Tattoo Tuesdays: Where Words Fail, Music Speaks

Music has a way of closing the largest gaps of social differences. It also has a way of doing the very opposite. However, if you let it (and I implore...do it) music can perform magic.

It seems in every relationship, the good and the bad ones, there is always a song or two or a never ending flow of  undiscovered music that happens because one person decided it was time to share something. I can think of at least one song associated with each of the old and gone friends and the newly made friends. Music is universal, it succeeds so often where we mere mortals fail. Scary what power it holds over us...over me.

Though our hearts (and minds) rarely escape experiences unchanged, music is the gift that keeps on giving. Music is one of those blessings I sit relishing/musing, much as I do with words, "Wow, where would we be, where would I be if God didn't see fit to give us the ability to create symphonies? The ability to write 'foreign little creatures' on lines that direct the sounds of a heart."

Music tells a story. It tells you 'I love you'. It tells a world 'someone broke my heart'. It tells a generation 'get your shit together'. It stirs a well brewed pot of trouble. It can lay to rest a modicum or a plentitude of fears.


Today I'm running Tattoo Tuesdays as a theme post. All tattoos are music inspired. I know, as if you couldn't gather that already. (insert wink)

Photo credit (Flickr/Pintrest find):
Ana Luisa Pinto's '#2 -- mondays are for music'

 

Remember my mentioning of the 'foreign little creatures'? They are speaking a language all their own. According to the photographer, the notes are an actual song. I don't read music, oh to be so lucky, but perhaps you do. Tattoos tell stories and of course this tattoo is brilliant (though it may be the photographers doodling, I can't be sure) because music is telling that story too. Me and finger tattoos...sigh.

 

Pinterest Find

Tattoo Artist: Ellen Westholm

 

I'm not a rose tattoo kind of gal. Truth be told I don't really like real roses even. However, I like this tattoo very much so, rose and all. My first thought, "Hey that looks like Bokeh effect on a tattoo!" I don't entirely, honestly, understand what Bokeh is, but the background feel of this tattoo looks like the Bokeh effect button I use for editing photos. I like it! It has an old world feel with the shading/coloring. Now...I wish I could read what the words say. Can you read it? Sleeves of course equal always a winner in my book.

 

 

Pinterest Find

 

One of my favorite music quotes* is Frederick Delius' words: “Music is an outburst of the soul.” 

This tattoo, for me, is reminiscent of those words. I grew up with cassette tapes and sometimes I get a bit nostalgic and miss them. Then I remember numerous occasions of frustrations with cassette players eating away at the intestines of the cassette tape and I think "Erm...no, I'm good." 

I am a little iffy about the red coloring. I know my Mum's first reaction would be, "Is it suppose to represent blood?" (insert smile) Otherwise love the concept.

 

 

“Where words fail, music speaks.”

~Hans Christian Andersen

 

 

 

Footnotes (my feet have kickass boots on today, what about you?):

• *This quote is etched on the back of my iPod. I think I have mentioned this before.
• Music today - Thank you Spotify for having The Head And The Heart's new album, Let's Be Still! I can't buy it before Christmas, but I can surely indulge on Spotify.

Thrive Thursdays: New Regimes, New Masters and New Chapters

Thrive

[thrahyv] * verb
2. to grow or develop vigorously; flourish: The children thrived in the country.
1. to grow strongly and vigorously 


Hello my old friends! It has been entirely too long between blog posts.

After Tuesday's Dear Boy post I took the time to look over my past posts. I realized a number of things. I miss writing. I miss sharing thoughts and the rush I get when I hit 'Publish'. The days that follow a post are like a little girl waiting at the window for the mailman to arrive with a letter from her best friend. Even if no one comments, watching the view count steadily increase is so exciting!

Reading some of the older posts I could 'hear' how happy I was while writing them. Writing makes me so happy. Among worldly pleasures it has to rank in my top 5. I don't want to mess up or sacrifice a good thing. I have a good thing, my words and me.

The past few several months have brought about big changes for me. We won't plunge into the nitty gritty right now. Although, I should tell you some of my biggest news...I am now unemployed. As of August 2nd I became my own boss. My sole gig is the bookstore and home life. Trust and faith need to get busy, that's for sure!

Today I am introducing a new blog series. We welcome Thrive Thursdays! Often times my blog posts serve a purpose of what I hope is to encourage others walking this road we call life. I need to listen to more of my own advice. This is where Thrive Thursdays come into play. Right now in life I'm like a chicken walking around the yard waiting. I'm stuck between knowing my head is going to be chopped off and my head actually being chopped off...on the brink. In my personal walk I need the encouragement that others can bring.

