Interchangeable Songs

You're wondering ...what the heck is this.
Bono does this like and artform...he begins to sing "Bad" or "40" and then starts to sing a pop song with the same chord changes... I heard him do it live and I just about died with amazement. It's a little like the the Degrees of Kevin Bacon" game. You are amazed at the connections the songs have...like Bono Sang "ONE" he threw in, while the boys kept with the same chord progression: "I've got you under my skin" (Sinatra), "Three little birds" (Marley), and "You Can't always get what you want" (Stones) I was blown away and it was so seamless. You have to know your music and Bono knows his tunes.
So a good friend of mine and I figured this one out...and I hope to do it some day...
"Waitin in Vain" - this is the main song and then segue into "Follow You, Follow Me " by Genesis and then End with "(Just my) Imagination" by the Temptations. If you listen and work the arrangement to the right tempo...all three can be done in one very long song cycle. It is too cool.. and what I love about music too...it is interchangeable. I hope to figure out more.
( Someone steals this idea...oh well. Good on ya! But watch out..karma gets ya for stealing.)

My Favourite Songs for 2004...the short list.

Being the music lover I am...it was hard to narrow down just a dozen songs that are my faves for the year. I listened to a lot of stuff and really liked many many tunes. (But being in the jazz mode...you can tell my influences for the year.)
Now, These tunes were not all new songs Some are old,but I listened to them and called them MINE! Some I want to sing, some I just listen to and get lost and some I play over and over like a mantra. And I give credit to those who shared the song with me if it was one of those things....
This is my list...not yours so deal with it.
12 ) Ennio Moricone - Cinema Paradiso
Beautiful theme from a great movie. On my many trips across the state, this one mellowed me out while driving in gridlock or the pouring rain. This one is a keeper.
11) Sarah Brightman - Belitis
ETHEREAL is all I can say about this song. Floaty, pretty, you name it...just gorgeous. (Danke, Alexander - You know my musical taste.)
10 ) San Ilya - Bellissimo
I was in B&N killing time and I listened to some new world music...then after I first heard it, they used part of this song for a “Victoria’s Secret” ad campaign. Not that it’s bad...it actually fits. Beautiful song. Whole album you can get lost in. Brazilian samba...trance...you name it , this album has it. Good stuff. This cut is the best. It has this old European flavor of cinema variate movies from France.
9) Karyn Allison - Got My Mind on My Man Again
This song I want to sing. ( and I will one day) Being the romantic I am...it describes just about any man I’ve ever dated or had some form of relationship with. Karyn’s music is great. And no one will ever know exactly who I am singing about...
8) Keane - This is the Last Time
I love this whole album. I play it over and over on repeat. My faves on this cd vary, but I think I like this one best. (Thanks , Mim...i know you love your boys.)
7) Tommy Emmanuel - La Visita
Ahhh....Tommy. I love all of his music. ( And a nice fella to boot) This is just a beauty that you can get lost in. He played this live and it was..WOW . I think I got a bit of a crush.
6) Maroon 5 - Secret
Ok. This whole cd is another that is “all good”, but this is my fave. The chord progression allows you to sing “My Funny Valentine” with it. (I love interchangeable songs) and well the subject matter of the song is quite interesting. I plead the 5th.
5) Diana Krall - Temptation
Ok..Holly Cole did it first and Tom Waits wrote it. ( Bless him) But Diana made this popular. It is sexy...”Well I know he is made of smoke, but I’ve lost my way. He knows that I am broke...but I must pay...Temptation”. Damn good lyrics and a hell of a sultry song. (Thanks “G-note Man”...yes, I’ll do it for you...you dared me to.)
4) Seal - Touch
Oh...I first heard it and loved it. It is a great love song...one of longing, yearning and wanting someone’s touch. And Seal is pretty smooth. One big sigh!
3) Stacey Kent - You are There
Just a girl and a piano. Simple, yet beautiful. “In the evening, when the kettle’s on for tea, an old familiar feeling settles over me. And I believe that you are there”
This is another I want and need to sing. A girl, a piano, and her song for a faraway lover.
2) Annie Lennox - The Hurting Time
Very Zen song...begins with “To everything there is a purpose....every livin thing will surely come to pass and what will be will be...That’s when the hurting time begins”
She is raw and like the album’s title: Bare. This is a mighty soulful song and when I sing along...my voice takes on a tone and an easiness that even amazes me. the song just comes from within. And when singing some songs...you can’t fake it or force it. I feel this one. Found this song just when I needed it...serendipity at work.
1) Holly Cole - If I Should Start to Cry
Yes, this one made it to #1 with a bullet. One of those I heard and called MINE immediately. and I want to sing this with all my heart and soul. The bridge is great: “The saddest thing about this is I don’t know what’s really wrong. And the funniest thing about this is, I’m not even sure what I want” (Usually bridges aren't the best...this one fits so well.)
This song is about one woman’s journey about living the questions.
Interesting...since I had this discussion about this very topic the other day with a friend.
How fitting that it is my #1 song...cuz I’m living the questions right now. (Thanks, Arthur for the whole album! Thanks for sharing Holly's music. I love Holly)
HONORABLE MENTION:
Rosemary Clooney - I Wish You Love
The classiest breakup song ever written. It says goodbye and spreads good karma at the same time. And Rosemary does it so well. Yes, it is on my song list.

