CD, there's 30 tracks. They've included all the singles from the album period, too.
But yay for album-oriented music. Never been into the singles approach.
So far I've done it with the Strokes. I had a hard time sticking with it through the bulk of the second album, but their third album was well worth the wait. I've just been slow taking to Room on Fire.
I've also done it with Blood, Sweat and Tears, my favorite band. Except, I have a ridiculous amount of music from them: solo albums, side projects, live bootlegs, unreleased tracks. So, frankly, I've never done it in one sitting. I've done it over the course of a few days. It's especially interesting with them, because they always had about 8 or 9 members, and they always noted who arranged which songs. You can see how the line up changes affected their overall sound.
I've done it with a few other groups. I'm kinda doing it with the Beatles right now, except that I don't like the bulk of their songs - so I'm listening to my favorite ones, chronologically. This still leaves me with a good 30+ tunes. So prolific.
Anyhow, I'm leaving Sgt Pepper's and entering Magical Mystery Tour. I used to think MMT was my favorite album of theirs (double EP, actually). But now I know for sure it's Sgt Pepper's. How cliche. :D
This experiment has also convinced me that their later work is FAR superior to their early work. I'm hardly interested in hearing their Motown covers and early love songs. There are a couple I like, but ultimately, my listening started (small) with Help! and grew with their 67-69 releases.
If you wanna try this, heads up! Back in the 60s, releases weren't album oriented. There were plenty singles that weren't on albums -> Hey Jude, We Can Work it Out, Day Tripper, etc... None of them on any albums.
That's why if you buy something like the Zombies' Begin Here on CD, there's 30 tracks. They've included all the singles from the album period, too.
But yay for album-oriented music. Never been into the singles approach.
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