I want Thrive Thursdays to be a time to share what I am, what we are, doing to stay in a pursuit of growth. What are you doing to thrive, to vigorously FLOURISH? Thriving can be waking up that day. It can be doing the laundry, taking a walk, making the effort to exercise (I know I need to) or reading a good book that you want to tell us about. Perhaps Thursdays will become my Pinterest day and I spend the day cooking everything on my food board or creating all the projects from my craft board (no rainy days needed). Thursdays can be a day that I/you spend encouraging others. So many times I get caught up with my own social networking footprint I forget that other bloggers, tweeters, etc. want just what I'm prowling the web for...recognition and a little "Oi, you there! Yep you! What you just said is brilliant!" (insert big smile) We will play this by ear. I think we all need accountability and encouragement, we all need a method for the means.

Growth is rarely pleasant or fun, but we can try to make the best of it. Right?

Thriving can be meeting new people and best friend maker conversations.

New Chapters are scary. They are unnerving, but they can be so much more! Stay connected here on the blog and other places below. Let's see how we do...together.

Tweet with me. | Snap some shots. | Listen to the music. | Get to pinning | Up, Up and Plus

 

 

Thriving Moments: New Blog Series :)

 

 

 

Footnotes (toe wiggling goodness):

• Bracelets in new blog series banner are from one my favorite shops/organizations MudLove. Support a great cause and have something awesome to wear.
• What did I listen to while writing this post? Of course I want to share this with you! New to me: Backseat Goodbye I haven't picked a favorite song yet.

Mundane Mondays: Pack and Play

Tomorrow I leave for Maryland, a business trip. Ergo I stayed home today for prep and relaxation. Oh the joys of beauty chores; shaving legs, painting nails, and more. Painting nails? Some weeks ago my Mum convinced me that painting my nails was the pretty thing to do. Well pretty or not, it is tedious and now so ingrained in my subconscious that at the end of a week it is time to hunt down the new color. Painted nails means no trimming of the nails and no trimming means a nail file is your new best friend. Do you realize how hard it is to do menial tasks such as texting with long nails?!? I know, I know  . . . priorities Maddie! Every time I start to complain about the text issue the ever popular meme pops up in my head, "First world problems." I shut my mouth and move on, beauty is 'pain' after all, but why oh why do I continue with it?

I should be packing, but instead I'm sitting outside writing this post. However, in the back of my mind I am compiling my 'must haves' for this trip. We are driving and I have never been to Maryland. Thus I have no clue the number of hours I will be trapped in the car. This means go prepared! Right off I know I will be packing . . . books!

• Tam Lin by Pamela Dean - Poor thing, I've set it aside numerous times lately for affairs with other 'page turners'. It really is time to finish what I started.
• Tiger's Destiny by Colleen Houck - Book four is finally here! I let my friend Anna borrow it to read it first, as she introduced me to the series. After some of her comments/reactions to it, I'm as anxious as ever to read it!
• Non-fiction Nonsense - I've been basking in the arms of Fiction for . . . too long . . . I need to mix things up a bit. I'm not sure what I will grab yet.
• Kindle - Yep the soul sucker is coming along for the ride. After a comment from someone I am now the 'proud' holder of numerous reviewer eBooks. It is time to get busy! Of course the real books hold precedence on this trip.

After books, we have the bag of goodies we like to call at my house the "Keep busy bag." It is a treasure trove of attention diverters and time passer-by helpers.

• Journals - My soul and thoughts.
• Notebooks - "Notebooks are for notes, not for kissing." My writing and blogging.
• At least 2 issues of Snowboarder Magazine
• iPod - Let's face it, me without my music is like a zombie without the sustenance of fresh brains . . . not tolerable or fun to watch. Unless of course you are watching your mortal enemies (of whom I have many, we are sure) being chased down by the brain hunger buggers. Then we are cheering them on. This is not the case, however, with a music starved me. You will be the one screaming. (insert grin)
• Knitting - undecided
• Possibly an issue or two of Alt Press - It just depends if  I want the added flavor.

You never know what I might toss in the bag. A girl has to be prepared for anything! Oh yes, my camera will of course accompany me. He (Calvin) has a front row seat!

I will be in Baltimore for Expo East (Natural Products Expo). I'm told this expo is the size of 3 or 4 football fields. Bring on the samples! If you are there come say hello. I'm not going to tell you what booth I am working. That would take the fun out of it. Just look for the girl with crazy long curly hair. I'm told I look like Merida from Brave. Good luck!

I wonder if Expo East has a bookstore booth . . .

Mundane Mondays: Will Work For Stamina

Does stamina, or motivation for that matter, come in liquid form? Oh I know . . . caffeine. Yeah I could use some of that too. The morning has gone fast, but I feel physically like I'm creeping along at a snail's pace. Thus I'm a bit cranky. Mr. Skip* had a seizure at 12:30 this morning and like a good owner I held him so he didn't flail about and hurt himself. Where is the caffeine?!? I'm in danger of turning into a zombie sooner than I expected.

Okay. Enough, my little whine session is over.

