this video made a great impact on me...Joni is a little over a decade older than I am but I grew up with her.
I always related to her lovely voice, the roller coaster of sound, soulful to tinkling, and the words... yes the words that expressed feelings.
There is just so much soul in women of my age... a depth from growing up in a time when we were not considered the center of the universe, we were expected to contribute, to fit in, while burning our bras and protesting injustice. We had to do it all while fighting men who would take advantage of us then pat us on the head like a pet.
As I listened to Joni talk about her journey, these little gems fell out of her, and I paraphrase:
"even with all the injustice in the world, you try to get your heart to rebound and bloom again
depression can be the sand that makes the pearl
and, some people call it a breakdown, some people call it a shamanic conversion"
yes, I understand turning points in one's life, forks in the road and decisions made and lived with, letting go and reaching for more.
Near the end of the video she sings Both sides now (clouds) and it's heart mending...
but it's this song, River that really touches me always. Enjoy this young woman, who is also affected by the poetry of Joni Mitchell, and interpreted the song...
A few of my favorite things... the title of this quilt made early in my quilting career, about 1995.
It was a sampler of dogs,stars, hearts, trees, architecture, angels
and flowers. As time went by I attached ornaments too... a beaded star,
angels, moon, mermaid, cows, flamingos, poodles and a bookmark with the
phrase
"Never give up, this may be your moment for a miracle" by Greg
Anderson.
It was my first sampler just figuring out how to set different sized blocks. It hangs in the studio as one of my favorite quilts.
I was tagged by my friend Easy who's Mama blogs at EasyBlog about her life with a weimaraner in France. We are to list 5 things we really like.
Well, I made a list, and realized there are lots of fun posts here!! So I thank her for tagging me!
I've decided to replace the Muse series on Thursdays with the "I Like Thursday" series, and plan to start a link party for all who want to write a post of their favorite things. Stay tuned!!
So let's start with a general list, shall we?
1. My husband must go on the top of the list. He and I share so much in life and he's my best friend.
2. Standard Poodles.
Well, I should say dogs since I also loved my labradaughter Chelsea. I am currently trying to recover from the passing of my son Cole, my standard poodle of 14 years, one third of our wee family of three.
Well, maybe I should say pets since I'm currently in love with some guinea pigs and cats too. Or...
maybe I should admit I like all baby animals especially elephants.
And I love it when one species adopts another, and love youtube videos like this one. chimp adopts dog
3. Art in general. Drawing, painting, sewing, beading, pottery, weaving, crafting... I love it all! I do it all!
4. Books! Love reading and handling and collecting books...
Just my art books, and not all of those!
Heaven help me organize these!
I love a book.
I like to read fiction, and have fave authors of course. I began listing most books I read on my book page.
Once I read an article on what books you'd have on your special shelf. That will be another post.
Right now I'm reading a tea shop mystery, a book on lettering, a book on how to cope with grief of loss Never letting go by Mark Anthony.
books take me to other places, they inform me, and they open my eyes to new thoughts.
5. Entertainment. Oh how I love music, TV, movies, theater especially musical theater.
Have I ever told you I was in musical theater?
I was. I love singing and dancing, maybe not auditioning but it's part of it.
As a young 20 something I admit to claiming to be a singer/dancer on Broadway when meeting strangers at a party. A slight embellishment since the closest I got to performing on Broadway was Tampa. Still... it was an ice breaker and harmless fantasy to become someone else when meeting a bunch of strangers lol.
I buy CD's of musicians I really like. All time faves are Carol King Tapestry, Steely Dan's AJA, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Dianna Krall, and so very many others. My very favorite music is Brazilian and BossaNOva, sung so well by Astrud Gilberto. I am also partial to songs from the 1940's like
This song makes me laugh and laugh Istanbul not Constantinople
I grew up playing piano, maybe about 9 years. Then my marching/concert band clarinet playing took over through high school. Now I am trying to learn Ukelele.
I make up silly songs about the ordinary moments of my day. I'll make up a song about putting away dishes for instance.
I made a quick list of some specific things that make me happy... I will go into specifics later
Humor (comedies, jokes, funny sayings, whimsical pictures)
Color
scent
Flowers
Puzzles and board games
fabric
clothes
kitsch
Christmas ornaments
talking to people
shopping and merchandise displays
new sheets, towels, magazines, books, etc
italian food
walking
Art Museums and History
Iced tea
Comfort in general... clean air, soft rugs, soft but firm mattresses. You get the idea
BLOGS
I'm not going to tag anyone... you all know who you are and I have a page of fave blogs
Keep in mind, I'll be starting a link party on Thursdays so concoct fun posts that showcase some thing that makes you really happy!
I'll come read them, Love, LeeAnna