A Family Tradition??!!??

Really “Foul” Christmas

I think I have seen it all. I have now found the PERFECT movie to get me out of a nasty Christmas mood...
BAD SANTA
Billy Bob Thornton plays a Down and out Department Store Santa. Well here’s an idea of what this santa is like. This is the First quote out of his mouth in the movie:

Hey, Can somebody get me another drink? Well, I've been to prison once, I've been married - twice. I was once drafted by Lyndon Johnson and had to live in shit-ass Mexico for 21/2 years for no reason. I've had my eye socket punched in, a kidney taken out and I got a bone-chip in my ankle that's never gonna heal. I've seen some pretty shitty situations in my life, but nothing has ever sucked more ass than this!
or to describe himself:
Willie: I'm an eating, drinking, shitting, fucking Santa Claus.

I haven’t laughed so hard in my whole life. I haven’t heard this much gratuitous swearing ever. But the thing about it is...it was part of the character of Willie. At first you were shocked and then you realize..this is Willie. Jay, from Jay and Silent Bob, swears like a stoner and throws around the F-bomb like it was nothing. This was intelligent swearing - if there is such a thing. And my sister, who doesn’t really laugh out loud...( she just grins and snickers) she let out some serious howls of laughter. And when it was all done...she just looked at me and said “That was just FOUL. And it was a great movie”
This movie is not for everyone. There are some quotes that I wouldn’t dare repeat in mixed company or admit that I thought they were funny. It is dark humor, very cynical, but believe it or not, you end up loving this Santa. Billy Bob is great in this movie. And it was John Ritter’s last movie and his character was fun to watch. He was charming.
Yes, The whole family watched it together. Un - f’ing - believable. I guess since we are now adults, my sister and I can watch these movies with our parents and we sit around and talk about the movie like Siskel and Ebert.
And...we also watched “Jackass” together. Oh MY...The Holiday is over and now I can get back to normal . Whatever Normal is.

A FAAAAAAABULOUS Holiday

I had one of the most wonderful Holiday experiences...and considering that my life at the mo isn't what I would term "ideal", I was given a bit of holiday joy.
I went to the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus Annual Holiday Concert. It was beautiful, it was fun, it was touching and some damn good music.
I love choral music and these boys were TIGHT. ( No pun intended) This statement is based on technique and DING DANG, it was unbelievable musicianship.
I want to go to their spring "Pops" concert and take my sister to their summer extravaganza..."BANG BANG - The music of Cher"
I was wondering if I would run into any of my "Uncles" (or "Aunties" for that matter), but alas...for the first time in a long time, I didn't run into anyone I knew.
It was a wonderful way to begin this busy holiday week...beautiful music, peace and tolerance, and most of all...lots of love in the room.
A PS...
It was pretty amazing seeing a stage full of gorgeous men and knowing that there wouldn't be a chance with any of them...very humbling.