I have news and things to share with you!

First

I opened my Etsy shop Saturday night! Check it out here. My shop name, RapaciousCurls, pays homage to the fact I have extremely curly hair. The 'rapacious'? Well that's because it is one of my favorite words and sounds as though a well educated surfer just walked in, "That's totally rapacious!"

The shop features my photography postcards right now, but I'm hopeful to add more as time goes on. I would love to get feedback or suggestions from you. I've sold stuff (books) on Etsy via the bookstore's shop, but never my own creations.

Second

If you missed the blog post Saturday, I know I don't normally post on Saturdays, then check it out! I am part of the 2012 Reading Road-Trip. My state is of course Indiana and I'm giving away 4 great books. Although it seems the most popular are the 2 YA books. Folks at least give Gene Stratton-Porter's book a chance! (insert smile)

Reading Road-Trip: Indiana

Be sure to check out other blogs participating in the Reading Road-Trip, you need to travel the country, right!?!

Third

I'm headed to Las Vegas on Thursday! This will be my first time and I'm excited. Of course my first question was "Do they have any good bookstores?" It is a business trip, though, so I'm not sure how much time there will be for fun things. I may (clearing throat) or may not be gambling . . . only a little, if I do at all.

And last for today . . .

A few things you should checkout, if you haven't already.

• Book Riot's Edd McCracken's list of Sixteen MORE Things Calvin and Hobbes Said Better Than Anyone Else Which will be sure to make you laugh. What is better than a good laugh on a Monday?
• I know I've suggested in the past to have a listen to Walk the Moon's music. I just finished listening to their entire album on Spotify and I will be purchasing it. Anna Sun was already a favorite, but I also like Shiver Shiver.
• Be sure to check out this week's Tattoo Tuesday and send me suggestions. I'm also looking for new banner art. If you are new to my blog you can view past Tattoo Tuesday's posts here.
• Last. If I have a chance I'm hopeful to post my review for Jennifer Donnelly's Revolution later this week; which is my second FFNR book from Anna. I'm way behind . . .
  

What I'm reading . . .

Too much (insert smile)

Real:

-Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund
-The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 

(I read this a long time ago, but I'm now reading it aloud to my mum.)

-Great Philosophers Who Failed at Love by Andrew Shaffer

eBook:

-A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter

-Fortune's Rising (Outer Bounds) by Sara King

You can follow me on Goodreads too!

Quote of the Day

"I have sometimes dreamt that when the Day of Judgment dawns--the Almighty will turn to Peter and will say when he sees us coming with our books under our arms, 'Look, these need no reward. We have nothing to give them here. They have loved reading.'"
~Virginia Woolf

*My Boston Terrier

Mundane Mondays: Dance A Little Jig and Scream A Little Scream

Those who know me know I can dance to a song no one else can hear. Music is at times playing in my head causing me to dance little jigs of bliss because music has that effect on me. No, contrary to your first impressions of that statement, I’m not insane for hearing music no one else can hear. Though, I could be termed crazy for other reasons.

While I love talking about books, I always enjoy changing things up a bit and talking about music. Of course I can’t help bragging by telling of a recent ‘musical’ experience. Thus there is another reason for talking about music in a Mundane Mondays post.

G (my friend Anna’s brother): Maddie! I’ve met the male you.

I could have taken this many ways, but my interest was spiked.

Me: Oh? How so?

G: He is to me what you are to Anna, in terms of music suggestions.

Me: Oh? How old is this male me? Is he hot?

G: He is my age. His name is Neal. (Notice no answer was given as to his level of hotness.)

While I don’t mind younger men, there is something to be said when G, who is my youngest brother’s age, is telling me about a guy. My interest wanes of course because I’m not likely to become a cougar, even when music is hanging in the balance. I was extremely awed by G’s compliment and humbled that he thought so much of me to make such a comment.

Brag session over, I now have music recommendations to share!



The Head and The Heart - Rivers & Roads: I can't remember how I found them, but I can't get enough of their folksie sound. I especially enjoy their live sessions at The Doe Bay Sessions. Would anyone like to buy me a ticket to the next session? :)



Dr. Dog - Heart It Races: Pandora! If you had stepped into the shop Saturday you would have seen me dancing quite unabashedly to this song. I originally heard Architecture in Helsinki's version sometime ago, but I think I like this version better. You are dancing, aren't you?!?



Annaliese - Rusty: Do I watch Jane by Design? Yes, I'm guilty as charged.



Arkells - Book Club: PureVolume, thank you! What could be better than music about books? Oh yes and a song with my name in it!



You Me At Six - Save It For The Bedroom: Maybe I shouldn't like this song, but I do and the acoustic version is my favorite. I quickly bought 2 of their CDs and am frequently finding that I like ALL of their music.



Glorious Rebellion - Don't Dip The Pen In Company Ink: PureVolume...again. Fellow Hoosiers and good music to boot. Have a listen!



