When I initially thought about today's date, I felt somewhat disappointed in myself. I'm just not where I thought I'd be at this point. I know I have to be kinder and gentler to myself, accept my limitations and strive to move past them. All I can do is redouble my efforts and move onward and upward with love in my heart and a cool head in the driver's seat. I have made all kinds of progress, and the best part is that I feel better, even though I sometimes slip back into old patterns. It's really great that I can recognise when it happens, and redirect. This is a huge step for me. One minute at a time changes to one hour at a time, to one day at a time. Patience is a hard lesson, but one I'm determined to learn.
I remain, a humble student of life.
Namaste.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
April 2008 Books and Movies
Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story
Leonie Swann
This book has a great hook. They find their shepherd lying in the meadow with a spade stuck in his chest and decide to solve the murder. You really get into the characters, pausing only to remember...these are sheep! It's pretty funny. The downside is, the story is far too convoluted to make for really good reading. Too bad, I really enjoyed it until about halfway through.
The Darjeeling Unlimited
Not so good. I was expecting to like it at least a little, as I really enjoyed The Royal Tenenbaums, but not so much. The best thing about it was the gorgeous Indian cinematography. Anjelica Huston was another highlight, she's fabulous. I found Owen Wilson's character really annoying. Makes me want to visit India even more now, so that's a plus.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Not the best movie I've ever seen, but not the worst either. The blood looks like red paint, but it's the concept that's really gross. Typical Tim Burton, creepy, weird and starring Johnny Depp. I'm not surprised he's married to Helena Bonham-Carter, she's weird too! Loved the sets and costumes, 1840s pre Victorian...there were lots of boobs hanging out of dresses which wouldn't have flown when Vicky was queen. :) The music was great too, it would be interesting to see the stage show.
Prime
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. It was a funny, poignant romantic comedy. I put it on as I was doing some housework, and all of a sudden, I wasn't working, I was watching. Meryl Streep is one of my favorite actors, and it was the type of movie that suits Uma Thurman to a "T". Enjoyable couple of hours with a non traditional ending.
The Amber Spyglass
Philip Pullman
Wah! I didn't want this series to end. It was that good! Best book of the three, Lyra and Will's character development is stellar. The ending is so sad, but you know it's the right one. The Mulefa were a bit weird to wrap your head around, but really added a layer to the story. Pullman puts his views forth plainly in our world view, whereas before he hid them in Lyra's world view. So glad I read these books, they were excellent!
Leonie Swann
This book has a great hook. They find their shepherd lying in the meadow with a spade stuck in his chest and decide to solve the murder. You really get into the characters, pausing only to remember...these are sheep! It's pretty funny. The downside is, the story is far too convoluted to make for really good reading. Too bad, I really enjoyed it until about halfway through.
The Darjeeling Unlimited
Not so good. I was expecting to like it at least a little, as I really enjoyed The Royal Tenenbaums, but not so much. The best thing about it was the gorgeous Indian cinematography. Anjelica Huston was another highlight, she's fabulous. I found Owen Wilson's character really annoying. Makes me want to visit India even more now, so that's a plus.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Not the best movie I've ever seen, but not the worst either. The blood looks like red paint, but it's the concept that's really gross. Typical Tim Burton, creepy, weird and starring Johnny Depp. I'm not surprised he's married to Helena Bonham-Carter, she's weird too! Loved the sets and costumes, 1840s pre Victorian...there were lots of boobs hanging out of dresses which wouldn't have flown when Vicky was queen. :) The music was great too, it would be interesting to see the stage show.
Prime
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. It was a funny, poignant romantic comedy. I put it on as I was doing some housework, and all of a sudden, I wasn't working, I was watching. Meryl Streep is one of my favorite actors, and it was the type of movie that suits Uma Thurman to a "T". Enjoyable couple of hours with a non traditional ending.
The Amber Spyglass
Philip Pullman
Wah! I didn't want this series to end. It was that good! Best book of the three, Lyra and Will's character development is stellar. The ending is so sad, but you know it's the right one. The Mulefa were a bit weird to wrap your head around, but really added a layer to the story. Pullman puts his views forth plainly in our world view, whereas before he hid them in Lyra's world view. So glad I read these books, they were excellent!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Music Musings
Just got home from the third and final recording session. There were three flutes and one piccolo booked on the gig, so I wasn't very exposed by any means. One of the flute players couldn't attend yesterday's session, so there are at least two pieces on the upcoming CD that you will be able to hear just me.
I do feel I am growing as a player, but I still have so far to go. I'm a little torn about what direction to follow. I attended a symposium for work today, and it was very enlightening. There are so many things I could do, work on my classical singing, take my singing in a whole new direction with jazz, work on my piano chops for work, increase my ability on other instruments and of course work on my flute/piccolo chops. I'm quite inspired by my dear friend, who is hard at work on his own musical endevours.