Holiday Eating.

The holidays are a "foodies" paradise...everybody rolls out the best of the best. I got these "rules" and I think I may have to send them to my relatives on my mom's side. These people make eating an Olympic sport.
Tis the season...


HOLIDAY EATING TIPS FOR AMATEURS
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like in single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's
Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or,if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the
mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards!
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
Remember this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

The Holiday Spirit

IT's RANT TIME!!!
Ok...so today I decided to try and finish my shopping. I only have a few things to get so it's not a problem.
I'm in this store...I am standing in the aisle, close to the shelves and this lady just barrels into me, grabs an item and nearly knocks me over, and then proceeds to tell me to watch where I am and be considerate of other shoppers trying to shop...
I gave her a look and said "Excuse me???" in my best Nice bitch voice.
I was the only other person in the aisle and I really didn't see that there was a run on this item...it was a fricken coffee maker.
Now, I know I shouldn't cast stones, but this woman makes my ass look like a supermodel's ass. Stretch Pants should be outlawed, as well as too tight tunic shirts over the pants. And don't forget the NASCAR coat that can't be zipped, but damn she had one of those fancy leather ones on to look cool. (I've been watching too much "What not to Wear" on TLC)
I was about ready to take one of my clog wearing feet and shove it up her...but I didn't want to ruin my fave pair of shoes. I wasn't wearing my bitch boots today. And thank goodness I wasn't wearing my stilettos.
I'm finding out that as each year passes...people are getting nastier at the holiday time. Women especially ...and I thought we were the fairer sex. BS! Most of the men are more polite than the women. But then again, you also run into a major asshole at least once a week.
Well...I politely stepped away and sweetly cooed "have a Happy Holiday" and walked away. Now those of you that know me...know exactly how I cooed and left the scene...it was like I was leaving Tiffany's and it had this Ice Queen tone to my voice...always act like a lady and kill them with kindness.
Needless to say...I heard her husband chew her ass out after I left and called her a bitch! I hope he has a good holiday season. Thank you, Mister for saying what I was thinking. But then again...I don't think their house is all sunshine and roses.
Let the Festivities Begin!

Making Holiday Plans

Our family celebrates the Holidays in a different way. I think it stems from the years at the family flowershop. We just never stopped to have a holiday...and now that we can, we just do it in an unique way.
My birthday is on the 23rd. I don't know if I'm working yet...but I'm tempted to skip it this year and celebrate it at a different time. My cousin is going to throw a "Backend of Thirty" party for me. ( Sarcastic laugh here...I like the dinner party part...but the backend...mmmmm)
But I don't know what I'm going to be doing that day or evening.
We talked about it with the ladies at the nursing home. They are my adopted aunties and sit with Gramm. One lady wants a chocolate cake, another wants buttercream frosting and the other thought grated chocolate mints would be tasty on top. So...the ladies have my cake planned and I really can't think of a better way of celebrating.
We are going to celebrate on Christmas day... Our family has lunch there on that day in a separate room and we have it with all the ladies. ( Due to health, they do not leave the care center) I've been asked to make lefse ( that's another post...what a process, but it is tasty and I like celebrating my heritage). My mom asks what is the menu and we usually bring accompaniments to the meal for extras and just plan a feast for the ladies. And it is really fun. We exchange small gifts and then just visit with them. And they take my pennies because I loose in cards to them.
Then there's the family christmas with Mom's side of the family...that's a post in itself.
So with all the changes in my life...I know that the holidays will be pretty special.