Till the World Ends (Cover) - I See Stars: I don't like Britany Spears' music, with the exception of Hit Me Baby One Time and Lucky (for my own reasons). However, I absolutely can't get enough of this cover. It is especially fun to blast it in my car while driving in town. Plus this wouldn't be a music post by me without one screamo song.


Now I'm off to use my iTunes gift card that someone FINALLY got me for my birthday. Do yourselves a favor and buy some music too and show your support for these artists!

Mundane Mondays: Musing with the Muse

I will spare you the typical apology intro following my long absences from posting (nonetheless I am sorry).

Today is all about music. I feel sure that I've expressed my deep appreciation for music in the past. I mean I'm the girl with my iPod (auto-correct corrected this to opossum) engraved (hey it was free) with music is an outburst of the soul*. The only other thing in this life that I readily, and with little thought, shell out cash for are books, those of course come first.

Talk about diverse! These days its screamo and folk/pop and I never object to dance tuneage. I am even versed in dubstep and weirder yet...screamo rap. Did you know there was such a thing?

I owe several mix taps to the muse box and friends. That being said below is a mundane Monday playlist. The songs stir in me meaning (reminding me of love) or inspire me with their lyrics. I want to share my findings and then I’m off to find blank CDs because otherwise I am going to hear it from people.

Scarlet Shroud by Vanna


When I was new to the screamo scene last year at this time, I had the guidance into the dark side :) by 2 guys (B and C u know who u are).  Me being the student, I was bound to strike out on my own and began my research. Vanna hit my radar screen and was an instant ‘can’t get enough’. Scarlet Shroud is from their newest album, and They Came Baring Bones. It is not as hard as their other songs, but it ranks amongst my favorites.

Promises by Nero

Dubstep? Techno? Electronic? Who cares I can dance to it and makes for awesome dance while driving music. I owe their finding to Skrillex and B. If you like this song, definitely check out their cover of  Crush On You.

Start Again by Evangelion

This song reminds me of my growing up years. It has a 90’s grunge feeling. That is by no means a negative observation and I, well I like it. Ok? Via Ruberman on Twitter ;)

Jungle by Emma Louise

Follow her videos on youtube! I have to give it to youtube sometimes they are spot on with their recommendations. I can't help, but drum my stirring wheel and belt this song out.


Double Trouble by Jack and White

Hello 60’s and shaking your hips to the sound of this Indy duo that is just plain fun. Many of their other songs I appreciate for the lyrics as well.

Damage by Fit For Rivals

Youtube (auto-correct corrected this to toughness) and their recommendations! I first listened to this group and couldn't figure out if the lead singer, Rene, was a male or female. It seems I was not alone. Rene is a girl (unless the comments were wrong). Which proves even more how talented she is because the scratchiness of her voice (a good thing) combined with the effect is a huge draw. My pocket book does not often allow for an entire album purchase, which I was forever trying to explain to B, but for once I ignored the pleas for its frugality. I purchased their entire CD on iTunes (shhh).

Anna Sun by Walk the Moon

I don’t want to type anything...just sing. I so enjoy the build up at the beginning of this song. Oh Anna sun, what do you know...

Check out these too:
-Fast Fast by Let’s Buy Happiness
-The King and All Of His Men by Wolf Gang
-Patterns by Band Of Skulls
-The Greatest American Sob Story by Underminded
-Bluebeard by Band Of Horses (I'm sure you have heard them before, but I never thought I would like another of their songs as much as The Funeral...I don't mind being wrong)

Hit me up on Spotify my new music haven :). Be proud of me I typed this entire post on my kindle (hence the commentary mentioning auto-correct occurrences) while driving back from Chicago last night. Okay so among other things I have attempted while driving, this was not one of them. No I was a passenger and I was thinking ahead because I knew time would not be on my side today to write this post. Be thankful! I am demanding aren't I?


*“Music is an outburst of the soul.” quote by Frederick Delius

Merry Christmas (My Christmas Letter)

The Front of my Christmas Card

Dear Friends,

I can't believe that it is Christmas and soon to be New Years! It seems like I was just making my New Year's resolution list and putting lots of pleases, hopes, and prayers into what this year could bring. I'd like to say I got them all accomplished and then some, but well I won't tell if you won't.

If there is one thing I've learned this year it is boy howdy am I am stubborn person. It has been a rough year, emotionally, spiritually, "relationally", you name it. I read a verse the other day that made me scratch my head and think "Gee God, I think I'm as gold as I'm going to get." In 1 Peter it says "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." As my dad reminded me, and now that I think of it more I'm truly grateful for this, He is never finished refining me. Of course maybe it would be nice if He didn't polish so hard. :)

This year my mum watched in horror (ha ha!) as I purchased my first of several (I'm addicted, shhh don't tell) pairs of skinny jeans. Added to my growing taste for music, I can't stop listening to screamo or there are other names for it, but most commonly in my house that scary stuff Maddie listens to (shout out to the guys who introduced me to it :)!) In March I traveled to Long Beach for my fifth year!