I had a good concert on Saturday, the pic solos went very well. It was very cool to have Dave Devall (the weather guy from CTV) as the announcer, he was very good. The summer looks busy musically, but we'll see how much I actually do. It's all about the balance!
I do feel I am growing as a player, but I still have so far to go. I'm a little torn about what direction to follow. I attended a symposium for work today, and it was very enlightening. There are so many things I could do, work on my classical singing, take my singing in a whole new direction with jazz, work on my piano chops for work, increase my ability on other instruments and of course work on my flute/piccolo chops. I'm quite inspired by my dear friend, who is hard at work on his own musical endevours.
I had a good concert on Saturday, the pic solos went very well. It was very cool to have Dave Devall (the weather guy from CTV) as the announcer, he was very good. The summer looks busy musically, but we'll see how much I actually do. It's all about the balance!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
New Trailer for the SATC Movie
I am so super excited for this movie. I love love love Sex and the City. Have done ever since I found out about it while it was in its 3rd season. I own the DVDs, can quote it backwards and forwards and can watch it again and again without getting bored. I even have the SATC trivia on my Facebook page that I've won 1800 points and counting. I just saw the new trailer on the movie website. Very interesting! It would seem (although trailers always mislead) that Carrie is finally going to marry Big, but something happens to stop the wedding. Also there's a funny moment with Miranda and Steve. He says something about something being "just the one time", which could mean that he cheated on Miranda, but I don't think so. I think it has something to do with Brady, either he left him alone, or hit him or something. It seems that Sam is getting bored of Smith, and is coveting other men, and Charlotte is finally pregnant after adopting the Chinese girl. It all looks very glam and movie ish, but I wonder how it's going to translate, 4 years after it ended. I've been invited to a very girly night out for the movie premiere. Dinner and cosmos (of course) before going to see the movie. I can't wait!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
2008 National Jazz Awards
My first experience going to the National Jazz Awards. Something that struck me was, how small the jazz world really is. I recognised a lot of people from the last three years of volunteering at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival.
My favorite vocalist, Emilie-Claire Barlow, won in her category. Unfortunately, she wasn't performing.
I love, love, love Hilario Duran, so was super excited when he won in two categories. Sadly, he wasn't performing either.
I wasn't able to see all the acts, but here's a few I did catch:
Nikki Yanofsky
Sly Juhas, doing double duty with both Brandi Disterheft and Elizabeth Sheppard:
The Brandi Disterheft quartet, including her vocalist, Sophia Perlman, whom I really enjoy after listening to Autobeauties on Brandi's CD, Debut:
It's a type of event that's better to go to with other people, so you have someone to talk to during the speeches! Some were very, very long, especially Jim Galloway's introduction of a lifetime achievement award for Geoff Chapman.
The tributes to Doug Riley, Jeff Healey and Oscar Peterson were extremely moving. Video clips, family member speeches and musical tributes were lovely, especially Reg Schwager's guitar tribute to Jeff Healey.
A nice evening out, although it would have been much better on the weekend!
My favorite vocalist, Emilie-Claire Barlow, won in her category. Unfortunately, she wasn't performing.
I love, love, love Hilario Duran, so was super excited when he won in two categories. Sadly, he wasn't performing either.
I wasn't able to see all the acts, but here's a few I did catch:
Nikki Yanofsky
Sly Juhas, doing double duty with both Brandi Disterheft and Elizabeth Sheppard:
The Brandi Disterheft quartet, including her vocalist, Sophia Perlman, whom I really enjoy after listening to Autobeauties on Brandi's CD, Debut:
It's a type of event that's better to go to with other people, so you have someone to talk to during the speeches! Some were very, very long, especially Jim Galloway's introduction of a lifetime achievement award for Geoff Chapman.
The tributes to Doug Riley, Jeff Healey and Oscar Peterson were extremely moving. Video clips, family member speeches and musical tributes were lovely, especially Reg Schwager's guitar tribute to Jeff Healey.
A nice evening out, although it would have been much better on the weekend!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Jackson's Christening
There's a new baby in our family, my cousin's son, Jackson.
He's very cute! Today was his christening.
Afterwards, there was food and very sugary cake, yum!
He's very cute! Today was his christening.
Afterwards, there was food and very sugary cake, yum!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
First Bike Ride of 2008!
What a beautiful day for a ride. It was really fantastic! I biked along the Martin-Goodman trail to Cherry Beach, then to Tommy Thompson park (a man made conservation peninsula) then to Woodbine park. It felt so good to be on my bike, I'm so glad it's finally spring. Looking forward to biking to work on Monday!
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