There's One Everywhere

I was listening to NPR and a weekly quiz show was talking about every town has a "Dick's Something..." as a business.
Yes! There Are Dick's everywhere. I had a good giggle over that one, but I got to thinking that it's pretty true.
We have a Dick's Sporting Goods in my hometown.
I know of a Dick's bar, Dick's SuperValu, Dick's Cafe, And Dicks Meat and Locker plant. ( That's my fave!)
But How about these...
Dick's super center, Dick's House of Style.
But my very fave...
Casa de Dick
It's one of those long running jokes that you always giggle about.
Like I said, and so did the radio...There's one everywhere.

Filling in the Blank spots...

All right..to fill everyone in on some of the things that have happened since posts of past...
*I caught the bouquet at the wedding.
I think it was a set-up, personally. I sang like a lark though...
* My friend, Annie, is having a baby.
She's all the way in Czechloslovakia and wants me to fly over and stay with her. I would in a heart beat...All I asked her was: "Does this mean we have to be grown ups now that one of us is having a baby?"
* I'm still fired
Yep, got fired and I'm ok. I have gotten tons of messages and a few cards from seniors that miss me so very much and miss the job that I did. I think the best was a lady telling my mom to let me know that she misses my bright smile and the love and energy I always shared. That is sooooo cool.
* I saw the President
Really. I went with my cousin to see him speak. On the floor of the convention center and less than 6 feet away. Ya, that is for another post and I will post a pic on that one!!!
* I've gotten a bunch of knitting projects done
I'm going to be felting a couple of things this week. I can't wait.
* I'm still single
This is an ok thing. Sure, babies and bouquets and the new Bridget Jones movie puts me in one of those singleton moods...but I'm a smug singelton at the mo!
* I didn't get the museum job
That's ok. There must be something better out there for me.
* My Total cholesterol is 142
Had a physical. I am great. Lupusland is not a place I will be visiting in the near future. I was told I could eat a stick of butter if I wanted. I'm not going to , but I'm allowed. I think that Stone Cold Creamery needs to be visited...
*I'm still here.
Yep...happy holidays people.
Now, let's put the fun back into dysfunctional this year!

Little Epiphanies

Lately...I have had more lightbulb moments and little epiphanies. I'm kinda "Getting it" in a whole big cosmic way. A lot more clarity.
You see, I'm standing a little more in the silence so I can hear the wisdom within.
Sorry for being trite, but jeez...look at some of the posts. I was and have been Stuck in a moment that I couldn't get out of. So I'm actually going with my own instinct and working with what I have.
I have been thrown a lot of crap in the last 2 to 3 months and I"m still standing.
Getting fired has been the best thing that has happened to me in a long time - a blessing in disguise!
I appreciate my friends and family more
I like myself more
And I can't wait for what's next!

Watching movies with your parents

Over the holiday weekend, I had the chance to watch some movies with my parents.
We did our new holiday tradtion and watched the BLUES BROTHERS
We then watched "THE GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARRING". ( pretty good, but then again Colin Firth could paint my kitchen and I would think it was a masterpiece)
A few weeks ago we watched SECRETARY. Not a good idea to watch with one's parents. Really. If you've seen the movie, you know what I mean. I want to rent it again and watch it by myself. Really.
But the piece de resistance...
We watched JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK.
Oh MY GOD!!! Every other word is "F" and you don't get all the jokes and references if you haven't seen the other movies of Kevin Smith. My mom had that nervous laugh at every F-word like we were going to condemn her for laughing at the swearing. And my dad....oh man. He laughed like a 12 year old boy laughs at a really good fart joke.
I just wish I would have had a dollar for every "F-word" that was said. I'd be driving a new car.
I brought along my copy of BRIDGET JONES' DIARY. I took it home. They will have to watch it on their own. I refuse to change my views on that one by watching it with them.
A girl has got to have limits

Dharma of Knitting

I've learned some rules of knitting just by trial and error. Sure...I've read things and tips to make projects easier, but sometimes ya just gotta do your thing and learn from your mistakes