I watched as my baby sister, Elyza, turned 21. Hello drinking buddy! Don't tell my mum I said that. A. David turned 20 and baby Reece 18. Man I'm feeling old. . . I turned 23, blah, but hey another year wiser. Don't worry if you question that, I do too. I still live at home (if you thought that had changed) and these 3 are some of my favorite people. Between making me laugh with their quick wit and sarcasm and playing SingStar, we are the karaoke champs; it is never a dull moment.

I took horseback riding lessons during the summer and hope to continue next year. Knitting became a thorn in my side. I always seem to take on the hardest projects. Hopefully with snow coming (I'm praying for it, are you?), I can have a chance to indulge in some winter activities as well.

2012 may be considered the year the world ends, but I'm hoping it is a big year for me. Win the lottery. Marry prince charming. Vacation in the Bahamas. Yes big year, indeed. On a serious note, I'm looking forward to what the Lord has in store, crossing my fingers for some growth, adventure, and joy.

Happy Birthday Jesus! Merry Christmas!

2011 Favorites:
Movie: Drive
Book: Blackveil by Kristen Britain
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:6-8
Song: Blame it on the Rain by He is We
Screamo: Safe to Say by Vanna
Documentary: The Art of Flight

It Sung the Song of my heart....Music

(Note: I wrote this Saturday night, January 15, and am just now getting around to posting it....sorry)

It is easy, common place, to find your area of expertise in writing and stick to it. Branching out and embracing subjects that aren't necessarily your forte is the true challenge. At times I shrink away from these unfamiliar territories and other times I look forward to a new subject. I typically write about books and movies. I've written about music in the past and tried to sound as though I knew what I was talking about. I don't think it worked out too well for me. I'm up to trying again though.

Music has been on my mind lately. I've always liked it. Whether it be listening or dancing, it literally feels as though it flows through my veins. That is a great feeling. Music has long been about the beat, the sound, the feeling it gives me. My friend always would go on and on about this or that song having amazing lyrics. I would just look at her like she was smoking something. Sure I would sing along with the words, but paying close attention to what was actually being said wasn't important to me. Music after all is about the sound, right, not the words?

However, I have started to really listen and appreciate what is being said in the music I listen to. When you stop to process what is being sung you connect on a new level with the music. Certain songs you play more because now their lyrics touch on what you're feeling, what you're going through at that very moment. Some songs feel like they were written with my life situations in mind. I have a strong desire to claim them as my own, royalty check perhaps?

Stumbled across this gem about a month ago and I can't stop playing it. The song is simple, but it puts my feelings out there so much better than I could.

Sleepless by Until June
(excerpt)

Did you ever love someone
So much you couldn't bear the thought of losing them
Well I remember the sleepless nights
When I'd lie awake
If only I could tell you how I feel
....
Well I would walk around the earth
To have another chance with you
Spend the evening, painting thoughts of all you do
Well I remember the sleepless nights
When I'd lie awake
If only I could tell you how I feel

I'm already humming the song, pondering what it means to me.

When you gain this new perspective of music your ears are on constant alert. Listening, learning and even frightening yourself at times to what you never took the time to hear. A good beat is just that good, but we get too wrapped up with that, that the music continues to lose its flair (Hence the downward spiral of music today.) Words are powerful.

Safe to Say by Vanna
(excerpt)

I'll leave my heart there by your bedside
If you swear that your eyes won't stray
To be honest, I've been hoping
To find the words to say

I'll leave my heart there by your bedside
If you swear that your eyes won't stray
And honestly, honestly
I only let go for the sake of you

Ask anyone close to me, I abhor modern poetry. There is a yucky taste it leaves in my mouth, to say nothing about the writing style. "I can't like it." However, the more I listen, really listen, to music I realize that these musicians out there are the next wave of poets. I don't know if they know it, but they are.

A hundred years ago lovers would exchange verse with one another. They would even quote famous poets in letters or memorize lines to capture the attention of their lucky man or woman. What do we do today? Another friend told me recently she used to spend hours making mix tapes (CDs) for guys. These collections are work. Thoughts and heart are poured into what is being put out there for another person to hear. Yes you aren't the writer of these "modern poems," but you're putting a piece of you into it. The songs meant something to you and you're hoping and praying the lucky receiver realizes what it means. Wake up! The songs, music, lyrics are this generations whispered love poem.

If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn by Sleeping with Sirens
(excerpt)

They say that love is forever
Your forever is all that I need
Please stay as long as you need
Can't promise that things won't be broken
But I swear that I will never leave
Please stay forever with me

I feel like there was more I wanted to say. It is late, after 12, and my mind is on shut down. I'm almost tempted to get online and gobble up some more lyrics. I am becoming a lyric junky and to make matters worse my iPod is full. I even discovered how to put lyrics on my iPod so I can read and listen. This may end up being bad just because it takes up space, but I can't help myself.

A quick playlist I've thrown together for this post (the lyrics are great of course):

- Mariella by Kate Nash
- These Walls by Trapt
- The Funeral by Band of Horses
- Jolene by Ray LaMontagne
- Rise & Fall by Carlotta
- Eyes on Fire by Blue Foundation
- Safe to Say by Vanna
- 9 Crimes by Damien Rice
- Innocent Tears by David Thornton
- CrushCrushCrush by Paramore
- Cough Syrup by Young the Giant
- Sleepless by Until June
- Winter Winds by Mumford & Sons
- Audience by Cold War Kids

Oh I could add so many more! :)

One last recommendation before I let you off to LISTEN to music. The Bible has beautiful poetry (and wisdom) all throughout. I have recently read the book of Ecclesiastes twice. It is becoming my favorite book of the Bible. I may even be reading it again soon. Read it, ponder some and be prepared for perhaps not the most encouraging read, but certainly thought provoking.

Ecclesiastes 7:29
This only have I found: God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes.

The Randomness of Life

Wat: (in the letter) I miss you like the sun misses the flower. Like the sun misses the flower in the depths of winter. Instead of beauty to direct its light to the heart hardens like the frozen world your absence has banished me to. ~ A Knight's Tale

Thought migraines. Do you ever get them? Your mind is so overwhelmed by the mass diversity and randomness of your own thoughts that you wish closing your eyes made it all go away. Of course then there is also trying to go on and act as though nothing is playing out in that beady little mind of yours. You want to focus on other things and you could just scream at your inability to concentrate because the damn thing won't shut up, your mind that is.

I haven't picked up a book in a number of weeks. I feel like a traitor. I fear the books are bound to come out from their various corners with torturing devices, ready to all attack me at once. I honestly feel awful about it, but I can't read anything to save my life lately. I have plenty of ideas going on in my head, I just can't read. What will I do? I have reading goals that I only have a little less than 2 months to accomplish. It seems unlikely I will at this point and then I feel like why bother.

My attitude sucks right now!!!!

There does seem to be one thing that can meander its way through the thought maze, though. Music. I can't seem to get enough lately. I'm ready to take a syringe and inject music into my veins. It has this wonderful ability to calm me down and give me time to rest. Enough! I feel like a moody teenage girl. Yuck, yuck, and more yuck!

Okay, deep breath.

I'll give you random bullet point thoughts for the rest of this post (seeing as I can't control myself emotionally right now).

- Rupert (my car) broke down yesterday. I haven't gone back to town yet to see what exactly is wrong with him. I think he just doesn't like the cold weather.

- I dyed my hair. I tried to dye it brown, the box said brown. Yet my hair turned out more reddish. It is starting to grow on me. hehehe

- The bookstores newsletter has been in people's hands for nearly a month now. We have had a great response from people. We just need me more people to take action, we gave them the open door to submit their own material for the next issue (coming out in December). Would you like a copy? Email me (peetierox@hotmail.com) your address, please do not post it in the comments, in the subject blank put "Bookstore Newsletter Request."

- I could scream at all guys right now. (Read into that as much as you like :).)

- I'm nearly finished with my church's directory. Thank you!!!!!

- Just came across a group that I'm starting to really like...I mean just came across, 15 minutes ago. Young the Giant. Check their stuff out on YouTube. I'll probably be buying some of their stuff from iTunes soon.

- I hate texting. I hate that it is addictive and unavoidable most of the time. I hate texting.

- 50 days until Christmas and have 2 presents. I'm WAY behind!


I'm sure I've bored you enough for today. I am sorry I didn't have a more thought provoking post. Blame it on life, I guess.

Friday's Fancies (1)

If I can manage to write 2 posts a week that would be great. I sometimes don't post because I want to leave plenty of time for people to see the most recent post. Well I was just thinking let's try for 2 a week and see how goes it. Then I thought every Friday I could post Friday's Fancies, which will be random things I like for the day or just random babble.

Yesterday, Thursday, I created a new Pandora station based on my liking the group Rasputina. The group Cake Bake Betty appeared today and now I find myself hunting YouTube for more. Fancying Cake Bake Betty! I couldn't find much about the group and for now I don't care. I just like the sound. Their lyrics are refreshingly quirky.

At 12:01 this morning (more like 12:17, as for some unreported reason, they were running late) I watched Iron Man 2 with my brothers. Aside from being surrounded by the most obnoxious people I've ever had to be in a theater with (not my brothers, everyone else), the movie was great, better than I expected. I laughed, I cried...wait I didn't cry...anyways I enjoyed myself. I may just see it again.