OK.
***There is such a thing as shitty yarn...
You know, the stuff you pick up and think "WOW, this is a great deal and it would be cheaper to buy this instead of that stuff I really like and it would still work out. WRONG.
When you have any second thoughts about a yarn...put it down.
***Never knit something for a significant other unless you are married to them.
Really. It's happened to some friends...not me, thank goodness, but they have made things for their "others" and soon after...they are out of their life. It is a known fact of knitting circles. They even state this rule in STITCH - N - BITCH.
I was thinking of knitting a tie for a friend. I like this person and I like having them in my life...I will not knit the tie for them. I'll knit one for my dad. He will always be there for me and he loves ties.
God, I should have knitted back in the day...there are a couple of bad boyfriends that I could have gotten rid of sooner!
*** You have to have good tools.
Ok, your dads, uncles, brothers, grandpas...maybe yourself, have special tools. They even build sheds just for tools. There are traveling trucks that sell them. So...what I'm saying is...if you have a favorite kind of needle, then use it. You have to put a lot of time and effort into a project, so you might as well invest in a decent set. I"m kind of ticked...I broke one of my birchwood #9 short needles. This set fits my hands well and they are so smooth. I'm really bummed, but I'll just get a new set...finish the scarf I'm working on, and use the 3rd needle as a stitch holder. Damn, I hate that when it happens. I don't use the needles that was from another generation...I got me a few fancy sets and I love em.
*** Sometimes you have to splurge
This goes with getting good needles...you have to sometimes break down and get some really luscious yarn. You know the stuff that you just wanna touch. I've gotten some awesome imported wool from NZ. I love this hand-dyed Japanese yarn...it has good juju. And I have some gorgeous ribbon yarn from Italy that I'm saving for a scarf for myself.
I've made things with acrylics and some of the new acrylics are really great. But sometimes, you just can't compromise your materials. Vermeer, Da Vinci, Rembrandt and every other great artist did not skimp on his medium. Why the hell should I?
*** Remember to knit something for yourself
I have a sweater that I started in the spring. I have put it down to do other projects for gifts for others. I look at that knitting bag and think "When am I ever going to get this done??!!??" My new years resolution...I'm going to get my sweater done, so that If I get to the shores of lake superior, I will have it on when I dip my toes in and get centered.

This is just a bit of the Dharma of Knitting. Tis the season for me in more than one way...if you don't see me posting, my fingers are busy knitting and purling.

On the carousel...

I'm not afraid of anything in this world
There's Nothing you can throw at me that I haven't already heard
I'm just trying to find a decent melody
A song that I can sing in my own company.
STUCK IN A MOMENT YOU CAN'T GET OUT OF

Today, the sun was shining in the morning. I woke up and put on my favorite wool sweater and jeans. I talked to a friend a half a world away that I miss. I drove to work and sang "Who's Gonna Ride your Wild Horses?" with Bono at the top of my lungs. I typed a lot. I drove home singing "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" I came home and ate some soup. I drew a bath and had a cuppa. I just got done wailing...its a "Beautiful Day" ACHTUNG BABY has been the soundtrack for this week. And ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND and THE JOSHUA TREE.
It's been U2 on when I'm alone. Every life changing moment I've had...they have been on in the background. I can take a song of theirs and give you a story. Like I've said...music is the most powerful neumonic device.
December is a big month...I turn the "back end of thirty", the world will be celebrating some religious holiday, and hopefully, I'll have a new job or career move.
AND I have this sneaking/sinking feeling that I'm going to be walking through evil Wal-mart on Christmas eve on our way home from the relatives.
Well, they sell yarn. And that's a good thing.
So...
Nothing much to say I guess
Just the same as all the rest
Been Trying to Throw my Arms around the world
And a woman needs a man
Like a fish needs a bicycle
When She's tryin to throw her arms around the world.
Amen, Bono and Edge. Amen.