The entire day I have been sitting at my desk and all my thoughts are in Shakespearean language. Me thinks, Would that I were...Where is this coming from? I know what you're thinking, why is Maddie talking to herself? I sit in office that isn't exactly close to anyone else's desk. What am I suppose to do, have intelligent conversations with my imaginary friend Mr. Bingley? Nah I'd much prefer to muse over things in own mind in a tongue that would cause many people to look confused, may hap I spoke that way out loud. It's not as though Shakespeare and I our close.

The weekend is only 50 minutes away! I work the bookstore tomorrow, you should check us out on FaceBook. Then Sunday is Mother's Day and shame on me...I have nothing yet. I feel like scum.

Quote of the Day

Iago:
O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-ey'd monster, which doth mock
The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss,
Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger:
But O, what damnèd minutes tells he o'er
Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves!
-Othello Act 3, Scene 3

Mail and Temptation

It seems to me that the small things in life tend to bring the greatest delight. Mail. It is a small thing, but I absolutely love walking to the mailbox and discovering I got a letter or package. (Please no bills, thank you.) The mail had lots to give yesterday. A large envelope all the way from jolly ole England and a Borders box. England or rather Persephone Books sent me their catalog. Oh great just what I need more temptations to spend all my cash on books. Between the Bloomsbury’s new set of republished books and now Persephone’s pages of sigh worthy books, I’m ready for desperate measures. How much could I get for a kidney on the black market? I think I need to come up with a system...reward system for purchasing books. I was thinking maybe for every book I read from my own shelves I could put back a buck or two. It still doesn’t really suffice for washing away the give into temptation and raid every possible hidden money place in my house. I wonder how many there are? Not many really. Oh well...

Borders had Christmas presents (for other people) and (squeal*) Whip It soundtrack. Talk about great music. I know it will be on constant repeat for some time. That’s not all, though. Books! Books for me! I know I shouldn’t, really shouldn’t have, but I did. What else am suppose to do when Borders throws temptation of here are Borders bucks that you need to spend and plus a coupon? Ahhhh...the misery (not really). Lament and Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater**. Elyza gets to read Ballad first and I’ve already Lament, but I wanted to own both.

Sometimes my mind explodes with the amount of books I have to read. The ratio of read to have not read continues to get out of hand. So many books to read and not enough time***.


* I squeal too much...actually not really.

** For the record I did attempt to hand over the books to mom. I told her I could ‘forget’ I got them and she could give them to me for Christmas. She said no. I tried.

*** I almost said too many, but that is a swear word in my dictionary.

Music, Reading System, Wait did you say Music?

I was forced to come home early yesterday (I use the word forced lightly he he he) because I have an upper respiratory thing going on. I love it when people see fit to share, it’s so kind. Aren’t you glad there is a computer separating you and I? I was able to finish my book, Rachel Caine’s second Morganville Vampire book, and slept for a while. I stayed home today hoping that more rest will the beat the crap out of this illness. I sound like a long time smoker when I talk, a.k.a. not pleasant.

I had meant to originally post Wednesday and then even last night, but between chaos raining supreme and getting sick it didn’t happen. Plus it gave me more time to brainstorm for my topic. Well as much brainstorming as you can do in a mental fog. :) Rather than a post about books (or a post 100% about books I should say), I’m posting about music.

For lack of a better word I’ve always been musically retarded. When I was young I took my queue from mum and dad. There influence included such “good old stuff” as: The Mamas and the Papas, Simon and Garfunkel, The B-52's, The Oak Ridge Boys, Linda Ronstadt, Van Morrison, The Jackson 5, and the list could continue for quite some time. They knew their music, still do.

Then there came the age when I was cut loose to explore my own tastes. I can’t remember how old I was, but I remember my first CD purchase was the Backstreet Boys’ second album. My mom had to preview it at the time to make sure it was appropriate for me to listen to. You have to understand she was new to the modern music scene just as I was. My sister and I use to have arguments all the time about who was better Backstreet Boys or ‘N Sync. Now we just sit and chuckle about how pathetic we were.

Unfortunately most of the music I listened to from there on out was heavily influenced by what every other young person was listening to. I didn’t make much of an effort to explore on my own. I was a willing follower.

Times are a changing! I’ve had an iPod for close to 2 years now and that leaves the largest music selection available to me at the tips of my fingers. I feel that my music tastes mature and expand everyday. Whether if its from listening to my many Pandora stations, reading blogs, talking to my coworker Tracy, or even my little brother. My iPod is a regular little diverse bugger. :)

Pandora opened a whole new music world to me. I could listen to it for hours if only it was free ALL the time. My current favorites, which have earned spots on my iPod, are: Mirah, Haley Bonar, Regina Spektor, and The Choir Practice. Believe it or not those all came from a single station on Pandora! I really enjoy that site, wish it was free all the time or that I didn’t use up my free monthly hours so fast.

Tracy recently set me up with Trapt’s These Walls and I’m utterly smitten with them. Don’t believe me, I blare that song every morning on the way to work. You should come along for the ride one morning. As soon as I can tear myself away from spending any available cash on books (too many new books keep coming out :)) I’ll probably buy one of their CDs.

I still listen to what’s hip and happening on the air waves, but I’m much picker. Most of it is nonsense to my ears. Of course I haven’t abandon the oldies and yes I still own all the Backstreet Boys’ CDs (althought I don’t think I have any of their songs on my Pod, I’ll have to check).

It just wouldn’t be me if I didn’t mention books. I don’t have any free books available. Boy I wish I did because I just got 3 brand spankin new books in the mail today.* However, I must move on to credit receiving titles. You might be asking yourself what in the world are you talking about Maddie? Well my sister developed this reading system that I have decided to follow. I figured I was being to flippant about what I read. Not really trying harder to read what is in my own library and has been sitting there for a quite a while. Here is her system:

Classic - 3 Free or 2 Free and 1 New book or Library book
Biography - 1 Free or 1 Library book
Newbery - 1 Free or 1 New book
To Read List - 2 Free or 1 Free and either 1 New book or 1 Library book
Inspirational - 2 Free or 1 Free and 1 Library book
School Book - 1 Free or 1 Library book
Owned For Over a Year - 1 Free book
Indiana Author - 1 Free book or 1 Library book
Started, But Never Finished - 2 Free books
Random Pick - 2 Free or 1 Free and 1 Library book


Well what do you think? Do you understand it? I’ll give you an example. I recently finished reading Daddy-Long-Legs (very good book by the way) by Jean Webster. Because it is a classic and on my 25 books to read before I’m 25 (a To Read List) I got the books awarded for those 2 categories. Which made for a total of 5 books. Only 2 of those could be library books, but because I had 3 library books that I really wanted to read Elyza said I could do a 2 for 1 deal. That the last library book would take away 2 points rather than 1. The book was the second Morganville Vampire book, The Dead Girls’ Dance by Rachel Caine. Now I’m reading a review book, Non-Fiction, that is good so far. However, what category does that fit into? I’ll have to ask Elyza.

Well I’m headed to catch some Z’s and hopefully get better. Have a great day!

* New books: Hunting Grounds by Patricia Briggs, Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund, and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Come My Way

I got today's blog from a blog I follow, The Magic of Ink posted by Ink Mage. It's fun and makes for a good laugh. Read, enjoy, and then post one of your own!

1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, Winamp, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Put the artist after a dash following the song name.
5. Put any comments in brackets.
6. Tag some lucky people to spread the disease.

How would you describe yourself?
From Underneath – Hawk Nelson

How do you feel today?
She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5

What is your life’s purpose?
Somebody’s Eyes – Karla Bonoff

What is your motto?
Stay – Emmy Rossum

What do you think about very often?
Dear Prudence (Across the Universe Soundtrack) – Across the Universe Cast
[I don’t know anybody named Prudence, but gosh I guess this is proof that I think of her often :)...kidding]

What is your life story?
I Can’t Let You Go – Matchbox Twenty
[Isn’t that the truth?]

What do you want to be when you grow up?
The Middle – Jimmy Eat World

What will you dance to at your wedding?
High Times, Hard Times (The Newsies Soundtrack) – Newsies
[That makes for a good laugh, but no. This song may have been more appropriate for the next question]

What will they play at your funeral?
Rock What You Got – Superchick
[Too funny]

What is your hobby/interest?
Lip Gloss – Lil’Mama
[Oh my gosh like where is my like Lip Gloss?!]

If you could do anything right now, what would it be?
Someone Else Before – Hawk Nelson

What do you want most of all?
The Uruk-Hai (The Lord of Rings Two Towers Soundtrack) – London Philharmonic Orchestra and London Voices
[I knew my secret would come out sooner or later… I love the Uruk-Hai!]

What is your greatest fear?
Don’t Get Lost In The Crowd (Center Stage Soundtrack) – Ashley Ballard

What is your darkest secret?
You Led Me - BarlowGirl

What is your favorite thing in the world?
Shy Boy – Jordin Sparks

If you could have one wish, what would you wish for?
Song For the Broken – BarlowGirl

What is your theme song?
Ready and Waiting To Fall – Mae
[Oh that’s depressing]

The next time you hear this song (aside from now, that is), you must dance:
Flashdance…What A Feeling (Flashdance soundtrack) – Irene Cara

What will you post this as?
Come My Way - Skillet

Let me tell you the only frustrating thing about this shuffle. This is the most diverse shuffle my iPod has every played. Usually I get songs from the same album playing all in a row. :) Tomorrow I'll post my review of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins which I loved! (Picture taken on my cell phone on the way to work. Beautiful sunrise!)